bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sunflower Bark Extract as a Biostimulant Suppresses Reactive Oxygen Species in Salt-Stressed Arabidopsis
Authors: Li Jing , Evon Philippe , Ballas Stéphane , Trinh Hoang Khai , Xu Lin , Van Poucke Christof , Van Droogenbroeck Bart , Motti Pierfrancesco , Mangelinckx Sven , Ramirez Aldana , Van Gerrewey Thijs , Geelen Danny
Published: July 2022

A survey of plant-based wastes identified sunflower (Helianthus annuus) bark extract (SBE), produced via twin-screw extrusion, as a potential biostimulant. The addition of SBE to Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) seedlings cultured in vitro showed a dose-dependent response, with high concentrations causing severe growth inhibition. However, when priming seeds with SBE, a small but significant increase in leaf area was observed at a dose of 0.5 g of lyophilized powder per liter. This optimal concentration of SBE in the culturing medium alleviated the growth inhibition caused by 100 mM NaCl. The recovery in shoot growth was accompanied by a pronounced increase in photosynthetic pigment levels and a stabilization of osmotic homeostasis. SBE-primed leaf discs also showed a similar protective effect. SBE mitigated salt stress by reducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) by about 30% and developing more expanded true leaves. This reduction in ROS levels was due to the presence of antioxidative agents in SBE and by activating ROS-eliminating enzymes. Polyphenols, carbohydrates, proteins, and other bioactive compounds detected in SBE may have contributed to the cellular redox homeostasis in salt-stressed plants, thus promoting early leaf development by relieving shoot apical meristem arrest. Sunflower stalks from which SBE is prepared can therefore potentially be valorized as a source to produce biostimulants for improving salt stress tolerance in crops.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the TCP Gene Family and Their Expression Pattern Analysis in Tea Plant (Camellia sinensis)
Authors: Shang Xiaowen , Han Zhaolan , Zhang Dayan , Wang Ya , Qin Hao , Zou Zhongwei , Zhou Lin , Zhu Xujun , Fang Wanping , Ma Yuanchun
Published: July 2022

TEOSINTE BRANCHED1/CYCLOIDEA/PCF (TCP) transcription factors TEOSINTE BRANCHED1/CYCLOIDEA/PCF have been suggested to control the cell growth and proliferation in meristems and lateral organs. A total of 37 CsTCP genes were identified and divided into two classes, class I (PCF, group 1) and class II (CIN CYC/TB1, groups 2, and 3). The residues of TEOSINTE BRANCHED1/CYCLOIDEA/PCF of Camellia sinensis (Tea plant) (CsTCP) proteins between class I and class II were definitely different in the loop, helix I, and helix II regions; however, eighteen conserved tandem was found in bHLH. There are a large number of CsTCP homologous gene pairs in three groups. Additionally, most CsTCP proteins have obvious differences in motif composition. The results illuminated that CsTCP proteins in different groups are supposed to have complementary functions, whereas those in the same class seem to display function redundancies. There is no relationship between the number of CsTCP gene members and genome size, and the CsTCP gene family has only expanded since the divergence of monocots and eudicots. WGD/segmental duplication played a vital role in the expansion of the CsTCP gene family in tea plant, and the CsTCP gene family has expanded a lot. Most CsTCP genes of group 1 are more widely and non-specifically expressed, and the CsTCP genes of group 2 are mainly expressed in buds, flowers, and leaves. Most genes of group 1 and some genes of group 2 were up-/downregulated in varying degrees under different stress, CsTCP genes of group 3 basically do not respond to stress. TCP genes involved in abiotic stress response mostly belong to PCF group. Some CsTCP genes may have the same function as the homologous genes in Arabidopsis, but there is functional differentiation.
Functional Response of Harmonia axyridis to the Larvae of Spodoptera litura: The Combined Effect of Temperatures and Prey Instars
Authors: Islam Yasir , Shah Farhan Mahmood , Güncan Ali , DeLong John Paul , Zhou Xingmiao
Published: July 2022

Functional responses are central to predator–prey dynamics and describe how predation varies with prey abundance. Functional responses often are measured without regard to prey size (i.e., body mass) or the temperature dependence of feeding rates. However, variation in prey size within populations is ubiquitous, and predation rates are often both size and temperature-dependent. Here, we assessed functional responses of larvae and adultHarmonia axyridison the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd instars of the preySpodoptera lituraacross a range of temperatures (i.e., 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35°C). The type and parameters of the functional responses were determined using logistic regression and fitted to the Roger's random predator equation. The magnitude of predation varied with the predator and prey stage, but prey predation increased with warming and predator age. Predation by the female and 4th instar ofH. axyridison the 1st instar of prey was greater, followed by the 2nd and 3rd instar of preyS. litura. No predation occurred on the larger prey for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd instars ofH. axyridis. The larvae and adultH. axyridisproduced a type II (hyperbolic) functional response curve across all temperatures and the three prey types they consumed. Space clearance rates, handling time, and maximum predation rates ofH. axyridischanged with temperature and prey size, increasing with temperature and decreasing with prey size, suggesting more predation will occur on younger prey. This study indicates an interactive role of temperature and prey/predator size in shaping functional responses, which might complicate the planning of effective biocontrol strategies against this serious pest.
Effects of Combined Abiotic Stresses Related to Climate Change on Root Growth in Crops
Authors: Sánchez-Bermúdez Maria , del Pozo Juan C. , Pernas Mónica
Published: July 2022

