bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Korespondencija Matije
Mažuranića s braćom Antunom i Ivanom te osvrt na Matijinu pjesmu Bědna
starost
Authors: Smolčić Ivona
Published: December 2024

Matija Mažuranić (Novi Vinodolski, 1817 – Feldhof kraj Graza, 1881) hrvatski je književnik i putopisac. Njegov Pogled u Bosnu ili Kratak put u onu krajinu (1842) prvi je cjelovit putopis u hrvatskoj književnosti, osobito zanimljiv jer obrađuje bosansku svakodnevicu. Valja naglasiti kako je djelo poslužilo i Matijinu bratu Ivanu u pisanju spjeva Smrt Smail-age Čengića (Iskra, 1846), a djelo je osobito po tome što se autor nije ograničio na opisivanje viđenog, nego je djelo prožeo vlastitim doživljajem prostora i njegovih stanovnika. Također, djelo je nastavio u vrijeme ustanka u Bosni, pa posjeduje i izvanknjiževnu, odnosno društveno-političku pozadinu. Osim putopisom, Matija se istaknuo kao angažirani društveni djelatnik. Iako je po zanimanju bio kovač, u rodnome se gradu i okolici bavio građevinskim poslovima, a neko je vrijeme bio i novljanski gradonačelnik (»glavar«). Često je putovao po Austriji te Srbiji i Bosni, a došao je čak do Carigrada. O detaljima iz njegova života saznaje se iz korespondencije koju je vodio s braćom Antunom i Ivanom Mažuranićem, koji su mu nerijetko i financijski pomagali pri realizaciji poslovnih pothvata. Također, pisma otkrivaju tada aktualnu društvenu stvarnost te događaje s kojima se Matija susretao tijekom svojih putovanja, odnosno života u Novom. Među njima ističu se objavljivanje prijevoda Vinodolskoga zakonika (1843) Antuna Mažuranića te otvaranje Narodne čitaonice (1845). Također, valja istaknuti i Matijine refleksije o vlastitom životnom putu, koje upotpunjuju dojam o njemu kao čovjeku prožetom romantičarskim crtama ličnosti. Uz navedeno, rad donosi i osvrt na Matijinu baladu Bědna starost, koju književna historiografija ne spominje, iako nije nepoznata (Živančević, 1964). Riječ je o baladi koja obrađuje fiktivan tragičan događaj, kao rezultat Božje volje koju valja prihvatiti. Osim romantičarskih značajki, u djelu se uočavaju i elementi barokne poetike, i to u smislu isticanja važnosti ljudske prolaznosti, grešnosti, neprolaznosti božanskog te pesimizma.
130 godina Hrvatskog zavoda za javno zdravstvo (1893–2023)
Authors: Mlinarić Ivan
Published: December 2024

Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo (HZJZ) središnja je javnozdravstvena ustanova u Republici Hrvatskoj te ima koordinativnu ulogu u mreži županijskih zavoda za javno zdravstvo. Zadužen je za obavljanje djelatnosti na području epidemiologije zaraznih i kroničnih nezaraznih bolesti, javnoga zdravstva, promicanja zdravlja, zdravstvene ekologije, mikrobiologije, školske i adolescentne medicine, mentalnoga zdravlja i prevencije ovisnosti, medicine rada, praćenja stanja i unapređenja zaštite zdravlja i sigurnosti na radu te stručne i znanstvene djelatnosti na području toksikologije i antidopinga. Početke djelovanja HZJZ-a valja tražiti u nekoliko institucija koje su osnovane krajem XX. i početkom XXI. stoljeća u Zagrebu. To su Kraljevski zemaljski zavod za proizvadjanje cjepiva proti boginjam i Bolnica za kužne bolesti (oboje osnovani 1893), Kraljevski zemaljski bakteriološko-higijenski zavod (osnovan 1907), Pasteurov zavod (osnovan 1918) te Institut za socijalnu medicinu (osnovan 1924). Sve navedene ustanove objedinjene su 1926. godine u novoosnovanu javnozdravstvenu ustanovu: Higijenski zavod sa Školom narodnog zdravlja. Struktura Zavoda se u narednim godinama nastavila mijenjati, a s njom su se mijenjali i njegovi nazivi: 1942. mijenja naziv u Zdravstveni zavod, a netom nakon Drugog svjetskog rata djeluje kao Higijensko-epidemiološki odjel Ministarstva narodnog zdravlja, zatim 1946. postaje Higijenski zavod u Zagrebu, 1951. Centralni higijenski zavod u Zagrebu, 1961. mijenja ime u Republički zavod za zaštitu zdravlja, od 1970. postaje Zavod za zaštitu zdravlja Socijalističke Republike Hrvatske. Osamostaljivanjem Republike Hrvatske, 1991. Zavod mijenja ime u Zavod za zaštitu zdravlja Republike Hrvatske, a od 1994. nosi današnje ime: Hrvatski zavod za javno zdravstvo. Tijekom njegove bogate povijesti, djelokrug rada današnjega HZJZ-a nije uvijek bio jednak te će ovaj članak pokušati dati kratak pregled prvih 130 godina Zavoda.
Оценка эффективности EVM-модели
Authors: КАБАНОВ Вадим Николаевич , МИХАЙЛОВА Елена Владимировна
Published: December 2024

