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Copper sulfide nanoparticles application under field condition increases Eruca sativa morpho-physiological response, yield, and biodiesel production for sustainable energy
Abstract Agronomic parameters have been extensively studied under lab conditions to determine effect of nanoparticles (NPs). However, the yield characteristics have not been determined especially to biodiesel producing crops. This study explores the effect of copper sulfide (CuS) NPs on the growth, biochemical properties, productivity, and oil content of Eruca sativa under field condition. The oil extracted from E. sativa seeds was converted to biodiesel via transesterification reaction and analyzed through FT-IR, GC-MS and NMR. Further the fuel properties were compared with international standards. The results demonstrate that CuS NPs markedly improved root (20.23%) and shoot length (21.17%), branches per plant (45.64%), plant biomass (49.46%), siliqua per plant (48.68%), seeds per siliqua, and oil percentage (18.27%) compared to control plants. Atomic absorption spectroscopy depicts that root accumulated maximum Cu followed by shoot and seeds. Biochemical analysis showed that plants treated with CuS NPs had higher level of protein (175.16 mg/kg FW), superoxide dismutase (0.63 nM/min/gFW) and peroxidase (0.74 nM/min/gFW) activities as compared to control plants. The roots and shoots of E. sativa showed enhanced total phenolic content, total flavonoid content, and improved antioxidant activities. The biodiesel yield was up to 85% using 1% KOH as catalyst and 6:1 oil to methanol ratio. FT-IR, NMR and GC-MS analyses of biodiesel indicate that CuS NPs has negligible effect on the biodiesel composition. Fuel properties i.e., pour point, cloud point, flash point, viscosity, density, sulfur content and ash content are found to comply with international standards. This study highlights the potential of CuS NPs in elevating agricultural yield and offers a sustainable approach to biofuel production.
The effects of slope gradient and soil depth on soil physicochemical properties in the Achew small-scale irrigation area, Southwest Ethiopia
For sustainable land management, clear information about landscapes and soil depth is crucial. The purpose of this study was to investigate how slope variation and soil depth affect selected physicochemical properties of soil in the Achewa irrigated area of the Itang Special District in the Gambella region southwest of part of Ethiopia. Soil samples were collected from three topography positions (lower, middle, and upper slope locations) and on both soil samplings (0–20 cm and 20–40 cm). A total of 18 composite soil samples were collected from three slope gradients and two soil depths with three replications by auger for soil physical and chemical properties. Correspondingly, 18 undisturbed samples were taken for soil BD and TP determination by the core sampling method. Standard laboratory methods were used to analyze the collected soil samples. The data were analyzed using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure in SAS version 9.4. The result showed that slope gradients, soil depths, and slope gradients interacting with soil depths had very highly, highly and significant effects on selected soil parameters, exchangeable bases, and extractable micronutrients. The highest percentage of sand fraction (32.00%) and BD (1.37) were recorded on the upper slope gradients. Beside the highest percentage of clay content (58.17%), TP (51.32%), pH (7.28), OM (3.52%), TN (0.21%), AV.P (26 ppm), exchangeable Ca (8.55 mg/l), Na (0.69 mg/l), K (0.43 mg/l), CEC (28.96 cmol (+) kg ⁻ ¹), PBS (56.44%), extractable Fe (15.78 mg kg ⁻ ¹), Mn (11.08 mg kg ⁻ ¹), and Cu (2.82 mg kg-1) were observed on the lower slope gradient, while, except for the sand fraction, BD, and extractable Zn, which are lowest on the lower slope gradients, all the above-listed parameters were lowest on the upper slope gradient. In terms of soil depth, the sand fraction, TP, Av. P, TN, CEC, OM, extractable micronutrients like Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn decreased with increasing soil depth, while the clay content, BD, pH, and exchangeable bases like Ca, Mg, Na, and K were increased with increasing soil depth. Regarding interaction effects, the highest TP, pH, OM, TN, AV.P, CEC, and extractable Mn, were observed on the lower slope gradient of surface (0–20 cm) soil depth. Generally, slope gradient and soil depth, and to some extent the interaction effect of slope gradient with soil depth, cause variations in physicochemical properties of the soil, exchangeable bases, and extractable micronutrients of the study area.
