bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Equity evaluation of intensive care unit admission based on comorbidity in hospitalized patients with COVID-19: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Zhu Yang-Jie , Wang Jia-Yue , Wu Chen-Nan , Yu Bo-Yang , Liu Tong-Tong , Liu Yuan , Zhang Lu-Lu
Published: October 2024

Background

Intensive care unit (ICU) beds played a crucial role in reducing mortality rates of patients with severe COVID-19. The surge in the number of patients led to a shortage of ICU beds, which may have exacerbated inequity of healthcare utilization. However, most attention has been focused on the horizontal equity in healthcare utilization, where individuals with the same needs receive the same services. Vertical equity, where individuals with higher needs receive more healthcare is often neglected, which might overestimate the equity. This study analyzes the vertical equity of ICU utilization among hospitalized patients with COVID-19.

Methods

In total, 18,547 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Maryland in 2020 were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the independent factors affecting ICU utilization, and the Shapley value decomposition approach was implemented to assess the contribution of the independent variables to disparities in ICU admission. A concentration curve and concentration index were used to assess the vertical equity in healthcare utilization.

Results

ICU utilization by patients with COVID-19 was significantly affected by Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), with odds ratios (OR) 1.09 [95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.07–1.10; p < 0.001] in univariable analysis and 1.11 (95% CI: 1.09–1.13; p < 0.001) in multivariable regression analysis. The most important contributors were household income (32.27%) and the CCI (22.89%) in the Shapley value decomposition analysis. The concentration curve was below the line of equity, and the concentration index was 0.094 (95% CI: 0.076–0.111; p < 0.001), indicating that ICU utilization was concentrated among patients with a high CCI. These results were robust for all subgroup analyses.

Conclusion

Among 18,547 hospitalized patients with COVID-19 in Maryland in 2020, ICU utilization was significantly affected by comorbid conditions. The concentration curve and concentration index also indicated that ICU utilization was more concentrated in patients with a higher CCI. The results was consistent with the principle of vertical equity, whereby healthcare resources are more concentrated on COVID-19 patients with higher health needs.
How does psychosocial safety climate affect safety behavior in the construction industry? A cross-level analysis
Authors: Zhao Wei , Li Shuquan
Published: October 2024

Introduction

The unsafe work of construction workers directly contributes to frequent accidents in workplaces. However, the factors influencing the safety behavior of Chinese construction workers are not yet clear.

Methods

Data from 381 construction workers were analyzed to test our hypotheses.This study aimed to investigate the impact of psychosocial safety climate (PSC) on safety behavior through a cross-level model, focusing on the mediating role of psychological resilience and the moderating effect of safety-related stress.

Results

The results indicated that (1) PSC was positively associated with psychological resilience and safety behavior; (2) psychological resilience mediated the relationship between PSC and safety behavior; (3) the link between PSC and safety behavior was negatively influenced by safety-related stress; and (4) all three sub-dimensions of safety-related stress moderated the effect of PSC on safety participation.

Discussion

These findings elucidate the mechanisms underlying the connection between PSC, psychological resilience, safety-related stress, and safety behavior from a multi-level perspective. Additionally, strategies for enhancing the safety behavior of construction workers were discussed.
Feminism in the borderscape: Juarense women against injustice
Authors: Mehan Asma , Dominguez Natalia
Published: October 2024

This article critically examines the feminist movement in Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, highlighting the struggles and activism of Juarense women against social injustices, particularly those exacerbated by machismo, the Narco War, and the manufacturing industry. The analysis explores the roots of machismo in Mexican culture, the impact of the maquiladora industry on women's lives, and the rise of feminist activism in response to these challenges. Emphasizing the intersection of gender violence and legal frameworks, the article incorporates feminist legal theory to argue for substantial legal reforms to combat the normalization of machismo and feminicide. It further discusses the resilience and determination of Juarense women, portraying their efforts as part of the broader global feminist movement.
“You're made to feel like you're the crazy one”: an interpretive description of former college student-athletes’ views of emotional abuse
Authors: Adams Kat V. , Alexander Katherine N. , Dorsch Travis E.
Published: October 2024

Many normalized coaching behaviors are often abusive yet are seen by coaches and athletes as instrumental in achievement and competition. The current study was designed to extend past research and theory by subjectively exploring how and why former intercollegiate athletes identified their head coach as emotionally abusive. Twenty former intercollegiate student-athletes (Mage = 26.0 years) from nine sports participated in semi-structured interviews ranging from 65 to 189 min (M = 105.8, SD = 58). Interpretive description methodology was used with reflexive thematic analysis to generate a coherent conceptual description of the themes and shared experiences that characterized emotionally abusive coaching. The themes that associated with an athlete labeling a coach as emotionally abusive fall under two aspects of Stirling and Kerr's 2008 definition: non-contact coach behaviors and the resulting harmful outcomes experienced by the athletes. Non-contact behaviors were ones that diminished performance, neglected holistic development, and were inconsistent. The harmful effects were the negative emotional responses and dehumanization experienced by athletes. Finally, participants felt that a coach's desire for power and control over athletes explained the coach's behaviors generally. Based on these results, we put forth the conceptual claim that emotional abuse, and psychological violence more broadly, cannot be defined or identified based solely on the perpetrator's behaviors. The athlete's cognitions, perceptions, emotions, and behaviors are critical in determining whether emotional abuse occurred, and these interpretations are shaped by an athlete's existing relationship with the coach.
Comparative study of CT-guided radiofrequency and alcohol ablation in the treatment of primary hyperhidrosis
Authors: Yu Yaoping , Cui Jie , Zhang Yu , Feng Lei , Wang Lijun
Published: October 2024

