Search Results (1,325)

The Larimichthys crocea represents a critically important economic marine species in China’s East Yellow Sea. However, its populations have experienced significant decline due to overexploitation. Despite implemented conservation measures—including stock enhancement, spawning ground protection, and seasonal fishing moratoria—the recovery of yellow croaker resources remains markedly slow. To address this, our study employed the Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt) model to evaluate and characterize the habitat selection patterns of Larimichthys crocea, thereby providing a theoretical foundation for scientifically informed stock enhancement and resource recovery strategies. Species occurrence data were compiled from field surveys conducted during April and November (2019–2023), supplemented with records from the GBIF database and peer-reviewed literature. Concurrent environmental variables, including primary productivity, current velocity, depth, temperature, salinity, silicate, nitrate, phosphate, and pH, were obtained from the Copernicus and NOAA databases. After rigorous screening, 136 distribution points (April) and 369 points (November) were retained for analysis. The model performance was robust, with an AUC (Area Under the Curve) value of 0.935 for April (2019–2023) and 0.905 for November (2019–2023), indicating excellent predictive accuracy (AUC > 0.9). April (2019–2023): Nitrate, salinity, phosphate, and silicate were identified as the primary environmental factors influencing habitat suitability. November (2019–2023): Silicate, salinity, nitrate, and primary productivity emerged as the dominant drivers. Spatially, Larimichthys crocea exhibited high-density distributions in offshore regions of Zhejiang and Jiangsu, particularly near the Yangtze River estuary. Populations were also associated with island-reef systems, forming continuous distributions along Zhejiang’s offshore waters. In Jiangsu, aggregations were concentrated between Nantong and Yancheng. This study delineates habitat suitability zones for Larimichthys crocea, offering a scientific basis for optimizing stock enhancement programs, designing targeted conservation measures, and establishing marine protected areas. Our findings enable policymakers to develop sustainable fisheries management strategies, ensuring the long-term viability of this ecologically and economically vital species. Full article

Thick-lipped grey mullet (Chelon labrosus) has important characteristics that make it a promising candidate species for diversifying Mediterranean aquaculture. However, spontaneous spawning in captivity has not been documented, mainly due to failure of females to spawn, highlighting the need for further research on reproduction control. This study evaluated the efficacy of GnRHa administration, using repeated intramuscular injections or slow-release Ethylene–Vinyl Acetate (EVAc) implants combined with a dopamine antagonist (metoclopramide, Met), in terms of spawning performance and egg quality. Three groups were established: (a) saline injection (0.9% NaCl; Saline-INJ), (b) GnRHa [Des-Gly¹⁰, D-Ala⁶-ProNEth⁹-mGnRHa] injection at 10 μg kg⁻¹ BW (GnRHa-INJ), and (c) EVAc implant containing GnRHa at 50 μg kg⁻¹ bw (GnRHa-IMP). Over four weeks, Saline-INJ and GnRHa-INJ females received weekly saline or GnRHa, respectively. GnRHa-INJ and GnRHa-IMP females also received weekly Met (15 mg kg⁻¹ bw). GnRHa induced 11 spawns (1,768,680 eggs), nearly triple the Saline-INJ group (4 spawns, 394,400 eggs). Daily relative fecundity (DRF) and fertilization success were highest in GnRHa-INJ (56,982 eggs kg⁻¹ day⁻¹; 59.7%), followed by GnRHa-IMP (20,375; 18.8%) and Saline-INJ (13,061; 9.1%). Multiple injections showed a trend toward higher spawning performance and egg quality compared to implants, although variability was high and further replication is needed. Nevertheless, optimizing both GnRHa delivery methods could further enhance their effectiveness while maintaining operational benefits for aquaculture. Full article

