Search Results (229)

This study systematically examines the impact of radical urbanization on the quality of economic growth using city-level data from 290 major prefecture-level cities in China during 2003–2019. A comprehensive indicator system for economic growth quality is constructed using PCA, capturing multiple dimensions of efficiency, stability, and sustainability. Nighttime light data obtained from the NOAA is extracted and calibrated, and the ratio of urban built-up area to nighttime light intensity is employed to measure the degree of radical urbanization. Empirical results reveal a divergence between economic quantity and quality effects: while radical urbanization promotes economic expansion, it significantly inhibits the quality of economic growth. To address potential endogeneity concerns, the change in FDI relative to changes in built-up area is used to capture FDI flow direction, with its one-period lag serving as an instrumental variable. Mechanism analysis, based on an interaction-based identification framework, shows that radical urbanization suppresses growth quality primarily through two transmission channels: reduced fiscal output efficiency and declining land use efficiency. Further analysis indicates that radical urbanization crowds out science and education expenditures, weakening fiscal effectiveness and reinforcing the identified transmission mechanisms. These findings provide objective evidence for evaluating urbanization strategies and offer policy insights for promoting quality-oriented and sustainable urban development. Full article

Background: Paeonia lactiflora Pall. produces substantial quantities of nectar during the bud stage. In the production of cut flowers, this nectar attracts contaminants that compromise the quality of the flowers. The current practice of rinsing flowers with clean water escalates production costs. Consequently, reducing nectar secretion during the bud stage has emerged as a significant technical challenge for the industry. Nonetheless, insufficient fundamental knowledge concerning the structure of P. lactiflora nectaries and the physiology of nectar secretion impedes the development of pertinent regulatory technologies. Methods: This study established a “nectar secretion index” to evaluate nectar production in various P. lactiflora cultivars. Nectar sugar concentration and composition were measured using a refractometer and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Observations of changes in nectary epidermal morphology and anatomical structure during nectar secretion were conducted using scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. Key Results: The quantity of nectar secreted by various P. lactiflora cultivars can differ. The indices were not significantly correlated with flowering period, flower color, or flower type. At the peak of nectar secretion, the sugar concentration of nectar secretion by different cultivars’ flower buds varied. Sucrose is the primary sugar component in this nectar. Nectar is secreted along the basal margins of the bracts and sepals on the abaxial surface of all cultivars. Specialized raised stomata are located on the upper epidermis, through which nectar is secreted. In contrast, the epidermal stomata located outside nectar-secreting areas exhibit a normal morphology. Specialized stomata do not secrete nectar concurrently. The stomatal aperture and the percentage of nectar-secreting stomata at the secretion sites are significantly higher in high-nectar-producing cultivars than in low-nectar-producing cultivars. Anatomical observations of bract nectaries indicate that, irrespective of nectar production levels, specialized stomata are consistently located adjacent to vascular bundles. During the initial stage of nectar secretion, no starch was detected in the bract nectaries. In contrast, the stomata in non-secretory epidermal cells of bracts maintain a normal morphology, and calcium oxalate crystals were observed within the subepidermal tissues. Throughout the nectar secretion process, the content of photosynthetic pigments and the Fv/Fm ratio in the bracts and sepals of various cultivars correlated with nectar secretion volume. Conclusions: This study, informed by observations of numerous P. lactiflora cultivars, elucidates the structural characteristics of its nectaries and the nectar secretion properties of various cultivars during the bud stage. It confirms that these nectaries are classified as extrafloral nectaries, specifically structural nectaries consisting of specialized raised stomata and closely associated vascular bundles beneath them. No significant differences in nectary structure or location were noted among cultivars with differing nectar yields. However, both the aperture of nectary stomata and the percentage of nectar-secreting stomata exhibited a significant positive correlation with secretion levels. The intrinsic photosynthetic potential at the nectary sites varies significantly among cultivars. The nectar is not derived from stored cellular starch but likely originates simultaneously from both photosynthesis and phloem transport. These findings provide a theoretical foundation for the development of subsequent regulatory technologies. Full article

