bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mind4Health: decolonizing gatekeeper trainings using a culturally relevant text message intervention
Authors: Caughlan Colbie , Kakuska Amanda , Manthei Jane , Galvin Lisa , Martinez Aurora , Kelley Allyson , Craig Rushing Stephanie
Published: September 2024

Background

When a person dies by suicide, it takes a reverberating emotional, physical, and economic toll on families and communities. The widespread use of social media among youth and adolescents, disclosures of emotional distress, suicidal ideation, intent to self-harm, and other mental health crises posted on these platforms have increased. One solution to address the need for responsive suicide prevention and mental health services is to implement a culturally-tailored gatekeeper training. The Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board (NPAIHB) developed Mind4Health, an online gatekeeper training (90 min) and text message intervention for caring adults of American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) youth.

Methods

The Mind4Health intervention was a multi-phase, single-arm, pre-and post-test study of users enrolled in the intervention that is available via text message (SMS) or via a 90 min online, self-paced training. We produced four datasets in this study: Mobile Commons, pre-survey data, post-survey data, and Healthy Native Youth website’s Google Analytics. The analysis included data cleaning, basic frequency counts, percentages, and descriptive statistics. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic content analysis methods and hand-coding techniques with two independent coders.

Results

From 2022 to 2024, 280 people enrolled in the Mind4Health SMS training, and 250 completed the 8-week intervention. Many messages in the sequence were multi-part text messages and over 21,500 messages were sent out during the timeframe. Of the 280 subscribers, 52 participated in the pre-survey. Pre-survey data show that 94% of participants were female, and nearly one-fourth lived in Washington state, 92% of participants in the pre-survey were very to moderately comfortable talking with youth about mental health (n= 48). Most participants interact with youth in grades K–12. Post-survey data demonstrate changes in knowledge, beliefs, comfort talking about mental health, and self-efficacy among participants. Mind4Health improved participant’s skills to have mental health conversations with youth and refer youth to resources in their community.
Understanding herpes zoster vaccine hesitancy and information asymmetry: a qualitative study in China
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Xing Yufei , Zhang Enming , Dai Zhengyue , Li Yuan , Shang Shuhui , Hu Jiale , Zhang Xian , Fang Qiong
Published: September 2024

Background

Herpes zoster is more prevalent among the older adult due to the age-related immune decline, leading to significant pain and complications. Although vaccination effectively prevents viral infections, vaccine hesitancy remains a major barrier to achieving high vaccination rates.To address this, we conducted a qualitative survey using Vaccine Hesitancy Determinants Matrix and 5C model to understand and improve vaccination rates in this group.

Methods

Descriptive qualitative research design based on the philosophical underpinnings of naturalistic inquiry and purposive sampling methodology was conducted on adults aged 50 and above, as well as community health workers. Data were collected through semi-structured, in-depth personal interviews. The interview outline was constructed following a comprehensive review of the literature and consideration of the theoretical framework.

Results

Seventeen adults over 50 years and four community healthcare workers were included in this study. The study found that information asymmetry in immunization planning was evident at all stages of vaccine supply, dissemination and demand. The main manifestations included limited access to authoritative information, insufficient community awareness of herpes zoster as a route of vaccination, insufficient vocational training, significant gaps in vaccine knowledge, and high levels of complacency among individual residents.

Conclusion

Herpes zoster vaccine hesitancy is prevalent among middle-aged and older adults in China due to information asymmetry, vaccine complacency, inadequate community services, and other multiple layers of factors. Public health strategies should aim to reduce cognitive biases and information gaps by disseminating diverse and credible vaccine information through social media, medical institutions, and offline channels to promote higher vaccination rates.
Mitigating COVID-19 in meat processing plants: what have we learned from cluster investigations?
Authors: Kooh Pauline , Guillois Yvonnick , Federighi Michel , Pivette Mathilde , Maillard Anne-Laure , Luong Ngoc-Du Martin , Chaix Estelle
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Several COVID-19 outbreaks have been reported in meat processing plants in different countries. The aim of this study was to assess the environmental and socio-economic risk factors favouring the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in meat processing plants and to describe the prevention measures implemented.

Methods

Data from epidemiological investigations of COVID-19 clusters in France, the scientific literature, structured interviews and site visits were collected and summarised to investigate the main risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection in meat processing plants, including determinants within and outside the workplace.

Results

An increased risk of infection was identified among workers with unfavourable socio-economic status (temporary/non-permanent workers, migrants, ethnic minorities, etc.), possibly related to community activities (house-sharing, car-sharing, social activities). Working conditions (proximity between workers) and environmental factors (low temperatures and inadequate ventilation) also appear to be important risk factors. These environmental conditions are particularly prevalent in cutting and boning plants, where the majority of reported cases are concentrated. Preventive measures applied included screening for COVID-19 symptoms, testing, wearing masks, increased hygiene and sanitation, physical and temporal distancing, control of ventilation. Certain food safety hygiene measures were compatible with protecting workers from SARS-CoV-2. The hygiene culture of agri-food workers made it easier to implement preventive measures after adaptation.

