bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Complete chloroplast genome data reveal the existence of the Solidago canadensis L. complex and its potential introduction pathways into China
Authors: Tao Yu-Tian , Chen Lu-Xi , Jiang Ming , Jin Jie , Sun Zhong-Shuai , Cai Chao-Nan , Lin Han-Yang , Kwok Allison , Li Jun-Min , van Kleunen Mark
Published: December 2024

Solidago canadensis, native to North America, is an invasive species in many areas of the world, where it causes serious damage to natural ecosystems and economic losses. However, a dearth of genetic resources and molecular markers has hampered our understanding of its invasion history. Here, we de novo assembled 40 complete chloroplast genomes of Solidago species, including 21 S. canadensis individuals, 15 S. altissima individuals, and four S. decurrens individuals, the sizes of which ranged from 152,412 bp to 153,170 bp. The phylogenetic trees based on the complete chloroplast genome sequences and nuclear genome-wide SNP data showed that S. canadensis and S. altissima cluster together and form a monophyletic pair, as sister to S. decurrens, indicating the existence of the S. canadensis L. complex in China. Three potential introduction pathways were identified. The chloroplast-genome structure and gene contents are conservative in the genomes of the S. canadensis L. complex and S. decurrens. The analysis of sequence divergence indicated five variable regions, and 10 chloroplast protein-coding genes that underwent positive selection were identified. Our findings shed new light on the invasion history of S. canadensis and the data sets generated in this study will facilitate future research on its chloroplast genome evolution.
Color-induced changes in Chrysanthemum morifolium: an integrative transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of petals and non-petals
Authors: Wei Jianhong , Zeng Zhaoxiang , Song Chengwu , Lv Qing , Chen Guangya , Mo Guoyan , Gong Ling , Jin Shuna , Huang Rongzeng , Huang Bisheng
Published: December 2024

Chrysanthemum morifolium (CM), renowned for its diverse and vibrant varieties, holds significant ornamental and medicinal value. Despite this, the core regulatory mechanisms underlying its coloration, especially in non-petal tissues (i.e., the parts of CM that do not include petals, such as the reproductive tissues, receptacle and calyx), have been insufficiently studied. In this study, we performed transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses on yellow, gold, and white CM petals, as well as non-petal tissues, to investigate the molecular processes driving color variation. A total of 90 differential metabolites were identified, with flavonoids, their derivatives, and lipids emerging as the predominant components of the metabolic profile. At the transcriptional level, 38 pathways were significantly enriched based on the expression of differential genes. The combined metabolomic and transcriptomic analyses revealed that glycerophospholipid metabolism, primarily involving lipids, served as a key regulatory pathway for both petal and non-petal parts across different tissue colors. Notably, white CM exhibited marked differences from their gold and yellow counterparts at both the metabolic and transcriptional levels. These findings offer critical insights into the molecular mechanisms governing CM coloration and provide a foundation for optimizing future breeding efforts.
Transmembrane proteins in grape immunity: current knowledge and methodological advances
Authors: Gallucci Alessia , Giordano Deborah , Facchiano Angelo , Villano Clizia , Carputo Domenico , Aversano Riccardo
Published: December 2024

Transmembrane proteins (TMPs) are pivotal components of plant defence mechanisms, serving as essential mediators in the response to biotic stresses. These proteins are among the most complex and diverse within plant cells, making their study challenging. In spite of this, relatively few studies have focused on the investigation and characterization of TMPs in plants. This is particularly true for grapevine. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of TMP-encoding genes involved in grapevine immunity. These genes include Lysin Motif Receptor-Like Kinases (LysM-RLKs), which are involved in the recognition of pathogens at the apoplastic level, Plant Respiratory Burst Oxidase Homologs (Rbohs), which generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) for host defense, and Sugars Will Eventually be Exported Transporters (SWEETs), which play a role in nutrient allocation and stress responses. Furthermore, the review discusses the methodologies employed to study TMPs, including in vivo, in vitro and in silico approaches, highlighting their strengths and limitations. In vivo studies include the assessment of TMP function in whole plants or plant tissues, while in vitro experiments focus on isolating and characterizing either specific TMPs or their components. In silico analyses utilize computational tools to predict protein structure, function, and interactions. By identifying and characterizing genes encoding TMPs involved in grapevine immunity, researchers can develop strategies to enhance grapevine resilience and lead to more sustainable viticulture.
Improvement of antioxidant capacity, aroma quality, and antifungal ability of cherry by phenyllactic acid treatment during low temperature storage
Authors: Zhang Chaoqi , Wang Yunfan , Wang Mengxin , Kong Yanhui , Li Xiulian , Song Danliangmin , Zeng Xiangquan , Yang Yanqing , Fan Xinguang , Gong Hansheng
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Sweet cherries (Prunus avium L.) are highly valued for their taste and nutrients but are prone to decay due to their delicate skin and high respiration rate. Traditional chemical preservatives have drawbacks like residues and resistance, prompting the search for natural alternatives. Phenylactic acid (PLA) has shown promise due to its antibacterial and antioxidant properties, making it a potential natural preservative to extend cherry shelf life.

