bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Backward masking implicates cortico-cortical recurrent processes in convex figure context effects and cortico-thalamic recurrent processes in resolving figure-ground ambiguity
Authors: Peterson Mary A. , Campbell Elizabeth Salvagio
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Previous experiments purportedly showed that image-based factors like convexity were sufficient for figure assignment. Recently, however, we found that the probability of perceiving a figure on the convex side of a central border was only slightly higher than chance for two-region displays and increased with the number of display regions; this increase was observed only when the concave regions were homogeneously colored. These convex figure context effects (CEs) revealed that figure assignment in these classic displays entails more than a response to local convexity. A Bayesian observer replicated the convex figure CEs using both a convexity object prior and a new, homogeneous background prior and made the novel prediction that the classic displays in which both the convex and concave regions were homogeneous were ambiguous during perceptual organization.

Methods

Here, we report three experiments investigating the proposed ambiguity and examining how the convex figure CEs unfold over time with an emphasis on whether they entail recurrent processing. Displays were shown for 100 ms followed by pattern masks after ISIs of 0, 50, or 100 ms. The masking conditions were designed to add noise to recurrent processing and therefore to delay the outcome of processes in which they play a role. In Exp. 1, participants viewed two- and eight-region displays with homogeneous convex regions (homo-convex displays; the putatively ambiguous displays). In Exp. 2, participants viewed putatively unambiguous hetero-convex displays. In Exp. 3, displays and masks were presented to different eyes, thereby delaying mask interference in the thalamus for up to 100 ms.

Results and discussion

The results of Exps. 1 and 2 are consistent with the interpretation that recurrent processing is involved in generating the convex figure CEs and resolving the ambiguity of homo-convex displays. The results of Exp. 3 suggested that corticofugal recurrent processing is involved in resolving the ambiguity of homo-convex displays and that cortico-cortical recurrent processes play a role in generating convex figure CEs and these two types of recurrent processes operate in parallel. Our results add to evidence that perceptual organization evolves dynamically and reveal that stimuli that seem unambiguous can be ambiguous during perceptual organization.
Causal association between self-reported fatigue and coronary artery disease: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization analysis
Authors: Qi Xiaoyi , Wang Shijia , Qiu Liangxian , Chen Xiongbiao , Huang Qianwen , Ouyang Kunfu , Chen Yanjun
Published: September 2023

Background

Observational studies have reported the association between fatigue and coronary artery disease (CAD), but the causal association between fatigue and CAD is unclear.

Method

We conducted a bidirectional Mendelian randomization (MR) study using publicly available genome-wide association studies (GWAS) data. The inverse-variance weighted (IVW) method was used as the primary analysis. We performed three complementary methods, including weighted median, MR-Egger regression, and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO) to evaluate the sensitivity and horizontal pleiotropy of the results.

Result

Self-reported fatigue had a causal effect on coronary artery atherosclerosis (CAA) (OR 1.047, 95%CI 1.033–1.062), myocardial infarction (MI) (OR 1.027 95%CI 1.014–1.039) and coronary heart disease (CHD) (OR 1.037, 95%CI 1.021–1.053). We did not find a significant reverse causality between self-reported fatigue and CAD. Given the heterogeneity revealed by MR-Egger regression, we employed the IVW random effect model. For the examination of fatigue on CHD and the reverse analysis of CAA, and MI on fatigue, the MR-PRESSO test found horizontal pleiotropy. No significant outliers were found.

Conclusion

The MR analysis reveals a causal relationship between self-reported fatigue and CAD. The results should be interpreted with caution due to horizontal pleiotropy.
Mediating effect of successful aging on the relationship between psychological resilience and death anxiety among middle-aged and older adults with hypertension
Authors: Wang Meiding , Zhang Lin , Ma Jianing , Sun Hong , Gao Ziyun , Hu Mengya , Liu Haiyang , Guo Leilei
Published: September 2023

Objective

The aging trend of China's population is severe and successful aging (SA) is imminent. Aging can lead to various chronic diseases, with hypertension being the most common. Due to this lifelong disease, patients suffer from many anxieties, as death anxiety (DA) can be the most prevalent. Studies have exhibited that middle-aged adults approaching the transition to an older state show more pronounced DA than the more senior. It has been suggested that psychological resilience (PR) can reduce DA. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the mediating effect of SA between PR and DA in middle-aged and older adults with hypertension.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was designed. From August to December 2021, 298 middle-aged and older adults with hypertension were selected by multistage cluster random sampling in three districts (Ling he District, Gu ta District, and Tai He District) of Jinzhou City, Liaoning Province. They were surveyed using the demographic questionnaires, the Conner-Davidson Resilience Scale, the Successful Aging Inventory, and the Chinese version of a Likert-type Templer-Death Anxiety Scale. Descriptive analyses, independent sample T-test, and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to describe demographic characteristics among hypertensive patients with different characteristics, respectively. Statistics were considered significant when P < 0.05. Pearson correlation coefficients describe the relationship between PR, SA, and DA. The research model was shaped through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). SPSS PROCESS macro was used to verify the mediation model. A binary logistic regression model was used with DA as the dependent variable.

