bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inspiratory threshold loading negatively impacts attentional performance
Authors: Kelley Eli F. , Cross Troy J. , Johnson Bruce D.
Published: September 2022

Rationale

There are growing concerns over the occurrence of adverse physiologic events (PEs) occurring in pilots during operation of United States Air Force and Navy high-performance aircraft. We hypothesize that a heightened inspiratory work of breathing experienced by jet pilots by virtue of the on-board life support system may constitute a “distraction stimulus” consequent to an increased sensation of respiratory muscle effort. As such, the purpose of this study was to determine whether increasing inspiratory muscle effort adversely impacts on attentional performance.

Methods

Twelve, healthy participants (age: 29 ± 6 years) were recruited for this study. Participants completed six repetitions of a modified Masked Conjunctive Continuous Performance Task (MCCPT) protocol while breathing against four different inspiratory threshold loads to assess median reaction times (RTs). A computer-controlled threshold loading device was used to set the inspiratory threshold loads. Repeated measures analysis of variances (ANOVAs) were performed to examine: (i) the efficacy of the threshold loading device to impose significantly higher loading at each loading condition; (ii) the effects of loading condition on respiratory muscle effort sensation; and (iii) the influence of hypercapnia on MCCPT scores during inspiratory threshold loading. Generalized additive mixed effects models (GAMMs) were used to examine the potential non-linear effects of respiratory muscular effort sensation, device loading, and hypercapnia, on MCCPT scores during inspiratory threshold loading.

Results

Inspiratory threshold loading significantly augmented (P < 0.05) inspiratory effort sensation and the inspiratory pressure-time product (PTP). Our analyses also revealed that median hit RT was positively associated with inspiratory effort sensation during inspiratory loading trials.

Conclusion

The findings of this work suggest that it was not increasing inspiratory muscle effort (i.e., PTP) per se, but rather participant’s subjective perception of inspiratory “load” that impacts negatively on attentional performance; i.e., as the degree of inspiratory effort sensation increased, sotoo did median hit RT. As such, it is reasonable to suggest that minimizing inspiratory effort sensation (independent of the mechanical output of the inspiratory muscles) during high-performance flight operations may prove useful in reducing pilot RTs during complex behavioral tasks.
Does small and medium enterprise differential leadership increase subordinate knowledge hiding? Evidences from job insecurity, territorial consciousness and leadership performance expectation
Authors: Xu Jing , Zhu Dequn , Li Yongzhou
Published: September 2022

Leadership is considered as a significant antecedent of knowledge hiding in SMEs (small and medium enterprises), but the differential dimension of leadership has been evidently neglected in both theoretical and empirical areas. Drawing on conservation of resource theory and social cognitive theory, this research investigates whether and how SME differential leadership influences subordinate knowledge hiding. Specifically, we analyze the underlying mechanisms of a chain-mediator—job insecurity and territorial consciousness and a boundary condition—leadership performance expectation. Multi-wave and multi-source data were collected from a sample of 704 Chinese SME employees and 140 relevant leaders and applied HLM meso-mediational frameworks, and Bootstrap technique with non-parametric percentile residuals for deviation correction. The results show that differential leadership plays a potential role in promoting subordinate knowledge hiding through the serial intervening mechanism of job Insecurity and territorial consciousness in SMEs. Furthermore, the positive relationship between SME differential leadership and job insecurity becomes stronger among subordinates under higher leadership performance expectation; the positive indirect relationship between SME differential leadership and subordinate knowledge hiding is stronger with higher levels of leadership performance expectation. This study contributes to the existing academic literature by empirically analyzing the under-investigated correlation between differential leadership and subordinate knowledge hiding in SMEs, and by exploring the underlying mechanisms and a boundary condition.
Abnormal psychological performance as potential marker for high risk of internet gaming disorder: An eye-tracking study and support vector machine analysis
Authors: Wang Shuai , Li Jialing , Wang Siyu , Wang Wei , Mi Can , Xiong Wenjing , Xu Zhengjia , Tang Longxing , Li Yanzhang
Published: September 2022

Individuals with high risk of internet gaming disorder (HIGD) showed abnormal psychological performances in response inhibition, impulse control, and emotion regulation, and are considered the high-risk stage of internet gaming disorder (IGD). The identification of this population mainly relies on clinical scales, which are less accurate. This study aimed to explore whether these performances have highly accurate for discriminating HIGD from low-risk ones. Eye tracking based anti-saccade task, Barratt impulsiveness scale (BIS), and Wong and Law emotional intelligence scale (WLEIS) were used to evaluate psychological performances in 57 individuals with HIGD and 52 matched low risk of internet gaming disorder (LIGD). HIGD group showed significantly increased BIS total (t = −2.875, p = 0.005), attention (t = −2.139, p = 0.035), motor (t = −2.017, p = 0.046), and non-planning (t = −2.171, p = 0.032) scores, but significantly decreased WLEIS emotion regulation score (t = 2.636, p = 0.010) and correct rate of eye tracking anti-saccade task (t = 2.294, p = 0.024) compared with LIGD group. BIS total score was negatively correlated with the WLEIS total (r = −0.473, p < 0.001) and WLEIS emotion regulation (r = −0.366, p < 0.001) scores. A combination of the WLEIS emotion regulation score and the correct rate of anti-saccade task could discriminate HIGD from LIGD with 91.23% sensitivity, 82.69% specificity, and 87.16% accuracy. Participants with higher gaming hours daily were 40 times more likely to be high risk than their counterparts (p < 0.001). Hence, psychological performances were worse in HIGD. A combination of abnormal emotion regulation and response inhibition might be a potential marker to identify HIGD individuals.
Design, characterisation and validation of a haptic interface based on twisted string actuation
Authors: Skvortsova Valeria , Nedelchev Simeon , Brown Joshua , Farkhatdinov Ildar , Gaponov Igor
Published: September 2022