Conclusion

This study made it possible to identify the environmental and socio-economic factors conducive to the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in meat processing plants. The knowledge gained from this work was used in simulations to understand the transmission of the virus in the plants.
Training experience is an important factor affecting willingness for bystander CPR and awareness of AED: a survey of residents from a province in Central China in 2023
Authors: Tian Xueli , Zhang Yongle , Dou Dongmei
Published: September 2024

Background

Bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and the use of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) may improve survival in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of CPR training experience and sociodemographic characteristics on bystander CPR willingness and AED awareness.

Methods

In this study, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 3,569 residents in central China. Descriptive statistics, multiple linear regression and multivariate logistic regression modeling were used to investigate the effect of training experience and sociodemographic characteristics on knowledge of cardiac arrest first aid, awareness of AEDs, and willingness for bystander CPR.

Results

Of the 3,569 participants, nearly 52% were female, 69.6% were < 23 years old, 23.5% had CPR training and 22.1% had witnessed OHCA. Characteristics of increasing bystander CPR willingness included CPR training experience, male, witnessed OHCA but not acting, knowing whether family members have cardiac disease, older age (>40 years) and lower level of education. Farmers were the subgroup with the least awareness of AED and knowledge of first aid.

Conclusion

In China, CPR training experience was an important factor in improving bystanders’ CPR willingness, AED awareness and knowledge of cardiac arrest first aid. Additionally, having witnessed OHCA also had a positive effect on bystander CPR willingness.
AI integration in nephrology: evaluating ChatGPT for accurate ICD-10 documentation and coding
Authors: Abdelgadir Yasir , Thongprayoon Charat , Miao Jing , Suppadungsuk Supawadee , Pham Justin H. , Mao Michael A. , Craici Iasmina M. , Cheungpasitporn Wisit
Published: September 2024

Background

Accurate ICD-10 coding is crucial for healthcare reimbursement, patient care, and research. AI implementation, like ChatGPT, could improve coding accuracy and reduce physician burden. This study assessed ChatGPT’s performance in identifying ICD-10 codes for nephrology conditions through case scenarios for pre-visit testing.

Methods

Two nephrologists created 100 simulated nephrology cases. ChatGPT versions 3.5 and 4.0 were evaluated by comparing AI-generated ICD-10 codes against predetermined correct codes. Assessments were conducted in two rounds, 2 weeks apart, in April 2024.

Results

In the first round, the accuracy of ChatGPT for assigning correct diagnosis codes was 91 and 99% for version 3.5 and 4.0, respectively. In the second round, the accuracy of ChatGPT for assigning the correct diagnosis code was 87% for version 3.5 and 99% for version 4.0. ChatGPT 4.0 had higher accuracy than ChatGPT 3.5 (p = 0.02 and 0.002 for the first and second round respectively). The accuracy did not significantly differ between the two rounds (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

ChatGPT 4.0 can significantly improve ICD-10 coding accuracy in nephrology through case scenarios for pre-visit testing, potentially reducing healthcare professionals’ workload. However, the small error percentage underscores the need for ongoing review and improvement of AI systems to ensure accurate reimbursement, optimal patient care, and reliable research data.
Authentic or comfortable? What tourists want in the destination
Authors: He Linsi , Timothy Dallen J.
Published: September 2024

Authenticity is a popular research topic in tourism studies and is an important destination attribute that influences tourists and their decision-making. However, some studies have shown that tourists do not always seek authentic experiences and places. The purpose of this paper is to surmise why this might be the case. We employ Maslow's hierarchy of needs to articulate that pursuing authenticity represents a high-order need, and most tourists seek a balance between pursuing authenticity and lower-order needs, especially comfort. Based on level of comfort and perceived authenticity, four quadrants are presented, representing “desirable (comforting) authenticity,” “discomforting authenticity,” “discomforting-inauthenticity,” and “comforting-inauthenticity.” The paper argues that the optimal tourism product is the one associated with “desired authenticity.” Practical implications, limitations and future research suggestions are provided.
A rare case of early onset lewy body dementia with parkinsonism associated with chronic exposure to copper contaminated drinking water
Authors: Ratner Marcia H. , Rutchik Jonathan S.
Published: September 2024