Results

The scores for PR, SA, and DA in hypertensive patients are (49.52 ± 14.38) points, (51.22 ± 7.63) points, and (46.67 ± 9.03) points. PR was negatively correlated with DA (r = −0.307, P < 0.01). Moreover, incorporating SA as a mediating variable in PR and DA, SA was positively correlated with PR (r = 0.335, P < 0.01) and DA (r = 0.085, P > 0.05). The direct effect is opposite to the sign of the indirect effect. There is a suppression between PR and DA with a percentage of 20.7%. Good self-assessed health status [0.057 (0.018, 0.183)] may be a protective factor for DA.

Conclusion

Healthcare providers should improve the PR of middle-aged and older adults with hypertension through interventions that reduce DA and increase the likelihood of SA.
Specialist hybrid models with asymmetric training for malaria prevalence prediction
Authors: Fisher Thomas , Rojas-Galeano Sergio , Fernandez-Reyes Delmiro
Published: September 2023

Malaria is a common and serious disease that primarily affects developing countries and its spread is influenced by a variety of environmental and human behavioral factors; therefore, accurate prevalence prediction has been identified as a critical component of the Global Technical Strategy for Malaria from 2016 to 2030. While traditional differential equation models can perform basic forecasting, supervised machine learning algorithms provide more accurate predictions, as demonstrated by a recent study using an elastic net model (REMPS). Nevertheless, current short-term prediction systems do not achieve the required accuracy levels for routine clinical practice. To improve in this direction, stacked hybrid models have been proposed, in which the outputs of several machine learning models are aggregated by using a meta-learner predictive model. In this paper, we propose an alternative specialist hybrid approach that combines a linear predictive model that specializes in the linear component of the malaria prevalence signal and a recurrent neural network predictive model that specializes in the non-linear residuals of the linear prediction, trained with a novel asymmetric loss. Our findings show that the specialist hybrid approach outperforms the current state-of-the-art stacked models on an open-source dataset containing 22 years of malaria prevalence data from the city of Ibadan in southwest Nigeria. The specialist hybrid approach is a promising alternative to current prediction methods, as well as a tool to improve decision-making and resource allocation for malaria control in high-risk countries.
Impact of access to childhood health services on healthy life expectancy of the older population
Authors: Liu Chen , Hou Xiaochun , Wang Qiong , Xu Xinrui , Wu Bingyi , Liu Jun
Published: September 2023

Background

Life course theory provides new perspectives on the impact of early experiences on health in old age, where unfortunate childhood experiences can alter an individual's health trajectory. This study aims to calculate the healthy life expectancy of the older population in China under different childhood experiences, and to explore the influence of childhood medical and health services on the health level of older adults.

Methods

Differences in healthy life expectancy of the older population under different childhood experiences were analyzed using the multi-state life table method to calculate the healthy life expectancy by sex and place of birth, based on the cohort data of Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) from 2008 to 2018.

Results

The probability of the transition risk from health to non-health gradually increased with age, while the probability of the transition risk from non-health to health decreased with age; In both urban and rural areas, on the probability of the transition risk from health to non-health, the older adults who were able to receive timely medical and health services in childhood were lower than those who failed to receive medical services in time (Z = −5.833, P < 0.05), but the probability of the transition risk from non-health to health was the opposite (Z = −5.334, P < 0.05); The probability of the transition risk from health to death is also higher in older adults who were unable to receive timely medical care in childhood (Z = −5.88, P < 0.05); The healthy life expectancy and its proportion in the remaining life expectancy of older people who received medical and health services in time during childhood were significantly higher than those of their peers (Z = −5.88, P < 0.05).

Conclusions

The lack of medical services in childhood has a negative effect on the health of older adults. The healthy life expectancy and its proportion of remaining life expectancy were higher for rural older adults than for urban older adults under the same health care conditions in childhood; the health benefits of good access to health care environment or conditions in childhood were greater for rural older females.
Implementation determinants and strategies in integration of PrEP into maternal and child health and family planning services: experiences of frontline healthcare workers in Kenya
Authors: Wagner Anjuli D. , Beima-Sofie Kristin , Awuor Mercy , Owade Winnie , Neary Jillian , Dettinger Julia C. , Pintye Jillian , Abuna Felix , Lagat Harison , Weiner Bryan J. , Kohler Pamela , Kinuthia John , John-Stewart Grace , O’Malley Gabrielle
Published: September 2023

Background

Delivery of PrEP to adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) and to pregnant women through maternal and child health (MCH) and family planning (FP) clinics is scaling up in Kenya. Evaluation of implementation challenges and strategies is critical to optimize delivery.

Methods

We conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) with healthcare workers (HCWs) in MCH and FP clinics offering PrEP in a large implementation project in Kisumu, Kenya. Discussion guides were based on the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). FGDs were audio recorded and transcribed. Directed content analysis was used to identify implementation challenges and strategies to overcome them.

