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Paper-bagging is an efficient method to maximize apple skin color, but a relationship between this technique and fruit skin patterning has not been demonstrated. Here, the ‘Fuji’ fruit with red-striped skin changed to red-blushed skin under re-exposure to light after bag treatment. Higher expression of MdMYB10, a transcription factor that regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in apples, correlated with increased anthocyanin concentration in bag removal fruit. At the mature stage, a comparison of methylation status in the MdMYB10 promoter revealed that the methylation level in the region from −2585 to −2117 bp was reduced in bag removal fruit, especially for CHG context. It can be regulated by the downregulated expression of DNA methyltransferases such as MdMET, MdCMT, and MdDRM. Our results suggest that the bag removal treatment in this cultivar causes a change in skin patterning from striped to blushed pigmentation by inducing DNA demethylation of MdMYB10.

Paper-bagging is an efficient method to maximize apple skin color, but a relationship between this technique and fruit skin patterning has not been demonstrated. Here, the 'Fuji' fruit with red-striped skin changed to red-blushed skin under re-exposure to light after bag treatment. Higher expression of MdMYB10, a transcription factor that regulates anthocyanin biosynthesis in apples, correlated with increased anthocyanin concentration in bag removal fruit. At the mature stage, a comparison of methylation status in the MdMYB10 promoter revealed that the methylation level in the region from −2585 to −2117 bp was reduced in bag removal fruit, especially for CHG context. It can be regulated by the downregulated expression of DNA methyltransferases such as MdMET, MdCMT, and MdDRM. Our results suggest that the bag removal treatment in this cultivar causes a change in skin patterning from striped to blushed pigmentation by inducing DNA demethylation of MdMYB10. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The competition between enterprises has become more fiercely as they have the possibility to easily move across national boundaries to exploit opportunities in other countries or markets. The turbulent market environment imposes enterprises, irrespective of their size, industry and geographical region, to permanently adapt to its everchanging conditions. This is why they have tried to identify and implement various techniques and methods in their activities and processes in order to attain high levels of competitiveness. One of them is branding, a powerful marketing tool and an important aspect of any business. The paper aims to briefly define the brand concept and present the evolution of ten world's most valuable brands in the period 2018-2023. In this respect, the author used a qualitative research method. The results of the paper concludes that the American brands have dominated the hierarchy. Amazon and Apple were the two main competitors for the global supremacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of South China Agricultural University is the property of Gai Kan Bian Wei Hui and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Introduction and purpose: Apples are a widely consumed fruit globally and are known to be a great source of nutrition. Studies have shown that apples contain high levels of antioxidants, dietary fiber, and vitamins that contribute to numerous health benefits. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the impact of apples on human health. State of knowledge: The paper reviews the current literature on the health benefits of apples, focusing on their impact on various health conditions such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity. Additionally, it examines the role of apples in improving intestinal, immune, and cognitive function. The paper also discusses the potential mechanisms by which apples exert their health benefits, such as high levels of flavonoids, polyphenols, and dietary fiber. Summary: In conclusion, the vast body of evidence reviewed in this paper supports the notion that consuming apples regularly can contribute to better health outcomes. They may help reduce the risk of chronic diseases, such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes, as well as promote healthy gut microbiota and immune function. Despite the controversy surrounding the use of pesticides in apple cultivation, the benefits of consuming apples outweigh the risks. Therefore, it is highly recommended to include apples as part of a balanced and nutritious diet to promote optimal health and wellbeing. As the saying goes, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away". [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apples are rich in vitamins and dietary fiber and are one of the essential fruits in people's daily diet. China has always been a big apple consumer, and with the improvement of people's life quality, nutrition, and health requirements, the demand for high-quality apples has increased year by year. Apple mold heart disease is one of the main diseases affecting apple quality. However, this disease cannot be easily detected from the surface, so it is difficult to detect mold heart disease. Therefore, this paper focuses on the analysis of seven non-destructive detection technologies, including near infrared spectroscopy technology, hyperspectral technology, Raman spectroscopy technology, electronic nose technology, acoustic technology, electrical technology, and magnetic technology, summarizes their application status in the detection of apple mold heart disease, and then analyzes