bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogenomic analysis of Bupleurum in Western Sichuan, China, including an overlooked new species
Authors: Chao Zhi , Hong Xiaoxi , Xie Xuena , Huang Rong , Tian Enwei
Published: November 2023

A comparative analysis of chloroplast (cp) genomes and 45s nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA), and a phylogenomic study of six closely related species (including an overlooked new species) of genus Bupleurum from the western part of Sichuan Province in southwestern China were performed. The six species are similar morphologically and it is difficult to identify them; moreover, their genetic relationships remain unclear. It was found that the cp genomes of the six Bupleurum species were extremely similar, and they were highly homogeneous in terms of cp genome structure, genes and its arrangement. Intergenic spacer rpl32-trnL, petA-psbJ, trnK-rps16, and the coding gene ycf1 were considered highly variable. In phylogenetic trees constructed based on the complete cp genome, protein-coding sequences, nrDNA and ITS sequences, Chinese Bupleurum species all formed two major clades; among these trees, nrDNA tree had the best species resolution; the highly variable regions showed no advantage over other molecular markers. Among the six Bupleurum species, B. malconense, B. sichuanense were close relatives to B. chinense and B. yinchowense, B. chaishoui may also be a consanguinity, while B. microcephalum, B. wenchuanense, and the new species B. pseudochaishoui were closely related. At the end, the new species B. pseudochaishoui Z. Chao sp. nov. was described and illustrated, and a key to the six species was tabulated.
Leaders’ induced justice perceptions as mediator of the relation between participative leadership behaviors and team learning
Authors: Raineri Andres
Published: November 2023

Introduction

In today’s complex and changing business environment organizations need to learn and adapt to emerging circumstances. Teams can be a preferred vehicle to facilitate solving challenges that require diverse perspectives and expertise, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among members. To support team learning, organizations need to understand and promote an appropriate environment that facilitates learning within teams. By drawing on Fairness Theory and Social Exchange Theory, this study explores the role of leader-induced justice perceptions as a mediator in the relationship of participative leadership and team learning.

Methods

Using a split-half team survey methodology with a sample of 211 teams, the study analyzes the role of team justice climate as a mediation mechanism in the relationship between participative leadership behaviors and team learning.

Results

Results from structural equation modeling analyses suggest that, at a team level, participative leadership behaviors have both a direct association with team learning and are partially mediated by the team’s justice climate.

Discussion

This study contributes to existing literature by offering evidence that the perceptions of justice instilled by leaders play a role mediating participatory leadership and team learning. Moreover, the study supports the idea that leader induced justice perceptions can be considered as an aggregated construct at the team level. From a practical standpoint, the findings imply that team leaders can contribute to create an environment conducive to team learning by treating team members with fairness.
Hatha yoga is more effective in improving kinesiophobia and subjective well-being when combined with self-compassion meditation in people with CLBP: a randomized control trial
Authors: De Giorgio Andrea , Angilletta Sonia , Matteo Barbara , Bonavolontà Valerio , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Kuvačić Goran
Published: November 2023

Objective

The present study aims to examine whether combining hatha yoga practice with self-compassion meditation could influence kinesiophobia, emotions, perceived stress, and perceived disability among individuals with chronic low back pain when compared with hatha yoga alone.

Methods

The randomized controlled study included 70 participants with chronic low back pain (CLBP) who were randomly assigned to a Hatha yoga group (HY; n = 35) or a Hatha yoga group plus self-compassion meditation (HYSCM; n = 35). Participants followed a protocol for 8 weeks, and the assessments were carried out before and after the intervention, with a follow-up evaluation conducted after one month. The participants completed the PANAS, PSS, TSK, and RMQ questionnaires. A Generalized Estimating Equation was used to explore the effect of interventions.

Results

Both HY and HYSCM groups improved kinesiophobia, perceived disability, and stress at the follow-up. However, the HYSCM group shown a more significant reduction in kinesiophobia compared to the HY group. Moreover, significant improvement in positive affect and a reduction in negative affect over time in the HYSCM group were observed.

Conclusion

Hatha yoga practice when combined with self-compassion meditation led to extra benefits by exhibiting a prolonged effect, especially on kinesiophobia positive and negative effects.
When philosophical nuance matters: safeguarding consciousness research from restrictive assumptions
Authors: Usher Marius , Negro Niccolò , Jacobson Hilla , Tsuchiya Naotsugu
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we revisit the debate surrounding the Unfolding Argument (UA) against causal structure theories of consciousness (as well as the hard-criteria research program it prescribes), using it as a platform for discussing theoretical and methodological issues in consciousness research. Causal structure theories assert that consciousness depends on a particular causal structure of the brain. Our claim is that some of the assumptions fueling the UA are not warranted, and therefore we should reject the methodology for consciousness science that the UA prescribes. First, we briefly survey the most popular philosophical positions in consciousness science, namely physicalism and functionalism. We discuss the relations between these positions and the behaviorist methodology that the UA assumptions express, despite the contrary claim of its proponents. Second, we argue that the same reasoning that the UA applies against causal structure theories can be applied to functionalist approaches, thus proving too much and deeming as unscientific a whole range of (non-causal structure) theories. Since this is overly restrictive and fits poorly with common practice in cognitive neuroscience, we suggest that the reasoning of the UA must be flawed. Third, we assess its philosophical assumptions, which express a restrictive methodology, and conclude that there are reasons to reject them. Finally, we propose a more inclusive methodology for consciousness science, that includes neural, behavioral, and phenomenological evidence (provided by the first-person perspective) without which consciousness science could not even start. Then, we extend this discussion to the scope of consciousness science, and conclude that theories of consciousness should be tested and evaluated on humans, and not on systems considerably different from us. Rather than restricting the methodology of consciousness science, we should, at this point, restrict the range of systems upon which it is supposed to be built.
Neurocognitive and adaptive phenotypes in adolescent inpatients with mood disorders: an exploratory study on disruptive mood dysregulation disorder in the framework of depressive disorders
Authors: Apicella Massimo , Pisa Marcella Caterina , Averna Roberto , Labonia Milena , Pontillo Maria , Vicari Stefano
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Few studies on adolescents have investigated intelligence quotient (IQ) in mood disorders. Evidence on Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder (DMDD), a controversial entity among depressive disorders, is more limited.