В статье рассматривается EVM-модель и оценивается ее эффективность. В качестве синонима EVM-модели авторы применят термин "траектория освоения капитальных вложений". Для описания траектории (процедуры) финансирования проекта создания объекта капитального строительства предлагается использовать хорошо известную модель поступательного движения материальной точки. Для построения траектории EVM-модели рассмотрены частные случаи поступательного движения, к числу которых относится равномерное, равноускоренное и равнозамедленное движение. Под эффективностью проекта создания объекта капитальных вложений авторами понимается величина денежных обязательств перед инвестором, которая обеспечивает заданный уровень доходности. Эффективность траектории освоения капитальных вложений в EVM-модели определяется суммой обязательств, накопленных на момент сдачи объекта в эксплуатацию (окончания строительства). Предложен критерий эффективности для оценки траектории освоения капитальных вложений в EVM-модели, который обладает значительными преимуществами перед традиционными подходами к оценке эффективности прямых инвестиций.
Проектирование фундамента резервуара на многолетнемерзлых сильнольдистых грунтах
Authors: АЛЕКСЕЕВ Андрей Григорьевич , БАКШЕЕВ Дмитрий Семёнович , САЗОНОВ Павел Михайлович , ГРЕЧИЩЕВА Эрика Станиславовна , СОРОКИНА Светлана Павловна , ВШИВЦЕВА Татьяна Викторовна , ВИНОГРАДОВА Светлана Александровна
Published: December 2024

Представлены результаты проектирования фундамента резервуара на многолетнемерзлых сильнольдистых грунтах. В связи с проявлением сильнольдистыми грунтами реологических свойств особое внимание уделено деформационным расчетам, в том числе оценке неравномерности осадок центра и края плитного фундамента. Авторами статьи выбран метод одноосного сжатия как оптимальный метод исследований сильнольдистых грунтов, а также представлен способ обработки результатов одноосных испытаний, позволяющий получить длительный модуль деформации. Приведены результаты испытаний методом одноосного сжатия при отрицательных температурах. На основании исследований рассчитаны деформации по формулам нормативного документа и численным моделированием в программном комплексе, дана сравнительная оценка полученных значений осадок и разности осадок. Предложено проектное решение с применением системы термостабилизации грунтов.
Дефектация искусственных покрытий методом фотограмметрии
Authors: ГАРБУЗОВ Валерий Викторович , ХАРЬКОВ Никита Сергеевич , ПАЩЕНКО Фёдор Александрович
Published: December 2024

Составление планов дефектов искусственных покрытий аэродромов с установлением фактического объема, характера дефектов и их расположения выполняется для оценки эксплуатационно-технического состояния покрытий, определения остаточного ресурса и объемов ремонтно-восстановительных работ. В большинстве случаев составление планов дефектов реализуется с помощью измерения размеров дефектов рулетками, курвиметром, штангенциркулем и щупом в соответствии с нормативными документами. Точное отображение положения швов и трещин при составлении плана дефектов асфальтобетонных покрытий без использования геодезических методов представляет собой процесс, обладающий повышенной сложностью и трудоемкостью. Это обусловливает высокую длительность составления планов дефектов искусственных покрытий аэродромов. Предложено использование метода фотограмметрирования для составления планов дефектов искусственных покрытий аэродромов с целью повышения эффективности ведения этих работ без использования тяжелого и дорогостоящего оборудования.
Successful Cooperation between the Ministry of Finance and Local Governments for Implementing Regional Financial Management: Key Factors
Authors: Satrio Aditya Agung
Published: December 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the Ministry of Finance role in providing mentoring to Local Governments for the implementation of regional financial management. Financial advisor role is a strategic step to foster synergy and collaboration with Local Governments in the field of national financial management. A qualitative approach and an exploratory design were used followed by SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis. The analysis was used to provide recommendations for the Ministry of Finance and Local Governments to implement regional financial management strategies. Data collection methods varied for all subjects. Internal data from the Ministry of Finance were obtained through interviews and document studies, while external data were collected through the completion of questionnaires by 461 Local Governments and document studies. The results showed that Local Governments require coordination and mentoring from the Ministry of Finance regarding regional financial management. The Ministry of Home Affairs has the authority to guide Local Governments in terms of institutional structure. Moreover, the Ministry of Finance can voluntarily offer mentoring by demonstrating the positive aspects of work and illustrating the benefits of financial advisor role, as explained in the rational choice theory.
Fabrication and Characterization of Syringe Carbon Paste Electrode for Electrochemical Measurement
Authors: Cahyotomo Anom , Mohammad Jihad Madiabu  , Arie Pratama Putra  , Ardina Purnama Tirta  , Imas Solihat  , Dicky Annas
Published: December 2024

This study aims to fabricate and characterize a syringe carbon paste electrode (SCPE) using K3Fe(CN)6 10 mM solution with cyclic voltammetry technique. Characterization is performed by varying pH (pH 4, 7, and 10) and scan rate (30 - 100 mV/s) so that the characteristics of SCPE can be observed. The K3Fe(CN)6 10 mM solution test results at various pH variations obtained the largest anodic peak current (Ipa) at pH 10 was 44.75 µA. The scan rate results at various pH showed linear results with the diffusion coefficient of 1.77 x 10-6 cm2/s, 1.65 x 10-6 cm2/s, and 2.50 x 10-6 cm2/s with r values of 0.9994, 0.9975, and 0.9992 for pH 4, pH 7, and pH 10 respectively. This indicated that a diffusion process controlled this system's mass transfer in various pH. The detection of nitrite ions at a concentration of 2 mM showed a clear oxidation peak, with the highest Ipa value of 61.28 µA in pH 7 buffer solution.
Gambaran Hygiene Sanitasi Rumah Makan Di Lingkungan Kampus Pusat Poltekkes Kemenkes Yogyakarta
Authors: Istikomah Ayu Puja , Amalia Rizki , Haryanti Sri
Published: December 2024

