bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Longitudinal performance trajectories of young female sprint runners: a new tool to predict performance progression
Authors: Romann Michael , Javet Marie , Hernandez Julia , Heyer Louis , Trösch Severin , Cobley Stephen , Born Dennis-Peter
Published: December 2024

Background

Longitudinal performance tracking in sports science is crucial for accurate talent identification and prognostic prediction of future performance. However, traditional methods often struggle with the complexities of unbalanced datasets and inconsistent repeated measures.

Purpose

This study aimed to analyze the longitudinal performance development of female 60 m sprint runners using linear mixed effects models (LMM). We sought to generate a practical tool for coaches and researchers to establish benchmarks and predict performance development.

Methods

We analyzed 41,123 race results from 8,732 female 60 m track sprinters aged 6–15 years, collected from the Swiss Athletics online database between 2006 and 2021. Only season-best times per athlete and only athletes with at least 3 season-best times in their career were included. LMM was used to generate performance trajectories, benchmarks, and individual predictions. A practical software tool was developed and made available to allow individual performance prediction based on race times from previous seasons. In addition, classic empirical percentile curves were constructed using the Lambda-Mu-Sigma (LMS) method.

Results

LMM handled the dataset's complexities, producing robust longitudinal performance trajectories. Compared to empirical percentiles generated using the LMS method, which provided a retrospective view of performance development, the mixed model approach identified individualized longitudinal performance developments and estimated predictions of future performance. The best-fitting model included log-transformed chronological age (CA) as a fixed effect and random intercepts and slopes for each athlete. This model explained 59% of the variance through fixed effects (marginal R2) and 93% through combined fixed and random effects (conditional R2).

Conclusion

LMM provided longitudinal sport performance data, enabling the establishment of performance benchmarking and prediction of future performance. The software tool can assist coaches in setting realistic training goals and identifying promising athletes.
Treatment of idiopathic scoliosis with conservative methods based on exercises: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dimitrijević Vanja , Rašković Bojan , Popović Miroslav , Viduka Dejan , Nikolić Siniša , Drid Patrik , Obradović Borislav
Published: December 2024

Introduction

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to systematically assess the effect size of conservative methods based on exercise for respondents with idiopathic scoliosis.

Methods

This study was developed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched in May 2023. The key search terms were “Idiopathic scoliosis”, “Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis”, “Cobb angle”, “Angle of trunk rotation”, “Quality of life”, “Schroth method”, and “Core stabilization exercises”. Risk of bias was assessed for each randomized trial using the Cochrane risk of bias tool, and the methodological index for non-randomized studies. The outcomes included Cobb angle, angle of trunk rotation (ATR), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), and quality of life (QoL). R 4.0.5 software was used, and standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for continuous outcomes using a random model.

Results

In total, 23 studies were included. Depending on the outcome measured, the effect size of the different methods in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis ranged from small to large as follows: Cobb angle (SMD = −0.43, p < 0.0001), ATR (SMD = −0.25, p = 0.06), FVC (SMD = 0.48, p = 0.03), FEV1 (SMD = 0.51, p = 0.004), and QoL (SMD = 0.95, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Our meta-analysis indicates the positive effects of applying conservative methods based on therapeutic exercises on patients with idiopathic scoliosis.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=373554, PROSPERO (CRD42022373554).
The need to (climate) adapt: perceptions of German sports event planners on the imperative to address climate change
Authors: Werner Kim
Published: December 2024

Introduction

While the impact of anthropogenic climate change on sports and the subsequent need for adaptation to evolving climatic conditions are acknowledged, there remains a notable paucity of scientific inquiry within the realm of sports and sports event studies specifically addressing climate change and its ramifications for event planning and management. Existing studies predominantly stem from health, medical, weather and climate science and mostly focus on mega-events and elite athlete contexts. Moreover, they often only focus on one specific impact (e.g., extreme heat) without providing a comprehensive summary or overview of all eminent impacts, resulting risks and potential adaptation strategies. This study aims to explore how (German) sports events are impacted by climate change and identify measures for organizers to address these impacts.

