Search Results (788)

The soil microbiome is an essential component of agroecosystems. However, managing it remains a challenge due to our limited knowledge of how various environmental factors interact and shape its spatial distribution. This study presents a hierarchical ecological model to explain the assembly of the microbiome in sloping agricultural landscapes. Through a comprehensive analysis of bacterial and fungal communities, as well as the examination of metabolic and phytopathogenic profiles across a topographic gradient, we have demonstrated that topography acts as the main filter, structuring bacterial communities. Land use, on the other hand, serves as a secondary filter, refining fungal functional guilds. Our results suggest that hydrological conditions in floodplains favor the growth of stress-tolerant bacterial communities with low diversity, dominated by Actinomycetota. Fungal communities, on the other hand, are directly influenced by land use. Long-term fallow periods lead to an enrichment of arbuscular mycorrhiza, while agroecosystems shift towards pathogenic and saprotrophic niches. Furthermore, we identify specific topographic positions that may be hotspots for phytopathogenic pressure. These hotspots are linked to certain taxa, such as Ustilaginaceae and Didymellaceae, which may pose a threat to plant health. The derived hierarchical model provides a scientific foundation for topography-aware precision agriculture. It promotes stratified management, prioritizing erosion control and soil restoration on slopes, customizing nutrient inputs in fertile floodplains, and implementing targeted phytosanitary monitoring in identified risk areas. Our research thus offers a practical framework for harnessing soil spatial variability to improve soil health and proactively manage disease risks in agricultural systems. Full article

Paenibacillus, a plant-growth-promoting rhizobacterium, exhibits broad-spectrum biocontrol activity through the production of diverse antibacterial metabolites, competitive niche colonization, induction of systemic resistance, and enhancement of nutrient uptake. The review summarizes recent advances in elucidating the synergistic interactions among its biocontrol mechanisms and their responses to environmental factors. Subsequently, it outlines gene editing and regulatory technologies applicable to Paenibacillus. Next, key synthetic biology strategies employed to enhance biosynthetic capabilities are examined. Finally, future prospects and challenges associated with advancing Paenibacillus toward precision engineering and high-efficiency applications are discussed. Notably, its role in industrial biotechnology—particularly in the scalable production of industrial enzymes and high-value chemicals—is increasingly recognized as a focal point of growing scientific and commercial interest. Full article

Beer consumption patterns are evolving, with gluten-free beers (GFBs) and low- and no-alcohol beers (NABLABs) exhibiting continuous growth, underpinned by health-conscious consumers, younger generations’ preference for moderate drinking, and a rising awareness of gluten intolerance. This study investigates whether online search behaviour reflects these market changes and anticipates future consumption trends. A combined methodological framework was applied, integrating time-series analysis of Google Trends data—based on a decomposition model with a five-year forecast—with descriptive and semantic insights from Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) techniques using the specialised SEOZoom platform. The statistical decomposition enabled the identification of long-term trends, cyclical variations, and seasonal patterns in user interest. Italy was selected as a case study, representing a market where these niche segments have grown considerably despite a traditionally limited craft beer culture. The results reveal a steady rise in online interest in both GFB and NABLAB; GFB searches are primarily linked to health and dietary concerns, whilst NABLAB queries encompass a broader set of topics, including physiology, legislation, and consumption contexts. The forecasts confirm the persistence of this positive trend over the next five years. The approach demonstrates the potential of integrating digital and statistical tools to monitor emerging consumption dynamics and guide strategic decisions in the beverage sector. Full article

This study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with composite acidifying agents containing 2-hydroxy-4-methylthiobutyric acid (≥30.0%), lactic acid (≥24.2%), and phosphoric acid (≥23.8%) on production performance, egg quality, serum biochemistry, intestinal health, and cecal microbiota in 300-day-old BIAN chickens. In a 42-day randomized trial, 900 laying hens were randomly allocated to three groups: the control group (basal diet with tap water), test group A (basal diet with 0.05% composite acidifier in drinking water), and test group B (basal diet with 0.20% composite acidifier in drinking water). The results demonstrated that test group B exhibited a significant 4.6% increase in average egg weight compared to the control (p = 0.029), while test group A showed enhanced Haugh unit values (p = 0.010) and eggshell strength (p = 0.010). Serum biochemical analysis revealed marked improvements in immune function, with test group B showing a 65.49% increase in globulin levels (p = 0.010) and 61.76% elevation in total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) (p = 0.010). Intestinal digestive enzyme activities were significantly enhanced, particularly in test group A with a 61.73% increase in duodenal lipase activity (p = 0.010) and 37.43% elevation in jejunal amylase activity (p = 0.036). Morphological assessment demonstrated improved intestinal architecture in test group B, with a 26.02% reduction in crypt depth (p = 0.025) and a 44.53% increase in the villus-to-crypt ratio (p = 0.030). Microbiota analysis revealed dose-dependent modulation of cecal bacterial communities, with notable increases in beneficial genera including Akkermansia (from 1.8% to 7.2% in test group A) and Lachnospiraceae (from 4.7% to 9.7% in test group B) while maintaining core microbiota stability. Principal component analysis confirmed distinct microbial ecological niches created by acidifier supplementation. These findings demonstrate that composite acidifying agents effectively enhance egg production quality, immune status, digestive function, and gut health in BIAN chickens, supporting their potential as sustainable alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters in laying hen production systems. Full article

