bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does pomegranate extract supplementation improve the clinical symptoms of patients with allergic asthma? A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Ahmad , Shateri Zainab , Abolnezhadian Farhad , Maraghi Elham , Haddadzadeh Shoushtari Maryam , Zilaee Marzie
Published: January 2023

Background: Asthma essentially represents a chronic inflammatory disease that manifests as a lifelong condition with different severity throughout the life of patients with asthma. Pomegranate holds three times the antioxidant activity compared to other polyphenol-rich food sources like green tea, which may positively impact asthma.

Aim of the study: This research aimed to investigate the pomegranate supplementation influences clinical symptoms, eosinophil, basophil, and neutrophil counts in patients with allergic asthma.

Materials and Methods: Participants (n = 64) suffering from mild to moderate allergic asthma were randomly divided into two groups: The control group received placebo capsules and the intervention group received 250 mg pomegranate extract capsules twice a day (for 8 weeks). To analyze the data, we used SPSS software (version 22). The significance level of p-value was considered less than 0.05.

Results: The findings showed that the pomegranate extract improved patients’ clinical symptoms like daily breath shortness, nocturnal breath shortness, and limitation of asthma-related activity in the intervention group compared to the control group. Furthermore, eosinophil, basophil, and neutrophil counts were significantly decreased in the intervention group. Also, by comparing the two groups, the levels of change in neutrophils and eosinophils were statistically significant.

Conclusion: It appears that the pomegranate extract can ameliorate some clinical symptoms and reduce neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils in allergic asthma patients.

Clinical Trial Registration:https://www.irct.ir/trial/45612; identifier: IRCT20200205046384N1.
Hyperbaric oxygen preconditioning for prevention of acute high-altitude diseases: Fact or fiction?
Authors: You Jiuhong , Chen Xinxin , Zhou Mei , Ma Hui , Liu Qiaoling , Huang Cheng
Published: January 2023

Acute high-altitude diseases, including acute mountain sickness (AMS), high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), and high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), have been recognized as potentially lethal diseases for altitude climbers. Various preconditioning stimuli, including hyperbaric oxygen (HBO), have been proposed to prevent acute high-altitude diseases. Herein, we reviewed whether and how HBO preconditioning could affect high-altitude diseases and summarized the results of current trials. Evidence suggests that HBO preconditioning may be a safe and effective preventive method for acute high-altitude diseases. The proposed mechanisms of HBO preconditioning in preventing high-altitude diseases may involve: 1) protection of the blood-brain barrier and prevention of brain edema, 2) inhibition of the inflammatory responses, 3) induction of the hypoxia-inducible factor and its target genes, and 4) increase in antioxidant activity. However, the optimal protocol of HBO preconditioning needs further exploration. Translating the beneficial effects of HBO preconditioning into current practice requires the “conditioning strategies” approach. More large-scale and high-quality randomized controlled studies are needed in the future.
The effect of Bafa Wubu of Tai Chi on college students’ anxiety and depression: A randomized, controlled pilot study
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , Gao Tianming , Li Yameng , Song Zhenshao , Cui Meize , Wei Qiuyang , Chen Zaihao , Peng Fang , Lyu Shaojun
Published: January 2023

Objective: This pilot study aimed to explore the mechanism of the effects of Bafa Wubu of Tai Chi (BWTC) on anxiety and depression in college students using resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (RS-fMRI).

Methods: Eighteen college students (5 males and 13 females) with anxiety and depression met the study criteria and were randomly divided into an experimental group (aged 24.20 ± 4.07 years) and a control group (aged 22.50 ± 5.95). The experimental group received an eight-week BWTC intervention five times/week for 60 min/session. The control group maintained normal daily life without any exercise intervention. These students were assessed using RS-fMRI scans, the self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), and the self-rating depression scale (SDS). Spearman correlation analysis was used, and statistical significance was defined as a two-sided p-value of <0.05.

Results: After the intervention, the SAS and SDS scores of the BWTC group significantly reduced (p = 0.002; p = 0.001). Compared with the control group, the fALFF values of the right middle frontal gyrus, orbital part (Frontal_Mid_Orb_R) (p = 0.043), right inferior occipital gyrus (Occipital_Inf_R) (p = 0.003), and right middle temporal gyrus of the temporal pole (Temporal_Pole_Mid_R) (p = 0.003) in the BWTC group increased significantly; the fALFF values of the left middle frontal gyrus (Frontal_Mid_L) (p = 0.001) and right supplementary motor area (Supp_Motor_Area_R) (p = 0.010) in BWTC group decreased significantly. The fALFF values of Frontal_Mid_Orb_R were significantly positively correlated with the SDS score (r = 0.852, p = 0.015) and the fALFF values of Frontal_Mid_L were significantly negatively correlated with the SAS score (r = −0.797, p = 0.032).

Conclusion: In this pilot study with college students, BWTC alleviated anxiety and depression, potentially through modulating activity in the Frontal_Mid_L and Frontal_Mid_Orb_R, respectively.
Breathing exercise for hypertensive patients: A scoping review
Authors: Herawati Isnaini , Mat Ludin Arimi Fitri , M Mutalazimah , Ishak Ismarulyusda , Farah Nor M. F.
Published: January 2023

Background: Non-pharmacological management of hypertension includes weight loss, alcohol and sodium restriction, regular exercise, and relaxation. In people with overweight hypertension, systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) can be decreased via exercise and weight loss together. Breathing exercises are one method of relaxing.

