Calibration of Low-Cost Capacitive Soil Moisture Sensors for Irrigation Management Applications.

The calibration of capacitive soil moisture sensors is an essential step towards their integration into smart solutions. This study investigates the calibration of a widely used low-cost capacitive soil moisture sensor (SKU:SEN0193, DFRobot, Shanghai, China) in a loamy silt soil typically found in the Puglia region of Italy. The calibration function was derived from a random sample of 12 sensors, with three soil sample replicas per sensor, each of which had one of five gravimetric soil moisture contents, from relatively dry (5%) to full saturation (40%).

Abnormal Operation Detection of Automated Orchard Irrigation System Actuators by Power Consumption Level.

Information and communication technology (ICT) components, especially actuators in automated irrigation systems, are essential for managing precise irrigation and optimal soil moisture, enhancing orchard growth and yield. However, actuator malfunctions can lead to inefficient irrigation, resulting in water imbalances that impact crop health and reduce productivity. The objective of this study was to develop a signal processing technique to detect potential malfunctions based on the power consumption level and operating status of actuators for an automated orchard irrigation system.

Maximizing H Production from a Combination of Catalytic Partial Oxidation of CH and Water Gas Shift Reaction.

A single-bed and dual-bed catalyst system was studied to maximize H production from the combination of partial oxidation of CH and water gas shift reaction. In addition, the different types of catalysts, including Ni, Cu, Ni-Re, and Cu-Re supported on gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC) were investigated under different operating conditions of temperature (400-650 °C). Over Ni-based catalysts, methane can easily dissociate on a Ni surface to give hydrogen and carbon species.

Bioconversion of Poultry Litter into Insect Meal and Organic Frasstilizer Using Black Soldier Fly Larvae as a Circular Economy Model for the Poultry Industry: A Review.

Poultry litter waste management poses a significant global challenge, attributed to its characteristics (odorous, organic, pathogenic, attracting flies). Conventional approaches to managing poultry litter involve composting, biogas generation, or direct field application. Recently, there has been a surge of interest in a novel technology that involves the bioconversion of organic waste utilizing insects (known as entomoremediation), particularly focusing on black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), and has demonstrated successful transformation of various organic waste materials into insect meal and frass (referred to as organic frasstilizer).

Transcriptome and Neuroendocrinome Responses to Environmental Stress in the Model and Pest Insect .

The fall armyworm, , is one of the most notorious pest insects, causing damage to more than 350 plant species, and is feared worldwide as an invasive pest species since it exhibits high adaptivity against environmental stress. Here, we therefore investigated its transcriptome responses to four different types of stresses, namely cold, heat, no water and no food. We used brain samples as our interest was in the neuroendocrine responses, while previous studies used whole bodies of larvae or moths.

Re-Examination Characterization and Screening of Stripe Rust Resistance Gene of Wheat Gene Family Based on the Transcriptome in Xinchun 32.

Pathogenesis-related protein-1 (PR1) encodes a water-soluble protein produced in plants after pathogen infection or abiotic stimulation. It plays a crucial role in plant-induced resistance by attacking pathogens, degrading cell wall macromolecules and pathogen toxins, and inhibiting the binding of viral coat proteins to plant receptor molecules. Compared to model plants, the mechanism of action of PR1 in wheat remains underexplored.

Benefits of Immobilized Bacteria in Bioremediation of Sites Contaminated with Toxic Organic Compounds.

Although bioremediation is considered the most environmentally friendly and sustainable technique for remediating contaminated soil and water, it is most effective when combined with physicochemical methods, which allow for the preliminary removal of large quantities of pollutants. This allows microorganisms to efficiently eliminate the remaining contaminants. In addition to requiring the necessary genes and degradation pathways for specific substrates, as well as tolerance to adverse environmental conditions, microorganisms may perform below expectations.

Genome-Wide Identification and Characterization of the Family of Genes and Their Response to High-Calcium Stress in .

Calcium-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are a crucial class of calcium-signal-sensing and -response proteins that significantly regulate abiotic stress. is a member of the Brassicaceae family that primarily grows in the karst regions of southwestern China, with a notable tolerance to high-calcium soils. Currently, the function of the family of genes in has yet to be explored.

