bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical education, muscle strengthening exercise, sport participation and their associations with screen time in adolescents
Authors: Hu Xiaoqing , Drenowatz Clemens , Duncan Michael , Bao Ran , Chen Sitong , He Jinsheng , Tang Yan
Published: February 2023

Background/Objective

Physical activity (PA) has been suggested to reduce screen time. This study aimed to explore the associations of physical education (PE), muscle-strengthening exercise (MSE), and sport participation with screen time.

Methods

A multi-cluster sampling design was used to select 13,677 school-attending adolescents that participated in the Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance 2019 survey. Adolescents self-reported their frequency of PE attendance, participations in MSE, sport participation and hours for screen time. Additionally, participants provided demographic information including sex, age, race, grade, and weight status.

Results

Collectively, there were beneficial associations between participating in MSE for 4 (OR = 1.31, CI: 1.02–1.68), 5 (OR = 1.65, CI: 1.31–2.08), 6 (OR = 2.23, CI: 1.47–3.36), 7 (OR = 1.62, CI: 1.30–2.01) days and video or computer game hours. Similarly, beneficial associations between participating in 1 team sport (OR = 1.23, CI: 1.06–1.42), 2 team sports (OR = 1.61, CI: 1.33–1.95), 3 or more team sports (OR = 1.45, CI: 1.16–1.83) and video or computer game hours were observed. Participating in 1 team sport (OR = 1.27, CI: 1.08–1.48), 2 teams sport (OR = 1.41, CI: 1.09–1.82), 3 or more team sport (OR = 1.40, CI: 1.03–1.90) also increased the odds for meeting guidelines for television viewing hours. Only 2 days of PE attendance (OR = 1.44, CI: 1.14–1.81) was significantly associated with video or computer game hours.

Conclusion

The promotion of sports participation appears to be an important component for reducing excess screen time in adolescents. Further, MSE may have beneficial effects on reducing time spent on the computer and playing video games.
Robust optimization for casualty scheduling considering injury deterioration and point-edge mixed failures in early stage of post-earthquake relief
Authors: Zhou Yufeng , Gong Ying , Hu Xiaoqin
Published: February 2023

Objective

Scientifically organizing emergency rescue activities to reduce mortality in the early stage of earthquakes.

Methods

A robust casualty scheduling problem to reduce the total expected death probability of the casualties is studied by considering scenarios of disrupted medical points and routes. The problem is described as a 0-1 mixed integer nonlinear programming model. An improved particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is introduced to solve the model. A case study of the Lushan earthquake in China is conducted to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the model and algorithm.

Results

The results show that the proposed PSO algorithm is superior to the compared genetic algorithm, immune optimization algorithm, and differential evolution algorithm. The optimization results are still robust and reliable even if some medical points fail and routes are disrupted in affected areas when considering point-edge mixed failure scenarios.

Conclusion

Decision makers can balance casualty treatment and system reliability based on the degree of risk preference considering the uncertainty of casualties, to achieve the optimal casualty scheduling effect.
Functional association between telomeres, oxidation and mitochondria
Authors: Moustakli Efthalia , Zikopoulos Athanasios , Sakaloglou Prodromos , Bouba Ioanna , Sofikitis Nikolaos , Georgiou Ioannis
Published: February 2023

Prior research has substantiated the vital role of telomeres in human fertility. Telomeres are prerequisites for maintaining the integrity of chromosomes by preventing the loss of genetic material following replication events. Little is known about the association between sperm telomere length and mitochondrial capacity involving its structure and functions. Mitochondria are structurally and functionally distinct organelles that are located on the spermatozoon's midpiece. Mitochondria produce adenosine triphosphate (ATP) through oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), which is necessary for sperm motility and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). While a moderate concentration of ROS is critical for egg—sperm fusion, and fertilization, excessive ROS generation is primarily related to telomere shortening, sperm DNA fragmentation, and alterations in the methylation pattern leading to male infertility. This review aims to highlight the functional connection between mitochondria biogenesis and telomere length in male infertility, as mitochondrial lesions have a damaging impact on telomere length, leading both to telomere lengthening and reprogramming of mitochondrial biosynthesis. Furthermore, it aims to shed light on how both inositol and antioxidants can positively affect male fertility.
Quantifying day-to-day variability of O/N2 and its correlation with geomagnetic activity using GOLD
Authors: Martinez Benjamin C. , Lu Xian
Published: February 2023

We quantify the short-term (<30 day) variability of column O/N2 measured by GOLD from January 2019 to August 2022 for various geomagnetic activity conditions. We find enhanced variabilities at high latitudes during active (Kp ≥ 3.0) times and weak but statistically significant variabilities at low latitudes. For active times, the largest absolute variability of O/N2 ratio is 0.14 and the largest relative variability is 20.6% at ∼60.0°N in Fall, which are about twice those of quiet times. The variability at higher latitudes can be larger than that of lower latitudes by a factor of 5–8. We further quantify contributions of magnetospheric forcing to O/N2 variability in the Ionosphere-Thermosphere region by correlating O/N2 perturbations with Dst. During geomagnetic active times, positive correlations as large as +0.66 and negative correlations as large as −0.65 are found at high and low latitudes, respectively, indicative of storm-induced O and N2 upwelling at high latitudes and down welling at low latitudes. During quiet times, correlations between O/N2 perturbations and Dst become insignificant at all latitudes, implying a more substantial contribution from below. O/N2 variabilities maximize in Fall and decrease towards Summer, while correlations maximize in Spring/Summer and decrease in Winter/Spring, which may be related to seasonal variations of geomagnetic activity and mean circulation.
Design of a sensor network for the quantitative analysis of sport climbing
Authors: Colombo Alessandro , Maj Ramon , Canina Marita , Fedeli Francesca , Dozio Nicolò , Ferrise Francesco
Published: February 2023

