bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enhancing safe medication use in home care: insights from informal caregivers
Authors: Gil-Hernández Eva , Ballester Pura , Guilabert Mercedes , Sánchez-García Alicia , García-Torres Daniel , Astier-Peña María Pilar , Gea-Velázquez de Castro María Teresa , Cobos-Vargas Ángel , Pérez-Pérez Pastora , Carrillo Irene , Fernández-Navascués Ana María , Mira José Joaquín
Published: November 2024

Objectives

To investigate the factors influencing medication errors made by informal caregivers while providing care at home.

Methods

A cross-sectional study based on an online survey, which included both structured and open-ended questions, was conducted in Spain. The survey comprised 49 questions to collect self-reported avoidable medication errors made by caregivers at home.

Results

A total of 685 caregivers participated in the survey, with 346 considered qualified (having received >20 h of training). On average, 13.5 (SD 38.2, 95% CI 10.5–16.5) errors per caregiver per year were self-reported. Errors were more prevalent among non-qualified caregivers, males, direct relatives of the care recipient, those with external occupations, or those who used external aids.

Conclusion

Errors made by informal caregivers occur more frequently than expected, and recognizing these errors remains a challenge. Training is essential for creating safer care environments by increasing awareness of error sources and the risks associated with medication. Recipients’ direct relatives should receive appropriate training, considering differences between male and female caregivers. Associations and companies within the care economy sector should prioritize the creation of safer home care environments as a key objective.
Distinct brain and neurocognitive transformations after bariatric surgery: a pilot study
Authors: Roy Bhaswati , Thedim Mariana , Liew Chiewlin , Kumar Rajesh , Vacas Susana
Published: November 2024

Background

Obese patients have worse outcomes after surgery and are at increased risk for perioperative neurocognitive disorders (PND). Our aim was to detail the cognitive trajectories of patients undergoing bariatric surgery (BS) and map distinct structural brain changes using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to better understand the association between the vulnerable brain, surgery, and the arc of PND.

Methods

Prospective pilot study with longitudinal comprehensive cognitive assessments and MRI were performed on obese patients scheduled for BS. We analyzed baseline cognitive function and high-resolution T1-/T2-weighted brain images on 19 obese patients [age, 54 (9) years, BMI, 40 (36, 42) kg m−2] and compared with 50 healthy control subjects [age, 52 (6) years; BMI, 25 (24, 27) kg m−2]. Patients were evaluated within five days of BS (baseline), immediately after (within 48h), and follow up at six months.

Results

At baseline, obese patients had significant brain tissue changes seen in MRI and decreased cognitive scores compared to controls (MoCA 26 vs 28, P = 0.017). Surgery induced further gray matter volume and brain tissue changes along with reduced cognitive scores within the immediate postoperative period (MoCA 26 vs 24, P < 0.001). At six months, we observed reversal of brain alterations for most patients and a concomitant rebound of cognitive scores to patient’s baseline status.

Conclusions

Bariatric surgery resulted in worsening of preexisting brain structural integrity and lower cognitive function for obese patients compared to baseline. These distinct brain lesions are consistent with specific domains of cognition. Most of these changes reverted to patient’s baseline condition within six months after surgery.
Neddylation of protein, a new strategy of protein post-translational modification for targeted treatment of central nervous system diseases
Authors: Wu Qian , Geng Ziang , Lu Jun , Wang Shisong , Yu Zhongxue , Wang Siqi , Ren Xiaolin , Guan Shu , Liu Tiancong , Zhu Chen
Published: November 2024

Neddylation, a type of protein post-translational modification that links the ubiquitin-like protein NEDD8 to substrate proteins, can be involved in various significant cellular processes and generate multiple biological effects. Currently, the best-characterized substrates of neddylation are the Cullin protein family, which is the core subunit of the Cullin-RING E3 ubiquitin ligase complex and controls many important biological processes by promoting ubiquitination and subsequent degradation of various key regulatory proteins. The normal or abnormal process of protein neddylation in the central nervous system can lead to a series of occurrences of normal functions and the development of diseases, providing an attractive, reasonable, and effective targeted therapeutic strategy. Therefore, this study reviews the phenomenon of neddylation in the central nervous system and summarizes the corresponding substrates. Finally, we provide a detailed description of neddylation involved in CNS diseases and treatment methods that may be used to regulate neddylation for the treatment of related diseases.
The effect of cognitive emotion regulation on direct-acting antivirals adherence in patients with hepatitis C
Authors: Turcu-Stiolica Adina , Doica Irina Paula , Ungureanu Bogdan Silviu , Subtirelu Mihaela-Simona , Florescu Dan Nicolae , Turcu-Stiolica Razvan-Aurelian , Rogoveanu Ion , Gheonea Dan-Ionut
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Adherence to direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) could be a predictor of chronic viral hepatitis C (HCV) therapeutic failure. We examined the perceptions of patients receiving DAAs to determine how cognitive factors influence their decision to maintain adherence. Also, we explored the threshold of DAAs adherence for obtaining sustained virologic response (SVR) among patients with HCV, in order to better implement a strategy that improves the DAAs adherence in the future clinical practice.