Materials and methods

We performed an exploratory study on adolescent inpatients with unipolar mood disorders to test specific impairment in cognitive and adaptive profile. We also considered common psychopathological comorbidities. We retrospectively collected data on inpatients with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD), DMDD or Depressive Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (DD-NOS) evaluated with Wechsler Scales of Intelligence, Adaptive Behavior Assessment System (ABAS-II), and Children’s Global Assessment Scale (C-GAS).

Results

Out of 198 inpatients (85.9% females), 33.3% had MDD, 60.1% DD-NOS and 6.6% DMDD. DMDD patients had higher rates of ADHD (15.4%) and learning disorders (LD, 23.1%), a lower mean IQ (87.8 ± 10.7; p = 0.001) and ABAS-II scores (general composite 68.8 ± 16.8; p = 0.002) than other groups. In linear regression analysis, DMDD retained a significant correlation with lower IQ and adaptive abilities when controlling for sex, and comorbidities. Among comorbidities, LD correlated with lower perceptual reasoning and IQ, and ADHD with lower conceptual adaptive abilities. In all diagnosis groups, working memory and processing speed were lower than verbal comprehension and perceptual reasoning.

Discussion

While impairment in working memory and processing speed is a non-specific correlate of active mood disorder, DMDD is burdened by lower general intelligence and adaptive abilities and higher rate of neurodevelopmental comorbidities. Lower IQ in the normal range is a correlate of DMDD among variables examined, not explained by the effect of neurodevelopmental comorbidities. These findings are discussed with regards to possible implications for the consideration of DMDD as a bridge condition between neurodevelopmental disorders and mood disorders.
Positive and negative viral associations in patients with acute respiratory tract infections in primary care: the ECOVIR study
Authors: Petat Hortense , Schuers Matthieu , Marguet Christophe , Humbert Xavier , Le Bas François , Rabiaza Andry , Corbet Sandrine , Leterrier Bryce , Vabret Astrid , Ar Gouilh Meriadeg
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) are the most common viral infections encountered in primary care settings. The identification of causal viruses is still not available in routine practice. Although new strategies of prevention are being identified, knowledge of the relationships between respiratory viruses remains limited.

Materials and methods

ECOVIR was a multicentric prospective study in primary care, which took place during two pre-pandemic seasons (2018–2019 and 2019–2020). Patients presenting to their General practitioner (GP) with ARIs were included, without selecting for age or clinical conditions. Viruses were detected on nasal swab samples using a multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction test focused on 17 viruses [Respiratory Syncytial Virus-A (RSV-A), RSV-B, Rhinovirus/Enterovirus (HRV), human Metapneumovirus (hMPV), Adenovirus (ADV), Coronaviruses (CoV) HKU1, NL63, 229E, OC43, Influenza virus (H1 and H3 subtypes), Influenza virus B, Para-Influenza viruses (PIVs) 1–4, and Bocavirus (BoV)].

Results

Among the 668 analyzed samples, 66% were positive for at least one virus, of which 7.9% were viral codetections. The viral detection was negatively associated with the age of patients. BoV, ADV, and HRV occurred more significantly in younger patients than the other viruses (p < 0.05). Codetections were significantly associated with RSV, HRV, BoV, hMPV, and ADV and not associated with influenza viruses, CoV, and PIVs. HRV and influenza viruses were negatively associated with all the viruses. Conversely, a positive association was found between ADV and BoV and between PIVs and BoV.

Conclusion

Our study provides additional information on the relationships between respiratory viruses, which remains limited in primary care.
Epidemiology of vancomycin-resistant enterococci in the United Arab Emirates: a retrospective analysis of 12 years of national AMR surveillance data
Authors: Thomsen Jens , Abdulrazzak Najiba M. , AlRand Hussain ,   The UAE AMR Surveillance Consortium, Menezes Godfred Antony , Moubareck Carole A. , Everett Dean B. , Senok Abiola , Podbielski Andreas
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Enterococci are usually low pathogenic, but can cause invasive disease under certain circumstances, including urinary tract infections, bacteremia, endocarditis, and meningitis, and are associated with peritonitis and intra-abdominal abscesses. Increasing resistance of enterococci to glycopeptides and fluoroquinolones, and high-level resistance to aminoglycosides is a concern. National antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance data for enterococci from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and the Gulf region is scarce.