This paper presents the design and experimental characterisation of a wrist haptic interface based on a twisted string actuator. The interface is designed for controlled actuation of wrist flexion/extension and is capable of rendering torque feedback through a rotary handle driven by the twisted string actuator and spring-loaded cable mechanisms. The interface was characterised to obtain its static and dynamic haptic feedback rendering capabilities. Compliance in the spring and actuation mechanism makes the interface suitable for smooth rendering of haptic feedback of large magnitudes due to the high motion transmission ratio of the twisted strings. Haptic virtual wall rendering capabilities are demonstrated.
Characterization of bending balloon actuators
Authors: Ko Ung Hyun , Kumar Vardhman , Rosen Benjamin , Varghese Shyni
Published: September 2022

The emerging field of soft robotics often relies on soft actuators powered by pressurized fluids to obtain a variety of movements. Strategic incorporation of soft actuators can greatly increase the degree of freedom of soft robots thereby bestowing them with a range of movements. Balloon actuators are extensively used to achieve various motions such as bending, twisting, and expanding. A detailed understanding of how material properties and architectural designs of balloon actuators influence their motions will greatly enable the application of these soft actuators. In this study, we developed a framework involving experimental and theoretical analyses, including computational analysis, delineating material and geometrical parameters of balloon actuators to their bending motions. Furthermore, we provide a simple analytical model to predict and control the degree of bending of these actuators. The described analytical tool could be used to predict the actuating function of balloon actuators and thereby help generate optimal actuators for functions which require control over the extent and direction of actuation.
Analysis of the 16S rRNA gene for the characterization of the bacterial community of the Lambro river (Italy)
Authors: De Lorenzi Lisa , Carimati Barbara , Parma Pietro
Published: September 2022

Characterization of the microbial community of a river can provide various indications, such as its general state of health or the presence of contamination. Furthermore, the study of Bacteroidetes, which have a high degree of host specificity, can provide information on the species involved in any fecal contamination. The analysis of the 16S rRNA was used to characterize the bacterial community of the Lambro river (Italy) through. The results, which were obtained by analyzing water from 15 sampling points, show a reduction in the complexity of the bacterial community as the river enters a densely populated region. The cause could be a source of chemical or physical contamination that carries out a positive selection toward some bacterial species and negative toward others. In addition, a notable increase in the percentage of Bacteroidetes was reported, especially when the river enters regions characterized by high agricultural and livestock activity, such as cattle and pig farming. However, in the samples taken from this area, no Bacteroidetes ascribable to these two species or to the other species considered (i.e., human, dog, and cat) were found. Surprisingly, suspected bacterial contamination of swine origin was identified in a sparsely populated region characterized by small family farms. Finally, the efficient treatment of urban wastewater was confirmed as no markers of fecal pollution of human origin were identified.
Optimizing reduced capture antibody conjugation to encoded hydrogel microparticles for enhanced multiplex immunoassays
Authors: Kim Do Yeon , Kim Jiwoo , Jang Wookyoung , Bong Ki Wan
Published: September 2022

Multiplex detection of protein biomarkers in biological fluids facilitates high-throughput detection using small-volume samples, thereby enhancing efficacy of diagnostic assays and proteomic studies. Graphically encoded hydrogel microparticles conjugated with capture antibodies have shown great potential in multiplex immunoassays by providing superior sensitivity and specificity, a broad dynamic range, and large encoding capacity. Recently, the process of post-synthesis conjugation of reduced capture antibodies to unreacted acrylate moieties in hydrogel particles has been developed to efficiently prevent the aggregation of capture antibodies inside particles, which occurs when using conventional conjugation methods. This direct conjugation process yielded robust assay performance through homogeneous conjugation of the capture antibodies, and avoided the use of hydrolytically unstable linker additives. However, no research has been conducted to optimize the process of conjugating capture antibodies to the particles. We here present a strategy to optimize capture antibody conjugation based on the finding that excessive addition of capture antibodies during incubation can rather lower the amount of capture antibodies conjugated to the particles for some types of capture antibodies. Based on our optimized capture antibody conjugation process, a singleplex immunoassay for a selected target was conducted. Enhanced sensitivity compared with previous studies was confirmed. We also validated the increased specificity of multiplex detection through our optimization process. We believe that the optimization process presented herein for capture antibody conjugation will advance the field of encoded hydrogel microparticle-based immunoassays.
Rapid human subjects research in times of disruption
Authors: LeNoble Chelsea A. , Horan Kristin A. , Steigerwald Nina
Published: September 2022