Methods

A single-arm prospective study was performed. Patients with HCV that started and completed DAAs treatment in the County Hospital of Craiova, Dolj, Romania, were enrolled. Patients’ medication adherence was assessed using the HCV-AD10 questionnaire, and the cognitive emotion regulation was measured with CERQ questionnaire (five positive/adaptive cognitive emotion-regulation domains and four negative/maladaptive domains). Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to explore the relationships between adherence and different factors. ROC-curves were used to evaluate the adherence threshold to achieve SVR. A linear regression model was performed to analyze the primary outcome (DAAs adherence) to be the target variable based on given independent variables (age, treatment duration, severity of HCV, the nine adaptive and maladaptive strategies).

Results

368 patients (mean age: 61 years) with HCV diagnosed 4.05 ± 6.38 (average) years ago were enrolled. Mean (±SD) adherence via HCV-AD10 was 91.51 ± 8.34, and the proportion of the participants achieving SVR was 96%. Patients with an adherence less than 84% (5 patients, 1.36%) was considered nonadherent and they have a high probability of not achieving response (sensitivity and specificity of 83% and 80%, respectively). We obtained significantly higher values of three adaptive strategies between adherent and nonadherent patients following DAAs treatment: in positive refocusing (p-value = 0.044), refocus on planning (p-value = 0.037), and positive reappraisal (p-value = 0.047).

Discussion

The interplay between the three adaptive strategies of the cognitive emotion regulation and the enhancement of DAAs adherence contributes to a more holistic comprehension of patient behavior in the context of HCV treatment. Increasing refocusing and planning using goal setting and assisting patients in establishing specific, achievable goals can be crucial strategies for clinicians aiming to improve adherence among their patients.
DDIT4/mTOR signaling pathway mediates cantharidin-induced hepatotoxicity and cellular damage
Authors: Tang Wenchao , Pan Yue , Zhu Can , Lou Didong , Peng Fang , Shi Qin , Xiao Yuanyuan
Published: November 2024

Background

Cantharidin (CTD) extracted from the traditional Chinese medicine Mylabris has significant therapeutic effects on various tumors. However, the high toxicity of CTD can cause serious liver damage, although the related molecular mechanisms remain unclear.

Methods

In this study, we established models of CTD-induced liver and L-O2 cell damage in mice in vivo and in vitro. Subsequently, liver function indicators were detected in mouse serum, while liver tissues were subjected to pathological and transmission electron microscopy observations. L-O2 cell activity was investigated using the CCK-8 assay, and the mRNA and protein expression of DNA damage-induced transcription factor 4 (DDIT4) in liver tissue and L-O2 cells was detected using qPCR, immunohistochemistry, and western blotting. Western blotting was also used to detect the expression levels of autophagy- and apoptosis-related proteins in liver tissue and L-O2 cells. After RNAi interference with DDIT4, Rap, and 3-MA treatment, autophagy and apoptosis of L-O2 cells were detected using western blotting, flow cytometry, transmission electron microscopy, and confocal microscopy.

Results

Following CTD exposure, the mouse liver showed significant pathological damage and an increase in autophagic lysosomes, while the vitality of L-O2 cells showed a significant decrease. CTD led to a significant increase in the mRNA and protein levels of DDIT4 in both liver tissue and L-O2 cells, as well as a significant increase in LC3-II, Beclin1, and Bax, whereas p-mTOR and Bcl-2 were significantly decreased. Following DDIT4 interference and 3-MA treatment, the levels of autophagy and apoptosis induced by CTD in L-O2 cells were reduced. After Rap treatment, both autophagy and apoptosis of CTD-induced L-O2 cells were significantly enhanced.

Conclusion

The molecular mechanism of CTD-induced toxicity in mouse liver and L-O2 cells is mainly through DDIT4/mTOR signaling pathway activation, leading to an increase in autophagy and apoptosis levels.
electronCT - an imaging technique using very-high energy electrons
Authors: Schütze Paul , Abel Aenne , Burkart Florian , de Silva L. Malinda S. , Dinter Hannes , Dojan Kevin , Herkert Adrian , Jaster-Merz Sonja , Kellermeier Max Joseph , Kuropka Willi , Mayet Frank , Ruiz Daza Sara , Spannagel Simon , Vinatier Thomas , Wennlöf Håkan
Published: November 2024

The electronCT technique is an imaging method based on the multiple Coulomb scattering of relativistic electrons and has potential applications in medical and industrial imaging. It utilizes a pencil beam of electrons in the very high energy electron (VHEE, 50–250 MeV) range and a single detection layer for the determination of the beam profile. The technique constitutes a projectional, two-dimensional imaging method and thus also qualifies for the tomographic reconstruction of samples. Given the simplicity of the technical setup and its location behind the sample, the electronCT technique has potential synergies with VHEE radiotherapy, making use of the same electron source for both treatment and diagnostics and thus being a candidate for in situ imaging and patient localization. At the same time, several technical challenges arise from the measurement technique when applied for the imaging of living beings. Measurements performed at the ARES linear particle accelerator at an electron energy of 155 MeV using a mouse phantom and a Timepix3 silicon pixel detector assembly demonstrate the feasibility of this technique. Both projectional and tomographic reconstructions are presented and the potential and limits of the technology are discussed.
OxLDL/LOX-1 mediated sex, age, stiffness, and endothelial dependent alterations in mouse thoracic aortic vascular reactivity
Authors: Wendt Trevor S. , Ansar Saema , Gonzales Rayna J.
Published: November 2024

