Saved Queries

by Rahma Abid, Bartosz Zawadzki, Jaroslav Kocik, Grzegorz Słowik, Janusz Ryczkowski, Mirosław Krawczyk, Zbigniew Kaszkur, Izabela S. Pieta and Anna Śrębowata

Molecules 2024, 29(14), 3345; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29143345 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2024

Abstract

Hydrotalcite-derived materials are eco-friendly, cheap, and efficient catalysts of different reactions. However, their application in liquid-phase hydrogenation could be more extensive. Hence, this work concerns the application of three hydrotalcite-derived materials with different CuZnAl molar ratios in the liquid-phase continuous-flow hydrogenation of 2-methyl-2-pentenal (MPEA) at a wide range of temperature (298–378 K) and pressure (1 × 10⁶–6 × 10⁶Pa). The catalytic investigations were supported by catalysts characterization by ICP-OES, TPR, in situ XRD, XPS, NH₃-TPD, CO₂-TPD, and TEM measurements on different stages of their biography. It was shown that the catalytic activity of these samples is related to the Cu⁰/Cu⁺ ratio. Depending on the reaction conditions, selectivity control is possible. All catalysts were 100% selective to 2-methylpentanal (MPAA)—sedative drug precursor, with low conversion, at temperatures ≤ 338 K at every pressure. However, the selectivity of the second desired product, fragrance intermediate, 2-methyl-2-penten-1-ol (MPEO), increased significantly at higher temperatures and pressures. It reached the unique value of 54% with 60% substrate conversion at 378 K and 6 × 10⁶ Pa for the catalyst with the highest Cu loading. It was revealed that the production of significant amounts of MPEO is related to the reaction conditions, the Cu⁺ predominance on the surface, the hydrogen spillover effect, and the acid–base properties of these systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Catalytic Approaches in Flow Chemistry)

14 pages, 2995 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of the Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Gonadal Axis of Jinhu Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ × Epinephelus tukula ♂) and Tiger Grouper (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus)

by Yishu Qiu, Pengfei Duan, Xiaoyu Ding, Zhentong Li, Xinyi Wang, Linlin Li, Yang Liu, Linna Wang and Yongsheng Tian

Genes 2024, 15(7), 929; https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15070929 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2024

Abstract

Jinhu groupers, the hybrid offspring of tiger groupers (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus) and potato groupers (Epinephelus tukula), have excellent heterosis in fast growth and strong stress resistance. However, compared with the maternal tiger grouper, Jinhu groupers show delayed gonadal development. To explore the interspecific difference in gonadal development, we compared the transcriptomes of brain, pituitary, and gonadal tissues between Jinhu groupers and tiger groupers at 24-months old. In total, 3034 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained. KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) enrichment analyses showed that the osteoclast differentiation, oocyte meiosis, and ovarian steroidogenesis may be involved in the difference in gonadal development. Trend analysis showed that the DEGs were mainly related to signal transduction and cell growth and death. Additionally, differences in expression levels of nr4a1, pgr, dmrta2, tbx19, and cyp19a1 may be related to gonadal retardation in Jinhu groupers. A weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed three modules (i.e., saddlebrown, paleturquoise, and greenyellow) that were significantly related to gonadal development in the brain, pituitary, and gonadal tissues, respectively, of Jinhu groupers and tiger groupers. Network diagrams of the target modules were constructed and the respective hub genes were determined (i.e., cdh6, col18a1, and hat1). This study provides additional insight into the molecular mechanism underlying ovarian stunting in grouper hybrids. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Animal Genetics and Genomics)

21 pages, 5003 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analytical Calculation of Magnetic Field and Analysis of Rotor Permeability Effects on Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor with Fractional Slot Concentrated Winding

by Xuandong Wu, Huaiyuan Zhang, Cunxiang Yang and Hongbo Qiu

World Electr. Veh. J. 2024, 15(7), 312; https://doi.org/10.3390/wevj15070312 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2024