Results

Fifty HCWs from 26 facilities participated in 8 FGDs. HCWs believed PrEP integration was appropriate because it met the needs of AGYW and pregnant women by providing a female-controlled prevention strategy and aligned with policy priorities of elimination of vertical HIV transmission. They were universally accepting of PrEP provision, especially through MCH clinics, noting the relative advantage of this approach because it: (1) enabled high coverage, (2) harmonized PrEP and MCH visits, and (3) minimized stigma compared to PrEP offered through HIV care clinics. However, HCWs noted implementation challenges affecting feasibility and adoption including: (1) increased workload and documentation burden amid workforce shortages, (2) insufficient health care worker knowledge (3) multiple implementing partners with competing priorities (4) drug and documentation form stockouts. HCWs employed various implementation strategies to overcome challenges, including task shifting from nurses to HIV testing providers, patient flow modifications (e.g., fast-tracking PrEP clients to reduce wait times), PrEP demand generation and myth clarification during health talks, provider education, dedicated PrEP delivery rooms, and coordination with adolescent-friendly services. Additional suggested strategies to improve PrEP integration included community education to increase broader PrEP awareness and enable shorter counseling sessions, and task-shifting data entry and client risk assessments.

Conclusions

HCWs were enthusiastic about the appropriateness and acceptability of integrating PrEP services into MCH and FP clinics but noted challenges to adoption and feasibility. Strategies to address challenges focused on improving provider time and space constraints, and increasing provider and client knowledge.
Does increased construction activity transmit into housing prices and rents? Evidence from the V4 countries and Austria
Authors: Kadeřábková Božena , Řežábek Pavel
Published: September 2023

This study focuses on the housing market in Central European countries. We analyze the housing prices and their sensitiveness to selected variables, especially regarding construction activity in the V4 countries and Austria. By employing a specification of a recursive VAR model for each country, we show that the most responsive to changes in construction activity is housing market in Austria. Meanwhile housing prices in the V4 countries do not exhibit any strong association with construction activity, perhaps due to under-supply of housing in the countries. The paper provides discussion on the variables dependencies explanations.
Feasibility of neck electrical impedance tomography to monitor upper airway dynamics during sleep
Authors: Piccin Vivien S. , de Camargo Erick D. L. B. , Andrade Rafaela G. S. , Torsani Vinícius , Schorr Fabíola , Sardinha Priscilla S. , Madeiro Fernanda , Genta Pedro R. , Gregório Marcelo G. , de Carvalho Carlos R. R. , Amato Marcelo B. P. , Lorenzi-Filho Geraldo
Published: September 2023

Background

There is a lack of non-invasive methods for monitoring the upper airway patency during sleep. Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) is a non-invasive, radiation-free tool that has been validated to monitor lung ventilation. We hypothesized that electrical impedance tomography (EIT) can be used for monitoring upper airway patency during sleep.

Methods

Sleep was induced in 21 subjects (14 males, age 43 ± 13 years, body mass index 32.0 ± 5.3 kg/m2) with suspected obstructive sleep apnea (apnea-hypopnea index: 44 ± 37 events/h, range: 1–122 events/h) using low doses of midazolam. Patients wore a nasal mask attached to a modified CPAP device, allowing variable and controlled degrees of upper airway obstruction. Confirmation of upper airway patency was obtained with direct visualization of the upper airway using nasofibroscopy (n = 6). The changes in total neck impedance and in impedance in four cranio-caudal regions of interest (ROIs) were analyzed.

Results

Total neck impedance varied in concert with breathing cycles and peaked during expiration in all patients. Group data showed a high cross-correlation between flow and impedance curves (r = −0.817, p < 0.001). Inspiratory peak flow correlated with simultaneous neck impedance (r = 0.866, p < 0.001). There was a high correlation between total neck impedance and velopharynx area (r = 0.884, p < 0.001), and total neck impedance and oropharynx area (r = 0.891, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Neck EIT is sensitive and captures pharyngeal obstruction under various conditions. Neck EIT is a promising method for real-time monitoring of the pharynx during sleep.
Incorporation of local novel feed resources in livestock feed for sustainable food security and circular economy in Africa
Authors: Chisoro Prince , Jaja Ishmael Festus , Assan Never
Published: September 2023