Methods

Following a comprehensive literature review, semi-structured interviews with event planners and organizers in Germany were conducted, ranging from small local events to weekly league competitions to national championships and major events.

Results

The findings demonstrate that climate change adaptation is not yet a primary focus in the German sports event context. While some planners, especially those of large-scale events, have started implementing adaptation measures, others are only beginning to address the issue.

Discussion

The study discusses the challenges that sports event organizers face in adjusting to the adverse effects of climate change and also examines specific adaptation strategies. The paper emphasizes the imperative for organizers to incorporate climate adaptation measures more effectively into routine event planning and management processes, and provides practical guidelines to achieve this integration.
Biosecurity measures reducing Salmonella spp. and hepatitis E virus prevalence in pig farms—a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Huber Nikolaus , Meester Marina , Sassu Elena L. , Waller Elisabeth S. L. , Krumova-Valcheva Gergana , Aprea Giuseppe , D’Angelantonio Daniela , Zoche-Golob Veit , Scattolini Silvia , Marriott Emily , Smith Richard P. , Burow Elke , Carreira Guido Correia
Published: December 2024

Salmonella spp. and hepatitis E virus (HEV) are significant foodborne zoonotic pathogens that impact the health of livestock, farmers, and the general public. This study aimed to identify biosecurity measures (BSMs) against these pathogens on swine farms in Europe, the United States, and Canada. Overall, 1,529 articles from three scientific databases were screened manually and with the artificial intelligence (AI) tool ASReview. We identified 54 BSMs from 32 articles, primarily focused on Salmonella spp. control. Amongst the extracted BSMs, only five measures for Salmonella spp. control, namely, ‘acidification of feed’, ‘acidification of drinking water’, ‘rodent control’, ‘all-in and all-out production’, and ‘disinfection’ had sufficient observations to conduct a meta-analysis. Of these five, acidification and rodent control were found to be protective measures, that is, their summary odds ratios in the corresponding meta-analyses were lower than 1, indicating lower odds of Salmonella spp. presence on farms which implemented these BSM compared to farms which did not implement them (odds ratio [OR] around 0.25). All-in and all-out production showed a non-significant protective effect (OR = 0.71), while disinfection showed a statistically non-significant lack of association between disinfection and the presence of Salmonella spp. on the farm (OR = 1.03). For HEV, no meta-analysis could be performed. According to multiple articles, two BSMs were significantly associated with a lower risk of HEV presence, namely, disinfecting vehicles (OR = 0.30) and quarantining pigs before introducing them on the farm (OR = 0.48). A risk of bias assessment for each included article revealed a high risk in the majority of the articles, mainly due to selection and performance bias. This emphasises the lack of standardised, high-quality study designs and robust empirical evidence linking BSM implementation to pathogen reduction. The limited data available for meta-analysis, coupled with the high risk of bias (RoB) in the literature, highlights the urgent need for more substantial evidence on the effectiveness of BSMs in mitigating the transmission and spread of zoonotic pathogens, such as Salmonella spp. and HEV on pig farms.
Dynamics Study of Hybrid Support Flywheel Energy Storage System with Damping Ring Device
Authors: Hu Mingming , Liu Kun , Wei Jingbo , Hou Eryong , Liu Duhe , Zhao Xi
Published: December 2024