One significant challenge facing the implementation of rapid research studies, or research that responds quickly to societal needs, involves the recruitment and retention of human subjects research participants. The purpose of this paper is to offer insights into the nuances of conducting rapid research during times of disruption. The first-hand accounts of participants experiencing disruption are critical and perishable. Although it may be difficult to recruit and retain participants, their data are needed to best understand and learn from novel, unprecedented situations. To this end, the authors draw from and analyze their experience conducting rapid research funded by the National Science Foundation to examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on undergraduate education. The paper begins with a summary of the rapid project aims and research questions. Then, participant recruitment and retention challenges are briefly introduced as an advanced organizer of the paper. From there, the paper is structured in three sections that represent the human subjects research challenges faced during rapid study implementation. In the discussion, the authors summarize the above challenges and lessons learned in the larger context of rapid research. They reflect on a sometimes-forgotten issue: the wellbeing of research team members who face these and other salient challenges reflective of navigating life during a worldwide pandemic. By describing human subjects research challenges experienced in the implementation of a rapid study and lessons learned from experiencing and adapting to these challenges, this paper contributes meaningful insights into the daily challenges of carrying out rapid research.
Changes in T1 slope and cervical sagittal vertical axis correlate to improved neurological function recovery after cervical laminoplasty
Authors: Wang Dong-Fan , Li Xiang-Yu , Kong Chao , Liu Cheng-Xin , Shi Bin , Lu Shi-Bao
Published: September 2022

Purpose

To investigate the influence of changes in T1 slope (T1S) and cervical sagittal vertical axis (CSVA) on cervical laminoplasty outcomes.

Methods

Eighty-one patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) treated with cervical laminoplasty were enrolled in this study. Demographic parameters included age and follow-up time. Imaging data included occiput-C2 lordosis (OC2), C2–C7 Cobb angle (CL), T1S, CSVA. Outcome assessment indicators included the Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) score, JOA recovery rate, and neck disability index (NDI). All patients were grouped based on preoperative T1S and variation in CL after surgery, respectively. Patients with decreased CL postoperatively were further grouped according to whether they were combined with T1S reduction.

Results

There were no significant differences in the final JOA score, JOA recovery rate, or NDI between patients with different T1S. Patients with loss of CL postoperatively had lower JOA score and JOA recovery rate, but higher NDI than patients with sustained CL. Furthermore, patients with CL loss but compensate for it with reduction in T1S had lower CSVA, higher JOA score and JOA recovery rate than those with CL loss alone.

Conclusions

Decreased T1S postoperatively prevents the tendency of the cervical spine to tilt forward by regulating CSVA and facilitates recovery of neurological function after cervical laminoplasty.
Gastro-intestinal emergency surgery: Evaluation of morbidity and mortality. Protocol of a prospective, multicenter study in Italy for evaluating the burden of abdominal emergency surgery in different age groups. (The GESEMM study)
Authors: Costa Gianluca , Fransvea Pietro , Puccioni Caterina , Giovinazzo Francesco , Carannante Filippo , Bianco Gianfranco , Catamero Alberto , Masciana Gianluca , Miacci Valentina , Caricato Marco , Capolupo Gabriella Teresa , Sganga Gabriele
Published: September 2022

Gastrointestinal emergencies (GE) are frequently encountered in emergency department (ED), and patients can present with wide-ranging symptoms. more than 3 million patients admitted to US hospitals each year for EGS diagnoses, more than the sum of all new cancer diagnoses. In addition to the complexity of the urgent surgical patient (often suffering from multiple co-morbidities), there is the unpredictability and the severity of the event. In the light of this, these patients need a rapid decision-making process that allows a correct diagnosis and an adequate and timely treatment. The primary endpoint of this Italian nationwide study is to analyze the clinicopathological findings, management strategies and short-term outcomes of gastrointestinal emergency procedures performed in patients over 18. Secondary endpoints will be to evaluate to analyze the prognostic role of existing risk-scores to define the most suitable scoring system for gastro-intestinal surgical emergency. The primary outcomes are 30-day overall postoperative morbidity and mortality rates. Secondary outcomes are 30-day postoperative morbidity and mortality rates, stratified for each procedure or cause of intervention, length of hospital stay, admission and length of stay in ICU, and place of discharge (home or rehabilitation or care facility). In conclusion, to improve the level of care that should be reserved for these patients, we aim to analyze the clinicopathological findings, management strategies and short-term outcomes of gastrointestinal emergency procedures performed in patients over 18, to analyze the prognostic role of existing risk-scores and to define new tools suitable for EGS. This process could ameliorate outcomes and avoid futile treatments. These results may potentially influence the survival of many high-risk EGS procedure.
Early expansive single sided laminoplasty decompression treatment severe traumatic cervical spinal cord injury
Authors: Yang Chaohua , Wang Qing , Xu Shuang , Guan Can , Li Guangzhou , Wang Gaoju
Published: September 2022

Background

Severe traumatic cervical spinal cord injury (tcSCI) is a disastrous event for patients and families. Maximizing spinal cord function recovery has become the primary therapeutic goal. This study investigated the effect of early extensive posterior decompression on spinal cord function improvement after severe tcSCI.

