Search Results (61)

This study investigated the impact of nitrogen (N) fertilization on the yield and grain filling (GF) characteristics of two conventional japonica rice varieties with distinct panicle types: Yangchan 3501 (large-panicle: spikelets per panicle $> 150$) and Nangeng 46 (medium-panicle: $100 <$ spikelets per panicle $< 150$). Field experiments were conducted over two growing seasons (2022–2023) with three N application rates (T1: 225 kg ha⁻¹, T2: 270 kg ha⁻¹, T3: 315 kg ha⁻¹). Key measurements included tiller dynamics, panicle composition, GF parameters modeled using the Richards equation, and enzyme activities related to nitrogen metabolism (Fd-GOGAT, NR) and carbohydrate transport (α-amylase, SPS). Results showed that the yield increased with higher N levels for both varieties, with Yangchan 3501 achieving higher yields primarily through increased grains per panicle (15.65% rise under T3 vs. T1), while Nangeng 46 relied on panicle number (8.83% increase under T3 vs. T1). Nitrogen application enhanced Fd-GOGAT and NR activities, prolonging photosynthesis and improving GF rates, particularly in the inferior grains of Yangchan 3501 during middle and late stages. However, a high N reduced seed-setting rates and 1000-grain weight, with larger panicle types exhibiting a greater sensitivity to N-induced changes in branch structure and assimilate allocation. This study highlights that optimizing N management can improve nitrogen-metabolism enzyme activity and GF efficiency, especially in large-panicle rice, while medium-panicle types require higher N inputs to maximize panicle number. These findings provide actionable insights for achieving high yields and efficient nutrient use in conventional rice cultivation. Full article

Skin aging is a complex process influenced by several factors, including UV exposure, environmental stressors, and lifestyle choices. The demand for effective, natural skincare products has driven research into plant-based oils rich in bioactive compounds. Rosehip oil has garnered attention for its high content of carotenoids, phenolics, and antioxidants, which are known for their anti-aging, photoprotective, and skin-rejuvenating properties. Despite the growing interest in rosehip oil, limited studies have investigated its efficacy on human skin using advanced imaging technologies. This study aims to fill this gap by evaluating the efficacy of cold-pressed Rosa canina seed oil on facial skin characteristics, specifically wrinkles, ultraviolet (UV) spot reduction, and erythema mitigation, using imaging technologies (the VISIA analysis system). Seed oil pressed from R. canina collected from the Băișoara area of Cluj County has been selected for this study due to its high carotenoid, phenolic, and antioxidant contents. The oil has also been analyzed for the content of individual carotenoids (i.e., lutein, lycopene, β Carotene, and zeaxanthin) using HPLC-DAD (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography—Diode Array Detector), along with lutein and zeaxanthin esters and diesters. After the preliminary screening of multiple Rosa species for carotenoid, phenolic, and antioxidant contents, the R. canina sample with the highest therapeutic potential was selected. A cohort of 27 volunteers (aged 30–65) underwent a five-week treatment protocol, wherein three drops of the selected rosehip oil were topically applied to the face daily. The VISIA imaging was conducted before and after the treatment to evaluate changes in skin parameters, including the wrinkle depth, UV-induced spots, porphyrins, and texture. Regarding the bioactivities, rosehip oil showed a significant total carotenoids content (28.398 μg/mL), with the highest levels in the case of the β-carotene (4.49 μg/mL), lutein (4.33 μg/mL), and zexanthin (10.88 μg/mL) contents. Results indicated a significant reduction in mean wrinkle scores across several age groups, with notable improvements in individuals with deeper baseline wrinkles. UV spots also showed visible declines, suggesting ideal photoprotective and anti-pigmentary effects attributable to the oil’s high vitamin A and carotenoid content. Porphyrin levels, often correlated with bacterial activity, decreased in most subjects, hinting at an additional antimicrobial or microbiome-modulatory property. However, skin responses varied, possibly due to individual differences in skin sensitivity, environmental factors, or compliance with sun protection. Overall, the topical application of R. canina oil appeared to improve the facial skin quality, reduce the appearance of age-related markers, and support skin health. These findings reinforce the potential use of rosehip oil in anti-aging skincare formulations. Further long-term, large-scale studies are warranted to refine dosing regimens, investigate mechanisms of action, and explore synergistic effects with other bioactive compounds. Full article