Thermionic emission conduction in Mo AlGaN/GaN diodes in the presence of Schottky barrier inhomogeneities
Bacillin 20, a bacterial derived compound, improves soybean growth, photosynthesis and nutrients content under drought stress conditions
Water scarcity is a global challenge with profound implications, particularly for agriculture, where it undermines crop production by diminishing yields and heightening vulnerability to environmental stresses. This study investigates the impact of Bacillin 20, a derivative of Bacillus thuringiensis , on soybean plant physiology under drought stress, focusing on growth dynamics, photosynthetic activity, and nutrient assimilation. The experimentation was carried out using a factorial structure within a completely randomized design and four replications. Factors included drought levels (control, −0.75 MPa and −1.5 MPa) and Bacillin 20 concentrations (0, 10 −11 M and 10 −9 M). Results indicated that drought stress significantly reduced plant height, leaf area, shoot dry weight, photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration, substomatal CO 2 concentration, nodulation, and root length and volume. Bacillin 20 application had mixed effects, with no significant impact on plant height but increasing leaf area, enhancing shoot dry weight under moderate drought, and improving photosynthetic rate. The interaction between drought and Bacillin 20 was significant, particularly in terms of shoot dry weight and photosynthetic rate. Additionally, Bacillin 20 at 10 −11 M increased root tips by 12.6% and shoot dry weight by 28%; it increased nodule number by 51% only under normal moisture conditions, and decreased it under drought stress. Drought increased leaf N, Mg, Zn, Fe, Mn, and B contents, while Bacillin raised leaf N at −0.75 MPa and decreased Zn and Mn under severe drought (−1.5 MPa). The increased plant N and decreased nodulation under drought suggest enhanced nodule efficiency. Bacillin 20 did not affect P, K, Ca, and S contents, which were influenced solely by drought.
PARP inhibitor and PRMT5 inhibitor synergy is independent of BRCA1/2 and MTAP status in breast cancer cells
Cortical γ-oscillations implement basic language operations: Evidence from electroencephalography in anaphora during english filler-gap dependency processing
Hypotheses about top-down structure building propose that gamma (>30Hz) oscillations support the creation of syntax-semantics objects, contrasting with slow-rhythm entrainment of gamma oscillations tracking semantic fitness in bottom-up chunking. In bi-clausal filler-gap dependencies, like which message regarding/about him did Frank/Diana say__ that Diana/Frank received__ unexpectedly? , wh -fillers link to gap __ sites. Although adjunct noun-phrase modifiers (Mods) like regarding him and noun complements (Comps) like about him have equal contextual fitness, in anaphoric dependencies Mods are biased toward discourse coreference and Comps toward syntactic binding enabled by wh -dependencies. Anaphora resolution across syntax and discourse has been tied to increased power in low- and high-gamma oscillations in retrieval and integration of referential elements. This predicts gamma-range event-related power differences (ERPDs) as anaphora processes for Comps vs. Mods interact with matrix- vs. embedded-clause antecedents at gap sites in embedded-clause wh -dependencies, as clause-edge gaps support Comp-enabled syntax-constrained retrieval of referential elements in binding and as thematic gaps support referential relations into the sentential interpretation. Using cluster-based nonparametric permutation tests, Mod- vs. Comp-based anaphora-linked ERPDs were examined within 30–50 Hz and 50–90 Hz in evoked activity at say__ and received__ in 23 right-handed English speakers to capture cell-assembly formation in the creation of referential relations for Mods vs. Comps in wh -filler re-representations. Gamma-power differences for Mods vs. Comps in N1 antecedent-pronoun match vs. N1 antecedent-pronoun mismatch/N2 antecedent-pronoun match arose 30–50 Hz and 50–60 Hz at say__, and 50–90 Hz at received__ . Mod vs. Comp modulations of anaphora-linked gamma ERPDs at gap sites suggest that gamma oscillations implement referential relations in complex wh -dependencies.
