Search Results (6,670)

Total factor productivity (TFP) is crucial for evaluating technological innovation, yet its accurate measurement remains challenging due to diverse methodologies. Notably, the selection of proxy variables in control function approach (CFA) significantly influences TFP estimation, yet existing studies have failed to clarify the criteria for proxy variable selection, particularly at meso and macro levels. This study employs a comprehensive methodological framework integrating significance, robustness, and comparative analyses to assess TFP estimation methods, addressing prevalent misconceptions. We utilize data sourced from 30 Chinese provinces across three major industries over the period 1998–2022, and conduct TFP calculations employing theoretically comparable methods. Our findings reveal significant discrepancies among methods, emphasizing the impact of proxy variable selection on TFP outcomes. This study finds that while CFA shows comparable performance to traditional production function approach (PFA) in terms of goodness-of-fit and significance (it does not verify the first level of Hypothesis 1 set forth in this study), it excels in reducing TFP estimation volatility (it verifies the second level of Hypothesis 1 set forth in this study). Crucially, proxy variable selection significantly impacts TFP results. We provide empirical norms for proxy variable selection at macro and meso levels, although Hypothesis 2 was not fully validated, offering a standardized framework to enhance TFP measurement accuracy and robustness: energy input is superior for lowly heterogeneous subjects, whereas intermediate input is preferable for those with high heterogeneity, offering valuable implications for policymakers and researchers. Full article

Micronutrient addition to soil is crucial for improving crop yield. Within the framework of the circular economy, it is necessary to seek more efficient fertilizers. This would reduce fertilizer consumption while serving as a strategy to mitigate the negative effects of climate change. This study proposes the combined use of a traditional source of a Zn fertilizer (ZnSO₄) together with wood biochar to improve lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) crop yield. An experiment was designed in which a dose of 8 mg Zn kg⁻¹ as ZnSO₄·7H₂O was added to Cambisol soil, mixed with or without biochar (5%), for lettuce growth. Among other soil properties, Zn bioavailability, microbial biomass, and available water were monitored in the soil, while photosynthetic pigments, Zn content, and biomass production were determined in plants. All treatments increased plant biomass production. Biochar treatments (biochar and biochar/ZnSO₄) increased fresh biomass by 324%, while ZnSO₄ addition resulted in a 158% increase in lettuce yield. This can be due to several factors, such as biochar being a C source, the improvement of soil water content after biochar addition, and the increase in Zn leaf content in all treatments with respect to the control soil. All of these likely had a positive effect on photosynthesis. This is corroborated by the increase in total chlorophyll, chlorophyll, and carotenoids in the treatments with ZnSO₄, biochar/ZnSO₄, and biochar. The application of biochar alone increased this property by more than 168%, with a positive impact on soil quality. Our research demonstrates that it is possible, in some cases, to prepare fertilizers combining ZnSO₄ and biochar, leading to increased plant Zn uptake and improved crop yield. Full article

The Guposhan ore field, located in the Nanling metallogenic belt, is well known for large-scale Sn-W mineralization genetically linked to the Late Jurassic Guposhan pluton. The Lisong pluton, a product of regional magmatism, occurs in the central part of the Guposhan ore field. However, the critical factors responsible for the absence of intensive Sn polymetallic mineralization in the Lisong pluton remain poorly understood. Our geochronological results show that the coarse-grained hornblende-bearing and hornblende-free biotite monzogranites of the Lisong pluton were emplaced at 162.9 ± 1.5 Ma and 162.2 ± 2.3 Ma, respectively, which are contemporaneous with the Guposhan pluton. Geochemically, these intrusions are characterized by high SiO₂, Al₂O₃, and total alkalis (K₂O + Na₂O), high Ga/Al ratios (3.09–3.69), and peraluminous compositions (A/CNK = 1.15–1.23), consistent with high K calc-alkaline A-type granites. Similar to the adjacent Guposhan pluton, the Lisong granites yield variable _εHf(t) values from −3.0 to 5.7, apatite ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of 0.69747–0.71190, and old two-stage Hf model ages (T_DM2) of 0.85–1.40 Ga. These features suggest that the Lisong and Guposhan granites may share a common magma source involving mixing of crustal and mantle-derived melts. Apatite grains from the Lisong granites display negative Eu anomalies (δEu = 0.03–0.22) and near-normal to positive Ce anomalies (δCe = 0.99–1.07), which we interpret to reflect plagioclase fractional crystallization and reduced melt conditions, respectively. Bulk rock geochemistry and multi-element systematics of the Lisong granites indicate that they represent early-stage magmatic products. Their relatively low differentiation signatures were unfavorable for Sn enrichment and mineralization in the melt, which likely explains the lack of intensive Sn polymetallic mineralization in the Lisong pluton. Full article

