bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of External Flow Field on the Flow Separation of Overexpanded Single-Expansion Ramp Nozzle
Authors: Yu Yang , Mao Yuepeng , Yu Tao , Yang Yalin , Xu Shulin , Liang Sijia
Published: November 2023

Flow separation and transitions of separation patterns are common phenomena of nozzles working with a wide Mach range. The maximum thrust method is applied to design the single-expansion ramp nozzle (SERN) for specific operating conditions. The nozzle is used to numerically simulate the transition processes of separation patterns under the linear change in the external flow Mach number and the actual trajectory take-off condition of a rocket-based combined cycle (RBCC), to investigate the mechanism through which the external flow field influences the separation pattern transition during acceleration. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method is briefly introduced, followed by experimental validation. Then, the design procedure of SERN is described in detail. The simulation results indicate that as the external Mach number increases, the flow field in the nozzle undergoes transitions from RSS (ramp) to FSS, and finally exhibits a no-flow separation pattern. The rate at which the external Mach number varies has little effect on the transition principle of the nozzle flow separation patterns, but it has a significant effect on the critical Mach number of the transition points. The external flow field of the nozzle has an airflow accumulation effect during acceleration, which can delay the transition of the flow separation pattern.
Electrochemical In Situ Hydrogen Peroxide Production Can Reduce Microbial Load in Bioponic Nutrient Solutions Derived from Organic Waste
Authors: Kriem Lukas Simon , Pietzka Carsten , Beckett Marc , Gärtling Luisa , Wriedt Benjamin
Published: November 2023

Technological advancement in recent decades has allowed for crop cultivation in soilless controlled environments, known as hydroponics, and this is being employed in an increasing number of factories worldwide. With continued local and regional disruptions in the supply chain to provide mineral fertilizers, new pathways to generate nutrient solutions are being developed. One potential approach is the recovery of nutrients from organic waste and wastewater using bioponics. Bioponics refers to the biological mineralization of organic residues through processes such as anaerobic and aerobic digestion and the use of such organically produced nutrient solutions in hydroponic systems. However, without disinfection of the nutrient solution, the high microbial loads increase the risk of pathogens affecting plant and consumer health. In this work, electrochemical hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) demonstrated success in reducing microbial loads. Different scenarios of application were considered: (1) variation in the H2O2 concentration in the nutrient solution by dosing H2O2 from ex situ electrochemical production, (2) variation in the dosing time-dependent reaction between the nutrient solution and H2O2 produced ex situ, and (3) the in situ production of H2O2 of the organic nutrient solution. The highest tested H2O2 concentration of 200 mg L−1 showed a microbial load reduction of bacteria at 93.3% and of fungi at 81.2%. However, the in situ production showed the highest reduction rate for bacteria and fungi in bioponic nutrient solutions, where longer reaction times also impact microbial concentrations in situ. Final microbial reductions of 97.8% for bacteria and of 99.1% for fungi were determined after a H2O2 production time of 60 min. Overall, our results show that electrochemical H2O2 production can be used to disinfect bioponic nutrient solutions, and the production cell can be implemented in bioponic systems in situ.
Simulation and Optimization Experiment: Working Process of a Cleaning Device for Flax Combine Harvester
Authors: Dai Fei , Xu Pengqing , Yuan Zixiang , Shi Ruijie , Zhao Yiming , Song Xuefeng , Zhao Wuyun
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different working parameters on the cleaning efficiency of a cleaning device during the separation and cleaning process in a flax joint harvesting machine. To achieve this objective, CFD–DEM joint simulation technology was used to construct a CFD model of the cleaning device and a DEM model of the discharged flax material; the simulation results show the flax cleaning process. The Box–Behnken experimental design method was used to establish a mathematical model between the vibrating sieve frequency, vibrating sieve amplitude, fan wind speed, seed impurity rate, and cleaning loss rate to find the optimum combination of cleaning equipment parameters and to conduct a field verification test. The simulation test results show that, when the vibrating sieve frequency is 6 Hz, the vibrating sieve amplitude is 14.42 mm, the fan wind speed is 5.96 m/s, and the machine cleaning effect is the best; the simulation test was measured following a seed impurity rate of 2.97% and cleaning loss rate of 2.17%. The field test verification results show that, after optimizing the working parameters of the cleaning device, the cleaning loss rate is 3.58% and the impurity rate of the grain combine harvester is 3.16%, thus meeting the national and industry requirements. The test results and simulation results are highly consistent with the model, thereby verifying the reliability of the model. The results of the study provide a reference for the design and performance optimization of the flax combine cleaner.
Effects of Biochar and Cattle Manure under Different Tillage Management on Soil Properties and Crop Growth in Croatia
Authors: Bogunovic Igor , Dugan Ivan , Pereira Paulo , Filipovic Vilim , Filipovic Lana , Krevh Vedran , Defterdarovic Jasmina , Matisic Manuel , Kisic Ivica
Published: November 2023

