bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immiscible color flows in optimal transport networks for image classification
Authors: Lonardi Alessandro , Baptista Diego , De Bacco Caterina
Published: February 2023

In classification tasks, it is crucial to meaningfully exploit the information contained in the data. While much of the work in addressing these tasks is focused on building complex algorithmic infrastructures to process inputs in a black-box fashion, little is known about how to exploit the various facets of the data before inputting this into an algorithm. Here, we focus on this latter perspective by proposing a physics-inspired dynamical system that adapts optimal transport principles to effectively leverage color distributions of images. Our dynamics regulates immiscible fluxes of colors traveling on a network built from images. Instead of aggregating colors together, it treats them as different commodities that interact with a shared capacity on the edges. The resulting optimal flows can then be fed into standard classifiers to distinguish images in different classes. We show how our method can outperform competing approaches on image classification tasks in datasets where color information matters.
Alternative discourse for constituting subjecthood of women: A case for an autonomous feminist discourse in Kashmir in India
Authors: Sharma Divyangna
Published: February 2023

The article is centrally concerned with mapping out the autonomy of the feminist subject in India using the case study of Kashmir after the abrogation of Article 35A. It argues that the autonomy of the feminist subject in India has been subsumed within various other discourses, due to which the feminist subject of the discourse is still denied the necessary space. The article uses the case study of Jammu and Kashmir and argues that women face triple jeopardy being subjected to multiple counter-discourses to their autonomy. Feminism and autonomy in Kashmir cannot be defined in isolation; gender power relations intersect with the ethnic conflict of partitions as well as the militarization of Kashmir. It accounts for women's positions throughout history, including the ancient monarchical system, which resulted in a syncretic Kasmiriyat tradition, the Dogra regime with its alliances and misalignments with British rule, and the violence of the Indian subcontinent's partition. Based on multiple variables, the article employs a two-pronged approach. The first approach is to carry out the discursive analysis of the autonomy of the feminist subject in India and Jammu and Kashmir. The second approach considers the narrative of Kashmiri women through detailed interviews to determine how they define their autonomy. Using these two approaches, an attempt is made to investigate the implications of the abrogation of Article 35A in terms of conceptualizing a case of autonomous space for Kashmiri women as democratic citizens of India.
Psychometric properties and normative data of the childhood trauma questionnaire-short form in Chinese adolescents
Authors: Peng Chang , Cheng Junhan , Rong Fajuan , Wang Yan , Yu Yizhen
Published: February 2023

Background

The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF) is a widely utilized instrument of childhood maltreatment (CM). However, psychometric properties and normative data of the CTQ-SF for Chinese adolescents are still unknown.

Objective

To examine psychometric properties and normative data of Chinese version CTQ-SF in a nationally representative sample of Chinese adolescents, including internal consistency reliability, test–retest reliability, structural validity, and convergent validity.

Method

A total of 20,951 adolescents aged 12 to 18 years were recruited from five provinces across China. Item analysis was used for 25 clinical items of the CTQ-SF. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to examine fit indices of the factor structure. The Adverse Childhood Experiences Scale (ACEs) was used to evaluate convergent validity. The percentile ranks for scores of the CTQ-SF and each subscales were presented.

Results

According to the results of three methods in Item analysis, Item 4 should be dropped. The remaining 24 clinical items achieved satisfactory fits in an alternative four-factor model. The alternative CTQ-SF showed acceptable internal consistency and the Cronbach’s α of the four subscales was 0.824 (Neglect), 0.755 (Sexual Abuse), 0.713 (Physical Abuse), and 0.666 (Emotional Abuse), respectively. Besides, test–retest reliability and convergent validity of the alternative CTQ-SF were also acceptable.

Conclusion

The alternative four-factor model CTQ-SF exhibits good reliability and validity among Chinese adolescents. Additionally, the normative information of the CTQ-SF could provide practical support for determining severity of different subtypes of CM.
Schizophrenia and oxidative stress from the perspective of bibliometric analysis
Authors: Chen Meng-Yi , Zhang Qinge , Liu Yu-Fei , Zheng Wan-Ying , Si Tong Leong , Su Zhaohui , Cheung Teris , Jackson Todd , Li Xiao-Hong , Xiang Yu-Tao
Published: February 2023

Background

A growing number of studies has implicated oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia. The aim of this study was to explore the field of schizophrenia and oxidative stress-related research from a bibliometric perspective.

Methods

All relevant publications on schizophrenia and oxidative stress were obtained from Web of Science Core Collection (WOSCC) database from its inception date to November 8, 2022. VOSviewer software was used to examine co-authorships and co-occurring keywords. R software was used to present the main characteristics of publications and cooperation frequency among countries. CiteSpace was used to investigate keywords with the strongest citation bursts.

Results

A total of 3,510 publications on schizophrenia and oxidative stress were included. The United States had the largest number of publications (26.1%), and international collaborations. University of Melbourne was the most productive institution, while Schizophrenia Research was the most productive journal in this field. Apart from “schizophrenia” and “oxidative stress”, the terms “prefrontal cortex”, “brain” and “nitric oxide” were among the most frequently used keywords.