Methods

A retrospective 12-year analysis of N = 37,909 non-duplicate diagnostic Enterococcus spp. isolates from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was conducted. Data was generated by routine patient care during 2010–2021, collected by trained personnel and reported by participating surveillance sites to the UAE National AMR Surveillance program. Data analysis was conducted with WHONET.

Results

Enterococcus faecalis was the most commonly reported species (81.5%), followed by Enterococcus faecium (8.5%), and other enterococci species (4.8%). Phenotypically vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) were found in 1.8% of Enterococcus spp. isolates. Prevalence of VRE (%VRE) was highest for E. faecium (8.1%), followed by E. faecalis (0.9%). A significant level of resistance to glycopeptides (%VRE) for these two species has been observed in the majority of observed years [E. faecalis (0–2.2%), 2010: 0%, 2021: 0.6%] and E. faecium (0–14.2%, 2010: 0%, 2021: 5.8%). Resistance to fluoroquinolones was between 17 and 29% (E. faecalis) and was higher for E. faecium (between 42 and 83%). VRE were associated with higher patient mortality (RR: 2.97), admission to intensive care units (RR: 2.25), and increased length of stay (six excess inpatient days per VRE case), as compared to vancomycin-susceptible Enterococcus spp.

Discussion

Published data on Enterococcus infections, in particular VRE-infections, in the UAE and MENA region is scarce. Our data demonstrates that VRE-enterococci are relatively rare in the UAE, however showing an increasing resistance trend for several clinically important antibiotic classes, causing a concern for the treatment of serious infections caused by enterococci. This study also demonstrates that VRE were associated with higher mortality, increased intensive care unit admission rates, and longer hospitalization, thus poorer clinical outcome and higher associated costs in the UAE. We recommend the expansion of current surveillance techniques (e.g., local VRE screening), stricter infection prevention and control strategies, and better stewardship interventions. Further studies on the molecular epidemiology of enterococci are needed.
Unraveling the link between hypertension and depression in older adults: a meta-analysis
Authors: Gan Qingwen , Yu Ran , Lian Zerong , Yuan Yiling , Li Yuanping , Zheng Lilan
Published: November 2023

Objective

To perform a meta-analyses to understand the current status of and risk factors for depression in older adults with hypertension.

Methods

Eight electronic databases and two clinical trial registries were searched to identify studies examining the incidence of and risk factors for depression among older adults with hypertension. The databases were searched from inception to June 2023. The included studies were evaluated using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale and the evaluation tool recommended by the Agency for Health care Research and Quality.

Results

A total of 18 studies with 29,694 patients were included. Meta-analysis results showed that the prevalence of depression in older adults with hypertension was 29%. The risk factors for depression among this population included sex [OR value 95% confidence interval 2.24 (1.32, 3.82)], education level [OR 95% CI 1.79 (1.02, 3.14)], residence [OR 95% CI 1.37 (1.24, 1.52)], comorbidities [OR 95% CI 1.79 (1.69, 1.90)], hypertension classification [OR 95% CI 2.81 (1.79, 4.42)], marital status [OR 95% CI 1.50 (1.33, 1.69)], sleep status [OR 95% CI 2.86 (2.21, 3.69)], activity limitation [OR 95% CI 3.42 (2.84, 4.13)], drinking [OR 95% CI 2.25 (1.58, 3.19)], social support [OR 95% CI 3.26 (2.42, 4.41)], living alone [OR 95% CI 1.79 (1.57, 2.04)], stressful events [OR 95% CI 1.62 (1.39, 1.90)], and course of diseases [OR 95% CI 3.23 (2.10, 4.97)].

Conclusion

The incidence of depression in older adults with hypertension is high, and there are many risk factors. Clinical health care professionals should intervene early to target the above risk factors to reduce the incidence of depression in older adults with hypertension worldwide.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO (york.ac.uk), identifier [CRD42023417106].
Modeling the influence of an electric thruster’s ion beam on its global EMC
Authors: Rover Yannik , Thueringer Rainer , Probst Uwe , Volkmar Chris
Published: November 2023

This research deals with electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) in the field of electric propulsion (EP). To complete previous investigations, the emissions of a fully operating radio-frequency thruster (RIT)—including its extracted ion beam—were numerically analyzed. The ion beam was simulated and investigated with various characteristics. The simulations were performed by means of transient co-simulation. It is clear that the ion beam had a significant impact on the thruster emissions. Properties such as divergence angle and the conductivity of the beam, which can be directly attributed to the operating point of the plasma discharge inside the thruster, play a major role. The next steps will be to bring together all the knowledge gained about the emissions of the individual thruster components as well as the peripheral electronics.
Designing sustainability changes in a tourist accommodation context from a systems perspective
Authors: Coghlan Alexandra , Becken Susanne , MacAskill Stefen
Published: November 2023