Abstract

Accurate calculation of the flux and the magnetic field distribution of fractional slot concentrated winding permanent magnet synchronous motor (FSCW PMSM) is the basis for motor performance analysis, and rapid calculation is key. In this paper, to solve the problem of difficult modeling and accuracy guarantee of the flux linkage differential method, a method is proposed to calculate the flux and the no-load back EMF by the slotless subdomain model. By introducing the leakage flux calculation link, the calculation accuracy is improved, the analytical method results are compared with the finite element method results, and the effectiveness of the proposed method is verified. On this basis, the nonlinear variations of the magnetic field and the no-load back EMF with rotor permeability are determined, and the influence mechanism of rotor length and rotor permeability on the main magnetic circuit is revealed. Finally, an experiment of the prototype is carried out, and the correctness and accuracy of the analytical method and the finite element method is verified by comparing with the experimental results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Electrical Machine and Power Electronics for the Charging and Drive System of Electric Vehicles (EVs))

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30 pages, 635 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Strategies of Automated Machine Learning for Energy Sustainability in Green Artificial Intelligence

by Dagoberto Castellanos-Nieves and Luis García-Forte

Appl. Sci. 2024, 14(14), 6196; https://doi.org/10.3390/app14146196 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2024

Abstract

Automated machine learning (AutoML) is recognized for its efficiency in facilitating model development due to its ability to perform tasks autonomously, without constant human intervention. AutoML automates the development and optimization of machine learning models, leading to high energy consumption due to the large amount of calculations involved. Hyperparameter optimization algorithms, central to AutoML, can significantly impact its carbon footprint. This work introduces and investigates energy efficiency metrics for advanced hyperparameter optimization algorithms within AutoML. These metrics enable the evaluation and optimization of an algorithm’s energy consumption, considering accuracy, sustainability, and reduced environmental impact. The experimentation demonstrates the application of Green AI principles to AutoML hyperparameter optimization algorithms. It assesses the current sustainability of AutoML practices and proposes strategies to make them more environmentally friendly. The findings indicate a reduction of 28.7% in CO₂e emissions when implementing the Green AI strategy, compared to the Red AI strategy. This improvement in sustainability is achieved with a minimal decrease of 0.51% in validation accuracy. This study emphasizes the importance of continuing to investigate sustainability throughout the life cycle of AI, aligning with the three fundamental pillars of sustainable development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Ecology Science and Engineering)

17 pages, 6791 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Area-Selective Atomic Layer Deposition of Ru Using Carbonyl-Based Precursor and Oxygen Co-Reactant: Understanding Defect Formation Mechanisms

by Jayant Kumar Lodha, Johan Meersschaut, Mattia Pasquali, Hans Billington, Stefan De Gendt and Silvia Armini

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(14), 1212; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14141212 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2024

Abstract

Area selective deposition (ASD) is a promising IC fabrication technique to address misalignment issues arising in a top–down litho-etch patterning approach. ASD can enable resist tone inversion and bottom–up metallization, such as via prefill. It is achieved by promoting selective growth in the growth area (GA) while passivating the non-growth area (NGA). Nevertheless, preventing undesired particles and defect growth on the NGA is still a hurdle. This work shows the selectivity of Ru films by passivating the Si oxide NGA with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) and small molecule inhibitors (SMIs). Ru films are deposited on the TiN GA using a metal-organic precursor tricarbonyl (trimethylenemethane) ruthenium (Ru TMM(CO)₃) and O₂ as a co-reactant by atomic layer deposition (ALD). This produces smooth Ru films (<0.1 nm RMS roughness) with a growth per cycle (GPC) of 1.6 Å/cycle. Minimizing the oxygen co-reactant dose is necessary to improve the ASD process selectivity due to the limited stability of the organic molecule and high reactivity of the ALD precursor, still allowing a Ru GPC of 0.95 Å/cycle. This work sheds light on Ru defect generation mechanisms on passivated areas from the detailed analysis of particle growth, coverage, and density as a function of ALD cycles. Finally, an optimized ASD of Ru is demonstrated on TiN/SiO₂ 3D patterned structures using dimethyl amino trimethyl silane (DMA-TMS) as SMI. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Synthesis, Interfaces and Nanostructures)

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12 pages, 5384 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Plasma Engineering of Co₄N/CoN Heterostructure for Boosting Supercapacitor Performance

by Hong Li, Yunzhe Ma, Xulei Zhang, Xiuling Zhang and Lanbo Di

Materials 2024, 17(14), 3529; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17143529 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2024