Objectives: The aim of this scoping review is to map the information that is currently available about the advantages of breathing exercises in decreasing blood pressure in hypertension patients.

Methods: This scoping review adheres to Arksey and O’Malley’s framework, which entails identifying review questions, seeking pertinent evidence, choosing pertinent studies, mapping data, and discussing, concluding, and reporting the findings. The PRISMA flowchart is used to show how the evidence search process works.

Results: As a result, 339 articles in total were retrieved from the three databases. 20 papers total were included in this review after screening. In 14 of the 20 investigations, participants with stage 1 and stage 2 essential hypertension, two with pre-hypertension, and four with Isolated Systolic Hypertension (ISH) were studied. The respondents’ ages ranged from 18 to 75. The systolic blood pressure declined by 4–54.22 mmHg, while the diastolic blood pressure dropped by 3–17 mmHg.

Conclusion: Slow breathing can be used as an alternate, non-pharmacological therapy for hypertension individuals to reduce blood pressure.

Systematic Review Registration: (https://osf.io/ta9u6/).
Effect of kinesio taping in combination with vibration treatment on college students’ delayed-onset muscle soreness
Authors: Que Ning
Published: January 2023

Objective: Kinesio taping (KT) and vibration treatment (VT) can alleviate delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) to some extent. However, the literature reports on the difference between the two treatments, and whether a joint intervention (JI) works better than single treatments remains unknown. This study compares the effects of KT, VT and JI on DOMS in college students.

Methods: A total of 88 college students were randomly divided into the KT (KTG, n = 21), VT (VTG, n = 22), JI (JIG, n = 23) and control (CG, n = 22) groups. All subjects underwent DOMS moulding. The baseline; immediate and 24, 48 and 72 h visual analogue scale (VAS) scores and knee extensor maximum isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC) were determined.

Results: The intergroup comparison showed the following results. 1) The VAS scores of the four groups peaked at 24 h and gradually decreased. The immediate, 24 h and 48 h VAS scores followed the order: JIG > KTG and VTG > CG. The 72 h VAS score followed the order: KTG < VTG < JIG < CG. 2) The knee extension MIVC in the four groups was lowest at 24 h and then gradually increased. JIG had larger immediate MIVC than CG. KTG, VTG and JIG had larger 24 h MIVC than CG. JIG had larger 48 h MIVC than KTG and CG.

Conclusion: KT and VT can reduce muscle pain and strength loss caused by DOMS to varying degrees. VT is better than KT in improving pain. The combined intervention worked better than single interventions.
Molecular characterization and functional analysis of cytochrome P450-mediated detoxification CYP302A1 gene involved in host plant adaptation in Spodoptera frugieprda
Authors: Hafeez Muhammad , Li Xiaowei , Chen Limin , Ullah Farman , Huang Jun , Zhang Zhijun , Zhang Jinming , Siddiqui Junaid Ali , Zhou Shu-xing , Ren Xiao-yun , Imran Muhammad , Assiri Mohammed A. , Lou Yonggen , Lu Yaobin
Published: January 2023

The fall armyworm (FAW) Spodoptera frugiperda is a destructive and polyphagous pest of many essential food crops including maize and rice. The FAW is hard to manage, control, or eradicate, due to its polyphagous nature and voracity of feeding. Here, we report the characterization and functional analysis of the detoxification gene CYP302A1 and how S. frugieprda larvae use a detoxification mechanism to adapt host plants. Results demonstrated that CYP302A1 expression levels were much higher in midgut tissue and the older S. frugiperda larvae. Our current studies revealed the enhanced P450 activity in the midguts of S. frugiperda larvae after exposure to rice plants as compared to corn plants and an artificial diet. Furthermore, higher mortality was observed in PBO treated larvae followed by the exposure of rice plants as compared to the corn plant. The dsRNA-fed larvae showed downregulation of CYP302A1 gene in the midgut. At the same time, higher mortality, reduced larval weight and shorter developmental time was observed in the dsRNA-fed larvae followed by the exposure of rice plant as compared to the corn plant and DEPC-water treated plants as a control. These results concluded that the inducible P450 enzyme system and related genes could provide herbivores with an ecological opportunity to adapt to diverse host plants by utilizing secondary compounds present in their host plants.
Retrieving rice (Oryza sativa L.) net photosynthetic rate from UAV multispectral images based on machine learning methods
Authors: Wu Tianao , Zhang Wei , Wu Shuyu , Cheng Minghan , Qi Lushang , Shao Guangcheng , Jiao Xiyun
Published: January 2023