Methods

'Stella' sweet cherries were treated with varying concentrations of PLA (0, 2, 4, 8, 16 mmol·L-1) and stored at 4°C. Key quality indicators, including firmness, total acidity, total soluble solids, weight loss, decay index, and antioxidant activity, were assessed over time. Additionally, HPLC, GC-MS, GC-IMS, colony counts, in vivo inhibition analyses were conducted to evaluate phenolic content, aroma compounds and antifungal ability.

Results and Discussion

PLA at 8 mmol·L-1 effectively maintained cherry quality by reducing weight loss and decay of cherries, delaying the decline of firmness, while enhancing antioxidant capacity, flavor stability, and antifungal ability. Higher concentrations (16 mmol·L-1) provided stronger antimicrobial effects but caused slight surface wrinkling. Thus, 8 mmol·L-1 was optimal, balancing preservation and appearance, making it a promising natural preservative for extending cherry shelf life.
The experiences of consumers, clinicians and support persons involved in the safety planning intervention for suicide prevention: a qualitative systematic review and meta-synthesis
Authors: O’Connor Edward , Rhodes Kate , Procter Nicholas , Loughhead Mark , Procter Alexandra , Reilly Julie-Anne , Pettit Sophie , Ferguson Monika
Published: December 2024

Background

The Safety Planning Intervention (SPI) is an efficacious brief intervention for supporting people experiencing suicidal ideation and behavior. However, the subjective experiences of those who have used the SPI have not been systematically evaluated. This systematic review synthesized qualitative evidence regarding the experiences of people involved in the SPI.

Method

Systematic searches of international, peer-reviewed, English language literature were conducted in seven databases (CINAHL, Embase, Emcare, MEDLINE, PsycInfo, Scopus and Web of Science).

Results

A total of 588 articles were screened for eligibility, with screening, data extraction, and critical appraisal conducted in duplicate. Qualitative data were extracted from 10 included studies and synthesized via meta-aggregation. Ninety individual findings were aggregated into 14 unique categories, with categories subsequently combined to produce four synthesized findings: acceptability and positive outcomes associated with the SPI; maximizing the effectiveness of the SPI; navigating the involvement of support persons in the SPI process; barriers and limitations associated with the SPI.

Discussion

Collectively, findings indicate that the SPI is viewed as beneficial by users and can be enhanced through clinicians’ use of a person-centered, collaborative approach, as well as through the inclusion of support persons. Future research should seek lived experience understandings from more diverse stakeholders, particularly regarding consumers’ experiences of using the SPI during acute distress. Further research is required to investigate causal pathways between SPI engagement and improved outcomes.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022312425, identifier CRD42022312425.
Do we interpret ambiguity and feel according to how we define ourselves? Relationships between self-perception, interpretation biases, and their role on emotional symptoms
Authors: Martin-Garcia Oscar , Blanco Ivan , Sanchez-Lopez Alvaro
Published: December 2024

Introduction

In today's fast-paced world, depression and anxiety are the most prevalent health problems, generating high economic and social burdens. Interpretation biases seem to play a pivotal role in this emotional problems, influencing how individuals interpret emotionally ambiguous information. These interpretation biases can emerge due to the activation of latent schemas related to how individuals perceive themselves. Therefore, integrating the study of cognitive and self-discrepancy models can offer a comprehensive approach to better understanding the onset or maintenance of emotional symptoms, through their relationship with interpretation biases. In this paper, we aimed to test whether differences in self-perception might act like a cognitive schema that activate cognitive bias, influencing information processing and predicting emotional symptoms.

Method

Seventy-three undergraduates completed two different experimental tasks, evaluating self-discrepancies and self-referential negative interpretation bias. Moreover, emotional symptoms were collected after completing the tasks and 1-2 months after, prior to coping with a natural stressor (exam period). The main analyses comprised mediational models, both cross-sectional and longitudinal, with the aim to test whether interpretation bias might act like a mediator in the relation between self-discrepancies and emotional symptoms.

Results

First, the results showed significant correlations between higher levels of self-discrepancies (actual-ideal and actual-ought) and higher levels of emotional symptoms (depression and anxiety), as well as with higher negative interpretation biases. Further, cross-sectional mediational models showed that negative interpretation biases partially mediated the relationship between self-discrepancies and emotional symptoms. As for the longitudinal mediation analysis, interpretation bias only mediated the specific relation between actual-ideal self-discrepancies and increases in anxiety symptoms, while the rest of the indirect effects were not significant.

Discussion

These results suggest that self-discrepancies could be understood as indices of the activation of latent cognitive schemas, which would influence subsequent stages of information processing, such as negative interpretations of ambiguous information, partly accounting for the emergence and/or maintenance of emotional symptoms.
Behind the good of digital tools for occupational safety and health: a scoping review of ethical issues surrounding the use of the internet of things
Authors: El Bouchikhi Maéva , Weerts Sophie , Clavien Christine
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The internet of things (IoT) is increasingly used for occupational safety and health (OSH) purposes in private and public organisations. Current practices and regulations are unclear, and some stakeholders raised concerns about deploying this technology at work.

Methods

Following the PRISMA-ScR checklist, we reviewed the main opportunities and ethical issues raised by using IoT devices for OSH purposes, as discussed in the academic literature. We searched peer-reviewed papers from 2008 to September 2023, written in English and available in “Web of Science,” “PhilPapers,” and “Google Scholar.” We found 1,495 articles, of which 61 fulfilled the selection criteria. We classified ethical topics discussed in the papers in a coherent description frame.