Latar Belakang: Salah satu faktor yang menyebabkan kurangnya kualitas pangan pada tempat pengolahan pangan seperti rumah makan adalah rendahnya pengetahuan dan pemahaman terhadap tempat pengolahan pangan seperti seperti lokasi tempat pengolahan pangan, pemilihan bahan, penyimpanan bahan, pengolahan pangan, penyimpanan pangan jadi dan penyajian. Tujuan: Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengetahui gambaran hygiene Rumah makan di lingkungan kampus pusat Poltekkes Kemenkes Yogyakarta. Metode: Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif yang dilakukan dengan cara survei langsung pada lokasi penelitian. Pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan cara observasi menggunakan checklist dan wawancara dengan jumlah sampel 29 rumah makan. Hasil: hasil penelitian diperoleh dari 29 rumah makan yang tidak memenuhi syarat berjumlah 29 rumah makan dengan presentase 100%, hygiene sanitasi area pelayanan konsumen diperoleh dari 29 rumah makan yang memenuhi syarat berjumlah 7 rumah makan dengan presentase 24,2% dan rumah makan yang tidak memenuhi syarat berjumlah 22 rumah makan dengan presentase 75,8%, hygiene sanitasi area dapur atau penyiapan pangan, yang memenuhi syarat berjumlah 17 rumah makan dengan presentase 58,6% dan rumah makan yang tidak memenuhi syarat berjumlah 12 rumah makan dengan presentase 41,4%. Dan hasil keseluruhan hygiene sanitasi rumah makan yaitu 14 rumah makan (48,3%) memenuhi syarat dan 15 rumah makan (51,7%) tidak memenuhi syarat. Dengan batas laik hygiene sanitasi ≥ 80 memenuhi syarat dan ≤80 tidak memenuhi syarat. Kesimpulan: Mayoritas rumah makan yang diteliti tidak memenuhi standar hygiene dan sanitasi yang ditetapkan. Khususnya, area pelayanan konsumen menunjukkan tingkat ketidaklayakan tertinggi dengan 75,8% rumah makan tidak memenuhi syarat.
Association between statin use and 30-day mortality among patients with sepsis-associated encephalopathy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Chen Junwei , Chen Junde , Li Lihong
Published: December 2024

Aim

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a common and serious complication of sepsis with poor prognosis. Statin was used in SAE patients, whereas its effects on these patients remain unknown. This study is aimed at investigating the impact of statins on the 30-day mortality of patients with SAE.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, data from SAE patients were extracted from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV). Statins include atorvastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin, and simvastatin. The outcome was 30-day mortality of SAE patients starting 24 h after the first intensive care unit (ICU) admission and at the first time after hospitalization. Potential covariates (sociodemographic characteristics, vital signs, score indexes, laboratory parameters, comorbidities, and treatment intervention methods) were selected using univariate Cox proportional hazard analysis. Associations between statin use and statin type and 30-day mortality were explored using univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models with hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Associations were further explored in different age groups, sex, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), simplified acute physiology score II (SAPS II), and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) populations.

Results

A total of 2,729 SAE patients were included in the study, and 786 (28.8%) died within 30 days. Statin use was associated with lower odds of 30-day mortality (HR = 0.77, 95%CI: 0.66–0.90) in all SAE patients. Patients who took simvastatin treatments were associated with lower odds of 30-day mortality (HR = 0.58, 95%CI: 0.43–0.78). Rosuvastatin treatments had a higher 30-day mortality risk (HR = 1.88, 95%CI: 1.29–2.75). Statin use was also associated with lower 30-day mortality among patients of different ages, sex, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA), SAPS II, and SIRS.

Conclusion

Patients who were treated with simvastatin were associated with lower odds of 30-day mortality in SAE patients. Caution should be paid to statin use in SAE patients, particularly in patients treated with rosuvastatin or pravastatin.
Sex disparities in the risk of intracranial aneurysm rupture: a case–control study
Authors: Shen Dong , Cai Miaochun , Luo Yi , Li Zhihao , Zhang Peidong , Wang Yongkang , Fan Wenlong , Wu Hanqiu , Yu Yezhou , Gong Xijun , Mao Chen
Published: December 2024

Background

There are sex disparities in the risk of ruptured intracranial aneurysm (IA), but which sex-specific factors are related to ruptured IA remains inconclusive.

Methods

Data from electronic medical records from two tertiary hospitals, collected between January 2012 and December 2019, were analyzed for this study. All IAs were confirmed by computed tomographic angiography or digital subtraction angiography. Sex-specific factors associated with ruptured IA were analyzed using multivariable logistic models with a case–control study design. Age, aneurysm size, and aneurysm location subgroup analyses were conducted according to sex.