Pro-sustainability changes are slow and incremental at best in the tourism sector. Research on the topic can take the form of secondary data (e.g., content analysis of strategic documents, social media posts), survey-based intent studies (e.g., willingness to pay), survey-based studies of self-reported behaviors, observation of actual behaviors (e.g., benchmarking studies), lab-based experimental manipulations of measurable behaviors, and, finally, in situ, or field-based, experimental manipulations of measurable behaviors. The latter are some of the rarest studies and are held up as the gold standard for changing behaviors by providing evidence-based, measurable, and actionable sustainability interventions for tourism businesses. This study draws inspiration from a 4-year program of action research into pro-sustainability changes in tourist accommodations. It questions whether any of these approaches are sufficient for changing sustainability-oriented behaviors. This questioning extends to whether the theoretical approaches that underpin even “gold standard experiments” capture the operational contexts of accommodation businesses. It proposes instead that a scaffolded approach, built from a systems map of the theories, tools, experimental findings, interviews with stakeholders and operational context is necessary to create sustainability transformations in tourism businesses. This is a radical departure from the dependent/independent variable approach adopted in traditional scientific methods and that requires a different ontological approach to the science of sustainability. The study has implications for contextualizing intervention-based experimental studies within a wider system of influential factors within tourist accommodations.
Immunoregulation: the interplay between metabolism and redox homeostasis
Authors: Perpiñán E. , Sanchez-Fueyo A. , Safinia N.
Published: November 2023

Regulatory T cells are fundamental for the induction and maintenance of immune homeostasis, with their dysfunction resulting in uncontrolled immune responses and tissue destruction predisposing to autoimmunity, transplant rejection and several inflammatory and metabolic disorders. Recent discoveries have demonstrated that metabolic processes and mitochondrial function are critical for the appropriate functioning of these cells in health, with their metabolic adaptation, influenced by microenvironmental factors, seen in several pathological processes. Upon activation regulatory T cells rearrange their oxidation-reduction (redox) system, which in turn supports their metabolic reprogramming, adding a layer of complexity to our understanding of cellular metabolism. Here we review the literature surrounding redox homeostasis and metabolism of regulatory T cells to highlight new mechanistic insights of these interlinked pathways in immune regulation.
The high energy X-ray probe (HEX-P): studying extreme accretion with ultraluminous X-ray sources
Authors: Bachetti Matteo , Middleton Matthew J. , Pinto Ciro , Gúrpide Andrés , Walton Dominic J. , Brightman Murray , Lehmer Bret , Roberts Timothy P. , Vasilopoulos Georgios , Alford Jason , Amato Roberta , Ambrosi Elena , Dai Lixin , Earnshaw Hannah P. , El Byad Hamza , García Javier A. , Luca Israel Gian , Jaodand Amruta , Madsen Kristin , Maitra Chandreyee , Mandel Shifra , Mori Kaya , Pintore Fabio , Ohsuga Ken , Pilia Maura , Stern Daniel , Younes George , Wolter Anna
Published: November 2023

Introduction: Ultraluminous X-ray sources (ULXs) represent an extreme class of accreting compact objects: from the identification of some of the accretors as neutron stars to the detection of powerful winds travelling at 0.1–0.2 c, the increasing evidence points towards ULXs harbouring stellar-mass compact objects undergoing highly super-Eddington accretion. Measuring their intrinsic properties, such as the accretion rate onto the compact object, the outflow rate, the masses of accretor/companion-hence their progenitors, lifetimes, and future evolution-is challenging due to ULXs being mostly extragalactic and in crowded fields. Yet ULXs represent our best opportunity to understand super-Eddington accretion physics and the paths through binary evolution to eventual double compact object binaries and gravitational-wave sources.

Methods: Through a combination of end-to-end and single-source simulations, we investigate the ability of HEX-P to study ULXs in the context of their host galaxies and compare it to XMM-Newton and NuSTAR, the current instruments with the most similar capabilities.

Results: HEX-P’s higher sensitivity, which is driven by its narrow point-spread function and low background, allows it to detect pulsations and broad spectral features from ULXs better than XMM-Newton and NuSTAR.

Discussion: We describe the value of HEX-P in understanding ULXs and their associated key physics, through a combination of broadband sensitivity, timing resolution, and angular resolution, which make the mission ideal for pulsation detection and low-background, broadband spectral studies.
Wireless sensor system for real-time performance monitoring in sports
Authors: Berg Martin F. , Døsvik Henrik , Skjølsvik Kirsti Ø. , Pedersen Thea Solberg , Aasan Viljar , Steinert Martin , Eikevåg Sindre W.
Published: November 2023

In Paralympic sports, investigating seating ergonomics and optimizing for performance is crucial due to individual impairments. Usually, experiments are conducted in laboratory environments and for skiing, usually on a treadmill. In this paper, we are moving experiments out of the laboratory setting to in-slope performance monitoring of kinetics and kinematics. A wireless sensor system is developed and validated in terms of delay. The results show a median delay of 52 ms for the wired main system and 53 ms for the wireless sub-system. The sensor system was implemented on a highly adjustable Paralympic sit-ski, and an experiment was conducted to pinpoint optimal equipment settings for an individual athlete. In addition, the system provided force data from both knees, seat, belt, and both poles. The data collected can also be used to analyze the technique, in addition to assisting in the classification process in the LW10–12 class. The proposed system design also allows for adding a vast amount of different sensor types, and by testing for delay, synchronized with well-known GNSS and IMU sensors already used in many sports to analyze athlete performance.
A systematic review of the evaluation of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in the Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) fish
Authors: Dasmahapatra Asok K. , Williams Charmonix B. , Myla Anitha , Tiwary Sanjay K. , Tchounwou Paul. B.
Published: November 2023

Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) is an acceptable small laboratory fish model for the evaluation and assessment of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in the environment. In this research, we used this fish as a potential tool for the identification of EDCs that have a significant impact on human health. We conducted an electronic search in PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed) and Google Scholar (https://scholar.google.com/) using the search terms, Japanese medaka, Oryzias latipes, and endocrine disruptions, and sorted 205 articles consisting of 128 chemicals that showed potential effects on estrogen–androgen–thyroid–steroidogenesis (EATS) pathways of Japanese medaka. From these chemicals, 14 compounds, namely, 17β-estradiol (E2), ethinylestradiol (EE2), tamoxifen (TAM), 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT), 17β-trenbolone (TRB), flutamide (FLU), vinclozolin (VIN), triiodothyronine (T3), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), terephthalic acid (TPA), trifloxystrobin (TRF), ketoconazole (KTC), and prochloraz (PCZ), were selected as references and used for the identification of apical endpoints within the EATS modalities. Among these endpoints, during classification, priorities are given to sex reversal (masculinization of females and feminization of males), gonad histology (testis–ova or ovotestis), secondary sex characteristics (anal fin papillae of males), plasma and liver vitellogenin (VTG) contents in males, swim bladder inflation during larval development, hepatic vitellogenin (vtg) and choriogenin (chg) genes in the liver of males, and several genes, including estrogen–androgen–thyroid receptors in the hypothalamus–pituitary–gonad/thyroid axis (HPG/T). After reviewing 205 articles, we identified 108 (52.68%), 46 (22.43%), 19 (9.26%), 22 (17.18%), and 26 (12.68%) papers that represented studies on estrogen endocrine disruptors (EEDs), androgen endocrine disruptors (AEDs), thyroid endocrine disruptors (TEDs), and/or steroidogenesis modulators (MOS), respectively. Most importantly, among 128 EDCs, 32 (25%), 22 (17.18%), 15 (11.8%), and 14 (10.93%) chemicals were classified as EEDs, AEDs, TEDs, and MOS, respectively. We also identified 43 (33.59%) chemicals as high-priority candidates for tier 2 tests, and 13 chemicals (10.15%) show enough potential to be considered EDCs without any further tier-based studies. Although our literature search was unable to identify the EATS targets of 45 chemicals (35%) studied in 60 (29.26%) of the 205 articles, our approach has sufficient potential to further move the laboratory-based research data on Japanese medaka for applications in regulatory risk assessments in humans.
Análisis de la sostenibilidad de la deuda pública externa del Ecuador durante el periodo 2000-2022
Authors: Sarmiento-Moscoso Luis Santiago , Ortiz-Remache Ana Carolina , Quizhpi-Pastuizaca Jennyfer Isabel
Published: November 2023

Durante los últimos años, tanto el nivel de endeudamiento como las tasas de interés se han incrementado considerablemente en el país, generando preocupación en la economía especialmente, en cuanto a la limitación de recursos públicos que se podría generar. El presente estudio analiza la sostenibilidad de la deuda pública externa en el periodo 2000-2020. Para ello, se ha estimado un modelo autorregresivo de deuda en los que se incluye variables de ingresos, deuda y gastos, así como se ha estimado un conjunto de indicadores, tales como de la Brecha primaria, de Blanchard, razón Deuda / PIB, entre otros. Los resultados indican que la deuda es sostenible débilmente y el coeficiente de ajuste estima que aproximadamente el 27% de los desequilibrios en el corto plazo se está corrigiendo en el periodo subsiguiente hacia la trayectoria de largo plazo. Por lo que resulta importante la renegociación de las tasas de interés para disminuir el compromiso adquirido por servicio de deuda especialmente desde 2014 y, con ello, liberar recursos para atender necesidades de carácter socio económico en la población.
Adaptive PID Controller for Active Suspension Using Radial Basis Function Neural Networks
Authors: Zhao Weipeng , Gu Liang
Published: November 2023

Suspension systems are critical parts of modern cars. In this study, a radial basis function neural networks-based adaptive PID optimal method is presented for vehicle suspension systems. To avoid the shortcoming that the parameters of PID control are determined by experience in the traditional method, to avoid the local optimality problem and the slow rate of convergence in the modern intelligence method, radial basis function neural networks are applied in this paper. First, a quarter-car suspension is presented. Then, the radial basis function neural networks are employed to obtain the parameters of proportional, integral, and derivate components that are used in PID control. The simulation is conducted later. Next, a comparison of the progress between uncontrolled suspension, the radial basis function-based PID control, the H∞ control method, and the FPM control method is presented. According to the simulation results, the proposed control method performs better than the others. This contrast reveals the superior characteristics of the suggested control strategy.
Phenology, Nitrogen Status, and Yield of Red Clover (Trifolium pretense L.) Affected by Application of Vitamin B12, Humic Acid, and Enriched Biochar
Authors: Saadat Dorna , Siller Arthur , Hashemi Masoud
Published: November 2023