Objective

This study compared the efficacy and complications of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation with anhydrous alcohol ablation of sympathetic nerves in treating hyperhidrosis of the head and palms.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 54 patients with primary hyperhidrosis in our department from June 2018 to June 2021, divided into a radiofrequency ablation group (30 cases) and an anhydrous alcohol ablation group (24 cases). Treatment outcomes were compared by analyzing the number of CT scans, effectiveness, and complications.

Results

In the radiofrequency group, symptoms of bilateral hyperhidrosis significantly improved in 24 patients, with an 80% postoperative satisfaction rate. In the alcohol ablation group, symptoms significantly improved in 19 patients postoperatively, with a 79.2% satisfaction rate. There was no statistically significant difference in effectiveness or complications between the two groups (all P > 0.05). The number of CT scans in the radiofrequency group was 4.60 ± 0.56 and 6.08 ± 0.28 in the alcohol group, showing a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study concluded that both percutaneous radiofrequency ablation and alcohol ablation are effective methods for hyperhidrosis treatment, with similar effectiveness and complication rates, but the radiofrequency ablation group required fewer CT scans.
Fuzzy Multi-Agent Simulation for Collective Energy Management of Autonomous Industrial Vehicle Fleets
Authors: Grosset Juliette , Oukacha Ouzna , Fougères Alain-Jérôme , Djoko-Kouam Moïse , Bonnin Jean-Marie
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a multi-agent simulation implemented in Python, using fuzzy logic to explore collective battery recharge management for autonomous industrial vehicles (AIVs) in an airport environment. This approach offers adaptability and resilience through a distributed system, taking into account variations in AIV battery capacity. Simulation scenarios were based on a proposed charging/discharging model for an AIV battery. The results highlight the effectiveness of adaptive fuzzy multi-agent models in optimizing charging strategies, improving operational efficiency, and reducing energy consumption. Dynamic factors such as workload variations and AIV-infrastructure communication are taken into account in the form of heuristics, underlining the importance of flexible and collaborative approaches in autonomous systems. In particular, an infrastructure capable of optimizing charging according to energy tariffs can significantly reduce consumption during peak hours, highlighting the importance of such strategies in dynamic environments. An optimal control model is established to improve the energy consumption of each AIV during its mission. The energy consumption depends on the speed, as demonstrated via numerical simulations using realistic data. The speed profile of each AIV is adjusted according to the various constraints within an airport. Overall, the study highlights the potential of incorporating adaptive fuzzy multi-agent models for AIV energy management to boost efficiency and sustainability in industrial operations.
An Analysis of and Improvements in the Gear Conditions of the Automated Mechanical Transmission of a Battery Electric Vehicle Considering Energy Consumption and Power Performance
Authors: Xu Huang , Yang Mengchen , Cheng Zhun , Su Xiaoping
Published: October 2024

The design of the gear quantity and transmission parameters of a vehicle has large effects on its economical and power performance. This paper mainly researches the gear conditions (including the gear quantity and each gear’s transmission parameters) of two-gear and three-gear AMT (Automated Mechanical Transmission). This research uses Cruise software to build a multi-gear simulation model of a BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) and adopts the LHS (Latin hypercube sampling) method to design an experiment plan and conduct a simulation experiment. This paper proposes a systematic method for influencing factor analyses and the optimization of transmission parameters, combining fuzzy theory, multiple regression, and particle swarm optimization. The research results show that the gear quantity allowing for optimal overall performance is three. The highest score obtained in the results of the simulation experiment for three-gear AMT is 11.15% higher than that of the two-gear AMT. The optimal design plan for the two-gear AMT is a small ig1 with a big k1, in which case the highest score of the regression model increases by 2.67% compared with that before modeling. The optimal design plan for the three-gear AMT is a big k1 with a big k2, in which case the highest score of the regression model increases by 12.78% compared with that before modeling. Then, this research uses PSO (particle swarm optimization) to further optimize the regression models and compares the difference between the highest scores in the results of the simulation experiment. The difference between the highest scores of the three-gear and two-gear AMT further increases to 21.95% after optimization. As shown in the results, the key factor influencing the performance of two-gear and three-gear AMT is gear quantity.
Fuel Ignition in HTP Hybrid Rockets at Very Low Mass Fluxes: Challenges and Pulsed Preheating Techniques Using Palladium-Coated Catalysts
Authors: Cassese Sergio , Mungiguerra Stefano , Capone Veniero Marco , Guida Riccardo , Cecere Anselmo , Savino Raffaele
Published: October 2024

