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This paper explores a two-level prefabricated building closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) comprising a retailer and a prefabricated building manufacturer (PBM) under carbon cap-and-trade legislation and the government subsidies of carbon emission reduction (CER). In this CLSC, the PBM and the retailer recycle used products through their independent recycling channels. The optimum pricing and CER strategies within both decentralized and centralized systems, respectively, are analyzed. The Stackelberg game is used in the decentralized system to determine the optimum PBM's CER level and the retailer's pricing. By analysis, it concludes that increasing the carbon trading price can stimulate prefabricated construction corporations to improve their CER level, and that the government subsidy rate has a great effect on the profits of the PBM. Numerical examples with sensitivity analysis are used to further evaluate the roles of important factors in the optimum CER and pricing solutions of the prefabricated building CLSC in two dissimilar systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we consider an integrated production-delivery model in which a vendor supplies the same product to multiple buyers. Unlike existing study, in this proposed model, we assume that the sum of all buyers' demand rates is larger than the vendor's production rate under normal work, but less than that under overtime. All buyers are independent of each other. For each buyer, the lead time demand is stochastic and the shortage during lead time is permitted. The main objective of this model is to determine the optimal production and delivery policies and the optimal overtime strategy, which minimize the joint expected annual cost of the system. Based on the genetic algorithm, we develop a solution procedure to find the optimal production, delivery, and overtime decision of this model. Computational experiments show the error rate between the objective values obtained by the proposed solution procedure and the solutions solved by the exhaustive method. The results indicate that the proposed mixed genetic algorithm is more effective and adoptable in comparison with the exhaustive method as it can be able to calculate the optimal solutions for at least 96% for the instances. Ultimately, an adequate numerical example is given to show the detailed process of the solution procedure, and sensitivity analysis of main parameters with managerial implication is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An extension of the integrated production-delivery lot sizing model with limited production capacity and transportation cost is investigated. We introduce the factor of overtime work into the model to improve the manufacturer’s production. In addition, when finishing a lot, the manufacturer has maintenance time to maintain and repair equipment for ensuring that the supply chain is operating continuously. By analyzing the integrated model, the solution procedure is provided to determine the optimal delivery and order policy. We conduct a numerical experiment and give sensitive analysis by varying some parameters to illustrate the problem and its solution procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Subsoiling is an important management practice for improving maize yield, especially for maize planted at high plant density. However, the affected physiological processes have yet to be specifically identified. In this study, field experiments with two soil tillage (CK: no-tillage, SS: subsoiling) and three planting densities (low: 45000 plants ha−1, medium: 67500plants ha−1, and high: 90000 plants ha−1) were conducted from 2010 to 2012 at Xinxiang, Henan province. Yield, canopy function, and root system were investigated to determine the associated physiological processes for improving maize production affected by soil tillage and plant density. Subsoiling significantly increased the grain yield of the low-, medium-, and high-planting densities by 6.21%, 8.92%, and 10.09%, respectively. Yield increase in the SS plots was mainly attributed to greater post-anthesis DMA and improved grain filling compared to CK plots. Greater green leaf area, leaf net photosynthetic rate, FV/Fm and ΦPSII in the SS plots were mainly contributed to enhanced dry matter production post-anthesis. This is mainly because subsoiling increased density of root dry weight in deep soil and root bleeding sap amount due to decreased the bulk density of the 0–30 cm soil profile layer. Density of root dry weight at 10–50 cm depth with SS increased by 40.68%, 32.17%, and 20.14% at low, medium, and high planting densities compared to CK, respectively, while the root bleeding sap amount increased by 17.41%, 15.82%, and 20.91%. These results indicate that subsoiling could change the root distribution and improve soil layer environment for root growth, thus maintaining a higher canopy photosynthetic capacity post-anthesis and in turn promoting DMA and yield, particularly at higher planting densities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the two-echelon supply chain with stable market demand, by taking the supplier’s capital constraint into consideration, we establish a conditional and partial trade credit model, which actually is a Stackelberg model with the supplier being a leader in the game. By analyzing two