There is a well-recognized relationship between a person’s body burden of essential trace elements such as copper and their neurological function in which both deficiencies and exposures to excessive concentrations are associated with adverse clinical outcomes. Preclinical studies indicate chronic excess copper exposure is associated with altered motor function, dopaminergic neuronal loss, astrocytosis, and microgliosis. Copper also promotes oligomerization and fibrilization of α-synuclein suggesting it may hasten the course of an α-synucleinopathy. Here we report a rare case of early onset Lewy Body Dementia with Parkinsonism in a 53-year-old Caucasian woman exposed to copper contaminated drinking water for more than 10 years. Her hair and that of her daughter had streaks of blue-green discoloration as did the porcelain sinks in their home. Testing confirmed copper contamination of the drinking water. A neurologist diagnosed her with Lewy Body Dementia with Parkinsonism. Skin biopsy for phosphorylated α was consistent with a diagnosis of an α-synucleinopathy. These findings suggest chronic exposure to excessive copper may act as disease modifying factor in Lewy Body Dementia with Parkinsonism. It has previously been recommended that individuals at risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) avoid excessive intake of copper. Genetic studies indicate that Lewy Body Dementia shares risk factors and pathways with AD. Based on the observations in this patient we recommend that individuals at risk for an α-synucleinopathy based on a positive family history, genetic testing, and/or positive results on a skin biopsy for phosphorylated α-synuclein avoid exposure to excess copper.
Retroviral coinfection (Jaagsiekte and Maedi-Visna viruses) in sheep with pulmonary tumors in Transylvania (Romania): retrospective study on 82 cases
Authors: Hodor Dragoș , Toma Corina , Negoescu Andrada , Olech Monika , Gordon Dumitru , Cătoi Cornel , Taulescu Marian
Published: September 2024

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is an important viral-induced neoplasia in sheep caused by exogenous Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (exJSRV). Coinfection of exJSRV and Maedi-Visna virus (MVV) is reported in OPA cases, but its worldwide distribution and significance on lung pathology is not yet completely understood. This study aimed to investigate the MVV coinfection rate in 82 exJSRV-related OPA cases, and their pathological effects on lung parenchyma in slaughtered sheep in Transylvania (Romania). On gross examination, classical form of OPA was identified in 92.7%; no changes consisting with MVV interstitial pneumonia were identified in the included cases. The most common histological type of OPA was acinar (58.5%) and the myxoid growths were found in 18 cases. The exJSRV and MMV coinfection rate in examined sheep was 47.6% (39/82). The assessment of perineoplastic areas from coinfected animals, revealed interstitial lymphoplasmacytic infiltrates in all cases, lymphoid hyperplasia in 60.6% cases (20/33) and fibromuscular hyperplasia in 63.7% (21/33). This is the first report providing new data on distribution of OPA coexisting with MVV infection in slaughtered sheep in Romania. We consider that the OPA and MVV coinfection may play an important role on the severity of ovine chronic pulmonary diseases and further studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.
Predictors of Birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness Practices Among Pregnant Women in Ethiopia, a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Alamrew Abebaw , Ayele Mulat , Shitie Lake Eyob , Mulugeta Chalie , Kumie Getinet , Birara Zemariam Alemu
Published: September 2024

Objectives

We conducted this review to identify factors associated with birth preparedness and complication readiness (BPCR) among pregnant women in Ethiopia. BPCR is a comprehensive approach that helps address delays in seeking care for obstetric problems.

Methods

PRISMA was followed and different databases were used to find studies. Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with a 95% Confidence Interval was used to identify factors. The I2 statistic, funnel plot, and Egger test were used to assess the heterogeneity of studies and publication bias.

Results

Knowledge of BPCR, danger signs during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum (AOR = 1.99, 95% CI: 1.51, 2.64, AOR = 1.55; 95% CI: 1.35, 1.80; AOR = 1.45; 95% CI: 1.27, 1.63, and AOR = 1.4; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.63), respectively, residency (AOR = 1.49; 95% CI: 1.32, 1.68), antenatal care visit (AOR = 1.59; 95% CI: 1.43, 1.78), history of stillbirth (AOR = 1.58; 95% CI: 1.36, 1.86), and educational status (AOR = 1.62: 95% CI: 1.45, 1.78) were significantly associated with BPCR practice.

Conclusion

This study identified some modifiable factors in the practice of BPCR. Integrating counseling and expanding ANC services in health facilities may improve BPCR practice.
Detection and Reconstruction of Bursting Oscillations in Complex Systems Using the HAVOK Analysis Framework
Authors: Cai Xueyi , Qian Youhua
Published: September 2024

Multi-scale dynamical systems may exhibit bursting oscillations, which are typically identified by analyzing time series and phase portraits. However, in cases where bursting oscillations are not apparent, relying solely on these methods may have limitations in accurately detecting their occurrence. This paper introduces the HAVOK analysis framework to the field of bursting oscillations. By using single-variable time series data, models that may produce bursting oscillations are restructured into forced linear models. This approach allows for the rapid prediction of bursting oscillations by observing the forced terms. The results show that the intermittent periodic bursts in the visualizations of the forced eigen time series within the HAVOK framework are strongly correlated with the excitation states in bursting oscillations, enabling the prediction of their occurrence. Especially in cases where it is challenging to determine the presence of bursting oscillations through time series plots alone, this method can still sensitively detect them. Additionally, the embedded and reconstructed flow fields plotted using this approach can help understand the dynamics of bursting oscillations in certain scenarios.
Radial Basis Function (RBF) and Multilayer Perceptron (MLP) Comparative Analysis on Building Renovation Cost Estimation: The Case of Greece
Authors: Papadimitriou Vasso E. , Aretoulis Georgios N. , Papathanasiou Jason
Published: September 2024