Photosynthesis is the key physiological activity in the process of crop growth and plays an irreplaceable role in carbon assimilation and yield formation. This study extracted rice (Oryza sativa L.) canopy reflectance based on the UAV multispectral images and analyzed the correlation between 25 vegetation indices (VIs), three textural indices (TIs), and net photosynthetic rate (Pn) at different growth stages. Linear regression (LR), support vector regression (SVR), gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT), random forest (RF), and multilayer perceptron neural network (MLP) models were employed for Pn estimation, and the modeling accuracy was compared under the input condition of VIs, VIs combined with TIs, and fusion of VIs and TIs with plant height (PH) and SPAD. The results showed that VIs and TIs generally had the relatively best correlation with Pn at the jointing–booting stage and the number of VIs with significant correlation (p< 0.05) was the largest. Therefore, the employed models could achieve the highest overall accuracy [coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.383–0.938]. However, as the growth stage progressed, the correlation gradually weakened and resulted in accuracy decrease (R2 of 0.258–0.928 and 0.125–0.863 at the heading–flowering and ripening stages, respectively). Among the tested models, GBDT and RF models could attain the best performance based on only VIs input (with R2 ranging from 0.863 to 0.938 and from 0.815 to 0.872, respectively). Furthermore, the fusion input of VIs, TIs with PH, and SPAD could more effectively improve the model accuracy (R2 increased by 0.049–0.249, 0.063–0.470, and 0.113–0.471, respectively, for three growth stages) compared with the input combination of VIs and TIs (R2 increased by 0.015–0.090, 0.001–0.139, and 0.023–0.114). Therefore, the GBDT and RF model with fused input could be highly recommended for rice Pn estimation and the methods could also provide reference for Pn monitoring and further yield prediction at field scale.
Affiliate performance feedback and technology innovation: The mediating effect of the parent’s response
Authors: Zheng Li , Sun Binbin
Published: January 2023

The relationship between firm performance feedback and technology innovation has been studied extensively, but limited attention has been paid to factors that mediate this relationship. We examine how a parent firm addresses an affiliate’s performance level and its influence on the affiliate’s technology innovation. Integrating the behavioral theory of the firm and the concept of parent functions, we argue that the parent firm addresses the affiliate’s performance level in two ways: hierarchy management and resource allocation. Specifically, unlike the case of outperforming affiliates, the parent firm facilitates the technology innovation of underperforming affiliates through hierarchy management and resource allocation. Regression analyses of 2010–2020 data of listed affiliates belonging to Chinese business groups provide strong evidence supporting our conjecture. Our study sheds light on the importance of considering the parent’s influence when affiliates adopt technology innovation in light of its performance feedback.
Remote sensing of hedgerows, windbreaks, and winter cover crops in California's Central Coast reveals low adoption but hotspots of use
Authors: Thompson Jennifer B. , Symonds Jennifer , Carlisle Liz , Iles Alastair , Karp Daniel S. , Ory Joanna , Bowles Timothy M.
Published: January 2023

Non-crop vegetation, such as hedgerows and cover crops, are important on-farm diversification practices that support biodiversity and ecosystem services; however, information about their rates and patterns of adoption are scarce. We used satellite and aerial imagery coupled with machine learning classification to map the use of hedgerows/windbreaks and winter cover crops in California's Central Coast, a globally important agricultural area of intensive fresh produce production. We expected that adoption of both practices would be relatively low and unevenly distributed across the landscape, with higher levels of adoption found in marginal farmland and in less intensively cultivated areas where the pressure to remove non-crop vegetation may be lower. Our remote sensing classification revealed that only ~6% of farmland had winter cover crops in 2021 and 0.26% of farmland had hedgerows or windbreaks in 2018. Thirty-seven percent of ranch parcels had cover crops on at least 5% of the ranch while 22% of ranches had at least one hedgerow/windbreak. Nearly 16% of farmland had other annual winter crops, some of which could provide services similar to cover crops; however, 60% of farmland had bare soil over the winter study period, with the remainder of farmland classified as perennial crops or strawberries. Hotspot analysis showed significant areas of adoption of both practices in the hillier regions of all counties. Finally, qualitative interviews revealed that adoption patterns were likely driven by interrelated effects of topography, land values, and farming models, with organic, diversified farms implementing these practices in less ideal, lower-value farmland. This study demonstrates how remote sensing coupled with qualitative research can be used to map and interpret patterns of important diversification practices, with implications for tracking policy interventions and targeting resources to assist farmers motivated to expand adoption.
Advancing a Performance Management Tool for Service Delivery in Local Government
Authors: Schoeman Ilse , Chakwizira James
Published: January 2023