Results

We obtained 6 overarching categories: “ethical opportunities,” “surveillance and problematic data re-purposing,” “difficulty to inform, consult, and obtain consent from employees,” “unintended and unpredictable adverse effects,” “suboptimal data management,” and “external factors that are conducive to ethical issues.” The resulting list of problematic issues is unexpectedly furnished and substantial. Such a list provides information and guidance for those who wish to develop evaluation frameworks in line with a preventive regulatory approach. It also informs policymakers and practitioners about the governance of such tools for ensuring more OSH.
Strengthening tobacco control research: key factors impacting policy outcomes and health equity
Authors: Peters Bukola Usidame , McArthur Natalie , Titus Andrea
Published: December 2024

In this policy brief, we explore several potential drivers of heterogeneity in policy outcomes that can be examined in tobacco control policy evaluations, expanding the evidence base to contribute to continued, equitable progress in reducing tobacco-related health outcomes. We discuss these factors in the context of a hypothetical evaluation of the impact of smoke-free laws on current smoking and quit attempts in the Tobacco Nation. Despite a similar policy environment within the Tobacco Nation, there is variation in the strength of smoke-free law coverage across states. This commentary considers how policy design and other contextual factors, including co-occurring policies, and differential impacts across subgroups, may influence policy-attributable outcomes across time and space.
The increasing incidence and mortality of bacteremia in Denmark from 2010 to 2022: a population-based nationwide cohort study
Authors: Dessau Ram B. , Andersen Christian Østergaard , Coia John , Ellermann-Eriksen Svend , Gubbels Sophie , Jensen Thøger Gorm , Knudsen Jenny Dahl , Kähler Jonas , Lomborg Steen , Lützen Lisbeth , Nielsen Marc Trunjer Kusk , Olesen Bente Scharvik , Pinholt Mette , Scheutz Flemming , Søgaard Kirstine Kobberøe , Voldstedlund Marianne , Mølbak Kåre
Published: December 2024

Objectives

An increasing incidence of positive blood cultures has been reported in several countries. This represents an important challenge for public health due to the large number of hospital admissions with high mortality among these patients. This study aims to characterize the epidemiology and mortality associated with positive blood cultures.

Study design and methods

We performed a nationwide cohort study, identifying all individuals with a blood culture drawn in Denmark from 2010 to 2022. We estimated the incidence of positive blood cultures and 30-day mortality per 100,000 individuals and modeled the case fatality rate (CFR) and population incidences with regression techniques.

Results

We identified almost 4 million blood cultures drawn during the study period, increasing 64% from 220,757 in 2010 to 362,239 in 2022. During this period, the underlying population increased only 10%, whereas the population of older adults above 85 years increased 3.3 times. The positivity rate was 9.8%, and the most common pathogens were Escherichia coli (29%) and other pathogens associated with urinary tract infection, whereas Staphylococcus aureus accounted for 12%, and Enterococcus faecium for 4.1%. The 30-day CFR was 17% with a small reduction during the study period, with notable differences according to species.

Conclusion

We found a substantial rise in blood culture activity and the incidence of positive cultures. This rise is driven by an increasing number of older citizens, which is expected to increase further in the coming years. Considering the high risk of mortality and increasing incidence, a national surveillance of bacteremia is warranted.
Prediction of PD-L1 tumor positive score in lung squamous cell carcinoma with H&E staining images and deep learning
Authors: Wang Qiushi , Deng Xixiang , Huang Pan , Ma Qiang , Zhao Lianhua , Feng Yangyang , Wang Yiying , Zhao Yuan , Chen Yan , Zhong Peng , He Peng , Ma Mingrui , Feng Peng , Xiao Hualiang
Published: December 2024

Background

Detecting programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression based on immunohistochemical (IHC) staining is an important guide for the treatment of lung cancer with immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, this method has problems such as high staining costs, tumor heterogeneity, and subjective differences among pathologists. Therefore, the application of deep learning models to segment and quantitatively predict PD-L1 expression in digital sections of Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stained lung squamous cell carcinoma is of great significance.

Methods

We constructed a dataset comprising H&E-stained digital sections of lung squamous cell carcinoma and used a Transformer Unet (TransUnet) deep learning network with an encoder-decoder design to segment PD-L1 negative and positive regions and quantitatively predict the tumor cell positive score (TPS).

Results

The results showed that the dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and intersection overunion (IoU) of deep learning for PD-L1 expression segmentation of H&E-stained digital slides of lung squamous cell carcinoma were 80 and 72%, respectively, which were better than the other seven cutting-edge segmentation models. The root mean square error (RMSE) of quantitative prediction TPS was 26.8, and the intra-group correlation coefficients with the gold standard was 0.92 (95% CI: 0.90–0.93), which was better than the consistency between the results of five pathologists and the gold standard.