Conclusions

In conclusion, research on the association between oxidative stress and schizophrenia has received growing attention in the academic literature that is expected to continue its upward trajectory during the next two decades. Existing research suggests there has been a transition from research focused on pathways to animal models, and subsequently to clinical applications. Intervention studies on oxidative stress and schizophrenia are likely to be an important focus of related work in the near future.
What are the predictors and costs of nurse absenteeism at select multicenter government hospitals? A cross-sectional study
Authors: Al Ismail Hashem , Herzallah Nawal H. , Al-Otaibi Sultan T.
Published: February 2023

Objectives

The purposes of this study were to determine the prevalence and cost of absenteeism in nurses as well as the factors that affect absenteeism.

Methods

This is a cross sectional study where a self-administered questionnaire response were obtained from 442 nurses for the previous working in 4 hospitals and 3 primary health care centers in Saudi Arabia. Analyses compared those with zero absences with those with one or more absences per month. Attributable risk was calculated as the difference in the absence percentages among nurses with high-risk exposure and low risk exposure.

Results

The average absence of nurses is 0.62 days per month. This results in an annual loss of around $4 million. The greatest absence frequency was significantly associated with work psychosocial factors. The modifiable factors included the clarity of work responsibilities, rating of managers, work facilities, work environment, transportation difficulties, and work satisfaction. Cost-effectiveness modules for absence intervention programs were built for these factors.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that nurse absenteeism is a costly issue related to work and psychosocial factors. Preventive programs to improve the quality of work life are likely to be cost effective.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of myopia management: A systematic review
Authors: Agyekum Sylvia , Chan Poemen P. , Zhang Yuzhou , Huo Zhaohua , Yip Benjamin H. K. , Ip Patrick , Tham Clement C. , Chen Li Jia , Zhang Xiu Juan , Pang Chi Pui , Yam Jason C.
Published: February 2023

The rising prevalence of myopia is a major global public health concern. Economic evaluation of myopia interventions is critical for maximizing the benefits of treatment and the healthcare system. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of interventions for treating myopia. Five databases were searched – Embase, Emcare, PubMed, Web of Science, and ProQuest – from inception to July 2022 and a total of 2,099 articles were identified. After careful assessments, 6 studies met the eligibility criteria. The primary outcomes of this systematic review were costs, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). The secondary outcomes included utility values and net monetary benefits (NMB). One study determined the cost-effectiveness of photorefractive screening plus treatment with 0.01% atropine, 2 studies examined cost-effectiveness of corneal refractive surgery, and 3 studies evaluated cost-effectiveness of commonly used therapies for pathologic myopia. Corneal refractive surgeries included laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK), femtosecond laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (FS-LASIK), photorefractive keratectomy (PRK), and small-incision lenticule extraction (SMILE). Interventions for pathologic myopia included ranibizumab, conbercept, and photodynamic therapy (PDT). At an incremental cost of NZ$ 18 (95% CI 15, 20) (US$ 11) per person, photorefractive screening plus 0.01% atropine resulted in an ICER of NZ$ 1,590/QALY (US$ 1,001/QALY) (95% CI NZ$ 1,390, 1,791) for an incremental QALY of 0.0129 (95% CI 0.0127, 0.0131). The cost of refractive surgery in Europe ranged from €3,075 to €3,123 ([US$4,046 to $4,109 - adjusted to 2021 inflation). QALYs associated with these procedures were 23 (FS-LASIK) and 24 (SMILE and PRK) with utility values of 0.8 and ICERs ranging from approximately €14 (US$17)/QALY to €19 (US$23)/QALY. The ICER of LASIK was US$683/diopter gained (inflation-adjusted). The ICER of ranibizumab and PDT were £8,778 (US$12,032)/QALY and US$322,460/QALY respectively, with conbercept yielding a saving of 541,974 RMB (US$80,163)/QALY, respectively. The use of 0.01% atropine and corneal refractive surgery were cost-effective for treating myopia. Treating pathologic myopia with ranibizumab and conbercept were more cost-effective than PDT. Prevention of myopia progression is more cost-effective than treating pathologic myopia.
The health impact of hazardous waste landfills and illegal dumps contaminated sites: An epidemiological study at ecological level in Italian Region
Authors: Fazzo Lucia , Manno Valerio , Iavarone Ivano , Minelli Giada , De Santis Marco , Beccaloni Eleonora , Scaini Federica , Miotto Edoardo , Airoma Domenico , Comba Pietro
Published: February 2023

Background and aim

The implementation of idoneous management of hazardous waste, in contrast to illegal practices, is one of the environment and health priorities of the WHO. The aim of the present study, based on a collaborative agreement between the Italian National Health Institute and a Prosecution Office located in Naples North, was to evaluate the health effects of illegal landfills and burning of urban and hazardous waste in the territory of the Prosecution Office.

Methods

The municipalities included in the study territory were investigated with respect to the regional population. Regression analyses were performed in the study area between four classes of an environmental municipal indicator of waste risk (MRI) previously defined, computing the relative risks (RRs) in 2–4 MRI classes, with respect to the first MRI class (the least impacted). The prevalence of reproductive outcomes and cause-specific mortality and hospitalization were analyzed in the general population and in the 0–19-year-old population using SAS software.

