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A common passive sampler used to measure NH3 volatilization losses in field studies has a nozzle with a 1‐mm, round orifice that reduces air flow to increase NH3 adsorption. This reduction in air flow, measured by the orifice's K value (0–1), implies a reduction in the amount of NH3 entering the sampler per unit of time, which may require a longer exposure to accumulate measurable quantities of NH3. Increasing the diameter of the orifice would increase the NH3 entering the sampler and possibly allow shorter exposure times, but it may also lead to increased NH3 bypass. The objectives of this research were to (1) determine the effect of wind speed on NH3 bypass in samplers with 1‐ or 2‐mm orifices, (2) determine the reduction in air speed in samplers with 1‐ or 2‐mm orifices by determining their K values, and (3) compare field NH3 volatilization losses measured with 1‐ and 2‐mm orifices. A laboratory study with wind speeds ranging from 0.6 to 10 m·s−1 showed that both orifice sizes had NH3 bypass at low and high wind speeds. Results from wind tunnel studies determined that flow was reduced to 63% (K = 0.63) in 1‐mm orifices and to 74% (K = 0.74) in 2‐mm orifices. Field studies indicated that 1‐mm orifices may measure greater NH3 volatilization losses than 2‐mm orifices at average low wind speeds when maximum wind speeds <10 m·s−1, but may measure equal or lower losses than 2‐mm orifices when several days occur with maximum wind speeds >10 m·s−1. Core Ideas: Field NH3 loss measured with 1‐ and 2‐mm orifices depended on maximum wind speeds.Ammonia bypass occurred at low and high wind speeds with both orifice sizes.Wind speed through sampler was reduced to 63% with a 1‐mm orifice and to 74% with a 2‐mm orifice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As plant litter decomposes, its mass exponentially decreases until it reaches a non-zero asymptote. However, decomposition rates vary considerably among litter types as a function of their overall quality (i.e., carbon:nitrogen (C:N) ratio and litter chemistry). We investigated the effects of hairy vetch (HV: Vicia villosa Roth):cereal rye (RYE: Secale cereale L.) biomass proportions with or without broadcasted poultry manure on overall litter quality before and during decomposition. As HV biomass proportions increased from 0 to 100%, the relative susceptibility of HV:RYE mixtures to microbial decomposition increased due to: (i) decrease in the initial C:N ratio (87:1 to 10:1 in 2012 and 67:1 to 9:1 in 2013), (ii) increase in the non-structural labile carbohydrates (33 to 61% across years), and (iii) decrease in the structural holo-cellulose (59 to 33% across years) and lignin (8 to 6% across years) fractions. Broadcasted poultry manure decreased the overall initial quality of HV-dominated litters and increased the overall initial quality of RYE-dominated litters. Across all HV:RYE biomass proportions with or without poultry manure, chemical changes during litter decay were related to proportional mass loss. Therefore, the relative decrease in carbohydrates and the concomitant increase in holo-cellulose and lignin fractions were more pronounced for fast decomposing litter types, i.e., litters dominated by HV rather than RYE. While our results suggest possible convergence of litter C:N ratios, initial differences in litter chemistry neither converged nor diverged. Therefore, we conclude that the initial chemistry of litter before decomposition exerts a strong control on its chemical composition throughout the decay continuum. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bacterial microcompartments (BMC) are complex macromolecular assemblies that participate in varied chemical processes in about one fourth of bacterial species. BMC-encapsulated enzymatic activities are segregated from other cell contents by means of semipermeable shells, justifying why BMC are viewed as prototype nano-reactors for biotechnological applications. Herein, we undertook a comparative study of bending propensities of BMC hexamers (BMC-H), the most abundant shell constituents. Published data show that some BMC-H, like β-carboxysomal CcmK, tend to assemble flat whereas other BMC-H often build curved objects. Inspection of available crystal structures presenting BMC-H in tiled arrangements permitted us to identify two major assembly modes with a striking connection with experimental trends. All-atom molecular dynamics (MD) supported that BMC-H bending is triggered robustly only from the arrangement adopted in crystals by BMC-H that experimentally form curved objects, leading to very similar arrangements to those found in structures of recomposed BMC shells. Simulations on triplets of planar-behaving hexamers, which were previously reconfigured to comply with such organization, confirmed that bending propensity is mostly defined by the precise lateral positioning of hexamers, rather than by BMC-H identity. Finally, an interfacial lysine was pinpointed as the most decisive residue in controlling PduA spontaneous curvature. Globally, results presented herein should contribute to improve our understanding of the variable mechanisms of biogenesis characterized for BMC, and of possible strategies to regulate BMC size and shape. Author summary: Bacterial microcompartments are complex macromolecular ensembles that participate in varied metabolic processes in many microorganisms. They consist of a proteinaceous shell that encapsulates enzymatic cargo that mediate connected chemical reactions. Being confined within shells, the overall efficiency of the process is thought to augment, and reactions that imply toxic intermediates, which are lethal to the host in free-diffusing context, become feasible. These natural nano-reactors are therefore appealing for biotechnology purposes. Understanding how such complex objects form is essential. Experimental studies demonstrated the existence of two possible pathways. Thus, shell components grew onto a preformed core of organized cargo in cyanobacterial carboxysomes, whereas in Pdu compartments, both cargo and shell formation seemed to occur randomly. With the aim to contribute to the understanding of the different biogenesis pathways, here we investigated the trend of the most abundant protein constituents of bacterial micro-compartment shells to form curved structures. We first discovered the occurrence of two major assembly modes in deposited BMC-H crystal structures that clustered proteins in two groups that correlate well to their experimental propensities to form bent or flat structures. Subsequently, molecular dynamic simulations supported that only one of the modes is ready to curve. Moreover, simulations on protein mutants pinpointed a residue that seems to be pivotal in triggering bending. Globally, our data permit to draw a scenario that explains BMC biogenesis differences as a result of the capture of some BMC-H, such as CcmK of carboxysomes, in local minima corresponding to flat states that would delay closure of BMC shells, something that might require the intervention of other molecular effectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this article is to explore the historical genealogy and the process by which social citizenship was constituted in Spain. Because its origins lie in nineteenth -century social reformism, the reasons why it appeared and the repercussions it had require analysis. This analysis clearly reveals that social reformism emerged as the result of the internal crisis of the imaginary of classical liberal individualism and its ensuing reframing in organicist terms. Given the incapacity of the liberal regime to attain the promised social, economic, and harmonious egalitarian political order, the new individualist organicism promoted the adoption of new ways of reaching this objective. The most important was the announcement of social reforms, which required state intervention in economic and labour relations. With time, these measures of reform would acquire the