Urban expansion intensifies economic–environmental conflicts, making human settlement quality increasingly critical for sustainable development. This study applies ecological niche theory to evaluate the evolution of human settlement quality in the Wuhan Metropolitan Area (WMA) from 2014 to 2022 using 21 economic, social, and ecological indicators. The results reveal: (1) significant variations in niche-fitness values across subsystems, with Wuhan maintaining superiority (>0.820) despite a gradual decline, while peripheral cities—notably Huangshi, Tianmen, and Ezhou—consistently ranked lower (<0.610) throughout the study period; (2) three evolutionary trajectories emerged, characterized by continuous decline, inverted U-shaped development, and sustained growth, reflecting nonlinear dynamics and path dependence in the region’s development patterns. These findings underscore persistent core-periphery disparities within the metropolitan area, yet improved regional coordination is evident as inter-city evaluation gaps narrowed from 0.329 to 0.231 between 2014 and 2022. Based on these insights, tailored policy recommendations are proposed to address the identified disparities and promote balanced development. This study offers valuable theoretical and practical contributions toward achieving coordinated and sustainable development in metropolitan regions. Full article

Large-bodied sharks are key apex predators in marine ecosystems; however, ecological data from Korean waters are limited. From February to November 2024, 44 individuals from six species were collected. Of these, 24 individuals were analyzed for ecological characteristics: shortfin mako (Isurus oxyrinchus, n = 6), salmon shark (Lamna ditropis, n = 11), blue shark (Prionace glauca, n = 6), and great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias, n = 1). Age and growth parameters were estimated from vertebral band counts using the von Bertalanffy growth model. Diet was assessed via stomach content and DNA metabarcoding, and trophic relationships were examined using stable isotopes. The monthly occurrence peaked in July, with shortfin mako, salmon shark, and blue shark being the most frequently observed species. Estimated ages ranged 8–16, 4–13, and 1–11 years, respectively. The diets were predominantly fish-based, with species-specific prey preferences. Stable isotope data revealed trophic differentiation, suggesting niche partitioning among species. The eastern coastal waters of Korea appear to serve as foraging grounds and potential nursery habitats for large shark species. This is the first comprehensive ecological baseline for these species in Korean waters, which supports future assessments, conservation, and management strategies. Full article

Podcasting in Romania has experienced notable growth in recent years, evolving from a niche medium into a widely consumed form of digital communication. This expansion is driven by the flexibility of podcasts, which allow audiences to access content conveniently across various contexts, from commuting to leisure time, and by the increasing demand for stories that resonate with listeners personal experiences. This study examines the storytelling techniques employed by Romanian podcasters and their effects on audience engagement. Using a case study methodology, the research analyzes a selection of representative podcasts to explore how creators structure narratives, integrate cultural and social elements, and employ techniques such as thematic consistency, character development, and progressive disclosure of information. Findings indicate that the Romanian podcasters in this study have adapted both traditional and contemporary narrative strategies to build immersive, emotionally engaging content, balancing depth and accessibility. The analysis also highlights how narrative structures contribute to sustained listener attention and foster a sense of connection between hosts and audiences. Overall, this study provides insight into the role of storytelling in shaping podcast consumption in Romania and offers practical implications for content creators aiming to cultivate meaningful engagement and listener loyalty. Full article

In a global industrial landscape where the digital economy accounts for over 40% of total output, cloud computing technology is reshaping business models at a compound annual growth rate of 19%. This trend has led to an increasing number of cloud computing tasks requiring timely processing. However, most computational tasks are latency-sensitive and cannot tolerate significant delays. This has led to the urgent need for researchers to address the challenge of effectively scheduling cloud computing tasks. This paper proposes a hybrid SAO and RIME optimizer (HSAO) for global optimization and cloud task scheduling problems. First, population initialization based on ecological niche differentiation is proposed to enhance the initial population quality of SAO, enabling it to better explore the solution space. Then, the introduction of the soft frost search strategy and hard frost piercing mechanism from the RIME optimization algorithm enables the algorithm to better escape local optima and accelerate its convergence. Additionally, a population-based collaborative boundary control method is proposed to handle outlier individuals, preventing them from clustering at the boundary and enabling more effective exploration of the solution space. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, we compared it with 11 other algorithms using the IEEE CEC2017 test set and assessed the differences through statistical analysis. Experimental data demonstrate that the HSAO algorithm exhibits significant advantages. Furthermore, to validate its practical applicability, we applied HSAO to real-world cloud computing task scheduling problems, achieving excellent results and successfully completing the scheduling planning of cloud computing tasks. Full article