Results

In total, 1883 patients [1,117 (59.32%) female, 766 (40.68%) male] with 2,423 IAs were included; 734 (38.98%) of patients had ruptured IAs. Compared with males, females had a higher risk of ruptured IA [odds ratio, 1.72 (95% confidence interval, 1.38–2.14)]. Age, aneurysm location, aneurysm size, multiple aneurysms, hypertension, history of intracerebral hemorrhage, and ischemic stroke were associated with risk of IA rupture in both sexes. In the subgroups based on the covariates used in this study, we only identified statistically significant interaction between sex and age. Although ruptured IAs were most common in males and females aged 50–59 and 60–69 years, respectively, risk of IA rupture peaked at ages 30 and 30–50 years in females and males, respectively, and decreased with age in both sexes.

Conclusion

Females have an overall greater IA incidence and higher risk of IA rupture than males. Young age is one sex-specific risk factor associated with ruptured IA which could related to potential influence of hypertension, which might suggest more attention of IA rupture prevention in younger female.
Rate-Dependent Hysteresis Model Based on LS-SVM for Magnetic Shape Memory Alloy Actuator
Authors: Wang Mengyao , Liu Zhenze , Yu Yewei , Yang Xiaoning , Gao Wei
Published: December 2024

Magnetic shape memory alloy-based actuators (MSMA-BAs) have extensive applications in the field of micro-nano positioning technology. However, complex hysteresis seriously affects its performance. To describe the hysteresis of MSMA-BA, this study proposes integrating a hysteresis operator and the rate-of-change function of the input signal into the least squares support vector machine (LS-SVM) framework to construct a rate-dependent dynamic hysteresis model for MSMA-BAs. The hysteresis operator converts the multi-valued mapping of hysteresis into a one-to-one mapping, while the rate-of-change function of the input signal captures the rate dependence of the hysteresis, thereby enhancing the model’s ability to describe complex hysteresis. In addition, with the powerful nonlinear fitting capability and good generalization of LS-SVM, the dynamic performance of the proposed model is effectively improved. Experimental results show that the proposed model accurately describes the hysteresis of MSMA-BA.
Flow Control of Flow Boiling Experimental System by Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) Improved Single Neuron PID
Authors: Li Yan , Qian Miao , Dai Daojing , Wu Weitao , Liu Le , Zhou Haonan , Xiang Zhong
Published: December 2024

In the present study, to address the issue of flow rate instability in the flow boiling experimental system, a flow rate adaptive control system is developed using a single-neuron PID adaptive algorithm, enhanced with the whale optimization algorithm (WOA) for parameter tuning. A recursive least-squares online identification method is integrated to adapt to varying operating conditions. The simulation results demonstrate that in step response the WOA-improved single-neuron PID significantly mitigates the overshoot, with a mere 0.31% overshoot observed, marking a reduction of 98.27% compared to the traditional PID control. The output curve of the WOA-improved single-neuron PID closely aligns with the sinusoidal signal, exhibiting an average absolute error of 0.120, which is lower than that of the traditional PID (0.209) and fuzzy PID (0.296). The WOA-improved single-neuron PID (1.01 s) exhibited a faster return to a stable state compared to the traditional PID (2.46 s) and fuzzy PID (1.28 s). Finally, the effectiveness of the algorithm is validated through practical application. The results demonstrate that, compared to traditional PID and single-neuron PID algorithms, the WOA-improved single-neuron PID algorithm achieves an average flow stability of 9.9848 with a standard error of 0.0914394. It exhibits superior performance, including faster rise and settling times, and higher stability.
Experimental Study of Steady Blowing from the Trailing Edge of an Open Cavity Flow
Authors: Al Haddabi Naser , Kontis Konstantinos , Zare-Behtash Hossein
Published: December 2024

Cavity flows have a wide range of low-speed applications (M≤0.3), such as aircraft wheel wells, ground transportations, and pipelines. They induce strong flow oscillations which can substantially increase noise, drag, vibration, and lead to structural fatigue. In the current study, a steady jet was forced from the cavity trailing edge with different momentum fluxes (J = 0.11 kg/m·s2, 0.44 kg/m·s2, and 0.96 kg/m·s2). The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of the steady jet on the time-averaged flow field and the cavity separated shear layer oscillations for an open cavity with a length-to-depth ratio of L/D=4 at Reθ=1.28×103. Particle image velocimetry, surface oil flow visualisation, constant temperature anemometry, and pressure measurements were performed. The study found that increasing the jet momentum flux caused a significant increase in thickness and deflection of the cavity separated shear layer. Due to the counterflow interaction between the jet and cavity separated shear layer, the growth rate (dδω/dx) of the cavity separated shear layer increased significantly from 0.193 for the no-jet case to 0.273 for the J = 0.96 kg/m·s2 case. As a result, the return flow rate increased, causing the separation point on the cavity floor to shift upstream from x/L≈0.2 for the no-jet case to x/L≈0.1 for the J = 0.96 kg/m·s2 case. Furthermore, increasing the jet momentum flux increased the broadband level of the cavity separated shear layer oscillations.
Structural Dynamics Analysis and Optimization of an Oil-Free Piston Air Compressor Based on Vibration and Noise Characteristics
Authors: Sun Xiaoqing , Shen Yi , Yang Lai , Liang Huafang
Published: December 2024