The flywheel energy storage system (FESS) of a mechanical bearing is utilized in electric vehicles, railways, power grid frequency modulation, due to its high instantaneous power and fast response. However, the lifetime of FESS is limited because of significant frictional losses in mechanical bearings and challenges associated with passing the critical speed. To suppress the unbalanced response of FESS at critical speed, a damping ring (DR) device is designed for a hybrid supported FESS with mechanical bearing and axial active magnetic bearing (AMB). Initially, the dynamic model of the FESS with DR is established using Lagrange’s equation. Moreover, the dynamic parameters of the DR are obtained by experimental measurements using the method of free vibration attenuation. Finally, the influence of the DR device on the critical speed and unbalanced response of FESS is analyzed. The results show that the designed DR device can effectively reduce the critical speed of FESS, and increase the first and second mode damping ratio. The critical speed is reduced from 13,860 rpm to 5280 rpm. Compared with FESS of the mechanical bearing, the unbalanced response amplitude of the FESS with DR is reduced by more than 87.8%, offering promising technical support for the design of active and passive control systems in FESS.
Amplifying Unheard Voices or Fueling Conflict? Exploring the Impact of Leader Narcissism and Workplace Bullying in the Tourism Industry
Authors: Azazz Alaa M. S. , Elshaer Ibrahim A. , Alyahya Mansour , Abdulaziz Tamer Ahmed , Elwardany Walaa Moustafa , Fayyad Sameh
Published: December 2024

The hospitality industry, well-known for its energetic and people-intensive nature, frequently depends on effective leadership to motivate teamwork and safeguard sustainable operational success. Nevertheless, leadership approaches may significantly influence workplace dynamics and leader narcissism appears to be a probable disruptor. This study explores the dual-edged influence of leader narcissism in the hospitality industry, specifically in determining employee unheard voice behavior and bullying in the workplace. While leader narcissism can amplify unheard voices by nurturing an environment where staff feel forced to speak up, it can also fuel workplace conflict by generating toxic interactions and advancing bullying in the workplace. This research utilized a self-administrated questionnaire, collecting data from employees in five-star hotels and category (A) tourism companies in Cairo, Egypt, from May to August 2024 through a convenience sampling technique. Of the 425 distributed questionnaires, 394 valid responses were received, and Smart PLS-3.0 was employed for hypothesis testing. The study’s findings indicate that employee voice behavior positively influences workplace bullying. There exists a favorable correlation between employee voice behavior and leader narcissism. Moreover, leader narcissism is proven to have a positive relationship with workplace bullying. Leader narcissism was recognized as a mediating variable in the connection between employee voice behavior and workplace bullying. While previous research has investigated how these factors influence work-related outcomes in broader organizational settings, this study focuses on their implications in tourism and hospitality. Additionally, the study delves into how leader narcissism mediates the connection between employee voice behavior and workplace bullying in the tourism industry. By highlighting and exploring the complexities of leader narcissism and its influence on workplace interrelationships, this research paper may offer valuable insights for top managers, policymakers, and academics seeking to generate healthier and more productive workplace environments in the tourism industry.
Nonlinear Orbit Acquisition and Maintenance of a Lunar Navigation Constellation Using Low-Thrust Propulsion
Authors: Leonardi Edoardo Maria , De Angelis Giulio , Pontani Mauro
Published: December 2024

In this research, a feedback nonlinear control law was designed and tested to perform acquisition and station-keeping maneuvers for a lunar navigation constellation. Each satellite flies an Elliptical Lunar Frozen Orbit (ELFO) and is equipped with a steerable and throttleable low-thrust propulsion system. Lyapunov stability theory was employed to design a real-time feedback control law, capable of tracking all orbital elements (including the true anomaly), expressed in terms of modified equinoctial elements (MEEs). Unlike previous research, control synthesis was developed in the complete nonlinear dynamical model, and allows for driving the spacecraft toward a time-varying desired state, which includes correct phasing. Orbit propagation was performed in a high-fidelity framework, which incorporated several relevant harmonics of the selenopotential, as well as third-body effects due to the gravitational pull of the Earth and Sun. The control strategy at hand was successfully tested through two Monte Carlo campaigns in the presence of nonnominal flight conditions related to estimation errors of orbit perturbations, accompanied by the temporary unavailability and misalignment of the propulsive thrust.
Dynamics Model and Its Verification of Aerospace Three-Ring Gear Reducer
Authors: Lai Jinyong , Luo Lan , Luo Guangzhao , Chao Shiyuan
Published: December 2024