Climate change is a major threat to crop productivity that negatively affects food security worldwide. Increase in global temperatures are usually accompanied by drought, flooding and changes in soil nutrients composition that dramatically reduced crop yields. Against the backdrop of climate change, human population increase and subsequent rise in food demand, finding new solutions for crop adaptation to environmental stresses is essential. The effects of single abiotic stress on crops have been widely studied, but in the field abiotic stresses tend to occur in combination rather than individually. Physiological, metabolic and molecular responses of crops to combined abiotic stresses seem to be significantly different to individual stresses. Although in recent years an increasing number of studies have addressed the effects of abiotic stress combinations, the information related to the root system response is still scarce. Roots are the underground organs that directly contact with the soil and sense many of these abiotic stresses. Understanding the effects of abiotic stress combinations in the root system would help to find new breeding tools to develop more resilient crops. This review will summarize the current knowledge regarding the effects of combined abiotic stress in the root system in crops. First, we will provide a general overview of root responses to particular abiotic stresses. Then, we will describe how these root responses are integrated when crops are challenged to the combination of different abiotic stress. We will focus on the main changes on root system architecture (RSA) and physiology influencing crop productivity and yield and convey the latest information on the key molecular, hormonal and genetic regulatory pathways underlying root responses to these combinatorial stresses. Finally, we will discuss possible directions for future research and the main challenges needed to be tackled to translate this knowledge into useful tools to enhance crop tolerance.
Overexpression of TwSQS, TwSE, and TwOSC Regulates Celastrol Accumulation in Cambial Meristematic Cells and Dedifferentiated Cells
Authors: Song Yadi , Zhou Jiawei , Zhang Yifeng , Zhao Yujun , Wang Xiujuan , Hu Tianyuan , Tong Yuru , Huang Luqi , Gao Wei
Published: July 2022

Squalene synthase (SQS), squalene epoxidase (SE), and oxidosqualene cyclase (OSC) are encoding enzymes in downstream biosynthetic pathway of triterpenoid in plants, but the relationship between three genes and celastrol accumulation in Tripterygium wilfordii still remains unknown. Gene transformation system in plant can be used for studying gene function rapidly. However, there is no report on the application of cambial meristematic cells (CMCs) and dedifferentiated cells (DDCs) in genetic transformation systems. Our aim was to study the effects of individual overexpression of TwSQS, TwSE, and TwOSC on terpenoid accumulation and biosynthetic pathway related gene expression through CMCs and DDCs systems. Overexpression vectors of TwSQS, TwSE, and TwOSC were constructed by Gateway technology and transferred into CMCs and DDCs by gene gun. After overexpression, the content of celastrol was significantly increased in CMCs compared with the control group. However, there was no significant increment of celastrol in DDCs. Meanwhile, the relative expression levels of TwSQS, TwSE, TwOSC, and terpenoid biosynthetic pathway related genes were detected. The relative expression levels of TwSQS, TwSE, and TwOSC were increased compared with the control group in both CMCs and DDCs, while the pathway-related genes displayed different expression trends. Therefore, it was verified in T. wilfordii CMCs that overexpression of TwSQS, TwSE, and TwOSC increased celastrol accumulation and had different effects on the expression of related genes in terpenoid biosynthetic pathway, laying a foundation for further elucidating the downstream biosynthetic pathway of celastrol through T. wilfordii CMCs system.
Social Factors Predict Distress Development in Adults With Pre-existing Mental Disorders During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic
Authors: Konrad Annika C. , Förster Katharina , Kurtz Marcel , Endrass Tanja , Jauk Emanuel , Kanske Philipp
Published: July 2022

Physical distancing measures during the coronavirus pandemic are associated with increased psychological distress, especially in people with mental disorders. We investigated which social risk and resilience factors influence distress over time in people with pre-existing mental disorders. We conducted a longitudinal online survey with weekly follow-ups between April and July 2020 (n = 196 individuals with, and n = 545 individuals without pre-existing mental disorders at baseline). Our results show that individuals with, but not those without pre-existing mental disorders displayed higher distress levels when social resources and empathic disconnection are low and perceived social isolation is high. The distress development differed between participants with and without pre-existing mental disorders depending on their level of social resources, empathic disconnection, and perceived social isolation. These findings offer specific information for targeted social interventions to prevent an increase in incidence of mental disorders during physical distancing measures.
Associations of Parenting Style and Resilience With Depression and Anxiety Symptoms in Chinese Middle School Students
Authors: Qiu Zhihai , Guo Ying , Wang Jun , Zhang Hongbo
Published: July 2022

Background

Parenting style and resilience are independently associated with symptoms of depression and anxiety. However, no study has tested the interaction effects between the patterns of parenting style and resilience on mental health in adolescent populations. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the interaction effects between the patterns of parenting style and resilience on depression/anxiety symptoms among middle school students in China.