Farming of Indigenous Crayfish in Russia: A Mini-Review of Recent Studies.

Natural populations of crayfish in Europe have experienced significant declines due to the spread of crayfish plague, overfishing, competition with invasive crayfish species, and habitat degradation. Consequently, crayfish farming has gained importance in meeting the increasing demand for crayfish products. Although Russia boasts abundant water resources, the development of crayfish aquaculture remains nascent.

Grazing-Induced Habitat Degradation: Challenges to Giant Panda Survival Resulting from Declining Bamboo and Soil Quality.

Grazing is the primary human-induced disturbance affecting giant panda () habitats and has a severe impact on the long-term sustainability of the giant panda population. To address the lack of quantitative studies on grazing's impact on habitat quality, we selected China's most heavily grazed giant panda nature reserve. Utilizing the Maxent model and stoichiometric analysis, we investigated habitat quality degradation caused by grazing and quantified changes in bamboo nutritional quality and soil physicochemical properties.

Seroepidemiological Survey of Hepatitis E Virus in Intensive Pig Farming in Vojvodina Province, Serbia.

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is the causative agent of acute hepatitis E infection in humans. Two epidemiological patterns of the disease exist-endemic and sporadic. Genotypes 1 (HEV-1) and 2 (HEV-2) are transmitted through contaminated water and are responsible for the outbreaks of many large-scale epidemics in developing countries of Asia and Africa.

Environmental Pollutants as Emerging Concerns for Cardiac Diseases: A Review on Their Impacts on Cardiac Health.

Comorbidities related to cardiovascular disease (CVD) and environmental pollution have emerged as serious concerns. The exposome concept underscores the cumulative impact of environmental factors, including climate change, air pollution, chemicals like PFAS, and heavy metals, on cardiovascular health. Chronic exposure to these pollutants contributes to inflammation, oxidative stress, and endothelial dysfunction, further exacerbating the global burden of CVDs.

Microplastics in Agricultural Crops and Their Possible Impact on Farmers' Health: A Review.

The indiscriminate use of plastic products and their inappropriate management and disposal contribute to the increasing presence and accumulation of this material in all environmental zones. The chemical properties of plastics and their resistance to natural degradation lead over time to the production of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics, which are dispersed in soil, water, and air and can be absorbed by plants, including those grown for food. In agriculture, MPs can come from many sources (mulch film, tractor tires, compost, fertilizers, and pesticides).

Antioxidant, Anti-α-Glucosidase, Anti-Tyrosinase, and Anti-Acetylcholinesterase Components from Stem of with Molecular Docking Study.

is a creeping evergreen shrub endemic to Taiwan. In traditional medicine, Rhamnaceae plants are used as herbal remedies for conditions such as itching, difficulty urinating, and constipation. This study explores the inhibitory effects of various solvent extracts and bioactive components of on α-glucosidase, tyrosinase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and antioxidant activity.

Seasonal Dynamics of the Bacterial Community in Lake Urmia, a Hypersaline Ecosystem.

Lake Urmia is one of the world's most unique and hypersaline aquatic ecosystems. The aim of this study was to investigate the diversity, abundance and frequency of these microorganisms in water samples from the eastern regions of the lake over four seasons. Amplicon sequencing for the 16S rRNA gene was performed to examine bacterial communities in the samples.

Comparative Analysis of Prediction Models for Trawling Grounds of the Argentine Shortfin Squid in the Southwest Atlantic High Seas Based on Vessel Position and Fishing Log Data.

To evaluate and compare the effectiveness of prediction models for Argentine squid trawling grounds in the Southwest Atlantic high seas based on vessel position and fishing log data, this study used AIS datasets and fishing log datasets from fishing seasons spanning 2019-2024 (December to June each year). Using a spatial resolution of 0.1° × 0.

Optimizing Vegetation Restoration: A Comprehensive Index System for Reclaiming Abandoned Mining Areas in Arid Regions of China.