Elevated plasma levels of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) are a risk factor and key component that accelerates and worsens cardiovascular disease fueling inflammation, plaque buildup and vascular damage. OxLDL can elicit its detrimental action via lectin-like oxLDL receptor 1 (LOX-1). In this study, we determined whether oxLDL, via LOX-1, alters aortic vascular reactivity and determined if sex and age differences exist. Thoracic aortic endothelium-intact or -denuded ring segments were isolated from 7 to 12 months old intact C57BL/6J female and male mice and pre-incubated with oxLDL ex vivo (50ug/dL; 2 h). Using wire myography, cumulative concentration-response curves to phenylephrine (PE) were generated to determine contractile responses. From these curves, the EC50 was determined and used to contract rings to assess acetylcholine (ACh) dependent relaxation. Calculated aortic stiffness and remodeling were also assessed. BI-0115 (10 μM; selective LOX-1 inhibitor) was used to determine LOX-1 dependence. We observed differential sex, age, endothelial cell, and LOX-1 dependent alterations to the efficacy of PE-induced contractile responses and ACh-mediated vasorelaxation in thoracic aortic rings following oxLDL exposure. Additionally, we observed a distinct sex and age effect on thoracic aortic stiffness following exposure to oxLDL. There was also a sex effect on calculated vessel diameter, as well as an age effect on oxLDL-mediated aortic remodeling that was LOX-1 dependent. Thus, LOX-1 inhibition and the resulting attenuation of oxLDL/endothelial-mediated alterations in aortic function suggests that there are differential sex differences in the role of oxLDL/LOX-1 in the thoracic aorta of middle-aged male and female mice. NEW and NOTEWORTHY. We investigated the effects of oxLDL via the LOX-1 receptor on murine thoracic aortic vasoreactivity, stiffness, and remodeling across age and sex. Acute exposure to oxLDL led to altered vasoreactivity, endothelial dysfunction, and changes in aortic stiffness and remodeling. These effects were in-part age, sex, endothelial, and LOX-1 dependent. This study reveals potential complex interactions in oxLDL/LOX-1-mediated vascular responses that could serve as potential therapeutic intervention for vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and stroke.
Association between non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (NHHR) with depressive symptoms: recent findings from NHANES 2005–2018
Authors: Yan Chunyu , Wang He , Liu Changxing , Fu Jiamei , Zhou Yabin
Published: November 2024

Background

The ratio of non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (NHHR) index is a relatively new composite lipid index, the relationship between NHHR and depression is unclear from the current study. The primary aim of our study was to examine the association between the prevalence of depression and NHHR in a US population.

Methods

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) provided the data for our investigation from 2005 to 2018. and primarily included participants who contained complete data on NHHR and depression in U.S. adults (age ≥20 years). Associations between NHHR and depression were assessed using multifactorial logistic regression analysis, subgroup analysis, and smoothed curve fitting.

Results

In our study, 29,561 subjects in total showed a mean NHHR index of 3.12± 1.58,A noteworthy positive correlation was observed between NHHR and depression in multifactorial logistic regression analysis. Subgroup analyses and tests of interaction showed that gender, age, ethnicity, PIR, smoking, alcohol consumption, coronary heart disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and stroke did not influence the NHHR and the association between depression (P for interaction > 0.05), whereas two stratification factors, BMI and sleep disturbance, may be potential factors in the association between NHHR and depression (P for interaction < 0.05).

Conclusion

According to our present study, if the level of NHHR rises in American adults, their likelihood of developing depression also increases.
Associations of stigma, loneliness, and treatment self-regulation with HIV medication adherence among individuals with substance use disorder using a mobile health application
Authors: Tarfa Adati , Verinumbe Tarfa , Yang Fan (Ellie) , Shiyanbola Olayinka O. , Liebert Cameron , Dietz Sarah , Miller Rebecca , Westergaard Ryan P.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Medication adherence contributes to poor HIV outcomes, especially among people with HIV and Substance use disorder (SUD). Mobile health applications have been leveraged to improve behavioral health outcomes among this population. Our cross-sectional study examined the relationship between medication adherence with factors such as treatment self-regulation, isolation, and internalized stigma, among people with HIV and SUD using the Addiction Comprehensive Health Enhancement Support System (A-CHESS) mobile app.

Methods

A sample of 208 participants using A-CHESS to improve treatment adherence completed a survey. Adherence was measured using the Four-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale and dichotomized (maximum score of 20 points considered as adherent). Positive and negative affect was measured separately using Positive Affect Negative Affect Schedule and loneliness was measured using UCLA three-item Loneliness Scale. Internalized stigma was measured using Internalized AIDS-Related Stigma Scale. Competence/Treatment self-regulation was measured using Treatment Self-regulation Questionnaire. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the associations of affect, treatment self-regulation, isolation, and internalized stigma, with adherence to antiretroviral therapy adjusting for age, education, and gender.