Methods

A sample of 2,179 Chinese middle school students were included in this study. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to examine parenting style patterns. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyze the associations of different parenting patterns and resilience with depression/anxiety symptoms, as well as the interaction effect.

Results

Latent profile analysis results showed that the most suitable model included three-profile solution, which were labeled as positive parenting, negative parenting, and moderate parenting. Subsequent analyses indicated that students across profiles exhibited significant differences in their depression/anxiety symptoms. Specifically, compared to moderate parenting, negative parenting was positively associated with depression/anxiety symptoms, while positive parenting was negatively associated with these symptoms. Moreover, low levels of resilience were positively associated with depression/anxiety symptoms compared to a high level of resilience. Although the interaction effect was not significant, there were differences in the associations between different parenting patterns and symptoms of depression and anxiety when stratifying resilience.

Conclusion

The present study identified three-profile solution of parenting styles among Chinese middle school students using LPA as a person-centered approach. Future interventions targeting depression/anxiety symptoms in adolescents may consider the potential influence of patterns of parenting styles, or improved resilience, to achieve better intervention outcomes.
The Influence of COVID-19 Pandemic on Management Earnings Forecasts
Authors: Fu Xiangfei , Xu Yuanze , Zhou Fangfang , Zhao Libin
Published: July 2022

As the biggest black swan event of 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly weakened the ability of corporate stakeholders to monitor companies on site. In this context, exploring whether the on-site supervision restrictions triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic affect management earnings forecast disclosure is crucial to protect investors' interests and promote the stable development of the capital market. Based on quarterly data of Chinese A-share listed companies' earnings forecasts, this paper finds that: First, when the company's registry region is more severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, the company has less willingness to disclose its management earnings forecast. And those released forecasts tend to have lower qualities. Second, a higher level of media monitoring and a better legal environment can mitigate the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on both the willingness and the quality of management earnings forecast disclosure. Furthermore, mediating effect analysis shows that, the reduced on-site monitoring activities that were originally implemented by independent directors, institutional investors, and analysts during the epidemic period greatly limited stakeholders' monitoring efficiency, and thus cause significant influence on the disclosure of management earnings forecasts.
Suicide, Stigma and COVID-19: A Call for Action From Low and Middle Income Countries
Authors: Shoib Sheikh , Chandradasa Miyuru , Saeed Fahimeh , Armiya’u Aishatu Yusha’u , Roza Thiago Henrique , Ori Dorottya , Jakhar Jitender , Rodrigues-Silva Nuno , Banerjee Debanjan
Published: July 2022

Suicide is a global health issue that needs to be addressed. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in an increased mental health burden. Stigma has obstructed efforts to prevent suicide as individuals who need urgent support do not seek appropriate help. The influence of stigma is likely to grow in tandem with the COVID-19 pandemic. The stigmatization of persons with mental illnesses is widespread worldwide, and it has substantial effects on both the individual and society. Our viewpoints aim to address the probable link between stigma and suicide in the wake of the current pandemic and propose ideas for reducing suicide-related stigma.
The Influence of Family-Related Factors on Suicide in Major Depression Patients
Authors: Wang Wei , Guo Xin , Kang Lijun , Zhang Nan , Ma Simeng , Cheng Jing , Fang Li , Liu Zhongchun
Published: July 2022

Objective

To explore the influence of family-related factors on suicide-related behaviors of patients with major depression disorder, and to provide scientific evidence for effective preventive measures.

Methods

A total of 852 outpatients at Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University were enrolled in this cross-sectional study from April 2019 to January 2021. The general demographic information and family-related information of the patients were collected via a general information questionnaire, the Family Assessment Device, the Egna Minnen av Barndoms Uppfostran, and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire.

Results

Participants without suicide-related behaviors accounted for 10.45% of the total sample, those with suicidal ideation accounted for 47.54%, those with suicidal plans accounted for 24.77% and with suicidal attempts for 17.25%. Patients with major depression disorder who have lower education level, who were separated from their parents, who have severely impaired family function, who experienced childhood abuse, and whose parents adopted apathetic and severe child-rearing styles had a higher risk of suicide-related behaviors. In the multivariate regression model, degree of major depression disorder, education and child-rearing style were independent risk factors for suicide-related behaviors.

Conclusion

Patients with major depression disorder who have been separated from their parents, have severely impaired family function, were abused in childhood or have been exposed to improper childrearing styles have a greater risk of suicide. Family-related factors play a predictive role in suicide in patients with major depression disorder. More attention should be paid to family-related factors to reduce the occurrence of suicidal ideation and attempt.
Physical Activity Reduces the Effect of High Body Mass Index on Kidney Stones in Diabetes Participants From the 2007–2018 NHANES Cycles: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mao Weipu , Zhang Lei , Sun Si , Wu Jianping , Zou Xiangyu , Zhang Guangyuan , Chen Ming
Published: July 2022

Background

Body mass index (BMI) is a vital risk factor for kidney stones, but physical activity may reduce the incidence of kidney stones. However, it remains unknown whether physical activity reduces the effect of high BMI on kidney stones in diabetes participants.