We describe the design of a modular sensorized climbing wall for motion analysis in a naturalistic environment. The wall is equipped with force sensors to measure interaction forces between the athlete and the wall, which can be used by experienced instructors, athletes, or therapists, to gain insights into the quality of motion. A specifically designed triaxial load cell is integrated into each hold placement, invisible to the climber, and compatible with standard climbing holds. Data collected through the sensors is sent to an app running on a portable device. The wall can be adapted to different uses. To validate our design, we recorded a repeated climbing activity of eleven climbers with varying degrees of expertise. Analysis of the interaction forces during the exercise demonstrates that the sensor network design can provide valuable information to track and analyze exercise performance changes over time. Here we report the design process as well as the validation and testing of the sensorized climbing wall.
Detection of post-traumatic abdominal pseudoaneurysms by CEUS and CT: A prospective comparative global study (the PseAn study)—study protocol
Authors: Virdis Francesco , Cioffi Stefano Piero Bernardo , Abu-Zidan Fikri , Reitano Elisa , Podda Mauro , Altomare Michele , Spota Andrea , Bini Roberto , Kumar Jayant , Chiara Osvaldo , Cimbanassi Stefania
Published: February 2023

The success of non-operative management in trauma increased with the availability of new-generation CT scan machines, endoscopy, and angiography, becoming the standard of care in hemodynamically stable trauma patients with abdominal solid organ injuries, with a success rate of 78% to 98%. Post-traumatic pseudoaneurysms (PAs) can develop at any region of an injured artery and they may cause delayed bleeding in splenic or hepatic trauma, with an incidence in patients treated with NOM of 2%–27% and 1.2%–6.1% respectively. Diagnosis is made by angiography, contrast-enhanced computer tomography (CT), or Doppler Ultrasound (US) while the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), has increased in recent years although few data are available about CEUS feasibility in the follow-up setting. The PseaAn study has been designed to assess the role of CEUS in the follow-up of abdominal trauma by defining its sensitivity, specificity and predictive values compared with abdominal CT scan. The PseAn study is a multi-centric international diagnostic cross-sectional study initiated by the Level I Trauma Center of the Niguarda Ca’ Granda Hospital in Milan, Italy. To study the role of CEUS in detecting post-traumatic splenic, hepatic, and renal PAs compared with the gold standard of CT with intravenous contrast at different follow-up time points, and whether it can replace CT scan in the follow-up of solid organ injuries, patients with OIS III and above will undergo a follow-up with both a CEUS and CT scan to detect post-traumatic parenchymal pseudoaneurysm within two to five days from injury. The use of CEUS in the follow-up of abdominal trauma follow-up (particularly blunt trauma) has increased, to minimise the use of ionizing radiation and contrast media and encouraging results have been published during the last decade showing that CEUS is an accurate technique for evaluating traumatic lesions of solid abdominal organs. Conclusions We think that CEUS, which is underused worldwide, is a useful and safe tool that may replace CT scan in follow-up with the major advantage of reduced radiation. Our current study may give stronger evidence to support this view.
Inclusion of Azolla pinnata as an unconventional feed of Zaraibi dairy goats, and effects on milk production and offspring performance
Authors: Hassanein Hanan A. M. , Maggiolino Aristide , Abou El-Fadel Magdy H. , De Palo Pasquale , El-Sanafawy Heba A. , Hussein Ahmed M. , Salem Abdelfattah Z. M.
Published: February 2023

Introduction

This study investigated the effects of using sun-dried Azolla (Azolla pinnata) meal (SDAM) protein to replace sunflower meal protein in the diets of Zaraibi goats dams on nutrient digestibility, milk yield, composition, and economics.

Method

A total of 15 Zaraibi goats (32.23 ± 0.2 kg) were randomly divided into three equal groups, R1, R2, and R3 which were fed based on average milk production. The basal ration was a concentrated feed mixture containing 0, 10, and 20% SDAM which replaced 0, 25, and 50% of sunflower meal protein in the respective groups.

Results

Nutrient digestibility and feeding values were improved with R3 goats, which had the highest level of azolla (20%) R3 versus R2 and R1 goats. The total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) concentration in the in-rumen liquor was elevated by increasing the level of azolla up to 20% in R3 goats. The results revealed significantly higher (P<0.05) mean milk yield in the SDAM groups in comparison to R1 (1184, 1131 and 1034 respectively). The beneficial effects of the tested groups were observed in milk composition, milk fat, milk protein, and non- fats solids. Whereas the milk fat yield was higher in the SDAM group in comparison with the control group (40.84, 37.20, and 33.92). Ration inclusion of SDAM improved economic feed efficiency (relative feed cost and relative daily profit) and had a significant effect on the yield of milk constituents. In general, using up to a level of 20% SDAM in place of sunflower meal for feeding lactating Zaraibi goats improved milk production, milk fat yield, and cost-benefit ratio.