Plastic pollution raises concerns for health and the environment. Plastics are not biodegradable but gradually erode to microplastic and nanoplastic particles spreading almost everywhere. Nanoplastics exhibit colloidal behavior. Thereby, their analysis can be accomplished by refractometry, preferably by an on-chip tool. We present a study of such colloids using a microfabricated Fabry–Pérot cavity with curved mirrors, which holds a capillary micro-tube used both for fluid handling and light collimation, resulting in an optically stable microresonator. Despite the numerous scatterers within the sample, the sub-millimeter scale cavity provides the advantages of reduced interaction length while maintaining light confinement. This significantly reduces optical loss and hence keeps resonance modes with quality factors (resonant frequency/bandwidth) above 1100. Therefore, small quantities of colloids can be measured by the interference spectral response through the shift in resonant wavelengths. The particles’ Brownian motion potentially causing perturbations in the spectra can be overcome either by post-measurement cross-correlation analysis or by avoiding it entirely by taking the measurements at once by a wideband source and a spectrum analyzer. The effective refractive index of solutions with solid contents down to 0.34% could be determined with good agreement with theoretical predictions. Even lower detection capabilities might be attained by slightly altering the technique to cause particle aggregation achieved solely by light. Full article

Any industrial application that uses convolutional neural networks (CNNs) requires initial data and resources in order to train the models. However, the selection of models must be appropriate to the quality and quantity of the available data and computational resources. This study analyses the influence of data quantity and quality on the performance of CNN models of different complexity. Image preprocessing and image transformation data augmentation techniques are applied to generate different amounts of synthetic data with which to train the aforementioned models, shedding light on the following question: does the quality and quantity of the data or the depth of the model have more influence? Different experiments are performed using the Northeastern University (NEU) Steel Surface Defects Database, which contains surface defects found in hot-rolled steel. After analyzing the results, the authors conclude that data quality and quantity have a much greater influence than model choice. As resources and time are often limited in industry and the ultimate goal is to maximize profit by increasing efficiency, the authors encourage researchers to carefully consider the industrial application at hand and analyze the available data and resources before selecting CNN models. Full article

Optimizing the growing conditions of Anemone coronaria and Ranunculus asiaticus for cut-flower production under northern greenhouse conditions requires a better understanding of the environmental and cultivation practices influencing emergence, flowering, and flower quality. This study evaluated the effect of storage organ reuse, along with vernalization conditions, growth temperature, growing season, and planting method (in-ground vs. containers) on plant phenology and flower yield and quality. Flower quantity and quality were unaffected by storage organ age, confirming that these organs can be stored and reused the following season. Vernalization at temperatures of 7 °C or 10 °C advanced flowering compared to warmer vernalization in all cultivars, and increased flower yield compared to non-vernalization. Growth under cool conditions (15/10 °C day/night) extended the production period and improved floral quality by promoting longer stems and delaying senescence. Short to moderate photoperiods (11–13 h in the winter vs. 15 h in the spring) and low light intensity, typical of winter, promoted stem elongation and marketable flower yield, whereas increasing photoperiod and temperature in late spring shorten the flowering period. Ground beds provided cooler and more buffered soil conditions, improving flowering duration and yield compared to container-grown plants during springtime. These findings highlight the importance of integrating temperature management, vernalization, and tailored cultivation practices to enhance flower quality, prolong the production, and improve sustainability of cut-flower production under northern climates in both species. Full article

Vegetative propagation through stem cuttings and in vitro microcuttings enables large-scale multiplication of superior genotypes in various crop species. This approach is widely used both to propagate and select trees with desirable genetic traits as well as to preserve a significant proportion of genetic diversity. However, successful plant regeneration using this technique requires the development of an adventitious root (AR) system at the base of cuttings or microcuttings. Reduced root formation and functionality strongly limit the application of vegetative propagation, both in vivo and in vitro. The complex process of AR development is greatly influenced by the physiological state of the donor plant, as well as by genetic and environmental factors. Among the environmental factors involved, light quality and intensity have been mainly studied empirically. This review summarizes advances in understanding how light quantity and quality influence in vitro rooting of micropropagated plants, emphasizing species-specific responses. Furthermore, medium components such as sugars and growth regulators, which interact significantly with light, are also considered. Based on existing studies across different plant species, particularly in the absence of growth regulators, the most effective spectrum for root induction is a temporary enrichment of red light, either alone or combined with small amounts of blue or green light. An efficient root growth occurs when the explants are re-exposed to white light, typically at intensities of 40–50 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹. After root development, exposing the microcuttings to higher intensities could help acclimatization. Finally, considering its capacity to precisely regulate light quality and intensity, LED technology offers a valuable tool for optimizing the rooting process and reducing production costs. Full article