The negative environmental impact of conventional agriculture threatens agroecosystem stability and food security. Therefore, searching for optimal soil management practices is crucial for maintaining and improving soil functions. This work aims to determine the impact of conventional and conservation tillage on Stagnosols in a semi-humid environment in Marija Magdalena (Croatia) during 2021 and 2022. Under each tillage treatment, subplots were biochar, cattle manure, and control (split-plot design). The conservation tillage exhibits lower compaction in addition to conventional tillage. In 2021, at 0–15 cm and 15–30 cm depths, control plots had the highest bulk density (BD), while biochar plots had the lowest. In 2022, biochar and manure treatments under conventional tillage had significantly higher BD than those under conservation tillage. Penetration resistance did not exceed 2 MPa in all treatments. Soil water content was high in conservation treatments at 0–15 cm. Water-stable aggregates were higher in biochar and manure plots under both tillage treatments. Maize yield was higher in conservation treatments in 2021 and in conventional during 2022. Manure and biochar in the conventional system showed a better impact on grain yields than under conservation. Conservation tillage in rain-fed farming maintains crop yields and reduces soil compaction.
Cultivation of Reed Canary Grass (Phalaris arundinacea L.) on Light Soils in Transitional Temperate Climate to Produce Biomass and Seeds
Authors: Kitczak Teodor , Jarnuszewski Grzegorz , Malinowski Ryszard
Published: November 2023

Reed canary grass (RCG) is a native perennial grass with a wide range of uses that naturally occurs in moist habitats. The conducted research indicates the possibilities of RCG cultivation outside natural, humid habitats in monoculture on sandy soils in temperate climates to obtain biomass and seeds. The influence of two factors was analysed: (1) fertilisation with compost from urban greenery in doses of 0, 10, and 20 Mg·ha−1 and (2) mineral nitrogen fertilisation in doses of 0, 40, 80, and 120 kg·ha−1. Compost fertilisation (10 and 20 Mg·ha−1) increased dry matter yields in all years of the study, by 12.1% and 41.0%, respectively. Also, nitrogen fertilisation in doses of 40, 80, and 120 kg·ha−1 increased dry matter yield by 26.8%, 41.6%, and 65.0%, respectively. When harvesting RCG plants for energy biomass at their stage of full maturity, a significant seed yield of 242 to 600 kg·ha−1 can also be obtained in the first three years, while in the fourth year of use, the seed yield was almost three times lower (90–158 kg·ha−1). The obtained results indicate that, in sandy soils, the use of compost fertilisation in RCG cultivation can partially or entirely replace mineral fertilisation and ensure high and stable yields. An additional benefit may be the achievement of a high seed yield in the initial years of cultivation. The use of organic fertilisers and the independence from mineral fertilisers can significantly increase the profitability of bioenergy crops.
Development of a Real-Time Tractor Model for Gear Shift Performance Verification
Authors: Han Gyuha , Ahn Da-Vin , Kwon Doyeop , Kim Heung-Sub , Park Young-Jun , Lee Jin Woong
Published: November 2023

Verification of the system is essential during the development of a tractor; however, there are cost and time limitations when verification is performed on an actual tractor. To solve this problem, we developed a tractor model for real-time simulation to verify the gear shift performance of the tractor and evaluate the control algorithm. This study examined and modeled a dual-clutch transmission (DCT)-type 105 kW class tractor. The proportional control valve, synchronizer, and clutch were modeled to accurately implement the shift behavior, and the developed individual model was verified based on actual individual product test data. The 45 s driving simulation was conducted to confirm whether real-time simulation of the entire developed tractor model was possible and whether it simulated the behavior of the target tractor well. The driving simulation results confirmed that the driving speed of the tractor model matched the engine speed, transmission gear ratio, and tractor specifications, and the gear shift performance of the tractor model according to the number of gears was confirmed. The simulated model thus satisfies the characteristics of the target tractor and can be used to verify the gear shift performance, indicating that the model can verify the performance of the control algorithm in real time.
Predicting the Risk of Verticillium Wilt in Olive Orchards Using Fuzzy Logic
Authors: López-Escudero Francisco Javier , Romero Joaquín , Bocanegra-Caro Rocío , Santos-Rufo Antonio
Published: November 2023

Developing models to understand disease dynamics and predict the risk of disease outbreaks to facilitate decision making is an integral component of plant disease management. However, these models have not yet been developed for one of the most damaging diseases in Mediterranean olive-growing areas (verticillium wilt (VW), caused by the fungus Verticillium dahliae Kleb.), although there are parameters (e.g., level of V. dahliae inoculum in the soil, level of susceptibility of the olive cultivar, isothermality, coefficient of variation of seasonal precipitation, etc.) that have previously been correlated with the severity of the disease. Using the data from previous VW studies conducted in the Guadalquivir Valley of Andalusia (one of the most damaged areas worldwide), in this work, a set of fuzzy logic (FL) models is developed with the aforementioned disease and climatic parameters, and the results are compared with machine learning (ML) models, of known effectiveness, to predict the risk levels of VW appearance in an olive orchard. Under these conditions, both groups of models were less effective than those previously studied with simpler models or models used under controlled conditions. However, the accuracy achieved with the most efficient FL model (60%; classification system based on fuzzy rules using the Ishibuchi method with a weighting factor) was somewhat greater than the efficiency achieved with the most efficient ML model (59.0%; decision tree classifier), in addition to being more appropriate (from a practical point of view) for the incorporation into a decision support system by allowing the risk of appearance of each observation to be known by providing rules for each of the combinations of the different parameters with similar precision. Therefore, in this study, we propose the FL methodology as suitable to act as an expert system for the future creation of a decision support system for VW in olives.
Visitation of Apis mellifera L. in Runner Bean (Phaseolus coccineus L.) and Its Exposure to Seasonal Agrochemicals in Agroecosystems
Authors: Kot Izabela , Lisecka Magdalena , Kmieć Katarzyna , Golan Katarzyna , Górska-Drabik Edyta , Kiljanek Tomasz , Zimowska Beata , Skwaryło-Bednarz Barbara
Published: November 2023