Discussion

This study recommended that, inclusion of sun-dried azolla meal up to 20%, as an unconventional feed for Zaraibi dairy goats and offspring, improved milk production and economically feed efficiency.
Ghana’s Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (1000) Program Seasonally Impacts Birthweight: A Difference-in-Differences Analysis
Authors: Quinones Sarah , Mendola Pauline , Tian Lili , Lin Shao , Novignon Jacob , Angeles Gustavo , Palermo Tia
Published: February 2023

Objectives: Low birthweight (LBW) prevalence remains high in African countries and evidence of cash transfer impacts on birthweight, particularly by season of infant birth, is limited. This study examines overall and seasonal cash transfer impacts on LBW in rural Ghana.

Methods: Data come from a longitudinal, quasi-experimental impact evaluation of the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty (LEAP) 1,000 unconditional cash transfer program for impoverished pregnant or lactating women in rural districts of Northern Ghana. LEAP1000 program impacts on average birthweight and LBW were estimated for a multiply imputed sample of 3,258 and a panel sample of 1,567 infants using differences-in-differences models and triple difference models to assess impacts by season.

Results: LEAP1000 decreased LBW prevalence by 3.5 and 4.1 percentage points overall and in the dry season, respectively. LEAP1000 increased average birthweight by 94, 109, and 79 g overall, in the dry season, and in the rainy season, respectively.

Conclusion: Our findings of positive LEAP1000 impacts on birthweight across seasons and on LBW in the dry season demonstrate the need to take seasonal vulnerabilities into account when designing and implementing programs for rural populations in Africa.
IRONEDGE: Stream Processing Architecture for Edge Applications
Authors: Vitorino João Pedro , Simão José , Datia Nuno , Pato Matilde
Published: February 2023

This paper presents IRONEDGE, an architectural framework that can be used in different edge Stream Processing solutions for “Smart Infrastructure” scenarios, on a case-by-case basis. The architectural framework identifies the common components that any such solution should implement and a generic processing pipeline. In particular, the framework is considered in the context of a study case regarding Internet of Things (IoT) devices to be attached to rolling stock in a railway. A lack of computation and storage resources available in edge devices and infrequent network connectivity are not often seen in the existing literature, but were considered in this paper. Two distinct implementations of IRONEDGE were considered and tested. One, identified as Apache Kafka with Kafka Connect (K0-WC), uses Kafka Connect to pass messages from MQ Telemetry Transport (MQTT) to Apache Kafka. The second scenario, identified as Apache Kafka with No Kafka Connect (K1-NC), allows Apache Storm to consume messages directly. When the data rate increased, K0-WC showed low throughput resulting from high losses, whereas K1-NC displayed an increase in throughput, but did not match the input rate for the Data Reports. The results showed that the framework can be used for defining new solutions for edge Stream Processing scenarios and identified a reference implementation for the considered study case. In future work, the authors propose to extend the evaluation of the architectural variation of K1-NC.
Fourier Neural Operator Network for Fast Photoacoustic Wave Simulations
Authors: Guan Steven , Hsu Ko-Tsung , Chitnis Parag V.
Published: February 2023

Simulation tools for photoacoustic wave propagation have played a key role in advancing photoacoustic imaging by providing quantitative and qualitative insights into parameters affecting image quality. Classical methods for numerically solving the photoacoustic wave equation rely on a fine discretization of space and can become computationally expensive for large computational grids. In this work, we applied Fourier Neural Operator (FNO) networks as a fast data-driven deep learning method for solving the 2D photoacoustic wave equation in a homogeneous medium. Comparisons between the FNO network and pseudo-spectral time domain approach were made for the forward and adjoint simulations. Results demonstrate that the FNO network generated comparable simulations with small errors and was orders of magnitude faster than the pseudo-spectral time domain methods (~26× faster on a 64 × 64 computational grid and ~15× faster on a 128 × 128 computational grid). Moreover, the FNO network was generalizable to the unseen out-of-domain test set with a root-mean-square error of 9.5 × 10−3 in Shepp–Logan, 1.5 × 10−2 in synthetic vasculature, 1.1 × 10−2 in tumor and 1.9 × 10−2 in Mason-M phantoms on a 64 × 64 computational grid and a root mean squared of 6.9 ± 5.5 × 10−3 in the AWA2 dataset on a 128 × 128 computational grid.
Behavioral Analysis of Mowing Workers Based on Hilbert–Huang Transform: An Auxiliary Movement Analysis of Manual Mowing on the Slopes of Terraced Rice Fields
Authors: Wu Bo , Wu Yuan , Dong Ran , Sato Kiminori , Ikuno Soichiro , Nishimura Shoji , Jin Qun
Published: February 2023

In the mountainous areas of Japan, the weeds on the slopes of terraced rice paddies still need to be cut by the elderly manually. Therefore, more attention should be given to maintain proper postures while performing mowing actions (especially the pre-cutting actions) to reduce the risk of accidents. Given that complex mowing actions can be decomposed into different sub-actions, we proposed a joint angular calculation-based body movement analysis model based on the Hilbert–Huang transform to analyze the pre-cutting actions. We found that the two most important sub-actions were fast pre-cutting and slow pre-cutting. Based on field experiments, we analyzed the pre-cutting actions of workers with different experience levels and identified the factors that affected their falling risk (stability). The results showed differences and similarities in the actions’ frequency and amplitude in the sub-actions of workers with different mowing experience, confirmed the influence of body characteristics (body height, etc.) on body stability, and showed that workers should pay attention to their age and ankle part while mowing. The analysis results have identified factors for the mowing workers’ training and the development of equipment for use in complicated geographical conditions.
The Classification of Peaches at Different Ripening Stages Using Machine Learning Models Based on Texture Parameters of Flesh Images
Authors: Ropelewska Ewa , Rutkowski Krzysztof P.
Published: February 2023