Climate change threatens the agricultural field by affecting production yields and crop quality. Yield protection is an increasingly pressing priority to preserve the ability of agriculture to meet food demand with more sustainable production of appropriate quality and quantity and with less demand for plant protection products. For this reason, nowadays the use of agricultural nets is becoming increasingly widespread to counteract possible risks from abiotic stresses. Among all agricultural nets, the anti-rain ones have the predominant purpose of protecting crops from damage caused by severe weather events. The present study aims to verify whether anti-rain nets could be used as greenhouse covering material, starting from the evaluation of the rainwater permeability index Φ_rw. For this purpose, a laboratory rain simulator was designed and several tests were performed on the chosen anti-rain net, varying its inclination and the duration and intensity of the simulated rainfall, returning different normalized permeability indices NPI, of which the standard deviation (SD) was calculated. The optimal rainfall duration of the artificial rain test was determined at the minimum value of the sum of the SDs, identified as about 25%, at a duration of 10 min. Subsequently, tests were carried out to define the Φ_rw index for a rainfall lasting 10 min, by varying the other parameters, returning the lowest Φ_rw index of approximately 45% at a 20° net inclination and with the weave perpendicular to the slope. The results highlight the possibility to use anti-rain nets for greenhouse covering, replacing or supplementing commonly used nets, facilitating oxygen exchange and maximizing light capture capacity, essential for vegetative–productive balance. A proposal for standardizing the procedures to test nets, based on experimental tests, has never been proposed in the scientific literature. Regarding fruit and vegetable crops, there are several issues to be evaluated; this study only considers rain protection, through nets can be used for different fruit and vegetable varieties. Full article

Olea europaea L. ‘Lavagnina’ is cultivated in the Eastern Ligurian coast (Italy), and during the pruning process a huge amount of pruning residues is produced. This by-product is generally disposed of by burning, despite still containing bioactive compounds. In particular, olive leaves are indeed rich in secondary metabolites, which can vary both in quality and quantity in relation to the cultivar considered and the area of cultivation. For this reason, we aimed to carry out a pharmacognostic study of the pruned leaves of the unexplored local cultivar ‘Lavagnina’, evaluating the possibility of reusing this by-product for new health applications. The micromorphological characterization was conducted by light and scanning electron microscopy. ‘Lavagnina’ leaf was micromorphologically similar to that of other olive cultivars; however, it differed in terms of midrib structure. Leaf extracts were obtained using solvents of increasing polarity (petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol) and the food-grade solvent, 70% ethanol. A high antioxidant activity was found only for the methanolic (ME) and hydroalcoholic (HAE) extracts, and, therefore, they were then characterized from a phytochemical point of view by LC-ESI-HR-MS. Such analysis allowed the identification of secondary metabolites belonging mainly to secoiridoids, flavonoids, and iridoids. Overall, the HAE had the highest antioxidant activity (17.3 ± 0.6 μg/mL), and it is, therefore, the best candidate for health applications related to a protective effect on a variety of inflammation-related diseases, also considering that inflammation may play a role in cancer progression. Full article

Weeds are one of the main problems in cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs); they negatively affect yield (herba and essential oil), and the overall quantity and quality of biomass, flowers, roots, seeds, and secondary metabolites. This review evaluates mulching as a sustainable, non-chemical method for weed management in the cultivation of MAPs and examines how effectively organic, synthetic, and living mulches reduce weeds and increase yields. Regarding different mulch materials such as straw, sawdust, bark, needles, compost, polyethylene, and biodegradable films, the basic processes of mulch activity, including light interception, physical suppression, and microclimate adjustment, are examined. The review further analyzes the impact of mulching on soil parameters (moisture, temperature, pH, chlorophyll content) and the biosynthesis of secondary metabolites. The findings consistently indicate that mulching substantially reduces weed biomass, improves crop performance, and supports organic farming practices. However, there are still issues with cost, material availability, and possible soil changes, and the efficacy is affected by variables including cultivated plant species, mulch type, and application thickness. The review highlights the importance of further research to optimize the selection of mulch and MAPs and their application across various agroecological conditions, and indicates that mulching is a potential, environmentally friendly technique for weed control in MAP cultivations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Hard-to-heal wounds are resistant to standard treatments and significantly impact patients’ quality of life and healthcare costs. Photobiomodulation with blue light has shown potential in wound healing, but evidence in wounds persisting for extended periods is limited. This pilot study evaluated the effectiveness of an accelerated photobiomodulation protocol in patients with hard-to-heal wounds in a nurse-led outpatient setting. Methods: Eleven patients with venous, lymphatic, diabetic, or mixed etiology wounds, unhealed for at least two years, were recruited from two clinics in the North District of the ASL Città di Torino. Participants received twice-weekly sessions of blue light photobiomodulation (EmoLED™, 400–430 nm lasting 60–120 s) for four weeks, in addition to standard care. The wound area was measured at baseline, week 4, and week 12 using the CutiMed Wound Navigator^® Version 2.2.8. The secondary endpoints included pain, wound exudate quantity and quality, and the surrounding skin condition. Results: All participants (average wound duration 5.9 years; mean area 13.1 cm², SD ± 14.4) completed the treatment; two were lost at follow-up due to unrelated clinical events. No adverse reactions were reported. At week 4, an area reduction was shown in 9 of 11 wounds (mean: 9.5 cm², SD ± 11.4), though not statistically significant (p = 0.240). At week 12, a significant reduction was observed (mean: 7.2 cm², SD ± 13; p = 0.04), with a mean percentage area decrease of 40.5%. Significant improvements were also noted in pain levels, exudate characteristics, and surrounding skin conditions over time. Conclusions: Accelerated blue light photobiomodulation appears to support long-term wound healing and symptom improvement in patients with hard-to-heal wounds. These findings warrant confirmation in larger, controlled studies. Full article