Results

Among 208 participants in this study, most were Black (n = 137; 66%), male (n = 156; 75%) and had a mean age of 46 (standard deviation = 11.3). The most reported substances associated with missing HIV medication were alcohol (27%) and cocaine/crack (20%). Logistic regression analysis revealed that internalized stigma was significantly associated with HIV medication adherence (OR = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.70–0.99; p = 0.034).

Conclusion

Internalized stigma was significantly associated with HIV medication adherence. Further research is needed to better understand this relationship and develop interventions addressing stigma in people with HIV and SUD.
Assessment of trunk and shoulder muscle asymmetries during two-armed kettlebell swings: implications for training optimization and injury prevention
Authors: Abuwarda Khaled , Akl Abdel-Rahman
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Greater side-to-side asymmetry can indicate impaired skill, reduced power production, and an increased risk of injury. Bilateral differences highlight the presence of asymmetries that should be assessed to understand their impact on both injury risk and performance enhancement.

Objective

This study aimed to assessment muscle activation and bilateral asymmetry in major trunk and shoulder muscles during a two-armed kettlebell swing exercise.

Methods

Twenty-seven participants (age: 24.2 ± 2.6 years; body mass: 82.9 ± 7.7 kg; height: 176.9 ± 7.0 cm) were included in the study. Electromyographic (EMG) data were collected bilaterally from twelve muscles (six muscles per side: anterior deltoid [AD], posterior deltoid [PD], erector spinae longissimus [ESL], erector spinae iliocostalis [ESI], external oblique [EO], and rectus abdominis [RA]).

Results

Results indicated that asymmetry indices for the AD, ESL, ESI, and RA muscles during the upward propulsion phase fell within the determined threshold of 15%. However, the asymmetry indices for the PD and EO muscles exceeded this threshold by 3.36% and 2.62%, respectively. The findings suggest that trunk muscle asymmetries during the kettlebell swing are generally less pronounced than those of the shoulder muscles, particularly during the float phase.

Conclusion

These results provide valuable insights into bilateral muscle asymmetry during a two-armed kettlebell swing, which can inform the development of targeted training programs. The methods and findings of this study may further contribute to understanding the effects of muscle balance, symmetry, and injury mechanisms in dynamic movements.
Enhanced Curvature-Based Fabric Defect Detection: A Experimental Study with Gabor Transform and Deep Learning
Authors: Erdogan Mehmet , Dogan Mustafa
Published: November 2024

Quality control at every stage of production in the textile industry is essential for maintaining competitiveness in the global market. Manual fabric defect inspections are often characterized by low precision and high time costs, in contrast to intelligent anomaly detection systems implemented in the early stages of fabric production. To achieve successful automated fabric defect identification, significant challenges must be addressed, including accurate detection, classification, and decision-making processes. Traditionally, fabric defect classification has relied on inefficient and labor-intensive human visual inspection, particularly as the variety of fabric defects continues to increase. Despite the global chip crisis and its adverse effects on supply chains, electronic hardware costs for quality control systems have become more affordable. This presents a notable advantage, as vision systems can now be easily developed with the use of high-resolution, advanced cameras. In this study, we propose a discrete curvature algorithm, integrated with the Gabor transform, which demonstrates significant success in near real-time defect classification. The primary contribution of this work is the development of a modified curvature algorithm that achieves high classification performance without the need for training. This method is particularly efficient due to its low data storage requirements and minimal processing time, making it ideal for real-time applications. Furthermore, we implemented and evaluated several other methods from the literature, including Gabor and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), within a unified coding framework. Each defect type was analyzed individually, with results indicating that the proposed algorithm exhibits comparable success and robust performance relative to deep learning-based approaches.
Public Anxieties About AI: Implications for Corporate Strategy and Societal Impact
Authors: Gerlich Michael
Published: November 2024

This research critically examines the underlying anxieties surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) that are often concealed in public discourse, particularly in the United Kingdom. Despite an initial reluctance to acknowledge AI-related fears in focus groups, where 86% of participants claimed no significant concerns, further exploration through anonymous surveys and interviews uncovered deep anxieties about AI’s impact on job security, data privacy, and ethical governance. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, incorporating focus groups, a survey of 867 participants, and 53 semi-structured interviews to investigate these anxieties in depth. The study identifies key sources of concern, ranging from the fear of job displacement to the opacity of AI systems, particularly in relation to data handling and the control exerted by corporations and governments. The analysis reveals that anxieties are not evenly distributed across demographics but rather shaped by factors such as age, education, and occupation. These findings point to the necessity of addressing these anxieties to foster trust in AI technologies. This study highlights the need for ethical and transparent AI governance, providing critical insights for policymakers and organisations as they navigate the complex socio-technical landscape that AI presents.
Nonlinear Extended State Observer and Prescribed Performance Fault-Tolerant Control of Quadrotor Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Against Compound Faults
Authors: Mai Ge , Wang Hongliang , Wang Yilin , Wu Xinghua , Jiang Peiyao , Feng Genyuan
Published: November 2024