Methods

We included clinical information from 4,008 adult participants with diabetes from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database from 2007 to 2018. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to analyze the relationship between BMI and kidney stones, as well as the risk of BMI and kidney stones in different physical activity subgroups.

Results

A total of 4,008 diabetic participants were included in this study, of whom 652 (16.3%) self-reported a history of kidney stones. Logistic regression analysis showed a positive association between BMI and kidney stones. After adjusting for other confounders, the adjusted ORs for the risk of kidney stones was 1.514 (95% CI, 1.134–2.022, p = 0.005) for participants with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 among all participants; the risk of kidney stones was elevated (OR = 1.572, 95% CI, 1.134–2.022, p = 0.005) in group without physical activity, and a reduced risk (OR = 1.421, 95% CI, 0.847–2.382, p = 0.183) in the group with physical activity. Furthermore, similar results were found in most subgroups.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that high BMI is a risk factor for diabetes kidney stone participants and that physical activity may moderate this relationship to some extent.
Relationships at Work: Integrating the Perspectives of Disability Partners to Enhance a Peer Navigation Intervention
Authors: Herrman Deana , Papadimitriou Christina , Green Bob , LeFlore Andrea , Magasi Susan
Published: July 2022

Objective

The Our Peers-Empowerment and Navigational Support (OP-ENS) community-based participatory research study developed, implemented, and evaluated a peer navigator intervention aimed at improving health and healthcare access among Medicaid beneficiaries with disabilities. Peer navigators are community partners with physical disabilities trained to deliver structured peer support interventions that can address barriers to care. The purpose of this paper is two-fold. First, it explicates the relational work the peer navigators do with peers in delivering the intervention. Second, it illustrates how our community-based participatory approach empowered peer navigators to share their knowledge to refine the intervention.

Methods

Clinical coordinator team meeting notes, critical incident documentation reports, peer navigator reflections (n = 20) were analyzed thematically to understand the peer navigators' relational work and intervention refinements. Following Labov's 6-stage approach to personal narratives and a collaborative writing process academic, clinical, and disability partners co-wrote descriptive exemplars to showcase these processes.

Findings

Through the manualized OP-ENS intervention process, peer navigators helped peers achieve incremental successes. Peer navigators used their training and personal experiences to engage with peers and forge deep connections and relationships of trust. As a result, peers identified a wide-range of social health concerns, including poverty, social isolation, and racial and disability related discrimination that might otherwise go unaddressed. True to the principles of community-based participatory research, by fostering an equity-focused collaboration and listening to peer navigators, the project team implemented subtle but salient refinements to the intervention. Refinements included an explicit focus on social determinants of health affecting peers' health and wellbeing and supplemental trainings to help peer navigators support peers with significant mental health needs.

Conclusion

The peer navigators were intentional and skilled at relationship building, thus complex elements which impact peers' health were addressed. Peer navigators were empowered to communicate their perspectives with the study team, who worked together to strengthen the intervention processes and infrastructure. This atmosphere of trust and collaboration amongst diverse stakeholders was instrumental to OP-ENS' successful implementation. Healthcare systems should consider implementing peer support interventions that are responsive to consumer input to address social determinants of health for persons with disabilities.
Discovering Inclusivity in Remote Sensing: Leaving No One Behind
Authors: Joyce Karen E. , Nakalembe Catherine L. , Gómez Cristina , Suresh Gopika , Fickas Kate , Halabisky Meghan , Kalamandeen Michelle , Crowley Morgan A.
Published: July 2022

Innovative and beneficial science stems from diverse teams and authorships that are inclusive of many perspectives. In this paper, we explore the status of inclusivity in remote sensing academic publishing, using an audit of peer-reviewed journal editorial board composition. Our findings demonstrate diversity deficiency in gender and country of residence, limiting the majority of editors to men residing in four countries. We also examine the many challenges underrepresented communities within our field face, such as implicit bias, harsher reviews, and fewer citations. We assert that in the field of remote sensing, the gatekeepers are not representative of the global society and this lack of representation restricts what research is valued and published, and ultimately who becomes successful. We present an action plan to help make the field of remote sensing more diverse and inclusive and urge every individual to consider their role as editor, author, reviewer, or reader. We believe that each of us have a choice to continue to align with a journal/institution/society that is representative of the dynamic state of our field and its people, ensuring that no one is left behind while discovering all the fascinating possibilities in remote sensing.
Huge vaginal stone: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Jo Jae Yoon , Lee Seon Mi , Shin Jeong Kyu , Choi Won Jun , Cho In Ae
Published: July 2022