Abstract

Supercapacitor electrode materials play a decisive role in charge storage and significantly affect the cost and capacitive performance of the final device. Engineering of the heterostructure of metal–organic framework (MOF)-derived transition metal nitrides (TMNs) can be conducive to excellent electrochemical performance owing to the synergistic effect, optimized charge transport/mass transfer properties, and high electrical conductivity. In this study, a Co₄N/CoN heterostructure was incorporated into a nitrogen-doped support by radio-frequency (RF) plasma after simple pyrolysis of Co-based formate frameworks (Co-MFFs), with the framework structure well retained. Plasma engineering can effectively increase the ratio of Co₄N in the Co₄N/CoN heterostructure, accelerating the electron transfer rate and resulting in a rough surface due to the reduction effect of high-energy electrons and the etching effect of ions. Benefiting from the plasma modification, the obtained electrode material Co₄N/CoN@C-P exhibits a high specific capacitance of 346.2 F·g⁻¹ at a current density of 1 A·g⁻¹, approximately 1.7 times that of CoN/Co₄N@C prepared by pyrolysis. The specific capacitance of Co₄N/CoN@C-P reaches 335.6 F·g⁻¹ at 10 A·g⁻¹, approximately 96.9% of that at 1 A·g⁻¹, indicating remarkable rate capability. Additionally, the capacitance retention remains at 100% even after 1000 cycles, suggesting excellent cycling stability. The rational design and plasma engineering of the TMN heterostructures at the nanoscale are responsible for the excellent electrochemical performance of this novel composite material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State-of-the-Art Functional Materials and Nanomaterials in Asia 2023–2024)

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18 pages, 347 KiB

Open AccessConcept Paper

The Impact of Dissonance? A Valuation Perspective on Rural Social Innovation Processes

by Jonathan Hussels, Ralph Richter and Suntje Schmidt

Societies 2024, 14(7), 122; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc14070122 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2024

Abstract

Social innovation (SI) has been credited with fostering novel solutions to the socio-economic challenges many rural areas face. The quest for a substantiated understanding of its potential for regional development has spawned a rich literature on SI impact assessments. Yet, having been instrumental, these assessments harbour several ambiguities as they seek to unveil objective impacts in a results-oriented manner. First, SI processes take diverse directionalities, questioning the idea of them being ‘straightforward facts’ and giving leeway to a more constructivist understanding. Second, a results-oriented perspective tends to obscure social processes that initially contribute to the emergence of impacts. In response to such concerns, we suggest a valuation perspective that explores how SI impacts are constructed iteratively throughout the innovation process. To do so, we operationalise the notion of dissonance as a critical factor embedded in innovative activities in three instances: impulses, turning points, and lock-ins. This perspective allows us to study how value is experienced, assigned, and strategically attracted while shedding light on how SI processes and their impacts are co-constructed in valuation processes. The article uses empirical vignettes from selected case studies with SI initiatives in Northern Germany. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Social Innovation in Urban and Rural Areas: Empowerment, (Disruptive) Transformative Processes and Impact on Community Development)

13 pages, 6968 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving Surface Antimicrobial Performance by Coating Homogeneous PDA-Ag Micro–Nano Particles

by Shuilin Wang, Fanping Meng and Zhimin Cao

Coatings 2024, 14(7), 887; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings14070887 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2024

Abstract

Implants and other medical devices are prone to bacterial infections on their surface due to bacterial attachment and biofilm formation. In this study, silver nanoparticles were generated in situ onto regulated synthesized polydopamine particles, and the optimal amount of silver nitrate was determined. Composite micro–nano particles were then deposited on a titanium alloy surface. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were used to confirm that the titanium alloy surface was successfully coated with PDA-Ag. Scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and three-dimensional optical profilometry were utilized to analysis the morphology of the micro–nano particles and the surface morphology after deposition. The diameters of the polydopamine particles and silver nanoparticles were 150 nm and 25 nm, respectively. The surface roughness values decreased from 0.357 μm to 25.253 μm because of the coated PDA-Ag. Morphology and chemical composition analyses of the modified surface indicated that the PDA-Ag particles were uniformly bonded to the substrate surface. Antimicrobial assays illustrated that the PDA-Ag-modified surface possessed resistance against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus attachment, with an effectiveness of 96.14 and 85.78%, respectively. This work provides a new strategy and theoretical basis for tackling medical-related surface infections caused by bacterial adhesion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Bioactive Coatings and Biointerfaces)