High-quality playing surfaces enhance player experience and safety while serving as an appealing setting for spectators. Natural turfgrass provides optimal conditions at the beginning of the playing season but faces challenges under increasing field usage. Turfgrasses with high wear tolerance and quick recovery capacity are crucial for maintaining surface quality under intensive wear. Bermudagrass is the most used species in warm climates but needs winter overseeding in the transition zone. In Mediterranean climates, tall fescue (Schedonorus arundinaceus (Schreb.) Dumort, formerly Festuca arundinacea) has emerged as a promising species due to its tolerance to heat, drought, and salinity, alongside traits like deep rooting, shade adaptation, and wear resistance. The trial was conducted at the CeRTES experimental station in Rottaia, Pisa, Italy. Twenty-seven tall fescue cultivars and three cultivars of perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) were hand-seeded on 3 November 2022, at a rate of 43 g m⁻². The experimental design consisted of plots measuring 4.5 m² arranged in a randomized complete block design with three replications. The objective of the study is to evaluate the performance of twenty-seven cultivars of tall fescue with the aim of using the species in soccer fields with a permanent stand approach, with no need to manage spring and fall transitions. The field study encompasses determinations referring to the establishment stage, the maintenance at low cutting height stage (20 mm) and the subsequent stage of soccer use under different seasonal conditions (autumn, winter, and spring). Results showed that certain fescue cultivars, notably ‘Essential’, ‘Eyecandy’, and ‘FAG3/19-20208B’, exhibited quick establishment and adaptation to low cutting height (20 mm), and performed similarly to the reference ryegrasses ‘Gianna’ and ‘Mercitwo’ in terms of wear tolerance and recovery capacity across the three seasons. Moreover, most of the tested tall fescue cultivars performed well at a 20 mm mowing height, maintaining satisfactory quality and density. Among these, ‘Eyecandy’ and ‘Foxhound’ displayed finer leaf textures, comparable to those of the reference ryegrass. Full article

Background: Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) frequently affects the posterior pelvic compartment, where accurate non-invasive imaging is essential for diagnosis and surgical planning. Aim: This systematic review evaluates the diagnostic performance of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) in detecting posterior compartment DIE, specifically rectosigmoid lesions, uterosacral ligament involvement, and pouch of Douglas obliteration. Material and Methods: A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science was performed for studies published between 2015 and 2025. Eligible studies assessed the accuracy of TVUS for posterior compartment DIE using laparoscopy and histology as reference standards. Data on sensitivity, specificity, and overall diagnostic accuracy were extracted or derived. The study’s quality was evaluated using the QUADAS-2 tool. Results: Thirty eligible studies were included. The mean sensitivities and specificities reported in the included studies reached 83.05% and 90.53% for rectosigmoid disease, 78.07% and 90.49% for uterosacral ligament involvement, and 79.58% and 89.75% for pouch of Douglas obliteration, respectively. Adjunctive techniques such as gel sonovaginography, rectal water contrast, or saline instillation into the pouch of Douglas were described, but their use was inconsistent. Marked heterogeneity in patient preparation, scanning protocols, and reporting limited comparability across studies. Despite this, TVUS demonstrated diagnostic performance within a similar range to that reported for MRI in prior systematic reviews, with the advantages of lower cost, accessibility, and integration into routine gynecological practice. Conclusions: TVUS is consistently reported as a reliable and cost-effective imaging modality and, in line with international guidelines, should be considered the first-line option for posterior compartment DIE, though further standardization of scanning and reporting protocols is needed to optimize reproducibility and clinical utility. Full article

This study examines the effects of reduced nitrogen (N) application on rice straw N depolymerization in coastal saline paddy soil to establish a scientific basis for optimizing N application strategies during straw incorporation in coastal paddy systems. A 360-day field straw bag burial experiment was conducted using four N application levels: N0 (control, without N fertilizer), N1 (225 kg N/ha), N2 (300 kg N/ha), and N3 (375 kg N/ha). The results indicated that applying 300 kg N/ha significantly (p < 0.05) increased dissolved organic N (DON) content, apr and chiA gene copies, and the activities of alkaline protease, chitinase, leucine aminopeptidase, and N-acetylglucosaminidase. In addition, the application of 300 kg N/ha enhanced the synergistic effects of alkaline protein- and chitin-degrading microbial communities. Pseudomonas, Brevundimonas, Sorangium, Cohnella, and Thermosporothrix were identified as keystone taxa predominant in straw N depolymerization. Straw N depolymerization occurred by two primary pathways: direct regulation of enzyme activity by straw properties of total carbon and electrical conductivity, and indirect influence on N hydrolase activity and DON production through modified microbial community structures. The findings suggest that an application rate of 300 kg N/ha is optimal for promoting straw N depolymerization in coastal saline paddy fields. Full article