Conclusion

The deep learning model is capable of segmenting and quantitatively predicting PD-L1 expression in H&E-stained digital sections of lung squamous cell carcinoma, which has significant implications for the application and guidance of immune checkpoint inhibitor treatments. And the link to the code is https://github.com/Baron-Huang/PD-L1-prediction-via-HE-image.
Forestry climate adaptation with HarvesterSeasons service—a gradient boosting model to forecast soil water index SWI from a comprehensive set of predictors in Destination Earth
Authors: Strahlendorff Mikko , Kröger Anni , Prakasam Golda , Kosmale Miriam , Moisander Mikko , Ovaskainen Heikki , Poikela Asko
Published: December 2024

Soil wetness forecasts on a local level are needed to ensure sustainable forestry operations during summer when the soil is neither frozen nor covered with snow. Training gradient boosting models has been successful in predicting satellite observation-based products into the future using Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) and Earth Observation (EO) climate data as inputs. The Copernicus Global Land Monitoring Service’s Soil Water Index (SWI) satellite-based observations from 2015 to 2023 at 10,000 locations in Europe were used as the predictand (target parameter) to train an artificial intelligence (AI) model to predict soil wetness with XGBoost (eXtreme Gradient Boosting) and LightGBM (Light Gradient Boosting Machine) implementations of gradient boosting algorithms. The locations were selected as a representative set of points from the Land Use/Cover Area Frame Survey (LUCAS) sites, which helped evaluate the characteristics of distinct locations used in fitting to represent diverse landscapes across Europe. Over 40 predictors, mainly from ERA5-Land reanalysis, were used in the final model. Over 70 predictors were tested, including the climatology of EO based predictors like SWI and Leaf-Area Index (LAI). The final model achieved a mean absolute error of 5.5% and a root mean square error of 7% for variable values ranging from 0% to 100%, an accuracy sufficient for forestry use case. To further validate the model, SWI prediction was made using the 215-day seasonal forecast ensemble from April 2021, consisting of 51 members. With this, the quality could also be demonstrated in the way our forestry climate service (HarvesterSeasons.com) would use the forecasts. As soil wetness is not changing as rapidly as many weather parameters, the forecast skill appears to last longer for it than for the weather variables. The technology demonstration and machine learning work were conducted as a part of the HarvesterDestinE project, supported by European Union Destination Earth funding managed by the European Center for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) contract DE_370d_FMI. The authors wish to acknowledge CSC – IT Center for Science, Finland, for computational resources. The code for the machine learning work and the predictions are available as open source at https://github.com/fmidev/ml-harvesterseasons (see README-SWI2). The training data and ML models are at https://destine.data.lit.fmi.fi/soilwater/. All data used for predictions are accessible from the SmartMet server at https://desm.harvesterseasons.com/grid-gui and the work flow is available in the script https://github.com/fmidev/harvesterseasons-smartmet/blob/master/bin/get-seasonal.sh Everything is made available for ensuring reproducibility. One will need to register and use their own https://cds.climate.copernicus.eu credentials for doing so.
Feeding citrus pomace fermented with combined probiotics improves growth performance, meat quality, fatty acid profile, and antioxidant capacity in yellow-feathered broilers
Authors: Liu Yanchen , Tang Yantian , Mei Huadi , Liu Zhichang , Li Zhenming , Ma Xianyong , Luo Zhihui , Huang Weiwen , Li Yuanfei , Yu Miao
Published: December 2024

Introduction

The reasonable and efficient utilization of agricultural by-products as animal feed has the capacity to not only mitigate the scarcity of conventional feedstuff but also alleviate the environmental load. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of feeding citrus pomace (CP) fermented with combined probiotics on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality and antioxidant capacity in yellow-feathered broilers.

Methods

A cohort of 540 female yellow-feathered broilers (Qingyuan partridge chicken, 90-day-old) were randomly divided into three groups and, respectively, fed the basal diet (Control), diet containing 10% unfermented CP (UFCP) and diet containing 10% fermented CP (FCP).

Results

The results showed that dietary FCP significantly increased (p < 0.05) the final-body-weight and average-daily-gain of broilers, and the pH45 min and b*24 h values in breast muscle, while tendentiously lowering the feed-to-gain ratio (p = 0.076). The levels of inosine monophosphate (p < 0.05) and intramuscular fat (p = 0.083) in the FCP group were higher than those in the control group. Remarkably, dietary FCP and UFCP increased the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and n-6 PUFAs (p < 0.05). Moreover, dietary FCP decreased (p < 0.05) the malondialdehyde content and increased (p < 0.05) the glutathione peroxidase content in serum. Ingestion of FCP and UFCP increased the levels of total antioxidant capacity and catalase activity in serum, and concentrations of glutathione peroxidase and catalase in breast muscle (p < 0.05). Additionally, diet containing FCP or UFCP upregulated the expression of SREBP − 1c, FAS, NRF2, GSH-Px, and CAT in breast muscle (p < 0.05).

Discussion

Overall, dietary supplementation with FCP obviously improved meat quality, enhanced the antioxidant capacity and regulated the lipid metabolism, contributing to the improvement of growth performance of yellow-feathered broilers.
Retrospective analysis of custom 3D-printed drill guides and titanium plate use in spinal stabilization of eleven dogs
Authors: Guirguis Phillip , Asanovic Ilja , Beggs David S. , Long Sam N.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Congenital vertebral malformations are common developmental abnormalities in screw-tailed brachycephalic dog breeds. Subsequent vertebral instability and/or vertebral canal stenosis caused by these malformations can lead to spinal cord compression manifesting in pain, paraparesis, ataxia and/or paralysis. Various methods for spinal stabilization are in common use. However, these are without significant risk due to narrow margins of surgical error and variable vertebral anatomy. We evaluate a novel method for spinal stabilization where a custom 3D-printed plate is created and surgically fitted to the patient’s spine using custom 3D-printed drill guides.