Studies on vitamin B12’s influence on the flowering and yield parameters of red clover (Trifolium pretense L.) are not well documented. A greenhouse experiment investigated the effect of the solo and combined application of vitamin B12 with humic acid and enriched biochar on the morphology, nitrogen status, and biomass yield of the shoots and roots of red clovers. Two levels of vitamin B12 (0, 20 mg pot−1) mixed with four growing media were laid out as a randomized complete block design. The results indicated that vitamin B12 markedly led to (A) a decrease in the flowering time by 5 days (100.2 to 95.9 days), while the co-application of B12 and humic acid resulted in further reduction (84.5 days); (B) an increased total number of stems (73.0 to 78.6 plant−1); (C) a boost in the root dry weight by 60% (3.8 to 6.4 g) while having no significant influence on the shoot dry weight; (D) a decrease in the leaf trichome density by 30% (49.0 to 35.0 plant−1); (E) a rise in the N content of the roots (107.8 to 173.3 mg plant−1), while having no influence on shoot N content. biochar’s influence on the phenology and productivity of red clovers was minimal. The results highlighted the importance of the application of manure, which is naturally rich in vitamin B12 and humic acid, to forage crops, including red clover.
Impact of Adding Anaerobic Digestate to Soil and Consequences on Crop Performance
Authors: Hallat-Sanchez Juana , Smith Jo , Norton Gareth J.
Published: November 2023

Anaerobic digestate is proposed as an alternative to inorganic fertilisers, but a better understanding of how anaerobic digestates impact the soil and how plant growth is influenced is needed for wider acceptance. In this study, a series of pot experiments were conducted growing spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) in a range of soils with the application of digestate or synthetic fertiliser. Two application rates corresponding to total nitrogen at 120 and 480 kg ha−1 were used together with unfertilised soil as a control. Growth characteristics were measured as plant height, number of tillers, straw biomass, grain biomass and total biomass. Most growth characteristics (tillering, and straw and grain yield) increased with increasing application rates of nitrogen. An increase of 7–20% in plant height was observed with anaerobic digestate compared to synthetic fertilisers. However, results differed depending on the source of digestate and soil type. The nitrogen balance index (the ratio of the chlorophyll to polyphenolic compounds, which is linked to the nitrogen status of the crop) showed an increase of 40–50% for digestate applied at a nitrogen rate of 480 kg ha−1 compared to the control. By measuring nitrogen as ammonium, nitrate and nitrite in the different soils over 35 days, differential nitrogen release was also demonstrated, with soil water concentrations of ammonium decreasing rapidly after an early peak in all the treatments, and nitrate peaking after days 3–4. Results suggest that digestate may be used to replace synthetic fertilisers when applied in a range of soils.
Agronomic Approach to Iron Biofortification in Chickpea
Authors: Jahan Tamanna Akter , Tar’an Bunyamin
Published: November 2023

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is a staple crop in many developing countries where iron (Fe) deficiency is severe. The biofortification of chickpea is a possible solution to address the Fe deficiency problem. A chickpea biofortification experiment was conducted under field conditions to evaluate the effects of different doses of Fe fertilizer (0 kg ha−1,10 kg ha−1 and 30 kg ha−1 of Fe-EDDHA) on the Fe content in seeds from 18 chickpea cultivars. The experiment was designed as a factorial combination of 18 chickpea cultivars and three Fe fertilizer doses in a randomized complete block design with four replications at two locations in Saskatchewan in 2015 and 2016. The Fe concentration in seeds across 18 different chickpea cultivars increased with Fe fertilization. Fe concentration in X05TH20-2 and CDC Frontier cultivars increased from 57 µg g−1 to 59 µg g−1 and from 56 µg g−1 to 58 µg g−1, respectively, after adding Fe fertilizer in both locations in 2015 and 2016. The biofortified seeds of these two cultivars can provide approximately 6 mg Fe 100−1 g seeds. Thus, 67 and 150 g of Fe biofortified chickpea seeds can provide 50% of the recommended dietary allowance of Fe for men and women.
Insights into the Fungicide Prothioconazole and Its Metabolite in Wheat: Residue Behavior and Risk Assessment
Authors: Fang Qingkui , Yan Zixuan , Zhang Chengzhi , Shi Yanhong , Zhang Zhaoxian , Gao Quan , Xiao Jinjing , Liao Min , Qi Chuanyong , Cao Haiqun
Published: November 2023

To clarify the residue formation of prothioconazole and its main metabolite in wheat plants, the uptake, translocation, and metabolism of prothioconazole in wheat roots and leaves were investigated by nutrient solution culture and the spraying method. The results showed that prothioconazole and its metabolites showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing in wheat plants under two treatment methods, and the concentration of prothioconazole and its metabolites was higher in the high-concentration group (5000 μg/mL) than in the low-concentration group (1000 μg/mL). The transferability from stem to leaf was stronger than that from root to stem. In the nutrient solution culture, prothioconazole and its metabolites were mainly enriched in wheat roots. The concentration of prothioconazole in wheat roots increases with the increase in prothioconazole concentration and was significantly higher than the prothioconazole concentration on stems and leaves. In wheat leaves in the spraying method, prothioconazole and its metabolites were conducted from leaves to stems and roots up to the nutrient solution. Prothioconazole-desthio was detectable in wheat nutrient solution, while prothioconazole was not detected. Analysis of actual samples of 9 wheat grains and 28 flours showed that the residues of prothioconazole and its metabolites met the maximum residue limit (0.1 mg/mL) set in China and by the Codex Alimentarius Commission. The results will provide a theoretical basis for the scientific use of prothioconazole and food security assurance.
Improving Irrigation Performance by Using Adaptive Border Irrigation System
Authors: Liu Kaihua , Jiao Xiyun , Guo Weihua , Gu Zhe , Li Jiang
Published: November 2023