In livestock production, feed resources are very crucial, particularly in Africa where food security and sustainable development are major considerations. The incorporation of locally available novel feed resource alternatives can promote circular economy concepts, increase food security, and improve sustainable livestock production. This review attempts to compile the most recent information on the use of locally available novel feed sources found in Africa while assessing their potential benefits for circular economy principles and sustainable livestock production. We conducted a thorough literature search to find appropriate publications that were published between 2010 and 2022. The search was done using keywords relating to local novel feed resources, sustainable development, circular economy, livestock feed, and food security across a number of research databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. After the search and screening, relevant publications were chosen for inclusion based on their applicability to this review design, topicality (Africa), and regional focus. This review discovered a wide range of locally available novel feed resources, such as native plants, agricultural byproducts, food processing byproducts, and weeds, all of which have the potential to serve as alternative supplements or substitute feed sources for livestock. These resources frequently have a good nutritional composition and advantageous phytochemicals and can be obtained locally, decreasing reliance on foreign feed components. By exploiting locally accessible resources, the inclusion of these materials in livestock feed has significant potential to enhance livestock performance, lower production costs, and promote circular economy concepts in Africa. African countries' sustainable food security and circular economies stand to gain significantly from the use of locally available novel feed resources in livestock feed. However, further investigation is required to determine their nutritional worth, safety, and the best inclusion rates in livestock rations. For their implementation to be effective, it will also be essential to comprehend the socioeconomic, cultural, and environmental elements impacting their adoption. This review offers a thorough synthesis of the body of research, emphasizing the value of locally available novel feed sources in improving the production of livestock and advancing Africa's sustainable development targets.
The development of the status of Druze women in the 21st century
Authors: Faraj Falah Janan
Published: September 2023

This article analyzes the social, personal, and religious reasons for the change in the status of Druze women in Israel. In the 1970s, the first wave of female Druze teachers began when a class intended only for women was opened. In the last 20 years, there has been a fundamental change in the status of women, followed by a change in the status of women in Israel in general. This change resulted in an increase in the percentage of female Druze students compared with male Druze students. According to data from the Israeli Central Bureau of Statistics, in 2020, 68% of all Druze B. Undergraduatestudents and 64.8% of M.A students were Druze women. This increase has affected the various professions in which Druze women work. This article will also discuss the effect of the change in the status of Druze women on Druze society in general.
Surface contamination rates at different spatial scales in the Columbus module (ISS) during the MATISS campaigns
Authors: Lemelle Laurence , Mottin Eléonore , Le Tourneau Denis , Rouquette Sébastien , Campagnolo Lucie , Thévenot Cécile , Maillet Alain , Barde Sébastien , Garre Emmanuel , Teisseire Jérémie , Fontelaye Caroline , Jousseaume Vincent , Pudda Catherine , Constantin Olivier , Marcoux Pierre , Nonglaton Guillaume , Place Christophe
Published: September 2023

Future long-duration human spaceflights require developments to limit biocontamination of surface habitats. The three MATISS (Microbial Aerosol Tethering on Innovative Surfaces in the International Space Station) campaigns exposed surface treatments over several months in the ISS. To this end, eight sample holders designed were mounted with lamella-bearing FDTS ((1H, 1H, 2H, 2H)-perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane), SiOCH, and parylene hydrophobic coatings, at two different locations, for several months, during three distinct periods from 2016 to 2020. Tile scanning optical microscopy (×3 and ×30 magnifications) detected several thousand particles, indicating a relatively clean environment (a few particles per mm2). In previous studies, exposure rates were analyzed for all the coarse and fine particles detected on the largest total area of the integrated FDTS area exposed in the ISS (several cm2). Here, the contamination rates observed for a smaller constant area unit (the 0.66-cm2 window area of the holder) were statistically analyzed. Therefore, a statistical difference in rate distributions between RGSH (Return Grid Sensor House) and EDR (European Drawer Rack) and between FDTS and either SiOCH or parylene was shown for the coarse particles but not for the fine particles. The contamination rates were found to be low, confirming the efficiency of the long-term air purification system. The rates tend to vary with the astronaut occupancy rates. Surfaces of spacecraft for long-duration exploration left unmanned during dormancy periods can be considered safe from biocontamination.
N-carbamylglutamate supplementation regulates hindgut microbiota composition and short-chain fatty acid contents in Charollais and Small Tail Han crossbred sheep
Authors: Ma Wei , Yuan Meiling , Chang Shuai , Wang Chunqiang
Published: September 2023

Introduction

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of N-carbamylglutamate (NCG) supplementation on the growth performance, hindgut microbiota composition, and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) contents in Charollais and Small Tail Han crossbred sheep.

Methods

A total of 16 female crossbred mutton sheep (Charollais × Small Tail Han), aged 4 months, with an initial body weight of 30.03 ± 0.08 kg, were utilized in a 60 days experiment. The sheep were divided into two groups based on their initial body weight. Each group consisted of 8 replicates, with each individual sheep considered as a replicate. The dietary treatments comprised a basal diet supplemented with either 0.00% or 0.12% NCG.