In seeding operations, fermented seeds with weak surface energy tend to experience problems such as adhesion, seed leakage, and clogging on the seeder’s end. To improve seed distribution uniformity, a three-stage spiral seeding device with “seed filling, transport, and dispersing” functions was designed. Kinematic and dynamic models of fermented seeds under spiral conveying conditions were developed to analyze the motion and force characteristics of the seeds under various working states. A discrete element method (DEM) and multi-body dynamics (MBD) coupled simulation model was established, along with a comprehensive evaluation system for seed distribution uniformity and seeding effectiveness. The influence of spiral speed, pitch, and forward speed of the seeding operation on seed dispersion uniformity and operational efficiency was studied, and optimal structural and operational parameters for the spiral seeder were selected. A prototype of the spiral seeding device was fabricated, and field seeding tests were conducted. The results showed that when the seeder’s rotational speed was 12 r/min, the pitch was 63 mm, and the forward speed of seeder was 3.5 km/h, the seed distribution uniformity index reached 84.53%, with excellent seeding effectiveness and a comprehensive evaluation index of 92.26%. The field application demonstrated good performance, significantly improving both the operational reliability and efficiency of the spiral seeding device. Full article

In order to analyze the relationship between hyperspectral image and soybean canopy nitrogen content in the field, and to establish a prediction model for soybean canopy nitrogen content with few parameters and a simple structure, hyperspectral image data and corresponding nitrogen content data of soybean canopy at different growth periods under different fertilization treatments were acquired. Three spectral characteristic variables selection methods, including correlation coefficient analysis, stepwise regression, and spectral index analysis, were used to determine the spectral characteristic variables that are closely related to the soybean canopy nitrogen content. The predictive models for soybean canopy nitrogen content based on spectral characteristic variables were established using a multiple linear regression algorithm. On this basis, the established prediction models for soybean canopy nitrogen content were compared and analyzed, and the optimal prediction model for soybean canopy nitrogen content was determined. To verify the applicability of prediction models for soybean canopy nitrogen content, a spatial distribution map of soybean canopy nitrogen content at the regional scale was drawn based on unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) hyperspectral imaging data at the flowering and seed filling stages of soybean in the experimental area, and the spatial distribution of soybean nitrogen content was statistically analyzed. The results show the following: (1) Soybean canopy spectral reflectance was highly significantly negatively correlated with soybean canopy nitrogen content in the range of 450–729 nm, and highly significantly positively correlated in the range of 756–774 nm, with the largest positive correlation coefficient of 0.2296 at 765 nm and the largest absolute value of negative correlation coefficient of −0.8908 at 630 nm. (2) The predictive model for soybean canopy nitrogen content based on three optimal spectral indices, NDSI(R₅₅₂,R₅₅₅), RSI(R₅₃₇,R₅₇₃), and DSI(R₅₄₀,R₅₅₅), was optimal, with R² of 0.9063 and 0.91566 and RMSE of 3.3229 and 3.2219 for the calibration and prediction set, respectively. (3) Based on the established optimal prediction model for soybean canopy nitrogen content combined with the UAV hyperspectral image data, spatial distribution maps of soybean nitrogen content at the flowering and seed filling stages were generated, and the R² between soybean nitrogen content in the spatial distribution map and the ground measured value was 0.93906, the RMSE was 3.6476, and the average relative error was 9.5676%, which indicates that the model had higher prediction accuracy and applicability. (4) The overall results show that the optimal prediction model for soybean canopy nitrogen content established based on hyperspectral imaging data has the characteristics of few parameters, a simple structure, and strong applicability, which provides a new method for realizing rapid, dynamic, and non-destructive monitoring of soybean nutritional status on the regional scale and provides a decision-making basis for precision fertilization management during soybean growth. Full article