Shortages of water resources and labor make it urgent to improve irrigation efficiency and automation. To respond to this need, this study demonstrates the development of an adaptive border irrigation system. The inflow is adjusted based on the functional relationship between the advance time deviation and the optimal adjustment inflow rate, thereby avoiding the real-time calculation of infiltration parameters required by traditional real-time control irrigation systems. During the irrigation process, the inflow rate is automatically adjusted based only on the advance time deviation of the observation points. The proposed system greatly simplifies the calculation and reduces the requirements for field computing equipment compared with traditional real-time control irrigation systems. Field validation experiments show that the proposed system provides high-quality irrigation by improving the application efficiency, distribution uniformity, and comprehensive irrigation performance by 11.3%, 10.7%, and 11.0%, respectively. A sensitivity analysis indicates that the proposed system maintains a satisfactory irrigation performance for all scenarios of variations in natural parameters, flow rates, and border length. Due to its satisfactory irrigation performance, robustness, facile operation, and economical merit compared with traditional real-time control irrigation systems, the proposed system has the potential to be widely applied.
Mechanical Analysis of Rice Canopy Using Explicit Dynamics and Practical Applications of Canopy Opener
Authors: Jing Linlong , Wei Xinhua , Song Qi , Wang Fei
Published: November 2023

Open-canopy pesticide application technology is not affected by the canopy structure and can substantially increase droplet penetration and deposition in the middle and lower rice canopy. However, the optimal working position of the canopy opener is difficult to determine. The purpose of this study was to examine the characteristics of rice canopy disturbances under the action of a canopy opener, verify simulation results using high-speed photography tests, and identify the spraying effect of the optimal operating parameters of a canopy opener through spray tests. The mechanical characteristic parameters of the rice heading stage were determined through experiments, and the canopy-opening process was simulated based on the finite element method of explicit dynamics. The simulation results show that when the speed of the canopy opener is 1.2 m s−1 and the height is 0.6 m, the rice canopy is the most disturbed. The spray experiment results show that under this condition, the overall coverage rate of the rice canopy is relatively high, and the coverage rates of the upper, middle, and lower layers of rice are 92.18%, 66.43%, and 52.84%, respectively.
Characterisation of Wild Strains of Lactic Acid Bacteria Isolated from Legumes and Their Biocontrol Potential against Fusarium spp.
Authors: Kavková Miloslava , Bazalová Olga , Cihlář Jaromír , Bohatá Andrea , Lencová Jana , Konvalina Petr
Published: November 2023

Legumes are indispensable crops in sustainable agricultural systems because of their capability for biological nitrogen fixation owing to symbiosis with rhizobia and soil fertility restoration. Fungal pathogens from the genera Fusarium cause rotting and wilting and produce mycotoxins in plant tissues. The use of fungicides in sustainable agricultural systems is limited; therefore, the application of biological agents with antifungal activity against Fusarium spp. is desirable. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are promising control agents that produce a wide spectrum of functional metabolites. Lactiplantibacillus plantarum and other lactobacilli are the most intensively studied genera of LAB in relation to antifungal activity against Fusarium spp. However, LAB strains belonging to the lactobacilli and lactococci genera have not yet been isolated and characterised from legumes. Therefore, we aimed to obtain wild strains of LAB from legumes, screen them for functional characteristics with respect to their antifungal activity, and compare their antifungal activity against isolates of Fusarium spp. from legumes. Consequently, 31 LAB isolates belonging to 10 species were obtained and identified from legumes. Their functional properties, including genetics and proteomics, short-chain organic acid production, and antifungal activity against five Fusarium spp., of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum, Lacticaseibacillus paracasei, and Lactiplantibacillus pentosus isolates, were studied. Cell-free supernatants of L. plantarum and L. pentosus showed significant suppression of mycelial growth and conidial germination.
Sulfur Application Improves the Nutritional Quality of Maize by Regulating the Amino Acid Balance of Grains
Authors: Wang Honglin , Cui Shuai , Fu Jianan , Gong Huadong , Liu Shuoran
Published: November 2023

As a crucial staple crop in agricultural production, maize is extensively cultivated worldwide and plays a pivotal role in ensuring global food security. However, the significant deficiency of essential amino acids (EAA) and conditionally essential amino acids (CEAA), such as lysine (Lys), tryptophan (Trp), methionine (Met), and cysteine (Cys), leads to an imbalance of amino acids in the grain. This study investigates the regulatory mechanism of sulfur (S) application for regulating the amino acid balance of maize grains. The results demonstrate that S application has substantial effects on both the maize yield and nutritional quality. The S application resulted in an increase in maize yield by simultaneously enhancing the grain number per ear (GN) and 100-grain weight (GW), while S application elevated protein concentration through the augmentation of Cys concentration in maize grains. Furthermore, the Cys in grains optimizes the amino acid balance by regulating the ratio of other amino acids, thereby enhancing the nutritional quality of maize while ensuring a steady increase in protein concentration, simultaneously. Overall, the S application at 60–90 kg ha−1 synergistically improved both the yield and nutritional quality of maize, meeting the requirements for sustainable development in maize production. The findings offer a novel theoretical foundation and nutrient management approach for achieving high-yield and superior-quality maize production.
Comparative Assessment of Nutritional Metabolites in Yellow Soybeans at Different Growth Years and Their Antioxidant and α-Glucosidase Inhibition Properties
Authors: Cho Kye Man , Lee Young Min , Lee Hee Yul , Lee Jin Hwan
Published: November 2023