parties’ optimal decisions in the game, we provide the supplier with a threshold for setting the model. The model can not only stimulate the retailer to make a larger order at each replenishment cycle, but also incite the retailer to make a partial payment when he is in a good financial condition. Hence, the supplier’s financial pressure is marginally relieved in this model. On the other hand, the retailer’s benefit in the traditional trade credit model does not decrease. Thus, the new model makes the supply chain more stable and a win–win outcome can be realized. We illustrate the validity of the model via a set of numerical experiments. The sensitivity and the Pareto optimality of the model are also discussed in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photoinduced deformation properties in azobenzene-containing polymers can convert light energy into mechanical energy. At present, there are few types of photoinduced deformable polymers based on azobenzene-containing high performance polymers, and new types of high performance azobenzene-containing polymers need to be developed. Here, a series of azobenzene-containing poly (arylene ether)s with various azobenzene contents were synthesized. These azobenzene-containing polymers showed high glass transition temperatures and high thermal stabilities. The photoisomerization behavior and the photoinduced deformation behavior of these azobenzene-containing polymers were studied upon exposure to a 442 nm linearly polarized laser and a 532 nm linearly polarized laser, respectively. Both of the photodeformation rate and the maximum photoinduced bending angles of the polymers increased with increasing azobenzene content. To our knowledge, it is the first report on photoinduced deformation properties of azobenzene-containing poly (arylene ether)s. In addition, the photoinduced bending rate and maximum photoinduced bending angle of the cantilever under 442 nm laser excitation were higher and larger than that under 532 nm laser excitation, respectively. • A series of azobenzene-containing poly(arylene ether)s are synthesized. • All polymers show well thermal stabilities. • The photodeformation rate of the polymers increase with increasing azobenzene content. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reasonable use of water is required for the sustainable development of maize production in the North China Plain (NCP). In this study, straw mulching (SM) was evaluated in a 2‐yr field experiment to determine whether its effect on maize (Zea mays L.) yield and water use efficiency (WUE) differed under different irrigation systems. Compared with no mulching (NM) treatment, SM increased maize yield by 10.6 and 12.5% under a drip irrigation system in 2016 and 2017, respectively, which was mainly attributed to an 11.7 and 13.5% increase in total dry matter (DM). The increased soil water content in the 0‐ to 40‐cm layer at the six‐leaf (V6), silking (R1), and maturity (R6) stages for SM improved the soil mineral N content (Nmin) in that layer and then increased the N accumulation from V6 to R1 and post‐silking by 7.6 and 21.1% averaged over 2 yr compared with NM, respectively. The enhanced N accumulation for SM increased the leaf area index and DM accumulation rate, which increased the DM accumulation from V12 to R1 and post‐silking by 16.2 and 16.4% averaged over 2 yr compared with NM, respectively, and then the grain number and grain weight. Straw mulching also improved the WUE under the drip irrigation system due to the greater grain yield and 6.1% lower water consumption. This demonstrated that SM combined with the drip irrigation system effectively improved the yield and WUE of maize due to improved DM and N accumulation promoted by the increased water content and Nmin in the upper soil layers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Drip tape layout and flow rate are crucial variables that impact the effects of drip fertigation. To investigate the influence of drip tape layout and flow rate on the soil water and nitrogen transport in summer maize in sandy tidal soil, field experiments were conducted for two years. Two drip tape layouts were set: one tape serving for two crop rows (N) and one tape serving for each crop row (E), with two levels of drip flow rate, i.e., high (2 L/h; H) and low (1.3 L/h; L). The results show that under the same drip tape layout, the lower the drip emitter flow rate, the more upright the shape of wetted soil volume. The maximum vertical and horizontal water transport distance under NL treatment was higher than that under NH, EH, and EL treatments. After surface drip fertigation, nitrate nitrogen accumulated near and at the edge of the wetted soil volume. In 2020, under NL treatment, nitrate nitrogen transported to a 55 cm soil layer, which was 22.22%, 71.42%, and 57.14% deeper than that under NH, EH, and EL treatments, respectively. In 2021, nitrate nitrogen could transport to a 60 cm soil layer in both NL and NH treatments. The maximum concentration of ammonium nitrogen was nearby the emitter. Under NL treatment, ammonium nitrogen was transported to 48 and 60 cm soil layers below the emitter in 2020 and 2021, respectively, which was deeper than that observed under NH, EH, and EL treatments. The soil inorganic nitrogen residue of the NL was lower than that of the NH, EH, and EL treatments. Compared with NH, EH, and EL treatments, the two-year maize yield under NL treatment increased by 11.09%, 13.47%, and 8.66% on average, respectively. NL treatment exhibited the highest water use efficiency and nitrogen fertilizer productivity. Therefore, NL treatment (one drip tape serving for two rows with 1.3 L/h flow rate) could promote the absorption of water and nutrients, reduce inorganic nitrogen residue, and to obtain high maize yield in sandy tidal soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Talaromyces purpurogenus, an endophytic fungus, exhibits beneficial effects on plants during plant–fungus interactions. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying plants' responses to T. purpurogenus under low-phosphorous (P) stress are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the transcriptomic changes in maize with low-P-sensitive (31778) and -tolerant (CCM454) genotypes under low-P stress and its symbiotic interaction with T. purpurogenus. Its colonization enhanced plant growth and facilitated P uptake, particularly in 31778. Transcriptome sequencing revealed that 135 DEGs from CCM454 and 389 from 31778 were identified, and that only 6 DEGs were common. This suggested that CCM454 and 31778 exhibited distinct molecular responses to T. purpurogenus inoculation. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that DEGs in 31778 were associated with nicotianamine biosynthesis, organic acid metabolic process, inorganic anion transport, biosynthesis of various secondary metabolites and nitrogen metabolism. In CCM454, DEGs were associated with anthocyanin biosynthesis, diterpenoid biosynthesis and metabolic process. After T. purpurogenus inoculation, the genes associated with phosphate transporter, phosphatase, peroxidase and high-affinity nitrate transporter were upregulated in 31778, whereas AP2-EREBP-transcription factors were detected at significantly higher levels in CCM454. This study provided insights on the molecular mechanisms underlying plant–endophytic fungus symbiosis and low-P stress in maize with low-P-sensitive and -tolerant genotypes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tillage practices can directly affect soil quality, influencing soil properties, crop growth, and soil microbial community characteristics. However, the influence of long-term tillage practices on the rhizosphere bacterial community in lime concretion black soil remains largely unknown. In this study, the effects of nine-year rotary tillage (RT), no-tillage (NT), subsoiling tillage (ST), and plow tillage (PT) on soil chemical properties, microbial community structure, and correlations between bacterial communities and soil properties in the maize rhizosphere were investigated. The results revealed that the maize yield in ST and PT was higher by 10.61% and 10.26% than that in RT and by 10.25% and 9.90% than that in NT, respectively. The soil organic matter (SOM) and total nitrogen (TN) contents in NT and ST were significantly higher than those in RT and PT, whereas the available phosphorus (AP) content in ST and PT was significantly higher than that in NT and RT. The diversity and richness of the soil bacterial communities exhibited a trend of NT > RT > PT > ST. The principal component analysis revealed that the soil bacterial community differed among treatments. Linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis demonstrated that Proteobacteria, Armatimonadetes, Verrucomicrobia, and Chloroflexi could serve as crucial biomarkers. Phylogenetic investigation of communities by reconstruction of unobserved states (PICRUSt) results revealed that genes involved in carbon, lipid, and xenobiotic metabolism were enriched under ST and PT, whereas those involved in nitrogen and carbon fixation were enriched under NT. Besides, Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, and Armatimonadetes were positively associated with AP levels and negatively associated with pH; however, Acidobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Planctomycetes exhibited an opposite trend. Overall, ST and PT improved the soil properties and environmental suitability by increasing the bacterial keystone taxa; thus, these practices improved crop yield. These findings could enhance our understanding of the rhizosphere functional microbial community in lime concretion black soil for winter wheat–summer maize double-cropping system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Huang-Huai-Hai Plain is the most important region for grain production in China. In this area, long-term rotary tillage in winter wheat and no tillage in summer maize have significantly increased soil bulk density, which impede maize root growth and reduce the grain yield. Subsoiling tillage is an effective practice to improve soil properties and crop growth. The objective of this study was to investigate the integrated effects of subsoiling tillage in both winter wheat and summer maize seasons on soil bulk density, maize root growth and spatial distribution. A two-year field experiment was conducted in winter wheat–summer maize rotation system. Tillage treatments included rotary tillage (RT) and subsoiling tillage (ST) in wheat season, and no tillage (NT), inter–row subsoiling tillage (STIR), and on–row subsoiling tillage (STOR) in maize season. It was found that in the second year, i.e., in 2018, ST decreased soil bulk density by 3.87% and increased porosity by 5.86% at 30–40 cm soil depth at maize