Rice direct seeding for bunch planting is a sustainable agricultural production method that reduces production costs, improves rice lodging resistance, and conserves irrigation water in the field. However, there are notable differences in seed treatment between direct seeding on dry land and in paddy fields, which can impact the seeding process’s accuracy. This study employs the numerical simulation methods of computational fluid dynamics (CFDs) and discrete element method (DEM) to examine the motion characteristics of dry and wet rice seeds in a fluid–solid coupled domain and their impact on seeding accuracy. The aim is to guide the optimization of the rice air-suction seed metering device. Rice seeds were divided into dry and wet groups, and their physical properties were measured. Discrete element models of rice seeds were constructed and calibrated using a polyhedral method. The results show that the static friction coefficient between the seed meter and the seed ranged from 0.902 to 0.950, and the thousand-grain weights ranged from 25.89 to 32.42 g, which were higher than those of the dry rice seed, which ranged from 0.774 to 0.839, and from 25.89 to 32.42 g. After calibration, the errors between the simulated dynamic stacking angles of HHZD, HYD, YLYD, HHZW, HYW, and YLYW and the physical–dynamic stacking angles were 0.12%, 0.13%, 0.75%, 0.62%, 0.08%, 0.75%, 0.59%, and 1.24%, respectively, which indicated that the discrete element model for rice was reliable. Additionally, a seeding accuracy test revealed that wet seeds of the same variety had higher missing and single indices, while dry seeds had higher triple and multiple indices. Furthermore, CFD-DEM simulations demonstrated that wet seeds’ normal and tangential forces were more significant than those on dry seeds during the seed-filling process. At 40 rpm, the normal and tangential forces during the seed-filling process of HYW are 37.69 × 10⁻³ N and 12.47 × 10⁻³ N, respectively, which are higher than those of HYD (25.18 × 10⁻³ N and 9.19 × 10⁻³ N). The action force of suctioned rice seeds was directly proportional to the missing and single indices. The primary factors contributing to the discrepancy in seeding accuracy between dry and wet rice are the thousand-grain weight, the static friction coefficient between the seed meter and the seed, and the action force exerted between the rice seeds. In addition, using a shaped hole structure and optimizing the seed chamber structure can reduce normal and tangential forces and improve seeding accuracy. This study provides a reference for the simulation of rice seed flow-solid coupling and optimization of air-suction seed metering devices. Full article

Tartary buckwheat is an important characteristic multigrain crop, mainly planted in Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan and Tibet, and other alpine and remote ethnic mountainous areas. In order to clarify the effect of sowing date on the yield and quality of Tartary buckwheat and its relationship with meteorological factors The variety Jinqiao No. 2 was used for a two-year trial at Dingxiang Test Base in Shanxi Province on four sowing dates (15 June, 26 June, 6 July and 17 July 2022 and 19 June, 30 June, 10 July and 21 July 2023) starting from the bud stage. Responses to sowing date were investigated by examining the growth period structure, yield, yield component, quality, and their relationship to climatic factors. The results showed that meteorological factors during the grain grain-filling stage were different when the sowing date was different. Compared with other sowing times, the treatment with the sowing of early and mid-July had less than 13.5~27.9 h of sunshine, less than 28.8~48.5 mm of rainfall, more than 10.5~19 days of ≤15 °C days, but the most serious low-temperature stress (≤15 °C days up to 27 days). The yield of sowing in July was 69.8~77.0% and 69.9~79.1% lower than that of sowing in June in 2022 and 2023 respectively, and the later sowing had a lower yield. Delayed sowing is beneficial to the accumulation of flavonoids and protein in Tartary buckwheat grains, and the average value in 2022 and 2023 is 11.55% and 14.64% higher than that in the first sowing, but the content of fat and starch is significantly reduced. The result of path analysis showed that the low temperature (≤15 °C days up to 27 days) and less solar radiation duration were the key points for attaining high yield and quality, due to the mean daily temperature and ≤15 °C days from flowering to maturity had negative effect on 1000-seed weight, seed setting rate, starch and crude lipid content of Tartary buckwheat, and the direct effect of sunshine duration on the content of protein and flavonoid in Tartary buckwheat was the greatest. The yield of Tartary buckwheat sown in June was higher than that of other treatments, because of avoiding low-temperature stress and long rainy and sunless weather during the grain filling stage, which enabled the blossoming and grain filling normally and finally attained higher yield. Full article

