Search Results (436)

Resistance spot welding (RSW) is one of the dominant joining processes in body-in-white manufacturing within the automotive industry, while the use of aluminum alloys continues to increase. This study investigates the influence of key process parameters on the spot diameter in RSW of the aluminum alloys EN AW-5182 (AL5-STD) and EN AW-6005 (AL6-HDI). Experiments were performed using industry-standard robotic welding equipment in a partially automated welding cell. Welding current, electrode force, sheet thickness (1–3 mm), and adhesive application were systematically varied. The welded joints were evaluated by destructive testing to determine spot diameter. The results show that higher welding currents increase the spot diameter for both alloys, while higher electrode forces decrease it. EN AW-5182 exhibited a high tendency toward expulsion, whereas no expulsions occurred for EN AW-6005 under identical conditions. The application of the structural adhesive BETAMATE™ 1640 consistently increased the spot diameter. Full article

A comprehensive two-year investigation (2024–2025) was conducted across Northeast China’s crucial grain production base to assess the status of maize diseases. Field surveys spanning three provinces and Inner Mongolia revealed a significant shift in the regional disease profile, with diagnosis performed by experienced personnel based on characteristic field symptoms. The results demonstrated that maize white spot (MWS) has emerged as a severe new threat, recording remarkably high disease severity indices exceeding 80 at multiple locations (e.g., LDD25-1: 86.83). Concurrently, gray leaf spot (GLS) was confirmed as the most prevalent foliar disease, forming stable areas of high severity in the eastern mountainous regions where its disease indices consistently surpassed 60 (e.g., LFS25-1: 65.26), thereby exceeding the impact of northern corn leaf blight. In contrast, stalk rot (SR) maintained a low field incidence rate below 10%, while other diseases such as Curvularia leaf spot and maize eyespot were only observed locally or were absent during the 2025 survey period. These findings underscore the emergence of MWS as a critical threat and affirm the dominant status of GLS, offering a scientific foundation for prioritizing disease management strategies in the region. Full article

This study investigates the weak-form efficiency of South Africa’s summer grain spot markets, focusing on white maize, yellow maize, sunflower, and soybean. Using daily log return data from 2007 to 2025, we apply autocorrelation, Portmanteau (Q), and heteroskedasticity-robust Lo–MacKinlay variance ratio tests, along with Bai–Perron structural break analysis, Pesaran–Timmermann directional accuracy tests, and mean return per trade calculations. Results reveal significant short-term serial dependence and mean-reverting behaviour across all commodities, indicating partial predictability and deviations from weak-form efficiency. Structural break analysis identifies multiple regimes within the price series, showing that market dynamics are not constant over time. Directional accuracy and MRP results indicate that while some predictability exists, the economic gains from exploiting past prices are small and likely insufficient to overcome trading frictions. These findings suggest that price adjustments are gradual rather than instantaneous, reflecting structural and operational market frictions such as limited liquidity, low adoption of electronic trading, and constrained transparency. Enhancing digital trading platforms, improving real-time price reporting, and investing in storage and logistics could strengthen price discovery and reduce transaction costs. The study provides insights into emerging agricultural markets and highlights the importance of considering market structure when evaluating efficiency. Full article

White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) remains one of the most devastating pathogens in global shrimp aquaculture, causing massive economic losses annually. This study employed comparative transcriptomics to elucidate the molecular basis of the differential resistance to WSSV between the highly susceptible Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) and the remarkably resistant oriental river prawn (Macrobrachium nipponense). Our analysis of gill, hepatopancreas, and muscle tissues at 24 h post-infection revealed fundamentally distinct defense strategies. The resistant M. nipponense employs a unique “proactive homeostatic reinforcement” strategy, characterized by significant enrichment of pathways central to cellular homeostasis, including signal transduction, cellular processes, and transport/catabolism. This approach, supported by coordinated up-regulation of heat shock proteins and structural genes, enables effective viral control without triggering excessive immune activation. In contrast, susceptible L. vannamei displays either widespread metabolic dysregulation leading to systemic collapse in moribund individuals or dependency on specific immune pathways (Toll-like receptor signaling and apoptosis) in survivors. Through comparative KEGG analysis, we identified heat shock protein 70 kDa (HSP70, K03283) as a key conserved gene and functionally validated its critical role in antiviral defense using RNA interference. Knockdown of HSP70 in M. nipponense significantly increased cumulative mortality and viral load, confirming its essential protective function. These findings provide novel insights into crustacean antiviral immunity and identify promising genetic targets for breeding WSSV-resistant shrimp strains, offering sustainable solutions for disease management in aquaculture. Full article