Methods

A retrospective review of 83 consecutive patients who underwent extensive open-door laminoplasty decompression within 24 h after severe tcSCI (American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) impairment scale (AIS) grade A to C) between 2009 and 2017 at our institution was performed. The patient clinical and demographic data were collected. Neurological functional recovery was evaluated according to the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score system, ASIA motor score (AMS) and AIS grade.

Results

Among the 83 patients initially included, the baseline AIS grade was A in 12, B in 28, and C in 43. Twenty-three patients (27.7%) had a high cervical injury. Cervical spinal stenosis (CSS) was identified in 37 patients (44.6%). The mean intramedullary lesion length was 59.6 ± 20.4 mm preoperatively and 34.2 ± 13.3 mm postoperatively (p < 0.0001). At the final follow-up visit, an improvement of at least one and two AIS grades was found in 75 (90.4%) and 41 (49.4%) patients, respectively. 24 (64.9%) patients with an improvement of least two AIS grades had CSS. The mean AMS and JOA score were significantly improved at discharge and the final follow-up visit compared with on admission (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that early expansive laminoplasty decompression may improve neurological outcomes after severe tcSCI, especially in patients with CSS. Larger and prospective controlled studies are needed to validate these findings.
Decrypting the complexity of the human malaria parasite biology through systems biology approaches
Authors: Chahine Zeinab , Le Roch Karine G.
Published: September 2022

The human malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum, is a unicellular protozoan responsible for over half a million deaths annually. With a complex life cycle alternating between human and invertebrate hosts, this apicomplexan is notoriously adept at evading host immune responses and developing resistance to all clinically administered treatments. Advances in omics-based technologies, increased sensitivity of sequencing platforms and enhanced CRISPR based gene editing tools, have given researchers access to more in-depth and untapped information about this enigmatic micro-organism, a feat thought to be infeasible in the past decade. Here we discuss some of the most important scientific achievements made over the past few years with a focus on novel technologies and platforms that set the stage for subsequent discoveries. We also describe some of the systems-based methods applied to uncover gaps of knowledge left through single-omics applications with the hope that we will soon be able to overcome the spread of this life-threatening disease.
Fate of engineered nanomaterials at the human epithelial lung tissue barrier in vitro after single and repeated exposures
Authors: Lehner Roman , Zanoni Ilaria , Banuscher Anne , Costa Anna Luisa , Rothen-Rutishauser Barbara
Published: September 2022

The understanding of the engineered nanomaterials (NMs) potential interaction with tissue barriers is important to predict their accumulation in cells. Herein, the fate, e.g., cellular uptake/adsorption at the cell membrane and translocation, of NMs with different physico-chemical properties across an A549 lung epithelial tissue barrier, cultured on permeable transwell inserts, were evaluated. We assessed the fate of five different NMs, known to be partially soluble, bio-persistent passive and bio-persistent active. Single exposure measurements using 100 µg/ml were performed for barium sulfate (BaSO4), cerium dioxide (CeO2), titanium dioxide (TiO2), and zinc oxide (ZnO) NMs and non-nanosized crystalline silica (DQ12). Elemental distribution of the materials in different compartments was measured after 24 and 80 h, e.g., apical, apical wash, intracellular and basal, using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. BaSO4, CeO2, and TiO2 were mainly detected in the apical and apical wash fraction, whereas for ZnO a significant fraction was detected in the basal compartment. For DQ12 the major fraction was found intracellularly. The content in the cellular fraction decreased from 24 to 80 h incubation for all materials. Repeated exposure measurements were performed exposing the cells on four subsequent days to 25 µg/ml. After 80 h BaSO4, CeO2, and TiO2 NMs were again mainly detected in the apical fraction, ZnO NMs in the apical and basal fraction, while for DQ12 a significant concentration was measured in the cell fraction. Interestingly the cellular fraction was in a similar range for both exposure scenarios with one exception, i.e., ZnO NMs, suggesting a potential different behavior for this material under single exposure and repeated exposure conditions. However, we observed for all the NMs, a decrease of the amount detected in the cellular fraction within time, indicating NMs loss by cell division, exocytosis and/or possible dissolution in lysosomes. Overall, the distribution of NMs in the compartments investigated depends on their composition, as for inert and stable NMs the major fraction was detected in the apical and apical wash fraction, whereas for partially soluble NMs apical and basal fractions were almost similar and DQ12 could mainly be found in the cellular fraction.
Quaternary ammonium compounds in hypersensitivity reactions
Authors: Peyneau Marine , de Chaisemartin Luc , Gigant Nicolas , Chollet-Martin Sylvie , Kerdine-Römer Saadia
Published: September 2022

Quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC) are commonly used disinfectants, antiseptics, preservatives, and detergents due to their antibacterial property and represent the first used biocides before phenolic or nitrogen products. Their common structure consists of one or more quaternary ammonium bound with four lateral substituents. Their amphiphilic structure allows them to intercalate into microorganism surfaces which induces an unstable and porous membrane that explains their antimicrobial activity towards bacteria, fungi, and viruses. QAC are thus found in many areas, such as household products, medicines, hygiene products, cosmetics, agriculture, or industrial products but are also used in medical practice as disinfectants and antiseptics and in health care facilities where they are used for cleaning floors and walls. QAC exposure has already been involved in occupational asthma in healthcare workers or professional cleaners by many authors. They also have been suggested to play a role in contact dermatitis (CD) and urticaria in workers using cosmetics such as hairdressers or healthcare workers, inciting reglementary agencies to make recommendations regarding those products. However, distinguishing the irritant or sensitizing properties of chemicals is complex and as a result, the sensitizing property of QAC is still controverted. Moreover, the precise mechanisms underlying the possible sensitization effect are still under investigation, and to date, only a few studies have documented an immunological mechanism. Besides, QAC have been suggested to be responsible for neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBA) sensitization by cross-reactivity. This hypothesis is supported by a higher prevalence of quaternary ammonium (QA)-specific IgE in the professionally exposed populations, such as hairdressers, cleaners, or healthcare workers, suggesting that the sensitization happens with structurally similar compounds present in the environment. This review summarizes the newest knowledge about QAC and their role in hypersensitivities. After describing the different QAC, their structure and use, the most relevant studies about the effects of QAC on the immune system will be reviewed and discussed.
Examining the Role of Regulation in the Commercialisation of Indigenous Innovation in Sub-Saharan African Economies: Evidence from the Ghanaian Small-Scale Industry
Authors: Adjimah Harrison Paul , Atiase Victor Yawo , Dzansi Dennis Yao
Published: September 2022

Understanding the factors that drive the successful commercialisation of indigenous innovation in Sub-Saharan African economies is still limited. From both policy and theoretical perspectives, regulation is one factor that remains crucial for the successful commercialisation of innovation. However, the empirical evidence is still unclear regarding its effect on firm performance, urging the need for more evidence from different economies, sectors, and firms. This study, therefore, examined the effects of regulation on the performance of firms engaged in the commercialisation of indigenous innovation in the Ghanaian small-scale industry, a typical low-income economy in Sub-Sahara Africa. From the frugal innovation theoretical perspective, the study assumed that firms engaged in the commercialisation of indigenous innovation in such low-income economies operate in an environment with regulatory gaps and voids. Using a sample survey of 557, it deployed PLS-SEM to test the effects of regulation on key successful commercialisation metrics. The findings show that at a 5% statistical significance level, regulation has significant positive effects on sales, employment, and owners’ feelings of success. Regulation also positively moderates the influence of finance and organisational factors on overall firm performance. The study provides leading evidence of the effect of regulation on the commercialisation of indigenous innovation from Ghana and adds to the clarification of the impact of regulation. It suggests that in such low-income economies, the policy must consider more balanced and appropriate regulations, not less, or deregulating to promote indigenous innovation.
Decompression Load Analysis in Large Passenger Planes with Windshield Cracked
Authors: He Wenbin , Yang Xi , Luo Ding , Lei Jiang , Li Zhimao , Lin Shiquan , Zhang Congxiao
Published: September 2022

To prevent the possible accident of a large passenger plane due to rapid decompression, transient load analysis is of vital importance in the assessment of structure strength and also an important clause of airworthiness standard. A 0-D isentropic model and a 1-D model based on the characteristic line are developed to simulate the rapid decompression process of the cockpit-cabin model due to a cracked windshield. The accuracy of these models is presented by comparing them with experiments and 3-D CFD simulations. Then, the 1-D model is applied to study the influence of cabin and cockpit volume, windshield and decompression panel area, compartments, and environment pressure on the decompression load. The non-dimensional decompression time and the non-dimensional decompression load are developed to evaluate the decompression characteristics, and the correlation equations are established. The relative deviation between the results of the correlation equation fit and the results of the one-dimensional simulation is less than 3%. This work provides a new engineering method for structure strength design and decompression load analysis with high accuracy and low resource consumption.
Calibration of Discrete Element Model Parameters of Soil around Tubers during Potato Harvesting Period
Authors: Li Yuyao , Fan Jiali , Hu Zhichao , Luo Weiwen , Yang Hongguang , Shi Lili , Wu Feng
Published: September 2022