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14 pages, 5124 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Numerical Analysis of the Single-Directionally Misaligned Segment Behavior of Hydraulic TBM Tunnel

by Fenglan Li, Pengcheng Si, Yintao He, Hui Wang, Zhixiao Zhang and Shunbo Zhao

Buildings 2024, 14(7), 2198; https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings14072198 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2024

Abstract

The misalignment of segments in installation is a common issue in the construction of TBM tunnels. This raises a question of whether misalignment affects the operation safety of a hydraulic TBM tunnel. Using a water transfer engineering project as an example, this paper built a three-dimensional finite element model composited with segment, grout layer and surrounding rock for the numerical analysis of the behavior of single-directionally misaligned segments. The crown or invert segment was separately misaligned towards to the center of segment ring in a value of 5 mm, 10 mm, 20 mm, 30 mm or 40 mm. The strength grade of the segment concrete was C50. A weaker surrounding rock composed of V-class rock was considered for the tunnel. The results indicate that the misalignment of the crown or invert segment, respectively, creates the tensile stress in the inner surface of the corresponding segment, the tensile stress will be over the limit of C50 concrete when the misalignment is over 30 mm, indicating a risk of concrete cracking. The contact surfaces of the segment ring basically remain in compression, and the locating pins between the segment rings exhibit an evident increase in tensile stress at misaligned positions. The key points that can be obtained from this study are that a special supervision is needed to ensure the accuracy of segment installation, and strengthening measures are needed for existing misaligned segments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Analysis of Underground Space Construction)

15 pages, 1655 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating the Impact of Low-Pathogenicity Avian Influenza H6N1 Outbreaks in United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland Poultry Farms during 2020

by Michael J. McMenamy, Robyn McKenna, Valerie B. Bailie, Ben Cunningham, Adam Jeffers, Kelly McCullough, Catherine Forsythe, Laura Garza Cuartero, Orla Flynn, Christina Byrne, Emily Connaghan, John Moriarty, June Fanning, Stephanie Ronan, Damien Barrett, Alice Fusaro, Isabella Monne, Calogero Terregino, Joe James, Alexander M. P. Byrne, Fabian Z. X. Lean, Alejandro Núñez, Scott M. Reid, Rowena Hansen, Ian H. Brown, Ashley C. Banyard and Ken Lemon Show full author list Hide full author list

Viruses 2024, 16(7), 1147; https://doi.org/10.3390/v16071147 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2024

Abstract

In January 2020, increased mortality was reported in a small broiler breeder flock in County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. Gross pathological findings included coelomitis, oophoritis, salpingitis, visceral gout, splenomegaly, and renomegaly. Clinical presentation included inappetence, pronounced diarrhoea, and increased egg deformation. These signs, in combination with increased mortality, triggered a notifiable avian disease investigation. High pathogenicity avian influenza virus (HPAIV) was not suspected, as mortality levels and clinical signs were not consistent with HPAIV. Laboratory investigation demonstrated the causative agent to be a low-pathogenicity avian influenza virus (LPAIV), subtype H6N1, resulting in an outbreak that affected 15 premises in Northern Ireland. The H6N1 virus was also associated with infection on 13 premises in the Republic of Ireland and six in Great Britain. The close genetic relationship between the viruses in Ireland and Northern Ireland suggested a direct causal link whereas those in Great Britain were associated with exposure to a common ancestral virus. Overall, this rapidly spreading outbreak required the culling of over 2 million birds across the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland to stamp out the incursion. This report demonstrates the importance of investigating LPAIV outbreaks promptly, given their substantial economic impacts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Filling Knowledge Gaps: Understanding the Impact of Low Pathogenicity Avian Influenza Viruses and Their Role in Novel Virus Emergence)