condition of social rights and give rise to the institution of so-called social citizenship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, demand for functional foods is increasing in the public interest in order to improve life expectations and general health. Food matrices containing probiotic microorganisms and active compounds encapsulated into carrier agents are essential in this context. Encapsulation via the lyophilisation method is widely used because oxidation reactions that affect physicochemical and nutritional food properties are usually avoided. Encapsulated functional ingredients, such as quercetin and Bacillus clausii, using two carrier agents' matrices—I [inulin (IN), lactose (L) and maltodextrin (MX)] and II [arabic (A), guar (G), and xanthan (X) gums)]—are presented in this work. A D-optimal procedure involving 59 experiments was designed to evaluate each matrix's yield, viability, and antioxidant activity (AA). Matrix I (33.3 IN:33.3 L:33.3 MX) and matrix II (33.3 A:33.3 G:33.3 X) exhibited the best yield; viability of 9.7 log10 CFU/g and 9.73 log10 CFU/g was found in matrix I (using a ratio of 33.3 IN:33.3 L:33.3 MX) and matrix II (50 G:50 X), respectively. Results for the antioxidant capacity of matrix I (100 IN:0 L:0M X) and matrix II (0 A:50 G:50 X) were 58.75 and 55.54 (DPPH* scavenging activity (10 µg/mL)), respectively. Synergy between matrices I and II with use of 100IN:0L:OMX and 0A:50G:50X resulted in 55.4 log10 CFU/g viability values; the antioxidant capacity was 9. 52 (DPPH* scavenging activity (10 µg/mL). The present work proposes use of a carrier agent mixture to produce a functional ingredient with antioxidant and probiotic properties that exceed the minimum viability, 6.0 log10 CFU/g, recommended by the FAO/WHO (2002) to be probiotic, and that contributes to the recommended daily quercetin intake of 10–16 mg/day or inulin intake of 10–20 g/day and dietary fibre intake of 25–38 g per day. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of combining techniques such as blanching time, pH and aw reduction on microbiological growth and enzymatic activity to increase the shelf life of fresh escamoles. A completely randomised factorial design with three factors (aw, pH and blanching time) and two different levels per factor was created to obtain the preservative conditions based on the microbiological growth and enzymatic activity of escamoles. The results indicated that the experimental conditions of aw, pH and blanching time were 0.90, 5 and 10 or 15 s, respectively, with reduced microbial growth and proteolytic activity, which allowed significantly increasing the escamoles' shelf life from 4 to 45 days under refrigeration at 4°C. Therefore, it is feasible to use this methodology for the preservation of this product in order to resemble fresh, microbiologically safe escamoles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid growth of electric vehicles and advancements in self-driving technologies necessitate the development of specialized infrastructure to support autonomy. Accurate pose estimation of electric vehicles sockets is crucial for efficient and reliable plug-in charging operations. This process is inherently complex due to several factors, including the textureless black color of the socket, environment-dependent lighting conditions, and the presence of small geometrical features. To address these challenges, we propose a comprehensive method that combines Deep Neural Network-based pose estimation and auto-annotation methodology. Auto-annotation facilitates the generation of diverse training data, enhancing the accuracy, robustness, and generalization capabilities of the deep learning model. The advantages of the proposed method were evaluated through a comprehensive series of experiments conducted in both simulation and controlled laboratory settings. In our evaluation, we implemented a robotic charging system consisting of a manipulator with a charging plug and a hand-eye monocular camera and conducted plug-in testing in three scenarios: (A) uniform lighting conditions, (B) dark, and (C) highly uneven illumination of the socket surface. The experimental results show that our method can achieve precise and reliable pose estimation with mean absolute errors less than 0.73 mm and 0.82 deg, and an average Insertion Success Rate of over 97.5%. • DNN-based method for accurate and robust socket pose estimation of electric vehicle. • Methodology for fast and accurate dataset annotation. • Unique application of Keypoint R-CNN detector, SQPnP, and RANSAC methods. • Validation of the designed method in diverse lighting conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bentonite is a claystone formed by a complex mineralogical mixture, composed of montmorillonite, illite, and accessory minerals like quartz, cristobalite, feldspars, carbonates, and minor amounts of iron oxy-hydroxides. Bentonite presents complexity at various scales: (1): a single mineral may present different chemical composition within the same quarry (e.g., feldspars solid solutions); (2): montmorillonite presents variability in the cation-exchange distribution while illite may be presented as mixed-layer with smectite sheets; and (3): hardness and crystal size are larger in accessory minerals than in clay minerals, preventing uniform grinding of bentonite. The FEBEX bentonite used is originally from Almería (Spain), and it is a predominantly calcium, magnesium, and sodium bentonite. This Spanish FEBEX bentonite has been hydrothermally altered at laboratory scale for 7–14 years. A thermal gradient was generated by heating a disk of pressed iron powder, simulating the metal waste canister, in contact with the compacted bentonite sample. Hydration was forced from the opposite direction. XRD recorded patterns were very similar. In order to minimize the bias of XRD semi-quantitative determination methods, Rietveld refinement was performed using BGMN software and different structural models. Confidence in the quantification of the main phases allows us to convincingly detect other subtle changes such as the presence of calcite in the hydration front, right at the interface between the saturated and unsaturated bentonite, or the presence of goethite, and not hematite, in the saturated bentonite, near the source of hydration. Smectite component was 72 ± 3% and the refinement was consistent with the presence of ~10% illite, comparable with previous characterizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A Lie algebra L is called primitive if it is prime, nondegenerate, and contains a nonzero Jordan element a such that the attached Jordan algebra L_a is primitive. In this paper we prove that every primitive Lie PI-algebra over a field of zero characteristic is simple and finite-dimensional over its centroid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

My main concern in this article is to arrive at a clear view of the nature, extent, and value of Descartes' universal doubt, not to determine whether Hume's critique of Cartesian doubt is compelling. It is rather to reflect on Descartes' own assessment of the matter in order to explain why Hume was right in recommending Descartes' doubt in the Meditations, when reasonably understood, as "a necessary preparative to the study of philosophy." This task will be discharged, first, through an analysis of the Meditations and other works of Descartes connected with this topic; and second, by an exploration of the effect that the radical and extensive doubt undertaken by Descartes in the Meditations has elicited from generations of students, particularly from those inclined to philosophize, namely the sudden intellectual upheaval and awakening of their critical faculties. I argue that the universal, "hyperbolic" doubt is not artificial or rhetorical, or a mere heuristic construct to secure Descartes' metaphysical principles. Instead, it is but a development and methodic refinement of a natural predisposition of the human mind that manifests itself early in the serious, encompassing doubts children entertain on certain occasions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