Under China’s rural revitalization and agricultural modernization strategies, digital village construction overcomes resource limits to drive transformation. Using 2013–2022 provincial panel data and a case study of Lin’an, Hangzhou, this study reveals how digital villages boost high-quality agriculture. The empirical results show they significantly enhance agricultural total factor productivity via three paths: IoT-driven precision production, blockchain-enabled green value addition, and e-commerce direct sales demonstrate more pronounced effectiveness in major grain-producing regions and those characterized by balanced production and sales. Simultaneously, this study employs the instrumental variable (TI) approach to address endogeneity from reverse causality and omitted variables. Mechanism testing reveals agricultural technological innovation exerts a significant 77.5% mediating effect. Finally, digital rural construction exhibits a non-linear threshold (0.3082); surpassing it triggers a structural leap with increasing marginal returns. The Lin’an case validates the empirical results while revealing structural barriers, including industrial chain penetration gaps, data silos, and factor supply constraints, leading to the formulation of targeted optimization strategies. The practical contribution of this study is the proposal of a “data-value-technology” closed loop: public brands like “Tianmu Mountain Treasures” channel premiums into R&D funds, creating a self-sustaining mechanism. The findings indicate that digital villages drive high-quality agriculture primarily through direct effects, powered by full-chain tech coordination, institutional reform, and inclusive factor supply. Finally, this study proposes a coordinated governance framework encompassing “technical synergy, institutional innovation, and factor optimization,” providing theoretical support and strategic references for optimizing the pathways of regional agricultural digital transformation. Full article

Phenolic acids are the major bioactive compounds in Perilla frutescens (L.) Britt; however, the regulatory roles of NAC transcription factors (TFs) in their biosynthesis remain unclear. Here, we performed a genome-wide identification and characterization of the NAC family in P. frutescens and explored their involvement in phenolic acid production. A total of 108 PfNAC genes were identified and classified into 17 subfamilies. Expression and promoter analyses suggested potential roles in secondary metabolism. PfNAC29 is located in the plasma membrane and necleus, while PfNAC40 and PfNAC80 are located in the nucleus.Yeast one-hybrid and dual-luciferase assays demonstrated that these TFs bind to the CATGTG motif in the PfC4H promoter and activate its transcription. Overexpression in transgenic hairy roots significantly increased rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, and ferulic acid accumulation, accompanied by upregulation of key biosynthetic genes. These results indicate that PfNAC29, PfNAC40, and PfNAC80 act as positive regulators of phenolic acid biosynthesis and provide promising targets for metabolic engineering in medicinal plants. Full article