In a worldwide scenario which sees an increasing number of small satellite launches, novel mission concepts may be unlocked providing the spacecrafts with the very precise and rapid maneuvering capability that electric thrusters cannot guarantee. In this context, chemical thrusters appear to be a possible solution. This work aimed to experimentally study and solve the problem of ignition for 10 N hybrid rockets based on hydrogen peroxide. Firstly, the study analyzed the performance of a monopropellant engine capable of functioning as a hybrid injection system. In particular, the effects of the liquid mass injected, the initial temperature, and the supply pressure on the pulsed engine performance were experimentally investigated. The injected mass showed a greater impact on the performance with respect to the starting chamber temperature and injection pressure. This thruster also showed a good potential for space applications. In the second part of the work, the objective was to find an ignition procedure that reduced propellant consumption and eliminated the need for a glow plug. This is important because the electrical power consumption in real applications significantly affects other subsystems and is undesirable for chemical engines. Different ignition procedures were tested to emphasize their respective advantages and disadvantages, and the findings indicated that the concept of pulsed preheating is feasible with only a small amount of propellant consumption, while substantially decreasing the ignition duration from approximately 45 min to a maximum of just 3 min. Finally, similar ignition procedures were adopted using different fuels. The results showed that PVC and ABS, under the same operating conditions, ignite more easily than HDPE, which requires an oxidizer consumption approximately double that of the other two fuels. Considerations about the effect of chamber pressure and oxidizer mass flow rate on engine ignition were also included.
Winch Traction Dynamics for a Carrier-Based Aircraft Under Trajectory Control on a Small Deck in Complex Sea Conditions
Authors: Nan Guofang , Yang Sirui , Li Yao , Zhou Yihui
Published: October 2024

When the winch traction system of a carrier-based aircraft works under complex sea conditions, the rope and the tire forces are greatly changed compared with under simple sea conditions, and it poses a potential threat to the safety and stability of the aircraft’s traction system. The accurate calculation of the rope and tire forces of a carrier-based aircraft’s winch traction under complex sea conditions is an arduous problem. A novel method of dynamic analysis of the aircraft-winch-ship whole system under complex sea conditions is proposed. A multiple-frequency excitation is adopted to describe the complex sea conditions and the influences of pitching amplitude, and the rolling frequency on the traction dynamics of a carrier-based aircraft along the setting trajectory under complex sea conditions are studied. The advantages and disadvantages of a winch traction system with trajectory control and without trajectory control in complex sea conditions are analyzed. For realizing the trajectory control of the aircraft, the vector difference between the center of mass for the carrier-based aircraft and the position on the predetermined Bessel curve is calculated, so as to obtain the azimuth vector in the aircraft coordinate system. This research is innovative in the modeling of the whole system and the trajectory control of a carrier-based aircraft’s winch traction system under the complicated sea condition of the multi-frequency excitation. ADAMS (Automatic Dynamic Analysis of Mechanical System) is used to verify the correctness of the theoretical calculation for the winch traction. The results show that the complex sea environment has a certain influence on the winch traction safety of the aircraft; in the range of 10–15 s for the traction, the rope force amplitude of complex sea conditions under the multi-frequency excitation is 29.5% larger than that of the single-frequency amplitude, while the vertical force amplitude of the tire is 201.1% larger than that of the single-frequency amplitude. This research has important guiding significance for the selection of rope and tire models for a carrier-borne aircraft’s winch traction in complex sea conditions.
Modeling and Performance Analysis of Variable Cycle Engine with Ceramic Matrix Composite Turbine Blades
Authors: Li Baokuo , Huang Sheng , Yan Huaixu , Zhang Xiaobo , Du Kun , Wang Zhanxue
Published: October 2024

To meet the requirements of future aircraft for power systems, the turbine inlet temperatures of aero engines are gradually increasing. Ceramic matrix composite (CMC), with its higher thermal limit, has become the preferred material for the turbine blades of variable cycle engines (VCEs). However, the impact of CMC turbine blades on the performance of a VCE is still unknown. In this research project, the comprehensive cooling-efficiency characteristics of CMC are determined through a fluid–solid coupling calculation; a cooling calculation model for turbine blades is established, and cooling airflow solution and control technology (CSCT) for an air system is developed. Additionally, a VCE simulation model is established to analyze the influence of CMC turbine blades on the cooling airflow of the air system and the overall performance of the engine. The results show that, for the design condition, the CMC turbine blade can reduce the cooling airflow of the air system by approximately 10%, and the net thrust is increased by 6.07–7.98%. For the off-design conditions, with the CSCT, the specific fuel consumption can be reduced by 3.06–5.73% while ensuring that the engine net thrust remains unchanged. A comprehensive analysis of the performance for both the design point and off-design points indicates that the use of CMC for high-pressure turbine (HPT) guide vanes and rotor blades yields significant performance benefits, while the performance improvement from the use of CMC for low-pressure turbine (LPT) rotor blades is minimal.
Analytical Second-Order Extended Kalman Filter for Satellite Relative Orbit Estimation
Authors: Yang Zhen , Shang Mingyan , Yin Juqi
Published: October 2024