Hydraulic fracturing is a core stimulation technology for enhancing hydrocarbon production. However, it faces significant technical bottlenecks in unconventional reservoirs. These bottlenecks include poor adaptability to high-temperature and high-salinity environments, water-sensitive formation damage, and insufficient long-term fracture conductivity. Nanotechnology leverages unique properties of nanomaterials, such as surface effects, quantum size effects, and designability. Nanotechnology offers systematic solutions for optimizing fracturing fluids, enhancing proppant performance, and innovating waterless fracturing techniques. This review outlines the current status of fracturing technology, exploring the role of nanoparticles in improving fluid rheology, proppant strength, and interface regulation, and discusses future challenges. Studies show that nanomodified fracturing fluids can increase high-temperature viscosity retention by over 300%. Meanwhile, waterless fracturing reduces water consumption by 80%. Despite challenges in particle agglomeration and cost, nanotechnology demonstrates significant potential in boosting recovery and reducing environmental impact. Nanotechnology is positioned as a transformative technology for future unconventional resource development. Full article

Nitrate, as one of the important nutrients in seawater, influences the constant ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus, which is closely related to phytoplankton survival. In this work, a Cu-nanosphere-modified gold microwire electrode was used as the working electrode for determining nitrate in an artificial seawater sample with salinity of 35‰ by a differential pulse voltammetry technique. Under the optimized conditions, the detection linear range is from 1 μM to 2000 μM, the limit of detection is 0.33 μM, and the response time for a single sample is 5 min. Then, to reduce the influence of factors such as temperature, humidity, and microbial environment during sample transporting on the nitrate concentration in real seawater, a portable electrochemical system was introduced for on-site detection. Rapid field determination results show that nitrate levels correlate with tides, proving the portable system’s reliability. Full article

Mychonastes homosphaera MHSC24 is a green microalga newly isolated from a brackish coastal site in Korea. This study represents the first indigenous record of this species in the country. It provides a comprehensive characterization of its morphological, molecular, physiological, and biochemical characteristics. This microalga was identified through morphological observations and multilocus phylogenetic analyses. Strain MHSC24 exhibited robust growth under mesophilic temperatures (15–27 °C), moderate light intensities (88–300 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹), and low salinity levels (0–10 PSU). Optimal growth was observed at 27 °C, 193 μmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹, and 0 PSU. Under standard cultivation, the strain exhibited high protein levels (~54% of dry weight, DW) and accumulated substantial amounts of canthaxanthin (5.59 mg g⁻¹ DW), the predominant carotenoid in its pigment profile. Thus, MHSC24 is a promising candidate for sustainable protein- and carotenoid-based applications. Palmitic acid (11.95 mg g⁻¹ DW) and galactose (2.07 mg g⁻¹ DW) were the predominant fatty acid and monosaccharide, respectively. The physiological resilience, high protein yield, and substantial canthaxanthin accumulation of MHSC24 support its potential utilization in the functional food, feed, and nutraceutical sectors. Therefore, this study provides a basis for optimized cultivation strategies and industrial exploitation of indigenous Korean microalgae. Full article

Light quality is a recognized driver of plant growth and secondary metabolism in Coleus blumei, a valuable source of rosmarinic acid (RA) and quercetin (QU), whereas its combination with salinity stress represents a potential strategy that still requires further investigation. We evaluated four LED spectra, red–blue (RB) (6:1, control), blue (B), red (R), and RB + Far-Red, under both control (0 mM NaCl) and moderate salt stress (120 mM NaCl), measuring biomass (dry weight) and RA/QU in leaves and roots after three (T1) and five weeks (T2). Blue light produced the greatest root biomass, while the leaf dry weight under B did not differ significantly from RB or RBfr. RA peaked at T2 under B in leaves and under R in roots; QU was maximal under B in leaves and under RB in roots. Extending exposure from T1 to T2 markedly increased both metabolites’ yield. Salinity had little effect on biomass, increased the total QU yield, and did not enhance the total RA yield. These results indicate that targeted LED regimes and longer exposure can raise the yields of bioactive compounds, and that combining specific spectra with moderate salinity is an effective strategy for selectively increasing quercetin accumulation in indoor-grown C. blumei. Full article