their advantages and disadvantages. Combined with the current rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology, this paper proposes the future development trends of using non-destructive technologies to detect apple mold heart disease. It is expected to provide basic theory and application references for the intelligent detection of apple mold heart disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fruit sector in Romania and, particularly, the apple production sector, is considered to have been in decline in recent decades. Changes in the behavior and consumption habits of the population, together with climate change and the increase in fruit imports, have caused shortages in this sector. Apples are regarded as a national fruit in Romania, but recently, there have been significant transformations in apple production and consumption. In order to practically observe the recorded information published in a database for this sector, we developed a questionnaire, which was completed by people in Romania. The aim of this paper was to identify the types of apple consumer profiles in Romania. The reason for choosing this specific fruit was linked to the investigated objective of the projects to which this article is related. Regarding the approached methodology, the paper focused on analyzing descriptive statistics, frequencies and clustering, by which means we designed a pattern of the apple consumer profiles in Romania. Furthermore, the profiles of respondents from two regions of Romania (South-Muntenia and South-East Regions) were explored in more detail. The findings of this research indicate a young, educated consumer profile and a distinct pattern revealed by the three clusters from the specific regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Food Safety & Quality is the property of Journal of Food Safety & Quality Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Mycosystema is the property of Mycosystema Editorial Board and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Apple Inc. is an American technological company that designs, manufactures, and sells various products such as laptops, phones, accessories, streaming services, licensing services, and so much more. The paper explores the corporate responsibility and unethical business practices that arise from the global sourcing of Apple's products. The company established many relationships with suppliers in East Asia to meet the rigorous demands of consumers, promising high-quality products at the expense of factory workers. However, global sourcing comes with unethical business practices. There have been various cases against Apple's suppliers. This research highlights unfair working conditions, overworking employees, and environmental pollution that Apple's suppliers are guilty of. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The life-cycle cost analysis is a method used to assess long-term economic efficiency among equivalent competing processes or products. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nature and level of costs for an organic orchard located in Southern Romania, using a complex approach covering the entire chain of production, through its life span. The research results, based on a dynamic analysis and an integrated evaluation of the orchard's performance, were ranked on investment and operational costs and broken down into three categories (establishment, production, post-harvest, transport costs). The highest costs, representing 151,726 EUR/ha/20 years, about 52.72% of the total operational costs and 50.4% of the total farm costs/ha/20 years, were recorded in the exploitation stage. The scenarios for the sensitivity analysis considered different levels of average yields (40 and 60 tons/ha, respectively) with different rates of sold productions (85%, optimistic scenario; 70%, pessimistic scenario). The hot points identified at the production stage were the use of agricultural machinery, several pesticides, the costs of seedlings, anti-hail nets, plastic boxes, and labor costs, while at the post-harvest stage, there were those related to labor and energy consumption. The transport stage had important costs with respect to tractor operations and the track. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Food Safety & Quality is the property of Journal of Food Safety & Quality Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Objective Pre-treating water prior to irrigation is an innovative technology increasingly used in modern irrigation. This paper compares the effect of irrigation using aerated (A) and magnetized (M) water on growth, yield and fruit quality of Gala apple in Xinjiang province. Method The experiment was conducted in an apple orchard, with freshwater irrigation treated as the control (CK). In each treatment, we measured the growth of the apple in different growth stages, as well as its ultimate fruit yield and quality. Result All irrigations significantly improved growth, fruit yield and quality of the apple. Compared with CK, aeration combined with magnetization increased the final shoot length and fruit size by 24.6% and 61.4%, respectively, while aerating the water alone increased leaf area index by 24.7%. Compared to CK, Magnetization and aeration working separately or in combination increased fruit yield by 19.2%-35.5%; their combination increased the fruit yield up to 37 239.93 kg/hm2. Compared with CK, magnetization and aeration working alone or in combination increased fruit hardness, soluble solid content, soluble sugar and Vc contents by 4.5%-7.9%, 13.9%-15.98%, 6.6%-28.2% and 15%-19.7%, respectively, and reduced detectable acid by 