By means of the Discrete Element Method, we investigate the relationship between the power‐law exponent of the grain size distribution (GSD) and the mobility of granular transitional flows. This is done with the aim of testing a recently posed hypothesis, suggesting that high power‐law exponents are related to the large mobility observed in natural mass flows (Lai et al., 2017, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017gl075689), as a consequence of a lubrication mechanism in which small grains act as rotational bearings reducing the shear strength of the flowing mass. We show that both the mobility of the flow and the shear strength of the material are independent of the GSD power‐law exponent, as long as the system‐to‐grain size ratio of the studied system is sufficiently large, as it is expected in natural granular flows. This confirms that the power‐law exponent, or the proportion of small and big grains, are not plausible origins of the large mobility of granular avalanches. Plain Language Summary: Natural granular flows, such as rock avalanches, are known for their long traveling distance. The mechanism behind this long traveling is still elusive, with a recent hypothesis suggesting that flows with a larger amount of small grains, relative to the number of big grains, increases the flow traveling distance. The variety of grain sizes is a property often described by a power‐law grain size distribution. In this hypothesis, the authors propose a lubrication mechanism in which small grains act as rotational bearings, reducing the shear strength of the flowing mass. In this work, we test the effect of the power‐law grain size distribution on the flow traveling distance, exploring whether the aforementioned mechanism is an artifact of the total amount of grains (i.e., system‐to‐grain size ratio) employed when formulating the hypothesis. We show that both the flow traveling distance and the shear strength of a granular mass are independent of the grain size distribution, as long as the system‐to‐grain size ratio is sufficiently large, as is expected in natural mass flows. This confirms that a power‐law grain size distribution, or the proportion of small and big grains, are not plausible origins of the long traveling distance of granular avalanches. Key Points: The lubrication mechanism does not explain the large mobility of natural granular flows, such as debris flows and rock avalanchesThe mobility of granular flows is independent of the power‐law exponent of its grain size distributionThe shear strength of a granular assembly is independent of the power‐law exponent of its grain size distribution [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the diet of Philodryas mattogrossensis, who prey upon Tropidurus torquatus, a medium-sized, terrestrial, saxicolous, or arboreal lizard.

The recent use of prostate-specific membrane antigen as a biological target have improved the theragnostic approach to prostate and other types of cancer. Radiopharmaceuticals based on PSMA inhibitors radiolabeled with beta emitters as Lutetium-177 have demonstrated remarkable efficacy and safety, however, their clinical evaluation have also shown that therapeutic response of bone located metastases is poorer than that presented by soft tissue lesions. These observations conducted to the development and study at different levels of PSMA-targeting alpha-particle therapy exhibiting effective and promising antitumor activity. However, some aspects of the use of alpha emitters such as cellular dosimetry should be considered before applying them safely. The aim of the present work was to compare and calculate the absorbed dose of 177Lu-iPSMA and 225Ac-iPSMA using an animal bone metastasis model and experimental data obtained from cellular fractionation. The number of disintegrations and the dose factors for the theragnostic iPSMA pair, molecule that can be radiolabeled with 177Lu or 225Ac, were determined based on MIRD methodology, and used to calculate the absorbed dose to cell nucleus. A five times difference between 225Ac-iPSMA and 177Lu-iPSMA average dose rate to the tumor was calculated, being 2.3 ± 0.037 for the first and 0.5 ± 0.018 Gy for the second, both for each activity unit (MBq) administered. • 41% of the 225Ac-iPSMA taken up by LNCaP cells reached the nucleus. • 225Ac-iPSMA specific and stably accumulates at bone metastasis. • Difference between 225Ac-iPSMA and 177Lu-iPSMA dose rate is of five times. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the influence of cattle grazing on soil carbon and bulk density during extreme dry to wet periods can help us design more resilient and sustainable grazing systems for low-input management scenarios. A study was conducted to evaluate changes in loss-on-ignition (LOI) carbon and bulk density (BD) in the top 20 cm soil layer when eight continuous grazing (CG) pastures were converted to either continuous grazing with hay distribution (CHD-4) or strategic grazing (STR-4). STR included lure management of cattle with movable-equipages, exclusion and over-seeding erosion-vulnerable areas, and a relaxed rotational grazing. Changes in relationships between cattle density (CD), LOI, and BD were evaluated for change in grazing management from 2015 to 2018. Reduction in LOI carbon (0–5, 5–10, 10–20 cm) and BD (5–10 cm) were observed in both CHD and STR pastures in 2018. CD in 2015 had either no relationship or a negative relationship on LOI while in 2018, CD positively influenced LOI in CHD (0–5 cm) and STR (0–5 and 5–10 cm) pastures. STR had lower BD with higher CD further away from concentrated flow paths mirroring cattle movement. Exclusions in the STR pastures had the greatest reduction in BD. Even with reduced carbon in the 0–5 cm soil layer the reduction in BD in the 5–10 cm soil layer helped build resilience in grazing systems that experience extreme weather events such as going from very dry to extensively wet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pile response is of great importance to the effectiveness of a row of piles used as a landslide mitigation method. However, the current classifications of the pile responses and failure modes do not consider the effects of soil displacement and the relative pile rigidity. An attempt is made in this paper to improve this using a non-dimensional model based on simplified ground consisted of two layers of cohesive soils. A hyperbolic p–y model is adopted to consider non-linear soil reactions. The calculations of three case histories show that the proposed model predicts the pile responses well. The dependencies for obtaining a pile response with maximum pile resistance have been identified and the influencing factors have been examined. The efficacy of the proposed approach has been demonstrated by the satisfactory result that it achieves in reproducing the more complex three-dimensional finite-element analyses. The application of the non-dimensional solutions indicates that it can increase the efficiency of the preliminary pile design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Utilizing CO 2 and H 2 S waste streams for sustainable methanol production. • Improving methanol yields and value-added product generation. • Reducing operational costs and environmental emissions. • Employing factorial design and ANOVA for process optimization. • Increasing profitability through energy integration. Greenhouse gas emissions, specifically CO 2 and H 2 S, are recognized as a serious environmental issue. To address this, various strategies have been suggested. Among these, an economic-environmental study is presented, focusing on a methanol production process that utilizes CO 2 and H 2 S waste streams from a natural gas sweetening plant. The study aims to identify conditions that enhance the production of value-added products and increase methanol yields while reducing costs. Given the complexity of processes involving numerous variables such as pressure, temperature, flow rates, and others, pinpointing the most impactful variables for effective manipulation poses a significant challenge. To tackle this, the study adopts a factorial experimental design coupled with ANOVA analysis to determine the variables that most significantly affect the process. Based on this analysis, the study suggests process improvement through energy integration. Results, derived from the experimental design and ANOVA analysis, reveal that reactor temperatures play a crucial role in influencing the process's effectiveness. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the first record of Myocastor coypus in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, in addition to detailing its distribution within southern South America, highlighting where it is considered native or exotic in Brazil. On April 23, 2018, at approximately 18:00, an adult specimen with a 40 cm BL (body length) was registered after being run over on a side road near wetlands and a dam in a rural area in the municipality of Bataguassu, eastern state of Mato Grosso do Sul. It is not possible to state the origin of the M. coypus reported in the present study; whether it was introduced or dispersed naturally through the flooded areas of the Paraná River, since the species has records on the border of the states of Mato Grosso do Sul and Paraná. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a growing world population scenario, greater demand for food and in turn agricultural input is expected in the coming decades. The development of innovative sustainable amendments and fertilizers such as hydrogels (HGs) relies on this context. HGs are defined as 3D polymeric networks with the ability to absorb and retain a large amount of water (i.e., swellability). HGs swellability makes them ideal platforms for water- and nutrient-controlled release. The literature reflects a notable diversity in HGs composition, properties, and impacts on agroecosystems, resulting in the dissemination of information across multiple publications. Within this context, the primary aim of this scientific review is to systematically compile, critically evaluate, and synthesize the latest findings and relevant literature pertaining to the application of HGs in agroecosystems. We found that this class of materials was consistently found on soil bulk density, crop available water, soil electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity and main cereal or legume crops performances particularly under moderate water deficit conditions, suggesting their effectiveness for arid and semi- arid areas. Encouraging results were also found on pesticide, agrochemicals, and microorganisms delivering. Thus, the delivery of agronomic inputs with loaded-HG may play a key role in forthcoming agriculture that would minimize the agronomic impact on the environment. Nevertheless, some critical issues still remain open, concerning: (i) the decreased of HG effectiveness following wetting and drying cycles, (ii) the impact of Na+ contained in HG on crop cells, (iii) the HG effect on soil saturated hydraulic conductivity and pH, and (iv) HG biodegradability and their fate into the environment. In conclusion, HGs seem a promising technology to reach/maintain food security and soil health, but future research should address the development of well-defined protocols for producing biowaste-derived HG that will ensure their biodegradability and non-toxicity and will disclose new insights into a circular economy approach agronomy. One of the biggest challenges would be the synthesis of “smart” HG able to respond to environmental stimuli triggering molecule(s) release in soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the role of clipping biomass in nutrient budgets of turfgrass systems is critical to improving N use efficiency (NUE). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of mowing frequency on clipping tissue characteristics, N mineralization (NMin, %), and NH3 volatilization (AV, %) from decomposing 'TifTuf' bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. × Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt Davy] clippings applied to the soil surface. Turfgrass clippings were collected from two research facilities in Athens, GA, at 3‐, 7‐, 10‐, and 14‐d mowing intervals (MIs). A subsample of clippings from each plot was ground and analyzed using near‐infrared spectroscopy to determine tissue characteristics. Soil from each location was packed into polyvinyl chloride cylinders, treated with grass clippings on the surface or left unamended, and incubated for 90 d. Cumulative evolved NH3 was trapped, and inorganic N was extracted from each cylinder and analyzed colorimetrically after 90 d. Rates of NMin varied significantly across treatments and locations, making it difficult to generate informed recommendations for reducing N fertilization based on MI. Although dry yield (g m–2) and tissue characteristics (carbohydrates, cellulose, and lignin) were found to be significant parameters in predicting NMin, no clear relationship was established between MI and tissue characteristics in this study. More frequent mowing (3‐d MI) appeared to support more vigorous turfgrass growth through greater net clipping yield and may also decrease AV as a function of smaller clipping yield for unique mowing events. Mowing more than one time per week may be more N‐use efficient and promote healthier turfgrass systems overall. Core Ideas: Mowing interval does not appear to affect turfgrass clipping tissue composition.More frequent mowing may bolster turfgrass health and reduce NH3 volatilization losses.Nitrogen mineralization can be highly variable, even in a controlled environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cover crops (CCs) can affect the cropping systems’ N dynamics and soil water content (SWC), but optimizing their potential effects requires knowledge of their growth pattern, N accumulation, and mineralization. For this purpose, a 3-year field experiment was initiated in northeast Italy involving a maize-soybean rotation. The objectives of this study were to (i) evaluate the use of time series vegetation indices (VIs) obtained from the Sentinel-2 satellite for monitoring the growth of CCs and estimating their biomass and N uptake at termination; (ii) investigate the effects of different CCs on cash crop yield and SWC; and (iii) use the simulation model CC-NCALC to predict the nitrogen contribution of CCs to subsequent cash crops. Three CC systems were tested: a fixed treatment with triticale; a 3-year succession of rye, crimson clover, and mustard; and a control with no CCs. Satellite imagery revealed that rye and triticale grew faster during the winter season than clover but slower compared to mustard, which suffered a frost winterkilling. Both grasses and mustard produced greater biomass at termination compared to clover, but none of the CC species affected SWC or yield and N uptake of the cash crop. A net N mineralization of all the CC residues was estimated by the model (except for the N immobilization after triticale roots residues). During the subsequent cash crop season, the estimated clover and mustard N released was around 33%, and the triticale around 3% of their total N uptake, with a release peak 2 months after their termination. The use of remote sensing imagery and a prediction model of CC residue decomposition showed potential to be used as instruments for optimizing the CCs utilization and enhancing cropping water and N fertilization management efficiency; however, it must be further analyzed with other CCs species, environmental conditions, and cropping systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) in the form of frozen fillets is one of the fishes with the highest commercial production levels worldwide. However, protein denaturation, membrane rupture, and lipid oxidation are commonly observed in fillets when stored at standard commercial freezing temperatures for long periods. This study proposes, for the first time, the use of maltodextrin and state diagrams to define processing strategies and suitable storage temperatures for fresh and dehydrated tilapia fillets. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to study the effect of maltodextrin weight fractions (WMD) of 0, 0.4, and 0.8 on the thermal transitions of tilapia fillets as a function of solid mass fractions (Ws). Results: The glass transition temperature curve (Tgvs.Ws) and characteristic parameters of maximal freeze concentration (Tg′, Tm′, Ws′) of tilapia increased significantly with the addition of maltodextrin. Using developed state diagrams, freezing and storage temperatures of −22 °C, −15 °C, and −10 °C (P < 0.05) for long‐term preservation were defined for tilapia fillets produced with WMD of 0, 0.4, and 0.8. Conclusion: Maltodextrin is an excellent alternative as a cryoprotectant and drying aid to increase the thermal parameters of tilapia fillets by achieving frozen storage temperatures above the standard commercial freezing temperature of −18 °C. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the late Holocene eruption history of the poorly known Doña Juana volcanic complex, in SW Colombia, which last erupted in the twentieth century. This represents a case study for potentially active volcanism in the rural Northern Andes, where tropical climate conditions and a fragmented social memory blur the record of dormant volcanoes. We reconstructed the volcanic stratigraphy of the central-summit vent area by integrating new mapping at 1:5000 scale with radiocarbon ages, sedimentology analysis, and historical chronicles. Our results revealed cyclic transitions from lava-dome growth phases and collapse to explosive Vulcanian and possibly subplinian phases. Pyroclastic density currents were generated by dome collapse producing block-and-ash flows or by pyroclastic fountain/column collapse and were rapidly channelized into the deeply incised fluvial valleys around the volcano summit. The pyroclastic density currents were ~4-10 × 106 m3 in volume and deposited under granular flow- or fluid escape-dominated depositional regimes at high clast concentrations. In places, more dilute upper portions reached a wider areal distribution that affected the inhabited areas on high depositional terraces. The coefficient of friction (H/L) is higher for block-and-ash flows and dense lava-bearing fountain/lowcolumn-collapse pyroclastic density currents compared to pumice-bearing, column-collapse pyroclastic density currents. Associated mass-wasting processes included syneruptive and intereruptive debris flows, with the last one documented in 1936 CE. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ureolytic microbes are abundant in broiler litter (BL), and previous research indicates that microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation via urea hydrolysis occurs in gypsum‐amended litters. Given that calcium carbonate (CaCO3) is used to correct soil acidity, we hypothesized that the soil‐liming potential of BL + gypsum is greater than that of unamended litter. First, an experiment was conducted to isolate ureolytic bacteria from BL and confirm their ability to precipitate CaCO3. To determine the effects of calcium on urea hydrolysis, six isolates were identified from screenings of 30 colonies collected from different BL sources. Calcium increased the ureolytic rate by 29%–160% and the precipitation of CaCO3 by ~1500% in solution. The 16S rRNA of the isolate with the greatest rate of urea hydrolysis was sequenced and belong to Lysinibacillus macroides. Broiler litter amended with gypsum was inoculated with L. macroides and found to precipitate significantly more CaCO3 than inoculated litter without gypsum. Finally, over the course of a 28‐day incubation, the pH and inorganic‐N of soil, soil + BL, and soil + BL + gypsum were measured. Surprisingly, soil + BL + gypsum was found to have a significantly lower pH than soil + BL for the first 21 days. We propose that the decreased liming ability of BL + gypsum is due to a combination of pH buffering mechanisms and increased nitrification. Although gypsum is a useful litter amendment, it cannot be used to increase the liming ability of litter, despite the fact that gypsum‐amended litter has more CaCO3. Core Ideas: Calcium ions increase the rate of urea hydrolysis by poultry litter‐derived ureolytic isolates.Inoculating gypsum‐amended litter with ureolytic bacteria increases the CaCO3 and NH4+ content of litter.The soil liming potential of gypsum‐amended litter is not greater than the liming potential of unamended litter, even though treated litter contains more CaCO3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Early life ethanol exposure is known to program hypothalamic proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons to express a reduced level of POMC and its control of stress axis functions throughout the life span. In this study, we tested whether miRNAs contribute to the ethanol-induced suppression of Pomc gene expression during the developmental period. Methods: In in vivo studies, POMC-EGFP male mice were fed with 2.5 g/kg ethanol using milk formula (AF), pair-fed isocaloric milk formula, or left in the litter during postnatal days (PNDs) 2–6. In in vitro studies, mHypoA-POMC/GFP cells were treated with ethanol (50 mM) for a 24-h period. Hypothalamic tissues or cell extracts were used for measurement of miRNAs and POMC mRNA. Results: Determination of genome-wide microRNA expression profile identified 40 miRNAs significantly altered in hypothalamic tissues of AF mice. In silico analysis further identified miRNA-383, -384, and -488 have putative binding sites at the POMC 3′UTR. However, only miR-383 and miR-384 are identified to be responsive to ethanol. Administration of miR-383 or -384 inhibitor oligos suppressed ethanol-stimulated miR-383 or -384 expression and restored Pomc mRNA and protein expression in AF mice. mHypoA-POMC/GFP cells when treated with ethanol showed elevated levels of miR-383 and miR-384 and reduced level of Pomc mRNA. Treatment with miR-383 or -384 mimic oligos reduced the level of Pomc mRNA, while treatment with miR-383 or -384 inhibitor oligos increased the level of Pomc mRNA. Reporter assay further confirms the binding specificity of miR-383 and miR-384 to Pomc 3'UTR. Conclusion: These data suggest that miR-383 and miR-384 suppress Pomc gene expression and may contribute to the ethanol-induced alteration of the stress axis functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial communities have vital roles in systems essential to human health and agriculture, such as gut and soil microbiomes, and there is growing interest in engineering designer consortia for applications in biotechnology (e.g., personalized probiotics, bioproduction of high-value products, biosensing). The capacity to monitor and model metabolite exchange in dynamic microbial consortia can provide foundational information important to understand the community level behaviors that emerge, a requirement for building novel consortia. Where experimental approaches for monitoring metabolic exchange are technologically challenging, computational tools can enable greater access to the fate of both chemicals and microbes within a consortium. In this study, we developed an in-silico model of a synthetic microbial consortia of sucrose-secreting Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 and Escherichia coli W. Our model was built on the NUFEB framework for Individual-based Modeling (IbM) and optimized for biological accuracy using experimental data. We showed that the relative level of sucrose secretion regulates not only the steady-state support for heterotrophic biomass, but also the temporal dynamics of consortia growth. In order to determine the importance of spatial organization within the consortium, we fit a regression model to spatial data and used it to accurately predict colony fitness. We found that some