Musa haekkinenii is a compact wild banana species with emerging value in ornamental horticulture, yet its adaptive responses to environmental factors remain underexplored. This study investigated the morpho-physiological and anatomical responses of M. haekkinenii to contrasting light regimes and irrigation water qualities to identify optimal cultivation conditions. A 210-day factorial experiment was conducted under subtropical greenhouse conditions using a split-plot design, with light intensity (full sun vs. shade) and irrigation water quality (reverse osmosis vs. well water) as treatment factors. Plants grown under shaded conditions and irrigated with reverse osmosis water exhibited significant increases in plant height, pseudostem diameter, leaf number, and sucker production, alongside enhanced pigment accumulation and photosynthetic performance. In contrast, full-sun plants irrigated with well water showed reduced growth, lower photosynthetic efficiency, and increased substrate salinity, indicating additive effects of light and osmotic stress. Leaf anatomical analysis revealed greater stomatal size and density under shade, particularly when combined with high-quality irrigation. Multivariate analysis further supported the association of favorable trait expression with shaded conditions and reverse osmosis water. These findings highlight the importance of microenvironmental management in enhancing the physiological stability and ornamental quality of M. haekkinenii, supporting its potential application in sustainable urban landscaping. Full article

Low-Salinity Water Flooding (LSWF) has gained attention for its cost-effectiveness and environmental advantages, yet its underlying mechanisms remain not fully understood. Oil recovery in LSWF is primarily governed by interfacial dynamics and formation wettability. This research investigates the effects of seawater dilution in carbonate reservoirs through laboratory analyses and displacement experiments. Results show that oil recovery efficiency is largely driven by rock–fluid interactions rather than fluid–fluid interactions, with optimal brine concentrations enhancing wettability alteration, boundary flexibility, and mineral leaching. These findings highlight the importance of considering both fluid–rock interactions and mineral reactivity, rather than attributing recovery to a single mechanism. Molecular dynamics simulations further supported the experimental observations. Overall, the study emphasizes that early and well-designed low-salinity injection strategies can maximize LSWF performance. The results elucidate the key interaction mechanisms between surfactants and the various components of heavy oil through atomic-scale precision modeling and dynamic process tracking. These simulations clarify, at the microscopic level, the differences in displacement dynamics and efficiency of organic solvent systems toward different hydrocarbon components. Full article

This study systematically investigates the effects of welding current on the macro-morphology, microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion resistance of Cu-Mn-Al alloy coatings deposited on 27SiMn steel substrates using Cold Metal Transfer (CMT) technology. The 27SiMn steel is widely applied in coal mining, geology, and engineering equipment due to its high strength and toughness, but its poor corrosion and wear resistance significantly limits service life. To address this issue, a Cu-Mn-Al alloy (high-manganese aluminum bronze) was selected as a cladding material because of its superior combination of mechanical strength, toughness, and excellent corrosion resistance in saline and marine environments. Compared with conventional cladding processes, CMT technology enables low-heat-input deposition, reduces dilution from the substrate, and promotes defect-free coating formation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the fabrication of Cu-Mn-Al coatings on 27SiMn steel using CMT, aiming to optimize process parameters and establish the relationship between welding current, phase evolution, and coating performance. The experimental results demonstrate that the cladding layer width increases progressively with welding current, whereas the layer height remains relatively stable at approximately 3 mm. At welding currents of 120 A and 150 A, the cladding layer primarily consists of α-Cu, κII, β-Cu₃Al, and α-Cu + κIII phases. At higher welding currents (180 A and 210 A), the α-Cu + κIII phase disappears, accompanied by the formation of petal-shaped κI phase. The peak shear strength (509.49 MPa) is achieved at 120 A, while the maximum average hardness (253 HV) is obtained at 150 A. The 120 A cladding layer demonstrates optimal corrosion resistance. These findings provide new insights into the application of CMT in fabricating Cu-Mn-Al protective coatings on steel and offer theoretical guidance for extending the service life of 27SiMn steel components in aggressive environments. Full article