The flax (Linum usititassimum L.) plant can grow in various agroecological environments. However, there are some factors that affect the production and quality of flax. Sowing date is one of the important factors determining crop productivity. In this study, four different sowing dates (20–22 March, 1–3 April, 15–18 April and 30 April, respectively) were applied to determine the appropriate sowing date in terms of yield and oil quality in three flax varieties (Sarı Dane, Kara Kız, Beyaz Gelin). The study results showed that by delaying sowing, the seed filling period of the plant was exposed to high temperatures, and this caused decreases in seed yield. In other words, the most positive results in terms of agronomic characteristics were obtained from the first sowing date. In this respect, the highest oil yield of 760 kg ha⁻¹ and the highest oil content of 34% were obtained from the Sarı Dane variety. Similarly, flaxseed showed high values in terms of alphalinolenic acid (54.25%), palmitic acid (6.36%), stearic acid (7%), oleic acid (22.54%) and linoleic acid (14%) at the first and second planting times, while these rates decreased relatively as the planting time was delayed. According to the results of the two-year study, it was determined that the ecological conditions of the region were suitable for flax cultivation. However, it is clear that delaying the sowing date causes significant decreases in both the agronomic traits of flax and the oil quality for industrial purposes. In this respect, considering the ecology of the region, sowing flax in the last week of March or the first week of April is suitable for optimum yield and oil quality. Full article

In order to innovate the planting mode and improve the quality of Chinese chive, we designed an outside-filling Chinese chive adjustable-capacity precision seed-metering device with an adjustable number of sown seeds. The diameter, number of shaped holes, and seed slot parameters of the seeding plate were designed based on the physical characteristics and agronomic planting requirements of the Haoji Chinese chive. A simulation of the seed-metering device’s seeding process was carried out using EDEM software. To carry out the quadratic general rotary combination design experiment, use seed slot diameter and seed slot depth as test factors, longitudinal concentration and transverse concentration as evaluation indexes, and carry out the bench validation test and comparison test under the optimal parameter combination. In the simulation test, the factors affecting the longitudinal concentration in order of priority were seed slot depth and seed slot diameter, and the factors affecting the transverse concentration in order of priority were seed slot diameter and seed slot depth. The optimal parameters were seed slot diameter of 3.075 mm, seed slot depth of 3.323 mm, longitudinal concentration of 0.563, and transverse concentration of 0.634. In the bench test, the relative error of longitudinal concentration was 3.20%, the relative error of transverse concentration was 2.47%, and the number of seeds sown per hole was linearly correlated with the length of the seed slot. The results of the bench test and simulation test are close to each other, which proves that the outside-filling Chinese chive adjustable-capacity precision seed-metering device has a better sowing effect, and the number of sowing grains can be adjusted. Full article

At present, the use of hybrids is becoming more and more widespread, and the study of its traditional cultivation methods also needs to pay attention to the combination of good seed and good methods to achieve maximum economic benefits. “Good seed” is selected from varieties with high production potential and strong resistance to stress. To investigate the effects of sowing dates on biomass accumulation and photosynthetic characteristics of hybrid winter wheat, this study was conducted over two growing seasons (2021–2023) using a hybrid variety, Jingmai 17, and a conventional variety, Jimai 22. Three sowing dates were tested: October 13 (D1), October 23 (D2), and November 2 (D3). Results indicated that Jingmai 17 had a larger leaf area per culm (LAC) post-anthesis, and a lesser variation in SPAD values throughout the middle and late irrigation phases, leading to enhanced photosynthetic performance and higher biomass accumulation at maturity. It outperformed Jimai 22 by approximately 10% in yield. The optimal sowing date (D2) allowed both varieties to maintain a favorable LAC, which supported higher SPAD values, net photosynthetic rates (Pn), and stomatal conductance (Gs) during late grain filling. Correlation analysis revealed a positive relationship between post-anthesis biomass accumulation and yield, suggesting that increased accumulation at this stage underpins yield formation. Under D2 conditions, Jingmai 17 and Jimai 22 achieved yields of 9603.70 kg·ha⁻¹, 9058.68 kg·ha⁻¹ and 8785.44 kg·ha⁻¹, 8294.89 kg·ha⁻¹, respectively, which are 3.4%, 4.6% and 3.4%, 12.4% higher than under D1 conditions, respectively, and 10.7%, 12.4% and 12.8%, 14.5% higher than under D3 conditions, respectively. D1 had higher thousand-grain weight (TGW) but lower number of grains per unit area (GN); D3 had lower TGW, while the GN was not significantly higher, and D2 was effective in improving seed yield. Overall, Jingmai 17 demonstrated significant photosynthetic and yield advantages, maximizing yield potential through optimal interactions among spike number (SN), grain number per spike, and TGW at the October 23 sowing date. Full article