7.08%-18.35%. On average, magnetization- aeration combination was most effective in improving fruit yield and quality. Conclusion Irrigating the apple using the combination of magnetized and oxygenated water in Xinjiang can promote apple growth and improve its fruit yield and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Featured Application: Extrusion-cooked corn-based crisps with apple, white mulberry, goji berry, elderberry or/and blackberry addition may be attractive and natural products popular in the snack food market. The results presented in the paper reveal the effects of fruit type and amount and processing screw speed on expansion, bulk density, textural characteristics and color profiles of ready-to-eat snack products. The recommended levels of fruit additives allow selecting appropriate recipes suitable for being scaled up to industrial levels. The market of extruded products is constantly growing and the incorporation of fruit items into their recipe, can made a crisp snack product a healthy one of acceptable flavor. The subject of this work is the evaluation of the effects of production screw speed, fruit type and amount on selected physical properties (expansion index, bulk density, water absorption and solubility, texture profile and color balance) of corn-based gluten-free crisps supplemented with various amounts (0–20%) of dried fruits (apple, white mulberry, goji berry, elderberry, blackberry) processed at variable screw speeds (80, 100 and 120 rpm). This work demonstrates that it is possible to obtain marketable extruded snacks with natural color coming from the incorporated dried fruits and with adequate expansion and texture if addition was up to 10% of all the tested fruits. Moreover, very good aeration, crispy texture and acceptable natural color was found if dried elderberry and blackberry were added to snacks even at 15 and 20%. Application of 15 or 20% of apple, white mulberry and goji berries showed similar color profiles and caused decrease in texture and expansion of snacks. The rotational screw speed effect differs significantly only in hardness and cutting force of the supplemented corn crisps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Ekonomika is the property of Society of Economists 'Ekonomika' and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Recently, the Internet of Things has emerged as an encouraging technology that is scaling up new heights towards the modernization of real word physical objects into smarter devices in several domains. Internet of Things (IoT) based solutions in agriculture drives farming into a smart way through the proliferation of smart devices to enhanced production with minimal human involvement. This paper presents a comprehensive study of the role of IoT in prominent applications of farming, wireless communication protocols, and the role of sensors in precision farming. In this research article, the existing frameworks in IoT-based agriculture systems with relevant technologies are presented. Furthermore, the comparative analysis of the apple disease prediction system concerning different types of disease found in the apple crop are discussed. In addition, this paper presents the contributions made by numerous researchers over the past few years in the apple disease prediction system. The aim of this research is to support the development of smart agriculture applications that would be helpful in precision farming for the optimization of resources with the help of IoT in agriculture and early disease prediction in apple crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apple is usually damaged by mechanical factors, including harvesting methods and transportation. The mechanical damage to apples induces great economic loss every year. Current methods can only conduct qualitative determination for apple injection. Fuji apple damage detection method based on relaxation single-wavelength laser (RSWL) and convolutional neural network (CNN) was proposed in this paper. Red Fuji apple was selected as research object, and RSWL detecting system was designed and fabricated. The laser intensity was controlled by a laser current driver. RSWL measurement data of apple samples was obtained and processed by SNV and MSC algorithms. CNN was utilized to establish apple damage determination model. Results indicated that RSWL signals could discriminate apples with different mechanical damage. MSC algorithm presented better damage discrimination effects than SNV algorithm. The prediction accuracy of MSC is 93%. RSWL combined with CNN proposed in this paper has some advantages, including small volume, easy operation, and low price. It provides a novel way for fruit damage fast determination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Food Safety & Quality is the property of Journal of Food Safety & Quality Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The present work proposes as an area of analysis the apple sector and the characteristics of apple consumption in Romania. For this, a theoretical and applied documentation of different approaches in specialized works was made. A series of themes and methods used were identified. In our article we addressed the descriptive analysis of the data procured from national and international databases. The results were presented in the form of tables, graphs and figures. Thus, we were able to note the fact that Romania is part of the top five European countries producing apples, owning areas and an important number of orchards. In order to complete the study and obtain some results on the consumption of apples in Romania, we applied a questionnaire, to which 663 valid