Background: Understanding canopy light interception is essential for optimizing forage production and improving the efficiency of grazing systems. Accurate quantification of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) intercepted by the canopy allows for better estimation of crop coefficients and growth dynamics. This study aimed to assess the forage mass and nutritional value of Guinea grass pastures managed under two grazing frequencies, defined by 90% and 95% light interception (LI) measured using AccuPar equipment, and two post-grazing stubble heights (30 and 50 cm). Evaluations were conducted during both the rainy season and a dry year to capture seasonal variability in pasture performance. Methods: The experimental design was of completely randomized blocks with four replications. Results: The treatment whit 90% LI resulted in higher values of crude protein and digestible. However, 95% LI resulted in higher values of neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen and acid detergent insoluble nitrogen values in grass pastures Guinea. The highest value of forage mass in Guinea grass was reported with 95% LI in association with a post-grazing height of 30 cm. Conclusions: Management of light interception at 90% provided a reduced amount of forage with better nutritional value. Pasture management considering the light interception technology with the AccuPar equipment was efficient as a pattern for interrupting pasture regrowth in the vegetative phase. Full article

Sleep is a fundamental part of life for all living beings. The propensity to fall asleep is regulated by a circadian rhythm, which controls the secretion of the hormone melatonin. Melatonin secretion is linked to the light and dark phases of the day/night cycle. Getting proper sleep is an essential part of a healthy lifestyle. Scientific evidence shows that sleeping less than 7 h per night, or as little as 2 h per night, is a cardiovascular, metabolic, and cerebral risk factor. In addition, the role of sleep is fundamental for the recovery phase for athletes. Nutrition, supplementation, and exercise can greatly support the quality and quantity of sleep. They can have positive effects on sleep through specific physiological and biochemical responses. The objective of this short review is to critically investigate the possible sleep benefits of nutrition, exercise, and supplementation and to discuss further directions for research in this area. Full article

Quality and efficiency of the work environment are essential to the well-being, health and productivity of employees. Despite the increasing focus on these aspects, many workplaces currently do not fully meet the needs and expectations of employees, with negative consequences for their well-being and productivity. The research aims to develop a system based on the Smart Building and Digital Twin paradigm, focusing on the implementation of various IoT components, the creation of automation flows for energy-efficient lighting, HVAC and indoor air quality control systems, and decision support through real-time data visualization enabled by user interfaces and dashboards integrating the geometric and information model (BIM). The system also aims to provide a tool for both monitoring and simulation/planning/decision support through the processing and development of machine learning (ML) algorithms. In relation to emergency management, real-time data can be acquired, allowing information to be shared with users and building managers through the creation of dashboards and visual analysis. After defining the functional requirements and identifying all3 the monitorable quantities that can be translated into requirements, the system architecture is described, the implementation of the case study is illustrated and the preliminary results of the first data collection campaign and initial estimates of future forecasts are shown. Full article

Postal services have re-emerged across numerous emerging economies worldwide as essential logistics providers, harnessing their vast coverage and dependability in the face of expanding e-commerce platforms and technological innovations. This study investigates India Post, one of the largest postal networks globally, to determine the key logistics service parameters prioritized by customers in southern India. Quantitative data obtained from 255 India Post end-users were evaluated using the logistics service quality (LSQ) scale, assessing eight dimensions including information quality, timeliness, ordering procedure, order accuracy, order condition, personal contact quality, order discrepancy handling, and order release quantities. The Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) ranked these elements, while Quality Function Deployment (QFD) bridged customer expectations with service improvements. The findings highlight the need to improve sorting and distribution processes to meet customer demands for timely, high-quality delivery. By refining logistics efficiency, this study provides suggestions and recommendations for boosting satisfaction and profitability, shedding light on service-led economic advancement for postal services in emerging economies. These insights equip postal service providers to cultivate loyalty and maintain competitiveness within the dynamic logistics landscape. Full article