Field studies were conducted in the North China Plain (NCP) during the 2023–2024 season to investigate the vertical microclimate, yield, and yield-related characteristics of winter wheat during the grain-filling stage under no-till direct seeding and conventional tillage. The aim was to compare the differences in microclimate between the two tillage methods in wheat fields and the impact of microclimate on yield. The results indicated that, compared to conventional tillage, no-till direct seeding reduced the air temperature and increased the relative humidity of the air at 20 cm and 100 cm above the ground during the wheat grain-filling period. The soil moisture content at 20 cm below the ground under no-till direct seeding was higher than under conventional tillage during the early grain-filling stage. Seven days before the wheat harvest, the dry weight per plant and the dry weight per spike were significantly greater under no-till direct seeding than under conventional tillage. Consequently, the thousand-grain weight of no-till direct seeding was significantly higher than that of conventional tillage, with an increase of 7.9%. The number of wheat sterile spikelets under no-till direct seeding was significantly lower than that under conventional tillage. Furthermore, the number of grains per spike was higher than that of conventional tillage. Although the number of harvested spikes under no-till direct seeding was 10.8% lower than under conventional tillage, the increase in thousand-grain weight and the number of grains per spike compensated for the reduced number of harvested spikes. As a result, the grain yield of winter wheat under no-till direct seeding was higher than that of conventional tillage, increasing by 2.7%. Therefore, adopting no-till direct seeding in the NCP is conducive to increasing winter wheat production and efficiency, as well as supporting sustainable agricultural development. Full article

The use of sulfur (S) in polluted soils can reduce metal(loid) toxicity and enhance phytoremediation effectiveness. Here we studied the response of barley plants to As in soil amended with sulfate or elemental sulfur throughout the growing cycle. A greenhouse experiment was carried out using 4-L pots filled with clay-loam soil spiked with 60 mg kg⁻¹ As (Na₂HAsO₄·7H₂O). Two chemical forms of sulfur (elemental sulfur (S⁰) or sulfate (CaSO₄·2H₂O)) were applied at a dose of 1 and 3 Mg ha⁻¹, respectively, and two previously seeded barley plants were transplanted in each pot, using eight pots per treatment. At the end of the growing cycle, the biomass, nutrients, and metal(loid) content, as well as several physiological and biochemical parameters of the plants were analyzed. Moreover, the effect of the treatments on soil characteristics was also evaluated, including soil pore water. The treatment with sulfur promoted the growth of barley plants through their vegetative cycle, enhancing photosynthesis, although biomass did not significantly increase. Both sources of S promoted the accumulation of As in the root, thereby limiting its translocation to the aerial part of the plant, sulfate being more effective (an increase of 300%) than elemental S (an increase of 82%). The addition of S decreased soil pH. Furthermore, both treatments, but particularly sulfate, increased soluble sulfate and stimulated soil biological properties. In conclusion, the application of sulfate to As-polluted soil can enhance As phytostabilization by barley plants while simultaneously improving the biological properties of the soil. Full article

To address the issues of the poor filling and clearing efficiency of spoon–chain potato seed dischargers, an optimization design was implemented in this study. Based on the motion characteristics of potatoes during the filling and transport processes, an inclination angle was set for the seed spoon cavity, and a seed-clearing brush was installed at the top of the seed discharger. A DEM-MBD coupled simulation model of the seed discharger was constructed. The working speed of the driving sprocket, the inclination angle of the seed spoon cavity, and the seed holding height were used as experimental factors, while the single-seed qualification rate, missed seed rate, and over-seeding rate were used as evaluation indices to conduct a quadratic regression orthogonal rotation combination experiment. This determined the optimal technical parameter combination for the best working performance. Based on the results of the DEM-MBD coupled simulation experiments, a response surface optimization test was conducted. The results showed that the optimal working performance was achieved when the working speed of the driving sprocket was 43 rpm, the inclination angle of the seed spoon cavity was 15°, and the seed holding height was 0.2 m. Under these conditions, the single-seed qualification rate was 95.28%, the missed seed rate was 0.92%, and the over-seeding rate was 3.80%. Further soil bin tests confirmed that, under the optimal working parameters, the relative deviations of all test indices from the response surface optimization test results were less than 2%. The research results provide new insights for the optimization design of spoon–chain potato seed-metering devices. Full article