Renovation of buildings has become a major area of development for the construction industry. In the building construction sector, generating a precise and trustworthy cost estimate before building begins is the greatest challenge. Emphasizing the value of using ANN models to forecast the total cost of a building renovation project is the ultimate objective. As a result, building firms may be able to avoid financial losses as long as there is as little discrepancy between projected and actual costs for remodeling works in progress. To address the gap in the research, Greek contractors specializing in building renovations provided a sizable dataset of real project cost data. To build cost prediction ANNs, the collected data had to be organized, assessed, and appropriately encoded. The network was developed, trained, and tested using IBM SPSS Statistics software 28.0.0.0. The dependent variable is the final cost. The independent variables are initial cost, estimated completion time, actual completion time, delay time, initial and final demolition-drainage costs, cost of expenses, initial and final plumbing costs, initial and final heating costs, initial and final electrical costs, initial and final masonry costs, initial and final construction costs of plasterboard construction, initial and final cost of bathrooms, initial and final cost of flooring, initial and final cost of frames, initial and final cost of doors, initial and final cost of paint, and initial and final cost of kitchen construction. The first procedure that was employed was the radial basis function (RBF). The efficiency of the RBFNN model was evaluated and analyzed during training and testing, with up to 6% sum of squares error and nearly 0% relative error in the training sample, which accounted for roughly 70% of the total sample. The second procedure implemented was the method called the multi-layer perceptron (MLP). The efficiency of the MLPNN model was assessed and examined during training and testing; the training sample, which made up around 70% of the overall sample, had a relative error of 0–7% and a sum of squares error ranging from 1% to 5%, confirming specifically the efficacy of RBFNN in calculating the overall cost of renovations.
Back to Industry—Evaluating Women’s Return to Chartered Accreditation Post-Maternity in the Built Environment Sector Professions
Authors: Clarkson Sinead , Hind Lucy
Published: September 2024

Efforts have been made to improve gender diversity in the built environment professions. This sector continues to experience growth restrictions due to skill shortages. Some progress has been made at the entry level; however, the retention of women in professional roles within this sector continues to present a challenge. Support for women during maternity, upon return to work and while working with family has been identified as a barrier to women’s progression in this sector. Professional bodies are uniquely placed to support their female members. Therefore, this study had two aims: to examine current professional body support for members during and after maternity leave and to examine the experiences of female professionals, who have taken maternity leave whilst holding membership in a built environment professional body. This study adopted an embedded, mixed-method design, using a secondary, qualitative data set to augment the primary, quantitative data set, within one phase. Surveys were distributed directly to professional bodies and to professionals via social media (LinkedIn). The survey of the professional bodies identified a varied approach to maternity support. The professional member survey identified a lack of awareness of available support, and generally the need for more support during maternity and on return to work. In summary, professional bodies in the built environment could improve maternity support for members by improving communication and achieving parity in support across the various disciplines.
The Development of a Next-Generation Latticed Resistojet Thruster for CubeSats
Authors: Turner Daniel , Howie Robert , Bland Phil
Published: September 2024

CubeSat and small satellite resistojet heat exchanger designs are based on conventional concepts that have been used since the 1960s, being primarily limited to helical or twisted tape heat exchangers. The design flexibility enabled by new additive manufacturing technologies is yet to be properly harnessed. This study introduces a novel resistojet concept that incorporates a highly miniaturized lattice structure as the heat exchanger. A conjugate heat transfer analysis determined that the lattice with a diamond unit cell had superior thermal performance compared to the same lattice with a gyroid unit cell and increased the heat transfer rate by up to 11% compared to a helical heat exchanger of the same volume. Performance testing of the prototype thruster with integral diamond lattice indicated that specific impulses of up to 94 s were possible with a 30-Watt heater using nitrous oxide as the propellant. The prototype thruster weighed only 22 g and demonstrated a 67% reduction in the power required to achieve the same specific impulse as previous nitrous oxide resistojets designed for the small satellite platform. The development of highly miniaturized latticed resistojets is shown to be feasible and highly attractive for CubeSats, where mass and power are of the utmost importance.
Study on the Improvement of Theoretical and Electric Field Simulation Methods for the Accurate Prediction of FEEP Thruster Performance
Authors: Shin Jeongsik , Lee Kyun Ho , Kuk Jungwon , Ko Han Seo
Published: September 2024

