Search Results (9,239)

The aim of our study was to make one step further to verify a method that can turn back mycotoxin-contaminated crops into the circular economy. Thus, the possibility of utilizing aflatoxin B1 (AfB1)-contaminated corn by yellow mealworms (Tenebrio molitor) was investigated to be used as fish feed components. Four different self-contaminated corn samples were used in our study, of which one was below and three were above the threshold limit (20 µg/kg) regulated by the European Union. The highest applied AfB1 concentration in our study for insect feeding was 415 µg/kg (more than twenty times higher than the threshold). After a five-week feeding period insect mortality was not increased, even in the highly contaminated group, compared to the negative control. The mycotoxin in the dried and ground insects was only detected in the case of feeding with the highest-concentration corn, however it remained as low as 2.2 µg/kg. For studying the possible physiology effects, insect grounds were used in feeding experiments of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fries. Results showed that insect meal, even if originated from a highly mycotoxin-contaminated crop, did not have a significant effect on the examined fish fries, compared with the control groups. The AfB1 concentrations of the leftover frass after insect rearing were also measured, and in the case of the highest concentration mealworm group, it was 157.6 µg/kg (other groups were under 20 µg/kg). Toxicity of frass extracts from different contaminated groups was also studied using microinjected zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. Extracts of the highly contaminated frass samples caused 91.67 ± 3.33% mortality and led to numerous phenotypic changes, which highlights the need for responsible usage of the by-product. However, the effects of injected frass samples, originating from corn with lower and more environmentally relevant AfB1 concentrations, were significantly lower. Full article

Conventional ridging and mulching machines struggle to perform effectively in yellow sand substrates due to their loose texture, high collapsibility, and strong fluidity, which compromise ridge stability and operational quality. To address these challenges, this study proposes the development of an integrated rotary tillage, ridging, and film-mulching machine specifically designed to meet the agronomic requirements of tomato cultivation in greenhouse environments with yellow sand substrate. Based on theoretical analysis and parameter calculations, a soil transportation model was established, and the key structural parameters—such as blade arrangement and helical shaft geometry—were determined. A discrete element method (DEM) simulation was employed to construct a contact model for the yellow sand–slag mixed substrate. A combination of single-factor experiments and Box–Behnken response surface methodology was used to investigate the effects of forward speed, shaft rotational speed, and tillage depth on ridge stability and operational performance. The simulation results indicated that a forward speed of 0.82 m·s⁻¹, shaft speed of 260 rpm, and tillage depth of 150 mm yielded the highest ridge stability, with an average of 95.7%. Field trials demonstrated that the ridge top width, base width, height, and spacing were 598.6 mm, 802.3 mm, 202.4 mm, and 1002.8 mm, respectively, with an average ridge stability of 94.3%, differing by only 1.4 percentage points from the simulated results. However, a quantitative traction/energy comparison with conventional equipment was not collected in this study, and we report this as a limitation. The energy consumption is estimated based on power usage and effective field capacity (EFC) under similar operating conditions. Soil firmness reached 152.1 kPa, fully satisfying the agronomic requirements for tomato cultivation. The proposed machine significantly improves operational adaptability and ridge stability in yellow sand substrate conditions, providing robust equipment support for efficient greenhouse farming. Full article

In May 2025, a female giraffe in poor body condition died unexpectedly at a zoo in Henan Province, China. A bacterial strain, designated HN-1, was isolated from the heart, liver, spleen, lungs, and kidneys of the deceased animal. After 24 h of incubation at 37 °C on Luria–Bertani (LB) agar, the colonies appeared round, smooth, pale yellow, translucent, and raised. Gram staining revealed that the isolate was a Gram-positive, rod-shaped, and non-spore-forming bacterium. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing, the strain showed more than 99.7% homology with reference sequences of E. mexicanum from various sources in GenBank. The results of the susceptibility test showed that E. mexicanum was susceptible to levofloxacin, clindamycin, chloramphenicol, trimethoprim, rifampicin, tetracycline, minocycline, gentamicin, erythromycin, and doxycycline, but resistant to oxacillin, penicillin, ciprofloxacin, and linezolid. These findings provide valuable insights for the diagnosis and treatment of infections caused by E. mexicanum in giraffes. Full article