Various strategic plans compiled by the local levels of government seek to advance the need to integrate strategic planning frameworks and improve service delivery and related content through the application of performance management tools. From the perspective of municipalities, all policies and plans at all levels of government need to be articulated with empirical based plan-level formulation and in compliance with set performance assessment criteria. Using South Africa as a case study, the methodology of the paper included a theoretical analysis of available (but applicable) performance management tools and processes. The focus and outcome were the development of a simplified performance management tool that supports elementary prioritization of projects and the setting of standards to address the growing needs, service backlogs, and informality challenges, thereby enhancing sustainable planning and development applicable to developing countries. The study findings highlight, firstly, the prevalence of persistent service delivery gaps in local government. Secondly, local government performance management and strategic plan implementation is constrained by measurement data, standards, and information gaps. Thirdly, inadequate legislative frameworks and strategic instruments applicable to local government in developing countries adds another layer of performance management gap dimensions. Fourthly, there is misalignment between policies, legislative provisions, and local needs in terms of a set of applicable measurement tools and standards relevant in a developing country. Fifthly, an oversight role gap exists in terms of clearly defining the roles and scope of responsibilities concerning performance management. These above-mentioned shortcomings read together constitute a service delivery performance management tools gap that needs to be overcome if improved service delivery is to be achieved. In view of the above-stated considerations, a simplified performance management tool to enhance service delivery in local government had to be developed. The developed simplified performance management tool assumes that the application of performance management assessment processes is to be aligned throughout all spheres of government.
Bionic Design of Furrow Opener Based on Muskrat Claw-Toe Structure to Improve the Operating Performance of Deep Application of Liquid Fertilizer in Paddy Fields in Cold Region of China
Authors: Zhou Wenqi , Ni Xue , Song Kai , Wen Nuan , Song Chao , Sun Xiaobo , Wang Yijia , Wang Jinfeng , Wang Qi , Tang Han
Published: January 2023

The deep application of liquid fertilizer in paddy fields is a fertilization technique that applies liquid fertilizer deep near the root system of paddy field crops, which can effectively improve the absorption rate of the crops and reduce the amount of fertilizer applied. In the cold regions of China, the soil return rate of the furrowing operation of the deep application of liquid fertilizer in paddy fields is low, which can easily cause the excessive liquid leakage of fertilizer and affect crop growth. Therefore, it is difficult to popularize in large areas. According to the characteristics of paddy soil in the cold regions of China and the operating requirements of a high backfill rate and low disturbance rate of the soil of the deep application of liquid fertilizer, this paper designed a bionic liquid fertilizer deep application furrow opener based on the claw-toe structure of the muskrat. In this study, an indoor soil bin test was conducted by constructing a deep application environment for the liquid fertilizer in paddy fields. The results of the soil bin test showed the effects of the key operating parameters of the bionic design of the liquid fertilizer deep application furrow opener, spraying pressure of the liquid fertilizer and operating speed on the furrowing resistance, soil disturbance rate and the leakage amount of liquid fertilizer. The bionic design of the liquid fertilizer deep application furrow opener has a low soil disturbance rate and leakage amount of fertilizer when the operating speed is 0.8 m s−1, and the spraying pressure is 0.2 MPa. This furrow opener significantly improves the operating performance of the deep application of liquid fertilizer in the cold regions of China and is suitable for the deep application of liquid fertilizer in the paddy fields of this region.
Heterogeneity in US Farms: A New Clustering by Production Potentials
Authors: Rasool Asif , Abler David
Published: January 2023

This paper uses agglomerative hierarchical cluster analysis to group 2778 farming-defined counties into six clusters, revealing farm patterns across the contiguous 48 states of the United States. To understand the differences in economic performance and improve farm households’ well-being, economists have endeavored to identify patterns in US farming. The US is a leading global producer and exporter of many agricultural and food products. Our primary objective is to construct a policy-relevant farm clustering to characterize agricultural homogeneity in US farms’ production potential. We identify six clusters that are relatively homogeneous in five dimensions: farm size, farm assets, farm labor, farm output, degree of mechanization, and government programs. Minimizing diversity within a cluster allows for analysis of public policy changes on specific clusters and comparison of differential effects of the change across clusters.
Investigating the Effect of Tractor’s Tire Parameters on Soil Compaction Using Statistical and Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) Methods
Authors: Shahgholi Gholamhossein , Moinfar Abdolmajid , Khoramifar Ali , Maciej Sprawka , Szymanek Mariusz
Published: January 2023

Many factors contribute to soil compaction. One of these factors is the pressure applied by tires and tillage tools. The aim of this study was to study soil compaction under two sizes of tractor tire, considering the effect of tire pressure and traffic on different depths of soil. Additionally, to predict soil density under the tire, an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) was used. An ITM70 tractor equipped with a lister was used. Standard cylindrical cores were used and soil samples were taken at four depths of the soil inside the tire tracks. Tests were conducted based on a randomized complete-block design with three replications. We tested two types of narrow and normal tire using three inflation pressures, at traffic levels of 1, 3 and 5 passes and four depths of 10, 20, 30 and 40 cm. A grid partition structure and four types of membership function, namely triangular, trapezoid, Gaussian and General bell were used to model soil compaction. Analysis of variance showed that tire size was significant on soil density change, and also, the binary effect of tire size on depth and traffic were significant at 1%. The main effects of tire pressure, traffic and depth were significant on soil compaction at 1% level of significance for both tire types. The inputs of the ANFIS model included tire type, depth of soil, number of tire passes and tire inflation pressure. To evaluate the performance of the model, the relative error (ε) and the coefficient of explanation (R2) were used, which were 1.05 and 0.9949, respectively. It was found that the narrow tire was more effective on soil compaction such that the narrow tire significantly increased soil density in the surface and subsurface layers.
Pyrolysis of Amaranth Inflorescence Wastes: Bioenergy Potential, Biochar and Hydrocarbon Rich Bio-Oil Production
Authors: Karaeva Julia , Timofeeva Svetlana , Islamova Svetlana , Bulygina Kseny , Aliev Firdavs , Panchenko Vladimir , Bolshev Vadim
Published: January 2023