In this study, we investigate and propose an improved theoretical method to more accurately predict the performance of a field-emission electric propulsion (FEEP) thruster with its complex configuration. We identify critical flaws in the previous theoretical methods and derive corrected equations. Additionally, we define and implement the overall half angle of the Taylor cone to account for variations in the Taylor cone’s half angle depending on the applied voltage. Next, we also establish an improved method of the electric filed simulation in a three-dimensional domain to accurately predict a trajectory of extracted ions and a resulting spatial beam distribution of the FEEP thruster by incorporating a configuration of the Taylor cone with the estimated overall half angle from the results of the present theoretical method. Through comparison with the experimental measurements, we found that the present improved methods for theoretical and electric field simulations can yield more accurate predictions than those of the previous methods, especially for higher V and Iem regimes, which correspond to the actual operating conditions of the FEEP thruster. Consequently, we anticipate that the proposed methods can enhance the reliability and efficiency of the design process by accurately predicting performance when developing the new FEEP thruster with its non-symmetric complex configuration to match specific thrust or spatial beam requirements.
Enhancing Maize Yield and Nutrient Utilization through Improved Soil Quality under Reduced Fertilizer Use: The Efficacy of Organic–Inorganic Compound Fertilizer
Authors: Chen Xiaoying , Li Zishuang , Zhao Huanyu , Li Yan , Wei Jianlin , Ma Lei , Zheng Fuli , Tan Deshui
Published: September 2024

Objectives: The substitution of chemical fertilizers with organic alternatives presents a viable strategy for enhancing soil quality and boosting agricultural productivity. However, the question remains whether organic–inorganic compound fertilizers (COIFs) can sustain improved soil quality and crop yields while reducing chemical fertilizer use. The underlying mechanisms of COIF’s impact still warrant further exploration. Methods: In this study, a long-term fertilization trial was conducted from 2020 to 2023 at two sites with different soil textures and types in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain, China. The experiment involved three fertilization treatments, each replicated three times: (1) LCF (conventional fertilizer treatment); (2) COIF1 (COIF applied at 90% of the recommended rate); and (3) COIF2 (COIF applied at 80% of the recommended rate). The objective was to assess the effects of COIF on summer maize growth, grain yield, nutrient uptake and utilization, and soil quality. Results: Compared to LCF, COIF1 in Yantai and Dezhou increased biomass by 6.4% and 8.1%, grain yield by 5.9% and 4.12%, PFP (N, P, and K) by 17.6% and 15.7%, and soil quality by 563.6% and 462.5%, respectively. No significant differences in biomass and grain yield were observed between COIF2 and LCF, yet COIF1 in Yantai and Dezhou enhanced PFP (N, P, and K) by 19.7% and 18.6%, and soil quality by 109.1% and 175.0%, respectively. In conclusion, COIF improved soil quality by enhancing soil organic matter (SOM), available nutrients, pH, and other soil indices. It promoted summer maize growth, increased grain yield, and improved nutrient utilization. COIF was a practical and effective measure to reduce chemical fertilizer use, enhance field soil quality, and ultimately increase maize yield and nutrient utilization.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of a Humic Substances-Based Product for Lettuce Growth and Nitrogen Use Efficiency under Low Nitrogen Conditions
Authors: Atero-Calvo Santiago , Magro Francesco , Masetti Giacomo , Navarro-León Eloy , Rios Juan Jose , Ruiz Juan Manuel
Published: September 2024

Increasing crop yield with low-N supplies has become one of the main aims of current agriculture to reduce the excessive use of chemical fertilizers. A sustainable strategy to improve crop productivity, N assimilation, and N Use Efficiency (NUE) under limit-N growth conditions is the application of biostimulants, such as humic substances (HS). Here, we evaluated the effectiveness of an HS-based biostimulant, BLACKJAK®, in improving lettuce growth and NUE under N-deficit conditions. Thus, BLACKJAK® was applied radicularly (R) and foliarly (F) at the following doses: R-HS 0.40 mL/L, R-HS 0.60 mL/L, F-HS 7.50 mL/L, and F-HS 10.00 mL/L. Three N levels were applied: optimal (7 mM) and N-deficit (3 mM and 1 mM). The results showed that shoot dry weight (DW) was reduced at 3 mM N (−32%) and 1 mM N (−42%). However, R and F BLACKJAK® enhanced plant growth at all three N levels, especially with F-HS at 10.00 mL/L, which showed an increase of 43% in shoot DW at 3 and 1 mM N, compared to plants not treated with HS. BLAKCJAK® also improved photosynthesis, NO3− and organic N accumulation, the activity of N assimilation enzymes, and the concentration of amino acids and proteins, regardless of the N level. In addition, HS enhanced NUE parameters under all N conditions, except for R-HS 0.60 mL/L at 1 mM N. Hence, our study suggests that the HS-based product BLACKJAK® could be a good candidate for reducing chemical fertilizer use and improving lettuce growth and NUE under low N conditions, although further research is required.
An Optimized Semi-Supervised Generative Adversarial Network Rice Extraction Method Based on Time-Series Sentinel Images
Authors: Du Lingling , Li Zhijun , Wang Qian , Zhu Fukang , Tan Siyuan
Published: September 2024