Plant species and abiotic factors including season appear to be the most important variables influencing the frequency of visits by honeybees (Apis mellifera L.). In the present study, we evaluated the activity of honeybee workers visiting runner bean (Phaseolus coccineus L.) local cultivar ‘Piękny Jaś’. The runner beans are widely cultivated in south-eastern Poland, and are an important forage plant for honeybees in agroecosystems. We aimed at a comprehensive monitoring of the health of colonies and symptoms in A. mellifera in response to acute exposure to pesticides. The most numerous visits of A. mellifera were observed at the highest flower opening of the runner bean. A very weak positive correlation was observed between the number of honeybees on P. coccineus, the number of visited flowers, the time spent per flower and air temperature. The visitation rates of honeybees were more frequent at mid-day and decreased after 15:00. Signs of poisoning were detected in two out of seven apiaries monitored for acute pesticide exposure symptoms on runner bean plantations. The analysis of dead honeybee samples revealed the acute exposure of honeybees to the imidacloprid (neonicotinoid) and chlorpyrifos (organophosphorus) insecticides, which are highly toxic and banned in the European Union. Hazard quotient (HQ) screening showed an elevated burden of imidacloprid and chlorpyrifos corresponding to 7.1% and 10% of the LDD50, respectively, most likely indicating bee poisoning due to chronic exposure to these substances with contaminated food. Noteworthy was the presence of three fungicides that could pose a risk of poisoning in honeybees.
Illuminating Solutions for Reducing Mislaid Eggs of Cage-Free Layers
Authors: Bist Ramesh Bahadur , Yang Xiao , Subedi Sachin , Chai Lilong
Published: November 2023

Social dynamics and lighting conditions influence floor egg-laying behavior (FELB) in hens. Hens prefer to lay eggs in darker areas, leading to mislaid eggs in cage-free systems. Consistent lighting is crucial to prevent mislaid eggs, but equipment obstructions can result in a dark floor area. These dark areas entice hens to lay their eggs outside the designated nesting area, which can lead to potential losses, damage, or contamination, creating hygiene problems and increasing the risk of bacterial growth, resulting in foodborne illnesses. Therefore, additional lighting in dark areas can be a potential solution. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effectiveness of providing additional light in darker areas in reducing the number of mislaid eggs and FELB. Approximately 720 Hy-Line W-36 hens were housed in four cage-free experimental rooms (180 hens per room), and 6 focal hens from each room were randomly selected and provided with numbered harnesses (1–6) to identify which hens were performing FELB and identify the effect of illuminating solutions. Eggs laid on the floor and in nests were collected and recorded daily for two weeks before and after the light treatment. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests for mislaid eggs and logistic regression for FELB in R Studio (p < 0.05). This study found that additional lighting in darker areas reduced the number of mislaid eggs by 23.8%. Similarly, the number of focal hens performing FELB decreased by 33.3%. This research also unveiled a noteworthy disparity in FELB, with approximately one-third of hens preferring designated nesting areas, while others opted for the floor, which was influenced by social dynamics. Additionally, egg-laying times varied significantly, ranging from 21.3 to 108.03 min, indicating that environmental factors and disturbances played a substantial role in this behavior. These findings suggest that introducing additional lighting in darker areas changes FELB in hens, reducing mislaid eggs and improving egg quality in cage-free systems.
Photosynthetic Adaptability of Crops under Environmental Change
Authors: Veres Szilvia , Janda Tibor
Published: November 2023

Since it evolved, photosynthesis has been and will continue to be one of the factors that most define the current way of life on Earth, not only for plants but also for humans [...]
Bedrock Fragment Induced by Intensive Tillage Effect on Hydrological Properties and Erosion Processes under Different Rainfall Patterns
Authors: Wang Yong , He Zhouyao , Zhang Yixiong , Wang Gang , Huang Xiong
Published: November 2023