Background: White spot lesions (WSLs) are characterized by enamel demineralization. Minimally invasive treatments using infiltrating resins, such as the commercially available Icon^®, are recommended. The need for such treatments justifies ongoing research into developing materials that can address existing limitations regarding strength, durability, and biocompatibility. Objectives: This study aimed to synthesize and characterize four novel nanobiomaterials by evaluating their physicochemical properties and biocompatibility compared to the commercial material Icon^®. Materials and methods: The recipes for the experimental nanobiomaterials NB3, NB6, NB3F, and NB6F contain varying proportions of TEGDMA, UDMA, HEMA, Bis-GMA, and HAF-BaF2 glass. Mechanical and physicochemical characteristics were evaluated, such as flexural strength, measured using the three-point test; water absorption and solubility; fluoride release; polymerization conversion; and residual monomers, assessed using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). In vitro cell viability was assessed via colorimetry using human dysplastic oral keratinocytes (DOKs). Results: NB6 and NB6F demonstrated the greatest polymerization potential. NB3 exhibited the lowest water absorption and solubility due to its hydrophobic nature. Additionally, the inclusion of UDMA enhanced the strength and elasticity of NB3 when compared to NB6. Among the samples with fluoride additives (NB3F and NB6F), the highest fluoride release on day 7 occurred with the material lacking UDMA. In contrast, the NB3F sample containing UDMA released the least amount of fluoride on the same day. In quantitative terms, NB3 and NB6F exhibited the lowest levels of residual monomers, whereas NB6 showed the highest levels. Both NB3 and NB6 were significantly better tolerated by the cells, showing higher cell viability compared to the commercial material Icon^®. Conclusions: The materials’ mechanical and physicochemical properties varied with component proportions, enabling identification of a suitable formulation for targeted clinical applications. Biocompatibility tests showed that the experimental NB3 and NB6 were better tolerated than Icon^®. Furthermore, the incorporation of filler particles improved the mechanical strength of the experimental nanobiomaterials. Full article

Despite significant breakthroughs in the study of microbial physiology, genetics, ecology, and other disciplines related to these fields of science, there are still quite a few “white spots” in this field. The so-called “resting state” of microbial cells leaves great opportunities for researchers. In this review, we have attempted to outline this problem and define its general nature. We have discussed the physiological processes that lead to the transition of microbial cells into various non-culturable states, as well as related terminological issues. We have also outlined the range of medical concerns and the potential for bio-technology. We have attempted to present the material in a way that reflects the historical development of the problem, and therefore, we have not neglected the bibliographic references from a relatively early period. Full article

Visceral white spot disease caused by Pseudomonas plecoglossicida severely threatens marine aquaculture, highlighting the need for effective control strategies. To clarify the role of a novel small RNA, sRNA0024, in bacterial pathogenicity, we constructed an sRNA0024 deletion mutant (ΔsRNA0024) and compared its phenotype and virulence with those of the wild-type strain NZBD9. In vitro assays showed that deletion of sRNA0024 did not affect bacterial growth but significantly reduced biofilm formation and adhesion. In vivo infection experiments in orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) demonstrated that the ΔsRNA0024 mutant had a 3.8-fold higher 50% lethal dose (LD₅₀), improved host survival, and milder splenic lesions than the wild type. Histopathology and host transcriptome analyses revealed weakened activation of complement–coagulation cascades, neutrophil extracellular traps, leukocyte migration, and inflammatory signaling pathways, indicating a lower-intensity immune response. Bacterial transcriptomics showed that deletion of sRNA0024 was associated with reduced luxR expression and attenuated quorum-sensing–associated virulence traits, supporting a possible role for this small RNA in modulating luxR expression and QS-related host immunopathology. These findings identify sRNA0024 as an important contributor to the virulence of P. plecoglossicida and highlight the sRNA0024–luxR module as a potential antivirulence target for controlling visceral white spot disease in aquaculture. Full article