Analyzing the characteristics of soil salinization and conducting risk assessments are crucial for ensuring the sustainable development of agriculture and ecosystems. In order to analyze the characteristics of soil salinization and conduct a risk assessment in the Yellow River Delta region, 63 surface soil samples and 37 groundwater samples were collected from this area in August 2023. Based on the test results of the samples and using soil salt content as the criterion, the types, degrees, and risks of soil salinization in the Yellow River Delta region were analyzed separately. The results revealed a relatively high average soil salt content of 4.59 g/kg, with Na⁺ and Cl⁻ as the dominant ions. The primary salinization types were chloride and sulfate-chloride, covering 46.69% and 51.54% of the area, respectively. Moderate salinization was the most widespread, accounting for 45.35% of the region. Severe salinization, extremely severe salinization classes were mainly found in the coastal lowlands of the north and east, constituting 19.73% and 16.25% of the area, respectively. Groundwater exhibited transitional freshwater-saltwater characteristics, indicating widespread seawater intrusion across the region, which significantly contributed to soil salinity. Proximity to the Bohai Sea was the most critical factor influencing salinization, with areas closer to the sea showing a higher risk. High-risk zones, primarily along the coastline, covered 32.67% of the total area. The research findings can serve as valuable references for local wetland management and protection, the scientific enhancement of saline soils, rational soil utilization, effective prevention and control of soil salinization, and the sustainable development of water and soil resources. Full article

The ability of common carp to withstand both short-term and long-term oxygen deprivation has been well documented; however, the potential genetic mechanisms behind common carp’s hypoxia response remain unclear. Therefore, to understand the possible genetic foundation of their response to hypoxia, comparative genomic analyses were conducted among six common carp varieties: Color, Songpu, European, Yellow, Mirror, and Hebao common carps. We identified 118 single-copy orthologous positively selected genes (PSGs) (dN/dS > 1) in all common carps under study, with GO functions directly related to the cellular responses to hypoxia in Color and European common carp PSGs, such as oxygen transport activity, oxygen binding activity, respiratory burst activity, and superoxide anion production. The Bayes Empirical Bayes (BEB) technique identified possible amino acid substitutions in mitochondrial and hypoxic genes under positive selection. Exonic and intronic structural variations (SVs) were discovered in the CYGB2 hypoxia-related gene of Color and European common carps, as well as in several mitochondrial genes, including MRPL20, MRPL32, NSUN3, GUF1, TMEM17B, PDE12, ACAD6, and COX10 of Color, European, Songpu, Yellow, and Hebao common carps. Moreover, Color common carp and Songpu common carp were found to share the greatest percentage of collinear genes (49.8%), with seven Songpu common carp chromosomes (chr A2, chr A9, chr A13, chr B13, chr B15, chr B2, and chr B12) showing distinct translocation events with the corresponding chromosomes of Color common carp. Additionally, we found 570 translocation sites that contained 3572 translocation-related genes in Color common carp, some of which are directly relevant to mitochondrial and hypoxic GO functions and KEGG pathways. Our results offer strong genome-wide evidence of the possible evolutionary response of Cyprinus carpio to hypoxia, providing important insights into the potential molecular mechanisms that explain their survival in hypoxic environments and guiding future research into carp hypoxia tolerance. Full article