answers were obtained, they showed us a complex profile of consumers of fresh apples in our country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fire blight (FB) caused by Erwinia amylovora, is a bacterial plant disease that poses a significant threat to pome fruit production worldwide. It can cause extensive losses in fruit yields, damage orchards and lead to trade restrictions on fruit exports. Fire Blight (FB) can also affect the longevity and productivity of fruit trees, further exacerbating the economic burden on growers and increasing management expenses. Because Erwinia amylovora is a regulated pest in most countries of the EPPO region its phytosanitary monitoring is mandatory in order to prevent the disease extension and new outbreaks. The inspections were required during the growing season (from after flowering until late summer), when the signs were obvious to find the disease. Thus, during 2022 a phytosanitary monitoring plan of Fire Blight was organized by Phytosanitary Office from Dolj County, Romania and the results emphasized that the apple area infected with Erwinia amylovora represents 3.85% from the total apple trees area (1,558 ha), 27% from the total surface of pear trees (36 ha) and 100 % for quince trees (2 ha). Comparatively with the results of Fire Blight monitoring realized previous year (2021), in 2022 was identified one new outbreak, but only for apple trees. Also, among all assessed trees (348) 260 trees include Malus domestica (apple). Among the measures applied for Fire Blight control the most effective were reducing the bacterial inoculum by manual removal of infected shoots and even uprooting of trees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Agriculture & Plant Sciences is the property of Goce Delcev University - Stip, Faculty of Agriculture and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Guangdong Agricultural Sciences is the property of South China Agricultural University, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In the last decade, European consumer demand for organic or ecological products has increased. Ecological agriculture has the potential to reduce negative impacts on humans and ecosystems, but its productivity compared to conventional agriculture remains a controversial issue. Consumers began to look for safer and better controlled fruits, produced in a more ecological environment. Organically produced fruits are considered to satisfy consumer demands while having a favorable impact on the environment and human health. European Union guidelines on organic production prohibit the use of synthetic products (fertilizers and plant protection methods). The principles for organic farming are similar in different European countries and the permitted inputs are regulated by law. In this paper, we proposed to present principles and rules in ecological fruit growing sector, as well as fertilizers and varieties recommended for apple culture in an ecological system in Romania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After emerging out of the extensive outsourcing activities of multinational corporations, the virtual factory model is now playing a prominent role in globalization. Using Apple as a case study, this paper explores the concept of a virtual manufacturer. As multinational corporations extensively use intellectual property in emerging markets, they are also concerned about the infringement of intellectual property rights. This study examines this problem that has become increasingly relevant in the context of the protection of intellectual property rights in global value chains and trade. An international index is used to demonstrate that rights to intellectual property are typically excellent in industrialized countries and adequate in the majority of developing countries. The trade dispute between the US and China has received considerable attention here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objectives]This paper aimed to solve the problem of low target detection accuracy of apples with different ripeness under natural environment. [Methods]An improved YOLOv5s model SODSTR-YOLOv5s(YOLOv5s with small detection layer and omni-dimensional dynamic convolution and swin transformer block)was proposed for different ripeness apple detection. Firstly, the multi-scale target detection layer of YOLOv5s was improved, and the detection head of 160×160 feature map was constructed in Prediction to improve the detection accuracy of small-size apples with different ripeness. Secondly, Swin Transformer Block was integrated into the Backbone structure to strengthen the texture feature fusion of apples at the same level of ripeness, weaken the negative impact of the difference in texture feature distribution, and improve the generalization ability of the model. Finally, the Conv module of Neck structure was replaced by the dynamic convolution module ODConv, and the local feature mapping was refined to realize the full extraction of local apple fine-grained features. Experiments were carried out based on different ripeness apple data sets to verify the performance of the improved model. [Results]The precision, recall and average precision of the improved model SODSTR-YOLOv5s were 89.1%, 95.5% and 93.6%, respectively. The average precision of high, medium and low ripeness apples was 94.1%, 93.1% and 93.7%, respectively. The average detection time was 16 ms and the number of parameters was 7.34 M. Compared with the YOLOv5s model, the precision, recall and average precision of the improved model SODSTR-YOLOv5s increased by 3.8%, 5.0% and 2.9%, respectively, and the number of parameters and average detection time