Results

An increase of mortality and hospitalization risk in both the genders of the whole area, with respect to regional population, were found for overall all cancer cases, cancer of the stomach, the liver, the lung and the kidney, and ischemic heart diseases. An increase of mortality for leukemias in the 0-19-year-old population and in hospitalization risk for certain conditions originating in the perinatal period were observed. Correlation between MRI and the risk of mortality from breast tumors in women (MRI class 2: RR = 1.06; MRI class 3: RR = 1.15; MRI class 4: RR = 1.11) and between MRI and the risk of hospitalization from testis tumors (MRI class 2: RR = 1.25; MRI class 3: RR = 1.31; MRI class 4: RR = 1.32) were found. The hospitalization risk from breast tumors and asthma exceeded significantly in both genders of three and four MRI classes. Among the 0-19-year-old population, correlation between MRI and hospitalization from leukemias (MRI class 2: RR = 1.48; MRI class 3: RR = 1.60; MRI class 4: RR = 1.41) and between MRI and the prevalence of preterm birth (MRI class 2: RR = 1.17; MRI class 3: RR = 1.08; MRI class 4: RR = 1.25) were found.

Conclusion

A correlation between health outcomes and the environmental pressure by uncontrolled waste sites was found. Notwithstanding the limitation of the study, the results promote implementing the actions of environmental remediation and the prosecution of illegal practices.
A simple combined approach using anterior transpetrosal and retrosigmoid approach: A case report
Authors: Tamura Ryota , Ueda Ryo , Karatsu Kosuke , Sayanagi Taichi , Takahara Kento , Hino Utaro , Iwama Takashi , Nogawa Hirotsugu , Nakaya Masato , Horiguchi Takashi , Toda Masahiro
Published: February 2023

Background

A combined transpetrosal approach (CTP) is often used for large lesions in the posterior cranial fossa (PCF). Although CTP provides a wide surgical corridor, it has complex and time-consuming bony work of mastoidectomy and cosmetic issues. Here, we describe a simple combined surgical technique to approach the supratentorial region, anterolateral surface of the brainstem, petroclival region, and foramen magnum by drilling only the petrous apex with a combination of retrosigmoid approach (RA).

Clinical presentation

A 27-year-old female was referred with extra-axial left cerebellopontine angle space-occupying epidermoid cyst extending to the prepontine cistern, anterior to the basilar artery, superior to the chiasma, and caudally to the foramen magnum. A one-stage surgical procedure using the anterior transpetrosal approach (ATP) and RA was performed after one-piece temporal-suboccipital craniotomy. These two approaches complemented each other well. Near-total removal was achieved.

Conclusion

A one-stage surgical procedure using ATP and RA provides the wider viewing and better visualization of the PCF with minimal technical difficulty.
An Acoustic Reconstruction of the House of Commons, c. 1820–1834
Authors: Foteinou Aglaia , Murphy Damian , Cooper J. P. D.
Published: February 2023

This paper presents an acoustic reconstruction of the UK House of Commons between c. 1820 and 1834. Focusing on a historically important site where political decisions were debated over the centuries, we aim to simulate and present the intangible principles of the acoustic properties and sounds heard within the space. The acoustic model was created based on available historical evidence with the aid of commercial acoustic simulation software. We discuss the decisions made for this reconstruction based on further experimentation with the acoustic characteristics of the constituent materials and settings of the available software. An additional comparison of the achieved acoustic results with spaces of similar historical importance and layout is presented, as a calibration of the model with in situ measurements was not possible in this case study. The values of T30, EDT, C50 and Ts are presented, while auralization examples are also available for a subjective evaluation of the results.
Vibration Performance of Traction Gearbox of a High-Speed Train: Theoretical Analysis and Experiments
Authors: Zhu Wangang , Lin Hao , Sun Wei , Wei Jing
Published: February 2023

The gearbox is the key component of the traction drive system of a high-speed train. At the same time, the traction gearbox can easily experience a box housing failure due to bearing internal excitation from gear meshing and external excitation from motor torque fluctuation, the wheel polygon, and so on. In order to analyze the vibration and noise of the gearbox, a dynamic model of a high-speed train gear transmission system was established under the conditions of time-varying meshing stiffness and time-varying meshing error. A frequency spectrum analysis of the vibration at the key nodes of the model that changed with the speed was carried out. A test rig for a traction gearbox of a high-speed train was built, and a testing method for the vibration and noise of a high-speed train traction gearbox was put forward. The testing of and research on the traction gearbox under various working conditions were carried out, and the dynamic evaluation indexes of acceleration, vibration intensity, and air noise at different measuring points of the high-speed train traction gearbox were obtained. The study provided a test reference and a basis for the dynamic performance optimization design and fault diagnosis of a high-speed railway traction gearbox system.
Development of Autonomous Driving and Motion Control System for a Patient Transfer Robot
Authors: Kim Changwon , Kim Chan-Jung
Published: February 2023