Primary vaginal stones have been rarely reported; the reports that do exist are usually case reports. Because of their low incidence, they are often misdiagnosed. This case report and literature review of a primary vaginal stone presents an assessment of symptoms and common risk factors for vaginal stone formation. A 28-year-old woman with spastic quadriplegia who had been bedridden for most of her life presented to the emergency department for abdominal distension and fever. She had chronic constipation, recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs), and vaginal discharge. Abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) was performed and a large stone observed. The vaginal stone was completely removed through the vaginal stump after hysterectomy. Differential diagnoses of vesicovaginal fistula, urethrovaginal fistula, genital anomaly, and ectopic ureter were made by performing several tests using indigo-carmine dye. She recovered from surgery without any complications. There was no recurrence of vaginal stones after 3 months. A biochemical analysis reported that the vaginal stone was 100% struvite. Vaginal stones are caused by repeated infections in an environment in which urine collects gradually. Patients with recurrent UTIs who are bedridden should be able to prevent vaginal stones with periodic gynecological examinations for early diagnosis and management.
Using Canine Olfaction to Detect Bovine Respiratory Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Juge Aiden E. , Hall Nathaniel J. , Richeson John T. , Daigle Courtney L.
Published: July 2022

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in feedlot cattle and is a major welfare and economic concern. Identification of BRD-affected cattle using clinical illness scores is problematic, and speed and cost constraints limit the feasibility of many diagnostic approaches. Dogs can rapidly identify humans and animals affected by a variety of diseases based on scent. Canines' olfactory systems can distinguish between patterns of volatile organic compounds produced by diseased and healthy tissue. In this pilot study, two dogs (“Runnels” and “Cheaps”) were trained for 7 months to discriminate between nasal swabs from cattle that developed signs of BRD within 20 days of feedlot arrival and swabs from cattle that did not develop BRD signs within 3 months at the feedlot. Nasal swabs were collected during cattle processing upon arrival to the feedlot and were stored at −80°C. Dogs were presented with sets of one positive and two negative samples and were trained using positive reinforcement to hold their noses over the positive sample. The dogs performed moderately well in the final stage of training, with accuracy for Runnels of 0.817 and Cheaps of 0.647, both greater than the 0.333 expected by chance. During a double-blind detection test, dogs evaluated 123 unique and unfamiliar samples that were presented as 41 sets (3 samples per set), with both the dog handler and data recorder blinded to the positive sample location. Each dog was tested twice on each set of samples. Detection test accuracy was slightly better than chance for Cheaps at 0.451 (95% CI: 0.344–0.559) and was no better than chance for Runnels at 0.390 (95% CI: 0.285–0.496. Overall accuracy was 0.421 (95% CI: 0.345–0.496). When dogs' consensus response on each sample set was considered, accuracy was 0.537 (95% CI: 0.384–0.689). Detection accuracy also varied by sample lot. While dogs showed some ability to discriminate between BRD-affected and healthy cattle using nasal swabs, the complexity of this task suggests that more testing is needed before determining whether dogs could be effective as a screening method for BRD.
Privacy-Preserving Feature Selection with Fully Homomorphic Encryption
Authors: Ono Shinji , Takata Jun , Kataoka Masaharu , I Tomohiro , Shin Kilho , Sakamoto Hiroshi
Published: July 2022

For the feature selection problem, we propose an efficient privacy-preserving algorithm. Let D, F, and C be data, feature, and class sets, respectively, where the feature value x(Fi) and the class label x(C) are given for each x∈D and Fi∈F. For a triple (D,F,C), the feature selection problem is to find a consistent and minimal subset F′⊆F, where ‘consistent’ means that, for any x,y∈D, x(C)=y(C) if x(Fi)=y(Fi) for Fi∈F′, and ‘minimal’ means that any proper subset of F′ is no longer consistent. On distributed datasets, we consider feature selection as a privacy-preserving problem: assume that semi-honest parties A and B have their own personal DA and DB. The goal is to solve the feature selection problem for DA∪DB without sacrificing their privacy. In this paper, we propose a secure and efficient algorithm based on fully homomorphic encryption, and we implement our algorithm to show its effectiveness for various practical data. The proposed algorithm is the first one that can directly simulate the CWC (Combination of Weakest Components) algorithm on ciphertext, which is one of the best performers for the feature selection problem on the plaintext.
Correction: Triantafillidou and Koutroukis (2022). Employee Involvement and Participation as a Function of Labor Relations and Human Resource Management: Evidence from Greek Subsidiaries of Multinational Companies in the Pharmaceutical Industry. Administrative Sciences 12: 41
Authors: Triantafillidou Eleni , Koutroukis Theodore
Published: July 2022

The authors would like to make corrections to the published paper (Triantafillidou and Koutroukis 2022) [...]
Effect of Physical Properties of an Emulsion Pesticide on the Atomisation Process and the Spatial Distribution of Droplet Size
Authors: Yang Wanting , Jia Weidong , Ou Mingxiong , Zhong Wei , Jiang Li , Wang Xiaowen
Published: July 2022