This paper proposes a nonlinear dynamic modeling method based on the lumped mass approach to address the challenge of modeling the vibrations of the output external gear and internal gear plate in an aerospace three-ring gear reducer. A vibration model of bending–torsion coupling with 12 degrees of freedom was established by comprehensively considering factors such as the time-varying meshing stiffness, gear transmission error, tooth side clearance, bearing support stiffness, and damping. Finite element modal analysis and vibration test results verified the vibration model’s accuracy and applicability, indicating that the model is both precise and valid. The vibration model was solved using the fourth-order, five-level Runge–Kutta method. The results show that the symmetrical arrangement design of the internal gear plate cancels the vibrations in all directions and suppresses the vibration displacement response on the output shaft.
Sensitivity Analysis of Scallop Damper Seal Design Parameters for Leakage and Static Performance
Authors: Yao Minglong , Zhang Wanfu , Zhao Qianqian , Gu Qianlei , Zhang Liyun , Yin Jianing
Published: December 2024

The leakage characteristics and static stiffness of scallop damper seals have a significant impact on rotor vibration and stability. A parameter sensitivity analysis model for geometrical parameters in scallop damper seals was developed using a design of experiments (DOE) approach. The method employed a central composite design, integrating factorial, axial, and center points to assess non-linear effects efficiently. And the effects of radial clearance, cavity depth, and length–diameter ratios on leakage performance and rotor stability were investigated. The leakage rate, flow-induced force, and static stiffness coefficient for 15 different combinations of geometric parameters at eccentricities of 0.2 and 0.4 were numerically calculated. The results show that eccentricity has little effect on leakage and its parameter sensitivity. Larger cavity depths and length–diameter ratios are beneficial for seal leakage performance. The tangential force increases with increasing eccentricity but decreases with increasing radial clearance, while it first decreases and then increases with the increase in the cavity depth and length–diameter ratios. Additionally, the radial force decreases with the increase in the length-to-diameter ratio and increases first and then decreases with the increase in radial clearance. The parameter level in this study is defined as the ratio of the actual parameter value to the maximum parameter value. Static direct stiffness reaches its maximum value at a radial clearance level of 30.2%. It remains positive within a cavity depth range of 92.3~100%, as well as a length–diameter ratio range of 0~20.3%. The static cross-coupled stiffness gradually decreases with the increase in radial clearance but first decreases and then increases with the increase in the cavity depth or length–diameter ratio levels. The research results presented in this paper can serve as a reference for the analysis of the performance and design of scallop damper seals.
Analyzing Engine Performance and Combustor Performance to Assess Sustainable Aviation Fuel Blends
Authors: Liu Ziyu , Yang Xiaoyi
Published: December 2024

FT blends derived from biomass have been confirmed to benefit reductions in GHG and particulate matter (PM). An improvement in combustibility is predicted to reduce fuel consumption and lead to further emission reduction. Various FT fuel blends (7%, 10%, 23%, and 50%) were assessed in terms of their potential for energy savings and emission reduction in a ZF850 jet engine. The engine performance, including the thrust, fuel consumption, emissions, exhaust gas temperature (EGT), acceleration, and deceleration, was investigated in terms of the whole thrust output, while combustor performance parameters, including EIUHC, EIPM2.5, EICO, EINox, and combustion efficiency, were also discussed. The benefit gained in engine performance was nonlinearly related to the blend ratio, which indicated that the available FT blends required appropriate fuel properties coupled with the engine design. According to the superior improvements derived from the 7% FT fuel blend and 23% FT fuel blend, an appropriate lower C/H ratio and higher combustion efficiency with low PM emissions led to a reduction in fuel consumption. Through global sensitivity analysis, changes in the thrust-specific fuel consumption (TSFC) and the thrust and combustion efficiency with various fuel properties were captured. These can be classified as engine-influenced and fuel-influenced (EIFI) parameters. EICO and EINOx are mainly dependent on the combustor and engine design and can be categorized as engine-influenced and fuel-less-influenced parameters (EIFLI), while EIUHC and EIPM2.5 can be categorized as EIFI parameters. The results of this work could extend our understanding of the impact of FT blends on engine performance and GHG reduction.
Impact of Farmers’ Livelihoods on Agricultural Carbon Emission Efficiency Under the Background of Population Urbanization: Evidence from China
Authors: Chang Ming , Li Xiaotong , Li Fei , Zhao Hesen
Published: December 2024