The ripening stage can affect consumer preference and the market value of peaches. This study was aimed at developing an objective, effective, and fast procedure for distinguishing the different stages of ripeness of peaches using image texture parameters and models built using traditional machine learning algorithms. The ripeness classes (distinguished using DA-Meter-based nondestructive VIS/NIR method) 0.1, 0.4, and 0.9 for ‘Redhaven’ peaches and 0.1, 0.4, and 1.0 for ‘Royal Glory’ peaches were considered. Fruit weight, ethylene production, total soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), and fruit firmness (FF) were measured. The slice images for each class were acquired. Selected texture parameters from images in color channels R, G, B, L, a, b, X, Y, and Z were used to develop classification models for distinguishing peach ripening stages in pairs. Models were built for combined textures selected from images in all color channels, individual color spaces, and individual color channels using various machine learning algorithms. The ethylene production and SSC was higher in peaches with a ripeness class of 0.1 than in less ripe fruit. The least ripe fruit of ‘Redhaven’ and ‘Royal Glory’ peaches were characterized by the highest fruit firmness. Furthermore, statistically significant differences in SSC between classes 0.1 and 0.9 of ‘Redhaven’ were observed. For ‘Royal Glory’, statistically significant differences in TA were determined between all classes. These differences may be related to classification performance metrics. In the case of ‘Redhaven’ peaches, two extreme ripeness classes 0.1 (the greatest ripeness) and 0.9 (the least ripeness) were correctly classified with the highest accuracy reaching 100% for models built based on textures selected from all color channels (random forest and Bayes net algorithms) and color space lab (random forest). For individual color channels, the accuracy reached 99% for color channel G (random forest) and color channel a (logistic). The accuracy of classifying ripening stages 0.1 and 0.4 reached 98% for the model built using textures from all color channels and color space lab (Bayes net). The ripening stages 0.4 and 0.9 were distinguished with an accuracy of up to 96% (all color channels, random forest). The classification of ripening stages of ‘Royal Glory’ peaches reached 100% for all pairs, 0.1 vs. 1.0 (all color channels, color spaces RGB, color space lab, color channel G, color channel a), 0.1 vs. 0.4 (all color channels, color space RGB, color space lab), and 0.4 vs. 1.0 (all color channels). The developed procedure can be useful in practice. Distinguishing peaches at different stages of ripeness and the selection of fruit at the optimal stage can be important for consumption and processing.
Life Cycle Assessment of the Canned Fruits Industry: Sustainability through Waste Valorization and Implementation of Innovative Techniques
Authors: Drosou Fotini , Kekes Tryfon , Boukouvalas Christos
Published: February 2023

The canned fruits industry utilizes high amounts of water and energy, which results in the generation of vast quantities of wastewater and solid waste. The main scope of this study was to compare the environmental footprint of a canned fruits industry (alternative scenario) equipped with appropriate processes (pulsed electric fields, anaerobic digestion, composting, membrane bioreactors, and ultraviolet treatment) that sufficiently save energy and valorize production wastes to a typical setup that uses conventional waste methods (conventional scenario) via conducting a life cycle assessment study. Based on the results, the life cycle assessment confirmed the fact that the incorporation of the proposed methods, as described in the alternative scenario, dramatically reduced the environmental footprint of the industry, with certain environmental impact categories reaching a decrease of up to 90.00%. More specifically, according to the obtained results, a decrease of 11.81, 64.56, and 89.79% in regards to climate change, freshwater ecotoxicity, and freshwater consumption, respectively, was achieved in the alternative scenario compared to the conventional method. The study verified the environmental advantages of integrating such energy saving and waste treatment/valorization technologies across the canned fruits industry’s processing chain, contributing to environmental sustainability and safety.
The Effect of Water Stress on the Glucosinolate Content and Profile: A Comparative Study on Roots and Leaves of Brassica oleracea L. Crops
Authors: Ben Ammar Hajer , Arena Donata , Treccarichi Simone , Di Bella Maria Concetta , Marghali Sonia , Ficcadenti Nadia , Lo Scalzo Roberto , Branca Ferdinando
Published: February 2023