In the process of applying plant protection sprays, the atomisation process of complex pesticide components such as emulsion pesticides is different from that of water. Indeed, emulsion is often used as an additive to spray to reduce drift. Therefore, this study investigated the different morphological characteristics that occur between emulsions and water during atomisation at different pressures through visualisation experiments and interpreting the formation of structural differences between the two fragmentation mechanisms. The effect of liquid sheet structure on droplet size distribution was analysed in three-dimensional space, not only from one spatial perspective, but how it alters the morphological structures of liquid sheet leading to different potential droplet drift characteristics. It was found that the smaller the liquid sheet disturbance, the more concentrated the droplet size distribution, the more intense the liquid sheet disturbance, the more dispersed the droplet size distribution. The addition of 0.02% emulsion significantly reduced the proportion of V100 (the ratio of volume with drops smaller than 100 μm to the total volume of all droplets) from 21.33% to 10.24%, and the higher the emulsion concentration, the smaller the V100. The ability of the emulsion to increase V400 decreased with increasing pressure.
Friability of Maize Shoot (Zea mays L.) in Relation to Cell Wall Composition and Physical Properties
Authors: Berger Marie , Devaux Marie-Françoise , Mayer-Laigle Claire , Réau Adrien , Delord Benoit , Guillon Fabienne , Barron Cécile
Published: July 2022

Maize (Zea mays L.) is widely cultivated worldwide for food, feed, and fuel uses. Maize forage has become a valuable feed material, and there is much interest in characterizing its friability, as friability may shape feed value through its effect on ingestibility. The objective of this study was to characterize the friability of maize forage based on its milling behavior within a collection of inbred lines of maize. We proposed two friability indexes—Particle Size Reduction (PSR) and Energy Index—and evaluated their ability to discriminate 24 inbred maize lines differing in digestibility. Both the PSR Index and Energy Index effectively highlighted the variability in friability, which could vary by a factor of two regardless of index. These two friability indexes are based on two different milling technologies and therefore on different mechanical stresses inside the mills that could both inform on friability, but on different scales. In order to interpret the observed differences, we characterized the biomass at different scales, from phenotypic observation of the shoot to physical properties of the chopped maize, down to cell wall amount and composition. The friability assessed through these two indexes was mainly inter-correlated: the lower the milling energy, the more friable the fine particles produced. However, we also identified slight differences between the indexes that could be interpreted in relation to structural scale: while the Energy Index primarily informed friability at the cellular scale, the PSR Index also informed friability at the cell wall scale. This study provided key insight into the friability of maize forage and its relation to physical and fiber properties.
Row Spacing and the Use of Plant-Available Water in Sugarcane Cultivation in Water-Abundant Louisiana
Authors: Ellsworth Patrick Z. , White Paul M.
Published: July 2022

Optimizing row spacing can potentially improve yields when resources such as light and water are limited. Sugarcane in Louisiana is principally grown on rows spaced 1.8 m apart, but interest in planting on 2.4 m rows is increasing. In this study, we hypothesized that wider row spacing would have greater water availability. Soil moisture sensors were placed at 15, 30, and 45 cm depths in treatments: 1.8 and 2.4 m row spacings, two varieties (L 01-299 and HoCP 04-838), and two planting dates. Soil moisture was monitored in 15-min intervals from 2017 to 2020. Mean volumetric water content was slightly greater in 2.4 m than 1.8 m row spacing at 15 and 45 cm, but the biggest difference was observed when soil water content reached its lowest levels where 2.4 m rows had 1.1, 3.1, and 9.8 times more water available at 15, 30, and 45 cm, respectively, compared to 1.8 m row spacing. However, in both row spacings, plant-available water was always present in the top 45 cm, even during periods of low rainfall. Potentially, high water availability provides an opportunity to increase photosynthesis in sugarcane varieties by selecting for greater photosynthetic capacity and CO2 uptake through increasesd stomatal conductance.
Autonomous Robotic System for Pumpkin Harvesting
Authors: Roshanianfard Ali , Noguchi Noboru , Ardabili Sina , Mako Csaba , Mosavi Amir
Published: July 2022

The present study focused on the development, optimization, and performance evaluation of a harvesting robot for heavyweight agricultural products. The main objective of developing this system is to improve the harvesting process of the mentioned crops. The pumpkin was selected as a heavyweight target crop for this study. The main components of the robot consist of mobile platforms (the main robot tractor and a parallel robot tractor), a manipulation system and its end-effector, and an integrated control unit. The development procedure was divided into four stages: stage I (designed system using Solidworks), stage II (installation of the developed system on a temporary platform), stage III (developed system on an RT-1 (Yanmar EG453)), and stage IV (developed system on an RT-2 (Yanmar YT5113)). Various indicators related to the performance of the robot were evaluated. The accuracy of 5.8 and 4.78 mm in x and y directions and repeatability of 5.11 mm were observed. The harvesting success rate of 87~92%, and damage rate of 5% resulted in the evaluation of the final version. The average cycle time was 35.1 s, 42.6 s, and 43.2 s for stages II, III, and IV, respectively. The performance evaluations showed that the system’s indicators are good enough to harvest big-sized and heavy-weighted crops. Development of the unique and unified system, including a mobile platform, a manipulation system, an end-effector, and an integrated algorithm, completed the targeted harvesting process appropriately. The system can increase the speed and improve the harvesting process because it can work all day long, has a precise robotic manipulation and end-effector, and a programmable controlling system that can work autonomously.
Gills Just Want to Have Fun: Can Fish Play Games, Just like Us?
Authors: Eisenbeiser Sofia , Serbe-Kamp Étienne , Gage Gregory J. , Marzullo Timothy C.
Published: July 2022