To address the fact that existing studies may not be able to accurately describe the discrete element parameters of the soil during the potato harvesting period and to improve the accuracy of the potato harvesting equipment simulation studies, this study was conducted on the soil around the harvested potato tubers in the field. The simulation parameters of the discrete element model of soil were determined by the soil stacking angle test and soil block shear crushing test with the actual test measurements as the target. Based on a series of experimental designs, the factors affecting the stacking angle were the static friction coefficient and the rolling friction coefficient between soil particles; and the rolling friction coefficient between soil and steel. The factors affecting the maximum shear damage force were normal stiffness and shear stiffness per unit area. The quadratic regression equations were established and solved to obtain the optimal discrete element simulation parameters. The results can provide more realistic and reliable parameters for the construction of soil simulation models of potato fields during harvesting and for the discrete element simulation of soil-touching components of potato harvesting equipment. It can also further enrich the parameter data of soil discrete element simulation models and provide a reference for related research
Soil Fertility Improvement and Carbon Sequestration through Exogenous Organic Matter and Biostimulant Application
Authors: Debska Bozena , Kotwica Karol , Banach-Szott Magdalena , Spychaj-Fabisiak Ewa , Tobiašová Erika
Published: September 2022

One of the main tasks in the search for environmentally friendly crop-growing methods is to increase soil fertility by improving its physical, chemical and biological parameters. The aim of this study was to determine the effect that the long-term annual application of different types of soil fertility agents (exogenous organic matter: 1. manure, 2. straw in combination with nitrogen fertilization and liming and 3. the addition of biostimulants) had on organic matter properties, including humic acid (HAs) properties. The research was carried out on the basis of soil samples from a ten-year pot experiment which was set up as single-factor pot experiment with four replications. PVC pots with perforated bottoms were filled with soil samples taken from the tilled layer of an arable field where winter wheat was grown in monoculture. The pots were exposed directly to the weather and were left without vegetation. The soil samples were assayed for the content of total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen and fractional composition of humus. HAs were extracted with the Schnitzer method and analyzed for the elemental composition, spectrometric parameters in the FT-IR and UV-VIS range and hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties. In addition, EPR spectra were produced. The results showed that the content of organic matter compared to soil without additives increased with the use of manure and the use of straw in the CaO variant and in the form of a mulch. The content of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) ranged from 124.6 to 286.1 mg kg−1 and had strong positive correlation with TOC content. The values of the ratio of carbon content in humic acids to carbon content in fulvic acids (CHAs/CFAs) ranged from 0.71 to 0.99. The use of a biostimulator—with or without the addition of straw—increased carbon sequestration in humic acid molecules, as well as their oxidation level and their share of hydrophobic fractions with the longest retention time. Thus, the addition of UGmax intensifies humification processes, leading to the formation of stable humic acid molecules.
Assessment of the Grassland Ecological Compensation Policy (GECP) in Qinghai, China
Authors: Yang Fuyu , Xu Jingjing , Zhao Xin , Wang Xuekai , Xiong Yi
Published: September 2022

The grassland condition in Qinghai Province has changed dramatically after implementation of the Grassland Ecological Compensation Policy (GECP). The changes in grassland Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and those in grassland area and grassland Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RESI) reveal that the policy has indeed played a crucial role in grassland ecological recovery. Although in the first round of policy implementation from 2011–2015, the quality of grassland has not improved significantly, and degradation even occurred in some areas, the second round of the policy implementation reversed this trend. As the world’s only ecological subsidy policy for grassland ecosystems, it should continue to be implemented and monitored for better recovery of grassland ecology and production activities of herders that are concerned.
Effects of Carbon Amendments, Tillage and Cover Cropping on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Association and Root Architecture in Corn and Cotton Crop Sequence
Authors: Thapa Binita , Mowrer Jake
Published: September 2022

A field experiment was conducted to study the effects of carbon amendments, tillage, and cover cropping on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) association and root architecture at Farm Services at Texas A&M University. Three levels of carbon amendments at the rate of 500 kg C ha−1 (biochar, composted biosolid, and control (no carbon amendment)), two levels of tillage (conventional disking (CT) and no tillage (NT)), and two levels of cover crop (a mixture of oat, mustard, and pea (CC) and no cover crop (NCC)) were arranged in a split-split plot design with four replications. Over a two-year crop sequence of corn followed by cotton, AMF colonization of roots was 4.43% greater in biochar-treated soil than in the control treatment. Colonization in cotton was 5.17% and 6.09% greater under NT and CC treatments, respectively, compared to CT and NCC. Carbon amendments did not alter corn root length but did alter root angle at 20–30 cm. Carbon amendments did not affect root angle under CC. However, tillage did affect CC root length and angle. Root length and root angle were found to differ among the cover crop species. The results imply that farmers may combine certain practices to optimize and harness the benefits of AMF.
Differential Physiological Response and Potential Toxicological Risk of White Cabbage Grown in Zinc-Spiked Soil
Authors: Bączek-Kwinta Renata , Antonkiewicz Jacek
Published: September 2022