In this study, an autonomous driving system of a patient-transfer robot is developed. The developed autonomous driving system has a path-planning module and a motion-control module. Since the developed autonomous driving system is applied to medical robots, such as patient-transfer robots, the main purpose of this study is to generate an optimal path for the robot’s movement and to ensure the patient on board moves comfortably in the PTR. In particular, for the patient’s comfortable movement, a lower controller is needed to minimize the sway angle of the patient. In this paper, we propose a hybrid path-planning algorithm that combines the A-STAR algorithm as a global path-planning method and the AHP (Analytic Hierarchy Process)-based path-planning algorithm as a local path-planning method. In addition, model-based controllers are designed to move patient-transport robots along planned paths. In particular, the LQR controller with the Kalman filter is designed to be robust to the uncertainty and disturbance of the model including the patient. The optimal path generation and patient shaking angle reduction performance of the proposed autonomous driving system have been demonstrated via a simulation on a map that mimics a hospital environment.
Assessing the Quality of Digital Coproduction: An Interdisciplinary Model
Authors: Radtke Ina , Hoevens Noortje , Brandsen Taco , Honingh Marlies
Published: February 2023

The digital transformation of society raises high hopes for the improvement of the design and implementation of coproduction processes, which may lead to higher levels of acceptance, satisfaction, and trust with respect to public services. Yet and despite a growing number of studies on the role of digital technology on coproduction, our knowledge on how to assess the quality of digital coproduction is still very limited. The difficulty of defining quality indicators relates to three issues: the complexity of defining quality in public services, the lack of a clear understanding of quality in a coproduction process and the tendency to evaluate coproduction using the same approach as with other digitalised services. In this article, we adopt an interdisciplinary perspective to develop a conceptual model that builds on and bridges theoretical approaches commonly used to assess the quality of digital services, while adding elements that are specific to coproduction.
Relationships between Farmer Psychological Profiles and Farm Business Performance amongst Smallholder Beef and Poultry Farmers in South Africa
Authors: Villano Renato A. , Koomson Isaac , Nengovhela Nkhanedzeni B. , Mudau Livhuwani , Burrow Heather M. , Bhullar Navjot
Published: February 2023

Beef cattle and poultry are critically important livestock for improving household food security and alleviating poverty amongst smallholder farmers in South Africa. In this paper, our goal is to examine the relationships between farmer psychological profiles and farm business performance of commercially oriented beef cattle and poultry smallholder farmers in South Africa. We employ a multipronged interdisciplinary approach to test the theory of planned behaviour and its relationship to farm business performance. First, a behavioural science-informed survey instrument was employed to collect data from randomly selected farmer participants in two major beef and poultry projects undertaken by the authors. Second, a latent profile analysis was used to identify the psychological profiles of those farmers. Third, traditional and estimated indicators of farm business performance were obtained using descriptive and econometric-based approaches, including logistic regression and stochastic frontier analyses. The estimated farm business performance indicators were correlated with the psychological profiles of farmers. Results from the latent profile analysis showed three distinct profiles of beef and poultry farmers clearly differentiated by their ability to control and succeed in their farm business enterprises; criteria included attitude, openness to ideas, personality, perceived capabilities, self-efficacy, time orientation, and farm- and personal-related concerns. Profile 1 (‘Fatalists’) scored themselves negatively on their ability to control and succeed in their business enterprises. The majority of farmers were generally neutral about their ability to control and succeed in their businesses (Profile 2, ‘Traditionalists’), while a relatively small group of farmers were confident of their ability to succeed (Profile 3, ‘Entrepreneurs’). We found evidence of significant differences in farm business performance amongst the different profiles of farmers. As far as we can determine, this is the only study to have assessed farm business performance based on a differentiation of farmers’ psychological profiles. Our results provide a framework to further investigate whether particular types of on-farm interventions and training methods can be customised for different segments of farmers based on their preferred learning styles.
Effects on Growth Performance Parameters, Carcass Traits, Meat Nutrimental Quality and Intramuscular Fatty Acid Profile of Rabbits Fed with Diets with Avocado Waste (Persea americana Mill)
Authors: Galeano-Díaz Johana Paola , Sánchez-Torres Juan Edrei , Domínguez-Vara Ignacio Arturo , Morales-Almaraz Ernesto , Rodríguez-Carpena Javier German , Grageola-Nuñez Fernando , Nieto-Martinez Gema
Published: February 2023

The objective of this paper was to evaluate the effect of four levels (0%, 4.32%, 8.39% or 12.25%) of avocado waste (AW) included in the diets on productive performance, carcass characteristics and meat nutritional quality of fattening rabbits. For that, one hundred and twenty male rabbits (New Zealand × California; 945 ± 47 g initial body weight) were fed over 28 days, randomly distributed to one of the four treatments (T) (T1 = 0, T2 = 4.32, T3 = 8.39 and T4 = 12.25% AW as fed). The chemical and fatty acids profiles were evaluated in the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle. The rabbits fed with 8.39% of AW reported the best productive parameters (p < 0.05), the greater (p < 0.05) dissectible adipose tissue and higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) n-3 content (p < 0.05) than control meat. It is concluded that the inclusion of AW in the growing–finishing rabbit’s diet can modify the nutritional quality of the meat, reducing the n-6/n-3 ratio and the thrombogenic index.
Investigating the Potential of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi in Mitigating Water Deficit Effects on Durum Wheat (Triticum durum Desf.)
Authors: Ould Amer Samira , Aliat Toufik , Kucher Dmitry E. , Bensaci Oussama A. , Rebouh Nazih Y.
Published: February 2023