Objective

To describe the surgical technique and short-term outcomes in patients treated with custom 3D-printed plates and drill guides.

Method

A retrospective analysis of 11 dogs from two referral hospitals which underwent this procedure was undertaken. Post-operative CT scans were assessed for spinal canal screw perforation using the modified Zdichavsky classification. Pre-operative and post-operative neurological status were assessed using the Modified Frankel Scale and the surgical technique including post-operative imaging and recovery findings were described.

Results

Optimal screw placement (grade I) was achieved in 63% of placed screws across the eleven dogs. Partial penetration of the medial wall (grade IIa) was observed in 3% of screws and partial penetration of the lateral wall (grade IIIa) was observed in 29% of screws. Full penetration of the lateral pedicle wall (grade IIIb) was observed in 5% of screws and no screws fully penetrated the medial vertebral wall (grade IIb).

Discussion

We demonstrated that custom 3D-printed drill guides and titanium plates can provide a safe peri-operative alternative for surgical spinal stabilization of dogs with vertebral column instability due to congenital vertebral malformations. Further research is needed to describe long-term outcomes of this surgical technique on patient health.
Development of a novel Haemabiome tool for the high-throughput analysis of haemopathogen species co-infections in African livestock
Authors: Yalcindag Erhan , Vasoya Deepali , Hemmink Johanneke D. , Karani Benedict , Hernandez Castro Luis Enrique , Callaby Rebecca , Mazeri Stella , Paxton Edith , Connelley Timothy K. , Toye Phil , Morrison Liam J. , Bronsvoort Barend Mark de C.
Published: December 2024

One of the principal limitations on livestock productivity in sub-Saharan Africa is the constraining effect of infectious diseases, including tick-borne blood pathogens. Currently, diagnostic markers for these pathogens are species or genus specific, making it challenging to implement high-throughput screening methods. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a novel high-throughput diagnostic tool capable of detecting a range of important haemopathogens in livestock. To achieve this, we developed a high-throughput diagnostic tool that can detect all species of Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Theileria and Babesia present in a sample. The approach involves targeting the 16S/18S rDNA region by PCR and subjecting amplicons to deep sequencing, which allows for the identification of species present in a sample, and the exploration of haemopathogen communities. To validate the accuracy of this Next Generation Sequencing method, we compared the amplicon sequencing results with species-specific PCR and reverse line blot (RLB) test data of both control and field samples. The Haemabiome tool demonstrated the successful resolution of positive and negative samples, and highlighted the power of this diagnostic tool in identifying multiplicity of infections. The Haemabiome tool can therefore generate valuable insights regarding the understanding of the true diversity of species composition and the distribution of pathogen communities in field samples.
The Design and Performance Investigation of a Split Four-Track Water-Jet Cleaning Robot for Steel Gate Panels
Authors: Duan Zhenhua , Fang Guisheng , Shi Gaoping , Qian Heng , Cui Jiayi , Zhang Junhao
Published: December 2024

Steel gates are widely used in river and sea engineering to ensure water retention and flow regulation. Due to the attachment and the alternation of dry and wet environments, water retention easily causes corrosion and destruction, while the attachment is mainly cleaned manually at present. Based on stable adsorption, wall adaptability, and movement ability, a split four-track cleaning robot was developed. The split structure combined with a body swing and torsion mechanism can increase the degree of freedom of attitude adjustment and realize stable crawling of the curved panel. Considering the impact force of the water jet during cleaning, mechanical analysis of robot instability and driving torque on a curved surface was constructed to solve the problem of safe adsorption and flexible movement. A remote control system is constructed to complete the cleaning operation, and the coordination relationship between cleaning and crawling speed is analyzed. The performance test results show that the robot can crawl flexibly and stably on a curved surface, and the crawling speed can be greater than 0.052 m/s when the load is less than 5 kg. A continuous cleaning process has an obvious effect on silt and shellfish attachments, and the robot can meet the actual operational needs. The design process can help in the development of this kind of robot.
Shaping Students’ Entrepreneurial Intentions into Actions: South African Lecturers’ Views on Teaching Strategies and the Ideal Educator
Authors: Makwara Tendai , Iwu Chux Gervase , Sibanda Lucky , Maziriri Eugine Tafadzwa
Published: December 2024