The southern Junggar Basin in Xinjiang is rich in coalbed methane (CBM) resources. Large-scale development is underway in the Sigong River block (SGR block) of the Fukang West Block. Based on an integrated analysis of geological and hydrogeochemical characteristics, this study clarifies the key factors affecting CBM well productivity in the SGR block. Based on gas and water production performance, four distinct productivity types of CBM wells are identified, which are jointly controlled by burial depth, local structural and hydraulic disturbance, and also governed by synergistic interplay between gas content and permeability. The optimal geological combination—comprising the 700–1000 m burial depth, syncline core structure, stagnant hydrodynamic conditions, relatively high gas content, and favorable permeability—collectively contributes to the high-productivity Type I wells with low water production. In contrast, deep coal seams (>1400 m), characterized by reduced gas content and extremely low permeability, correspond to Type IV wells, which exhibit low gas and water production. Type II wells, located in the 1000–1400 m interval, exhibit moderate and variable productivity controlled by the interplay between high gas content and a wide range of permeability. Shallow margins (<700 m) affected by coal combustion and surface water influx produce high-water and low-gas wells (Type III). Geochemical signatures effectively differentiate between these types: closed, stagnant environments (Types I/II) are marked by a Na-Cl-HCO₃/Na-HCO₃-Cl water type, moderate total dissolved solids, and low sodium chloride coefficients, while open hydrodynamic conditions (Type III) are indicated by Na-SO₄-HCO₃ water with high sodium chloride coefficients. A δD-H₂O/δ¹⁸O-H₂O ratio of 7–9, combined with favorable TDS and water type, is identified as a key indicator of high productivity. Based on these relationships, a productivity response index model incorporating critical geological and geochemical parameters was developed. This model provides a practical tool for predicting CBM well performance and targeting sweet spots, offering significant value for exploring geologically and hydrologically complex basins. Full article

Background: We evaluated the potential neuroprotective effects of naloxone in moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI), focusing on its ability to alleviate neuroinflammation, reduce cognitive impairment, and to influence Janus tyrosine kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling markers. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice were used to establish an in vivo model of moderate TBI using a stereotaxic impactor. Immediately post-injury, naloxone was administered intraperitoneally (1 mg/kg/day) for 7 days. A total of 72 mice were divided into four groups: Normal, normal with naloxone, TBI, and TBI with naloxone (18 mice in each group). Immunohistochemical analyses and cognitive functions were evaluated across the groups. Results: TBI mice treated with naloxone exhibited significantly reduced brain swelling and cortical tissue loss compared to untreated mice. Naloxone reduced Transforming growth factor beta 2 (TGF-β2) and increased interleukin 11 (IL-11) expression in the brain. Additionally, levels of JAK2, STAT3, and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) were significantly elevated following treatment, while expressions of Tumor protein p53 (p53), Caspase 3, Microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B (LC3B), and Sequestosome 1 (p62) were reduced. Fluorescence intensities of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule (Iba-1) and dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) were enhanced, indicating decreased microglial activation and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production due to naloxone treatment. Cognitive function tests revealed improved performance in TBI mice treated with naloxone, demonstrated by decreased alteration rates in the Y-maze test and improved preference index scores in the novel object recognition (NOR) test. Conclusions: Naloxone shows potential for neuroprotection and enhanced cognitive performances, which may be associated with modulation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling in a mouse model of moderate TBI. Full article