of the critical parameters for fitness prediction were inter-colony distance, initial biomass, induction level, and distance from the center of the simulation volume. We anticipate that the synergy between experimental and computational approaches will improve our ability to design consortia with novel function. Author summary: Microbial communities, play important, yet poorly understood roles in health and agriculture. As we develop a better understanding of how these communities interact together, as well as with their host organisms, there is growing interest in engineering communities with specific functions, such as for treating disease, personalized probiotics, or aiding plants with nutrient uptake. To better understand how these microbes interact with each other, we want to monitor the exchange of metabolites and the locations of the microbes, tasks which at present are technically challenging, if not impossible. Where experimental approaches for monitoring metabolites are limited, computational tools can enable greater access to the fate of both chemicals and microbes within a community. In this study, we developed a computerized model of a synthetic microbial community of two bacteria, one which performs photosynthesis and supplies sugar and another which consumes the sugar for growth. We showed that the relative level of sugar secretion regulates not only the steady-state support for the consumer partner's growth, but also how the community changes with time. To determine the importance of spatial organization within the community, we fit a model and used it to predict colony growth. We anticipate that the synergy between experimental and computational approaches will improve our ability to design microbial communities with new functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tofu is one of the main foods made with soybeans. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of L. plantarum and L. fermentum on the volatile compounds and sensorial profile of fermented tofu during ripening. The soy milk was fermented separately with two native strains (L. plantarum or L. fermentum) until reaching a pH of 5.5, and the fermented tofu was obtained. The tofu obtained by acidification with lactic acid was used as a control and was characterized by microbial survival (L. plantarum, L. fermentum, and P. freudenreichii) for 0, 20, and 40 days of storage at 15 °C. Moreover, the lactic and acetic acid content was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the volatile compounds were evaluated by gas. Chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The results were analyzed by an ANOVA test (P < 0.05). After storage, the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) survived in the fermented tofu at a concentration higher than 8.0 log CFU/g after 40 days of storage. The shelf life of fermented tofu obtained by acidification was fewer than 20 days because of the presence of fungi and yeasts. The hexanal content was reduced by approximately 96% (P < 0.05) in the tofu obtained by fermentation compared with the control. This process for fermented tofu production employing two native strains could be used for industrial purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect that the fructans of Cichorium intybus and Agave salmiana have on health, as well as on the growth of some Lactobacillus species, has been demonstrated. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of linear and branched fructans on the growth of seven strains and some probiotic characteristics. The molecular identification of seven strains was performed. Moreover, the growth, resistance to antibiotics and simulated gastrointestinal conditions were also evaluated when these microorganisms were grown in a culture medium containing agave and chicory fructans. The strains were identified as Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lactiplantibacillus pentosus, Lactiplantibacillus fabifermentans and Lactiplantibacillus paraplantarum. The results suggest that the seven Lactobacillus strains were able to grow using agave (branched) and chicory (linear) fructans. The linear and branched fructans statistically influenced the kinetic parameters. The specific growth rate varied between 0.270 and 0.573 h−1 and the generation time between 1.21 and 2.45 h for all strains and culture media. All strains showed a growth of 9 Log CFU/mL in all the culture media. Production of lactic, acetic, propionic, butyric, formic and succinic acid was influenced by linear and branched fructans (p < 0.05). All the strains survived simulated gastrointestinal conditions greater than 83%. The resistance of Lactobacillus against ciprofloxacin and rifaximin was significantly affected by linear and branched fructans, but survival to gastrointestinal conditions was not affected by the type of substrate. These results highlight the use of the seven strains, which have probiotic potential; therefore, these could be applied in several biotechnological products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Diagrams relating to water activity (aw), equilibrium moisture content (Xw) and glass transition temperature (Tg) are valuable tools for predicting amorphous fruit powders' storage procedure and stability. Thus, Tg–aw–Xw diagrams were constructed to characterise the amorphous state and define the critical values of water content (Xwc) and water activity (awc) of freeze‐dried juices of strawberry, pineapple, kiwi and prickly pear prepared with maltodextrin at the dry mass fraction (WMD) of 0, 0.4 and 0.8. The Tg and sorption data were fitted with a polynomial equation and the Guggenheim–Anderson–de Boer (GAB) model respectively. A Tukey test was performed to evaluate the difference between critical values of the powders (P < 0.05). The awc and Xwc increase with WMD and depend on the chemical composition of the powders. The highest critical values were found in pineapple powders, ranging from 0.174 to 0.632 and 0.029 to 0.142 dry basis (d.b.), and the lowest ones in kiwi juice powders ranging from 0.029 to 0.550 and 0.013 to 0.129 (d.b.). For WMD of 0.8, however, regardless of juice composition, stable powders in an amorphous state were obtained up to an aw of 0.52 at 25°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flumioxazin is a preemergence, N -phenylpththalimide herbicide that can be applied to control a broad spectrum of weeds in a variety of cropping systems. Limited information exists concerning the environmental fate of flumioxazin, therefore the present studies investigated the kinetic behavior of flumioxazin in soil and aqueous solution using field and analytical techniques to establish its degradation properties. Flumioxazin half-life in a Greenville sandy clay loam and Faceville loamy sand was 26.6 d. Flumioxazin was determined to have a groundwater ubiquity score of 1.79, indicating a low leachability potential. There was an inverse correlation between flumioxazin concentration in soil, rainfall, and solar radiation. There was no direct correlation between flumioxazin concentration and soil temperature. Flumioxazin activation energy was 58.4 (±1.2) kJ mol−1 with a Q 10 value of 2.2. Even at the lowest amount of solar radiation and soil temperature, the energy from these environmental measures exceeded the activation energy needed for flumioxazin degradation. Flumioxazin stability in solution and field dissipation indicate that, with the input of thermal energy, degradation can be rapid. [Display omitted] • Flumioxazin half-life in two Georgia soils was determined to be 26.6 d with a GUS score of 1.79. • The activation energy of flumioxazin was 58.4 (±1.2) kJ mol−1 with a Q 10 value of 2.2. • Flumioxazin concentration in soil decreased over time as rainfall and solar radiation increased. • Flumioxazin stability in aqueous solution indicated that degradation increased as the input of thermal energy rose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the SW flank of the Doña Juana Volcanic Complex, Colombia, the