To investigate the influence of bedrock fragmentation by intensive tillage on the hydrological characteristics and soil erosion processes on slopes, two experimental treatments (soil–bedrock mixtures, WB, and pure soil, CK) in steel tanks were subjected to simulated rainfall under five rainfall patterns (constant, increasing, decreasing, decreasing–increasing, and increasing–decreasing) with the same total rainfall of 90 mm. For each rainfall event, runoff and sediment concentration were sampled at regular intervals. The flow velocity (v), effective/critical shear stress (τ/τc), Darcy–Weisbach resistance coefficient (f), unit stream power (p), and soil erodibility factor (Kr) were calculated to analyze the differences in hydrodynamic characteristics between the WB and CK. Our experimental findings show that significant differences in runoff volume and sediment yield were observed among different rainfall patterns and stages. Bedrock fragmenting significantly promoted runoff and sediment production under different rainfall patterns, with runoff volume and sediment yield increasing by averages of 59.29% and 71.62%, respectively. An increasing trend in average contribution rate of bedrock to runoff volume and sediment yield was observed across three distinct intensities: 6.37% and 4.61% for 30 mm h−1, 12.53% and 7.53% for 90 mm h−1, as well as 14.79% and 36.98% for 150 mm h−1, respectively. The v and p values under various rainfall patterns exhibited an increasing trend from the upper to the bottom slope positions, whereas the f and τ values showed an opposite trend, regardless of the WB and CK. Compared with the CK, the v, f, and p values for the WB increased by 23.34% to 48.94%, 1.59% to 53.16%, and 3.86% to 27.86%, respectively, whereas the τ value decreased by 1.52% to 22.19% for varying-intensity rainfall patterns. Among the variable rainfall patterns, the WB significantly increased sediment yield and also had a promoting effect on runoff generation. However, the WB displayed better erosion resistance compared to the CK under constant rainfall patterns. Therefore, varied-intensity patterns had a profound impact on bedrock-induced runoff and sediment transport processes.
Impact of Mulching on Soil Moisture and Sap Flow Characteristics of Jujube Trees
Authors: He Yi , Qiu Zhikai , Liu Rui , Tang Min , Wu Pute
Published: November 2023

The main purpose of this study was to assess the influence of grass planting and jujube branch mulching on soil moisture levels and jujube tree transpiration rates, with the ultimate goal of improving jujube tree production in rain-fed orchards. The study encompassed four treatments: jujube branch mulching (JBM), jujube branch mulching with white clover planting (JBM + WCP), white clover planting (WCP), and clean cultivation (CC). During a two-year experiment, it was observed that the JBM treatment exhibited the highest capacity for moisture conservation. Specifically, it resulted in an average increase of 2.69% (in 2013) and 2.23% (in 2014) in soil moisture content compared with the CC treatment. The application of statistical analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) between JBM and JBM + WCP, as well as highly significant differences (p < 0.01) between JBM and WCP in the year 2013. In 2014, JBM exhibited significant differences (p < 0.01) from both JBM + WCP and WCP. Between April and August, JBM exhibited the highest soil moisture content, followed by CC, with WCP showing the lowest levels. From September to October, JBM retained its status as the treatment with the highest soil moisture content, JBM + WCP ranked second, and CC experienced a decline and recorded the lowest soil moisture content. Under sunny conditions, all treatments showed a broad peak curve in the daily variation of sap flow velocity. In cloudy weather, a multi-peak wave-like curve was observed with similar trends across treatments. Between April and August, the monthly average sap flow velocity of JBM ranked the highest, followed by CC, while WCP showed the lowest velocity. During the period of September to October, JBM maintained its lead in sap flow velocity, while JBM + WCP rose to the second position, and CC’s sap flow velocity dropped to the lowest level. JBM and WCP treatments showed significant differences (p < 0.01), and in 2014, JBM also had significant differences (p < 0.05) compared with JBM + WCP. The sap flow velocity was positively correlated with air temperature, vapor pressure deficit, wind velocity, photosynthetically active radiation, and soil temperature. Photosynthetically active radiation was identified as the main driving factor influencing jujube tree transpiration. In conclusion, the findings of this study demonstrate the effectiveness of using pruned jujube branches for coverage in rain-fed jujube orchards. This approach not only conserves mulching materials and diminishes the expenses associated with transporting pruned jujube tree branches away from the jujube orchard but also achieves multiple objectives, including increasing soil moisture, promoting jujube tree transpiration, and enhancing soil water utilization. These results have significant implications for the efficient utilization of rainwater resources in rain-fed jujube orchards and provide valuable insights for practical applications in orchard management.
Enhancing Crop Mapping Precision through Multi-Temporal Sentinel-2 Image and Spatial-Temporal Neural Networks in Northern Slopes of Tianshan Mountain
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyong , Guo Yonglin , Tian Xiangyu , Bai Yongqing
Published: November 2023