Safety optimization of grab unloaders based on machine vision and 3D coordinate system reconstruction
Defining the elements of a self and peer assessment system for academic institutions of public health in Africa as a precursor to accreditation: A study protocol
Background Current challenges facing the overburdened health systems in Africa, warrant a review of the public health training and development of the health workforce for the attainment of the envisioned global goal of universal health coverage (UHC) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The integral components informing the relevance of public health education in the context of UHC comprise the academic workforce, curricula and the capacity of the academic institutions of public health. This study aims to assess the quality improvement strategies of academic institutions of public health with respect to the curriculum and the academic faculty staff within the WHO African region, in order to develop an institutional self- and peer-assessment tool to ensure the quality of public health education. Methods This study will be a three-phase, multicentre sequential mixed-methods design within the WHO African region, targeting 52 ASPHA (Association of Schools of Public Health in Africa)-affiliated institutions. Phase 1 will comprise a cross-sectional survey to determine the current programme assessment standards. Phase 2 will employ a modified Delphi method to reach consensus on these standards that will comprise a newly developed assessment tool. Phase 3 will pilot the tool through institutional self-assessment. MPH coordinators and department heads will participate. Convenience sampling and electronic questionnaires will be used. Quantitative data will be analysed using STATA 18, and ATLAS.ti for qualitative data. Projected outputs and impact The study findings are envisaged to result in a set of agreed standards reflecting the institutional arrangements to ensure quality postgraduate public health education in Africa. These standards, in the absence of regulation or formal accreditation, will be the basis of a self- and peer-assessment tool to enable the African academic institutions of public health to advance capacity development and monitor progressive educational goals suitable for local health needs, within the global context of the SDG and UHC implementation. Thus, laying the ground for a uniquely African accreditation system. The findings will be shared with the relevant stakeholders; ASPHA, the academic institutions of public health, and the scientific community at conferences and published in accredited journals.
Comparative performance evaluation of machine learning models for predicting the ultimate bearing capacity of shallow foundations on granular soils
Spectroscopic and DFT techniques on the mechanism of scavenging •OH radicals by crocin
This study employed a combined experimental and theoretical approach to elucidate the mechanism of crocin-mediated hydroxyl radical (·OH) scavenging. UV-vis spectroscopy revealed that crocin achieved 32% DPPH radical scavenging efficiency within 60 minutes. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis demonstrated the merging of C5 and C14 proton doublets into a singlet post-reaction, indicating enhanced symmetry in the chemical environment. Computational results indicated a minimal energy gap (0.12 eV) between the LUMO level of crocin and the HOMO level of ·OH, supporting an electron-transfer mechanism. Electrostatic potential and Fukui function analyses localized nucleophilic active sites at C3 and C5 near the conjugated chain methyl groups. Transition state calculations revealed that the activation energy for C3 (972.22 kcal/mol) was slightly lower than that for C5 (973.00 kcal/mol), with the product energy being more stabilized (−11569.99 vs. −12117.20 kcal/mol), confirming C3 as the predominant reactive site. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that crocin eliminates free radicals via synergistic electron transfer and hydrogen bonding, with C3 exhibiting optimal activity. This work provides a theoretical foundation for developing crocin as a natural antioxidant.