For several decades, entrepreneurship education (EE) has been identified as vital for preparing students to succeed in a changing economic landscape. Specifically, EE shapes students’ entrepreneurial intentions into actions. Considering the evolving expectations from graduates, this study explores South African entrepreneurship educators’ perspectives regarding the ideal educator and effective teaching strategies to shape the development of students’ entrepreneurial intentions. This empirical qualitative study examines data collected from 14 entrepreneurship educators across various South African public higher education institutions, collected using an open-ended questionnaire. Thematic analysis revealed a strong consensus on the importance of real-world experience teaching and the limited integration of online methodologies in EE. The results also emphasized the need for educators to embody entrepreneurial qualities, such as practical experience and a hands-on approach, to foster students’ transition from intention to action. Despite the desire for more innovative, action-oriented teaching strategies, traditional teaching theory in entrepreneurship remains an essential modality in the EE framework. These findings suggest that effective EE practices should integrate experiential learning and innovative strategies while maintaining core theoretical foundations.
Microscopic-Level Collaborative Optimization Framework for Integrated Arrival-Departure and Surface Operations: Integrated Runway and Taxiway Aircraft Sequencing and Scheduling
Authors: Xia Chaoyu , Wen Yi , Hu Minghua , Yan Hanbing , Hou Changbo , Liu Weidong
Published: December 2024

Integrated arrival–departure and surface scheduling (IADS) is a critical research task in next-generation air traffic management that aims to harmonize the complex and interrelated processes of airspace and airport operations in the Metroplex. This paper investigates the microscopic-level collaborative optimization framework for IADS operations, i.e., the problem of coordinating aircraft scheduling on runways and taxiways. It also describes the mixed-integer linear programming (MILP) bi-layer decision support for solving this problem. In runway scheduling, a combined arrival–departure scheduling method is introduced based on our previous research, which can identify the optimal sequence of arrival and departure streams to minimize runway delays. For taxiway scheduling, the Multi-Route Airport Surface Scheduling Method (MASM) is proposed, aiming to determine the routes and taxi metering for each aircraft while minimizing the gap compared with the runway scheduling solution. Furthermore, this paper develops a feedback mechanism to further close the runway and taxiway schedule deviation. To demonstrate the universality and validity of the proposed bi-layer decision support method, two hub airports, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (ICAO code: ZUUU) and Chengdu Tianfu International Airport (ICAO code: ZUTF), within the Cheng-Yu Metroplex, were selected for validation. The obtained results show that the proposed method could achieve closed-loop decision making for runway scheduling and taxiway scheduling and reduce runway delay and taxi time. The key anticipated mechanisms of benefits from this research include improving the efficiency and predictability of operations on the airport surface and maintaining situational awareness and coordination between the stand and the tower.
Smart Coffee: Machine Learning Techniques for Estimating Arabica Coffee Yield
Authors: Freitas Cleverson Henrique de , Coelho Rubens Duarte , Costa Jéfferson de Oliveira , Sentelhas Paulo Cesar
Published: December 2024

Coffee is a global commodity, with Brazil being a major producer, particularly in the Minas Gerais state. This study applied machine learning to predict the Arabica coffee yield in the region, analyzing two groups of cultivars (G1 and G2) using data from 1993 to 2020. The Factor Analysis of Mixed Data (FAMD) was employed to explore the relationships between climatic factors, management practices, and the coffee yield. Four machine learning models, such as Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), Random Forest (RF), XGBoost (XGB), and Support Vector Machines (SVM) were calibrated and evaluated for yield prediction. The FAMD revealed complex interactions among variables, requiring four principal components to explain approximately 64.6% of the total variance. Management practices, such as the planting density and pruning, had a stronger influence on G1 cultivars, while G2 cultivars were more sensitive to climatic conditions, particularly the air temperature. Among the machine learning models, RF and XGB performed best in the yield estimation, whereas MLR and SVM were less effective, particularly for values above 60 bags ha−1 (1 bag = 60 kg). These findings underscore the variability in the yield across cultivars and demonstrate the potential of machine learning to guide tailored management strategies for different coffee cultivars.
Disinfection of Activated Sludge by Combination of the Fenton Reagent and Physical Treatment
Authors: Blumfelde Māra , Dēliņa Aija , Puzane Kristina , Bartkevičs Vadims , Muter Olga
Published: December 2024

Biological wastewater treatment plants could serve as an important alternative to renewable biological nitrogen mines, which are locally available and have a low carbon footprint. Recent progress in Fenton processes has revealed their potential use for sludge treatment to decrease organic contamination and pathogens. The aim of this study was to determine the optimal concentrations of metal catalyst Fe(II) and hydrogen peroxide H2O2 for activated sludge (AS) disinfection using the Fenton process at near-neutral pH, alone and in combination with thermal treatment and UV radiation. The efficiency of the 48 h treatment was evaluated by log reduction, fluorescein diacetate (FDA) hydrolysis activity, concentration of pharmaceuticals, changes in antimicrobial resistance, and ecotoxicity. Using the desirability function approach, a combination of 239 mM H2O2 and 8.6 mM Fe(II) was found to be optimal in frames of the chosen concentrations of reagents. The FDA hydrolysis activity correlated with log reduction at 287 mM H2O2 and different Fe(II) concentrations. Sludge treatment resulted in the removal of ciprofloxacin by 65.5%. The sets with the highest log reduction, i.e., additionally treated by heating and UV, were accompanied by increasing ecotoxic effects on crustaceans, Thamnocephalus platyurus. The Fenton process shows prospective ways on sludge stabilization for its application as a fertilizer.
Evaluation of the Potential Use of Wild Relatives of Tomato (Solanum pennellii) to Improve Yield and Fruit Quality Under Low-Input and High-Salinity Cultivation Conditions
Authors: Gerakari Maria , Kyriakoudi Anastasia , Nokas Dimitris , Mourtzinos Ioannis , Chronopoulou Evangelia G. , Tani Eleni , Avdikos Ilias
Published: December 2024