Northern Slopes of Tianshan Mountain (NSTM) in Xinjiang hold significance as a principal agricultural hub within the region’s arid zone. Accurate crop mapping across vast agricultural expanses is fundamental for intelligent crop monitoring and devising sustainable agricultural strategies. Previous studies on multi-temporal crop classification have predominantly focused on single-point pixel temporal features, often neglecting spatial data. In large-scale crop classification tasks, by using spatial information around the pixel, the contextual relationships of the crop can be obtained to reduce possible noise interference. This research introduces a multi-scale, multi-temporal classification framework centered on ConvGRU (convolutional gated recurrent unit). By leveraging the attention mechanism of the Strip Pooling Module (SPM), a multi-scale spatial feature extraction module has been designed. This module accentuates vital spatial and spectral features, enhancing the clarity of crop edges and reducing misclassifications. The temporal information fusion module integration features from various periods to bolster classification precision. Using Sentinel-2 imagery spanning May to October 2022, datasets for cotton, corn, and winter wheat of the NSTM were generated for the framework’s training and validation. The results demonstrate an impressive 93.03% accuracy for 10 m resolution crop mapping using 15-day interval, 12-band Sentinel-2 data for the three crops. This method outperforms other mainstream methods like Random Forest (RF), Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), Transformer, and Temporal Convolutional Neural Network (TempCNN), showcasing a kappa coefficient of 0.9062, 7.52% and 2.42% improvement in Overall Accuracy compared to RF and LSTM, respectively, which demonstrate the potential of our model for large-scale crop classification tasks to enable high-resolution crop mapping on the NSTM.
Effect of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi on Lowland Rice Growth and Yield (Oryza sativa L.) under Different Farming Practices
Authors: Madhushan Kammala Waththe Asanka , Karunarathna Samantha C. , Dissanayake Dissanayake Mudiyanselage Dharmasiri , Priyadarshani Tikka Devage Chamarika , Stephenson Steven L. , Elgorban Abdallah M. , Dawoud Turki M. , Priyashantha Alviti Kankanamalage Hasith , Dai Dongqing , Yapa Pinnaduwage Neelamanie , Wang Xiaoyan
Published: November 2023

In this study, a field experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth and yield responses of Sri Lankan lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.) with the application of beneficial Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) inoculum and intercropping with highly mycorrhizal-dependent vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides L.) under two different soil nutrient management systems (NMSs): conventional/chemical (CNMS) and organic (ONMS). The experiment was designed as a split plot with three blocks. Each CNMS and ONMS experiment included an untreated control (T0) and three treatments—AMF inoculation (T1), vetiver intercropping (T2), and the combination of AMF and vetiver (T3). According to the results, the colonization of rice roots with AMF was not affected significantly by the treatments and ranged from 0–15.8%. The effect was very low or absent in the early stage and then higher in the later stages of the rice plant. Furthermore, plant growth was not significantly different between the two NMSs, although grain yield was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in ONMS than for the respective controls (T0), with the order T1 (0.45 kg/m2) > T2 (0.42 kg/m2) > T3 (0.41 kg/m2) in CNMS and T2 (0.44 kg/m2) > T1 (0.41 kg/m2) > T3 (0.40 kg/m2), thus suggesting the utilization of AMF and vetiver in a lowland rice farming system is beneficial.
Estimation of Agronomic Characters of Wheat Based on Variable Selection and Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Wang Dunliang , Li Rui , Liu Tao , Sun Chengming , Guo Wenshan
Published: November 2023

Wheat is one of the most important food crops in the world, and its high and stable yield is of great significance for ensuring food security. Timely, non-destructive, and accurate monitoring of wheat growth information is of great significance for optimizing cultivation management, improving fertilizer utilization efficiency, and improving wheat yield and quality. Different color indices and vegetation indices were calculated based on the reflectance of the wheat canopy obtained by a UAV remote sensing platform equipped with a digital camera and a hyperspectral camera. Three variable-screening algorithms, namely competitive adaptive re-weighted sampling (CARS), iteratively retains informative variables (IRIVs), and the random forest (RF) algorithm, were used to screen the acquired indices, and then three regression algorithms, namely gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT), multiple linear regression (MLR), and random forest regression (RFR), were used to construct the monitoring models of wheat aboveground biomass (AGB) and leaf nitrogen content (LNC), respectively. The results showed that the three variable-screening algorithms demonstrated different performances for different growth indicators, with the optimal variable-screening algorithm for AGB being RF and the optimal variable-screening algorithm for LNC being CARS. In addition, using different variable-screening algorithms results in more vegetation indices being selected than color indices, and it can effectively avoid autocorrelation between variables input into the model. This study indicates that constructing a model through variable-screening algorithms can reduce redundant information input into the model and achieve a better estimation of growth parameters. A suitable combination of variable-screening algorithms and regression algorithms needs to be considered when constructing models for estimating crop growth parameters in the future.
Drought-Tolerance Screening of Date Palm Cultivars under Water Stress Conditions in Arid Regions
Authors: Ali-Dinar Hassan , Munir Muhammad , Mohammed Maged
Published: November 2023