This study considers a relative orbit estimation problem wherein an observing spacecraft navigates with respect to a target space object at a large separation distance (several kilometers) using only the bearing angles obtained by a single onboard camera. Generally, the extended Kalman filter (EKF), which is based on linear relative motion equations such as the Clohessy–Wiltshire equation, is used for the relative navigation of satellites. The EKF linearizes the estimation error around the current estimate and applies the Kalman filter equations to this linearized system. However, it has been shown that nonlinearities of the orbit determination problem can make the linearization assumption insufficient to represent the actual uncertainty. Therefore, an analytical second-order extended Kalman filter (ASEKF) for relative orbit estimation is proposed in this study. The ASEKF, to sequentially estimate the relative states of satellites and their associated uncertainties, is formulated based on a second-order analytic relative-motion equation under J2-perturbtation, which can overcome the deficiencies of existing approaches that mainly focus on applications in two-body, near-circular, and linearized orbit dynamics. Numerical results show that the proposed method provides superior robustness and mean-square error performance compared to linear estimators under the conditions considered.
Leguminous Green Manure Intercropping Promotes Soil Health in a Citrus (Citrus reticulata) Orchard
Authors: Xie Yuxin , Jing Yulin , Wang Yajie , Zheng Rongchun , Xu Qiurui , Sun Zhenyu , Duan Tingyu
Published: October 2024

The intercropping of green manure is an important and sustainable production method in citrus orchards (Citrus reticulata). However, few studies focus on the impact of annual and perennial green manure on soil health, particularly soil microbiome and properties in acid soil. Our research objective was to explore the potential effects on soil health by intercropping with annual and perennial leguminous green manures in acid soil citrus orchards of southwestern China. The leguminous green manures used were alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa). The results showed that intercropping with green manure increased the total nitrogen, nitrate nitrogen, and available phosphorous in the soil by 48.67~74.67%, 50.00~96.67%, and 44.48~45.04%, respectively. Intercropping with alfalfa significantly increased the activity of soil sucrase 63.75%, and intercropping with hairy vetch increased the activity of β-1,4-glucosidase 44.38% in the soil compared to the monoculture treatment. Intercropping hairy vetch and alfalfa altered the diversity and composition of the soil microbial community and enriched the soil with beneficial fungi and bacteria, including Mortierella and Streptomyces. The richness increased by 58.72% and 17.90% in alfalfa intercropping treatment. In conclusion, intercropping leguminous green manure improved the nutrients and activity of the enzymes in the soil and enriched the antagonistic microbiome in the soil, promoting soil health in the citrus orchard.
UAV-Based Multispectral Winter Wheat Growth Monitoring with Adaptive Weight Allocation
Authors: Zhang Lulu , Wang Xiaowen , Zhang Huanhuan , Zhang Bo , Zhang Jin , Hu Xinkang , Du Xintong , Cai Jianrong , Jia Weidong , Wu Chundu
Published: October 2024

Comprehensive growth index (CGI) more accurately reflects crop growth conditions than single indicators, which is crucial for precision irrigation, fertilization, and yield prediction. However, many current studies overlook the relationships between different growth parameters and their varying contributions to yield, leading to overlapping information and lower accuracy in monitoring crop growth. Therefore, this study focuses on winter wheat and constructs a comprehensive growth monitoring index (CGIac), based on adaptive weight allocation of growth parameters’ contribution to yield, using data such as leaf area index (LAI), soil plant analysis development (SPAD) values, plant height (PH), biomass (BM), and plant water content (PWC). Using UAV data on vegetation indices, feature selection was performed using the Elastic Net. The growth inversion model was then constructed using machine learning methods, including linear regression (LR), random forest (RF), gradient boosting (GB), and support vector regression (SVR). Based on the optimal growth inversion model for winter wheat, spatial distribution of wheat growth in the study area is obtained. The findings demonstrated that CGIac outperforms CGIav (constructed using equal weighting) and CGIcv (built using the coefficient of variation) in yield correlation and prediction accuracy. Specifically, the yield correlation of CGIac improved by up to 0.76 compared to individual indices, while yield prediction accuracy increased by up to 23.14%. Among the evaluated models, the RF model achieved the best performance, with a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.895 and a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.0058. A comparison with wheat orthophotos from the same period confirmed that the inversion results were highly consistent with actual growth conditions in the study area. The proposed method significantly improved the accuracy and applicability of winter wheat growth monitoring, overcoming the limitations of single parameters in growth prediction. Additionally, it provided new technological support and innovative solutions for regional crop monitoring and precision farming operations.
The Impact of Digital Rural Construction on Rural Revitalization-Empirical Evidence from Chinese County Panel Data
Authors: Deng Jinqian , Li Xiao , Zhang Na
Published: October 2024