increased by 0.32 M and 5 ms, respectively. [Conclusions]The improved model SODSTR-YOLOv5s improved the detection ability of apples with different ripeness under natural environment. It can better meet the detection requirements of actual apple picking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Spatial-frequency domain imaging (SFDI) has been developed as an emerging modality for detecting early-stage bruises of fruits, such as apples, due to its unique advantage of a depth-resolved imaging feature. This paper presents theoretical and experimental analyses to determine the light penetration depth in apple tissues under spatially modulated illumination. Simulation and practical experiments were then carried out to explore the maximum light penetration depths in 'Golden Delicious' apples. Then, apple experiments for early-stage bruise detection using the estimated reduced scattering coefficient mapping were conducted to validate the results of light penetration depths. The results showed that the simulations produced comparable or a little larger light penetration depth in apple tissues (~2.2 mm) than the practical experiment (~1.8 mm or ~2.3 mm). Apple peel further decreased the light penetration depth due to the high absorption properties of pigment contents. Apple bruises located beneath the surface peel with the depth of about 0–1.2 mm could be effectively detected by the SFDI technique. This study, to our knowledge, made the first effort to investigate the light penetration depth in apple tissues by SFDI, which would provide useful information for enhanced detection of early-stage apple bruising by selecting the appropriate spatial frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Achieving fast and accurate prediction of the fruit mechanical damage area is important to improve the accuracy and efficiency of apple quality grading. In this paper, the spectral data of all samples in the wavelength range from 376 to 1011 nm were collected, the sample set was divided by the physicochemical coeval distance method, and the spectral preprocessing methods were evaluated by establishing a full-wavelength artificial neural network model. The wavelength selection of spectral data was performed by competitive adaptive reweighted sampling, L1 parameter method, and the Pearson correlation coefficient method, and the partial least squares, artificial neural network, and support vector machine (Gaussian kernel) prediction models were established to predict the fruit bruise area size. The surface fitting was performed using the actual apple bruise area, and the regression surface equation of the damage time and damage height of the fruit was established. The results showed that (1) the preprocessing method of first-order difference + SG smoothing can make the prediction model more accurate; (2) the CARS-ANN prediction model has better prediction performance and higher operation efficiency, with the prediction set root mean square error of prediction and R-value of 0.1150 and 0.8675, respectively; (3) the sparrow search algorithm was used to optimize the model, which improved the accuracy of the prediction model. The root mean square error of prediction reached 0.0743 and The R-value reached 0.9739. (4) The relationship between spectral information, bruise area, damage time, and damage degree was obtained by combining the establishment of the fitted surface of the apple bruise area with the prediction model. This study is of application and extension value for the rapid nondestructive prediction of fruit bruise area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An attempt has been made in this paper to evaluate the price spread of apple in the state of Jammu and Kashmir; the study is confined to Baramulla and Pulwama district with 35 growers, who were selected randomly from six selected villages considered to collect the required information. The primary data were collected from the apple growers through personal interview method with the help of well prepared pre tested schedule for the year 2019-20. For the present study 4 marketing channel were identified for the transaction of apple i.e.; Producer - Aratiya - Wholesale - Retailer - Consumer; Producer - Pre-harvest Contractor - Wholesaler - Retailer - Consumer, Producer - Post-harvest - Contractor -Wholesaler - Retailer - Consumer and Producer - Commission Agent - Wholesaler -- Retailer - Consumer. Thus it can be concluded that the apple business in Kashmir is more remunerative. This enterprise is not only profitable and financially viable but also provides employment to large number of people in the valley area. The area and production of the apple is increasing at the fast rate, but the various defects of the existing marketing system results in the least share to the producer. Net return from the apple business can further be increased if the problems and defects of existing marketing system as stated above are taken care of. It can also be concluded that apple growing is more beneficial on all producers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The issue of high concentration of salt in soil is not restricted to coastal areas, but also expands to cultivated lands, complicating, or even intercepting, the growth of plants. The objective of this paper is to study the effect of zeolite, compost and effective microorganisms (EM), seaweed extract, and ceramic powder on MM106 apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) plants in normal and saline conditions. More specifically, the weight of the dry matter of the plants, physiological parameters, proline, carbohydrate, carotenoid, phenolic, and flavonoid concentrations