In the context of China’s population urbanization, the quality and pattern of farmers’ livelihoods are undergoing significant changes. Reducing emissions and sequestering carbon in agriculture is a crucial pathway for China to achieve its “dual carbon” goals. How to balance low-carbon agricultural development with the changing livelihood patterns of farmers has become an important issue in China’s agricultural and rural development. This study examines the impact of farmers’ livelihoods on agricultural carbon emission efficiency and explores regional disparities based on panel data from 31 provinces and municipalities in China from 2002 to 2020. The findings are as follows: (1) The quality of farmers’ livelihoods in China is conducive to an improvement in agricultural carbon emission efficiency (ACEE). (2) From a national perspective, the higher the livelihood of non-farm employment in the region, the higher the agricultural carbon emission efficiency. The livelihood of agricultural production has a significantly negative correlation with agricultural carbon emission efficiency. (3) Improvement in the quality of farmers’ livelihoods (QFL) in the eastern and western regions has a significant positive impact on the efficiency of agricultural carbon emissions, and the impact is larger in the western region, while there is no statistically significant relationship in the central region. The reason for this difference may be that the migration of agricultural labor from the western region to the eastern region and the local urban employment of eastern farmers have led to this, while the migration and local urban employment of agricultural labor in the central region is relatively limited. This paper provides policy insights into promoting both farmers’ income growth and low-carbon agricultural production in a coordinated manner.
Investigating the Potential Effects of Food Waste Reduction Interventions Within the Leafy Vegetable Supply Chain in Kermanshah Province, Iran
Authors: Moradi Mostafa , Shabanali Fami Hossein , Barati Ali Akbar , Schneider Felicitas , Aramyan Lusine Henrik , Mohammadi Reza Salehi
Published: December 2024

Despite the increasing concerns regarding meeting the world’s future food demand, there is still a substantial quantity of food loss and waste (FLW), particularly concerning fruits and vegetables. In the case of Kermanshah province, inefficiencies within the leafy vegetable supply chpain (LVSC) contribute to an alarming annual waste of 39% of leafy vegetables. Although several studies have proposed strategies and recommendations for mitigating this waste, the actual impact of these interventions on reducing FLW has not been thoroughly examined or quantified. Using System Dynamic Modeling, this study offers a novel approach to quantify the impact of interventions on waste reduction. The quantification results reveal four key interventions reducing vegetable waste at the production stage: biotic (31.2%) and abiotic stress control (14.4%), improved educational services (23.2%), and access to quality inputs (15.2%). Furthermore, the results suggest that early-stage factors in the LVSC play a crucial role in determining waste accumulation in later stages. Improvements in packaging facilities and cold supply chain infrastructure, along with better coordination and information sharing among stakeholders at the market stage, significantly help reduce waste. Additionally, effective planning for household food shopping is emphasized as a crucial strategy for minimizing waste at the consumption stage. This holistic approach focuses on the interconnectedness of actions across various stages of the supply chain and their combined effect on decreasing the overall waste of leafy vegetables.
The Use of Agricultural Services in European Union Regions Differing in Selected Agricultural Characteristics
Authors: Kołodziejczak Małgorzata
Published: December 2024