In response to the limitations of meteorological conditions in global rice growing areas and the high cost of annotating samples, this paper combines the Vertical-Vertical (VV) polarization and Vertical-Horizontal (VH) polarization backscatter features extracted from Sentinel-1 synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images and the NDVI, NDWI, and NDSI spectral index features extracted from Sentinel-2 multispectral images. By leveraging the advantages of an optimized Semi-Supervised Generative Adversarial Network (optimized SSGAN) in combining supervised learning and semi-supervised learning, rice extraction can be achieved with fewer annotated image samples. Within the optimized SSGAN framework, we introduce a focal-adversarial loss function to enhance the learning process for challenging samples; the generator module employs the Deeplabv3+ architecture, utilizing a Wide-ResNet network as its backbone while incorporating dropout layers and dilated convolutions to improve the receptive field and operational efficiency. Experimental results indicate that the optimized SSGAN, particularly when utilizing a 3/4 labeled sample ratio, significantly improves rice extraction accuracy, leading to a 5.39% increase in Mean Intersection over Union (MIoU) and a 2.05% increase in Overall Accuracy (OA) compared to the highest accuracy achieved before optimization. Moreover, the integration of SAR and multispectral data results in an OA of 93.29% and an MIoU of 82.10%, surpassing the performance of single-source data. These findings provide valuable insights for the extraction of rice information in global rice-growing regions.
Impacts of Soil Compaction and Phosphorus Levels on the Dynamics of Phosphate-Solubilizing and Nitrogen-Fixing Bacteria in the Peanut Rhizosphere
Authors: Wu Qi , Yang Liyu , Liang Haiyan , Liu Miao , Chen Yinglong , Chen Dianxu , Shen Pu
Published: September 2024

Soil properties, including soil compaction and the nutrient content, influence the composition and functions of rhizosphere microbial communities. There is limited information on how soil compaction and phosphorus application affect phosphate-solubilizing (PSB) and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB). This study aimed to examine the responses of PSB and NFB in the rhizosphere of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) plants under varying soil compaction and phosphorus application levels. To address this, pot experiments were conducted to assess the composition and assembly processes of rhizosphere PSB and NFB in peanut cultivar Hua Yu 22 under two soil compaction levels (T1, 1.25 g/cm3 compaction, and T2, 1.00 g/cm3 compaction) and two phosphorus (P) levels (P0, no P applied, and P1, 1.2 mM P/kg soil applied). The results showed that PSB community shifts were closely correlated with the content of soil available phosphorus, soil acid phosphatase activity, soil nitrogenase activity, and soil compaction. Additionally, the content of soil available phosphorus and soil compaction were correlated with changes in operational taxonomic units of NFB. A network analysis revealed that the complexities of PSB were significantly higher than those of NFB. A stronger negative relationship was identified among NFB communities. The assembly of PSB communities was primarily driven by drift processes, whereas NFB communities were influenced by a combination of homogenizing selection and drift. Both PSB and NFB community compositions were significantly affected by phosphorus limitations and soil compaction. These findings enhance our understanding of the impacts of soil compaction and phosphorus application on PSB and NFB communities, with implications for optimizing peanut crop production. Our results will provide reference for crop cultivation in compacted and low-phosphorus soils. The important phosphate-solubilizing and nitrogen-fixing bacteria screened in the interaction network in this study will become candidate microbial agents for alleviating soil compaction and low phosphorus levels.
Characteristics of Dissolved Organic Matter as Affected by Decomposition of Different Organic Materials in Alpine Wetland
Authors: Song Yueguang , Li Meng , Wang Yifei , Yang Weishan
Published: September 2024

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays a significant role in the nutrient supply, energy flow, and pollutant transportation in the wetland ecosystem. However, little is known about the effect of the decomposition of different organic materials in alpine wetland water on the DOM characteristics. By conducting a 90-day decomposition experiment with the addition of different organic materials (peat soil, yak manure, and plant litter) alone or their combinations into alpine wetland water, we characterized the water DOM using three-dimension excitation-emission matrix spectroscopy. The results showed that the decomposition of organic materials significantly affected the chemical properties, sources, humification degree, and composition of the water DOM. The decomposition increased dissolved organic carbon and dissolved total nitrogen in the water. For most of the water samples, a fluorescence index ranging from 1.4 to 1.7 and a biological index of less than 0.8 may indicate that both autochthonous and allochthonous sources contributed to the water DOM, which may primarily rely on allochthonous sources. UVA (37.55–46.81% of total fluorescent components) and UVC fulvic-like substances (29.91–35.53% of total fluorescent components) dominated the water DOM compositions. Among the treatments, additions of peat soil and yak manure led to the highest and the lowest humification degree of the water DOM, respectively. For the treatment of the combination decomposition of all three organic materials, the yak manure may stimulate microbial activity and facilitate the decomposition of plant litter and peat soil and, therefore, boost the humic-like substances in the water DOM. These findings may help the development of wetland biomass management with the objective of maintaining alpine wetland ecosystem services.
Stakeholder Insights: A Socio-Agronomic Study on Varietal Innovation Adoption, Preferences, and Sustainability in the Arracacha Crop (Arracacia xanthorrhiza B.)
Authors: Navarro-Niño Diego Alberto , Villamil-Carvajal Jorge Enrique , Polo-Murcia Sonia Mercedes
Published: September 2024