Air compressors play an important role in energy, mining, civil engineering, and transportation engineering. However, the abnormal vibration and noise of air compressors may pose a serious threat to the structural stability and smooth operation of these types of engineering equipment. To address the broadband noise and vibration problems of a new oil-free piston air compressor, we developed a hybrid optimization method that combines experimental testing, theoretical evaluation, and numerical simulation. Firstly, we conduct noise experiment testing, identify the frequency band of aerodynamic noise using a coherence analysis method, and design orthogonal experiments to further optimize pipeline noise. Then, the vibration characteristics were discussed from both theoretical and simulation perspectives. The dynamic balance has been redesigned on the spindle counterweight plate to reduce the force on the bearings, and a multi-body dynamics model has been constructed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the optimization. Subsequently, a finite element model of the compressor housing was established to analyze the radiation noise characteristics. Finally, three weak points in the structure were selected as key objects, and the structural stiffness was increased to improve vibration stability. The simulation results of radiated noise show that the proposed design scheme can effectively reduce vibration and noise, with a maximum noise reduction rate of 7.45%.
The Continuous Improvement of the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)–CRISPR-Associated Protein System Has Led to Its Highly Efficient Application in Plants
Authors: Tan Wanqing , Wang Zhiyuan , Liu Liezhao
Published: December 2024

The creation of the CRISPR–Cas system has provided unprecedented opportunities in plant genome research and crop genetic improvement. In recent years, this system has been continuously improved to meet human needs through the expansion and modification of Cas proteins, the diversification of targeting locations, and the optimization of CRISPR vectors. In this review, we systematically describe the Class II Cas proteins that have been used in plants, deactivated Cas9 (dCas9) and its role in transcriptional regulation, precision editing systems, Cas9 protein variants, as well as methods and examples of CRISPR–Cas systems targeting various regions with different breadths. In addition, we outline the optimization plans based on CRISPR constructs that can overcome the pleiotropy of genes or accelerate the generation of transgene-free plants and the applications of CRISPR systems in plant breeding practices. Finally, we discuss the theory and development of “CRISPR plus”, and the integrated application of existing systems in more species.
Study on the Performance of Filters Under Biogas Slurry Drip Irrigation Systems
Authors: Wang Shuaijie , Wang Haitao , Qiu Xuefeng , Wang Jiandong , Wang Shuji , Wang Hang , Shen Tao
Published: December 2024

Filters are essential components for maintaining the stability of drip irrigation systems, effectively reducing the risk of clogging. However, when applied to slurry drip irrigation systems, the complexity of slurry water quality makes it unclear how different filter types and their combinations affect the hydraulic performance of the system. This study provides a comprehensive performance evaluation of two common filter types and their combinations, considering various flow rates and biogas slurry-to-water ratios under drip irrigation conditions. The results revealed the following key findings: (1) In the application of biogas slurry drip irrigation, an increase in the concentration or flow rate of the slurry significantly affects the hydraulic performance of the filter, increasing the risk of clogging and shortening the operational lifespan. Notably, the impact of changes in slurry concentration on the hydraulic performance of the filter is much greater than that of the flow rate. Compared to mesh filters, disk filters offer better hydraulic performance, with the contaminant capacity of disk filters being approximately three times that of mesh filters. (2) In biogas slurry drip irrigation, the filter combination generally outperforms single filters in terms of hydraulic performance and contaminant removal capacity. Due to the unique nature of the water source in biogas slurry, a selection process for filter combinations was conducted. It was found that when a disk filter is used as the pre-filter and a mesh filter as the post-filter, the overall rate of head loss change is the smallest, and the clogging uniformity is the least. (3) In the entropy weight-TOPSIS comprehensive evaluation, the filter’s operating time and contaminant capacity are key factors affecting its overall performance. From the perspective of improving the operational stability of the biogas slurry drip irrigation system, it is recommended to use a disk filter + mesh filter combination. This study conducts practical measurements on the hydraulic performance, contaminant removal capacity, filtration accuracy, and other indicators of commonly used mesh and disk filters, aiming to provide useful references for the practical application of biogas slurry drip irrigation filters.
Growth Dynamics of Lithuanian Blackface Lambs: Role of Crossbreeding with German Blackheaded Mutton Rams, Sex and Seasonality
Authors: Šveistienė Rūta , Razmaitė Violeta
Published: December 2024

Crossbreeding is widely used to improve livestock performance, combining favorable breed traits through additive effects while maintaining genetic diversity. This approach enhances sheep farming economic sustainability to improve reproduction timing and prolificacy. Optimizing litter size is crucial for maximizing lamb production under diverse conditions, and breeding programs worldwide focus on both within-breed selection and crossbreeding strategies. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the controlled introgression of German Blackheaded Mutton (GBM) rams on ewe prolificacy and lamb growth while preserving breed structure and integrity. The study examined the effects of genotype, litter size, season, and sex on lamb birth weight and growth. Genotype significantly influenced birth weight (p < 0.01), with crossbreeds containing 6.25% GBM having the highest weights, though higher GBM proportions had no additional benefit. Crossbred lambs outperformed purebred Lithuanian Blackface (LBF) lambs at all measured ages. Litter size significantly affected birth weight (p < 0.001) and growth, with larger litters leading to lighter lambs. Seasonal effects were notable only at three months, with winter-born lambs weighing 2.45 kg more than spring-born lambs (p < 0.010). Most lambings occurred in winter (71.4%). Male lambs were heavier than females at eight months (3.45 kg difference, p < 0.010). Genotype–season interactions influenced weights at several ages, with winter-born purebred LBFs and certain crossbreeds generally outperforming their spring-born counterparts. Lambs from single-lamb litters were consistently heavier, especially in winter and summer. These findings emphasize the interplay of genetics, season, and litter size on lamb growth.
Intensive Annual Forage Cultivation via Diversified Sowing Under a Mixed-Cropping System to Increase Production and Decrease Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Authors: Wei Xiangyu , Feng Qin , Deng Jianqiang , Hu Haiying , Ma Qiaoli , Lan Jian
Published: December 2024