Drought is one of the major challenges of global crop production, and its severity is increasing because of climate change. This abiotic stress is an important target for Brassica species, which are generally grown in arid and semi-arid climates. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of water deficit on a set of accessions belonging to the Brassica core collection of the EU H2020 BRESOV project, represented by Brassica oleracea L. crops and Brassica oleracea complex species (n = 9). In particular, the variation in the amount and profile of the glucosinolates (GLSs) compounds was analyzed on the root and the leaf tissues. The plant morphometric traits and GLSs amount and profile were detected for the plants grown in cold greenhouse in Catania (Sicily) during the autumn–winter season for ten weeks. The results showed a wide qualitative and quantitative variation among the Brassica accessions. The GLSs profile varied qualitatively and quantitively among both genotypes and portions of the plants (hypogenous-root and epigeous-leaf). Plants grown under drought stress, for the last two weeks of the growing cycle under consideration, showed a higher amount of GLS in their leaves (190.1 ± 8.9 µmol. g−1 d.w.) compared to their roots (17.3 ± 1.9 µmol. g−1 d.w.). Under water stress conditions, the highest increase in the glucosinolate amount was detected in broccoli (the accession BR1) with 85.4% and in cauliflower (the accession CV1) with 72.8% in the roots and leaves, respectively. Positive correlations were found between the major leaf and root GLSs identified. The selection of chemotypes allows for an important time reduction during the breeding programs after crossing accessions with the specific profiles of glucosinolates.
Development of a “0-Pesticide Residue” Grape and Wine Production System for Standard Disease-Susceptible Varieties
Authors: Roškarič Mihaela , Paušič Andrej , Valdhuber Janez , Lešnik Mario , Pulko Borut
Published: February 2023

In order to realize the goals of the EU Farm to Fork strategy, grape growers are introducing new grape-growing technologies. Among the new trends, “0-pesticide residue” protection is quite a promising one. Field trials were carried out in vineyards located in the Mediterranean part of Slovenia in 2021 and 2022 to test the “0-pesticide residue” (ZPR) grape protection system with the goal of producing wine without pesticide residues above the limit of 0.001 mg kg−1. The standard integrated grape protection program (IP) was compared to the ZPR program. The level of infection of leaves and grapes by fungal pathogens did not significantly increase due to the implementation of the ZPR spray program. The amount of yield and quality of yield were not decreased significantly, but a small financial loss of EUR 70–400 ha−1 appeared at ZPR grape production when compared to the IP production system. The ZPR system enabled a significant decrease in pesticide residue concentration in wine at a rate of 27 applied pesticide active substances in a rage from 20% to 99%. The goal of producing wine without pesticide residues above the limit concentration of 0.001 mg kg−1 was not completely achieved in these experiments, but we came very close to it with the tested spraying programs. Further finetuning of pesticide positioning and alternative plant protection products in 0-pesticide residue systems is needed.
Eco-Physiological and Productive Response of Deficit Irrigated Potatoes
Authors: Ierna Anita , Mauromicale Giovanni
Published: February 2023

A comprehensive study on both the eco-physiological and productive response of potatoes to dynamic deficit irrigation is lacking. Therefore, the aim was to study, over two growing seasons and on two potato cultivars—Arinda and Timate, the effects of five irrigation regimes (I0–dry control, I1—irrigated control, I2—supply 100% of the maximum evapotranspiration—ETm from tuber initiation up to 50% of tuber growth and 0% ETm from 50% to the end of tuber growth, I3—supply 100% of ETm from tuber initiation up to 50% of tuber growth and 50% ETm from 50% to the end of tuber growth, I4—supply 100% of ETm from tuber initiation up to 50% of tuber growth and 75% ETm from 50% to the end of tuber growth) simultaneously on the crop physiology (via chlorophyll fluorescence and leaf gas exchange traits), above-ground biomass yield, tuber yield and its components, irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE), source/sink ratio and tubers’ dry matter content. Regardless of cultivars and seasons, in I3 and I4 for eco-physiological and productive traits, values comparable with I1 were found. Compared to I1, I2 reduced tuber yield by about 18% but increased the IWUE by about 110%, saving a high amount of irrigation water (about 1500 m3 ha−1 per season). Arinda appeared more susceptible than Timate to water deficit in the second part of tuber growth, namely I2, from an eco-physiological point of view, but no differences between cultivars were found from a productive point of view. It was possible to effectively apply dynamic deficit irrigation to save irrigation water without compromising yields strongly.
Evaluation of Silicon Supplementation for Drought Stress under Water-Deficit Conditions: An Application of Sustainable Agriculture
Authors: Ahsan Muhammad , Valipour Mohammad , Nawaz Fahim , Raheel Muhammad , Abbas Hafiz Tassawar , Sajid Mateen , Manan Abdul , Kanwal Shamsa , Mahmoud Eman A. , Casini Ryan , Elansary Hosam O. , Radicetti Emanuele , Zulfiqar Hira
Published: February 2023

Drought is a key abiotic stress that confines agriculture development worldwide. Silicon (Si) is commonly considered to be a valuable element for resistance against drought and for sustainable agriculture. To investigate the morpho-physiological and biochemical characteristics of Gerbera jamesonii plants, a pot experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions and exposed to water stress (60% FC) and well-watered (100% FC) conditions. Foliar application of Si was carried out after ten days (48 days after sowing) of drought treatment and was repeated weekly, while well-water was regarded as control. Water deficiency significantly abridged the morphological attributes, pigments, and stress-related metabolites and negatively affected the photosynthetic apparatus in drought-stressed gerbera plants. However, Si supplementation by 40 mg L−1 produced increased leaf area (31%), stem length (25%), flower diameter (22%), plant fresh biomass (17%), total chlorophyll (48%), and concentration of carotenoids (54%) in water-stressed plants. Similarly, the accretion of a total free amino acid (41%) and the activities of peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, ascorbate peroxidase, glycinebetaine, total soluble proteins, total free proline, and malondialdehyde were enhanced by 44%, 31%, 53%, 33%, 330%, 61%, 51%, and 66%, respectively, under drought stress in comparison with control conditions. Meanwhile, the photosynthetic rate (89%), the transpiration rate (12%), and stomatal conductance (55%) were significantly enhanced in water-deficit gerbera leaves with Si supplementation. This study proposes that the foliar application of Si is a viable and convenient method of improving the performance of elegant gerbera flower plants in regions of the world that are facing severe water deficiency.
Tomato Maturity Recognition Model Based on Improved YOLOv5 in Greenhouse
Authors: Li Renzhi , Ji Zijing , Hu Shikang , Huang Xiaodong , Yang Jiali , Li Wenfeng
Published: February 2023