Arracacha, a root crop indigenous to the Andean region of South America, holds significant agronomic and socio-economic importance in Colombia. The study aims to evaluate the impacts of adopting the ‘Agrosavia La 22’ variety on agricultural sustainability and productivity, encompassing economic, environmental, and social dimensions. Additionally, it analyzes the preferences of farmers and other stakeholders regarding the sustainability of the introduced technological innovations. Conducted over three years (2021–2023), the study offers comprehensive insights into adoption trends and stakeholder perceptions. Utilizing the Ambitec-Agro methodology, the research assesses the environmental, social, and economic impacts of ‘Agrosavia La 22’. Data collection involved field observations and interviews with farmers and key actors in the arracacha supply chain. Results indicate a substantial increase in the cultivated area from 1500 hectares in 2021 to 2650 hectares in 2023, with the proportion of total cultivated area rising from 47.6% to 84.1%. Economically, ‘Agrosavia La 22’ demonstrated significant input cost savings, reducing costs by USD 347 per hectare by 2023 and enhancing producer surplus from USD 30.95 to USD 651.16 per hectare. Yield comparisons show higher median yields for ‘Agrosavia La 22’ (20 t ha−1 in 2023) compared to traditional varieties (12.5 t ha−1). Socially, there was a marked improvement in farmers’ income perceptions, and environmentally, there was a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (324.05 kg CO2-eq ha−1) due to optimized fertilizer and pesticide applications. Eco-efficiency (EE) analysis shows that ‘Agrosavia La 22’ consistently demonstrated positive EE values, indicating economic viability alongside lower GHG emissions. In 2021, its EE stood at 2.2 USD/kg CO2-eq, increasing to 27.75 USD/kg CO2-eq by 2023, reflecting substantial economic gains relative to environmental impact. Conversely, the traditional variety initially exhibited lower EE due to high GHG emissions. Challenges such as soil quality decline and market price volatility were noted. Overall, the findings underscore the economic, social, and environmental benefits of ‘Agrosavia La 22’. Furthermore, the methodology used in this study can be applied to the evaluation of other varietal innovations in developing countries with limited resources for assessing agricultural technology impacts.
Developing Novel Microsatellite Markers for Kaempferia parviflora by Microsatellite Capture Sequencing (MiCAPs)
Authors: Shi Miao , Tanaka Keisuke , Rivera Marlon P. , Ngure Godfrey M. , Watanabe Kazuo N.
Published: September 2024

Kaempferia parviflora, a medicinal plant widely used in Southeast Asia, has been validated clinically for its diverse pharmaceutical applications. Despite extensive research in pharmacology, there is a notable lack of cytogenetic and genomic research, primarily due to limited genetic information. Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) is considered a robust class of molecular markers frequently used in biodiversity studies. In this study, we adopted Microsatellite Capture Sequencing (MiCAPs) to obtain SSR sequences for marker development. We identified 13,644 SSRs and developed and validated ten sets of SSR markers through capillary electrophoresis. The ten primer sets generated 27 alleles, with an average Polymorphism Information Content (PIC) of 0.36. Principle Coordinate Analysis (PCoA) distinguished two types of K. parviflora, consistent with classification by leaf margin color (red and green). A neighbor-joining dendrogram of seven Zingiberaceae species was constructed with the SSR-containing sequences. The 2-c value of K. parviflora is first reported here as 3.16 ± 0.03; the genome size is estimated at 3090.48 Mbp. The newly developed molecular markers are crucial for variety identification and the conservation of wild resources. Additionally, the cytogenetic and phylogenetic information provides valuable insights into the genetic diversity and evolutionary relationships.
Propagation Dynamics from Meteorological to Agricultural Drought in Northwestern China: Key Influencing Factors
Authors: Feng Kai , Yuan Haobo , Wang Yingying , Li Yanbin , Wang Xiaowan , Wang Fei , Su Xiaoling , Zhang Zezhong
Published: September 2024

Meteorological and agricultural droughts are inherently correlated, whereas the propagation mechanism between them remains unclear in Northwestern China. Investigating the linkages between these drought types and identifying the potential influencing factors is crucial for effective water resource management and drought mitigation. This study adopted the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) and Standardized Soil Moisture Index (SSMI) to characterize the meteorological and agricultural droughts from 1960 to 2018. The propagation time between these droughts was detected using the Pearson correlation analysis, and the cross-wavelet transform and wavelet cross-correlation were utilized to describe their linkages across the time–frequency scales. The grey relational analysis was applied to explore the potential factors influencing the propagation time. The results revealed that the agricultural drought typically lagged behind the meteorological drought by an average of 6 months in Northwestern China, with distinct seasonal and regional characteristics. The shortest propagation time occurred in the summer (3 months), followed by the autumn (4 months), and the propagation time was longer in the winter (8 months) and spring (9 months). Additionally, the average propagation time was longer in the plateau climate zone (8 months) than in the southeastern climate zone (6 months) and the westerly climate zone (4 months). There was a multi-timescale response between the meteorological and agricultural droughts, with a relatively stable and significant positive correlation over long timescales, whereas the correlation was less clear over short timescales. The key factors influencing the propagation time were soil moisture, elevation, precipitation, and potential evapotranspiration. Furthermore, the wavelet cross-correlation between agricultural and meteorological droughts was relatively high, with a lag of 0 to 3 months; as the timescale increased, the fluctuation period of their cross-correlation also increased.
Carbon and Nitrogen Stocks in Soil under Native Pastures in the Pantanal Wetland Biome, Brazil
Authors: Freitas Diego Antonio França de , Silva Marx Leandro Naves , Cardoso Evaldo Luis , Oliveira Dener Marcio da Silva , Moitinho Mara Regina , Curi Nilton
Published: September 2024