Drought stress poses a considerable challenge to agriculture sustainability in arid regions. Water scarcity severely affects date palm growth and productivity in these regions. However, as water resources become increasingly scarce in arid regions, understanding the drought tolerance of date palm cultivars becomes imperative for developing drought-resistant cultivars and optimizing irrigation water usage for sustainable agriculture. This research examines the impact of different drought stress levels based on evapotranspiration (ETc), i.e., 40%, 60%, 80%, and 100% ETc, and time intervals (0, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months) on leaf growth, net photosynthesis, chlorophyll a and b content, and leaf relative water content (LRWC) of four prominent date palm cultivars, Khalas, Barhee, Hilali, and Ashrasee. In addition, the study also examines the effects of drought stress on dry weight, potassium and calcium content of leaf, stem, and root, and proline content in fresh leaves of these four cultivars. A solar-powered drip irrigation system with automated time-based irrigation scheduling was used to accurately control the irrigation water amount. To real-time estimate ETc in the study area, meteorological data were collected using a cloud-based IoT system. The findings of this study revealed that severe drought conditions (40 and 60 % ETc) significantly reduced leaf growth, plant dry biomass, and physiological and biochemical attributes; however, date palm cultivars can be grown under moderate drought conditions (80% ETc) with minimal effect on phenotypic, physiological, and biochemical traits to conserve water. The study also revealed that the drought-related characteristics decreased gradually with an increase in water stress time over 24 months. Comparing the date palm cultivars revealed that the Khalas and Barhee cultivars are more drought-tolerant, followed by Hilali, while Ashrasee is susceptible. The study elucidated a water conservation strategy employed in response to drought-induced stress based on the physiological and morphological parameters of date palm cultivars. It provides valuable insights into irrigation practices in arid regions. However, future studies can be focused on other nondestructive innovative techniques such as pulse-amplitude-modulation (PAM) fluorimetry, infrared radiation (IR), and video imaging system (VIS) methods to identify drought stress in date palms.
Unraveling the Sexual Dimorphism of First Instar Nymphs of the Giant Stick Insect, Cladomorphus phyllinus Gray, 1835, from the Atlantic Forest, Brazil
Authors: Costa Jane , Torres Lucas , Paschoaletto Leticia , Pimenta Ana Luiza Anes , Benítez Hugo A. , Suazo Manuel J. , Reigada Carolina , Gil-Santana Hélcio R.
Published: November 2023

The first instar nymphs, both male and female, of the giant stick insect Cladomorphus phyllinus Gray, 1835 were carefully described and measured, revealing a remarkable sexual dimorphism that is considered rare among insects and is poorly explored in the order Phasmida. The studied F1 nymphs originated in captivity from eggs laid by a coupled female specimen collected in the Atlantic Forest in the vicinity of Petrópolis city, state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The first instar nymphs of C. phyllinus were measured and illustrated in high-resolution photographs to show the general aspects and details of sexually dimorphic traits, making clear the phenotypic differences in the sexes. A total of 100 nymphs were kept alive until morphological sexual dimorphism was confirmed and quantified. All recently hatched first instar nymphs were separated based on the presumed male and female characteristics, i.e., the presence and absence of the suture in the metanotum in the males and females, respectively, had their sexes confirmed in 100% of the specimens as previously assigned. These results confirm this new morphological trait, which here is named “alar suture” as sex-specific in the first instar nymphs, a novelty in this stage of development of sexual differentiation. In addition, the distinct conformations of the last three abdominal sternites of both sexes were recorded.
Effects of including of Japanese Pumpkin Seeds and Pomace in the Diets of Pacific White Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei)
Authors: Zancan Thaise Dalferth , Monserrat José María , Marreiro Gomes Robson Matheus , Martins Vilásia Guimarães , Wasielesky Wilson , Tesser Marcelo Borges
Published: November 2023

A 60-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the effects of including pumpkin seeds and pomace in the diets of Pacific white shrimp Penaeus vannamei, and the effects of these supplements on growth performance, body composition, and total polyphenol, flavonoid and carotenoid contents, as well as on total antioxidant activity, and body color parameters. Five diets were evaluated: pumpkin seeds (PS) at 50 and 100 g·kg−1, pumpkin pomace (PP) at 50 and 100 g·kg−1, and a control treatment. Pacific white shrimp (P. vannamei) juveniles (0.60 ± 0.01 g) were stocked in 15 tanks (310 L), containing 30 shrimps per tank, and the treatments were randomly distributed in triplicate. At the end of the experiment, shrimps were euthanized, weighed, and dissected for further analyses. The inclusion of PS in the diets impaired growth performance, reduced the total flavonoid content and had a pro-oxidative effect on muscle. The inclusion of PP in the diets did not affect growth performance, improved the feed conversion ratio, increased the total flavonoid content in the diets and hepatopancreas, and improved the antioxidant activity of the feeds and shrimp muscle. The total carotenoid content of the feeds increased with the inclusion of PS or PP in the diets; however, the total carotenoid content of shrimp increased only in those fed PP diets. Shrimp fed with PS diets showed a yellowish color and higher saturation when fresh and a reddish color and yellow hue angle after cooking. Shrimp fed PP diets turned reddish and yellowish, both when fresh and after cooking. The inclusion of PS in P. vannamei diets is not recommended; however, PP can be included at 100 g·kg−1 without affecting the growth parameters. Further studies evaluating the inclusion of higher PP levels in shrimp diets are recommended.
Predicting Disparity between ASF-Managed Areas and Wild Boar Habitats: A Case of South Korea
Authors: Ko Chanwoo , Ko Dongwook W. , Cho Wonhee
Published: November 2023