Results and discussion

Our findings indicate that NCG supplementation did not have a significant effect on the growth performance of mutton sheep. However, it did lead to changes in hindgut SCFA contents. Specifically, NCG supplementation increased the content of propanoic acid while decreasing acetic acid and hexanoic acid in the hindgut. Through microbiota analysis using the 16S rRNA technique, we identified Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group and Parasutterella as biomarkers for the hindgut microbiota in mutton sheep fed a diet containing NCG. Further analysis of the microbiota composition revealed that NCG supplementation significantly increased the abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group and Parasutterella, while decreasing unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae and Lachnoclostridium. Correlation analysis between hindgut SCFA contents and microbiota composition revealed that the abundance of Lachnoclostridium was positively correlated with the contents of acetic acid and hexanoic acid, but negatively correlated with propanoic acid. Additionally, the abundance of Lachnospiraceae_NK3A20_group and Parasutterella was positively correlated with the content of propanoic acid, while being negatively correlated with acetic acid and hexanoic acid. Based on these findings, we conclude that dietary supplementation of 0.12% NCG can modulate hindgut SCFA contents in mutton sheep by regulating the composition of the hindgut microbiota.
HyperDE: An Adaptive Hyper-Heuristic for Global Optimization
Authors: Manescu Alexandru-Razvan , Dumitrescu Bogdan
Published: September 2023

In this paper, a novel global optimization approach in the form of an adaptive hyper-heuristic, namely HyperDE, is proposed. As the naming suggests, the method is based on the Differential Evolution (DE) heuristic, which is a well-established optimization approach inspired by the theory of evolution. Additionally, two other similar approaches are introduced for comparison and validation, HyperSSA and HyperBES, based on Sparrow Search Algorithm (SSA) and Bald Eagle Search (BES), respectively. The method consists of a genetic algorithm that is adopted as a high-level online learning mechanism, in order to adjust the hyper-parameters and facilitate the collaboration of a homogeneous set of low-level heuristics with the intent of maximizing the performance of the search for global optima. Comparison with the heuristics that the proposed methodologies are based on, along with other state-of-the-art methods, is favorable.
Analysis of the Vibration Characteristics and Vibration Reduction Methods of Iron Core Reactor
Authors: Wang Zhen , Yu Runjie , Duan Changhui , Fan Zheming , Li Xiang
Published: September 2023

Series iron core reactors are one of the most commonly used electrical equipments in power systems, which can limit short-circuit currents and suppress harmonic waves from capacitor banks. However, the vibration of the reactor will not only generate noise pollution but also diminish the service life of the reactor and jeopardize power system safety. In order to reduce the vibration noise in the core disc region of the reactor, the vibration characteristics of a core reactor are calculated by modifying the anisotropy parameters of the Young’s modulus of the core disc lamellar structure and introducing the core magnetostriction effect based on the simulation analysis method of electromagnetic and mechanical coupling. A detachable single-phase series core reactor model is established, and the validity of the simulation calculation is measured and verified. At the same time, from the perspective of improving the air gap size of the series core reactor and the arrangement of electrical steel sheets, the corresponding iron core vibration reduction scheme is given. The average vibration reduction in the reactor is about 11.6% after comprehensive improvement according to the vibration reduction scheme, which provides an effective method for realizing the vibration and noise reduction in the reactor.
Bibliometric Analysis of Engine Vibration Detection
Authors: Xin Mai , Ye Zhifeng , Zhang Tong , Pan Xiong
Published: September 2023

After many years of development, the technology of analyzing the working condition of power units based on vibration signals has received relatively stable applications, but the accuracy and the degree of automation and intelligence for fault diagnosis are still inadequate due to the limitations in the ongoing development of key technologies. With the development of big data and artificial intelligence technology, the involvement of new technologies will be an important boost to the development of this field. In this study, in order to support subsequent research, bibliometrics is used as a tool to sort the development of the technology in this field at the macro level. At the micro level, key publications in the literature are studied to better understand the development status at the technical level and prepare for the selection of entry points to facilitate in-depth innovation in the future.
Roles of Personal, Household, Physical, and Institutional Factors on Farmers’ Efficiency of Hybrid Maize Production: Implications for Food Security
Authors: Akhtar Shoaib , Abbas Azhar , Faisal Muhammad , Raza Muhammad Haseeb , Samie Abdus , Yu Mark , Lovell Ashley
Published: September 2023

This study explored the multifaceted factors influencing the efficiency of hybrid maize production and investigated the possible implications for food security. The study adopted a comprehensive approach, examining personal, household, physical, and institutional factors that affect farmers’ productivity. Findings revealed the technical, allocative, and economic efficiencies through a combination of field surveys, data analysis, and econometric modeling. The mean technical, allocative, and economic efficiency scores for the sampled farms were 0.89, 0.66, and 0.59, respectively. Moreover, the result of Tobit regression analysis showed high significance of all three efficiencies. The significant factors associated with technical efficiency were farm size, age of farm household, maize farming experience, maize farming area, distance from the farm to the main market, number of visits by extension workers, credit access, and Okara district. In addition, the number of visits by extension workers, districts (Sahiwal and Okara), age of farmers, maize farming experience, and regional disparity (Sahiwal district) had substantial influences on allocative and economic inefficiencies in the hybrid maize-growing farms. Policymakers and agricultural stakeholders can develop focused strategies to improve farmers’ productivity and overall food security by identifying the key factors associated with hybrid maize production. Tailored interventions that address knowledge gaps, improve resource allocation, and provide improved institutional support can help make food systems more sustainable and resilient.
Study on Vibration Characteristics of Paddy Power Chassis under Different Driving Conditions
Authors: Yu Dongyang , He Jianfei , Peng Feihu , Qian Cheng , Zang Ying , Zhang Minghua , Yang Wenwu , Zeng Guoxiang , Chen Jianpeng , Qin Wei , Wang Zaiman
Published: September 2023