dynamic geomorphic system responds to the complex interaction between volcanic, climatic, and tectonic driving forces, where the recent landscape (last ~20 years) is being shaped as a function of denudational processes. Despite the rapid rates of landforms development, the geomorphology of this area is poorly documented. To overcome the lack of information we mapped the area using a GeoSAR DEM and an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle based DEM. This paper presents two maps, a 1:25,000 scale map and a 1:5,000 detailed map of landforms along the Humadal Creek. Detailed categorization of landforms (at 1:5,000) allowed us to identify geomorphic processes in the village of Las Mesas and rural areas that triggered hazards for the communities. The morphologic evolution interpretation of this volcanic tropical area serves as a tool for future geohazard assessment in inhabited areas with important information gaps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ocular optics is normally estimated based on up to 2,600 measurement points within the pupil of the eye, which implies a lateral resolution of approximately 175 µm for a 9 mm pupil diameter. This is because information below this resolution is not thought to be relevant or even possible to obtain with current measurement systems. In this work, we characterize the in vivo ocular optics of the human eye with a lateral resolution of 8.6 µm, which implies roughly 1 million measurement points for a pupil diameter of 9 mm. The results suggest that the normal human eye presents a series of hitherto unknown optical patterns with amplitudes between 200 and 300 nm and is made up of a series of in-phase peaks and valleys. If the results are analysed at only high lateral frequencies, the human eye is also found to contain a whole range of new information. This discovery could have a great impact on the way we understand some fundamental mechanisms of human vision and could be of outstanding utility in certain fields of ophthalmology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Cover crop residue water retention properties changes during decomposition. • Cover crop residue lignin concentrations can be used as a proxy for water retention properties. • Cover crop surface residues experience extreme diurnal fluctuations in moisture and temperature compared to underlying soils. • Diurnal variations in decomposition tracked variations in cover crop residue moisture content. • Cover crop decomposition in no-till systems is strongly moisture-limited. The effect of cover crop (CC) surface residues on water, carbon, and nitrogen cycling in no-till systems depends in part on the water retention properties of decomposing residues and the extent of decomposition. This study (1) examined the effect of decomposition on residue water retention properties; (2) characterized diurnal variations in residue decomposition rates in response to changes in soil-residue-air environmental conditions; and (3) examined the diurnal relationships between cover crop surface residue decomposition and residue environment (moisture and temperature). Maximum gravimetric water content (θ g) and characteristic water release curves were determined for red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) residues collected at 0, 4, 10, and 16 weeks after termination for red clover, and at 2, 5, and 18 weeks for cereal rye. In addition, residue carbon dioxide (CO 2 -C) flux, along with soil-residue-air environmental conditions, were measured diurnally for red clover at 4, 10, and 16 weeks after termination, and for cereal rye at 5 weeks after termination. Maximum residue θ g decreased as decomposition progressed. Cover crop residue decomposition also influenced water release curves such that the water retained at any given water potential (ψ r e s i d u e) declined with increasing decomposition. These decomposition-associated changes in residue water retention properties were strongly related to residue lignin concentrations. Cover crop surface residue CO 2 -C flux showed distinct diurnal patterns that were strongly related to ψ r e s i d u e or residue θ g. At a diurnal scale, residue CO 2 -C flux increased during the nighttime from 18:00 to 06:00 h when residues gain moisture from the atmosphere and soil, and decreased during the daytime from 06:00 to 18:00 h when residues lost moisture via evaporation. Increase in temperature decreased residue CO 2 -C flux due to moisture limitations. Therefore, CC surface residue decomposition models must address both diurnal changes in ψ r e s i d u e and the changes in water retention properties as residues decompose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon sequestration in soil has been extensively sought in the agroecosystems through practices which increase organic carbon inputs and/or decrease soil organic carbon (SOC) degradation processes. Less is known about the extent of shallow water table influences in mineral soils, despite being soil moisture a major driver in modifying the C cycle. To examine its effects, a 4-yr lysimetric experiment was set up to measure the C balance components under free drainage and shallow water table at 60 and 120 cm depth. Two levels of N input (250 and 368 kg N ha−1 y−1) were also studied, using dry manure in 2011 and 2012 and fresh manure in 2013 and 2014. Carbon balance was estimated through the difference between inputs (C from organic inputs and root residues and exudates) and outputs (heterotrophic respiration, methane, and C leaching). A negative C balance was measured under all treatments (−3487 kg C ha-1), being respiration not compensated by the consistent C input of organic fertilizer. Furthermore, high N inputs increased SOC mineralization, decreasing the C balance. The role of soil was also observed by the SOC analyses, which confirmed the losses estimated through C balance. The study substantiated also the interacting effect between shallow water table and type of organic carbon, which was revealed crucial for C balance in mineral soils. To conclude, results suggested that water table level around 120-cm depth could limit SOC depletion. • C depletion over a 4-yr period was higher at high N inputs. • WFPS effect on CO2 emissions depended on amount of recalcitrant C in fertilizer. • C roots and heterotrophic respiration were pivotal. • C leaching and methane emission were negligible. • Maintaining water table level around 120-cm depth could limit SOC depletion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The European Union (EU) stands as one of the pioneering areas worldwide in the planning of the Circular Economy (CE), despite the fact that practical advances in this area are currently ahead of the related research. Significant gaps remain to be filled, particularly with regard to the measurement of circularity. This work is based on the need for global tools to measure the circular transition which, in turn, can be useful in evaluating the implementation of the action plans under development by the EU. A composite index of economic circularity (CECI) has been built for the EU and its Member States with which to approximate the progress after completion of the first Action Plan for the Circular Economy (APCE): 2014–2020. This index is based on recycling and downcycling, which is the main strategy developed by APCE. In contrast to previous indicators, CECI globally and rigorously summarises the transition towards the circular economy throughout the period of validity of the plan, by using a simple and easy-to-interpret calculation methodology known as Principal Component Analysis. Likewise, the results of the CECI make it possible to establish a ranking of the EU Member States based on their CE performances for each year under consideration. The results of the CECI show that the EU as a whole has advanced in economic circularity by 17.9%, which is almost 3% on average per year. The situation is very uneven across the various Member States and, although differences have narrowed