High-quality economic growth across society is increasingly being driven by the quickly evolving digital economy, with digital villages integrated into various aspects of rural development, construction, and governance, providing essential digital support for achieving comprehensive rural revitalization. By employing county-level panel data from China spanning 2018 to 2020, the Rural Revitalization Index was constructed and applied at the county level, and empirical tests were performed in combination with the Digital Village Index. The results demonstrate that the establishment of digital villages greatly enhances the progress of rural revitalization, with the sub-dimensions of digitalized rural economies and rural lifestyles playing particularly positive roles. Based on this, the mechanisms through which digital village construction empowers rural revitalization were examined, with the process being summarized as “factor aggregation–entities cultivation–market integration.” Further analysis demonstrates that the empowerment effect of digital village construction on rural revitalization is more pronounced in counties that are not major grain producers, have longer road networks, and are located closer to Hangzhou. Thus, it is essential to continue advancing digital village initiatives, identify integration points based on rural functional roles and resource endowments, and explore pathways to fully realize their empowering effects on rural revitalization.
Soil Properties and Rhizosphere Microbes Community Structure Reveal Nitrogen Uptake Preferences and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Two Ecotypes of Paphiopedilum micranthum
Authors: Li Yin , Hu Jiaxue , Ruan Yuehong , Wu Qian , Yue Yan , Li Zongyan
Published: October 2024

Paphiopedilum micranthum, an IUCN Red List species, is discontinuously distributed in the karst limestone mountain of southwest China and exhibits ecological specialization, typically through lithophytic and terrestrial ecotypes. Whether the distribution of rhizosphere bacteria and fungi in these different habitats is random or reflects soil preferences requires further investigation. A total of 73 samples from the core distribution areas in China, representing all habitats in two sites, were analyzed for soil differences by comparing edaphic properties and microbial community structure based on high-throughput sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA genes and fungal ITS region sequences, alongside soil physiochemical data. The results showed no significant differences in microbial community richness and diversity across the heterogeneous habitats. However, significant differences in taxa were observed across various habitats. Dominant bacterial phyla included Actinobacteriota, Proteobacteria and Acidobacteriota, with dominant genera such as Crossiella, Pseudonocardia, 67-14, Mycobacterium and RB41. The primary fungal phyla were Basidiomycota and Ascomycota, featuring prominent genera such as Phlegmacium, Archaeorhizomyces, Trechispora, and Lepiota. There were 16 bacterial genera and 13 fungal genera associated with nitrogen transformation and fixation. Alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen (AN) was identified as a main driver of soil bacterial and fungal community variation. Based on an analysis of soil physicochemical properties, ammonium nitrogen content was consistently higher than nitrate nitrogen across different habitats. Furthermore, across all heterogeneous habitats, P. micranthum showed no significant differences in nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, or their ratio. The nitrogen-use efficiency of P. micranthum ranged from 7.73% to 9.87%, with the highest efficiency observed in the terrestrial habitat of Shedu. These results suggest that P. micranthum prefers habitats rich in organic matter and nitrogen, showing a preference for ammonium nitrogen uptake in natural conditions. Heterogeneous habitats affect plant nitrogen-use efficiency as well as changes in microbial community composition.
A Biotechnical System for Increasing the Effectiveness of the Pre-Sowing Pulsed Laser Irradiation of Seeds to Increase Sunflower Yield
Authors: Mamyrbayev Orken , Alimhan Keylan , Oralbekova Dina , Nykyforova Larysa E. , Pavlov Sergii , Aitkazina Assel , Zhumazhan Nurdaulet
Published: October 2024

In this study, we investigated the use of the pre-sowing electrophysical stimulation of seeds, particularly focusing on optimizing technological regimes for enhancing seed quality. The aim of this study was to improve sunflower seed germination utilizing laser optical radiation. The methods explored involved the pre-sowing stimulation of oilseeds and analyzing the key mechanisms affecting germination. Through our experimental research, we sought to identify the most effective laser irradiation parameters, ensuring the maximum seed quality improvement with minimal energy use. Using seeds of the first reproduction, we employed artificial aging to simulate a reduced seed quality and determined optimal irradiation regimes. Standard methods were followed to assess seed quality before and after irradiation, with 6–7 days of further exposure. Seed germination was carried out under controlled light and temperature conditions using the “on paper” method with paper napkins. A full factorial experiment was performed and key parameters for laser irradiation were determined, confirming that the pre-sowing laser pulse treatment significantly improved seed quality. In this research, we developed a biotechnical system for processing seeds and propose a method to adjust irradiation parameters based on the initial seed quality. The system effectively enhanced germination and crop yield, offering a reliable solution for improving sunflower seed productivity through laser treatment.
Occurrence of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) Middle East–Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) and Mediterranean (MED) in Commercial Fields of Solanum lycopersicum in Brazil
Authors: de Lima Alvarez Daniel , Santos Daniel Mariano , Ikuno Pedro Hiroshi Passos , da Cruz Martines Caroline , Benvenga Sérgio Roberto , Müller Cristiane , Krause-Sakate Renate , de Oliveira Regiane Cristina
Published: October 2024

The tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is an important crop to the economy of Brazil, and the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) is one of the limiting factors responsible for reducing its yields. These insects are part of a cryptic species group present across almost the entire globe. The most relevant cryptic species in the world are B. tabaci MEAM1 and MED due to their capability to adapt and cause damage to vegetables, grain, and ornamental crops. The arrival of MED in Brazil through the state of São Paulo represents risks to farmers in the region due to the difficulty in managing these insects. This study assessed the occurrence of both species in tomato crops in the southeastern region of Brazil in 2020 and 2021. An amount of 79 samples containing 767 insects were collected throughout the study period, and in the cities of Sumaré (SP) and Monte Mor (SP), several samples were collected from the same location throughout the year. The insects were stored and sent for molecular analysis. The results showed an increase in MED compared to MEAM1. The presence of MED in the Minas Gerais samples was not recorded. However, a higher percentage of MED was observed in the state of São Paulo, which was detected in the municipalities of Sumaré and Monte Mor. These results possibly indicate that MED could be starting to stabilize in open tomato fields in Brazil.
Effects of Habitat Loss on Tenebrionidae in Gravel–Sand Mulching Areas of Desert Steppe in Ningxia, China
Authors: Cao Ziyu , Zhang Haixiang , Luo Yonghong , Xiong Changyu , Cui Yifan , Sun Wei , Wang Ying , Shi Chun , Ban Liping , Zhang Rong , Wei Shuhua
Published: October 2024

The desert steppe in Ningxia is the largest natural steppe type in the region, characterized by a fragile ecological environment and low carrying capacity. Gravel–sand mulching, a local agricultural practice, involves using a sand and gravel covering layer to maintain soil warmth and moisture. However, this method has led to ecological problems, such as habitat loss and biodiversity loss. Tenebrionidae, one of the most widely distributed beetle families, is commonly used to indicate habitat degradation and is a significant steppe pest in desert steppe areas. This study, conducted in the gravel–sand mulching areas of Shapotou District, Zhongwei City, Ningxia, classified the habitat loss from low to high in these areas into five grades (I-V) and examined the effects of habitat loss on Tenebrionidae. We collected 6565 Tenebrionidae, with Blaps femoralis, Anatolica nureti, and Pterocoma vittata being the dominant species. The findings reveal that habitat loss grade I had the highest abundance, diversity index, and evenness index of Tenebrionidae, significantly higher than those of grades II–IV. Habitat loss had a significant negative effect on Tenebrionidae abundance, a significant positive effect on the richness index, no significant effect on the vegetation diversity index, a significant positive effect on soil available potassium (APP), and a significant negative effect on soil total phosphorus (TP). Redundancy analysis indicated a positive correlation between Tenebrionidae abundance and the vegetation diversity index; a negative correlation between Tenebrionidae richness, the diversity index, and vegetation indices; a positive correlation between Tenebrionidae abundance and soil TP; and a negative correlation between the Tenebrionidae diversity index and soil TP and soil APP. These findings will contribute to biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration and provide a theoretical basis for steppe management, sustainable agricultural development, and pest monitoring in desert steppe environments.
Application of Nitrate–Ammonium Nitrogen Fertilization Reduced Nitrogen Loss in Surface Runoff and Infiltration by Improving Root Morphology of Flue-Cured Tobacco
Authors: Ouyang Chengren , Yang Kang , Zhao Zhengxiong
Published: October 2024

Nitrogen loss in water from farmland has become an environmental issue. Nitrogen fertilizer is the main cause of agricultural non-point source pollution in the Lake Basin, Yunnan. However, it is unclear how different nitrogen fertilizer forms affect water loss from farmland and how the root systems of crops respond. We established five nitrogen fertilizer treatments (100–0% [T1], 75–25% [T2], 50–50% [T3], 25–75% [T4], and 0–100% [(T5)] nitrate–ammonium) and performed an investigation to determine nitrogen loss in water and root morphological parameters of tobacco in Mile County and Chengjiang County. Compared with in the T1, T4, and T5 treatments, the total nitrogen loss in surface runoff was reduced by 4.67%, 11.85% and 9.56% in the T2 treatment and 27.32%, 23.20%, and 31.43% in the T3 treatment, respectively. Similar results were observed for the nitrogen loss due to infiltration. The root biomass was negatively correlated with nitrogen loss. There was greater root biomass, root surface area, and root spatial distribution in T2 and T3 compared with in T1, T4, and T5. These results indicate that 50–50% nitrate–ammonium nitrogen fertilizer can facilitate the root growth of tobacco and reduce nitrogen loss, which provides a reference for agricultural sustainable development.
Growing Media pH and Nutrient Concentrations for Fostering the Propagation and Production of Lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.)
Authors: Sharifi Mehdi , Debnath Samir C. , Hajiaghaei-Kamrani Monireh , Rabie Bill , Forsyth Jillian
Published: October 2024