Ozone (O₃) therapy has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, but the systemic administration of ozonated saline solution (O₃SS) remains underexplored. This study evaluates the cytotoxicity, antioxidant response, and immunomodulatory effects of O₃SS on murine microglial (BV2) and human endothelial (HUVEC) cells. Cells were exposed to increasing doses of O₃ (1, 5, or 10 μg/NmL) dissolved in saline. Viability assays showed that low doses (1 and 5 μg/NmL) enhanced cell proliferation without cytotoxicity, while the highest dose (10 μg/NmL) reduced viability and increased cell death. O₃SS treatment upregulated antioxidant genes, including Nrf2 and SOD1, and decreased reactive oxygen species in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated microglia. Additionally, O₃SS modulated microglial phenotype by reducing pro-inflammatory markers (iNOS, IL-1β) and increasing anti-inflammatory markers (Arg-1, IL-10). Immunofluorescence confirmed enhanced Arg-1 protein expression, indicating a shift toward an anti-inflammatory state. These results suggest that low-dose O₃SS activates cellular antioxidant defenses and promotes an anti-inflammatory microglial phenotype, supporting its potential as a safe systemic O₃ therapy. Further studies are warranted to confirm in vivo efficacy and optimize clinical protocols. Full article

In arid areas, the combined use of plastic sheeting under gravel-sand mulch on ridge-furrow planting systems is an emerging practice to minimize soil water evaporation and micro-plastic pollution. In this study, we conducted a two-year field experiment near Gobi-Tengger Desert in Ningxia, China, to evaluate the effects of a plastic film underneath a layer of pure sand (MS1), pure gravel (MS2) and mixed gravel-and-sand (MS3) mulch on the soil hydrothermal properties, water use efficiency, yield, and fruit quality of wolfberry, compared to bare soil (CK). The results showed that mulching significantly increased soil temperature and water content in the 0–20 cm surface layer, though the effects varied with soil depth and water availability between a supplemental irrigated year (2022) and a rain-fed year (2023). Mulching markedly altered soil water dynamics, enhancing the capture and retention of light-to-heavy rainfall events. Consequently, all mulches significantly increased seasonal water consumption (ET) and water use efficiency (WUE) compared to CK. The MS1 treatment consistently achieved the highest yield and WUE, and the highest accumulation of beneficial fruit compounds like polysaccharides and flavonoids. However, this treatment also resulted in elevated soil salinity. Our findings demonstrate that combined mulching, especially MS1, is a highly effective strategy for optimizing soil conditions, water productivity, and fruit quality in wolfberry cultivation, although long-term salinity management requires attention. Full article

Temperature is a key factor in regulating interfacial behaviors and enhancing oil recovery during low-salinity water flooding in tight sandstone reservoirs. This study systematically investigates the synergistic mechanisms of temperature and salinity on ion exchange, wettability alteration, interfacial tension, and crude oil desorption. The experimental results show that elevated temperature significantly strengthens the oil–water–rock interactions induced by low-salinity water, thereby improving oil recovery. At 70 °C, the release of divalent cations such as Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ from the rock surface is notably enhanced. Simultaneously, the increase in interfacial electrostatic repulsion is evidenced by a shift in the rock–brine zeta potential from −3.14 mV to −6.26 mV. This promotes the desorption of polar components, such as asphaltenes, from the rock surface, leading to a significant change in wettability. The wettability alteration index increases to 0.4647, indicating a strong water-wet condition. Additionally, the reduction in oil–water interfacial zeta potential and the enhancement in interfacial viscoelasticity contribute to a further decrease in interfacial tension. Under conditions of 0.6 PW salinity and 70 °C, non-isothermal core flooding experiments demonstrate that rock–fluid interactions are the dominant mechanism responsible for enhanced oil recovery. By applying a staged injection strategy, where 0.6 PW is followed by 0.4 PW, the oil recovery reaches 34.89%, which is significantly higher than that achieved with high-salinity water flooding. This study provides critical mechanistic insights and optimized injection strategies for the development of high-temperature tight sandstone reservoirs using low-temperature waterflooding. Full article