It is common to observe play in dogs, cats, and birds, but have we been ignoring play in one of the most common house pets of all… fish? Aquarium fish are often used as meditative decoration in family households, but it could be that fish have similarly diverse behavioral repertoires as mammals and birds. To examine this theory, we conducted field tests at local pet stores where a range of aquarium fish species was tested for responsiveness to laser pointer stimuli. Out of 66 species of fish tested, over 80% showed a tendency to be interested in the moving laser spots, particularly red ones. Whether this behavior constitutes play is an active topic of investigation that we examine in this work.
Chitosan Oligosaccharide Inhibits the Synthesis of Milk Fat in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells through AMPK-Mediated Downstream Signaling Pathway
Authors: Fan Jing , Chen Jiayi , Wu Haochen , Lu Xin , Fang Xibi , Yin Fuquan , Zhao Zhihui , Jiang Ping , Yu Haibin
Published: July 2022

Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) is a variety of oligosaccharides, and it is also the only abundant basic amino oligosaccharide in natural polysaccharides. Chitosan oligosaccharide is a low molecular weight product of chitosan after enzymatic degradation. It has many biological effects, such as lipid-lowering, antioxidant and immune regulation. Previous studies have shown that chitosan oligosaccharide has a certain effect on fat synthesis, but the effect of chitosan oligosaccharide on milk fat synthesis of bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) has not been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate chitosan oligosaccharide’s effect on milk fat synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells and explore the underlying mechanism. We treated bovine mammary epithelial cells with different concentrations of chitosan oligosaccharide (0, 100, 150, 200, 400 and 800 μg/mL) for 24 h, 36 h and 48 h respectively. To assess the effect of chitosan oligosaccharide on bovine mammary epithelial cells and determine the concentration and time for chitosan oligosaccharide treatment on cells, several in vitro cellular experiments, including on cell viability, cycle and proliferation were carried out. The results highlighted that chitosan oligosaccharide (100, 150 μg/mL) significantly promoted cell viability, cycle and proliferation, increased intracellular cholesterol content, and reduced intracellular triglyceride and non-esterified fatty acids content. Under the stimulation of chitosan oligosaccharide, the expression of genes downstream of Phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (P-AMPK) and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway changed, increasing the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) and hormone-sensitive lipase (HSL), but the expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP1) and its downstream target gene stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD1) decreased. In conclusion, these results suggest that chitosan oligosaccharide may inhibit milk fat synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells by activating the AMP-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, promoting the oxidative decomposition of fatty acids and inhibiting fatty acid synthesis.
Growth and Welfare of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Response to Graded Levels of Insect and Poultry By-Product Meals in Fishmeal-Free Diets
Authors: Cardinaletti Gloriana , Di Marco Patrizia , Daniso Enrico , Messina Maria , Donadelli Valeria , Finoia Maria Grazia , Petochi Tommaso , Fava Francesca , Faccenda Filippo , Contò Michela , Cerri Roberto , Volpatti Donatella , Bulfon Chiara , Mandich Alberta , Longobardi Alessandro , Marino Giovanna , Pulido-Rodriguez Lina Fernanda , Parisi Giuliana , Tibaldi Emilio
Published: July 2022

This study compared the nutrient-energy retention, digestive function, growth performance, and welfare of rainbow trout (ibw 54 g) fed isoproteic (42%), isolipidic (24%), fishmeal-free diets (CV) over 13 weeks. The diets consisted of plant-protein replacement with graded levels (10, 30, 60%) of protein from poultry by-product (PBM) and black soldier fly H. illucens pupae (BSFM) meals, either singly or in combination. A fishmeal-based diet was also tested (CF). Nitrogen retention improved with moderate or high levels of dietary PBM and BSFM relative to CV (p < 0.05). Gut brush border enzyme activity was poorly affected by the diets. Gastric chitinase was up-regulated after high BSFM feeding (p < 0.05). The gut peptide and amino acid transport genes were differently regulated by protein source and level. Serum cortisol was unaffected, and the changes in metabolites stayed within the physiological range. High PBM and high BSFM lowered the leukocyte respiratory burst activity and increased the lysozyme activity compared to CV (p < 0.05). The BSFM and PBM both significantly changed the relative percentage of lymphocytes and monocytes (p < 0.05). In conclusion, moderate to high PBM and BSFM inclusions in fishmeal-free diets, either singly or in combination, improved gut function and nutrient retention, resulting in better growth performance and the good welfare of the rainbow trout.
Pressure- and Size-Dependent Aerodynamic Drag Effects on Mach 0.3–2.2 Microspheres for High-Precision Micro-Ballistic Characterization
Authors: Figliola Nino , Schmidt David , Lee Jae-Hwang
Published: July 2022

