Ethnobotanical study on factors influencing plant composition and traditional knowledge in homegardens of Laifeng Tujia ethnic communities, the hinterland of the Wuling mountain area, central China.

Background: A homegarden is a conventional small-scale agricultural ecosystem dominated predominantly by humans. Homegarden plants, which are plants with specific functionalities that are either cultivated or consciously preserved within the homegarden, are the most critical elements of the homegarden and are capable of providing a multitude of products and services. Recognized as one of China's biodiversity hotspots, the Wuling mountain area has long been inhabited by multiple ethnic groups, each of which has accumulated a wealth of traditional knowledge.

Mining Candidate Genes for Maize Tassel Spindle Length Based on a Genome-Wide Association Analysis.

Maize tassel spindle length is closely related to the number of pollen grains and the duration of the flowering stage, ultimately affecting maize yield and adaptations to stress conditions. In this study, 182 maize inbred lines were included in an association population. A genome-wide association study was conducted on maize tassel spindle length using the Q + K model.

Towards rapid formation of electroactive biofilm: insights from thermodynamics and electric field manipulation.

Electroactive biofilm (EAB) has garnered significant attention due to its effectiveness in pollutant remediation, electricity generation, and chemical synthesis. However, achieving precise control over the rapid formation of EAB presents challenges for the practical implementation of bioelectrochemical technology. In this study, we investigated the regulation of EAB formation by manipulating applied electric potential.

Carbon footprint assessment of face masks in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: Based on different protective performance and applicable scenarios.

Widespread concerns have been raised about the huge environmental burden caused by massive consumption of face masks in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, most of the existing studies only focus on the environmental impact associated with the product itself regardless of the actual usage scenarios and protective performance of products, resulting in unrealistic conclusions and poor applicability. In this context, this study integrated the product performance into the existing carbon footprint assessment methodology, with focus on the current global concerns regarding climate change.