Many agro-industrial companies grow amaranth for the subsequent production of amaranth oil, flour, cereals, flakes, and bran. After the grain is extracted, waste in the form of inflorescences remains, which can be used to obtain useful new products. This work investigated the use of pyrolysis to recycle amaranth inflorescence wastes (AIW). Thermochemical conversion experiments in an inert medium were carried out in a laboratory setup at 550 °C and a heating rate of 10 °C/min. It was found that the AIW pyrolysis produced 37.1 wt.% bio-oil, 35.8 wt.% pyrogas and 27.1 wt.% biochar. The oil fraction of the obtained bio-oil contains 41.8% of hydrocarbons. Thermogravimetric analysis of AIW was performed in the temperature range from 40 to 1000 °C at heating rates of 10, 15, and 20 °C/min in argon medium (75 mL/min). The kinetic parameters were determined by the model-free Friedman, Ozawa-Flynn-Wall, and Kissinger-Akahira-Sunose methods. The average activation energy values are in the range of 208.44–216.17 kJ/mol, and they were used to calculate the thermodynamic parameters. The results indicate that the pyrolysis application will allow efficient conversion of AIW into value-added products.
Regulating Enzymatic Antioxidants, Biochemical and Physiological Properties of Tomato under Cold Stress: A Crucial Role of Ethylene
Authors: Bayoumi Yousry , Osman Sabah , Etman Abdelwahab , El-Semellawy El-Samahy , Solberg Svein Ø. , El-Ramady Hassan
Published: January 2023

The production of tomato under low-temperature stress in the open fields is a challenge faced by many farmers. The current study compares the use of different ethylene treatments to accelerate the fruit ripening of tomato during two successive seasons under cold stress. The treatments included foliar application of ethrel (2500, 5000, and 7500 ppm) in the open field at the mature green stage, dipping collected fruits in ethrel solution (1000, 1500, and 2000 ppm) right after harvest, and application of gaseous ethylene (100, 200, and 300 ppm) to the harvested fruits. The effects were compared to untreated fruits (control). Characteristics, such as physical properties (ripening, weight loss, firmness, decay, and fruit color), chemical properties (ascorbic acid, acidity, total soluble sugars, and pigments), and enzymatic activities (polygalacturonase and pectin methylesterase), were sampled throughout the storage period. In general, the ethylene gas application was the most effective method in accelerating the fruit ripening process compared to the other methods applied. The highest vitamin C total soluble solid contents and redness parameters were found after applying the highest dose of ethylene gas (300 ppm). This indicates that the ripening of tomato fruits, which are cultivated under cold stress conditions as found during the early summer season in a Mediterranean climate, might be harvested at a mature green stage and exposed to ethylene application.
Influence of Flue Gas Desulfurization Gypsum on Phosphorus Loss in Pine Bark Substrates
Authors: Bartley Paul C. , Erbrick Landon B. , Knotts Michael J. , Watts Dexter B. , Torbert Henry A.
Published: January 2023

Flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum, a byproduct of coal-fired electrical utility plants, has been shown to effectively reduce phosphorus (P) leaching in many agricultural systems. However, its applications in horticultural production systems have been insufficiently researched resulting in limited industry adoption. To evaluate the efficacy of FGD gypsum to reduce P leaching in horticultural media, pine bark substrates were amended with FGD gypsum at 2.5, 5, and 10% (v/v). In accordance with industry practice, controlled release fertilizer (19N-3P-10K) was amply incorporated into all potting media treatments to support primary nutrient sufficiency of transplanted stock. The greatest P leaching occurred in the control substrates containing only pine bark and fertilizer. The standard pine bark substrate treatment, containing lime and micronutrients, reduced total P leaching by 35% and should be considered a best management practice. The addition of FGD gypsum at 2.5, 5, and 10% (v/v) reduced the total P collected in leachate by 47, 59, and 70%, respectively. Gypsum amendments increased potassium leachate concentrations but elevated potassium levels normalized after ~20 days. With little to no effect on substrate physical properties or pH, pine bark substrates can be amended with FGD gypsum to effectively reduce P leaching in short-term crops.
Estimating Chlorophyll Fluorescence Parameters of Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Based on Spectrum Transformation and a Joint Feature Extraction Algorithm
Authors: Wen Shuangya , Shi Nan , Lu Junwei , Gao Qianwen , Yang Huibing , Gao Zhiqiang
Published: January 2023