Due to the dense distribution of tomato fruit with similar morphologies and colors, it is difficult to recognize the maturity stages when the tomato fruit is harvested. In this study, a tomato maturity recognition model, YOLOv5s-tomato, is proposed based on improved YOLOv5 to recognize the four types of different tomato maturity stages: mature green, breaker, pink, and red. Tomato maturity datasets were established using tomato fruit images collected at different maturing stages in the greenhouse. The small-target detection performance of the model was improved by Mosaic data enhancement. Focus and Cross Stage Partial Network (CSPNet) were adopted to improve the speed of network training and reasoning. The Efficient IoU (EIoU) loss was used to replace the Complete IoU (CIoU) loss to optimize the regression process of the prediction box. Finally, the improved algorithm was compared with the original YOLOv5 algorithm on the tomato maturity dataset. The experiment results show that the YOLOv5s-tomato reaches a precision of 95.58% and the mean Average Precision (mAP) is 97.42%; they are improved by 0.11% and 0.66%, respectively, compared with the original YOLOv5s model. The per-image detection speed is 9.2 ms, and the size is 23.9 MB. The proposed YOLOv5s-tomato can effectively solve the problem of low recognition accuracy for occluded and small-target tomatoes, and it also can meet the accuracy and speed requirements of tomato maturity recognition in greenhouses, making it suitable for deployment on mobile agricultural devices to provide technical support for the precise operation of tomato-picking machines.
Effects of Nitrogen Supply on Dry Matter Accumulation, Water-Nitrogen Use Efficiency and Grain Yield of Soybean (Glycine max L.) under Different Mulching Methods
Authors: Wang Xin , Li Wangyang , An Jiaqi , Shi Hongzhao , Tang Zijun , Zhao Xiao , Guo Jinjin , Jin Lin , Xiang Youzhen , Li Zhijun , Zhang Fucang
Published: February 2023

In dryland agriculture, mulching methods and nitrogen application have been extensively adopted to improve water and nitrogen use efficiency and increase crop yield. However, there has been a scarcity of research on the combined effects of mulching types and nitrogen application on the growth and yield of soybean (Glycine max L.). In the present study, four nitrogen levels (N0: 0 kg N ha−1, N1: 60 kg N ha−1, N2: 120 kg N ha−1, N3: 180 kg N ha−1) and four mulching methods (NM: no mulching, SM: straw mulching, FM: film mulching, SFM: straw and film mulching) were set so as to evaluate the effects of mulching methods and nitrogen application on dry matter accumulation, grain yield, water-nitrogen use efficiency, and economic benefits of soybean in Northwest China from 2021 to 2022. The results show that the dry matter accumulation, yield formation, water and nitrogen use efficiency, and economic benefits of soybean were improved under different mulching methods (SM, FM, and SFM) and nitrogen applications (N1-N3), and that the effect is the best when the nitrogen application rate is N2 and the mulching method is FM. As such, a conclusion could be drawn that suitable nitrogen application (120 kg ha−1) combined with film mulching was beneficial for the utilization of rainwater resources and soybean production in the dryland of Northwest China.
Defining Short-Term Accommodation for Animals
Authors: Warwick Clifford , Steedman Catrina , Jessop Mike , Grant Rachel
Published: February 2023