in leaf tissues and antioxidant capacity were determined. At the end of the experiment, it was ascertained that the plants of the treatments which included zeolite or EM exhibited the highest dry matter weight of the leaves in normal (5.07 g and 4.68 g, respectively) and saline conditions (4.14 g and 3.02 g, respectively), while the leaf dry weight in the control treatment was 4.37 g in the absence and 2.34 g in the presence of NaCl. Furthermore, these treatments resulted in significantly higher proline concentration in plant leaves under salinity with values of 5.63 in the EM treatment, 2.44 in the zeolite treatment, and 0.75 μmol/g of leaf fresh weight in the control. At the same time, the application of ceramic powder in combination with effective microorganisms led to the highest rate of photosynthesis in salinity conditions (12.8 μmol CO2/m2s), while the seaweed extract spraying was associated with low stomatal conductance in all treatments (0.09–0.13 mol H2O/m2s). Overall, the application of effective microorganisms appeared to associate more with plant vigor in both normal and salinity conditions. In this context, the implementation of EM could improve the growth of potted plants, but it could also be used in orchards before and after their establishment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ample past research highlighted that privacy problems are widespread in mobile apps and can have disproportionate impacts on individuals. However, doing such research, especially through automated methods, remains hard and has become an arms race with those who engage in invasive data practices. This paper analyses how decisions by Apple and Google, the makers of the two primary app ecosystems (iOS and Android), currently hold back (automated) app privacy research and thereby create systemic risks that have previously not been systematically documented. Such an analysis is timely and pertinent since the newly enacted EU Digital Services Act (DSA) obliges Very Large Online Platforms to enable 'vetted researchers' to study systemic risks (Article 40) and to put in place reasonable, proportionate and effective mitigation measures against systemic risks (Article 35). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predators of aphids on apples were studied during the growing season in 2021 and 2022 in the region of East Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Eleven predator species were found on eight apple cultivars in the colonies of three aphid species, Aphis spp., Dysaphis plantaginea Passerini and Dysaphis devecta Walker. Seven species were identified from the family Syrphidae: Episyrphus balteatus (De Geer), Meliscaeva (Episyrphus) auricollis (Meigen, 1822), Eupeodes flaviceps (Rond.), Eupeodes corolae (Fabr.), Scaeva pyrastri (L.), Syrphus ribesii (L.) and Syrphus vitripennis Mg. The larvae of syrphids were more numerous in the Kula location, 99 (52 in 2021 and 47 in 2022), while their number in the Klek location was 59 (35 in 2021 and 24 in 2022). The most abundant species was E. balteatus (40.50%), followed by E. flaviceps (12.65%), S. ribesii (10.75%), M. auricollis (10.12%), S. pyrastri (10.12%) and S. vitripennis (6.96%). The family Coccinellidae is represented by three species: Adalia bipunctata L., Coccinella septempunctata L., and Harmonia axyridis Pallas. From the family Cecidomyiidae, one species Aphidoletes aphidimyza (Rondani), was detected. The largest number of predatory species (nine) was found on the Idared cultivar (in D. plantaginea colonies), where the colonies of this aphid species were the most abundant. The least numerous predatory species were identified on the Gloster cultivar in D. devecta and Aphis spp. colonies. E. balteatus was the most common and numerous of all the predatory species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen nutrition participates in many physiological processes and understanding the physiological and molecular mechanisms of apple responses to nitrogen is very significant for improving apple quality. This study excavated crucial genes that regulates sugar metabolism in response to nitrogen in apples through physiology and transcriptome analysis, so as to lay a theoretical foundation for improving fruit quality. In this paper, the content of sugar and organic acid in apple fruit at different developmental periods under different nitrogen levels (0, 150, 300, and 600 kg·hm−2) were determined. Then, the transcriptomic analysis was performed in 120 days after bloom (DAB) and 150 DAB. The results showed that the fructose and glucose content were the highest at 120 DAB under 600 kg·hm−2 nitrogen level. Meanwhile, different nitrogen treatments decreased malate content in 30 and 60 DAB. RNA-seq analysis revealed a total of 4537 UniGenes were identified as differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under nitrogen treatments. Among these DEGs, 2362 (52.06%) were up-regulated and 2175 (47.94%) were down-regulated. The gene co-expression clusters revealed that most DEGs were significantly annotated in the photosynthesis, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, pyruvate metabolism, carbon metabolism, carbon fixation in photosynthetic organisms and plant hormone signal transduction pathways. The key transcription factor genes (ERF, NAC, WRKY, and C2H2 genes) were differentially expressed in apple fruit. Sugar and acid metabolism-related genes (e.g., HXK1, SPS4, SS2, PPC16-2, and MDH2 genes) exhibited significantly up-regulated expression at 120 DAB, whereas they were down-regulated at 150 DAB. Furthermore, the MdSPS4 gene overexpression positively promoted sucrose accumulation in