Physiological, agricultural and toxicological impact of an excess of Zn in the soil is an important issue, as Zn is a heavy metal and impairs many processes of plants and animals. The novelty of this work is that it is a comprehensive approach to facilitate visualization not only of the condition of cabbage plants under Zn stress, but also prediction of the toxicity associated with consumption of such cabbages. We treated plants of two cabbage cultivars, differing in their earliness, with 50 and 200 mg Zn kg−1 soil (Zn50 and Zn200, respectively) above the natural Zn levels of 118.13 mg kg−1 soil (Zn0). Leaf cell membrane integrity, condition of the photosynthetic apparatus (reflected by relative chlorophyll content (SPAD) and Fv/Fm parameter of chlorophyll a fluorescence), head biomass, and Zn bioaccumulation in the heads were analyzed. Toxicological risk was also assessed by Daily Intake of Metal (DIM) and Health Risk Index (HRI) indicators. The data revealed that plants of the late cultivar were more sensitive to soil Zn than those of the early one. Detrimental effects of Zn (especially at the higher dose, Zn200) were manifested in the seedlings just after three weeks of treatment, and then reflected in the yield. We assume that, due to their fast and prolonged response to Zn, the seedlings of the late cultivar can be used as biomarkers of Zn toxicity. Although Zn plants did not indicate toxicological risk, based on DIM and HRI, Zn concentration in the soil should be taken into account prior to cabbage planting, because plants which do not reveal symptoms of injury can accumulate Zn above the permissible level.
Species Choice Influences Weed Suppression, N Sharing and Crop Productivity in Oilseed Rape–Legume Intercrops
Authors: Dayoub Elana , Piva Guillaume , Shirtliffe Steven J. , Fustec Joëlle , Corre-Hellou Guénaëlle , Naudin Christophe
Published: September 2022

Increasing crop trait diversity in oilseed rape (OR, Brassica napus L.) cropping systems by introducing frost-sensitive legume species could improve weed suppression and crop productivity. Intercrops and sole crops were compared over two years in the field in Western France. Winter OR was intercropped simultaneously with either spring faba bean (Vicia faba L.) or common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) in a row replacement design without herbicides. Each species was sown at 50% of the recommended sole crop density in alternate rows. Due to the high values of faba bean aboveground traits (height, leaf area, and biomass) and the strong competitive ability for soil N of OR, both species appeared complementary in resource utilization, and thus less soil N and light were available for weeds. The OR–faba bean intercrop was able to reduce weed biomass by 41% compared to the OR–common vetch intercrop. Furthermore, growth and competitive ability of OR for soil N were increased when intercropped with faba bean. Both grain yield and number per plant were three times higher in OR–faba bean intercrops compared to OR sole crops. Under high weed infestation, the presence of faba bean with OR reduced weed aboveground biomass by 35% and weed N accumulation by 11% compared to the OR sole crop. No change was observed in the weed community composition. We observed that a level of aboveground biomass greater than 2 t ha−1 and a soil N uptake at approximately 80 kg ha−1 was needed to reduce biomass and N content of weeds.
Yield Gap Analysis of Alfalfa Grown under Rainfed Condition in Kansas
Authors: Baral Rudra , Bhandari Kamal , Kumar Rakesh , Min Doohong
Published: September 2022

The yield and production of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) have not been significantly improved in Kansas for the last 30 years even though farmers are using improved varieties. We have noted a significant yield difference between average alfalfa yield reported by farmers and researchers. The magnitude of yield gap in Kansas and its underlying factors are still unknown. Thus, understanding of potential yield is essential to meet the future forage demand with the limited production resources. The main objective of this study was, therefore, to quantify the current yield gap and identify the main yield-limiting factor for rainfed alfalfa grown in Kansas. To achieve this objective, we selected 24 counties in Kansas based on the rainfed production area and total production, and used county-level yield, daily temperature, and rainfall data from the past 30 yrs (1988–2017) of those selected counties. We applied four statistical approaches: (i) probability distribution function to delineate county-level alfalfa growing season, (ii) stochastic frontier yield function to estimate optimum growing season rainfall (GSR) and attainable yield, (iii) linear boundary function to estimate minimum water loss, water use efficiency, and water-limited potential yield, and (iv) conditional inference tree to identify the major yield contributing weather variables. The probability distribution function delineated the alfalfa growing season starting from mid-March to mid-November in Kansas. The frontier model estimated the attainable yield of 9.2 Mg ha−1 at an optimum GSR of 664 mm, generating a current yield gap of 18%. The linear boundary function estimated the water-limited potential yield of 15.5 Mg ha−1 at an existing GSR of 624 mm, generating a yield gap of 50%. The conditional inference tree revealed that 24% of the variation in rainfed alfalfa yield in Kansas was explained by weather variables, mainly due to GSR followed minimum temperature. However, we found only 7% GSR deficit in the study area, indicating that GSR is not the only cause for such a wide yield gap. Thus, further investigation of other yield-limiting management factors is essential to minimize the current yield gap. The statistical models used in this study might be particularly useful when yield estimation using remote sensing and crop simulation models are not applicable in terms of time, resources, facilities, and investments.
The Roles of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Influencing Plant Nutrients, Photosynthesis, and Metabolites of Cereal Crops—A Review
Authors: Khan Yaseen , Shah Sulaiman , Hui Tian
Published: September 2022