Heavy metals in agricultural systems pose a significant challenge to food security, especially in regions with long-term intensive land use. While the Pannonian Plain represents Croatia’s primary breadbasket, accounting for a significant portion of the nation’s cereal production, data on the soil-to-grain transfer of heavy metals and the associated human exposure risk are limited. The objective of this study was (i) to determine the concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) in agricultural soils and corresponding grains (wheat, barley, and maize) across four principal counties within the Pannonian region of Croatia; (ii) to evaluate the soil-to-grain transfer factors that varied regionally and among cereal types; and (iii) to assess the potential non-carcinogenic health risks for both adults and children highlighting differences in exposure due to body weight and consumption patterns. Soil and cereal grain samples were collected in 2019 and 2020, and metal concentrations were determined by ICP-MS after microwave acid digestion. The transfer of metals from soil to grain was estimated using the transfer factor (TF), while exposure assessment was conducted by calculating the estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotient (HQ), and hazard index (HI). Due to the nonlinear distribution of the data and the lack of strictly matched soil and grain samples, median metal concentrations pooled across all studied regions were used for exposure assessment. For As, a conservative approach was applied, assuming that 50% of the total As is in inorganic form. Additionally, a probabilistic risk assessment using Monte Carlo simulations was conducted to account for variability in body weight and cereal intake, providing a more comprehensive evaluation of potential exposure. The results showed differences in metal accumulation among cereal species, with wheat and barley tending to accumulate more Cd than maize, while As and Pb concentrations in grains were low for all crops studied. Although soil metal concentrations in Međimurje County were generally low, elevated TF values for As and Pb were observed, indicating enhanced soil-to-plant transfer under specific local soil conditions. In contrast, high soil metal concentrations in Slavonski Brod–Posavina County were associated with low TF values, suggesting limited bioavailability and restricted transfer to cereal grains. Both deterministic and probabilistic assessments indicated that the HQ and HI for adults and children were below 1, suggesting low non-carcinogenic risk from cereal consumption. These findings highlight pronounced regional and crop-specific differences in soil-to-plant metal transfer and confirm that low soil contamination does not necessarily imply low transfer potential, emphasizing the importance of integrated soil–plant–grain monitoring for food safety assessment. Full article

Vibrations of thin sheet-metal parts during robotic manipulation on a production line create a number of serious challenges for production process planning. Modeling the behavior of an elastic plate or shell as a function of the robot manipulator trajectory is typically performed using the finite element method (FEM) and requires significant computational effort. The time factor remains a key limitation for integrating operations involving flexible parts into the virtual commissioning process. In this work, a methodology is proposed that enables accurate real-time reproduction of the behavior of an elastic part during linear robotic manipulation. The approach is based on modeling the response of an elastic part to a prescribed base excitation using the FEM and on the development of a reduced model compliant with the FMI/FMU standard. This reduced model computes, in real time, the convolution of the precomputed base response with the acceleration profile corresponding to the robot TCP trajectory. This makes it possible to determine the total cycle duration, which consists of the part transfer time and the time required for vibration decay at the end of the trajectory down to an acceptable threshold, as well as to perform collision checking while accounting for the deformation of the flexible part. As a result, operations involving elastic parts can be integrated into the virtual commissioning process. Full article

Reconciling economic growth with environmental protection continues to represent a central global challenge. As one of the world’s largest developing economies, China has advanced an ecological civilization strategy that offers a unique opportunity to evaluate how national policy can shape sustainable development trajectories. This study assesses whether China’s ecological civilization construction enhances urban green total factor productivity (GTFP). Using panel data for 283 Chinese cities (2006–2019), this study identifies ecological civilization pilot cities through a standardized and reproducible protocol, measures urban GTFP using the Global Malmquist–Luenberger (GML) index and estimates policy effects with a multi-period difference-in-differences (DID) design that accounts for staggered implementation and overlapping policies. The results indicate that urban GTFP exhibited an overall upward but fluctuating trend during the study period, with regional growth rates ranking East > Central > West and a tendency toward convergence in recent years. The analysis further indicates that national ecological civilization construction policies exert a statistically significant and positive effect on urban GTFP, with the findings remaining robust to parallel trend tests and multiple robustness checks. The promotion effect displays marked regional heterogeneity, being strongest in western cities, followed by eastern and central regions, and remains positive across different urban contexts, including resource-based and non-resource-based cities as well as cities within and outside the Yangtze River Economic Belt. Mechanism analysis further reveals that the policy effect operates primarily through industrial upgrading and green technological innovation, whereas the industrial structure rationalization channel is not statistically significant. Overall, this study provides a transparent and reproducible framework for pilot city identification and causal evaluation, offering policy-relevant insights for differentiated and region-specific ecological governance aimed at balanced regional development, industrial upgrading, and green technological innovation. Full article