during the APCE period, in recent years this rapprochement has deaccelerated. The countries that continue to lead the circular transition of the EU are the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany, while trailing behind are Romania, Malta, and Cyprus. In light of the results of the CECI and with the aim of achieving greater convergence in the transition to economic circularity in the EU, it would be advisable to intensify actions in those Member States whose starting situation is comparatively worse. [Display omitted] • Global indices are needed to assess and guide circular transition planning. • The composite economic circularity index (CECI) is built for the EU (2014–2020). • CECI measures progress following implementation of the first EU Circular Action Plan. • The EU has advanced in circularity by 17.9%, albeit unevenly per country. • Specific measures are needed for the EU circular economy transition to converge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil microorganisms play a critical role in cover crop (CC) residue decomposition and nutrient cycling in agroecosystems. However, the impact of CC residue management and dry-wet cycles on soil and residue microbiota and their potential ecosystem functions is largely unknown. To fill these knowledge gaps, an incubation experiment was conducted with two CC residues, crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.) and cereal rye (Secale cereale L.), and two residue placements (incorporated vs surface-applied). Each CCs by placement treatment was subjected to four dry-wet cycles (20-d each) for a total of 80-d. Crimson clover residues had higher water storage capacities than cereal rye, and the rate at which water was lost from surface-applied CC residues increased after each successive wetting event. Rapid drying of surface-applied CC residues quickly suppressed CO 2 fluxes, which increased immediately upon rewetting. Incorporated CC residues maintained water content for longer duration than surface-applied residues and showed greater colonization by soil prokaryotes and saprophytic fungi. Thus, significantly more C and N were mobilized from incorporated residues by 80-d than from surface-applied residues (p < 0.05). Due to differences in residue chemistry, CC residue types have a stronger impact on soil N levels than residue placement. Thus, residue chemistry strongly influenced soil prokaryotic and fungal diversity, community structure, and functionality. While crimson clover-amended soils (N-rich environments) were dominated by copiotrophs, oligotrophs dominated cereal rye-amended soils (N-poor soil environments). On the other hand, residue placement may have a greater effect than residue type in determining residue microbiota, particularly prokaryotes. Based on these findings, we can conclude that the effect of residue placement on C and N mineralization during repeated dry-wet cycles is primarily explained by differences in water dynamics between incorporated and surface-applied CC residues. • Cover crop residue type, residue placement, and dry-wet cycles strongly influenced microbial processes and functions. • Incorporated residues mineralized more C and N than surface-applied residues. • C mineralization from surface-applied residues quickly dropped following rewetting due to rapid loss of water. • Residue type influenced soil prokaryotic and fungal diversity, community structure, and functionality. • When incorporated, residues are more colonized by soil prokaryotes and saprophytic fungi. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cover crop (CC) residue decomposition influences the provisioning of agroecosystem services. While several laboratory and field studies have investigated processes and mechanisms of CC residue decomposition at specific point or plot scales, regional assessment of factors controlling decomposition rates (i.e., k -values) in no-till corn (Zea mays L.) systems are currently lacking. Here, we conducted the first multi-state on-farm litter bag studies over 105 site-years in the mid-Atlantic and Southeastern US states to determine the independent and combined effect of factors intrinsic to the field (soil and weather) and extrinsic or management factors (CC quantity and quality) on k -values. In the coastal plain regions, the k -values decreased as the underlying soils became sandier. Among weather variables, mean daily air relative humidity (RH) and number of rainy days showed stronger control on k -values than cumulative rainfall. This suggests faster decomposition of CC residues in humid environments and in site-years with frequent rain-events. Among extrinsic factors, the k -values decreased with higher CC biomass, C:N, residue holo-cellulose concentrations, and lignin:N, but increased with higher residue carbohydrate concentrations. The combination of CC residue quality (C:N and holo-cellulose) and weather (RH and rainy days) variables accounted in total for 69% of the variability in k -values with CC residue quality having a greater control over k -values than does weather in the mid-Atlantic and Southeastern US states. Therefore, our study emphasizes the necessity to update current process-based decomposition models to explicitly consider both CC residue quality (C:N, holo-cellulose) and weather factors (RH, rainy days), when predicting CC residue decomposition in no-till cropping systems. • Factors controlling residue decomposition (i.e., k -values) on soil surface were investigated. • Air relative humidity and rain frequency were key influencer of k -values. • k -values decreased as residue biomass, C:N, holo-cellulose, and lignin:N increased. • k -values increased with increasing labile carbohydrate concentrations. • Model combining both residue quality and weather variables better explained k -values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The general aim of this study was to evaluate physicochemical properties, prebiotic activity and anticancer potential of jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus) seed flour. The drying processes of jackfruit seeds were performed at 50, 60 and 70 °C in order to choose the optimal temperature for obtaining the flour based on drying time, polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity. The experimental values of the moisture ratio during jackfruit seed drying at different temperatures were obtained using Page's equation to establish the drying time for the required moisture between 5 and 7% in the flour. The temperature of 60 °C was considered adequate for obtaining good flour and for performing its characterization. The chemical composition, total dietary fiber, functional properties and antioxidant capacity were then examined in the flour. The seed flour contains carbohydrates (73.87 g/100 g), dietary fiber (31 g/100 g), protein (14 g/100 g) and lipids (1 g/100 g). The lipid profile showed that the flour contained monounsaturated (4 g/100 g) and polyunsaturated (46 g/100 g) fatty acids. Sucrose, glucose, and fructose were found to be the predominant soluble sugars, and non-digestible oligosaccharides like 1-kestose were also found. The total polyphenol content was 2.42 mg of gallic acid/g of the sample; furthermore, the antioxidant capacity obtained by ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) was 901.45 µmol Trolox/100 g and 1607.87 µmol Trolox/100 g, respectively. The obtained flour exhibited good functional properties, such as water and oil absorption capacity, swelling power and emulsifier capacity. Additionally, this flour had a protective and preventive effect which is associated with the potential prebiotic activity in Lactobacillus casei and Bifidobacterium longum. These results demonstrate that jackfruit seed flour has good nutritional value and antioxidant and prebiotic activity, as well as potential protective effects and functional properties, making it an attractive food or ingredient in developing innovative functional products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]