Addressing trajectory and attitude control challenges in quadrotor UAVs amid compound faults and unknown external disturbances, this paper introduces a fault-tolerant control method predicated on nonlinear extended state observers. Initially, the UAV’s dynamic model is optimized and decoupled, forming a rapid non-singular terminal sliding mode surface that circumvents the singular phenomena typical in conventional terminal sliding mode controls. A nonlinear extended state observer is then deployed to estimate the unknown states triggered by compound faults and disturbances within the control system. Theoretical analysis shows that beyond accurately estimating faults and disturbances, the proposed controllers adaptively adjust the system’s dynamic and steady-state performances, ensuring rapid stabilization of all error responses. Numerical simulations indicate significant enhancements in control precision and robustness against compound faults and disturbances, with response times and energy consumption remaining within acceptable limits for practical applications.
A Reformulated-Vortex-Particle-Method-Based Aerodynamic Multi-Objective Design Optimization Strategy for Proprotor in Hover and High-Altitude Cruise
Authors: Ding Zhiwei , Zhang Chaoqun , Peng Minghua , Li Jianbo
Published: November 2024

An improved multi-objective design optimization framework is proposed for the efficient design of proprotor blades tailored to specific high-altitude mission requirements. This framework builds upon existing methods by leveraging a reformulated Vortex Particle Method (rVPM) and incorporates three key stages: (1) rapid determination of overall proprotor parameters using a semi-empirical model, (2) optimized blade chord and twist distribution bounds based on minimum energy loss theory, and (3) global optimization with a high-fidelity rVPM-based aerodynamic solver coupled with a multi-objective hybrid optimization algorithm. Applied to a small high-altitude tiltrotor, the framework produced Pareto-optimal proprotor designs with a figure of merit of 0.814 and cruise efficiency of 0.896, exceeding mission targets by over 15%. Key findings indicate that large taper ratios and low twist improve hover performance, while elliptical blade planforms with high twist enhance cruise efficiency, and a tip anhedral further boosts overall performance. This framework streamlines the industrial customization of proprotor blades, significantly reducing the design space for advanced optimization while improving performance in demanding high-altitude environments.
Wood and Wood-Based Materials in Space Applications—A Literature Review of Use Cases, Challenges and Potential
Authors: Guenther Raphaela , Tajmar Martin , Bach Christian
Published: November 2024

Current political and sociological efforts to respond to the need for more environmentally friendly technologies have inspired a revival of wood and wood-based material utilization in space systems. The popularity of these materials has faded since their widespread use in the early days of aerospace engineering. This work reviews the literature to provide an overview of use cases, the motivation for using wood and wood-based materials and the challenges involved. A small number of applications were identified in which wood and wood-based materials were preferred over non-renewable raw materials. They are mainly applied for less-stressed disposable components or as a thermal protection material. It can be shown that the applied wooden materials have advantages such as low production costs, easy availability, easy and environment-friendly decomposition and low weight. However, only a limited number of applications have achieved a high level of technological readiness so far. Properties such as anisotropy and a lack of uniformity, defects in wood, the quantity available material and a lack of standards for the certification of wooden materials represent challenges. These are addressed in the current research, which additionally focuses on sustainable growth, enhanced environmental friendliness and advanced lightweight design.
Forced Vibration Induced by Dynamic Response Under Different Inlet Distortion Intensities
Authors: Pan Tianyu , Mu Ze , Yan Zhaoqi , Li Qiushi
Published: November 2024

Boundary layer ingestion propulsion systems have attracted much attention due to their significant potential to reduce the fuel consumption of future commercial aircraft. However, the aeroelastic stability of the fan blade is affected by the continuous non-uniform incoming flow induced by the ingestion of the boundary layer. When the fan blades rotate in the junction area between the distorted area and the clean area, blade pressure fluctuations occur. This phenomenon triggers a dynamic response process in the blade. Previous numerical investigations explored the influence of the distorted inflow on the blade vibration amplitude, and found that there are two sources of low-order excitation to the blades: the distorted inflow and the dynamic response of the blade. The results show that the low-order excitation existing in the distorted inflow varies sinusoidally with the distortion extent. However, as a new source of excitation, the key influence mechanism of dynamic response is still unclear. To explore this issue, calculations and analyses were conducted for different distorted inflow intensities. The results show that the blade vibration amplitude increases with the rise in distortion intensity. The total pressure at the leading and trailing edge of the rotor blade was extracted for analysis. It was found that when the blade enters or leaves the distorted area, there is a consistent lag in the change in total pressure at the trailing edge compared to the leading edge. This lag leads to an abrupt variation in the total pressure ratio, which constitutes the dynamic response process of the rotor blade. This periodic change generates a second-order excitation that causes the blade to vibrate.
Exogenous Riboflavin Application at Different Growth Stages Regulates Photosynthetic Accumulation and Grain Yield in Fragrant Rice
Authors: Wu Yizhu , Cheng Siren , Ding Xinfang , Lin Xueer , Deng Sicheng , Peng Ligong , Tian Hua
Published: November 2024