The chlorophyll fluorescence parameter Fv/Fm plays a significant role in indicating the photosynthetic function of plants. The existing technical methods used to measure Fv/Fm are often inefficient and cumbersome. To realize fast and non-destructive monitoring of Fv/Fm, this study took rice under different fertilizer treatments and measured the hyperspectral reflectance information and Fv/Fm data of rice leaves during the whole growth period. Five spectral transformation methods were used to pre-process the spectral data. Then, spectral characteristic wavelengths were extracted by the correlation coefficient method (CC) combined with the competitive adaptative reweighted sampling (CARS) algorithm. Finally, based on the combination of characteristic wavelengths extracted from different spectral transformations, back propagation neural network (BPNN) models were constructed and evaluated. The results showed that: (1) first derivative transform (FD), multiplicative scatter correction (MSC) and standardized normal variation (SNV) methods could effectively highlight the correlation between spectral data and Fv/Fm. The most sensitive bands with high correlation coefficients were concentrated in the range of 650–850 nm, and the absolute values of the highest correlation coefficients were 0.84, 0.73, and 0.72, respectively. (2) The CC-CARS algorithm could effectively screen the characteristic wavelengths sensitive to Fv/Fm. The number of sensitive bands extracted by FD, MSC, and SNV pre-treatment methods were 14, 13, and 16 which only accounted for 2.33%, 2.16%, and 2.66% of the total spectral wavelength (the number of full spectral bands is 601), respectively. (3) The BPNN models were established based on the above sensitive wavelengths, and it was found that MSC-CC-CARS-BPNN had the highest prediction accuracy, and its testing set R2, RMSE and RPD were 0.74, 1.88% and 2.46, respectively. The results can provide technical references for hyperspectral data pre-processing and rapid and non-destructive monitoring of chlorophyll fluorescence parameters.
Effect of Different Tillage Systems and Soil Biostimulants on Agrochemical Properties and Intensity of Soil CO2 Emission in Wheat Crop
Authors: Butkevičienė Lina Marija , Steponavičienė Vaida , Pupalienė Rita , Skinulienė Lina , Bogužas Vaclovas
Published: January 2023

In this study, a field experiment was performed at the Experimental Station of Vytautas Magnus University Agriculture Academy in Lithuania from 2018 to 2020. The researched soil comprised carbonate deeper gleyic leachate (IDg4-k) (Calc(ar)i Endohypogleyic Luvisol) (LVg-n-w-cc). A two-factor field experiment was performed on spring and winter wheat. Factor A was soil tillage technology; factor B was the use of biostimulants and their mixtures (Ruinex, Penergetic, Azofix). The experimental fields were arranged randomly in four replicates. The aim of the work was to assess the soil CO2 emissions, soil carbon, soil nitrogen, humus, and humic substances using two different soil tillage management methods (no till—wheat straw left on the soil surface; and reduced till—soil incorporation of the wheat straw) and different biostimulants or nitrogen fertilization. The humus content of the soil remained sufficiently stable or slightly decreased when the straw was retained and the single-component biostimulators Azofix, Ruinex, and Penergetic were used. In contrast, when continuous straw application was combined with two- or three-component mixtures of these biological preparations or with compensatory nitrogen the humus content increased. Compared with the initial state, it increased by 1.4–12.8 % due to the improved complexity of extra conditions for microbiological biodiversity. Meanwhile, after three years of investigation, the soil tillage technology did not significantly impact the humus content, total nitrogen, and CO2 emissions. Tillage technologies had a significant impact on the content of water-soluble soil carbon. Under no-till, the carbon content increased by an average of 9.0%, and under reduced tillage, the carbon content increased by only 2.3%. It is likely that the combination of no-till with catch crops increased the stocks of soluble C in the soil. Compared to the use of compensatory nitrogen, this indicator was increased by all biostimulants, especially when using all three preparations in the mixture (Ruinex, Penergetic, Azofix). The effect of the two-preparation mixtures was also more pronounced than that of the single component. The results over three years show that biostimulants promote the release of mobile humic substances and mobile humic acids better than compensatory nitrogen for straw decomposition. The effect was the same for the organic carbon content.
Broadening the Veterinary Consultation: Dog Owners Want to Talk about More than Physical Health
Authors: Hale Helena , Blackwell Emily , Roberts Claire , Roe Emma , Mullan Siobhan
Published: January 2023

Few veterinary professionals use formal quality of life (QOL) assessment tools despite their recommendation from veterinary governing bodies to enable holistic welfare assessments and target welfare improvement strategies. Perceived barriers include resistance from owners, and this study aimed to elucidate understanding of dog owner engagement with conversations and tools relating to QOL. An online survey that investigated owner experience, comfort, and opinions about vet-client discussions on topics connected to canine health and well-being, including QOL, was completed by 410 owners. Almost all owners (95.8%) were reportedly comfortable discussing QOL, yet only 32% reported their vets had addressed it. A high proportion of owners (70.8%) expressed interest in assessment tools, but only 4.4% had experienced one, none of which were QOL tools per se. Semi-structured interviews of a sub-set of four owners provided a more in-depth examination of their experience of a health and well-being assessment tool. Thematic analysis generated three themes: ‘Use of assessment tools supports client-vet relationship and empowers owners’, ‘Owners want to talk about holistic dog care’, and ‘Owner feelings on the wider application of assessment tools’. Overall, our findings suggest that owners want to broaden the veterinary consultation conversation to discuss QOL and are interested in using tools, and therefore veterinary perceptions of owner-related barriers to tool application appear unfounded. Indeed, tool uptake appears to improve the vet-client relationship and boost owner confidence.
Challenging Future Generations: A Qualitative Study of Students’ Attitudes toward the Transition to Animal-Free Innovations in Education and Research
Authors: Andreoli Lara , Vlasblom Ronald , Drost Rinske , Meijboom Franck L. B. , Salvatori Daniela
Published: January 2023