Agricultural services, understood as the rental of machinery and equipment with appropriate labor, are one of the three types of production services in agriculture distinguished by European Union legislation. The aim of this paper is to identify clusters of regions in the European Union that differ in the level of use of agricultural services on farms and in selected characteristics related to production potential, labor input, and type of agricultural production. For this purpose, Ward’s method, from the group of hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis methods, was used. Based on data on farms using agricultural services in 124 regions of the European Union, six clusters were formed. The study showed that agricultural services substitute for labor inputs in intensive agricultural production conditions, but in a situation with good technical equipment, farms may more often choose to employ hired workers. Such substitution does not occur in regions that are moderately and less well-equipped with machinery and equipment, because hired labor cannot completely replace the scarcity of machinery. The level of use of agricultural services is also related to the profile of the production carried out and the area of agricultural land, followed by the resources of land, capital, and labor. The level of economic development and historical background are also important.
Co-Inoculation of Azospirillum brasilense and Bacillus sp. Enhances Biomass and Photosynthetic Efficiency in Urochloa brizantha
Authors: Terra Lorena Emanuelle da Mata , Santos Marinalva Martins dos , Lopes Maria Carolina Soares , Pinheiro Daiane Antunes , Lopes Érika Manuela Gonçalves , Soares Amanda Santos , Braz Thiago Gomes dos Santos , Nietsche Silvia , Cota Junio
Published: December 2024

The synergism between plant growth-promoting bacteria species (PGPB) was evaluated regarding the effect of inoculation on productivity and the physiological aspects of Urochloa brizantha. The study included seven experimental groups arranged in a 3 × 2 + 1 factorial design consisting of three inoculants (Azospirillum brasilense, Bacillus sp. isolate EB-40, and Bacillus sp. isolate EB-40 + A. brasilense mixture), two application methods (seed and foliar spray), and controls. The MIX conjugate inoculation significantly increased plant height in all three harvests, with gains of 57%. At 60 and 90 days, MIX increased the number of tillers by 47% and the number of leaves by 61% compared to other treatments in all harvests. MIX also increased shoot dry mass in the second and third harvests, with improvements of 57–60% compared to the control. MIX improved the quantum efficiency of photosystem II and the ratio between variable and maximum chlorophyll fluorescence. Maximum fluorescence (Fm) was 11% higher in MIX-treated plants compared to the control, indicating increased potential photosynthesis. Variable fluorescence (Fv) efficiency improved by 22% for inoculation with A. brasilense and Bacillus sp. Our study reveals that A. brasilense plus the Bacillus sp. isolate EB-40 (MIX) has the potential to improve the resilience and productivity of U. brizantha.
Dynamic Modeling for Prediction of Amino Acid Requirements in Broiler Diets
Authors: Wang Guangju , Zhao Xin , Xu Mengjie , Huang Zhenwu , Feng Jinghai , Zhang Minhong
Published: December 2024

Accurate prediction of amino acid requirements in fast-growing broilers is crucial for cost-effective diet formulation and reducing nitrogen excretion to mitigate environmental impact. This study developed a dynamic model to predict standardized ileal digestible amino acid requirements throughout broiler growth using a factorial approach and the comparative slaughter technique, considering maintenance, growth, and gender factors. The model was based on an experiment were designed using 480 15-day-old Arbor Acres chickens randomly assigned to 10 groups. A linear equation was derived using established growth and protein deposition curves to calculate maintenance and growth coefficients. Models for five essential amino acids under different amino-acid-to-protein ratios were created (R2 > 0.70). The model effectively estimated daily amino acid needs and specific time intervals. Comparisons with NRC (1994), BTPS (2011), and Arbor Acres manual (2018) showed higher predicted requirements for lysine, methionine, valine, and threonine than Arbor Acres (2018) and BTPS (2011), significantly exceeding NRC (1994). Arginine predictions aligned with BTPS in early stages, but were slightly lower in later stages. This supports the further development of dynamic amino acid models.
Sustainable Agriculture Through Agricultural Waste Management: A Comprehensive Review of Composting’s Impact on Soil Health in Moroccan Agricultural Ecosystems
Authors: Oueld Lhaj Majda , Moussadek Rachid , Zouahri Abdelmjid , Sanad Hatim , Saafadi Laila , Mdarhri Alaoui Meriem , Mouhir Latifa
Published: December 2024