In this work, hydrogel nanocomposites, as films, were prepared by embedding cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂NPs) within xanthan gum (Xn)/poly(vinylalcohol) (PVA) matrices. Their physicochemical properties were tuned by adjusting the ratio between components and thermal treatment conditions. The cross-linking of the polymer network was confirmed by attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), thermal analysis, and swelling behavior. Morphological features were evaluated by atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while optical properties were investigated by UV–Vis spectroscopy. Undoped films displayed high transparency (~80% transmittance at 400 nm), with thermal cross-linking determined only slight yellowing and negligible changes in absorption edge (300 ± 2 nm). In contrast, CeO₂NPs incorporation increased reflectance and introduced a new absorption threshold around 400 ± 2 nm, indicating nanoparticle–matrix interactions that modify optical behavior. Sorption studies with Methylene Blue (MB) and Crystal Violet (CV) dyes highlighted the influence of nanoparticle content and cross-linking on functional performance, with thermally treated samples showing the highest efficiency (~97–98% MB and 71–83% CV removal). Overall, the results demonstrate how structural tailoring and cross-linking control the characteristics of Xn/PVA/CeO₂ nanocomposites, providing insight into their design as multifunctional hydrogel materials for environmental applications. Full article

The Huangshui River Basin is located in the transition zone between the Loess Plateau and the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, characterized by a fragile hydrological and ecological environment. Groundwater serves as a vital water source for local economic development and human livelihood. With the acceleration of urbanisation and climate change, groundwater resources face challenges such as pollution and over-exploitation. This study employs an improved DRASTIC model, tailored to the characteristics of the groundwater system in the Huangshui River Valley of the upper Yellow River, to integrate groundwater resources, groundwater environment, and ecological environment systems. Improving the DRASTIC model for groundwater vulnerability assessment. A two-tiered evaluation system with nine indicator parameters was proposed, including six groundwater quality vulnerability indicators and five groundwater quantity vulnerability indicators. Fuzzy analytic hierarchy process and entropy weight method were used to determine the weights, and Geographic Information System (GIS) spatial analysis was employed to evaluate groundwater vulnerability in the Huangshui River basin in 2006 and 2021. The results indicate that the proportion of areas with high groundwater quality vulnerability increased from 10.7% in 2006 to 31.57% in 2021, while the proportion of areas with high groundwater quantity vulnerability decreased from 22.33% to 14.02%. Overall, groundwater quality vulnerability in the Huangshui River basin is increasing, while groundwater quantity vulnerability is decreasing. Based on the evaluation results of water quality and quantity vulnerability, protection zoning maps for water quality and quantity were compiled, and preventive measures and recommendations for water quality and quantity protection zones were proposed. Human activities have a significant impact on groundwater vulnerability, with land use types and groundwater extraction coefficients having the highest weights. This study provides a scientific basis for the protection and sustainable use of groundwater in the Huangshui River basin. Full article

Larimichthys polyactis, a key species in East Asian coastal ecosystems, shows distinct seasonal changes in density distribution, shaped by environmental factors and migratory behaviors of two dominant populations (East China Sea and South Yellow Sea). This study explored its 2023 density dynamics in Zhejiang coastal waters using quarterly surveys across 83 stations, combined with generalized additive models (GAM) and random forest (RF) models. Results showed that RF outperformed GAM overall, with bottom dissolved oxygen (SBO), salinity, and depth as the most influential environmental drivers. Density peaked in summer (77.88 thousand ind./km²) in central and northern offshore areas, dominated by the South Yellow Sea population migrating into the region. Autumn densities (3.76 thousand ind./km²) declined sharply as populations moved to overwintering grounds, while spring (0.41 thousand ind./km²) and winter (0.26 thousand ind./km²) densities were lowest. These findings highlight the role of seasonal environmental filters and population-specific migrations in shaping distribution patterns. RF models provide robust tools for predicting habitats, supporting seasonally tailored conservation strategies to protect critical spawning, foraging, and overwintering areas, which are vital for the sustainable management of this ecologically and economically important species. Full article