The acceleration of microparticles to supersonic velocities is required for microscopic ballistic testing, a method for understanding material characteristics under extreme dynamic conditions, and for projectile gene and drug delivery, a needle-free administration technique. However, precise aerodynamic effects upon supersonic microsphere motion at sub-300 Reynolds numbers have not been quantified. We derive drag coefficients for microspheres traveling in air at subsonic, transonic, and supersonic velocities from the measured trajectories of microspheres launched by laser-induced projectile acceleration. Moreover, the observed drag effects on microspheres in atmospheric (760 Torr) and reduced pressure (76 Torr) are compared with existing empirical data and drag coefficient models. We find that the existing models adequately predict the drag coefficient for subsonic microspheres, while rarefaction effects cause a discrepancy between the model and empirical data in the supersonic regime. These results will improve microsphere flight modeling for high-precision microscopic ballistic testing and projectile gene and drug delivery.
A Study on Correlation between Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity Method and Coarse Aggregate for Estimating Residual Modulus of Elasticity of Concrete Exposed to High Temperatures
Authors: Kim Wonchang , Jeong Keesin , Lee Taegyu , Park Sungyu
Published: July 2022

In this study, the mechanical properties of normal concrete (NC) and lightweight concrete (LC) were measured upon exposure to high temperatures (20, 100, 200, 300, 500, and 700 °C). Then, analysis was conducted to predict the residual modulus of elasticity through ultrasonic pulse velocity. Crushed granite aggregate was mixed as the coarse aggregate for NC and coal-ash aggregate for LC. The effect of the water-to-binder (W/B) ratio (0.41, 0.33, and 0.28) on the mechanical properties (residual compressive strength, residual ultrasonic pulse velocity, residual modulus of elasticity, and stress–strain) of concrete was determined. The residual compressive strength, residual ultrasonic pulse velocity, and residual modulus of elasticity were higher for LC compared to NC. The correlation between the ultrasonic pulse velocity and residual modulus of elasticity was also analyzed, which yielded a high correlation coefficient (R2) at all levels. Finally, equations for predicting the residual modulus of elasticity using ultrasonic pulse velocity with R2 values of 0.94 and 0.91 were proposed for NC and LC, respectively.
LAN Intrusion Detection Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Zainel Hanan , Koçak Cemal
Published: July 2022

The world’s reliance the use of the internet is growing constantly, and data are considered the most precious parameter nowadays. It is critical to keep information secure from unauthorized people and organizations. When a network is compromised, information is taken. An intrusion detection system detects both known and unexpected assaults that allow a network to be breached. In this research, we model an intrusion detection system trained to identify such attacks in LANs, and any computer network that uses data. We accomplish this by employing neural networks, a machine learning technique. We also investigate how well our model performs in multiclass categorization scenarios. On the NSL-KDD dataset, we investigate the performance of Convolutional Neural Networks such as CNN and CNN with LSTM. Our findings suggest that utilizing Convolutional Neural Networks to identify network intrusions is an effective strategy.
Seismic Response Analyses of a Large-Span Powerhouse Cavern Considering Rock–Structure Interaction
Authors: Lv Yumei , Wang Lichuan , Chen Yu , Gong Lun , Li Shibo
Published: July 2022

Underground structures in earthquake-prone zones should be designed to withstand both static overburden pressures and earthquake shocks. This paper presents a case study on a large-span powerhouse cavern. With seismic data selected from past earthquake records, lab and in situ tests of the cavern’s geological and geomechanical conditions were performed to analyze the static and dynamic stability of the cavern through the continuum modeling approach. Performance analyses via both 2D and 3D modeling were carried out under seismic conditions and for selected design ground motions. The dynamic response of the surrounding rock mass and of the reinforcement system was detected. The results obtained will facilitate future stability analyses of large underground caverns constructed in the past on the basis of seismic design analyses and input data from post-earthquake records that were recently made available on the site.
Durability Investigation of Fiber-Reinforced Functionally Graded Concretes in Cold Regions
Authors: Jiang Zaiyang , Jin Shucheng , Xu Wenyuan
Published: July 2022

Introducing the differential design concept of functional gradient into mass concrete structures is a feasible design concept that can meet the requirement of crack resistance and internal hydration heat reduction for mass concrete in cold regions. This study analyzed functionally graded concrete’s long-term performance and durability behavior through experimental tests. Based on various concrete mix proportion designs, six concrete groups were selected to test. The shrinkage performance tests were conducted according to the specifications, and early crack resistance tests were also carried out. In addition, the crack development characteristics of concrete with different mix proportions were compared and analyzed, and the impermeability, frost resistance, and carbonation resistance tests were conducted. The test results show that concrete’s long-term performance and durability can be effectively improved by adopting the functional gradient concrete design. The functional gradient concrete adds an anti-freezing polycarboxylate superplasticizer, steel fiber, and polypropylene fiber. Therefore, it can better meet the actual needs of mass concrete structures in cold regions. The drying and autogenous shrinkage rates of mass concrete structures mixed with a composite water reducer were significantly reduced. As a result, this method effectively improved the microporous structure, reduced the loss of dynamic elastic modulus, and improved the anti-freezing performance of concrete of various strength grades. Furthermore, adding steel-like fiber and monofilament polypropylene fiber to the concrete outside the structure can improve the crack resistance of concrete and effectively inhibit the occurrence and development of dry shrinkage and early cracks. Therefore, it can better meet the actual needs of mass concrete structures in cold areas.