Wheat is one of the main staple cereal crops worldwide. However, drought-induced stress is one of the factors limiting wheat productivity, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. The present study aims to investigate the influence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on wheat plant growth under water-deficit conditions. Three Algerian durum wheat varieties—Mohamed Ben Bachir (MBB), Boussellem (BS) and Waha (W)—were grown with (+AMF) or without (−AMF) under water-deficit and non-stress conditions. Morphological, physiological, and biochemical responses to AMF inoculation under water deficit were quantified. The results showed improved morphological parameters (height of the aerial part (HAP), internode length (LIN), aerial part dry weight (APDW), root dry weight (RDW), length of the ear (LE)), and chlorophyll content in AMF-inoculated plants under water-deficit conditions compared to control plants (−AMF). Moreover, soluble protein content (SPC) and membrane stability index (MSI) significantly increased with AMF inoculation under water deficit by 18% and 10%, respectively, while the proline content decreased after AMF inoculation. In addition, the water deficit significantly increases peroxidase (POD), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT), but +AMF decreases them considerably in all studied varieties. The results suggest that AMF inoculation can lead to optimized durum wheat production under arid and semi-arid conditions and provide a basis for further studies on its effects under field conditions.
Residual Effect of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield and Nutrient Uptake in Wheat under a Basmati Rice–Wheat Cropping System in North-Western India
Authors: Dhaliwal Salwinder Singh , Sharma Vivek , Shukla Arvind Kumar , Gupta Rajeev Kumar , Verma Vibha , Kaur Manmeet , Behera Sanjib Kumar , Singh Prabhjot
Published: February 2023

Restoring soil fertility in farming systems is essential to sustain a crop and its productivity. Thus, the present study was conducted to assess the residual effects of the combined application of fertilizers and manures on yield, concentration and uptake of nutrients in wheat under basmati rice-wheat cropping system. The treatments applied in the present study involve T1: control, T2: farmyard manure (15 t ha−1), T3: poultry manure (6 t ha−1), T4: press mud (15 t ha−1), T5: rice straw compost (6 t ha−1), T6: farmyard manure (15 t ha−1) + 50% recommended dose of nitrogen (RDN), T7: poultry manure (6 t ha−1) + 50% RDN, T8: press mud (15 t ha−1) + 50% RDN, T9: rice straw compost (6 t ha−1) + 50% RDN, T10: 75% RDN, T11: farmyard manure (15 t ha1) + 75% RDN, T12: poultry manure (6 t ha−1) + 75% RDN, T13: press mud (15 t ha−1) + 75% RDN, T14: rice straw compost (6 t ha−1) + 75% RDN, T15: 100% RDN. The residual effects of organic manures significantly improved the growth parameters and yield attributes. Among different residual treatments, the use of farmyard manure + 75% NPK showed maximum plant height (125.2 cm), number of tillers (68.0 m−1), chlorophyll content (45.0) and yield (50.84 q ha−1 for grain and 80.43 q ha−1 for straw, respectively). Additionally, the incorporation of farmyard manure + 75% RDN demonstrated the highest uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in grain (7.37, 3.31 and 4.93 g ha−1, respectively) and straw (1.72, 1.05 and 12.63 g ha−1, respectively). The maximum zinc, copper, iron and manganese concentrations were observed to be 32.0, 3.1, 52.1 and 17.6 mg kg−1 in grain and 8.2, 2.1, 374.6 and 20.5 mg kg−1 in straw, respectively. Similarly, the highest uptakes were observed to be 67.6, 15.5, 263.8 and 89.6 g ha−1 in grain and 173.3, 16.8, 3026.9 and 170.6 g ha−1 in straw, respectively. Thus, the integrated application of farmyard manure with 75% RDN could be used to sustain wheat productivity and maintain soil fertility which otherwise deteriorates due to the sole application of inorganic fertilizers.
Consumer Attitudes and Concerns about Beef Consumption in Argentina and Other South American Countries
Authors: Bifaretti Adrián , Pavan Enrique , Grigioni Gabriela
Published: February 2023

In South America, modifications in beef consumption habits, mainly related to economic reasons, new lifestyles, and new eating behaviors, are being observed. If this trend continues, beef consumption could continue to fall or there would be a greater share of cheaper types of meat. In general, consumer concerns related to health, animal welfare, and environmental impact are increasing. Most of the population in South America follows an omnivorous diet, with a minority of vegetarians/vegans. In Argentina, around 30% consider themselves as flexitarians and around 5% as vegetarians/vegans, with centennials and millennials being the ones that mostly follow these types of behaviors. For flexitarians, the main reason that leads them to adopt this diet is the search for healthier eating. In general, consumers consider livestock production to be a sustainable activity; although, ethical concerns are growing among the younger generations. Finally, around 30% of the total population is willing to partially replace the consumption of beef to avoid animal slaughter and 8% would abandon it for this reason. The current trend would indicate that, if the conditions defined by the present scenarios continue, the motivations to consume less beef could be strengthened.
Evaluating the Classification of Freeze-Dried Slices and Cubes of Red-Fleshed Apple Genotypes Using Image Textures, Color Parameters, and Machine Learning
Authors: Ropelewska Ewa , Kruczyńska Dorota E. , Rady Ahmed M. , Rutkowski Krzysztof P. , Konopacka Dorota , Celejewska Karolina , Mieszczakowska-Frąc Monika
Published: February 2023