The effect of varying sodium alginate (SA) concentrations (1%, 2%, and 3%; SA1–SA3) on the encapsulation of tangerine (Citrus reticulata Blanco ‘Cho Khun’) peel extract (TPE, 0.5% w/v) into hydrogel beads was evaluated. Overall, the results showed that increasing SA concentration significantly altered bead characteristics: lightness (L*) decreased from 56.35 to 45.57, red-green axis (a*) shifted negatively from −1.32 to −6.87, and yellow-blue axis (b*) increased from −17.81 to 6.41. Moisture content (97.85% to 93.16%) and water activity (0.96 to 0.93) declined with higher SA, while hardness increased (4.12 to 5.17 g). ζ-potential values shifted from −29.10 mV (SA1) to −39.10 mV (SA3), confirming enhanced electrostatic stabilization. FTIR spectra revealed characteristic alginate functional groups, and morphological analysis showed smoother, denser beads at higher SA concentrations. Phenolic (47.86–48.51 mg GAE g⁻¹ DW) and flavonoid (34.02–36.68 mg QE g⁻¹ DW) contents were well-retained, supporting antioxidant activities (DPPH 70.34–72.54%; ABTS 65.66–66.91%). Antimicrobial tests demonstrated > 4-log reductions against E. coli and P. aeruginosa. Sensory evaluation revealed that higher SA concentrations improved texture and taste. Overall, SA encapsulation, particularly at 3%, effectively stabilized TPE, preserving its functional properties for potential food and nutraceutical applications. Full article

The Nile, Indus, and Yellow River deltas are historically significant and have experienced extensive shoreline changes over the past 50 years, yet the roles of human interventions and natural events remain unclear. In this study, the Net Shoreline Movement and End Point Rate (EPR) were calculated to quantify the erosion and accretion of the shoreline, respectively. Subsequently, linear trend analysis was employed to identify potential directional shifts in shoreline behavior. These measures are combined with segment-scale cumulative area and the EPR trend to reveal where erosion or accretion intensifies, weakens, or reverses through time. Results show distinct, system-specific trajectories, the Nile lost ~27 km² from 1972 to1997 as a result of the dam construction and sediment reduction, and lost only ~3 km² more from 1997 to 2022, with local stabilization. The Indus switched from intermittent gains before 1990s to sustained loss after that, totaling ~300 km² of cumulative land loss mainly due to upstream dam constructions and storm events. The Yellow River gained ~500 km² from 1973 to 1996 then lost ~200 km² after main-channel relocation and reduced sediment supply despite active-mouth management. These outcomes indicate that deltas are very vulnerable to system wide human activities and natural events. Combined, satellite-derived metrics can help prioritize locations, guide feasible interventions, establish annual monitoring and trigger action. A major caveat of this study is that yearly shoreline rates and 5–10-yearaverages can mask short-lived or very local shifts. Targeted field surveys and finer-scale modeling (hydrodynamics, subsidence monitoring, bathymetry) are therefore needed to refine the design and inform better policy choices. Full article

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of fractionation by sieving on cold-pressed camelina cake by separating it into particle-sized fractions and evaluating their nutritional and functional properties. Two Camelina sativa varieties, NS Zlatka and NS Slatka, were mechanically cold-pressed using a screw press then ground into flour. The resulting material was fractionated into three particle-sized fractions, >250 µm, 250–180 µm, and <180 µm, using a laboratory dry sieving system. Both the whole cake and the separated fractions were analyzed for proximate composition, amino acid and fatty acid profiles, tocopherol content, antioxidant potential, color characteristics, and water and oil absorption capacities. The results indicated that the finest cake fraction (<180 µm) from both camelina varieties contained the highest content of protein (~40%), fat (17–19%), essential amino acids (~17 g/100 g), γ-tocopherols (254–266 mg/kg), and the lowest content of condensed tannins (0.5–0.9 g/kg). It also displayed a lighter color and increased yellowness. However, it contained the highest concentrations of glucosinolates (24–27 μmol/g) and phytic acid (38–41 g/kg). In contrast, the coarsest fraction (>250 µm) had increased crude fiber content (13–15%), higher antioxidant potential, the greatest water absorption capacity, and a darker color with a more pronounced reddish color. It also contained the lowest levels of glucosinolates (19–21 μmol/g) and phytic acid (17–20 g/kg). In conclusion, whole camelina cake and its fractions demonstrate considerable potential for use in animal feed and a variety of human nutritional products, due to their favorable nutritional composition and functional properties. Fine fractions with high levels of antinutritional compounds could be used as a substrate for the extraction of bioactive compounds and may find further application in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Full article