27 pages, 1469 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Comparative Analysis of the Anti-Tumor Activity of Sixteen Polysaccharide Fractions from Three Large Brown Seaweed, Sargassum horneri, Scytosiphon lomentaria, and Undaria pinnatifida

by Lin Song, Yunze Niu, Ran Chen, Hao Ju, Zijian Liu, Bida Zhang, Wancui Xie and Yi Gao

Mar. Drugs 2024, 22(7), 316; https://doi.org/10.3390/md22070316 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2024

Abstract

Searching for natural products with anti-tumor activity is an important aspect of cancer research. Seaweed polysaccharides from brown seaweed have shown promising anti-tumor activity; however, their structure, composition, and biological activity vary considerably, depending on many factors. In this study, 16 polysaccharide fractions were extracted and purified from three large brown seaweed species (Sargassum horneri, Scytosiphon lomentaria, and Undaria pinnatifida). The chemical composition analysis revealed that the polysaccharide fractions have varying molecular weights ranging from 8.889 to 729.67 kDa, and sulfate contents ranging from 0.50% to 10.77%. Additionally, they exhibit different monosaccharide compositions and secondary structures. Subsequently, their anti-tumor activity was compared against five tumor cell lines (A549, B16, HeLa, HepG_2, and SH-SY5Y). The results showed that different fractions exhibited distinct anti-tumor properties against tumor cells. Flow cytometry and cytoplasmic fluorescence staining (Hoechst/AO staining) further confirmed that these effective fractions significantly induce tumor cell apoptosis without cytotoxicity. qRT-RCR results demonstrated that the polysaccharide fractions up-regulated the expression of Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, and Bax while down-regulating the expression of Bcl-2 and CDK-2. This study comprehensively compared the anti-tumor activity of polysaccharide fractions from large brown seaweed, providing valuable insights into the potent combinations of brown seaweed polysaccharides as anti-tumor agents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Collection Marine Polysaccharides)

15 pages, 2636 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mineral and Organic Materials as Factors Reducing the Effect of Petrol on Heavy Metal Content in Soil

by Mirosław Wyszkowski and Natalia Kordala

Materials 2024, 17(14), 3528; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17143528 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2024

Abstract

As industrial production increases worldwide, so does the demand for fuels. The transport of fuels from the point of production to the end user poses a risk of environmental pollution, both during transport and during combustion in internal combustion engines. The soil is a part of the environment which is particularly sensitive to contamination by petroleum substances. For this reason, research has been carried out into the possibility of reducing the impact of petrol on the content of heavy metals in the soil using various materials, both mineral (bentonite, calcium oxide) and organic (compost). These played an important role in the in situ remediation of contaminated soils. Petrol contamination increased the content of some heavy metals (Pb, Cd, or Ni), while it decreased the content of other metals (Cr, Zn, Co, and Cu) in the soil. The materials used in this study significantly altered the levels of heavy metals in the soil. The strength of the effect varied and the direction of the effect depended on the element. Bentonite was the most effective, while calcium oxide and especially compost were less effective. The most beneficial (limiting) effect of calcium oxide was shown on the soil content of cadmium, cobalt, and chromium, while the bentonite effects were on the content of chromium. The application of the abovementioned materials seems to be effective in reducing low level soil contamination by petrol. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Novel and Multifunctional Materials for Water and Wastewater Treatment and Environmental Protection)

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14 pages, 1368 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Machine Vision Analysis of Ujumqin Sheep’s Walking Posture and Body Size

by Qing Qin, Chongyan Zhang, Mingxi Lan, Dan Zhao, Jingwen Zhang, Danni Wu, Xingyu Zhou, Tian Qin, Xuedan Gong, Zhixin Wang, Ruiqiang Zhao and Zhihong Liu

Animals 2024, 14(14), 2080; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14142080 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2024