Fragrant rice has high market value and is popular among consumers because of its pleasant fragrance. Plant growth regulators and trace elements can influence the yield and physiological indices of fragrant rice. Riboflavin, a vital component of plant vitamins, plays a crucial role in plant growth and development, and it is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for sustaining normal photosynthesis and metabolic processes. However, the effects of riboflavin on nutrient accumulation and yield formation in fragrant rice have rarely been reported. Therefore, to further increase the yield and quality of fragrant rice, this study investigated the impact of the foliar application of riboflavin at different growth stages on nutrient accumulation and yield formation in two different genotypes of fragrant rice via a pot experiment. The experimental design consisted of three treatment groups, i.e., the T0 treatment group (control), which was sprayed with water; the T1 treatment group, which was sprayed at the booting stage; and the T2 treatment group, which was sprayed at the flowering stage; in all of these groups, 20 mg·L−1 riboflavin solution was used. The results revealed that the yields of the T1 and T2 treatments increased by 6.56–7.25% and 10.52–13.80%, respectively, compared with those of T0, which was attributed mainly to the increase in 1000-grain weight and grain filling. Furthermore, foliar spraying of riboflavin significantly increased the chlorophyll content, which resulted in the increased production of more total starch, soluble sugars, and sucrose and facilitated their transportation to the seeds. Moreover, applying riboflavin directly to the leaves increased the activity levels of the sucrose synthase (SS) and sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) enzymes. Among the three treatments, the T2 treatment had the most pronounced effect. The results revealed that the foliar application of riboflavin could increase photosynthesis and promote the production of nonstructural carbohydrates, thereby increasing the total aboveground biomass of fragrant rice by 17.00–20.91% and 21.07–72.91% under the T1 and T2 treatments, respectively. Additionally, spraying riboflavin promoted rapid increases in the weight of fragrant rice seeds. In conclusion, foliar spraying of riboflavin during the flowering stage of aromatic rice can effectively enhance photosynthetic accumulation and yield, which is a promising physiological regulation strategy and provides new theoretical guidance for high-yield cultivation practices.
Study on Deposition Characteristics of the Electrostatic Sprayer for Pesticide Application in Greenhouse Tomato Crops
Authors: Guo Zhanhong , Zhang Jiajia , Chen Lining , Wang Zhaoyang , Wang Hongbiao , Wang Xufeng
Published: November 2024

In densely planted solar greenhouses, tomato crops face increasing challenges with pest and disease control due to high temperature and humidity conditions. The existing spraying equipment often suffers from low mechanization and inadequate foliar deposition coverage. This study presents the design of a vertical spray bar electrostatic sprayer, which combines a multi-nozzle vertical spray bar with electrostatic spraying technology, making it suitable for greenhouse applications. In order to obtain the best working parameters of the sprayer, the coverage rate of the front and back sides of the tomato leaves was taken as the performance target. Key influencing factors, including electrostatic voltage, spray pressure, and target distance, were investigated using a multi-factor response surface methodology. Field experiments were conducted in a greenhouse environment based on the optimized parameters to validate the performance. The results indicate that: (1) The factors influencing droplet adherence on the upper surface of tomato leaves ranked in the order of target distance, spray pressure, and electrostatic voltage, while for the underside, the order was electrostatic voltage, target distance, and spray pressure. (2) Under the conditions of electrostatic voltage of 10 kV, spray pressure of 0.7 MPa, and target distance of 35 cm, the sprayer achieves the optimal operation of leaf comprehensive coverage. (3) Compared to non-electrostatic spraying, the greenhouse electrostatic sprayer significantly improved the coverage on both sides of the leaves, enhancing pesticide utilization efficiency. This novel electrostatic sprayer meets the operational requirements for greenhouse crop protection in the Xinjiang region of China.
YOLOX-S-TKECB: A Holstein Cow Identification Detection Algorithm
Authors: Zhang Hongtao , Zheng Li , Tan Lian , Gao Jiahui , Luo Yiming
Published: November 2024

Accurate identification of individual cow identity is a prerequisite for the construction of digital farms and serves as the basis for optimized feeding, disease prevention and control, breed improvement, and product quality traceability. Currently, cow identification faces challenges such as poor recognition accuracy, large data volumes, weak model generalization ability, and low recognition speed. Therefore, this paper proposes a cow identification method based on YOLOX-S-TKECB. (1) Based on the characteristics of Holstein cows and their breeding practices, we constructed a real-time acquisition and preprocessing platform for two-dimensional Holstein cow images and built a cow identification model based on YOLOX-S-TKECB. (2) Transfer learning was introduced to improve the convergence speed and generalization ability of the cow identification model. (3) The CBAM attention mechanism module was added to enhance the model’s ability to extract features from cow torso patterns. (4) The alignment between the apriori frame and the target size was improved by optimizing the clustering algorithm and the multi-scale feature fusion method, thereby enhancing the performance of object detection at different scales. The experimental results demonstrate that, compared to the traditional YOLOX-S model, the improved model exhibits a 15.31% increase in mean average precision (mAP) and a 32-frame boost in frames per second (FPS). This validates the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed YOLOX-S-TKECB-based cow identification algorithm, providing valuable technical support for the application of dairy cow identification in farms.
Effect of Melatonin on the Production Performance, Blood Biochemical Parameters, Nutrient Digestibility, and Gastrointestinal Microbiome of Liaoning Cashmere Goats
Authors: Zheng Zibin , Han Di , Su Zhenyu , He Liwen , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2024