The terms short-term, temporary, and transitional are related but can have different contexts and meanings for animal husbandry. The definitions and use of these terms can be pivotal to animal housing and welfare. We conducted three separate literature searches using Google Scholar for relevant reports regarding short-term, temporary, or transitional animal husbandry, and analysed key publications that stipulate relevant periods of accommodation. English Government guidance regarding acceptable short-term, temporary, or transitional accommodation for animals varies widely from <1 day to 3 months; whereas independent scientific criteria and guidance use typical periods of hours to several days. Stipulations regarding acceptable short-term, temporary, or transitional accommodation, notably among English Government guidance, which we focused on in this study, were highly inconsistent and lacked scientific rationale. The definitions and use of terms for both formal and other guidance should be limited to precautionary time frames within one circadian cycle, i.e., periods of <24 h. At ≥24 h, all animals at all facilities should be accommodated in conditions that are consistent with long-term housing, husbandry, and best practices.
Comparison of Nutritional Components, Ruminal Degradation Characteristics and Feed Value from Different Cultivars of Alfalfa Hay
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Liu Yanfang , Kong Fanlin , Wang Wei , Li Shengli
Published: February 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of different cultivars of alfalfa hay, including American Anderson (AA), American Golden Empress (GE), China Zhongmu No. 1 (ZM1) and China Gongnong No. 1 (GN1), on conventional nutrient composition, rumen degradation characteristics and feed value. Four healthy Holstein cows (137 ± 14 days in milk, 2.40 ± 0.50 parity) equipped with permanent ruminal cannulas were examined for the nylon-bag technique. The alfalfa hay samples were incubated in the rumen for 0, 4, 8, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h according to the “gradual in/all out” schedule to detect the ruminal nutrients’ degradability. Our results showed that various cultivars of alfalfa hay from different planting regions had significant differences on nutrient contents, rumen degradability and feed value. For nutritional components of alfalfa hay, the highest dry matter (DM) content was found in GE and the lowest in GN1 (p < 0.001); however, GN1 had the greatest concentration of ether extract (EE, p = 0.01), Ca (p < 0.001) and the lowest Ash (p < 0.001). Additionally, the lowest neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and highest starch contents were observed in AA and GE (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, the cultivar of ZM1 represented the highest NDF, ADF and Ash contents, in conjunction with minimal CP and P concentrations (p < 0.001). In terms of rumen degradation characteristics, the effective degradation rate (ED) of DM in GE and ZM1 was significantly higher than that in AA and GN1 (p = 0.013). The NDF effective degradation was lower in ZM1 than the other three cultivars (p = 0.002), and in addition ZM1 also showed lower CP and ADF effective degradation than GE (p < 0.001). As far as feed value was concerned, the cultivar of alfalfa hay imported from the US, including AA and GE, exhibited higher relative feed value (RFV) and relative forage quality (RFQ) than Chinese alfalfa based on ZM1 and GN1 (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the results suggested that the cultivar of GE exhibited greater rumen degradable characteristics and feed value, while ZM1 showed the opposite status.
Post-Mortem Computed Tomographic Features of the Most Caudal Lumbar Vertebrae, Anatomical Variations and Acquired Osseous Pathological Changes, in a Mixed Population of Horses
Authors: Scilimati Nicola , Angeli Giovanni , Di Meo Antonio , Dall’Aglio Cecilia , Pepe Marco , Beccati Francesca
Published: February 2023

The radiographic, ultrasonographic, and scintigraphic findings of horses with thoracolumbosacral pain have been previously reported. In this study, the computed tomographic appearance of anatomical variations and pathological changes of the equine caudal lumbar region through a post-mortem examination were investigated. A total of 40 horses that had died or were submitted for euthanasia, for reasons unrelated to the study, were included in the study. From all the specimens, the modified vertebral system was adopted to evaluate and describe the four most caudal lumbar vertebrae, which were numbered from a caudal reference point (lumbosacral junction), with the segment number designated within parentheses (i.e., L(i)-L(iv)). Contact of the spinous processes was detected in 21 specimens (54%) and fusion in 6 specimens (15%). Lumbar spondylosis was seen in 17 specimens (42.5%), more commonly on the lateral aspect or on both ventral and lateral aspects in 12 specimens (71%). The presence of spondylosis was found more commonly in older horses (p < 0.001). There was no difference in bony density in specimens with spondylosis or spinous processes contact compared to specimens without. The highest prevalence of bony changes was found at L(ii)-L(i) intertransverse joints in 28 specimens (97%) on the left and in 22 specimens (96%) on the right side. Spondylolisthesis and partial fusion of the L(ii)-L(i) vertebral disc were found in association with degenerative pathologies. This study showed a high frequency of several anatomical variations and acquired osseous pathological changes in the most caudal lumbar vertebrae via a CT examination.
Effect of Citrus Pellet on Extrusion Parameters, Kibble Macrostructure, Starch Cooking and In Vitro Digestibility of Dog Foods
Authors: Cucinotta Salvatore , Oteri Marianna , Baller Mayara Aline , Scarpim Lucas Bassi , Goloni Camila , Chiofalo Biagina , Carciofi Aulus Cavalieri
Published: February 2023

Fiber supplemented extruded foods are produced by pet food companies to help with several specific health conditions. The fiber material, however, is difficult to incorporate efficiently into dry kibble diets for dogs. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of citrus pulp pellet (CPP), the solid waste part of the production of orange juice characterized by a good proportion of soluble and fermentable fiber, on extrusion traits, kibble macrostructure, starch gelatinization and in vitro digestibility of dog foods. A control formula (CO) was developed for dogs. CPP was added to CO at different inclusion levels: 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%. Foods were extruded in a single screw extruder using two different die diameters (dd): 5 mm and 7 mm. CPP inclusion with 5 mm dd did not affect bulk and piece density and resulted in a lower impact on kibble expansion; It also resulted in greater starch gelatinization and kibble expansion compared to the 7 mm dd configuration (p < 0.01). In addition to the nutritional implications, recycling and proper uses of this material exemplified in the present study by the exploration of CPP as a fiber source to dogs, this method can improve sustainable agriculture by transforming low-quality materials into high-quality foods.
Infection with Cryptosporidium parvum Affects Secondary Sexual Characteristics of Male Mice by Altering the Pheromone Content in Preputial Gland
Authors: Li Gaojian , Zhang Tao , Hu Bin , Han Shuyi , Xiang Chen , Yuan Guohui , He Hongxuan
Published: February 2023