White leaf spot disease [Neopseudocercosporella capsellae (Ellis & Everhart) S.I.R.Videira & P.W.Crous] poses a significant threat to rapeseed production globally. The herbicides atrazine and glyphosate are widely applied to herbicide-tolerant major crops, including rapeseed. Herbicides can affect disease levels directly and indirectly by stressing host plants, influencing pathogens, and altering abiotic and biotic stress levels in the environment. The specific effects of herbicides on the dimorphic pathogen N. capsellae regarding hyphal growth, conidial germination rate, and the morphological transformation from multi-celled hyphae or conidia into numerous single-celled blastospores remain unknown. Hence, studies were performed on two agar media [malt extract agar (MEA) and water agar (WA)] to determine how atrazine and glyphosate, each applied at 1 g a.i. L⁻¹ or the commercial recommended concentrations of 10 and 7.8 g a.i. L⁻¹, respectively, affect these characteristics in four highly pathogenic isolates of N. capsellae. Across a 32-day assessment period, the hyphal growth of all four isolates subcultured individually on MEA or WA was significantly restricted by both concentrations of atrazine and glyphosate. For both atrazine and glyphosate, restriction of hyphal growth was much greater at the higher commercial recommended concentration. Glyphosate restricted hyphal growth more than atrazine for each comparative concentration. Using a mixture of all four isolates, a similar trend of suppression by atrazine or glyphosate occurred in relation to conidial germination and the morphological transformation from multi-celled hyphae or conidia into numerous single-celled blastospores. These new insights into how herbicides constrain hyphal growth, conidial germination, and morphological transformation suggest their potential as a control measure in herbicide-tolerant crops to limit the epidemic spread and development of not only N. capsellae in rapeseed but other dimorphic fungal pathogens as well. Full article

Ichthyophthirius multifiliis poses a significant threat to global aquaculture, yet some fish species exhibit remarkable resistance. This study employed a combined LC-MS-based metabolomics and 16S rRNA gene sequencing approach to investigate the intrinsic mechanisms underlying the differential susceptibility of Percocypris pingi, crucian carp, and yellow catfish. Our results revealed distinct skin molecular and microbial profiles in P. pingi associated with its enhanced resilience. Metabolomic analysis identified a significant upregulation of key antioxidants (L-Glutathione reduced, L-Glutathione oxidized, L-Cysteine-glutathione gisulfide, Uric acid, Histamine, N-Acetylhistamine, and scorbic acid) in P. pingi, most notably L-Glutathione reduced, which was 31- and 59-fold higher than in yellow catfish and crucian carp, respectively. Functional enrichment further highlighted the critical role of enhanced antioxidant capacity (centered on glutathione metabolism) and immune/inflammatory responses in the resistance to I. multifiliis of P. pingi. Concurrently, skin microbiome analysis showed that P. pingi hosted a microbial community distinct from the other two species, with significantly higher α-diversity. Notably, P. pingi skin was significantly depleted of the parasitic bacteria Candidatus_Megaira and Candidatus_Midichloria, which were highly abundant in the susceptible species. Furthermore, predicted metagenomic functions indicated that P. pingi’s microbiota was enriched in fundamental metabolic pathways, whereas the microbiota of crucian carp and yellow catfish was skewed towards disease- and immune-related pathways. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that the superior resistance of P. pingi to I. multifiliis is likely conferred by a synergistic effect of a robust skin antioxidant capacity (primarily driven by glutathione) and a protective skin microbiome that excludes specific parasites. This study provides novel insights into the multi-faceted mechanisms of disease resistance in fish. Full article