Melatonin’s capacity to improve cashmere production and quality in goats is well established, but its underlying mechanisms, particularly those concerning the gastrointestinal microbiome, remain inadequately understood. This study aims to elucidate the effects of melatonin implantation on the production performance, blood biochemical parameters, nutrient digestibility, and gastrointestinal microbiome of Liaoning cashmere goats. Thirty newborn Liaoning cashmere goat lambs were selected and randomly assigned to control and melatonin groups using a paired test design. The melatonin group received three melatonin implantations at 15, 75, and 135 days of age, respectively, with a dosage of 2 mg/kg body weight, while the control group received no treatment. Digestive metabolism tests were conducted at 150 and 300 days of age; prior to these tests, blood, rumen fluid, and rectal feces were collected. Apparent nutrient digestibility and blood biochemical indexes were determined, and rumen fluid and rectal feces were analyzed using microbial 16S rRNA sequencing. The results indicated that melatonin significantly reduced daily weight gain and body weight at 60 days (p < 0.05) while significantly increasing daily weight gain at 300 days (p < 0.05). Additionally, it significantly increased cashmere length and reduced its fineness (p < 0.05). Melatonin significantly enhanced nitrogen deposition (p < 0.05), elevated plasma levels of T-AOC, CAT, GSH-PX, and BUN (p < 0.05), and reduced plasma levels of MDA, GOT, GPT, and AKP (p < 0.05). Moreover, melatonin significantly elevated the microbial Ace and Chao1 indices in rectal feces (p < 0.05), increasing genera beneficial for feed digestion and absorption, including Prevotella, Lachnospiraceae, Ruminococcus, and Synergistaceae (p < 0.05); the abundance of these beneficial genera were positively correlated with improved cashmere production performance, antioxidant activity, and liver and kidney function. In conclusion, melatonin enhances cashmere production by modulating gastrointestinal microbiota, antioxidant activity, liver and kidney function, and nitrogen metabolism in cashmere goats. This study provides a theoretical foundation for melatonin’s role in microbiota modulation, which is essential for promoting high-quality and sustainable development in the cashmere goat industry.
Mechanized Transplanting Improves Yield and Reduces Pyricularia oryzae Incidence of Paddies in Calasparra Rice of Origin in Spain
Authors: Pascual-Villalobos María Jesús , Martínez María , López Sergio , Hellín María Pilar , López Nuria , Sáez José , Guerrero María del Mar , Guirao Pedro
Published: November 2024

The rice variety Bomba is grown in Calasparra—a rice of origin in southeast Spain—resulting in a product with excellent cooking quality, although its profitability has declined in recent years due to low grain yields and susceptibility to rice blast disease (Pyricularia oryzae Cavara). An innovation project to test the efficacy of mechanized transplanting against traditional direct seed sowing was conducted in 2022 and 2023 at four locations for the first time. A lower plant density (67–82 plants m−2) and shorter plants with higher leaf nitrogen content were observed in transplanted plots compared with seed sowing (130–137 plants m−2) in the first year. The optimal climatic conditions for P. oryzae symptom appearance were determined as temperatures of 25–29 °C and a 50–77% relative humidity. The most-affected sowing plots presented 3–20% leaf area damage and a reduction in yield to values of 1.5 t ha−1 in the first year and 2.12 t ha−1 in the second year. In transplanted plots, there was generally less humidity at the plant level and therefore, disease incidence was low in both seasons. Grain yields did not significantly differ among the treatments studied; however, there were differences in the yield components of panicle density and the number of grains for panicles. Principal component analysis revealed two principal components that explained 81% of the variability. Variables related to yield contributed positively to the first component, while plant biomass variables contributed to the second component. Plant density, tiller density, and panicle density were found to be positively correlated (r > 0.81 ***). Overall, transplanting (frame of 30 × 15–18 cm2) resulted in uniform crop growth with less rice blast disease, as well as higher grain yields (2.92–3.89 t ha−1), in comparison with the average for the whole D.O. Calasparra (2.3–2.5 t ha−1) in both seasons and a good percentage of whole grains at milling. This is novel knowledge which can be considered useful for farmers operating in the region.
Prediction of Corn Leaf Nitrogen Content in a Tropical Region Using Vis-NIR-SWIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Oliveira Ana Karla da Silva , Rizzo Rodnei , Silva Carlos Augusto Alves Cardoso , Ré Natália Correr , Caron Matheus Luís , Fiorio Peterson Ricardo
Published: November 2024