The olfactory acuity of female mice allows them to discriminate the urinary odors of males. Parasitic infection can reduce the odor attractiveness of male mice to females and result in female aversion or avoidance responses in odor selection. However, the chemical signaling changes in the pheromone contents produced by the foreskin gland were not fully revealed after parasitic infection. Cryptosporidium parvum (C. parvum) is a common zoonotic intestinal parasite and has a wide range of hosts, including human, domestic animals, and wild animals. In this study, we immunosuppressed ICR/CD-1 male mice by dexamethasone sodium phosphate treatment. After C. parvum infection, physiological indexes such as body weight and organ weight were significantly decreased. Furthermore, the gene expression level of MUP (major urinary protein) in liver and urine were significantly down-regulated, which could be the reason for the decrease in urine attractiveness to females. GC-MS was performed to analyze the changes in the pheromone produced by the preputial gland before and after parasitic infection, and the results indicated that the levels of different pheromones were significantly reduced after parasitic infection. In summary, this study reveals that C. parvum infection damages the secondary sexual characteristics of male ICR/CD-1 male mice and decreases the pheromone content produced by the foreskin gland.
Feeding Management Strategies to Mitigate Methane and Improve Production Efficiency in Feedlot Cattle
Authors: Galyean Michael L. , Hales Kristin E.
Published: February 2023

Mitigation of greenhouse gases and decreasing nutrient excretion have become increasingly important goals for the beef cattle industry. Because feed intake is a major driver of enteric CH4 production and nutrient excretion, feeding management systems could be important mitigation tools. Programmed feeding uses net energy equations to determine the feed required to yield a specific rate of gain, whereas restricted feeding typically involves decreasing intake relative to the expected or observed ad libitum intake. In the context of growing/finishing systems typical of those in the United States and Western Canada, experimental results with programmed and restricted feeding have often shown decreased overall feed intake and increased gain efficiency relative to ad libitum feeding, but too much restriction can negatively affect harvest weight and associated carcass quality. Slick feed bunk management is a time-based restriction that limits day-to-day variation in feed deliveries, but the effects on intake and performance are not well defined. Simulations to estimate enteric CH4 emission and nitrogen excretion indicated that programmed feeding of a high-grain diet could appreciably decrease CH4 emissions and nitrogen excretion compared with traditional growing programs based on high-forage diets. For feedlot finishing, programming gain for a portion of the feeding period will decrease CH4 emission and N excretion only if cattle perform better than expected during the programmed phase or if compensatory growth occurs when cattle are transitioned to ad libitum feeding. Optimal approaches to implement programmed or restricted feeding that will yield increased efficiency should be the subject of future research in this area.
Individual and Geographic Variation in Non-Harmonic Phases of Male Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) Song
Authors: Policht Richard , Hart Vlastimil
Published: February 2023

Individually distinct acoustic signals, produced mainly as tonal and harmonic sounds, have been recorded in many species; however, non-tonal ‘noisy’ signals have received little attention or have not been studied in detail. The capercaillies (Tetrao urogallus) produce complex courtship songs composed of non-tonal noisy signals in four discrete phases. We analyzed recordings from 24 captive male capercaillies in breeding centres in the Czech Republic, Poland, and Germany, and songs from wild males in Sweden, Norway, Finland, and Estonia to test whether a non-harmonic song can encode individual-specific information. We also analyzed the intra-population variation of the male song from three separate areas: Carpathian (Polish and Czech Beskid), Sumava, and Boreal (boreal range of species distribution). Temporal and frequency characteristics can reliably distinguish capercaillies at the individual level (91.7%). DFA model testing geographic variation assigned 91% of songs to the correct area (Carpathian, Sumava, Boreal). The cluster analysis revealed that males from the Boreal area formed a distinct cluster. Our analysis shows clear geographical patterns among our study males and may provide a valuable marker for identifying inter-population dynamics and could help to characterize the evolutionary histories of wood grouse. We discuss the potential use of this marker as a non-invasive monitoring tool for captive and free-roaming capercaillies.
ABC Transporters and CYP3A4 Mediate Drug Interactions between Enrofloxacin and Salinomycin Leading to Increased Risk of Drug Residues and Resistance
Authors: Chen Min , Yang Yujuan , Ying Yupeng , Huang Jiamin , Sun Mengyuan , Hong Mian , Wang Haizhen , Xie Shuyu , Chen Dongmei
Published: February 2023

Enrofloxacin (ENR) is one of the most common drugs used in poultry production to treat bacterial diseases, and there is a high risk of drug interactions (DDIs) between polyether anticoccidial drugs added to poultry feed over time. This may affect the efficacy of antibiotics or lead to toxicity, posing a potential risk to the environment and food safety. This study aimed to investigate the DDI of ENR and salinomycin (SAL) in broilers and the mechanism of their DDI. We found that SAL increased the area under the curve and elimination half-life of ENR and ciprofloxacin (CIP) by 1.3 and 2.4 times, 1.2 and 2.5 times, respectively. Cytochrome 3A4 (CYP3A4), p-glycoprotein (P-gp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) were important factors for the DDI between ENR and SAL in broilers. ENR and SAL are substrates of CYP3A4, P-gp and BCRP in broilers; ENR and SAL inhibited the expression of CYP3A4 activity in a time- and concentration-dependent. Meanwhile, ENR downregulated the expression of P-gp and BCRP in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. A single oral administration of SAL inhibited CYP3A4, P-gp, and BCRP, but long-term mixed feeding upregulated the expression of CYP3A4, P-gp, and BCRP. Molecular docking revealed that ENR and SAL compete with each other for CYP3A4 to affect hepatic metabolism, and compete with ATP for P-gp and BCRP binding sites to inhibit efflux. ENR and SAL in broilers can lead to severe DDI. Drug residues and resistance following co-administration of ENR and SAL and other SAL-based drug-feed interactions warrant further study.