Mining activities in arid regions of China have led to severe environmental degradation, including soil erosion, vegetation loss, and contamination of soil and water resources. These impacts are particularly pronounced in abandoned mining areas, where the cessation of mining operations has left vast landscapes unrehabilitated. In response, the Chinese government has implemented a series of legal and regulatory frameworks, such as the "Mine Environmental Protection and Restoration Program", aimed at promoting ecological restoration in these areas.

Antibacterial Potential of Honeybee Venom and Extracellular Metabolites Against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogenic Bacteria.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a critical global health threat, driving the search for alternative treatments to conventional antibiotics. In this study, the antibacterial properties of honeybee venom (BV) and fungal red dye (RD) were evaluated against three multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. Extracts of BV and RD exhibited dose-dependent antibacterial activity against the three tested bacteria, with their strongest effectiveness against (minimum inhibitory concentrations [MIC] = 3.

The Impact of Oyster Mushrooms () on the Baking Quality of Rye Flour and Nutrition Composition and Antioxidant Potential of Rye Bread.

This study aimed to evaluate the use of oyster mushroom () powder (OMP) for producing rye bread. The raw materials were low-extract rye flour and OMP, which were analyzed in terms of their nutritional and health-promoting qualities. Mixtures of rye flour with OMP were prepared, replacing 5, 7.

Dynamic Trends in Aquatic Product Supply and Consumption in China: Implications for Sustainable Diets and Environmental Impact Reduction.

Aquatic foods play a pivotal role in transforming food systems. As the world's leading producer, consumer, and trader of aquatic products, China's potential for sustainable supply and consumption is critical to understand. The aim of this study was to depict the dynamic trends of aquatic products and the consequences of sustainable diets and environmental impacts.

Evaluation of Some Quality Parameters of Pumpkin Seeds and Oil After Roasting with Marjoram.

Consumers include pumpkin seeds in their diet as a snack in raw form or minimally processed by roasting. This process enables the seeds to develop a characteristic aroma and color. Herbs and spices are also distinguished by a pleasant and delicate aroma.

Combined application of metagenomics and FEAST to trace sources of microbial eukaryotic contamination in the Pasig-Marikina-San Juan (PAMARISAN) river system in Metro Manila, Philippines.

Microbial eukaryotes are vital to global microbial diversity, but there is limited information about their composition and sources in contaminated surface waters. This study examined the pathogens and potential sources of microbial eukaryotic communities in polluted sink environments using the 18S rDNA amplicon sequencing combined with the fast expectation-maximization for microbial source tracking (FEAST) program. Six sampling sites were selected along the Pasig-Marikina-San Juan (PAMARISAN) River System, representing different locations within the waterway and classified as sinks (n = 12), whereas animal fecal samples collected from various farms were classified as sources (n = 29).

Poisoned in their homes - Red blood cell abnormalities in lead-exposed residents of a Pakistani Industrial Zone.

The present study investigated the clinical and hematological effects of chronic lead exposure in the population residing in Shadi Pura, a small industrial zone in Lahore, Pakistan. A cross-sectional analysis of 149 participants recruited through health camps was conducted to explore the hematological manifestations of environmental lead exposure, focusing on various red blood cell (RBC) indices and morphology. Moreover, the study examined the differences in the impact of lead exposure on RBC indices and morphology between men, women, and children.

Machine learning to identify environmental drivers of phytoplankton blooms in the Southern Baltic Sea.

Phytoplankton blooms exhibit varying patterns in timing and number of peaks within ecosystems. These differences in blooming patterns are partly explained by phytoplankton:nutrient interactions and external factors such as temperature, salinity and light availability. Understanding these interactions and drivers is essential for effective bloom management and modelling as driving factors potentially differ or are shared across ecosystems on regional scales.

Public holidays, school holidays, and long weekends: Effects on drowning rates in New South Wales.

Objective: To quantify drowning rates and fatal to non-fatal drowning ratios on public holidays, school holidays, weekdays and long weekends in New South Wales from January 2010 to June 2022.

Methods: Using a linked administrative dataset comprising ambulance (paper-based and electronic records), emergency department presentations and death registry, rates of drowning and ratios of fatal to non-fatal drowning were calculated.

Results: Across 4,161 total drowning incidents, public holidays (14.