Intensive annual forage cultivation via diversified sowing can increase resource-use efficiency and meet the food requirements of the growing population. However, increasing cultivation time could increase energy demands and production costs with accompanying environmental hazards, such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. A 2-year field experiment including three cropping systems (forage oat monoculture [O], forage oat–common vetch mixed-cropping [O/V], and common vetch monoculture [V]) and two sowing dates (spring and summer) was conducted to comprehensively assess productivity performance, energy utilization, and ecological efficiency under a cereal–legume mixed system over two sowing seasons in Northwestern China. The average system dry matter yield and economic benefit in the mixed system increased by 70.9% and 132.6%, respectively, compared to those of the monoculture system. The application of a mixed-cropping system increased energy efficiency and the ecoefficiency index (EEI) by 61.4% and 132.3%, respectively, with a decline in GHG emission intensity (GHGI) by 49.9%. Spring sowing increased average forage productivity and economic benefit by 9.3% and 18.6%, respectively, with a 23.0% decline in GHGI compared with that engendered by summer sowing. However, there was no correlation between the mixed-cropping system and single sowing date, and the average dry matter yield, economic benefit, and GHGI of the mixed-cropping system were 7.8 t ha−1, 1478.4 USD ha−1, and 0.3 kg CO2e kg−1, respectively. Furthermore, compared with the monoculture system, the combination of spring and summer seasons under the mixed-cropping system could increase the average annual system forage productivity, economic benefit, and EEI by 37.0%, 49.9%, and 53.1%, respectively, while reducing GHGI by 48.4%. This study demonstrates that the mixed forage oat and common vetch during spring and summer was the sustainable cropping system that achieved high system productivity, good economic returns, high energy utilization, and low environmental risk in Northwestern China.
Identification of Genetic Markers of APOM and CYP7A1 Genes Affecting Milk Production Traits in Chinese Holstein
Authors: Liu Yanan , Guo Zijiao , Ni Junqing , Yang Chendong , Han Bo , Ma Yabin , Li Jianming , Jiang Guie , Zheng Weijie , Sun Dongxiao
Published: December 2024

Our previous study identified the apolipoprotein M (APOM) and cytochrome P450 family 7 subfamily A polypeptide 1 (CYP7A1) genes as candidates for milk traits in dairy cattle, which were significantly up-regulated in liver tissue of Holstein cows between the dry and lactation periods. The two genes play critical roles in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) pathway. In this study, we further confirmed whether the APOM and CYP7A1 genes had significant genetic impacts on milk production traits in a Chinese Holstein population. By dual-direction sequencing of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products of the complete coding sequences and 2000 bp of the 5′ and 3′ flanking regions on pooled DNA sample, seven and three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified in APOM and CYP7A1, respectively. With SAS 9.2, phenotype-genotype association analysis revealed such SNPs were significantly associated with at least one of the milk production traits, including 305-day milk yield, milk fat yield, milk fat percentage, milk protein yield, and milk protein percentage in the first and second lactations (p = <0.01~0.04). With Haploview 4.2, we further found that six SNPs in APOM and thee SNPs in CYP7A1 formed one haplotype, respectively. The haplotypes were significantly associated with at least one of milk production traits as well (p = <0.01~0.02). Of note, we found the SNPs in the 5′ regulatory region, rs209293266 and rs110721287 in APOM and rs42765359 in CYP7A1, significantly impacted the gene transcriptional activity after mutation (p < 0.01) through changing the transcription factor binding sites by using luciferase assay experiments. Additionally, with RNAfold Web Server, rs110098953 and rs378530166 changed the mRNA secondary structures of APOM and CYP7A1 genes, respectively. In summary, our research is the first to demonstrate that APOM and CYP7A1 genes have significantly genetic effects on milk yield and composition traits, and the identified SNPs may serve as available genetic markers for genomic selection program in dairy cattle.
Rapid Non-Destructive Detection of Rice Seed Vigor via Terahertz Spectroscopy
Authors: Hu Jun , Xu Sijie , Huang Zhikai , Liu Wennan , Zheng Jiahao , Liao Yuxi
Published: December 2024

Rice seed vigor significantly impacts yield, making the selection of high-vigor seeds crucial for agricultural production. Traditional methods for assessing seed vigor are time-consuming and destructive. This study aimed to develop a rapid, non-destructive method for evaluating rice seed vigor using terahertz spectroscopy. Rice seeds with varying vigor levels were prepared through high-temperature and high-humidity aging and classified into high-, low-, and non-vigorous groups based on germination performance. Terahertz transmission imaging (0.1–3 THz) was conducted on 420 seeds, and spectral data were preprocessed using several advanced data processing techniques, including competitive adaptive reweighting (CARS), uninformative variable elimination (UVE), and principal component analysis (PCA). Three chemometric models, namely random forest (RF), K-nearest neighbors (KNN), and partial least squares–discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), were established. The model based on CARS-KNN after band selection achieved the highest prediction accuracy of 97.14%. The results indicate that terahertz spectroscopy combined with band selection methods provides a reliable, non-destructive approach for rice seed vigor assessment, offering significant potential for agricultural quality control.
UAV-Multispectral Based Maize Lodging Stress Assessment with Machine and Deep Learning Methods
Authors: Zhao Minghu , Wang Dashuai , Yan Qing , Li Zhuolin , Liu Xiaoguang
Published: December 2024