apple callus and fruit. In conclusion, the combinational analysis of transcriptome and the functional validation of the MdSPS4 gene provides new insights into apple responses to different nitrogen levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Skin ageing is strictly related to chronic inflammation of the derma and the decay of structural proteins of the extracellular matrix. Indeed, it has become common practice to refer to this phenomenon as inflammageing. Biotech innovation is always in search of new active principles that induce a youthful appearance. In this paper, apple-derived nanovesicles (ADNVs) were investigated as novel anti-inflammatory compounds, which are able to alter the extracellular matrix production of dermal fibroblasts. Total RNA sequencing analysis revealed that ADNVs negatively influence the activity of Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4), and, thus, downregulate the NF-κB pro-inflammatory pathway. ADNVs also reduce extracellular matrix degradation by increasing collagen synthesis (COL3A1, COL1A2, COL8A1 and COL6A1) and downregulating metalloproteinase production (MMP1, MMP8 and MMP9). Topical applications for skin regeneration were evaluated by the association of ADNVs with hyaluronic-acid-based hydrogel and patches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Apple is one of the most common fruit crops in the Russian fruit-growing industry, with huge varietal diversity and a vast cultivation area. The key regions for industrial-scale apple cultivation are the Central, Central Chernozem, and North Caucasian Districts. The main disadvantage of the relevant apple cultivars, especially the ones intended for intensified horticultural practices, is their low resistance against abiotic stresses and the fruit's low quality and poor marketable condition. In Russia, apple is a crop of strategic importance that is consistently included in the household food basket, so fruit producers hold new varieties to higher standards and expect them to outperform their predecessors in terms of yield per plant, resistance against abiotic and biotic stresses, and quality, as well as show strong competitiveness and a more rapid return on investment, while satisfying stricter requirements. The objective of the present study was to summarize the data on the phenotypic manifestations of economically valuable traits of the apple cultivars approved for use in the Russian Federation depending on the region of cultivation; to determine the parametric characteristics of the most valuable traits in the form of a model of an "ideal" regionally adapted industrial cultivar, and to identify the sources of the traits in the regions suitable for their production. A regionally adapted model of commercial apple cultivars, characterized by 28 features and properties divided into three groups and defining the cultivar's resistance against abiotic and biotic stresses, yield per plant, product quality, and suitability for mechanized harvesting, is presented in this paper. In the European part of Russia, the optimal parameters of a commercial apple tree cultivar are as follows: plant height on a medium-sized rootstock under 3 m; potential yield per plant of at least 25–50 kg; high fruit uniformity above 80%; winter and late-winter harvest maturity period; high storability of over 210 days and good transportability; average fruit mass from 120 g to 220 g; juicy and shattering crisp pulp; small seed cavity; fragrant fruits with taste rating of at least 4.5 points; appearance rating of 5 points and attractive, mostly red, glossy color with natural wax bloom; regular, symmetric, but diverse shapes; content of sugar above 10%, ascorbic acid above 15 mg/100 g, organic acids up to 1% (for dessert varieties); content of soluble dry solids of at least 20%. The cultivars that come closest to the regionally adapted model of an ideal variety based on the set of features discussed are as follows: Feya, Soyuz, Orfej, Margo, Sirius, Noktyurn, Vasilisa Karmen, Florina, Dayton, Early Mac, Gala and Gala Schniga in the North Caucasian District; Svezhest', Orlovskoe Poles'e, Aprel'skoe, Ven'yaminovskoe, Bolotovskoe, Vympel, Uspenskoe, Fregat, Bylina, Flagman, and Akademik Kazakov in the North Caucasian District; and varieties Imrus, Mayak Zagor'ya, and Bolotovskoe in the Central District. These cultivars are characterized by high resistance against weather anomalies, scab immunity, high yields, marketable quality, and storability. In addition, in southern regions, a prolonged bloom period acts as a protective adaptive response to low-temperature stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Polyphenols from coffee berry (chlorogenic acid) and apple (flavanol) have been shown to improve mood and increase cerebral blood flow in healthy humans. These effects may underpin the cognitive effects of polyphenols seen previously. Objective: The aim of the present paper was to extend previous research by investigating the effects of coffee berry at high and low doses when combined with apple extract on cognitive performance and mood. Design: This randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover trial included 46 healthy males and females,18–49 years of age (mean age 23 years),consuming: 1100 mg coffee berry extract, 1100 mg coffee berry extract plus 275 mg apple extract, 100 mg coffee berry extract plus 275 mg apple extract or placebo on 4 separate occasions, completing cognitive and mood assessments pre-dose and then again at 1-, 3- and 6 hrs post-dose. Results: Analysis revealed a consistent pattern of alerting effects following 1100 mg coffee berry extract. Limited effects on