Nickel–tungsten carbide (Ni/WC) multi-pass fused cladding layers with different cerium (IV) oxide (CeO₂) contents were applied to Cr12MoV cold work tool steel surfaces using the coaxial powder feeding method for laser cladding. Scanning electron microscopy, energy spectrum analysis, X-ray diffraction, and wear experiments were conducted to study how adding CeO₂ to change the properties of WC-reinforced Ni-base composite coatings in turn alters the microstructure and properties of Cr12MoV cold work tool steel. The results show that laser cladding is effective when the process parameters are as follows: a power of 1500 W, a 24 mm defocusing distance, a 6 mm/s scanning speed, a 5 mm spot diameter, and a powder delivery of 0.1 g/s. Laser-fused cladding coatings are mainly composed of dendrites, crystalline cells, strips, and bulk microstructures. The addition of CeO₂ is effective at improving the microstructure and morphology of the coating—the size and distribution of the reinforcing phase change very significantly, and the shape changes from irregular and lumpy to spherical. With a 2% CeO₂ content, the enhanced phase, now spherical and white, is more diffusely distributed in the tissue. The maximum microhardness of the composite-coated specimen after the addition of CeO₂ is about 986 HV, which is approximately 20% higher than the hardness of the composite coating with no CeO₂ added. Full article

White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) is one of the most devastating viral pathogens affecting shrimp, causing severe economic losses to the global farmed shrimp trade. The globalization of live shrimp trade and waterborne transmission have facilitated the rapid spread of WSSV across major shrimp-producing countries since its initial emergence. The present review gives an updated account of WSSV biology, pathology, transmission dynamics, and recent developments in control measures. The virus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Nimaviridae family, utilizes advanced immune evasion strategies, resulting in severe mortality. Shrimp lack adaptive immunity and hence rely predominantly on innate immunity, which is insufficient to mount an effective response against severe infections. Traditional disease control measures such as augmented biosecurity, selective breeding, and immunostimulants have, despite extensive research, achieved only limited success. New biotechnological tools such as RNA interference, CRISPR-Cas gene editing, and nanotechnology offer tremendous potential for disease mitigation. In parallel, the development of DNA and RNA vaccines targeting WSSV structural proteins, such as VP28, holds significant promise for stimulating the shrimp immune system. This review highlights the urgent need for a convergent approach to sustainable disease management in global shrimp aquaculture, with interdisciplinarity playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of WSSV control. Full article

Delphinus delphis uses the Algeciras–Gibraltar Bay (BA-G) as a feeding and breeding ground, but heavy maritime traffic and recreational fishing increase its exposure to injuries and anthropogenic threats. Over three years, more than 110,000 photographs were collected during 593 sampling days, resulting in a catalogue of 1356 adult individuals identified by dorsal fin markings and the species’ characteristic white patch. The posterior sectors and distal tip of the fin were the most affected by lesions, confirming the impact of local human activities. In addition, 104 putative mother–calf pairs were recorded, highlighting the importance of the BA-G as a breeding area. Individuals with greater dorsal fin damage showed significantly higher recapture frequencies, suggesting that exposure to anthropogenic pressures is associated with greater recurrent detectability. This catalogue, one of the most comprehensive catalogues available for D. delphis worldwide, represents a key tool for long-term monitoring of this population and provides a methodological framework that can be extrapolated to other regions where human pressure increases the marking of individuals. The results reinforce the need for specific management measures in the BA-G, including the establishment of protected areas, as a fundamental step towards conserving this endangered species. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dental caries, one of the most common oral diseases worldwide, represents a major public health concern. Contemporary dentistry has established several non-invasive approaches and resin infiltration, as a micro-invasive path, in the treatment of white spot lesions (WSLs). This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different WSL treatments on enamel surface microhardness. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five intact human premolars extracted upon orthodontic indication and the demineralizing solution composed of acetic acid, monopotassium phosphate and calcium chloride with pH = 4.4 and exposure time 96 h were used. The samples were randomly divided into five groups (n = 15): I—intact enamel (control group); II—artificial white spot lesion; III—artificial WSL treated with fluoride varnish; IV—artificial WSL treated with casein phosphopeptide—amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) paste; V—resin-infiltrated artificial WSL. The surface microhardness was determined using the Oliver–Pharr method and a spherical indenter (Shimadzu Indenter, Kyoto, Japan). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by a Post Hoc test (Bonferroni) was used with a level of significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Resin-infiltrated white spot lesions showed comparable microhardness mean value as the control group: 68.23 (±21.45) and 63.57 (±18.89), respectively (p > 0.05). Also, resin infiltration increased enamel microhardness compared to WSL values, with a statistically significant difference (p < 0.05). Fluoride varnish and CPP-ACP treatment resulted in equivalent values (50.84 ± 14.35 and 50.99 ± 15.31, respectively). Conclusions: Different WSL treatments (fluoride varnish, CPP-ACP and resin infiltration) produced comparable enamel microhardness values. Among the tested agents, resin infiltration resulted in higher microhardness values, while fluoride varnish and CPP-ACP demonstrated equivalent outcomes. Full article