Traditional techniques for measuring leaf nitrogen content (LNC) involve slow and laborious processes, and radiometric data have been used to assist in the nutritional analysis of plants. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the performance of LNC predictions in corn plants based on laboratory hyperspectral Vis-NIR-SWIR data. The treatments corresponded to 60, 120, 180, and 240 kg ha−1 of nitrogen, in addition to the control (0 kg ha−1), and they were distributed using a randomized complete block design. At the laboratory, hyperspectral data of the leaves and LNC were obtained. The hyperspectral data were used in the calculation of different vegetation indices (VIs), which were applied in a predictive model—partial least squares regression (PLSR)—and the capacity of the prediction was assessed. The combination of bands and VIs generated a better prediction (0.74 < R2 < 0.87; 1.00 < RMSE < 1.50 kg ha−1) in comparison with the individual prediction by band (0.69 < R2 < 0.85; 1.00 < RMSE < 1.77 kg ha−1) and by VI (0.55 < R2 < 0.68; 1.00 < RMSE < 1.78 kg ha−1). Hyperspectral data offer a new opportunity to monitor the LNC in corn plants, especially in the region comprising the bands from 450 to 750 nm, since these were the bands that were most sensitive to the LNC.
Impact of Climate Change on the Winter Wheat Productivity Under Varying Climate Scenarios in the Loess Plateau: An APSIM Analysis (1961–2100)
Authors: Wang Donglin , Guo Mengjing , Li Jipo , Wu Siyu , Cheng Yuhan , Shi Longfei , Liu Shaobo , Ge Jiankun , Dong Qinge , Li Yi , Wu Feng , Jiang Tengcong
Published: November 2024

Consideration of crop yield variability caused by long-term climate change offers a way to quantify the interplay between climate change, crop growth, and yield. This study employed the APSIM model to simulate the potential winter wheat yield under varying climate scenarios in 1961–2100 in the Loess Plateau. It also evaluated the long-term response and adaptation differences of winter wheat yield to climate change. The results show that there is a slight downward trend in inter-annual precipitation during the winter wheat growth period, with a reduction of −2.38 mm·decade−1 under the S245 scenario (abbreviated SSP2-4.5) and −2.74 mm·decade−1 under the S585 scenario (abbreviated SSP5-8.5). Interestingly, the actual yield of winter wheat was positively correlated with precipitation during the growth period but not with temperature. By contrast, climatic yield exhibits a significant correlation with both factors, suggesting that future crop yield will largely depend on its sensitivity to climate change. In addition, climate change may marginally improve yield stability, although regional variations are evident. Notably, potential yields in water-restricted areas, such as Qinghai and Gansu, are significantly influenced by precipitation. This study provides an important reference for formulating long-term adaptation strategies to enhance the resilience of agricultural production against climate change.
Environment, Soil, and Digestate Interaction of Maize Silage and Biogas Production
Authors: Popović Vera , Vasileva Viliana , Ljubičić Nataša , Rakašćan Nikola , Ikanović Jela
Published: November 2024

In this study are presented the possibilities of using maize silage for biogas production. An experiment with maize silage took place over three years (2016–2018) in two localities, Ilandža, Alibunar municipality (L1—Locality 1) and Dolovo (L2—Locality 2), Serbia, and using two variants: a control with no digestate (C) and a variant with digestate, which was organic manure from biogas facilities (AD). In the AD variant, 50 t ha−1 of digestate was introduced into the soil just before sowing the maize. The following traits were examined: plant height (PH), biomass yield (BMY), biogas yield (BGY), and methane yield (MY). The effects of the studied factors (year, fertilization, and locality) on the biogas yield were significant (p < 0.5). The most favorable year for biogas production was 2016 (207.95 m3 ha−1), while the highest values of maize plant height, biomass, and methane yield were recorded in 2018 (2.48 m, 51.15 t ha−1 dry matter, and 258.25 m3 ha−1). The digestate exerted a significant influence (p < 0.5) on the values of all the tested maize parameters in all three experimental years. The biomass yield was positively associated with the plant height, biogas, and methane yield (r = 0.62 *; r = 0.70 *; r = 0.81 **) and positively but nonsignificantly associated with temperature (r = 0.42) and precipitation (r = 0.12). The application of the digestate before sowing improves the anaerobic digestion of maize silage and biogas production.
Dynamic Multiobjective Optimization Based on Multi-Environment Knowledge Selection and Transfer
Authors: Song Wei , Yu Jian
Published: November 2024

Background: Dynamic multiobjective optimization problems (DMOPs) involve multiple conflicting and time-varying objectives, and dynamic multiobjective algorithms (DMOAs) aim to find Pareto optima that are closer to the real one in the new environment as soon as possible. In particular, the introduction of transfer learning in DMOAs has led to good results in solving DMOPs. However, the selection of valuable historical knowledge and the mitigation of negative transfer remain important problems in existing transfer learning-based DMOAs. Method: A DMOA based on multi-environment knowledge selection and transfer (MST-DMOA) is proposed in this article. First, by clustering historical Pareto optima, some representative solutions that can reflect the main evolutionary information are selected as knowledge of the environment. Second, the similarity between the historical and current environments is evaluated, and then the knowledge of multiple similar environments is selected as valuable historical knowledge to construct the source domain. Third, solutions with high quality in the new environment are obtained to form the target domain, which can better help historical knowledge to adapt to the current environment, thus effectively alleviating negative transfer. Conclusions: We compare the proposed MST-DMOA with five state-of-the-art DMOAs on fourteen benchmark test problems, and the experimental results verify the excellent performance of MST-DMOA in solving DMOPs.