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are one of the important microbiota involved in a relationship with plant roots in which the plants and fungi both share and exchange nutrients and shelter. Cereal crops are the most essential sources of carbohydrates, dietary protein, and vitamin B for humans, and they supply the most fundamental diets. AM fungi are introduced as the optimal approach for real agricultural systems for increasing growth and productivity. According to a study from the previous decade, AM fungi were shown to promote crop growth and production, particularly in cereal crops. The AM fungi symbiosis provides a pleasant environment for microorganisms in the root and soil system, which promotes plant nutrition and water availability. AM fungi increase nutrient uptake and assimilation and also increase photosynthetic activity, which is directly associated with plant growth. Furthermore, AM fungi increase the primary and secondary metabolites, as well as soluble proteins and carbohydrates, in cereals crops. AM fungi have been shown to improve plant biomass, yield, and productivity in cereal crops. Additionally, the use of AM fungi enhances plants’ stress tolerance against various environmental stresses. In this review, we integrate the recent findings regarding the effects of AM fungi application on soil, root systems, nutrient availability and uptake, photosynthesis, metabolites, plant growth, and productivity. Furthermore, a large number of studies have been reviewed, and several limitations and research gaps have been identified that must be addressed in future studies.
Drip Irrigation Depth Alters Root Morphology and Architecture and Cold Resistance of Alfalfa
Authors: Li Zhensong , Li Xianglin , He Feng
Published: September 2022

Combined stress from water and temperature is considered an effective approach for improving the cold resistance of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). However, the relationships among irrigation depth, root morphology and architecture, and cold resistance of alfalfa remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the effects of drip irrigation at the soil surface (Deep-0), at 20 cm depth (Deep-20), and at 40 cm depth (Deep-40) on root morphology and architecture and cold resistance of alfalfa. The Deep-0 treatment had the highest aboveground biomass and belowground biomass, and the root system in the Deep-40 treatment tended to a ‘herringbone’ branching type, which increases the cost of water uptake. After cold acclimation for 3 days, the cold resistance of Deep-0 was strongest, and was associated with higher soluble sugar content and fewer reactive oxygen species in the roots. Deep-40 enhanced the severity of drought stress on the crown and increased the risk of crown exposure to low-temperature stress. The results showed that Deep-0 promoted alfalfa growth and development by regulating root morphology and architecture and improving water absorption efficiency, thereby enhancing the ability of the root system to withstand low-temperature stress.
Evaluation of the Quality of Yard-Long Bean (Vigna unguiculata sub sp. sesquipedalis L.) Cultivars to Meet the Nutritional Security of Increasing Population
Authors: Quamruzzaman AKM , Islam Ferdouse , Akter Limu , Khatun Anjumanara , Mallick Sharmila Rani , Gaber Ahmed , Laing Alison , Brestic Marian , Hossain Akbar
Published: September 2022

It is well-known that eating highly nutritious foods has health benefits which may include the prevention of diabetes, heart disease, cancers and other diseases. We examined five yard-long bean cultivars commonly grown in Bangladesh to determine their quality and nutritional composition in terms of carbohydrates, protein, moisture content, fat, ash, sugar crude fiber, as well as their average concentrations of the important nutrients vitamins A (folate) B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxamine), and C (ascorbic acid), the electrolytes sodium and potassium, and the minerals iron, calcium, magnesium and zinc. The experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Research Centre (latitude 23.9920° N and longitude 90.4125° E, having an elevation of 8.2 m asl) of the Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute (BARI), Joydebpur, Bangladesh during 2019–2020 to find out the best yard-long bean cultivar to meet the nutritional security of the increasing population of Bangladesh. We observed average energy concentrations of the five yard-long bean cultivars between 37.62 to 45.94 Kcal/100 g. Similarly, average carbohydrate concentrations ranged between 6.28 to 8.41 g/100 g, average protein between 2.80 and 3.30 g/100 g, average fat between 0.10 and 0.19 g/100 g, average sugar between 1.47 to 2.34 g/100 g, and average crude fiber between 1.23 to 1.85 g/100 g. All five yard-long bean cultivars had high average concentrations of folate and key vitamins critical for human health: vitamin A (846.23–869.36 IU), vitamin B1 (0.096–0.115 mg), vitamin B2 (0.109–0.118 mg), vitamin B3 (0.40–0.42 mg), vitamin B6 (0.020–0.025 mg), and vitamin C (18.20–20.22 mg). Average sodium concentrations in the yard-long bean pods ranged from 3.97 to 4.18 mg, while average potassium concentrations varied between 230.03 and 246.57 mg. We observed high average concentrations of the minerals iron (0.85–1.28 mg), calcium (42.11–58.83 mg), magnesium (40.44–46.50 mg), and zinc (0.36–0.40 mg). Following this thorough investigation, we recommend the five yard-long bean cultivars be promoted for production and consumption within Bangladesh to improve human health and nutrition and to contribute to the prevention of key health complications including diabetes, obesity and some cancers.