The Pantanal has a high diversity of native pastures that provide food for many wild and domestic animals. Pantanal cattle raising is practiced in an extensive grazing-based system that varies according to the flood levels in the area. This study aimed to evaluate the fractions of soil organic matter in areas of native pastures under different uses and to quantify C and N stocks in sandy soils of the Pantanal. Soil samples from three native pastures differentiated by the predominance of Hymenachne amplexicaulis, Axonopus purpusii, and Mesosetum chaseae under different land use systems (continuous grazing and no grazing for five years) were collected and used to quantify the contents of carbon, nitrogen, and humic fractions. The dynamics of SOM are modified in grazed areas of the Pantanal, with influence on C and N, including their stocks. Native pastures of Axonopus purpusii and Hymenachne amplexicaulis showed an increase in organic matter after five years without grazing, while Mesosetum chaseae showed lower soil density and nitrogen levels. The highest C stock was observed in ungrazed areas of H. amplexicaulis (127.41 Mg ha−1 in the 0–40 cm layer). The dynamics of nitrogen in Pantanal pastures are influenced by the type of vegetation and land management, with higher nitrogen content in the surface layer (0–10 cm) and an increasing C/N ratio with soil depth, indicating lower nitrogen availability.
Survey on Resilient Olive Groves Previously Severely Damaged by Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca in Salento (Apulia, Italy)
Authors: Scortichini Marco , Ragno Domenico
Published: September 2024

The initial outbreak of Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca (Xfp) on olive groves in Salento (Apulia, Italy) dates back to the years 2008 and 2009 when extensive twig and branch diebacks were observed in the area of Gallipoli area (province of Lecce). Subsequently, the bacterium also spread northwards to other areas of Apulia. In many cases, entire olive groves, also including the centennial ones, died. After the crown collapse, in many cases, it has been observed that the suckers are resprouting at the base of the trunk. After two to three years, such suckers usually died as well. However, during the last four to five years, in the first Xfp outbreak area, a complete restoration of the crown of the Xfp-susceptible cultivars Ogliarola salentina and Cellina di Nardò has been noticed. Such trees or olive groves also started to yield again. To monitor this tree resilience phenomenon, together with local non-profit organizations, a survey in the province of Lecce has been carried out to find olive groves for which any curative or agronomical practices have been applied since the bacterium outbreak. Resilient olive groves are scattered in many municipalities all over the province of Lecce. The phenomenon regards both young and adult olive groves and also includes some centennial trees. In many cases, the trees are yielding fruits, and farmers started to cultivate them again. Olive resilience in Salento is already being studied and can represent a significant opportunity to restore the local and valuable olive germplasm.
Associations of Neonatal Dairy Calf Faecal Microbiota with Inflammatory Markers and Future Performance
Authors: Loch Marina , Dorbek-Sundström Elisabeth , Husso Aleksi , Pessa-Morikawa Tiina , Niine Tarmo , Kaart Tanel , Mõtus Kerli , Niku Mikael , Orro Toomas
Published: September 2024

After birth, the immune system is challenged by numerous elements of the extrauterine environment, reflected in fluctuations of inflammatory markers. The concentrations of these markers in the first month of life are associated with the future performance of dairy youngstock. It is thought that bacterial genera colonizing the calf intestinal tract can cause inflammation and thus affect their host’s performance via immunomodulation. This study explored how the faecal microbiota of newborn dairy calves were related to inflammatory markers during the first three weeks of life, and if the abundance of specific genera was associated with first-lactation performance. Ninety-five female Holstein calves were studied. Once a week, serum and faecal samples were collected, serum concentrations of serum amyloid A, haptoglobin, tumour necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 were measured, and faecal microbiota composition was examined by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Faecal Gallibacterium abundance in the first week of age and Collinsella abundance in the second week were negatively associated with inflammatory response as well as with calving–conception interval. Peptostreptococcus abundance in the second week of life was positively associated with inflammatory response and calving–conception interval, and negatively with average daily weight gain. In the third week, Dorea abundance was positively, Bilophila abundance was negatively associated with inflammatory response, and both genera were negatively associated with age at first calving. These bacterial genera may be able to influence the inflammatory response and through this, possibly the future performance of the dairy heifer. Deciphering such microbiota–host interactions can help improve calf management to benefit production and welfare.