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting both domestic and wild boars. Since its first outbreak in South Korea in 2019, substantial efforts have been made to prevent ASF transmission by reducing the wild boar population and eliminating infected carcasses; however, the persistence of ASF transmission has posed challenges to these efforts. To improve ASF management strategies, the limitations of current management strategies must be identified by considering disparities between wild boar habitats and ASF-managed areas with environmental and anthropogenic characteristics of wild boars and their management strategies. Here, ensemble species distribution models were used to estimate wild boar habitats and potential ASF-managed areas, with elevation, distance to urban areas, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index as important variables. Binary maps of wild boar habitats and potential ASF-managed areas were generated using the maxSSS as the threshold criterion. Disparity areas of ASF management were identified by overlying regions evaluated as wild boar habitats with those not classified as ASF-managed areas. Dense forests near urban regions like Chungcheongbuk-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Gyeongsangnam-do were evaluated as disparity areas having high risk of ASF transmission. These findings hold significant potential for refining ASF management strategies and establishing proactive control measures.
Development of a Multispecies Double-Antigen Sandwich ELISA Using N and RBD Proteins to Detect Antibodies against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Cordero-Ortiz Maritza , Reséndiz-Sandoval Mónica , Dehesa-Canseco Freddy , Solís-Hernández Mario , Pérez-Sánchez Jahir , Martínez-Borges Carlos , Mata-Haro Verónica , Hernández Jesús
Published: November 2023

SARS-CoV-2 infects humans and a broad spectrum of animal species, such as pets, zoo animals, and nondomestic animals. Monitoring infection in animals is important in terms of the risk of interspecies transmission and the emergence of new viral variants. Economical, fast, efficient, and sensitive diagnostic tests are needed to analyze animal infection. Double-antigen sandwich ELISA has the advantage of being multispecies and can be used for detecting infections caused by pathogens that infect several animal hosts. This study aimed to develop a double-antigen sandwich ELISA using two SARS-CoV-2 proteins, N and RBD. We compared its performance, when using these proteins separately, with an indirect ELISA and with a surrogate virus neutralization test. Positive and negative controls from a cat population (n = 31) were evaluated to compare all of the tests. After confirming that double-antigen sandwich ELISA with both RBD and N proteins had the best performance (AUC= 88%), the cutoff was adjusted using positive and negative samples from cats, humans (n = 32) and guinea pigs (n = 3). The use of samples from tigers (n = 2) and rats (n = 51) showed good agreement with the results previously obtained using the microneutralization test. Additionally, a cohort of samples from dogs with unknown infection status was evaluated. These results show that using two SARS-CoV-2 proteins in the double-antigen sandwich ELISA increases its performance and turns it into a valuable assay with which to monitor previous infection caused by SARS-CoV-2 in different animal species.
The Effect of Replacing Whole-Plant Corn Silage with Daylily on the Growth Performance, Slaughtering Performance, Muscle Amino Acid Composition, and Blood Composition of Tan Sheep
Authors: Zhang Junli , Li Fen , Na Rina , Bai Xue , Ma Yanfen , Yang Yuwei , Ma Yun , Wang Xiuqin
Published: November 2023

The shortage of high-quality coarse feed resources is the main factor that restricts the development of animal husbandry in many developing countries. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of replacing corn silage with daylily silage on the growth performance, slaughter performance, blood biochemical indicators, meat quality, and muscle amino acid composition of Tan sheep. A total of 72 healthy Tan sheep were randomly assigned to four groups. In each group, 0%, 20%, 40%, and 60% of corn silage were replaced with daylily silage (denoted as CON, HC20, HC40, and HC60, respectively). Tan sheep fed with daylily silage showed no significant adverse effects on their growth performance, meat quality, and muscle amino acid composition (p > 0.05). Some increase was observed in the carcass fat content value (GR-value, p < 0.05), thickness of backfat (p < 0.05), and the blood urea level (p < 0.05). These findings indicate that the utilization of daylily silage instead of whole-plant corn silage has no adverse effects on the growth performance and meat quality of Tan sheep, thus indicating that it can partially replace whole-plant corn feed as a feed resource for Tan sheep.
Social Network Analysis as a Tool in the Care and Wellbeing of Zoo Animals: A Case Study of a Family Group of Black Lemurs (Eulemur macaco)
Authors: Norman Max , Jones Cassie , Watson Kara , Previdelli Renato L.
Published: November 2023