Background/Aim: Dental caries is a multifactorial disease influenced by dietary habits, lifestyle factors, and host biochemical processes. Oxidative stress and advanced glycation end products (AGEs) have been implicated in oral and systemic pathophysiology, but their combined association with caries experience remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the relationships between caries indices, diet, smoking, oxidative stress markers, and AGEs in adults. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on adults enrolled in the SALIVAGES project (2018–2020). Dental status was assessed using the DMFT index. Dietary habits and smoking status were recorded using a validated questionnaire. Oxidative stress parameters (TAC, TOS, OSI, NO, MDA, total thiols) and AGEs (FruLys, MG-H1, CML, CEL, Pyr, Arg, Lys) were quantified in saliva and plasma. Associations were analyzed using correlation tests and multivariable regression models (α = 0.05). Results: The mean DMFT was 21.89 ± 7.13, with missing teeth predominating. Caries experience was significantly associated with oxidative stress, AGEs, diet, and lifestyle. Higher decay scores were associated with increased NO and total thiols and reduced antioxidant capacity. Several salivary AGE-related biomarkers (FruLys, MG-H1, CML, and CEL) were negatively associated with the decay index. Sugary beverages, refined carbohydrates, pastries, and donuts were strongly positively associated with the decay index, whereas wholemeal bread showed an inverse association with caries indices. Smoking was independently associated with higher decay and DMFT values, corresponding to an approximately three-unit higher DMFT score. Conclusions: Caries experience in adults is associated with dietary, lifestyle, and biochemical factors. Sugar intake and smoking showed the strongest associations with caries indices, while oxidative stress parameters and selected salivary AGE-related biomarkers showed weaker but significant inverse associations with decay. These findings support preventive strategies targeting diet quality, smoking cessation, and redox balance to reduce oral disease burden. Full article

Light spectrum is a crucial environmental factor influencing plant growth and secondary metabolite production in controlled-environment agriculture. This study investigated the combined effects of light spectral composition on growth performance and andrographolide accumulation in Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) cultivated in a plant factory system. Two Thai cultivars, RBR and TTT, were grown under white light and various red–green–blue (R:G:B) LED ratios during the vegetative and flowering stages. Plant morphological traits, biomass accumulation, and andrographolide derivatives (AP1, AP4, AP6, and total AP) were quantified. Growth and biomass production were significantly enhanced under white light and red-enriched spectra, particularly during the vegetative stage, whereas stem elongation exhibited reduced sensitivity to light spectral quality during the flowering stage. In contrast, andrographolide accumulation showed a strong cultivar-dependent response to light spectrum. The TTT cultivar showed pronounced increases in AP1, AP4, AP6, and total AP under blue-enriched spectra, with the 60B:10G:30R treatment producing the highest total diterpenoid content in both cultivars, while the RBR cultivar displayed limited responsiveness to spectral variation. These results demonstrate light spectrum affecting both biomass production and phytochemical accumulation. Optimization of light spectral composition combined with appropriate cultivar selection offers an effective strategy for enhancing pharmaceutical-grade andrographolide production in plant factory systems. Full article