The extracellular matrix (ECM) supports spermatogonial stem cell (SSC) function by mimicking biochemical and structural features of the native niche. However, optimal feeder systems and ECM materials remain key limitations in porcine SSC (pSSC) cultures. We developed a porcine-derived ECM (pECM) from porcine feet and evaluated its effectiveness in supporting pSSC maintenance and proliferation under feeder-dependent conditions. We examined protein molecular weight distribution and pECM extract composition. Surface characterization was performed using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. We compared pECM with conventional coatings, including gelatin and non-coated controls, using morphological analysis, WST-1 assay, cell cycle analysis, and gene/protein expression of SSC markers. pECM promoted larger, well-defined pSSC colonies and enhanced stemness-related marker expression, including PGP9.5, Thy-1, PLZF, GFRA1, NANOG, and VASA. Additionally, pECM facilitated active pSSC proliferation while suppressing feeder overgrowth, contributing to a stable and functional co-culture environment. Conversely, gelatin supported early feeder proliferation but led to growth saturation, whereas N/C showed delayed attachment and reduced viability. These findings suggest that pECM mimics the native SSC niche and improves pSSC culture. The dual function of pECM in regulating feeder behavior and enhancing pSSC maintenance highlights its potential as a biomaterial for species lacking established feeder-free protocols. Full article

The mammalian skull, which surrounds and protects the brain, is one of the most morphologically diverse and functionally important structures in the vertebrate body. As one of the most ecologically diverse mammals, the developmental dynamics of morphological and structural changes and functional diversity in the skull of bats need to be revealed. Here, we focused on the developmental characteristics of the Vespertilio sinensis skull, and used statistical analysis, spatial morphology visualization, and comparative analysis of the Stretch Factors (SF) of the masticatory muscles to better understand the connection between the morphology of the skull and the development of the body size during the developmental process of V. sinensis, the changes in the three-dimensional (3D) spatial morphology and structure, and the correlations between opening capacity and the transformation of feeding habits. This study not only provides a new perspective for understanding the morphological adaptive mechanism of ecological niche expansion that accompanies the transition of mammalian skulls from juvenile to adult feeding but also provides a crucial scientific basis for an in-depth understanding of the growth and developmental mechanism of bats’ skull and even vertebrates as a whole, which is potentially useful for the development of ecological conservation and evolutionary biology. Full article

In the long-term evolutionary process, species maintain a natural balance within certain limits through communication. As plants grow and function as producers, root enrichment fosters a dynamic rhizosphere microbiome, which serves not only as a disintegrator within the ecological niche but also as a medium for interaction between the host and the soil environment. The life cycle of fungi within the microbiome alternates between single-cell resting spores and multicellular trophic mycelia. This cycle not only establishes a stable rhizosphere environment but also plays a crucial role in regulating both intra- and interspecific information transmission, significantly impacting the environment and plant health. The rhizosphere microbiome, particularly the fungi it contains, can be harnessed to repair environmental damage and either promote the growth of the plant host or inhibit pathogens. However, the mechanisms underlying these actions remain inadequately understood, hindering the advancement of artificial regulation. Additionally, the variability of influencing factors, along with unstable genes and traits, poses challenges to industrial development. In conclusion, this paper focuses on the fungal components of the rhizosphere microbiome, introduces the mechanisms of communication and current applications, and further analyzes existing bottlenecks and potential solutions. The aim is to provide theoretical support for achieving green, sustainable agriculture through biological means. Full article