Dried red-fleshed apples are considered a promising high-quality product from the functional foods category. The objective of this study was to compare the flesh features of freeze-dried red-fleshed apples belonging to the ‘Alex Red’, ‘Trinity’, ‘314’, and ‘602’ genotypes and indicate which parameters and shapes of dried samples are the most useful to distinguish apple genotypes. Apple samples were at the stage of harvest maturity. The average fruit weight, starch index, internal ethylene concentration, flesh firmness, total soluble sugar content, and titratable acidity were determined. One hundred apple slices with a thickness of 4 mm and one hundred cubes with dimensions of 1.5 cm × 1.5 cm × 1.5 cm of each genotype were subjected to freeze-drying. For each apple sample (slice or cube), 2172 image texture parameters were extracted from images in 12 color channels, and color parameters L*, a*, and b* were determined. The classification models were developed based on a set of selected image textures and a set of combined selected image textures and color parameters of freeze-dried apple slices and cubes using various traditional machine-learning algorithms. Models built based on selected textures of slice images in 11 selected color channels correctly classified freeze-dried red-fleshed apple genotypes with an overall accuracy reaching 90.25% and mean absolute error of 0.0545; by adding selected color parameters (L*, b*) to models, an increase in the overall accuracy to 91.25% and a decrease in the mean absolute error to 0.0486 were observed. The classification of apple cube images using models including selected texture parameters from images in 11 selected color channels was characterized by an overall accuracy of up to 74.74%; adding color parameters (L*, a*, b*) to models resulted in an increase in the overall accuracy to 80.50%. The greatest mixing of cases was observed between ‘Alex Red’ and ‘Trinity’ as well as ‘314’ and ‘602’ apple slices and cubes. The developed models can be used in practice to distinguish freeze-dried red-fleshed apples in a non-destructive and objective manner. It can avoid mixing samples belonging to different genotypes with different chemical properties. Further studies can focus on using deep learning in addition to traditional machine learning to build models to distinguish dried red-fleshed apple samples. Moreover, other drying techniques can be applied, and image texture parameters and color features can be used to predict the changes in flesh structure and estimate the chemical properties of dried samples.
Phytostimulator Application after Cold Stress for Better Maize (Zea mays L.) Plant Recovery
Authors: Ratajczak Karolina , Sulewska Hanna , Panasiewicz Katarzyna , Faligowska Agnieszka , Szymańska Grażyna
Published: February 2023

Phytostimulators are attracting considerable attention for replacing mineral fertilizers, which are of environmental concern, being especially forbidden in organic farming. The benefit of applying such products based on microorganisms (e.g., algae extract) or minerals of nano-meter-sized particle (e.g., nanofertilizers) is that plants can uptake them faster than soil fertilizers, targeting plant growth by regulating their phytohormones, as well as improving plant tolerance to unfavorable environmental conditions (e.g., cold stress). The aim of this study was to test and evaluate the effects of three commercial phytostimulators, called biostimulants (a seaweed-based extract—Kelpak®, mineral nanoparticles—Nano Active®, zinc nanoparticles—Dynamic Cresco®) on yield, chlorophyll content, level of CO2 assimilation and the effectiveness of PSII under cold stress. The values of all chlorophyll fluorescence and photosynthetic parameters significantly decreased under cold, which indicated a strong inhibition of light-phase photosynthesis in maize leaves. Predicted by the regression analysis minimum, 20 days was enough for maize plants to recover from the inhibition caused by stress damages in their photosynthetic apparatus. At the final measurement in maize growth stage BBCH 65, all the tested phytostimulators showed significant effects in increased values of effective quantum yield of photosystem II, maximum photosynthetic efficiency of PSII and electron transport rate. At this stage, Dynamic Cresco® and Nano Active® treatment significantly increased the value of maximum net photosynthetic rate (15.37% and 18.85%, respectively) and leaf chlorophyll content (7.8% and 8.7%, respectively). The application of Dynamic Cresco® significantly promoted total dry weight by 43.4% in comparison to control under stress growth conditions with cold. These phytostimulators can be used to enhance yield and physiological status of plants after abiotic stress (such as cold) to improve crop productivity, especially in organic farming.
Plant Growth Regulators Mediated Changes in the Growth, Photosynthesis, Nutrient Acquisition and Productivity of Mustard
Authors: Shah Sajad Hussain , Islam Shaistul , Alamri Saud , Parrey Zubair Ahmad , Mohammad Firoz , Kalaji Hazem M.
Published: February 2023

Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are naturally occurring signaling molecules that modulate numerous phenological traits and physicochemical features of plants throughout their life cycles. Exogenous supplementation of PGRs is an effective strategy for improving the productivity of important agricultural crops. This research was planned to evaluate the effects of six PGRs, namely indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), 24-epibrassinolide (EBL), gibberellic acid (GA3), putrescine (put), salicylic acid (SA) and triacontanol (Tria), on morphology, photosynthesis, nutrient acquisition, and the yield and quality characteristics of three mustard cultivars, i.e., Chutki, Nath Sona, and Rohini. Two foliar sprays each of water, IAA (10−6 M), EBL (10−6 M), GA3 (10−5 M), put (10−3 M), 10−5 M SA, and Tria (10−6 M) were applied to plants at fifty and seventy days after sowing (DAS). The crops’ phenological, physicochemical and microscopic parameters were evaluated at ninety DAS, and yield characteristics were evaluated at harvest (120 DAS). The observations of this study indicated that foliar feeding with PGRs increased all studied parameters, relative to water-spray treatment. The Nath Sona cultivar displayed a stronger response than Rohini and Chutki. Among the leaf-applied PGRs, 24-EBL, followed by IAA and GA3, proved the most effective and improved all the studied parameters. Moreover, the exogenous application of PGRs, especially EBL, significantly enhanced stomatal dimensions and root cell longevity. Treatment with EBL enhanced plant dry weight by 34.7, 35.4, and 37.6%, the net photosynthetic rate by 65.3, 64.7, and 60.2%, seed yield per plant by 67.1, 65.2, and 67.3%, and oil yield per plant by 42.6, 48.2, and 41.1%, in the Chutki, Nath Sona, and Rohini cultivars, respectively, relative to the water-spray treatment. It may be concluded that of the tested PGRs, 24-EBL proved most effective at enhancing the morphological, physicochemical, and yield features of the mustard cultivars.
Evaluation of Comparative Field Studies for Root and Onion Harvester with Variable Angle Conveyor
Authors: Dorokhov Alexey , Aksenov Alexander , Sibirev Alexey , Mosyakov Maxim , Sazonov Nikolay , Godyaeva Maria
Published: February 2023

The long-term storage of vegetable crops and potatoes in storage, even with a small content of soil and plant impurities in the heap, does not ensure the preservation of the required quality indicators of marketable products. The lack of modern technological foundations for improving the design parameters of machines for harvesting vegetables and potatoes leads to the impossibility of eliminating the loss of root crops, their damage, as well as the high-quality process of cleaning from impurities. This circumstance is due to the fact that modern technologies and technical means of harvesting root crops and onions are not able to provide high-quality marketable products with minimal labor costs. In this regard, a modern separating system of the harvesting machine has been developed, which ensures the variation of technological parameters under changing conditions for the harvesting of root crops and onions. The experimental studies of the developed harvester with an experimental separating system made it possible to ensure the high-quality harvesting of potato and onion tubers with the following parameter values: a completeness of separation of more than 98% and a damage to products up to 1.7%, at a speed of movement of 1.7 m/s for the separating system; a completeness of separation of more than 98% and a product damage of up to 1.1% at a speed of up to 1.0 m/s for the harvester; and a separation completeness of more than 98% and a product damage of up to 1.4% at a commercial product extraction depth of 0.02 m. The results of comparative studies on the quality indicators of the machine for harvesting root crops in the harvesting of potato and onion tubers are presented, indicating the prevailing values of the quality indicators of work in the harvesting of potatoes, depending on the change in the regime indicators of the quality of work.
Metacarpophalangeal Joint Pathology and Bone Mineral Density Increase with Exercise but Not with Incidence of Proximal Sesamoid Bone Fracture in Thoroughbred Racehorses
Authors: Noordwijk Kira J. , Chen Leyi , Ruspi Bianca D. , Schurer Sydney , Papa Brittany , Fasanello Diana C. , McDonough Sean P. , Palmer Scott E. , Porter Ian R. , Basran Parminder S. , Donnelly Eve , Reesink Heidi L.
Published: February 2023

Proximal sesamoid bone (PSB) fracture is the leading cause of fatal musculoskeletal injury in Thoroughbred racehorses in Hong Kong and the US. Efforts are underway to investigate diagnostic modalities that could help identify racehorses at increased risk of fracture; however, features associated with PSB fracture risk are still poorly understood. The objectives of this study were to (1) investigate third metacarpal (MC3) and PSB density and mineral content using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), computed tomography (CT), Raman spectroscopy, and ash fraction measurements, and (2) investigate PSB quality and metacarpophalangeal joint (MCPJ) pathology using Raman spectroscopy and CT. Forelimbs were collected from 29 Thoroughbred racehorse cadavers (n = 14 PSB fracture, n = 15 control) for DXA and CT imaging, and PSBs were sectioned for Raman spectroscopy and ash fraction measurements. Bone mineral density (BMD) was greater in MC3 condyles and PSBs of horses with more high-speed furlongs. MCPJ pathology, including palmar osteochondral disease (POD), MC3 condylar sclerosis, and MC3 subchondral lysis were greater in horses with more high-speed furlongs. There were no differences in BMD or Raman parameters between fracture and control groups; however, Raman spectroscopy and ash fraction measurements revealed regional differences in PSB BMD and tissue composition. Many parameters, including MC3 and PSB bone mineral density, were strongly correlated with total high-speed furlongs.
Preweaning Nutrition and Its Effects on the Growth, Immune Competence and Metabolic Characteristics of the Dairy Calf
Authors: Ockenden Emma M. , Russo Victoria M. , Leury Brian J. , Giri Khageswor , Wales William J.
Published: February 2023