Despite the recognized social and economic importance of common beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), the average grain yield is far below the productive potential of cultivars. This situation is explained by several factors, such as the large number of diseases and pests that affect the crop, some of which cause significant damage. It is estimated that approximately 200 diseases can significantly affect common beans. These can be bacterial, viral, fungal, and nematode-induced. The main bean fungal diseases include anthracnose, angular leaf spot, powdery mildew, gray mold, Fusarium wilt, dry root rot, Pythium root rot, southern blight, white mold, charcoal rot and rust. This review provides a comprehensive overview of eleven major fungal diseases affecting common bean, describing their associated damage, characteristic symptomatology, and the epidemiological factors that favor disease development. It further synthesizes current knowledge on host resistance mechanisms that can be exploited to develop molecularly informed resistant genotypes. The compilation includes characterized resistance genes and mapped quantitative trait loci (QTLs), with details on their chromosomal locations, genetic effects, and potential for use in breeding. Moreover, the review highlights successful applications of molecular breeding approaches targeting fungal resistance. Finally, it discusses conclusions and future perspectives for integrating advanced genetic improvement strategies—such as marker-assisted selection, genomic selection, gene editing, and pyramiding—to enhance durable resistance to fungal pathogens in common bean. This work serves as both a reference for forthcoming resistance-mapping studies and a guide for the strategic selection of resistance loci in breeding programs aimed at developing cultivars with stable and long-lasting fungal resistance. Full article

Anti-lipopolysaccharide factors (ALFs) are an important molecular category within the antimicrobial peptide family. They play a crucial role in resisting pathogen infections and are of importance in the innate immune system of shrimp. A novel ALF-like gene was identified from L. vannamei in this study. Its expression profile was investigated after WSSV infection. Results demonstrated that the mRNA transcription level of the ALF-like gene was significantly upregulated in hemocytes, hepatopancreas, gills, and intestines of L. vannamei. When the mRNA transcription level of the ALF-like gene was inhibited, the expression levels of key WSSV genes (VP 28 and IE 1) were significantly upregulated, accompanied by a decrease in shrimp survival rate. Meanwhile, the expression of genes involved in the apoptotic pathway (Lv-Caspase 3, Lv-Caspase 8, and Lv-Bcl 2) and antioxidant enzyme pathway (Lv-GST, Lv-CAT, Lv-Prx, Lv-GPX, and Lv-SOD) was also significantly increased. Flow cytometry further revealed that the hemocyte apoptosis rate induced by WSSV infection was reduced when the transcription level of the target gene was inhibited. These results indicate that the Lv-ALF-like gene plays an important regulatory role in the resistance of L. vannamei to WSSV infection, and studying the function of this gene is of great significance for disease prevention and control of shrimp. Full article