With regard to obtaining valuable information on the development of new breeding lines and functional agents, the present study was the first to demonstrate variations in nutritional metabolites and biological properties in yellow soybeans at three growth years. Three metabolites (fatty acid, amino acid, isoflavone) exhibited significant differences between cultivars and growth years; specifically, linoleic acid, glutamic acid, and malonylgenistin displayed the highest average contents at 38.7 mg/g, 59.9 mg/100 g, and 992.6 μg/g, exhibiting predominant changes in the range of 21.6–61.2 mg/g, 34.3–113.3 mg/100 g, and 455.8–1778.9 μg/g, respectively. Moreover, the biofunctional effects differed remarkably in the order ABTS > α-glucosidase > DPPH at 500 μg/mL (50% methanol extracts). The TPC, TFC, DNA protection, and FRAP ratios also showed remarkable changes in cultivars across growth times. Interestingly, the Daepung cultivar may be considered an alternative source for the development of new soybeans and nutraceutical foods due to its high metabolites (average contents, fatty acid: 80.8 mg/g; amino acid: 353.8 mg/100 g; isoflavone: 4048.2 μg/g) and excellent beneficial activities (75.1% ABTS, 52.5% DPPH, 100% DNA protection, 73.1% α-glucosidase, 1.54 OD593 nm FRAP at 500 μg/mL). Our observations may contribute to providing valuable information on the relationship between metabolites and the biological properties of yellow soybeans.
Ethogram of the Chinese Giant Salamander during the Breeding Period Based on the PAE Coding System
Authors: Luo Shouliang , Wang Pei , Zhang Yifang , Wang Ziteng , Tian He , Luo Qinghua
Published: November 2023

The PAE (Posture-Act-Environment) coding system is a behavior coding system that divides the study of animal behavior into postures, actions, and the corresponding environmental factors, and they are coded correspondingly. It determines the analysis dimension to standardize the study of behavior. To investigate the behavior of A. davidianus during the breeding period, as well as their related postures, actions, and required environmental conditions, this study monitored the behavior of four pairs of A. davidianus in a simulated natural breeding pool using an infrared image monitoring system and recorded the changes in water quality during this process using a water quality monitoring system. The process of reproductive behaviors was observed and recorded with the random sampling method and the focal animal sampling method to classify and code the behaviors, and the ethogram of A. davidianus during the breeding period was constructed based on the PAE coding system. The result showed that 10 postures, 33 actions, 11 environments, and 45 behavioral patterns were differentiated and defined, which were classified into 9 categories of behaviors according to the behavioral function. Among these categories, five were distinguished as behaviors unique to the reproductive period, which include sand pushing, showering, courtship, oviposition, and parental care. The remaining four categories were daily behaviors: exercise, feeding, rest, and miscellaneous behaviors. The quantitative data on water quality and habitat factors that had a significant impact on the behavior of A. davidianus, such as water temperature (WT), pH, and dissolved oxygen (DO), were included in the coding framework, which more accurately expresses the environmental conditions and thresholds required for the breeding behavior.
Effects of Supplementing Growing–Finishing Crossbred Pigs with Glycerin, Vitamin C and Niacinamide on Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality
Authors: Deng Linglan , Hao Shaobin , Zou Wanjie , Wei Panting , Sun Wenchen , Wu Huadong , Lu Wei , He Yuyong
Published: November 2023

The objective of this study was to determine the influence of supplementing the diet of growing–finishing pigs with glycerin and/or a mixture of vitamin C and niacinamide on carcass traits and pork quality. Eighty-four weaned piglets with an initial average body weight of 20.35 ± 2.14 kg were assigned, at random, to four groups for a 103-day feeding experiment: control; glycerin-supplemented group; vitamin C and niacinamide-supplemented group; and glycerin, vitamin C and niacinamide-supplemented group. At the end of the experiment, three pigs/group were randomly selected and slaughtered, and samples were collected for analysis. The results indicated that supplementing crossbred pigs with glycerin, vitamin C and niacinamide simultaneously increased the redness (a*) value (p < 0.05), glycerol content (p < 0.01) and myristoleic acid content (p < 0.01) in the longissimus dorsi and tended to increase the level of flavor amino acids, linoleic acid, linolenic acid and erucic acid, as well as the percentage and density of type I myofibers in the longissimus dorsi and the semimembranosus muscle. Glycerin had an influence (p < 0.01) on the erucic acid content in the longissimus dorsi and the semimembranosus muscle, and vitamin C and niacinamide had an interaction effect (p < 0.05) on the redness (a*) value of the longissimus dorsi. Glycerin, vitamin C and niacinamide supplementation in the diet of crossbred pigs improved the color, flavor and nutritional value of pork, which contributed to an increased intent to purchase this product.