Olive tree cultivation occupies a central place in Algerian agriculture and is of considerable economic and cultural importance. Several production factors strongly influence the quality of olive oil. Among the determinants of this quality, the vegetative growth of the olive tree plays a crucial role, as it controls photosynthetic capacity, the distribution of assimilates, and fruit filling. These physiological mechanisms directly influence oil percentage, as well as fatty acid and phenolic compound compositions, and consequently, sensory characteristics such as bitterness and pungency. This study examines the quantitative relationships between vegetative growth, chemical parameters, and sensory attribute interactions that are still poorly understood using seven representative olive cultivars: local varieties (Chemlal, Bouchouk Lafayette, Blanquette de Guelma, Sigoise, and Limli) and European varieties (Frantoio and Belgentéroise). Vegetative growth was characterized by the average shoot length; fruit oil content was expressed as a percentage on a dry basis, and fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography after derivatization. The total polyphenol content was determined by spectrophotometry and expressed as concentration, and oxidative stability was measured using the Rancimat method. Sensory analysis was conducted by a trained panel in accordance with international recommendations. The results indicate substantial positive correlations between vegetative growth parameters, oil concentration, olive oil composition, and those sensory attributes related to polyphenols, for all varieties studied. This functional consistency suggests that improvement in one parameter is generally associated with improvement in others. The Algerian variety Chemlal stands out for its optimal performance profile in agronomic, chemical, and sensory aspects compared to the other varieties. These preliminary results suggest that optimizing oil characteristics is directly linked to the physiological and biochemical performance of the olive tree, thus confirming the relevance of a systems approach in the selection and management of olive varieties. Full article

Skeletal muscle myogenesis is a crucial factor influencing meat production in livestock. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a significant role in skeletal muscle myogenesis. The objective of this study was to identify key miRNAs involved in the process of goat skeletal muscle satellite cell (MuSC) differentiation into myotubes. We performed miRNA expression profiling analysis during the proliferation phase (cultured in growth medium, GM) and the differentiation phase (cultured in differentiation medium for 1 day and 5 days, classified as DM1 and DM5, respectively) of goat skeletal muscle satellite cells (MuSCs). A total of 1846 miRNAs were identified in MuSC samples, of which 677 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were screened through pairwise comparisons across three groups (GM vs. DM1, GM vs. DM5, and DM1 vs. DM5), and the results were further confirmed by a quantitative real-time PCR assay. Time-series expression profiling facilitated the categorization of the DEmiRNAs into eight distinct clusters, one of which demonstrated a significantly downregulated expression pattern (p < 0.05). Functional enrichment analysis revealed that the target genes of DEmiRNAs are involved in several pathways that are critical for myogenesis, including Hippo, TGF-β, MAPK and cell adhesion molecules. Interaction network analysis identified 19 miRNAs and 56 mRNAs associated with muscle cell development. Notably, novel-m0047-5p emerged as a key regulator, exhibiting strong negative correlations (r = −0.88 to −0.89, q < 0.01) with muscle-related target genes FOSB, CPT1B, and MYOZ2. These findings elucidate miRNA-mediated regulatory networks in goat myogenesis and provide candidate molecular targets for genetic improvement of meat production traits. Full article

Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus var. altilis DC.) is a Mediterranean crop valued for biomass production and bioactive compounds; however, information on the use of biostimulants in soilless systems remains limited. This study evaluated the effects of two biostimulants, a legume-derived protein hydrolysate (PH) and an Ascophyllum nodosum seaweed extract (SW), applied as weekly foliar sprays, on growth, physiological performance, mineral composition, and phytochemical traits of cardoon cultivated in a floating system. Biostimulant application significantly affected plant performance, inducing distinct treatment-dependent responses. Both PH and SW increased fresh and dry biomass compared with untreated plants. SW predominantly promoted vegetative growth, chlorophyll content, and nutrient accumulation, whereas PH markedly enhanced nutraceutical quality by increasing total phenolic content and antioxidant activity, reaching 64.4 mg GAE g⁻¹ dry extract and the lowest IC₅₀ value (172 µg mL⁻¹). Harvest timing modulated the magnitude of biostimulant effects, with maximum biomass yield observed at intermediate developmental stages (up to 8.17 kg m⁻²), while phenolic concentration and antioxidant capacity declined at later stages. Multivariate analyses confirmed that PH and SW induced complementary metabolic strategies. Overall, the biostimulant type emerged as the primary driver of plant response, with harvest timing acting as a modulating factor. Targeted biostimulant management, therefore, represents a promising strategy for optimizing the productivity and phytochemical quality of cardoon in soilless cultivation systems. Full article