To elucidate the vibrational characteristics of power chassis in paddy fields, we examined the Yanmar VPG6G rice transplanter across diverse terrains, including paddy fields, dry land, and concrete roads. Vibrational acceleration measurements, taken in longitudinal, transverse, and vertical orientations at key chassis locations, revealed noteworthy findings. The Mizuta power chassis exhibited its lowest root-mean-square (RMS) vibrational acceleration on concrete, while the highest was observed on paddy fields. The acceleration power spectra predominantly peaked between 1~14 Hz, with peak values amplifying as speed increased. Additionally, pendant orientation frequencies exceeded those of longitudinal and lateral directions. Both front and rear wheels mirrored the vibrational accelerations of the rear axle, but dynamic load coefficients for the front wheels consistently surpassed the rear, particularly at elevated speeds. This research not only enhances our understanding of terrain-induced vibrations and the intricate dynamics between terrain and tires but also lays the groundwork for designing optimized vibration-damping solutions tailored to prevalent road conditions.
The Effect of Drying Variables on the Microwave–Vacuum-Drying Characteristics of Mulberries (Morus alba L.): Experiments and Multivariate Models
Authors: Cong Yuyang , Liu Yang , Tang Yurong , Ma Jiale , Wang Xingyu , Shen Shuai , Zhang Hong
Published: September 2023

It is easy to cause increases in temperature and the gasification of water in materials, facilitated via supercharging and the generation of instantaneous strong pressure under the collaborative action of a microwave and a vacuum, thus facilitating the internal cell swelling of materials, changes in fibre structures, and the formation of loose and uniform microstructures. In this experiment, mulberries were dehydrated using microwave–vacuum drying technology. The drying characteristics were disclosed by using crispness as the evaluation index and multiple drying parameters (e.g., products’ surface temperature, microwave power, chamber vacuum level and drying height) as the control variables. The optimised Two-term model can predict the dehydration process of mulberries under multiple drying variables, as determined through the experimental data. The optimal drying variables were determined according to the crispness of the dried mulberries. The optimal puffing quality of mulberries could be gained under a product surface temperature = 50 °C, microwave power = 5.45 W/g, a chamber vacuum level = 0.08 MPa and a drying height = 0 cm. The diffusion coefficient of the available water of the mulberries during the microwave–vacuum drying process ranges from 4.98 × 10−8 to 3.81 × 10−7, and the activation energy for drying is 183.923 KJ/mol.
The Impact of Economic Growth and Urbanisation on Environmental Degradation in the Baltic States: An Extended Kaya Identity
Authors: Makutėnienė Daiva , Staugaitis Algirdas Justinas , Makutėnas Valdemaras , Grīnberga-Zālīte Gunta
Published: September 2023

The main aim of this article is to empirically examine the impact of economic growth and urbanisation on environmental degradation, as well as the existence of the environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) in three Baltic States (Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia) from 2000 to 2020. The main Kaya identity and the extended urban Kaya identity models are applied within the analysis. The multiple regression analysis made it possible to assess the influence of urbanisation and other factors on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the studied countries, as well as test the hypothesis of the inverted U-shaped EKC. The main finding reveals that GDP per capita growth has the largest and increasing effect on GHG emissions in all three countries. It was also found that changes in population in urban areas in Lithuania and Latvia reduced the amount of GHG until 2020, while in Estonia, the growing urban population greatly contributed to increasing GHG emissions. As a result, processes related to urbanisation have not yet had a significant impact on environmental quality in Lithuania and Latvia. Meanwhile, in Estonia, this is a significant factor that policymakers need to focus on when solving environmental pollution reduction problems. The hypothesis of the EKC was mostly supported when analysing GHG emissions in Lithuania and Estonia and using GDP per capita as an indicator for economic growth. On the other hand, it was found that the impact of the urbanisation rate on GHG emissions is not curved, yet there is some evidence that in Estonia, a growing urbanisation rate is related to diminishing GHG emissions, according to the multiple regression analysis. The results of the study showed that policymakers should consider economic growth and, especially in Estonia, urbanisation when solving problems related to environmental degradation.
Effect of Different Row Spacing and Sowing Density on Selected Photosynthesis Indices, Yield, and Quality of White Lupine Seeds
Authors: Tobiasz-Salach Renata , Jańczak-Pieniążek Marta , Augustyńska-Prejsnar Anna
Published: September 2023