The lingonberry (Vaccinium vitis-idaea L.), recognized for its nutritional value and adaptability to cold climates, faces cultivation challenges, particularly in soil pH and fertility optimization. In a greenhouse study, lingonberry transplants were grown in media with pH levels of 6.5 (3:1:1 PRO-MIX BX/peat moss/perlite) and 5.2 (2:1 peat moss/perlite). Seven months post-exposure to different media pH, various fertility treatments (NPK) were tested, including a control (0–0–0), a balanced 5–5–5 kg ha−1 rate, a standard 36–24–48 kg ha−1 rate, and both higher (up to 54–36–72 kg ha−1) and lower (down to 9–6–12 kg ha−1) rates, applied every three weeks for fifteen weeks across six replications with a standard micronutrient rate. Results showed that media pH significantly affected plant height and volume, with plants at pH 6.5 growing 27% taller and larger than plants at pH 5.2. Fertility levels influenced plant volume, peaking at a moderate fertility rate (18–12–24 kg ha−1) before declining at higher rates. Interactions between pH and fertility significantly impacted shoot biomass, where higher fertility rates (above 36–24–48 kg ha−1) had a more pronounced negative effect on shoot biomass at pH 6.5 compared to pH 5.2. Root dry biomass was consistently 1.2–2.3 times greater than shoot dry biomass and less influenced by the treatments. Shoot death rates increased sharply at fertility rates above 18–12–24 kg ha−1, peaking at 21–35%. Nitrogen concentration in shoots and roots increased with higher fertilizer rates, peaking at 1.74% in the 45–30–60 kg ha−1 treatment. Fertility treatments raised growing media’s electrical conductivity (EC, 1:20 ratio), with a maximum of 1.41 dS m−1 in the 54–36–72 kg ha−1 treatment, though pH remained unchanged. Growing media nitrate levels increased with higher N rates, while ammonium levels were unaffected. Shoot death rates rose significantly with higher nitrate concentrations, particularly above 17.5 mg L−1, but showed no link to ammonium levels. Lingonberries can survive and thrive across a wide range of pH levels. These results indicate that lingonberries are resilient and low maintenance, requiring modest nutrient levels, and excessive fertilization hampers their growth.
Eggshells Improve Soil pH and P Availability in Sandy Loam and Sandy Clay Loamy Soil
Authors: Sebonela Leon Karabo , Elephant Dimpho Elvis , Sithole Nkanyiso Justice
Published: October 2024

The current effective method of mitigating soil acidity is the application of lime. However, the costs associated with acquiring lime make it challenging for small-scale farmers in South Africa. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the liming potential of ground eggshells relative to aglime and its effect on P availability in two acidic soils differing in textural classes, and its subsequent effect on the growth of Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.). Two soils used in the study were sandy clay loam, which had an initial pH of 4.52, and sandy loam with an initial pH of 5.23. Both lime sources were applied at a rate of 0, 1, 2.5, and 5 t/ha through incubation for 120 days. Our results indicated that applying eggshells and aglime significantly increased soil pH within 7 days (p < 0.05) compared to the 0-rate application across all application rates in both soil types. There were no differences (p > 0.05) in pH between the two applied lime sources. Plant-available P was not significantly different between the applied lime sources at all application rates and the 0-rate application; however, the two lime sources increased plant-available phosphorus above 25 ppm, which is the minimum health level of plant-available phosphorus. The results of plant yield showed no differences (p > 0.05) between the plant dry weights. However, Swiss chard growing at the 0-rate application in the sandy clay loam showed poor and stunted growth while Swiss chard growing at the 0-rate application in the sandy loam did not exhibit poor and stunted growth. According to the study’s results, eggshells have a similar liming effect as aglime and their dissolution rate is similar; therefore, eggshells can be used as a substitute of aglime to increase soil pH. Using eggshells as a substitute for aglime could offer substantial benefits to small-scale farmers by reducing input costs and providing a locally sourced, sustainable alternative. This approach can also enhance economic sustainability in rural communities by promoting the recycling of agricultural by-products and making essential soil amendments more affordable and accessible.
Intelligent Manufacturing in Wine Barrel Production: Deep Learning-Based Wood Stave Classification
Authors: Ricardo Frank A. , Eizaguirre Martxel , Moru Desmond K. , Borro Diego
Published: October 2024

Innovative wood inspection technology is crucial in various industries, especially for determining wood quality by counting rings in each stave, a key factor in wine barrel production. (1) Background: Traditionally, human inspectors visually evaluate staves, compensating for natural variations and characteristics like dirt and saw-induced aberrations. These variations pose significant challenges for automatic inspection systems. Several techniques using classical image processing and deep learning have been developed to detect tree-ring boundaries, but they often struggle with woods exhibiting heterogeneity and texture irregularities. (2) Methods: This study proposes a hybrid approach combining classical computer vision techniques for preprocessing with deep learning algorithms for classification, designed for continuous automated processing. To enhance performance and accuracy, we employ a data augmentation strategy using cropping techniques to address intra-class variability in individual staves. (3) Results: Our approach significantly improves accuracy and reliability in classifying wood with irregular textures and heterogeneity. The use of explainable AI and model calibration offers a deeper understanding of the model’s decision-making process, ensuring robustness and transparency, and setting confidence thresholds for outputs. (4) Conclusions: The proposed system enhances the performance of automatic wood inspection technologies, providing a robust solution for industries requiring precise wood quality assessment, particularly in wine barrel production.
Leveraging Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) for Expert Interpretability in Predicting Rapid Kidney Enlargement Risks in Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD)
Authors: Dwiyanti Latifa , Nambo Hidetaka , Hamid Nur
Published: October 2024