Abstract

The ability to recognize the body sizes of sheep is significantly influenced by posture, especially without artificial fixation, leading to more noticeable changes. This study presents a recognition model using the Mask R-CNN convolutional neural network to identify the sides and backs of sheep. The proposed approach includes an algorithm for extracting key frames through mask calculation and specific algorithms for head-down, head-up, and jumping postures of Ujumqin sheep. The study reported an accuracy of 94.70% in posture classification. We measured the body size parameters of Ujumqin sheep of different sexes and in different walking states, including observations of head-down and head-up. The errors for the head-down position of rams, in terms of body slanting length, withers height, hip height, and chest depth, were recorded as 0.08 ± 0.06, 0.09 ± 0.07, 0.07 ± 0.05, and 0.12 ± 0.09, respectively. For rams in the head-up position, the corresponding errors were 0.06 ± 0.05, 0.06 ± 0.05, 0.07 ± 0.05, and 0.13 ± 0.07, respectively. The errors for the head-down position of ewes, in terms of body slanting length, withers height, hip height, and chest depth, were recorded as 0.06 ± 0.05, 0.09 ± 0.08, 0.07 ± 0.06, and 0.13 ± 0.10, respectively. For ewes in the head-up position, the corresponding errors were 0.06 ± 0.05, 0.08 ± 0.06, 0.06 ± 0.04, and 0.16 ± 0.12, respectively. The study observed that sheep walking through a passage exhibited a more curved knee posture compared to normal measurements, often with a lowered head. This research presents a cost-effective data collection scheme for studying multiple postures in animal husbandry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Precision Livestock Farming: New Techniques for Monitoring the Behaviour and Welfare of Farm Animal)

15 pages, 1069 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Risk Factors for Injury in Border Collies Competing in Agility Competitions

by Arielle Pechette Markley, Abigail B. Shoben and Nina R. Kieves

Animals 2024, 14(14), 2081; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14142081 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2024

Abstract

Border Collies are the most common breed in agility and their reported injury rate is much higher than that of other breeds. We aimed to identify demographic, training, and competition variables associated with the injury risk for this breed. We hypothesized that higher jump heights and competition at national/international levels would increase the injury risk. Data were collected from an internet-based survey. A logistic regression model was built using backward selection. There were 934 Border Collies in the sample, with 488 reporting an injury. The jump height relative to the shoulder height was associated with injury, with dogs jumping noticeably above or below shoulder height more likely to report a history of injury. Other identified risk factors included the number of weekends spent competing/year, the number of competitions at the national level, the age when starting elbow height jumps and backside jumps, the acquisition of the dog from a breeder, and the age of the handler. Factors associated with prolonged injury (>3-month duration) were the age when starting elbow height jumps and having a veterinary assistant as a handler. Border Collies jumping above shoulder height had an increased risk of injury. However, those jumping below shoulder height were also at a higher risk, which could have been due to reverse causality. Similarly, the observed associations regarding differences based on the number of trial weekends/year may have been impacted by reverse causality as well. The increased risk of injury with elbow height jump training at <10 months of age may indicate that the repetitive impact of jump training prior to skeletal maturity negatively influences musculoskeletal development. These data provide valuable information for further prospective studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation in Companion Animals)

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18 pages, 6289 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

A Promising Biocontrol Agent of Bacillus velezensis VC3 against Magnaporthe oryzae and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in Plants

by Kui Li, Xin Zhang, Yue Chen, Tong Zhang, Qianlong Sun, Hongtao Wu, Zhen Chen, Yan Sun, Dehua Liu and Xinqiu Tan

Processes 2024, 12(7), 1490; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr12071490 (registering DOI) - 16 Jul 2024

Abstract

Fungal diseases of plants are one of the key factors causing global crop losses. In this study, we isolated a Bacillus velezensis strain VC3, which was found to have a broad-spectrum inhibitory effect on a variety of phytopathogenic fungi through in vitro and in planta experiments, especially on Magnaporthe oryzae and Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Further genomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed that the B. velezensis VC3 has multiple functional gene clusters encoding for the synthesis of a variety of antifungal secondary metabolites, including antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) and lipopeptides (LPs). In addition, AMPs and LPs were isolated and purified from B. velezensis VC3 fermentation broth and their antifungal activities were verified in this study. AMPs and LPs significantly inhibited spore germination, appressorium formation, and disease development, and AMPs have a better potential for controlling M. oryzae and C. gloeosporioides than LPs. These findings open new avenues for utilizing B. velezensis VC3 as biocontrol agents, providing potential sustainable solutions for agricultural production. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biological Processes and Systems)

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