The use of appropriate plant spacing in the canopy is an important and cost-free agrotechnical factor for increasing seed yield. Proper row spacing and sowing density are important in maintaining adequate plant light, ensuring good physiological processes, and influencing the nutritional status of plants. As a consequence, this leads to better plant productivity while maintaining economic profitability. A four-year field experiment with white lupine was conducted in 2016–2019 at the Experimental Station for Cultivation Assessment in Przecław in southeastern Poland. The factors of the experiment were different row spacing (15 and 30 cm) and sowing density (60, 75, and 90 pcs m−2). Row spacing and sowing density had no significant effect on the yield obtained, the number of pods per plant, and the weight of 1000 seeds of white lupine. There was also no effect of experimental factors on nodulation and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters (Fv/Fm, Fv/F0, PI, and RC/R). The use of wider row spacing (30 cm) and the lowest sowing density (60 pcs m−2) resulted in the highest chlorophyll content. For the LAI index, the highest value was found at a row spacing of 15 cm. However, lower plant density per unit area had an effect on increasing the number of seeds per pod and seed weight per plant, which was associated with better conditions for plant growth. It was shown that greater competition between lupine plants in the canopy increased the height of the first pod set without affecting their height.
The Impact of Research and Development Investment on Total Factor Productivity of Animal Husbandry Enterprises: Evidence from Listed Companies in China
Authors: Yan Zhaohui , Wang Mingli , Sun Yumeng , Nan Zihui
Published: September 2023

Improving the total factor productivity (TFP) of animal husbandry enterprises is the key to promoting the sustainable development of animal husbandry. Technological progress is an important driving force for improving the TFP of animal husbandry enterprises, and research and development (R&D) investment determines the speed of technological progress. Based on the data of Chinese animal husbandry enterprises listed on Shanghai and Shenzhen A-shares in China between 2009 and 2022, this article empirically analyzes the impact of R&D investment on the TFP of animal husbandry enterprises and the moderating role of executive incentives in it and discusses the heterogeneity of this impact, using the fixed-effects model. It is found that R&D investment has a significant positive impact on the TFP of animal husbandry enterprises, and the TFP of animal husbandry enterprises increased by 0.00105 for every 1% increase in R&D investment. Equity incentives for executives positively moderated the relationship between R&D investment and the TFP of animal husbandry enterprises, while executive compensation incentives negatively moderated the relationship. Heterogeneity analysis shows that R&D investment has a significant effect on the TFP of non-state-owned animal husbandry enterprises, but has no significant impact on the TFP of state-owned animal husbandry enterprises. The impact of R&D investment on TFP showed a significant promotion in the livestock and poultry breeding and meat product processing industries, but not in the feed production, dairy product processing and animal health industries. R&D investment has a significant effect on the TFP of animal husbandry enterprises in Eastern China and Central China, but has no significant impact on the TFP of animal husbandry enterprises in Western China.
Mechanical Stubble Righting after the Mechanical Harvest of Primary Rice Improves the Grain Yield of Ratooning Rice
Authors: Chen Xiongfei , Liang Xuehai , Yu Jiajia , Mo Zhaowen , Fang Peng , Li Huilong , Li Yuanrui , Sun Zeyu , Liu Zhaopeng , Liu Muhua
Published: September 2023

Ratooning rice is an essential rice-planting method. However, mechanical harvesting of the primary rice crop, while increasing efficiency, can negatively affect the yield of ratooning rice. Therefore, it is crucial to find ways to improve the grain yield of ratooning rice after the mechanical harvest of the primary rice. A two-year field experiment was conducted; the grain yield of ratooning rice was assessed by stubble righting after mechanical harvesting of primary rice. The study used two popular rice cultivars, YLiangyou911 and Kenliangyou801, as experimental materials. The experimental treatments included three groups: one without righting after rolling rice stubble (CK), another with mechanized righting after rolling rice stubble (T1), and a third one without rolling rice stubble by the machine (T2). The results of the study demonstrate that stubble righting after the mechanical harvest of primary rice (T1) had a substantial impact on the grain yield of ratooning rice. It led to grain yields similar to ratooning rice without mechanical rolling of the rice stubble (T2) and significantly outperformed the treatment without stubble righting after the mechanical harvest of primary rice (CK). The study observed significant effects of the year of the experiment (Y), the treatment applied (T), and the interaction between year and treatment (Y×T) on grain yield. Additionally, the treatment showed a significant influence on the yield components. Specifically, in 2021, the T1 and T2 treatments showed remarkable grain yield increases in YLiangyou911 by 107.41% and 147.97%, respectively, compared to CK. For Kenliangyou801 in 2021, the T1 and T2 treatments also resulted in notable improvements in grain yield by 45.85% and 114.26%, respectively. Similarly, in 2022, the grain yield increased by 6.99% for T1 and 23.87% for T2 in YLiangyou911, and by 77.23% for T1 and 187.13% for T2 in Kenliangyou801, compared to CK. The study also detected enhancements in several aspects, including biomass accumulation, solar radiation and photosynthetic characteristics, antioxidant response and nitrogen metabolism, and bud-regeneration capacity due to T1 and T2 treatments. Furthermore, correlation analysis was conducted to assess the relationship between grain yield and the investigated parameters. In conclusion, stubble righting after the mechanical harvest of primary rice resulted in significantly improved grain yield for ratooning rice. This improvement can be attributed to enhanced biomass accumulation, solar radiation and photosynthetic characteristics, antioxidant response and nitrogen metabolism, and increased bud-regeneration capacity.
Effects of Microbial Organic Fertilizer (MOF) Application on Desert Soil Enzyme Activity and Jujube Yield and Quality
Authors: Shao Fanfan , Tao Wanghai , Yan Haokui , Wang Quanjiu
Published: September 2023