Maize lodging is a prevalent stress that can significantly diminish corn yield and quality. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) remote sensing is a practical means to quickly obtain lodging information at field scale, such as area, severity, and distribution. However, existing studies primarily use machine learning (ML) methods to qualitatively analyze maize lodging (lodging and non-lodging) or estimate the maize lodging percentage, while there is less research using deep learning (DL) to quantitatively estimate maize lodging parameters (type, severity, and direction). This study aims to introduce advanced DL algorithms into the maize lodging classification task using UAV-multispectral images and investigate the advantages of DL compared with traditional ML methods. This study collected a UAV-multispectral dataset containing non-lodging maize and lodging maize with different lodging types, severities, and directions. Additionally, 22 vegetation indices (VIs) were extracted from multispectral data, followed by spatial aggregation and image cropping. Five ML classifiers and three DL models were trained to classify the maize lodging parameters. Finally, we compared the performance of ML and DL models in evaluating maize lodging parameters. The results indicate that the Random Forest (RF) model outperforms the other four ML algorithms, achieving an overall accuracy (OA) of 89.29% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.8852. However, the maize lodging classification performance of DL models is significantly better than that of ML methods. Specifically, Swin-T performs better than ResNet-50 and ConvNeXt-T, with an OA reaching 96.02% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.9574. This can be attributed to the fact that Swin-T can more effectively extract detailed information that accurately characterizes maize lodging traits from UAV-multispectral data. This study demonstrates that combining DL with UAV-multispectral data enables a more comprehensive understanding of maize lodging type, severity, and direction, which is essential for post-disaster rescue operations and agricultural insurance claims.
An Efficient Group Convolution and Feature Fusion Method for Weed Detection
Authors: Chen Chaowen , Zang Ying , Jiao Jinkang , Yan Daoqing , Fan Zhuorong , Cui Zijian , Zhang Minghua
Published: December 2024

Weed detection is a crucial step in achieving intelligent weeding for vegetables. Currently, research on vegetable weed detection technology is relatively limited, and existing detection methods still face challenges due to complex natural conditions, resulting in low detection accuracy and efficiency. This paper proposes the YOLOv8-EGC-Fusion (YEF) model, an enhancement based on the YOLOv8 model, to address these challenges. This model introduces plug-and-play modules: (1) The Efficient Group Convolution (EGC) module leverages convolution kernels of various sizes combined with group convolution techniques to significantly reduce computational cost. Integrating this EGC module with the C2f module creates the C2f-EGC module, strengthening the model’s capacity to grasp local contextual information. (2) The Group Context Anchor Attention (GCAA) module strengthens the model’s capacity to capture long-range contextual information, contributing to improved feature comprehension. (3) The GCAA-Fusion module effectively merges multi-scale features, addressing shallow feature loss and preserving critical information. Leveraging GCAA-Fusion and PAFPN, we developed an Adaptive Feature Fusion (AFF) feature pyramid structure that amplifies the model’s feature extraction capabilities. To ensure effective evaluation, we collected a diverse dataset of weed images from various vegetable fields. A series of comparative experiments was conducted to verify the detection effectiveness of the YEF model. The results show that the YEF model outperforms the original YOLOv8 model, Faster R-CNN, RetinaNet, TOOD, RTMDet, and YOLOv5 in detection performance. The detection metrics achieved by the YEF model are as follows: precision of 0.904, recall of 0.88, F1 score of 0.891, and mAP0.5 of 0.929. In conclusion, the YEF model demonstrates high detection accuracy for vegetable and weed identification, meeting the requirements for precise detection.
Impact of Environmental Regulation on the Level of Domestic Waste Classification Among Rural Residents: A Case Study from Rural China
Authors: Zhu Ning , Guo Qiaoling , Wei Tongyang
Published: December 2024

Source classification of rural residents is related to the effectiveness of domestic waste classification and treatment. The development of the habit of domestic waste classification by rural residents requires the incentive of environmental regulations. Using data from the 2022 CLES (China Land Economic Survey) database survey of 1189 farm households, we analyzed the impact and path of environmental regulation on the level of domestic waste classification among rural residents using the Oprobit model. This study found that approximately half of the samples used the classification method to dispose of domestic waste. The level of waste classification was low, and only 5.72% of the samples used the four-classification method to dispose of domestic waste. There is still a long way to go in classifying the domestic waste of rural residents. Guided environmental regulation, constrained environmental regulation, and incentive environmental regulation can directly improve the level of domestic waste classification of rural residents. However, it can also indirectly promote the level of domestic waste classification by promoting the understanding of domestic waste classification, improving the living environment, and improving environmental cognition through a sense of identity related to family responsibility. Accordingly, countermeasures are proposed to guide rural residents in classifying domestic waste by continuously strengthening the publicity of domestic waste classification, improving the system of policies and regulations, and raising the environmental awareness of rural residents.
Weed Incursion of Irrigated Forage–Forb Mixtures Under Mob Grazing or Mowing in the Mountain West USA
Authors: MacAdam Jennifer , Gibbons Jared , Dai Xin
Published: December 2024