Salinity stress is a major abiotic factor limiting tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) production, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions. Utilizing genetic resources from wild tomato relatives, such as Solanum pennellii, through the exploitation of introgression lines (ILs) provides a promising strategy to enhance salt tolerance. This study evaluates the performance of nine tomato genotypes, including one commercial tomato hybrid (Formula F1) and eight ILs under three different soil salinity levels (1.88, 6.44, and 8.63 mS/cm), trying to identify salt-tolerant lines that maintain yield and fruit quality. Morphological characteristics, gas exchange parameters, yield traits, fruit quality characteristics, and antioxidant activity were assessed. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was employed to quantify the levels of carotenoids, namely lycopene and β-carotene, of fruits in selected genotypes. Additionally, total antioxidant capacity was measured in leaves, using DPPH, FRAP and FOLIN assays. The results indicate that out of all the evaluated characteristics, four plant-related traits, four fruit-related traits, one gas exchange parameter, and three productivity-related traits presented strong correlations to total yield (g/plant). These 12 traits could be considered as potential indexes for genotype salinity tolerance discrimination and could be utilized as an efficient marker tool for distinguishing tolerant genotypes to salinity stress, allowing breeders to reduce the time-consuming process of developing new salinity-tolerant varieties. Regarding genotypes’ ranking based on the relative performance of agronomic traits under a salinity regime of 8.63 mS/cm compared to a salinity regime of 1.88 mS/cm, IL6-6 exhibited significant tolerance to high-salinity conditions compared to the commercial hybrid and other ILs, like IL8-9. This tolerant IL maintained higher plant growth, yield, and fruit quality traits, including elevated levels in its fruits’ carotenoids and leaves’ antioxidant capacity, under severe salinity conditions, highlighting its potential for breeding programs targeting saline environments. ILs can help maintain productivity and fruit quality under salinity stress, making them a promising solution for sustainable tomato cultivation in salinity-affected regions. These findings, combined with previous results, suggest that tomato introgression lines offer a valuable genetic resource for developing tomato varieties suitable for harsh environments.
Effects of Substitution of Wheat Straw by Giant Reed on Growth Performance, Serum Biochemical Parameters, Nutrient Digestibility, and Antioxidant Properties of Sheep
Authors: Zhang Kai , Yan Yibo , Zhao Rui , Song Xianyi , Du Liying , Zhang Bochi , Yang Chunlei , Tang Xiaopeng
Published: December 2024

The development and utilization of unconventional forage resources is crucial to alleviating the current situation of shortage of forage resources. Giant reed (Arundo donax) is a promising forage resource from the Poaceae family, one of the largest herbaceous plants globally, with fast growth, high biomass yield, and strong ecological adaptability. However, there are still very few reports on the use of giant reed in livestock and poultry production. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of adding giant reed instead of wheat straw in total mixed ration (TMR) diets on growth performance, blood biochemical indexes, nutrient digestibility, and antioxidant properties of sheep, thereby providing a theoretical basis for the development and utilization of giant reed herbage resources. A total of 24 fattening sheep (Han × Duper) with similar body weight (20 kg), age (2 months), and health status were randomly divided into four groups with six replicates per group. Sheep in the control group were fed a basal diet (CON), and those in the experimental groups were fed giant reed Lvzhou No. 1 instead of wheat straw, with replacement proportions of 10% (GR10), 20% (GR20), and 30% (GR30) of the total diet, respectively. The results showed that (1) the body weight (FBW) and average daily gain (ADG) of sheep in the GR20 and GR30 groups were higher than those of sheep in the CON and GR10 groups (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the feed to gain ratio (F/G) of sheep in the GR20 and GR30 groups was lower than those sheep in the CON and GR10 groups (p < 0.05), and the F/G of the GR30 group was lower than that of the GR20 group (p < 0.05). (2) The apparent digestibility of DM and CP in groups GR10, GR20 and GR30 was significantly higher than that in group CON (p < 0.005). The digestibility of NDF and ADF in groups GR20, and GR30 was significantly higher than that in the CON and GR10 groups (p < 0.05). (3) dietary substitution of giant reed for wheat straw had no effect on serum biochemical indices, except serum glucose (GLU, p = 0.014) of sheep. In addition, the substitution of giant reed for wheat straw had a tendency to decrease serum urea content of sheep (p = 0.098). (4) Dietary substitution of giant reed for wheat straw significantly improved serum T-SOD (p < 0.001) and T-AOC (p < 0.001), and significantly decreased MDA (p < 0.001) of sheep. In conclusion, replacing wheat straw with giant reed can significantly enhance growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and antioxidant capacity in sheep without adverse effects on their normal physiological functions.
Phenotypic and Genomic Characterization of ESBL- and AmpC-β-Lactamase-Producing Enterobacterales Isolates from Imported Healthy Reptiles
Authors: Unger Franziska , Eisenberg Tobias , Prenger-Berninghoff Ellen , Leidner Ursula , Semmler Torsten , Ewers Christa
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Reptiles are known reservoirs for members of the Enterobacterales. We investigated antimicrobial resistance (AMR) patterns, the diversity of extended-spectrum-/AmpC-β-lactamases (ESBL/AmpC) genes and the genomic organization of the ESBL/AmpC producers. Methods: A total of 92 shipments with 184 feces, skin, and urinate samples of live healthy reptiles were obtained during border inspections at Europe’s most important airport for animal trade and screened for AMR bacteria by culture, antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and whole genome sequencing (WGS) of selected isolates. Results: In total, 668 Enterobacterales isolates with phenotypic evidence for extended-spectrum-/AmpC-β-lactamases (ESBL/AmpC) were obtained, from which Klebsiella (n = 181), Citrobacter (n = 131), Escherichia coli (n = 116), Salmonella (n = 69), and Enterobacter (n = 52) represented the most common groups (other genera (n = 119)). Seventy-nine isolates grew also on cefotaxime agar and were confirmed as ESBL (n = 39) or AmpC (n = 39) producers based on WGS data with respective genes localized on chromosomes or plasmids. Isolates of E. coli contained the most diverse set of ESBL genes (n = 29), followed by Klebsiella (n = 9), Citrobacter, and Enterobacter (each n = 1). Contrarily, AmpC genes were detected in E. coli and Citrobacter (n = 13 each), followed by Enterobacter (n = 12) and Klebsiella (n = 4). Isolates of Salmonella with ESBL/AmpC genes were not found, but all genera contained a variety of additional AMR phenotypes and/or genotypes. MLST revealed 36, 13, 10, and nine different STs in E. coli, Klebsiella, Citrobacter, and Enterobacter, respectively. Conclusions: A significant fraction of the studied Enterobacterales isolates possessed acquired AMR genes, including some high-risk clones. All isolates were obtained from selective media and also wild-caught animals carried many AMR genes. Assignment of AMR to harvesting modes was not possible.
Chemical Composition and Antibacterial Effect of Clove and Thyme Essential Oils on Growth Inhibition and Biofilm Formation of Arcobacter spp. and Other Bacteria
Authors: Hofmeisterová Leona , Bajer Tomáš , Walczak Maciej , Šilha David
Published: December 2024