Social network analysis (SNA) is an increasingly utilised technique in the literature examining the social structures and organisation of animals and understanding the bonds between groups and individuals. Using a case study as an illustration, the applications of SNA are explored, including the identification of dominance hierarchies and detection of sources of social pressure, with a particular focus on the applications of SNA to holistic assessments of animal welfare alongside other methods. Based on the examination of social dynamics in a family group of four black lemurs (Eulemur macaco), a primate whose social organisation is characterised by patterns of female dominance, it is demonstrated that SNA can be used to examine the affiliative and agonistic interactions between individuals living in human care. SNA showed species-typical forms of female dominance that were largely directed towards the two males, characterised by the initiation of aggressive interactions and male submission. More intricate relationships and consistent social roles across networks were revealed through the examination of SNA. It is concluded that SNA has wide-ranging benefits in the assessment of effects of environmental changes, such as informing social management decisions, developing enrichment and intervention programs, and guiding overall improvements to the housing and care of individual animals. SNA, as part of an animal welfare toolbox, could, therefore, be a pivotal technique for modern animal welfare assessment that considers individual animals and their social lives. By sharing a case study of the technique in use, it is hoped that animal collections may adopt similar modern and evidence-based assessment methods.
Protective Effect of Procyanidin-Rich Grape Seed Extract against Gram-Negative Virulence Factors
Authors: Nicolosi Roberta Maria , Bonincontro Graziana , Imperia Elena , Badiali Camilla , De Vita Daniela , Sciubba Fabio , Dugo Laura , Guarino Michele Pier Luca , Altomare Annamaria , Simonetti Giovanna , Pasqua Gabriella
Published: November 2023

Biofilm formation and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) are implicated in the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases caused by Gram-negative bacteria. Grape seeds, wine industry by-products, have antioxidant and antimicrobial activity. In the present study, the protective effect of procyanidin-rich grape seed extract (prGSE), from unfermented pomace of Vitis vinifera L. cv Bellone, on bacterial LPS-induced oxidative stress and epithelial barrier integrity damage has been studied in a model of Caco-2 cells. The prGSE was characterized at the molecular level using HPLC and NMR. The in vitro activity of prGSE against formation of biofilm of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium and Escherichia coli was investigated. In vivo, prGSE activity using infected Galleria mellonella larvae has been evaluated. The results show that the prGSE, if administered with LPS, can significantly reduce the LPS-induced permeability alteration. Moreover, the ability of the extract to prevent Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production induced by the LPS treatment of Caco-2 cells was demonstrated. prGSE inhibited the biofilm formation of E. coli and S. Typhimurium. In terms of in vivo activity, an increase in survival of infected G. mellonella larvae after treatment with prGSE was demonstrated. In conclusion, grape seed extracts could be used to reduce GI damage caused by bacterial endotoxin and biofilms of Gram-negative bacteria.
The Importance of a Healthy Microbiome in Pregnancy and Infancy and Microbiota Treatment to Reverse Dysbiosis for Improved Health
Authors: DuPont Herbert , Salge Madeleine
Published: November 2023

Background: The microbiome of newborn infants during the first 1000 days, influenced early on by their mothers’ microbiome health, mode of delivery and breast feeding, orchestrates the education and programming of the infant’s immune system and determines in large part the general health of the infant for years. Methods: PubMed was reviewed for maternal infant microbiome health and microbiota therapy in this setting with prebiotics, probiotics, vaginal seeding and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Results: A healthy nonobese mother, vaginal delivery and strict breast feeding contribute to microbiome health in a newborn and young infant. With reduced microbiome diversity (dysbiosis) during pregnancy, cesarean delivery, prematurity, and formula feeding contribute to dysbiosis in the newborn. Microbiota therapy is an important approach to repair dysbiosis in pregnant women and their infants. Currently available probiotics can have favorable metabolic effects on mothers and infants, but these effects are variable. In research settings, reversal of infant dysbiosis can be achieved via vaginal seeding or FMT. Next generation probiotics in development should replace current probiotics and FMT. Conclusions: The most critical phase of human microbiome development is in the first 2–3 years of life. Preventing and treating dysbiosis during pregnancy and early life can have a profound effect on an infant’s later health.
Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa: A Narrative Review of Antibiogram Interpretation and Emerging Treatments
Authors: Giovagnorio Federico , De Vito Andrea , Madeddu Giordano , Parisi Saverio Giuseppe , Geremia Nicholas
Published: November 2023

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a ubiquitous Gram-negative bacterium renowned for its resilience and adaptability across diverse environments, including clinical settings, where it emerges as a formidable pathogen. Notorious for causing nosocomial infections, P. aeruginosa presents a significant challenge due to its intrinsic and acquired resistance mechanisms. This comprehensive review aims to delve into the intricate resistance mechanisms employed by P. aeruginosa and to discern how these mechanisms can be inferred by analyzing sensitivity patterns displayed in antibiograms, emphasizing the complexities encountered in clinical management. Traditional monotherapies are increasingly overshadowed by the emergence of multidrug-resistant strains, necessitating a paradigm shift towards innovative combination therapies and the exploration of novel antibiotics. The review accentuates the critical role of accurate antibiogram interpretation in guiding judicious antibiotic use, optimizing therapeutic outcomes, and mitigating the propagation of antibiotic resistance. Misinterpretations, it cautions, can inadvertently foster resistance, jeopardizing patient health and amplifying global antibiotic resistance challenges. This paper advocates for enhanced clinician proficiency in interpreting antibiograms, facilitating informed and strategic antibiotic deployment, thereby improving patient prognosis and contributing to global antibiotic stewardship efforts.