In 2016, the Dutch government declared its commitment to phasing out animal experiments by 2025. Although a high number of animal experiments are still performed and the 2025 target will not be met, the commitment remains. Efforts are being made to identify levers that might foster the transition to animal-free science. Education has been found to play a key role in the future of animal-free science and young generations are increasingly seen as key stakeholders. However, their attitudes toward the transition to animal-free innovations have not been investigated. The present article focuses on the values and beliefs held by students, who in 2022, participated in the course ‘Replacing Animal Testing’ (RAT) Challenge, organized by a consortium of Dutch universities. Contextually, students’ motivations to follow the course were investigated. The research was based on a qualitative study, including semi-structured interviews and a literature review. Our analysis of the findings revealed that students feel aligned with the social, ethical, and scientific reasons that support the transition to animal-free innovations. Moreover, the participants identified a series of regulatory, educational, cultural, and political obstacles to the transition that align with those identified in recent literature. From the discussion of these findings, we extrapolated six fundamental challenges that need to be addressed to foster the transition to animal-free science in an acceptable and responsible way.
Gross, Histologic and Immunohistochemical Characteristics of Keratoacanthomas in Lizards
Authors: Solanes Ferran , Chiers Koen , Kik Marja J. L. , Hellebuyck Tom
Published: January 2023

The present study describes the clinical behavior as well as the histopathologic and immunohistochemical characteristics of keratoacanthomas (Kas) in three different saurian species. While Kas presented as two dermal lesions in a bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), multicentric Kas were observed in three panther chameleons (Furcifer pardalis) and a veiled chameleon (Chamaeleo calyptratus). Macroscopically, Kas presented as dome-shaped skin tumors with a centralized keratinous pearl and a diameter ranging from 0.1–1.5 cm. In all lizards, Kas were predominantly located at the dorsolateral body wall, and KA of the eyelid was additionally observed in three out of four chameleons. Histologically, KAs presented as relatively well-defined, circumscribed epidermal proliferations that consisted of a crateriform lesion containing a central keratinous pearl with minimally infiltrating borders. In all KAs, a consistent immunohistochemical pattern was observed, with the expression of cyclooxygenase-2, E-cadherin, and pan-cytokeratin. A follow-up period of one to two years was established in all lizards. While no recurrence was observed in the panther chameleons, recurrence of a single keratoacanthoma was observed in the bearded dragon after one year, and in the veiled chameleon, multicentric keratoacanthomas reappeared during a follow-up period of two years. We describe KA as a previously unrecognized neoplastic entity in lizards that constitutes a low-grade, non-invasive but rapidly growing skin tumor that may show a multicentric appearance, especially in chameleons. As previously postulated for dermal squamous cell carcinomas (SCC), artificial ultraviolet lighting may play an important role in the oncogenesis of KAs in lizards. Although dermal SCCs in lizards show similar predilection sites and gross pathologic features, our results suggest that KA should be considered as a histologic variant of SCC that represents a rather benign squamous proliferation in comparison to conventional SCCs. Early diagnosis of KA and reliable discrimination from SCCs are essential for the prognosis of this neoplastic entity in lizards.
Transcriptome Analysis of Marbled Rockfish Sebastiscus marmoratus under Salinity Stress
Authors: He Zhiqi , Shou Chenyan , Han Zhiqiang
Published: January 2023

The marbled rockfish, Sebastiscus marmoratus, belongs to the euryhaline fish and is an oviparous scleractinian fish. There are few studies on the adaptation mechanism, functional genes, and related pathways of S. marmoratus and salinity. The results showed that a total of 72.1 GB of clean reads were obtained and all clean reads annotated a total of 25,278 Unigenes, of which 2,160 were novel genes. Compared to 20‰, 479 and 520 differential genes were obtained for 35‰ and 10‰, respectively. Gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed significant enrichment in protein binding, ion binding, ATP binding, and catalytic activity. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) showed that differentially expressed genes significantly expressed under salinity stress were mainly involved in the pathways of the cytochrome P450 metabolism of xenobiotics, tryptophan metabolism, cellular senescence, and calcium signaling pathways. Among them, pik3r6b, cPLA2γ-like, and WSB1 were differentially expressed in all three groups, and they were associated with apoptosis, inflammation, DNA damage, immune regulation, and other physiological processes. Six differentially expressed genes were randomly selected for qRT-PCR validation, and the results showed that the transcriptomic data were of high confidence.
Soil Organic Matter and Nutrient Levels in Outdoor Runs in Organic Laying Farms
Authors: Zoli Michele , Mantovi Paolo , Ferrari Paolo , Ferrari Lorenzo , Ferrante Valentina
Published: January 2023

To evaluate the nutrient load due to the grazing of laying hens in outdoor runs, monitoring of soil characteristics was conducted in three Italian organic farms. For each farm, soil samples were taken from three increasing distances from the hen house and two depths, and different chemical parameters were evaluated. The comparison among the results from the different distances shows that N-NO3 and Olsen P are the most affected parameters by hen feces: both present high values with a statistically significant difference in the area close to the poultry house and for the most superficial layer. Even TKN and TOC show significant differences between the concentrations of the first layer (more concentrated) and those of the second layer (less concentrated). In general, the surface soil layer closest to the chicken house is the portion of the outdoor run most affected by chicken droppings and represents the most critical point in terms of potential environmental impact. Therefore, it is necessary to intensify the management of the outdoor run with tools that can facilitate the grazing of animals and with vegetation that can absorb nutrients by limiting leaching and runoff.
Photo-Inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus by Diaryl-Porphyrins
Authors: Orlandi Viviana Teresa , Martegani Eleonora , Trivellin Nicola , Bolognese Fabrizio , Caruso Enrico
Published: January 2023