Improving the quality of irrigated pastures can increase the profitability of ruminant production systems. Increasing pasture plant biodiversity is beneficial for ruminants, pollinators, and soil health, but it is challenging to manage weed incursion in seeded mixed-species pastures. This study assessed the weed incursion that resulted when forage legumes or grasses were seeded as binary mixtures with one of four non-legume forbs. Defoliation occurred at 6-week intervals as either mowing or mob grazing. Forbs were chicory, plantain, Lewis flax, or small burnet and forages were alfalfa, birdsfoot trefoil, creeping foxtail, intermediate wheatgrass, kura clover, meadow bromegrass, orchardgrass, perennial ryegrass, reed canarygrass, sainfoin, smooth bromegrass, tall fescue, and white clover. Four defoliations per year occurred between May and September for two years. Eight replications were grouped into four blocks and each pair in a block was randomly assigned to the two defoliation treatments, mob grazing or mowing. Plots were 1.5 m2 and were assessed visually before each defoliation for the percentage of forage, forb, and weed. Chicory was the most dominant of the four forbs, and relative to legumes, most grasses suppressed both forb establishment and weed incursion under both grazing and mowing. There were no statistically significant effects of defoliation treatment on weed incursion.
Behavioural Profile Differences Between Cats in Animal-Assisted Services (AAS) and Non-AAS Cats Using the Fe-BARQ in Flanders
Authors: Delanoeije Joni , Moons Christel Palmyre Henri , Peeters Els Helena Karel Anna , Pendry Patricia
Published: December 2024

The engagement of cats in animal-assisted services (AAS) is increasing. This is surprising given that feline behavioural needs have been perceived as contradictory to conditions associated with AAS engagement, leading to the assumption that cats as a species are not suitable for AAS. However, important within-species variability in behavioural traits nuancing this assumption has not been addressed. Therefore, this study aimed to map the behavioural profiles of cats engaged in AAS and non-AAS cats to detect behavioural profile differences between these groups. Such differences could point to AAS cats being selected to engage in AAS based upon particular behavioural traits or, relatedly, to AAS cats coping differently with AAS features. Using a Flemish translation of the Feline Behavioural Assessment and Research Questionnaire (Fe-BARQ), cross-sectional survey data on various cats’ (N = 474) behavioural indices were collected. Using Mann–Whitney U-tests, results indicate that AAS cats significantly differed from non-AAS cats on five out of 19 behavioural subscales. Specifically, AAS cats scored higher on sociability with people, attention seeking, sociability with cats and predatory behaviour, and they scored lower on resistance to restraint. While this study did not allow for assessing explanations for these differences, findings suggest that cats in AAS may be intentionally or unintentionally selected for behavioural traits perceived as desirable for engagement in AAS. While we refrain from drawing conclusions regarding the “suitability” of cats based solely on our findings, our study contributes to the ongoing discourse surrounding critical themes around AAS-engaging cats. Furthermore, our findings provide a first indication of the reliability of a translation of a well-validated measurement tool suitable to map behavioural traits of cats in Flanders engaged in AAS.
Food Safety: Pathological and Biochemical Responses of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to Parasitological Infestation and Heavy Metals Pollution in Aquaculture System, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsulami Muslimah N. , Baowidan Sarah Khaled , Aljarari Rabab M. , Albohiri Haleema H. , Khan Samar A. , Elkhawass Elham Ali
Published: December 2024

Objective: The study aims to assess the overall safety of cultured tilapias in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia by assessing the impact of infection and anthropogenic pollution on farmed tilapias based on fish sex, body weight, length, and heavy metals contamination. Materials and methods: A total of 111 fish were collected from an aquaculture farm in Hada Al-Sham, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Physicochemical parameters of water from the culture system were evaluated. Both ecto- and endoparasites were checked. Haematological, biochemical and histopathological investigations were evaluated. In addition, heavy metals, namely, cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were evaluated in different fish tissues and water samples from the aquaculture system. Results: The study revealed stressed aquaculture system. Tilapias were infested by both ectoparasites including Trichodina, Icthyophthirius multifiliis, Dactylogrus, and Cichlidogyrus, and endoparasites as Icthyophonus hoferi, the nematode Capillaria and coccidian protozoa. The study showed that male tilapias had greater infestation rates than females and longer and heavier male fish tended to be more susceptible to Dactylogyrus infection. Infected fish showed altered biochemical markers with subsequent increases in inflammatory and oxidative stress markers. The post-mortem lesion in the skin, gill lamellae, intestine, spleen, and liver showed significant pathological remarks. All investigated fish tissues revealed higher rates of heavy metals bioaccumulation compared to the surrounding waters. On the other hand, infected Nile tilapia tissues showed higher rate of metals accumulation compared to non-infected ones. Metals accumulated at a higher rate in the liver followed by kidney, intestine, gills, and muscles, respectively. Conclusions: This study is recognized as the first to address the food safety of farmed tilapias in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The results emphasized a significant relation between parasites and heavy metal in disrupting fish defense systems and harming fish’s physiological homeostasis and the histological state of tissues. The parasitized and polluted farmed fish pose health risk to humans due to possible zoonosis from parasitic infections and its subsequent bacterial infections with long-term exposure to toxic chemicals. Addressing the need for a combination of improved aquaculture practices, and stringent regulatory oversight.