Feeding increased volumes of milk in the preweaning phase has been shown to improve growth, morbidity and mortality rates in calves (Bos Taurus). This experiment enlisted 20 Holstein-Friesian dairy replacement calves from birth until weaning (at 10 weeks of age) and assessed the effect of feeding either 4 L (Low) or 8 L (High) of milk per calf per day on their growth, immune competence and metabolic characteristics. The responsiveness of these systems was compared through a vaccination immune challenge. Calves in the High treatment group were significantly heavier from two weeks of age and were 19 kg heavier than calves in the Low treatment group at weaning. Calves in the High treatment group also exhibited greater immune responses, with significantly higher white cell counts and neutrophil counts than calves in the Low treatment group post-vaccination. Calves in the High treatment group also had lower beta-hydroxybutyrate both pre- and post-vaccination, and higher glucose and insulin levels post-vaccination, indicating superior metabolic characteristics. Calves had ad libitum access to lucerne hay (Medicago sativa) and a commercial concentrate. Solid feed intakes were mostly the same between treatments, with differences in hay intake only detected at 7 and 8 weeks of age. Results from this experiment are indicative of a positive influence of accelerated preweaning nutrition on growth, immune response and metabolic characteristics.
A Lightweight Automatic Wildlife Recognition Model Design Method Mitigating Shortcut Learning
Authors: Zhong Yujie , Li Xiao , Xie Jiangjian , Zhang Junguo
Published: February 2023

Recognizing wildlife based on camera trap images is challenging due to the complexity of the wild environment. Deep learning is an optional approach to solve this problem. However, the backgrounds of images captured from the same infrared camera trap are rather similar, and shortcut learning of recognition models occurs, resulting in reduced generality and poor recognition model performance. Therefore, this paper proposes a data augmentation strategy that integrates image synthesis (IS) and regional background suppression (RBS) to enrich the background scene and suppress the existing background information. This strategy alleviates the model’s focus on the background, guiding it to focus on the wildlife in order to improve the model’s generality, resulting in better recognition performance. Furthermore, to offer a lightweight recognition model for deep learning-based real-time wildlife monitoring on edge devices, we develop a model compression strategy that combines adaptive pruning and knowledge distillation. Specifically, a student model is built using a genetic algorithm-based pruning technique and adaptive batch normalization (GA-ABN). A mean square error (MSE) loss-based knowledge distillation method is then used to fine-tune the student model so as to generate a lightweight recognition model. The produced lightweight model can reduce the computational effort of wildlife recognition with only a 4.73% loss in accuracy. Extensive experiments have demonstrated the advantages of our method, which is beneficial for real-time wildlife monitoring with edge intelligence.
Antioxidant Activity of Different Tissues from Rabbits Fed Dietary Bovine Colostrum Supplementation
Authors: Serra Valentina , Castrica Marta , Agradi Stella , Curone Giulio , Vigo Daniele , Di Giancamillo Alessia , Modina Silvia Clotilde , Riva Federica , Balzaretti Claudia Maria , De Bellis Roberta , Brecchia Gabriele , Pastorelli Grazia
Published: February 2023

Recent advances in animal nutrition have indicated that bovine colostrum (BC), due to its content of macronutrients, micronutrients and bioactive compounds, is an excellent health supplement. To the best of our knowledge, no studies on the effect of BC on antioxidant status have been performed in rabbits. This study aimed to investigate the effect of two BC concentrations on antioxidant status and gene expression of antioxidant enzymes in some tissues of rabbits. Thirty New Zealand White male rabbits were randomly divided into three experimental diets, containing 0% (CON), 2.5%, and 5% of BC (BC-2.5 and BC-5, respectively). The activity of antioxidant enzymes in plasma (catalase: CAT; glutathione peroxidase: GPx; superoxide dismutase: SOD), and the enzymes’ gene expression in the liver and longissimus dorsi muscle, were determined. Results showed no significant differences, neither in plasma nor in tissues. A significant tissue-related effect has been observed regarding the mRNA levels of SOD and GPx, which were higher in the LD (p = 0.022) and liver (p = 0.001), respectively. Further studies, considering modifications of the length and dosage of dietary BC supplementation, are required to update the current state of knowledge in rabbits, as well as to fully understand the potential value of BC for possible application in farming use.
Physicochemical and Biochemical Properties of Trypsin-like Enzyme from Two Sturgeon Species
Authors: Zamani Abbas , Khajavi Maryam , Abedian Kenari Abdolmohammad , Haghbin Nazarpak Masoumeh , Solouk Atefeh , Esmaeili Mina , Gisbert Enric
Published: February 2023

This work aimed to determine the physicochemical and biochemical properties of trypsin from beluga Huso huso and sevruga Acipenser stellatus, two highly valuable sturgeon species. According to the results obtained from the methods of casein-zymogram and inhibitory activity staining, the molecular weight of trypsin for sevruga and beluga was 27.5 and 29.5 kDa, respectively. Optimum pH and temperature values for both trypsins were recorded at 8.5 and 55 °C by BAPNA (a specific substrate), respectively. The stability of both trypsins was well-preserved at pH values from 6.0 to 11.0 and temperatures up to 50 °C. TLCK and SBTI, two specific trypsin inhibitors, showed a significant inhibitory effect on the enzymatic activity of both trypsins (p < 0.05). The enzyme activity was significantly increased in the presence of Ca+2 and surfactants and decreased by oxidizing agents, Cu+2, Zn+2, and Co+2 (p < 0.05). However, univalent ions Na+ and K+ did not show any significant effect on the activity of both trypsins (p > 0.05). The results of our study show that the properties of trypsin from beluga and sevruga are in agreement with data reported in bony fish and can contribute to the clear understanding of trypsin activity in these primitive species.