maturity. Meanwhile, maize root length density at 40–50 cm depth increased by 30.00% and grain yield increased by 4.70% under ST. In maize season tillage treatments, STOR decreased soil bulk density by 4.52% and increased soil porosity by 6.96% at 20–30 cm soil depth. Compared with NT, the STOR significantly increased maize root length density at 20–30 cm soil depth by 78.45%, and increased root length density in a horizontal area 0–10 cm for both years, with a significant increase of 58.89% in 2018. Therefore, this study demonstrated that in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain, which has a tidal soil type, subsoiling tillage in winter wheat season and on–row subsoiling tillage in maize season can loosen the soil and improve vertical extension of maize root system in the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat/soybean rotation is an important double-cropping system in the Huang-Huai-Hai plain of China. Continuous soybean cropping could cause soil quality deterioration and plant growth inhibition. However, the effects of continuous wheat/soybean cropping on soybean rhizosphere microbes remain largely unknown. In this study, we compared the soybean yield and rhizosphere soil microbial community between continuous winter wheat/summer soybean (W/S) with two harvests in one year and winter wheat/summer soybean-winter wheat/summer maize (W/S-W/M) with four harvests in two years. The results showed that the soybean yield in the W/S group significantly (p < 0.05) declined within the first two years. The W/S-W/M showed higher soybean yield and soil fertility index than the W/S group. The sequencing results revealed that cropping rotation had a higher impact on the fungal community than the bacterial community. The W/S group showed 22.08–23.01% higher alpha diversity of the fungal community, but the alpha diversity of the bacterial group did not vary significantly in this group. The fungal community composition in the W/S and W/S-W/M groups differed significantly. In the W/S-W/M group, a higher relative abundance of plant growth-promoting fungi (e.g., Mortierella), nematophagous fungi (e.g., Plectosphaerella), and biological control fungi (e.g., Coniothyrium) was observed. In the W/S group, a higher relative abundance of lignocellulose-degrading fungi (e.g., Trechispora, Myceliophthora, Botryotrichum, and Coniochaeta) and pathogenic fungi (e.g., Pyrenochaetopsis and Cyphellophora) was observed. LEfSe analysis demonstrated that Mortierella, Myceliophthora, and Trechispora could serve as crucial biomarkers. Mortierella was positively associated with available P levels and negatively associated with NO3−-N levels and pH while Trechispora showed the opposite trend. The findings of this study could enhance the current understanding of the mechanisms associated with the continuous wheat/soybean cropping obstacles and ensure the sustainability of agricultural production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The spatial distribution of the root system through the soil profile has an impact on moisture and nutrient uptake by plants, affecting growth and productivity. The spatial distribution of the roots, soil moisture, and fertility are affected by tillage practices. The combination of high soil density and the presence of a soil plow pan typically impede the growth of maize (Zea mays L.).We investigated the spatial distribution coordination of the root system, soil moisture, and N status in response to different soil tillage treatments (NT: no-tillage, RT: rotary-tillage, SS: subsoiling) and the subsequent impact on maize yield, and identify yield-increasing mechanisms and optimal soil tillage management practices. Field experiments were conducted on the Huang-Huai-Hai plain in China during 2011 and 2012. The SS and RT treatments significantly reduced soil bulk density in the top 0–20 cm layer of the soil profile, while SS significantly decreased soil bulk density in the 20–30 cm layer. Soil moisture in the 20–50 cm profile layer was significantly higher for the SS treatment compared to the RT and NT treatment. In the 0-20 cm topsoil layer, the NT treatment had higher soil moisture than the SS and RT treatments. Root length density of the SS treatment was significantly greater than density of the RT and NT treatments, as soil depth increased. Soil moisture was reduced in the soil profile where root concentration was high. SS had greater soil moisture depletion and a more concentration root system than RT and NT in deep soil. Our results suggest that the SS treatment improved the spatial distribution of root density, soil moisture and N states, thereby promoting the absorption of soil moisture and reducing N leaching via the root system in the 20–50 cm layer of the profile. Within the context of the SS treatment, a root architecture densely distributed deep into the soil profile, played a pivotal role in plants’ ability to access nutrients and water. An optimal combination of deeper deployment of roots and resource (water and N) availability was realized where the soil was prone to leaching. The correlation between the depletion of resources and distribution of patchy roots endorsed the SS tillage practice. It resulted in significantly greater post-silking biomass and grain yield compared to the RT and NT treatments, for summer maize on the Huang-Huai-Hai plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]