This review aims at the current trends in chocolate ganache production and recipe formulation. Ganache is a blend of chocolate, sugars, dairy, and other ingredients commonly used to fill pralines, pastries, etc. In spite of ganache’s popularity in the food industry, a comprehensive review focused on the application of functional substances and ganache processing has not been discussed in the scientific literature. This review addresses the new ways of applying special ingredients, such as vegetable fats and seeds, flavor infusions, oleogels, hemp products, etc., which can be added to the ganache matrix to achieve desirable properties. In particular, the application of sterols and sterol esters as functional substances of oleogels seems to be a very promising method, enhancing the ganache fat profile. The elevated caloric content that is characteristic of ganache can be substantially attenuated through the application of hydrocolloids and/or fruit-based components, thereby offering the potential for caloric reduction without compromising on taste. The various alterations to ganache formulations by the application of natural substances offer a large base for the development of novel ganache variants and relevant food products. Full article

Accurate segmentation of the pulmonary airway tree is crucial for diagnosing lung diseases. To tackle the issues of low segmentation accuracy and frequent leaks in existing methods, this paper proposes a precise segmentation method using quasi-spherical region-constrained wavefront propagation with tracheal wall gap sealing. Based on the characteristic that the surface formed by seed points approximates the airway cross-section, the width of the unsegmented airway is calculated, determining the initial quasi-spherical constraint region. Using the wavefront propagation method, seed points are continuously propagated and segmented along the tracheal wall within the quasi-spherical constraint region, thus overcoming the need to determine complex segmentation directions. To seal tracheal wall gaps, a morphological closing operation is utilized to extract the characteristics of small holes and locate low-brightness tracheal wall gaps. By filling the CT values at these gaps, the method seals the tracheal wall gaps. Extensive experiments on the EXACT09 dataset demonstrate that our algorithm ranks third in segmentation completeness. Moreover, its performance in preventing airway leaks is significantly better than the top-two algorithms, effectively preventing large-scale leak-induced spread. Full article

Mesh filters are frequently employed in water-saving irrigation fields. Studies addressing the method of cake formation and the characteristics of the cake during the mesh filter’s growing phase are still missing. One-way and orthogonal experiments were carried out using mesh filters with 220 μm and 320 μm aperture sizes as the research objects, taking particle concentrations, inlet flow, and growth phases as experimental factors. According to the variation rule of seed pressure drop in the formation process of filter cake, the growth process of filter cake is divided into four stages, which are as follows: slow blockage first and second stages (M1, M2), fast blockage stage (M3), and filter cake filtration stage (M4). Moreover, the size distribution, porosity (ε), pore-to-particle ratio (K_P), and median size (d₅₀) of the filter cake were used to represent the structural characteristics. The results show that the growth of filter cake was a process that started with the filling of mesh pores by intercepted particles and progressed to the filling of large-particle skeleton pores by subsequently filtered particles. During this process, the proportion of intercepted particles gradually decreased, while the proportion of filtered particles increased incrementally, and the median size (d₅₀) and porosity (ε) decreased. Meanwhile, the smaller the aperture size of the screen, the smaller the filter cake’s median size (d₅₀) was, but the larger the pore-to-particle ratio (K_P) was. As the flow rate increased, the porosity (ε) was augmented in the M1 and M2 stages; however, it decreased in the M3 and M4 stages. The concentration had a minor influence on the filter cake’s porosity. Lastly, the regression model for filter cake porosity under two aperture size conditions was established, based on factors such as flow rate, concentration, and growth stage. The coefficients of determination, R², for the model were 90.33% and 80.73%, indicating a good fit. Full article