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is the predominant hereditary factor leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD) worldwide, affecting individuals across all races with a prevalence of 1 in 400 to 1 in 1000. The disease presents significant challenges in management, particularly with limited options for slowing cyst progression, as well as the use of tolvaptan being restricted to high-risk patients due to potential liver injury. However, determining high-risk status typically requires magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to calculate total kidney volume (TKV), a time-consuming process demanding specialized expertise. Motivated by these challenges, this study proposes alternative methods for high-risk categorization that do not rely on TKV data. Utilizing historical patient data, we aim to predict rapid kidney enlargement in ADPKD patients to support clinical decision-making. We applied seven machine learning algorithms—Random Forest, Logistic Regression, Support Vector Machine (SVM), Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM), Gradient Boosting Tree, XGBoost, and Deep Neural Network (DNN)—to data from the Polycystic Kidney Disease Outcomes Consortium (PKDOC) database. The XGBoost model, combined with the Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (SMOTE), yielded the best performance. We also leveraged explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) techniques, specifically Local Interpretable Model-Agnostic Explanations (LIME) and Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP), to visualize and clarify the model’s predictions. Furthermore, we generated text summaries to enhance interpretability. To evaluate the effectiveness of our approach, we proposed new metrics to assess explainability and conducted a survey with 27 doctors to compare models with and without XAI techniques. The results indicated that incorporating XAI and textual summaries significantly improved expert explainability and increased confidence in the model’s ability to support treatment decisions for ADPKD patients.
Effect of High-Tannin and -Polyphenol Plant Material Supplement on Rumen Fermentation, Nitrogen Partitioning and Nutrient Utilization in Beef Cattle
Authors: Khejornsart Pichad , Juntanam Theerayut , Gunun Pongsatorn , Gunun Nirawan , Cherdthong Anusorn
Published: October 2024

The current issue of ruminant methane emissions is still being researched by animal nutritionists in an effort to find new approaches. In this study, five beef cattle were randomly assigned in a 5 × 5 Latin square design to examine the effects of supplementation with high-tannin and -polyphenol plant materials on nutrient utilization, rumen fermentation, and nitrogen partitioning. Cattle offered total mixed ration (TMR) silage diets with or without tannin-rich tree leaf or plant herbs, such as Piper sarmentosum Roxb., Cymbopogon citratus (DC.) Stapf, Anacardium occidentale L., and Careya arborea Roxb., were supplemented at a dose of 10 g/d. Prior to TMR feeding, the animals’ meals were supplemented with 10 g of fortified plant materials twice a day, along with 100 g of rice bran. The animals in the control group received only 100 g of rice bran and no other plant materials. The result showed that there was no difference in nutrient intake or digestibility between the supplemented and control groups. Although the effect of ruminal pH, NH3-N, Total VFA, acetate (C2), and butyrate (C4) was not significant (p > 0.05), the proportion of propionate (C3) tended to increase with supplementation (p = 0.07). There was no difference in the excretion of purine derivatives or the amount of microbial nitrogen supply, even though supplemented animals had significantly lower protozoal populations than the control group (p < 0.05). Moreover, when A. occidentale or C. arborea was added to the TMR silage diet, the nitrogen intake and retention increased considerably, although total nitrogen excretion decreased. In this approach, the leaves of Anacardium occidentale L. and Careya arborea Roxb. were particularly promising for strategic supplementation.
Low-Field Magnetic Resonance Imaging for the Detection of Medial Meniscal Lesions in Cranial Cruciate-Deficient Stifle Joints in Dogs
Authors: Knebel Julia , Wilke Svenja K. , Neumann Stephan , Klatt Anna-Lena , Schenk Henning C. , Konar Martin
Published: October 2024

Background: The aim of this study was to substantiate the ability of noninvasive low-field magnetic resonance imaging (lfMRI) to accurately depict meniscal lesions, thereby establishing lfMRI as a viable option for the diagnosis of meniscal pathology. Study Design: This was a prospective, controlled study. Materials and Methods: In each of 57 stifle joints, 5 predefined lfMRI sequences using a 0.25 T lfMRI were used. The scans were evaluated by an experienced surgeon (DECVS) and through external assessment by a radiologist (DECVDI). The patients were divided into two groups depending on their meniscal status after lfMRI. Dogs (Group 1; n = 33) without lfMRI evidence of medial meniscal pathology underwent TPLO, whereas concurrent craniomedial mini-arthrotomy was performed in patients with suspected meniscal lesions (Group 2; n = 24). Gait assessment was performed 6 weeks later and 6 months postoperatively. Results: Cohen’s kappa value of 0.8571 corresponds to a high level of agreement between the observers. A significant correlation was found between preoperative lameness severity and intraoperative meniscal damage (p < 0.04). The results showed a highly significant correlation between meniscal injuries on MRI and intraoperative findings (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: LfMRI appears to be a noninvasive, reliable imaging tool for the detection of medial meniscal lesions in cranial cruciate-deficient stifle joints, aiming to avoid (minimally) invasive diagnostics in healthy menisci.