cognitive function were observed. Specifically, faster peg and ball performance (executive function) was observed following 1100 mg coffee berry plus apple extract and accuracy on the Rapid Visual Information Processing (RVIP) task increased on the third of four repetitions following 1100 mg coffee berry alone. Interestingly, more false alarms on RVIP were observed following the same intervention. Conclusions: In line with previous findings, 1100 mg coffee berry engendered increased arousal. The absence of effects on mood when an apple extract was added, and the potential for the low dose of caffeine within the coffee berry to act synergistically with polyphenols, raise interesting future avenues of research. Abbreviations: Cognitive demand battery (CDB), Profile Of Mood States (POMS), Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Rapid Visual Information Processing (RVIP) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The environmental factors that influence cider apple fruit quality, particularly bitter and astringent polyphenols, are not well understood. Five experiments were conducted to investigate how sunlight affects fruit and juice quality. In three studies, shade cloth was placed over entire trees or individual branches at different phenological stages, durations, and opacities. Influence of canopy microclimate was investigated by harvesting fruit from different sections of the tree canopy. In a final study, opaque paper bags were placed over fruit three weeks after full bloom (WAFB) until harvest. Polyphenol concentrations increased rapidly during the first five WAFB and were diluted as fruit grew larger. At harvest, fruit from unshaded trees had 32% greater total polyphenol concentrations and were 11% larger than trees shaded 1–5 WAFB. Shading branches later in the growing season reduced yield but had a modest and inconsistent reduction on polyphenol concentrations. Juice from fruit harvested from the top of the tree canopy had 33% greater polyphenol concentrations and 14% greater soluble solid concentrations than juice from the interior of the canopy. Bagging fruit had inconsistent impacts on polyphenol concentrations. We hypothesize that there is a source sink relationship between carbohydrate availability and polyphenol synthesis in apple fruit during the early stages of fruit development when most polyphenols are produced. Additionally, greater carbohydrate availability in canopies with greater sunlight exposure resulted in larger fruit and improved juice quality from a cider making perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the purpose of minimizing the damage to apples during the operation of an apple-picking robot, improving the stability of an apple-harvesting mechanical hand and reducing the use and operation cost of the robot, a novel biomimetic apple mechanical hand based on negative pressure air suction is purposely designed based on the physical characteristics of apples by imitating octopus predation. The mechanical hand has four suction cups evenly distributed in the hand, which produce concave deformation under negative vacuum pressure to fit the apple surface and adsorb the apple; the fruit stalk is separated by wrist rotation and dragging in a compound way to complete the picking operation. This paper firstly determines the key parameters of the mechanical hand based on the characteristics of silicone material and the three growth postures of apples, tries to make a physical prototype of the mechanical hand and conducts relevant performance tests on the picking platform built in the laboratory to explore the best combination of parameters and further optimize the manipulator. The results show that the success rate of the biomimetic nondestructive apple picker with the best combination of parameters is 100%, 76% and 68% for three different apple-growth postures and the operation is smooth, reliable, safe and non-invasive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) is an important economic crop. The pathological effects of Fusarium solani, a species complex of soilborne pathogens, on the root systems of apple plants was unknown. It was unclear how mycorrhizal apple seedlings resist infection by F. solani. The transcriptional profiles of mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal plants infected by F. solani were compared using RNA-Seq. Results: Infection with F. solani significantly reduced the dry weight of apple roots, and the roots of mycorrhizal apple plants were less damaged when the plants were infected with F. solani. They also had enhanced activity of antioxidant enzymes and a reduction in the oxidation of membrane lipids. A total of 1839 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained after mycorrhizal and non-mycorrhizal apple plants were infected with F. solani. A gene ontogeny (GO) analysis showed that most of the DEGs were involved in the binding of ADP and calcium ions. In addition, based on a MapMan analysis, a large number of DEGs were found to be involved in the response of mycorrhizal plants to stress. Among them, the overexpressed transcription factor MdWRKY40 significantly improved the resistance of the apple 'Orin' callus to F. solani and the expression of the resistance gene MdGLU by binding the promoter of MdGLU. Conclusion: This paper outlines how the inoculation of apple seedlings roots by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi responded to infection with F. solani at the transcriptional level. In addition, MdWRKY40 played an important role in the resistance of mycorrhizal apple seedlings to infection with F. solani. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]