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare dried apple (A), chokeberry (C), grape (G), raspberry (R), and red currant (RC) pomace as potential additives to food, beverages, and cosmetics. Their physicochemical properties and nutritional composition were examined. The fruit pomace was characterised by significant differences in acidity ranging 1.41 (G) to 7.96 g·100 g⁻¹_d.w. (R), water holding capacity (2.36–4.25 g·g⁻¹, C-A), and oil holding capacity (1.86–2.41 g·g⁻¹, C-G). The colour parameters of the pomace differed significantly. The highest lightness L* was recorded for the apple pomace (66.29). Samples RC and R were characterised by the highest redness (32.99; 26.76), while A, G, and R showed high b* values, amounting to 28.54, 22.84, and 20.40 (yellowness), respectively. The highest protein (13.01%), fat (6.82%), and fibre (67.38%) contents were recorded in the redcurrant pomace. The mineral analysis revealed high potassium, phosphorus, and calcium contents in all pomace samples, with the grape and redcurrant pomace containing the highest mineral content. These results highlight the potential of fruit pomace as a sustainable, nutritionally enriching ingredient, primarily for food products, and the potential to reduce food waste. Full article

This work aims to design versatile hybrids fabricated by poly(hydroxypropyl methacrylate-co-glycidyl methacrylate) gels loaded with pristine montmorillonite, P(HPMA-co-GMA)/Mmt, by varying the clay content. Insights into design of epoxy-functional hybrids were provided by combining in situ copolymerization reactions with solution mixing to evaluate the effect of aluminosilicate addition on structure–property changes in (alkyl)methacrylate-based gels. Comprehensive analyses were conducted regarding the composition and structural properties of hybrids in the presence of Mmt. The hybrids exhibited excellent swelling, salt surfactant tolerance, and pH sensitivity depending on the composition. The higher the Mmt concentration, the lower the swelling ratio; however, the compressive moduli did not change monotonically with increasing Mmt from 0.80 to 2.20% (w/v). Dye adsorption revealed the effects of variables (dye type, pH, contact time, concentration) on adsorptive properties of hybrids towards cationic methylene blue (MB) and anionic sunset yellow, allura red, blue brilliant, carmoisine, and tartrazine dyes. Adsorption kinetics of MB obeyed pseudo-second-order model, and the maximum dye adsorption capacity for hybrids increased from 5.01 mg g⁻¹ to 16.42 mg g⁻¹, while adsorption isotherms were defined by the Freundlich model. The proposed hybrids have emerged as alternative materials that enable multiple uses of same adsorbent for the removal of different types of pollutants. Full article

Corn stunt complex, transmitted by the corn leafhopper (Dalbulus maidis), poses significant yield risks to corn production. This study evaluated the effects of two corn hybrids and top-dressed nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) fertilization on D. maidis incidence and corn stunt symptom expression under field conditions. Eighteen treatments were tested in a randomized complete block design with six replications over two seasons. Leafhopper populations were monitored using yellow sticky traps, and symptom incidence and severity were assessed at R₁ and R₃ stages, respectively. While D. maidis populations varied substantially between seasons, neither N nor K fertilization, nor hybrid selection, significantly affected vector abundance. Importantly, symptom frequency and severity were not directly proportional to leafhopper density. Top-dressed fertilization, particularly with K, reduced the visual expression of corn stunt symptoms although it did not prevent infection. Hybrid responses to fertilization varied, with a genotype exhibiting greater symptom mitigation. Grain yield was not significantly influenced by nutrient rates or hybrid choice. These findings suggest that balanced N and K fertilization enhances crop resilience to corn stunt disease without directly suppressing vector populations. Integrating nutritional management with hybrid selection presents a promising strategy to add in corn stunt control and deepens our understanding of the environmental factors that mitigate severe symptoms. Full article