Photodynamic Antimicrobial Chemotherapy (PACT) has received great attention in recent years since it is an effective and promising modality for the treatment of human oral and skin infections with the advantage of bypassing pathogens’ resistance to antimicrobials. Moreover, PACT applications demonstrated a certain activity in the inhibition and eradication of biofilms, overcoming the well-known tolerance of sessile communities to antimicrobial agents. In this study, 13 diaryl-porphyrins (mono-, di-cationic, and non-ionic) P1–P13 were investigated for their potential as photosensitizer anti-Staphylococcus aureus. The efficacy of the diaryl-porphyrins was evaluated through photo-inactivation tests. Crystal-violet staining combined with viable count techniques were aimed at assaying their anti-biofilm activity. Among the tested compounds, the neutral photosensitizer P4 was better than the cationic ones, irrespective of their corresponding binding rates. In particular, P4 was active in inhibiting the biofilm formation and in impairing the viability of the adherent and planktonic populations of a 24 h old biofilm. The inhibitory activity was also efficient against a methicillin resistant S. aureus strain. In conclusion, the diaryl-porphyrin family represents a reservoir of promising compounds for photodynamic applications against the pathogen S. aureus and in preventing the formation of biofilms that cause many infections to become chronic.
Pathogenic Microorganisms Linked to Fresh Fruits and Juices Purchased at Low-Cost Markets in Ecuador, Potential Carriers of Antibiotic Resistance
Authors: Tenea Gabriela N. , Reyes Pamela , Molina Diana , Ortega Clara
Published: January 2023

The pathogenic microorganisms linked to fresh fruits and juices sold out in retail low-cost markets raise safety concerns as they may carry multidrug-resistant (MDR) genes. To evaluate the microbiological quality and safety of highly consumed fruits and derivatives in Imbabura Province, Ecuador, ready-to-eat strawberries (5 independent batches; n = 300 samples), and gooseberries (5 separate batches; n = 500 samples), purchased from a local fruit farm grower and low-cost retail market, along with 20 different natural fruit- and vegetables-based juices (3 independent batches; n = 60 samples) purchased from food courts located within the low-cost markets were analyzed. Bacteriological analysis showed that the microbial quality was lower as several indicators (n = 984) consisting of total coliforms (TCOL), total aerobes (AEROB), Enterobacter spp. (ENT), Shigella spp., (SHIGA), yeasts (YE), and molds (M) were detected. Staphylococcus spp. (STAPHY) was found in both fruits regardless of origin, while Escherichia coli (EC) isolates were found in strawberries but not gooseberries. Salmonella spp. (SALM) were detected in juices only. Antibiotic susceptibility testing showed multidrug resistance of several isolates. The hemolytic pattern revealed that 88.89% of EC and 61.11% of ENT isolates were beta-hemolytic. All STAPHY isolates were beta-hemolytic while SALM and SHIGA were alpha-hemolytic. Plasmid curing assay of MDR isolates (ENT, EC, SALM, and STAPHY) showed that the antibiotic resistance (AR) was highly indicative of being plasmid-borne. These results raise concerns about the consumption of MDR bacteria. However, good agricultural and industrial practices, behavioral change communication, and awareness-raising programs are necessary for all stakeholders along the food production and consumption supply chain.
Nano-Conjugated Food-Derived Antimicrobial Peptides As Natural Biopreservatives: A Review of Technology and Applications
Authors: Singh Brij Pal , Rohit  , Manju K. M. , Sharma Rohit , Bhushan Bharat , Ghosh Sougata , Goel Gunjan
Published: January 2023

In recent years, microbial food safety has garnered a lot of attention due to worldwide expansion of the food industry and processed food products. This has driven the development of novel preservation methods over traditional ones. Food-derived antimicrobial peptides (F-AMPs), produced by the proteolytic degradation of food proteins, are emerging as pragmatic alternatives for extension of the shelf-life of food products. The main benefits of F-AMPs are their wide spectrum antimicrobial efficacy and low propensity for the development of antibiotic resistance. However, direct application of F-AMPs in food limits its efficacy during storage. Therefore, the development of nanocarriers for the conjugation and distribution of potential AMPs may hold great potential to increase their bioactivity. This review highlights the significance of F-AMPs as a feasible and sustainable alternative to conventional food preservatives. The most recent developments in production, characterization, and mode of action of these AMPs against planktonic and biofilm forming pathogens are thoroughly discussed in this work. Moreover, nano-conjugation of F-AMPs with different nano-carriers and potential future application in food packaging are emphasized. This review may aid in comprehending the nano-conjugation of F-AMPs and offer insightful recommendations for further exploration and potential uses in the food processing industry.