Strength, deformation and macro and micro-failure performances of the bolted samples under biaxial compression
Adults with adverse childhood experiences report greater coronavirus anxiety
Background Adults with early life adversity exhibit heightened response to threat signals in the environment, which makes them vulnerable to developing stress-related mental health problems, including anxiety disorders. Yet, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adults who have experienced early life adversity is understudied. Recently, researchers have characterized dysfunctional cognitions about the pandemic, which are associated with negative mental health outcomes, as coronavirus anxiety. We conducted a study to examine the relation between exposure to early life adversity, perceived threat from COVID-19, and coronavirus anxiety. Methods Adults (N = 975; 18–78 years of age; 585 = Women) living in the United States were recruited online in October 2020. Two forms of early life adversity, maltreatment and household dysfunction, were assessed using the Adverse Childhood Experiences scale. Participants’ state anxiety was measured using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and coronavirus anxiety was measured via the Coronavirus Anxiety Scale. Three items were used to measure perceived threat from COVID-19. Additionally, as reduced flexibility is implicated in the development and maintenance of anxiety disorders, participants’ cognitive flexibility was assessed using the Cognitive Flexibility Inventory. Results The data were analyzed using parallel mediation regression analyses. Exposure to early life adversity, in the form of maltreatment and household dysfunction, were the key predictor variables. Coronavirus anxiety and state anxiety were the outcome variables. Perceived threat from COVID-19 and cognitive flexibility were added as parallel mediators into all the regression models. The regression analyses revealed that both perceived threat from COVID-19 and cognitive flexibility mediated the relation between early life adversity and anxiety. The data demonstrate that exposure to early life adversity, in the form of maltreatment or household dysfunction, was associated with higher levels of perceived threat from COVID-19, which, in turn, predicted increased coronavirus anxiety and state anxiety. In contrast, appraisal of everyday challenges as controllable, one of the two types of cognitive flexibility assessed, predicted lower levels of coronavirus anxiety and state anxiety. However, exposure to maltreatment and household dysfunction was associated with reduced cognitive flexibility. Conclusion This study replicates and extends prior research showing that adults with early life adversity experienced increased anxiety during the pandemic. The findings bolster existing theories that highlight the importance of threat appraisal as a mechanism for the development of anxiety disorders in this population. Additionally, this report adds to the limited body of work on the impact of COVID-19 in adults who have experienced early life adversity.
Robust control of robot manipulator dynamics with two stages algorithm of optimal and integral sliding mode approaches
Satellite Remote Sensing Reveals Voluntary Cover-Crop Adoption and Crop-Rotation Hotspots in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain
Government-subsidized programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program and the Conservation Stewardship Program provide financial motivation for adopting cover crops. Nevertheless, many producers have internalized the holistic benefits of cover crops and voluntarily adopted them as a sustainable soil management practice. Yet, little is known about how cover crop adoption propagates beyond the first order link between financial incentives and total adopted cover crop acres. This study examined voluntary adoption of winter cover crops as well as which crop rotations had the highest cover crop use in the Mississippi Alluvial Plain (MAP) region. Cover crop locations were identified using remote sensing technologies, ground-truthed government data sources, and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Cropland Data Layer. Results in this study revealed a 5.3% increase in total voluntary cover crop adoption in the study region from 2013 to 2019. The analysis also revealed four predominant cash crop rotations associated with the use of cover crops, with a soybean/soybean rotation having the greatest association with increased wintertime cover crop acreage. Results provided valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders to promote sustainable agricultural practices, to foster further adoption of cover crops, and optimize cover crop integration into cropping systems in the MAP and other regions.