Background: In recent years, significant resistance of microorganisms to antibiotics has been observed. A biofilm is a structure that significantly aids the survival of the microbial population and also significantly affects its resistance. Methods: Thyme and clove essential oils (EOs) were subjected to chemical analysis using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and gas chromatography with a flame ionization detector (GC-FID). Furthermore, the antimicrobial effect of these EOs was tested in both the liquid and vapor phases using the volatilization method. The effect of the EOs on growth parameters was monitored using an RTS-8 bioreactor. However, the effect of the EOs on the biofilm formation of commonly occurring bacteria with pathogenic potential was also monitored, but for less described and yet clinically important strains of Arcobacter spp. Results: In total, 37 and 28 compounds were identified in the thyme and clove EO samples, respectively. The most common were terpenes and also derivatives of phenolic substances. Both EOs exhibited antimicrobial activity in the liquid and/or vapor phase against at least some strains. The determined antimicrobial activity of thyme and clove oil was in the range of 32–1024 µg/mL in the liquid phase and 512–1024 µg/mL in the vapor phase, respectively. The results of the antimicrobial effect are also supported by similar conclusions from monitoring growth curves using the RTS bioreactor. The effect of EOs on biofilm formation differed between strains. Biofilm formation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa was completely suppressed in an environment with a thyme EO concentration of 1024 µg/mL. On the other hand, increased biofilm formation was found, e.g., in an environment of low concentration (1–32 µg/mL). Conclusions: The potential of using natural matrices as antimicrobials or preservatives is evident. The effect of these EOs on biofilm formation, especially Arcobacter strains, is described for the first time.
The Focal Induction of Reactive Oxygen Species in Rats as a Trigger of Aortic Valve Degeneration
Authors: Selig Jessica Isabel , Sugimura Yukiharu , Katahira Shintaro , Polidori Marco , Jacobi Laura Alida , Medovoj Olga , Betke Sarah , Barth Mareike , Lichtenberg Artur , Akhyari Payam , Minol Jan-Philipp
Published: December 2024

Background: Degenerative aortic valve disease (DAVD) is a multifactorial process. We developed an animal model to analyze the isolated, local effect of reactive oxygen species (ROS) on its pathophysiology. Methods: We utilized a photodynamic reaction (PDR) as a source of ROS in the aortic valve by aiming a laser at the aortic valve for 60 min after the administration of a photosensitizer 24 h prior. ROS, laser, and sham groups (n = 7 each) for every observation period (t = 0; t = 8 d; t = 84 d; t = 168 d) were established. The amount of ROS generation; morphological changes; inflammatory, immune, and apoptotic reactions; and hemodynamic changes in the aortic valves were assessed using appropriate histological, immunohistological, immunohistochemical, and echocardiographic methods. Results: The ROS group displayed an increased amount of ROS (p < 0.01) and increased inflammatory activation of the endothelium (p < 0.05) at t = 0. In the ROS group, aortic valves were calcified (p < 0.05) and the transvalvular gradient was increased (p < 0.01) at t = 168 d. Conclusion: The small animal model employed here may serve as a platform for analyzing ROS’s isolated role in the DAVD context.