Developing effective regulatory strategies to enhance irrigation water and fertilizer efficiency in the southern Xinjiang region of China, while simultaneously combatting desertification, is of paramount significance. This study focuses on Chinese jujube in Xinjiang and presents findings from a two-year field experiment aimed at investigating the optimal application strategy of microbial organic fertilizer (MOF). The research aims to provide a scientific foundation for achieving high-quality jujube production. The experiment involved a control group (utilizing only freshwater, referred to as CK) and various combinations of MOF treatments. In 2021, these treatments included M1 (0.6 t/ha), M2 (1.2 t/ha), M3 (1.8 t/ha), and M4 (2.4 t/ha), while in 2022, they encompassed M1 (0.6 t/ha), M2 (1.2 t/ha), M4 (2.4 t/ha), and M5 (4.8 t/ha). Over the two-year trial period, we assessed various indices, including the soil’s physical properties, hydraulic characteristics, soil enzyme activities, and relative chlorophyll content. Additionally, we evaluated jujube yield, quality, and economic benefits. The results indicate that MOF application led to significant improvements in soil conditions. Specifically, the average moisture content and profile water storage of the 0–50 cm soil layer increased by 10.98% to 36.42% and 1.8% to 26.8%, respectively. Moreover, in both the 2021 and 2022 experiments, soil saturated water content (SSWC) and water-holding capacity (WHC) increased by 6.25% to 15.98%, while soil hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and bulk density (BD) decreased by 2.91% to 9.88% and 0.63% to 8.08%, respectively. In 2021, MOF application resulted in significant enhancements in soil enzyme activities, with urease activity increasing by approximately 22.5% to 100.5%, peroxidase activity rising by around 24.2% to 148.5%, and invertase activity augmenting by about 5.4% to 32.9%. Notably, the M4 treatment in 2021 demonstrated a substantial jujube yield increase of approximately 19.22%, elevating from 7.65 t/ha to 9.12 t/ha. Based on comprehensive analysis, this study recommends an optimal MOF application rate of approximately 2.4 t/ha. This approach not only provides robust support for the sustainable development of the jujube industry but also serves as a valuable reference for enhancing local soil resilience against desertification.
Water and Irrigation Requirements of Glycine max (L.) Merr. in 1981–2020 in Central Poland, Central Europe
Authors: Rolbiecki Stanisław , Kasperska-Wołowicz Wiesława , Jagosz Barbara , Sadan Hicran A. , Rolbiecki Roman , Szczepanek Małgorzata , Kanecka-Geszke Ewa , Łangowski Ariel
Published: September 2023

Soya, one of the most economically important crops, is sensitive to periodic water deficits, which, because of climate change, are becoming more and more common in central Europe. The goal of this study was to estimate the water requirements of soybean from 1981 to 2020 in four provinces of central Poland and the rainfall deficits affecting soybean cultivation; the study also evaluates rainfall water use efficiency for soybean cultivated in production fields to investigate the future necessity of supplemental irrigation. Calculations were based on the values of monthly air temperature and the sum of precipitation. Soybean water requirements were calculated using the method of crop coefficients and reference evapotranspiration was estimated using the Blaney–Criddle approach. Crop water requirements were defined as potential evapotranspiration. Precipitation deficits for soybean were estimated using the Ostromęcki method. Water use efficiency was calculated based on rainfall totals and soybean yield in the rainfed fields. It was found that, on average in the central Poland provinces, from 1981 to 2020, the water requirements of soybean in the growing season amounted to 384 mm, and the highest water requirements occurred in June and July. In the studied forty-year period, a significant upward trend in soybean water requirements in central Poland was observed, both from 1 May to 31 August and from 1 June to 31 August. Rainfall deficits in soybean cultivation in central Poland were found from May to August and amounted to 123 mm in normal years (N50%). The rainfall water use efficiency from April to August for soybean cultivated in central Poland on average amounted to 6.6 kg ha−1 mm−1 and varied in individual years and regions. The results of the study indicate the need to develop supplemental irrigation systems for soybean crops cultivated in central Poland and other areas of the world with similar climate conditions to optimize yield and the sustainable use of water resources.