Bone metastases continue to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with advanced cancers, driven by the dynamic remodeling of the bone marrow niche. Traditionally viewed as passive space-fillers, bone marrow adipocytes (BMAs) are now recognized as active regulators of tumor growth, therapeutic resistance, and skeletal pathology. BMAs comprise a significant portion of the adult marrow space, particularly in aging and obesity, and facilitate metastatic colonization through various mechanisms. These include metabolic coupling, where adipocyte-derived fatty acids fuel tumor oxidative phosphorylation; the secretion of adipokines such as leptin and IL-6, which promote epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, invasion, and immune evasion; regulation of osteoclastogenesis via RANKL expression; and the release of extracellular vesicles that reprogram cancer cell metabolism. Clinical and experimental studies show that BMA expansion correlates with increased tumor burden and poorer outcomes in breast, prostate, lung cancers, and multiple myeloma. Additionally, BMAs actively promote therapeutic resistance through metabolic rewiring and drug sequestration. Experimental models, ranging from in vitro co-cultures to in vivo patient-derived xenografts, demonstrate the complex roles of BMAs and also reveal important translational gaps. Despite promising preclinical approaches such as metabolic inhibitors, PPARγ modulation, adipokine blockade, and lifestyle changes, no therapies directly targeting BMAs have yet reached clinical practice. This review compiles current evidence on the biology of BMAs, their tumor-promoting interactions, and potential therapeutic strategies, while also highlighting unresolved questions about BMA heterogeneity, lipid flux, and immunometabolic crosstalk. By revealing how bone marrow adipocytes actively shape the metastatic niche through metabolic, endocrine, and immunological pathways, this review highlights their potential as novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets for improving the management of bone metastases. Full article

Global modern renewable energy based on geothermal, wind, solar, and marine resources has grown rapidly over the last decades despite low energy density, intermittent supply, and other qualities inferior to those of fossil fuels. What is the explanation for this growth? The main drivers of growth are assessed using economic theories and verified with statistical data. From the neo-classic viewpoint that focuses on price substitutions, the growth can be explained by the shift from energy-intensive agriculture and industry to labour-intensive services. However, the energy resources complemented rather than substituted for each other. In the evolutionary idea, investments supported by policies enabled cost-reducing technological change. Still, policies alone are insufficient to generate the growth of modern renewable energy as they are inconsistent across countries and in time. From the behavioural perspective that is preoccupied with innovative entrepreneurs, the value addition of electrification can explain the introduction of modern renewable energy in market niches, but not its fast growth. Instead of these mono-causalities, the growth of modern renewable energy is explained by technology diffusion during the pioneering, growth, and maturation phases. Possibilities that postpone the maturation are pinpointed. Full article

Background: An artificial ovary has emerged as a novel alternative approach to prevent the reintroduction of cancerous cells after ovarian tissue autotransplantation. This study evaluates the ability of decellularized Wharton’s jelly (dWJ) to facilitate human ovarian follicle growth in a xenotransplantation model. Materials and Methods: Two transplanted groups were established; one consisted of a decellularized Wharton’s jelly/alginate (dWJ/Alg) composite, and an alginate (Alg) group was used as the control group. Each artificial ovary received approximately 20 partially isolated viable human ovarian follicles, subsequently undergoing xenotransplantation into ovariectomized, non-immunodeficient NMRI mice. Grafts were extracted at 1, 2, 4, or 5 weeks for comprehensive histological and immunohistochemical evaluations. Additionally, mouse blood serum was collected for hormonal analysis. Results: H&E staining confirmed granulosa cell proliferation and follicle growth in dWJ/Alg after 1 week of grafting. While human ovarian-like structures and cell proliferation were visible in other grafts, follicles were not observed. Conversely, immunohistochemical staining for Vimentin, Ki67, and CD45 confirmed the presence of human cells, proliferative cells, and inflammatory cells, respectively. However, hormonal assays revealed no significant difference in estrogen or progesterone levels between the experimental groups. Conclusions: It seems that Wharton’s jelly/alginate hydrogel can be used as an artificial niche for simulating the ovarian environment, effectively supporting the growth of xenotransplants of isolated human follicles. Full article

Camelina (Camelina sativa) is an oilseed crop of increasing importance, valued not only for its adaptability to diverse environmental conditions and potential for sustainable agriculture but also for its economic advantages, including low input requirements and suitability for biofuel production and niche markets. This study examines the relationship between camelina yield and climatic variables—specifically temperature and precipitation—based on a ten-year field experiment conducted in Poland. To capture the temporal dynamics of weather conditions, Functional Data Analysis (FDA) was applied to daily temperature and precipitation data. The analysis revealed that yield variability was strongly influenced by the length of the vegetative period and specific weather patterns in April and July. Higher yields were recorded in years characterized by moderate spring temperatures, elevated temperatures in July, and evenly distributed rainfall during the early generative growth stages. The Maximal Information Coefficient ($\mathrm{M}\mathrm{I}\mathrm{C}$) confirmed the relevance of these variables, with the duration of the vegetative phase showing the strongest correlation with yield. Cluster analysis further distinguished high- and low-yield years based on functional weather profiles. The FDA-based approach provided clear, interpretable insights into climate–yield interactions and demonstrated greater effectiveness than traditional regression models in capturing complex, time-dependent relationships. These findings enhance our understanding of camelina’s response to climatic variability and support the development of predictive tools for resilient, climate-smart crop management. Full article