Exploring the therapeutic effects of continuous kidney replacement therapy in patients with severe acidosis using deep learning-based causal inference
Alterations in the gut microbiota of alcoholic cirrhosis patients infected with Clonorchis sinensis in the Pearl River Delta region of China
Clonorchiasis, a foodborne parasitic disease caused by Clonorchis sinensis ( C. sinensis ), is prevalent in certain regions of Asia and can result in severe hepatobiliary complications, including cholangiocarcinoma, peribiliary fibrosis, and hepatic fibrosis. In certain regions of China, the concurrent consumption of raw freshwater fish and alcohol, which are components of the local dietary culture, has contributed to the high prevalence of this disease. Infected individuals often endure the dual burden of clonorchiasis and alcoholic liver disease (ALD). While both C. sinensis infection and alcohol abuse can disrupt the gut microbiota, the synergistic mechanisms of these two factors in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (ALC) remain poorly understood. This study aims to elucidate the impact of C. sinensis infection on the gut microbiota of patients with ALC, with the objective of identifying potential diagnostic or therapeutic targets. A total of 64 patients diagnosed with ALC were recruited for this study, with half of the participants infected with C. sinensis and the other half remaining uninfected. Fresh fecal samples were collected from all participants. Alterations in the gut microbiota were analyzed using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene derived from the fecal samples. Our results showed that analysis of β-diversity revealed significant differences in gut microbial communities between C. sinensis -infected and non-infected groups ( P < 0.05). The Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) identified the phylum Firmicutes (highest LDA score at the phylum level) and the genus Prevotella (dominant at the genus level) as key taxa driving gut microbial composition differences in patients with ALC and C. sinensis infection ( P < 0.05). Correlation analysis at the genus level demonstrated significant negative associations between Enterococcus and multiple bacterial genera in the C. sinensis -infected group. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis further highlighted divergent metabolic pathways between groups, with the vancomycin resistance pathway showing the most pronounced disparity. In conclusion, patients with ALC and C. sinensis infection show alterations in gut microbiota compared to non-infected counterparts. Notably, specific bacteria such as Prevotella and Enterococcus may represent potential targets for the development of novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for ALC patients afflicted by C. sinensis infection.
Mapping the BCSC-1 interactome in breast cancer
Frailty and 12-month mortality among older adults with type 2 diabetes in nursing homes: A longitudinal study
Background Frailty is highly prevalent among older adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and may contribute to adverse health outcomes, particularly in institutionalized settings. Despite its clinical relevance, the prognostic value of frailty among nursing home residents with T2DM remains underexplored. This study aimed to assess the association between frailty, assessed using the Frailty Index (FI), and 12-month all-cause mortality among older adults with T2DM residing in French Caribbean nursing homes. Methods Data were drawn from the KASEHPAD (Karukera Study on Aging in Nursing Homes) study, a prospective, longitudinal cohort conducted across six nursing homes in Martinique and Guadeloupe. Frailty was assessed at baseline using a 30-item deficit accumulation model to compute the FI (range: 0–1). Mortality data were collected over a 12-month follow-up period. Associations between FI and mortality were analyzed using logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models. Results The study included 94 participants with T2DM (mean age: 81.1 ± 10.0 years; 42.6% male). The mean FI was 0.30 ± 0.14. Over the 12-month follow-up, 28 participants (29.8%) died. In unadjusted logistic regression models, each 0.01-point increase in FI was associated with a 6% increase in the odds of death (Odd Ratio (OR) = 1.06; 95% CI: 1.02–1.11; p = 0.002). After adjusting for age and sex, frailty was marginally associated with 1-year mortality (OR = 1.05; 95% CI: 1.00–1.10; p = 0.056), but was not significantly associated with time to death in the Cox model (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 1.03; 95% CI: 0.99–1.07; p = 0.139). Conclusion Frailty measured by the FI showed a tendency to be associated with short-term mortality among older adults with type T2DM living in nursing homes. These findings underscore the need for larger studies to further assess the prognostic utility of the FI in informing care planning and clinical management in this vulnerable population.
Droplet outbursts from onion cutting
Cutting onions often leads to tear-inducing aerosol release, yet the underlying mechanics remain poorly understood. In this work, via high-speed characterizations, we show that droplet formation occurs via a two-stage process: an initial high-speed outburst followed by slower ligament fragmentation. By systematically varying blade sharpness and speed, we find that faster or blunter blades significantly increase both the number and energy of ejected droplets. Strain mapping reveals that the onion’s tough epidermis acts as a barrier to fracture, enabling the underlying mesophyll to undergo significant compression before rupture. Developing a simplified bilayer model, we experimentally and theoretically capture the mechanism behind, with numerical calculations of the onion critical fracture forces matching independent Instron results. The work highlights the importance of blade sharpening routines to limiting ejected droplets infected with pathogens in the kitchen, which pack additional outburst energy due to vegetables’ outer strong casings.