Agricultural activities generate substantial quantities of waste, which are often relegated to landfills or incineration. However, these residues can be effectively valorized through composting, which transforms them into valuable organic fertilizers (OF). Composting agricultural waste (AW) mitigates environmental impacts and offers significant benefits in enhancing soil fertility and productivity. This practice is particularly beneficial in regions with low soil fertility and degraded land, where compost can improve soil health and productivity. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the literature on the valorization of AW through composting, focusing on its environmental, agricultural, and economic impacts on soil health, especially in Morocco’s agricultural ecosystems. It synthesizes findings from studies published over the past two decades to offer critical insights and recommendations for optimizing composting practices. By systematically evaluating, this review highlights composting as a pivotal strategy for enhancing soil health, reducing environmental impact, and promoting sustainable AW management. Future research is essential to explore opportunities for optimizing the composting process, including content enhancement and processing duration. In summary, the composting process can be seen as an effective and sustainable solution that fits within the principles of circular economy (CE) and that requires careful evaluation and ongoing monitoring.
Optimization Design and Test Analysis of Rice Electric Binder Knotter Based on ADAMS
Authors: Bao Difa , Wang Jufei , Liang Zhi , Chen Chongcheng , Weng Wuxiong , Zheng Shuhe , Ren Jinbo
Published: December 2024

The knotter, as a core module for the knotting function of a rice electric binder, has structural parameters and spatial configurations that significantly impact the efficiency and quality of rice collection, making the in-depth analysis and optimization of these parameters, and their spatial relationships, crucial for enhancing the operational quality of the rice electric binder. At present, rice binders still face the issues of a low bundling efficiency and quality, which affect the progress of rice harvesting during the harvest season. Through theoretical analysis and calculation, this study determined the main parameters affecting the knotter’s knotting process and their value ranges. Based on the ADAMS software, a simulation model of the knotter operation was constructed. Using the Box–Behnken design (BBD) method and response surface analysis of variance, a regression prediction model for knotter operation evaluation indicators was established, and the multi-objective optimization of the knotter’s operation quality was performed. The prediction results showed that, under the optimal structural parameter combination of a 30.23° angle between the knotting pincer and rope guard axes, a −3.75 mm rope clamping board position, and a 40.75° inclination angle of the knotting pincer convex platform, the knotter’s knotting quality reached the best state, with an average knot end protrusion of 9.10 mm and a maximum tension of 134.25 N on the knotting rope. The field tests results showed an average knot end protrusion of 9.60 mm and a maximum tension of 127.87 N on the knotting rope, with average relative errors of 5.82% and 4.72% compared to the theoretical values, respectively. After optimizing the knotter, the average knot end protrusion increased by 14.48% and the maximum tension of the knot rope was reduced by 11.27%. Meanwhile, the knotter achieved an average bundling rate as high as 99.3%. The bundling success rate also increased by 2.7%. These results fully verify the reliability and accuracy of the regression model, and demonstrate the reasonableness of the knotter structural parameter optimization design, providing a theoretical basis and reference for improving the operational quality of the rice electric binder.
Foliar Spraying with Endophytic Trichoderma Biostimulant Increases Drought Resilience of Maize and Sunflower
Authors: Csótó András , Tóth György , Riczu Péter , Zabiák Andrea , Tarjányi Vera , Fekete Erzsébet , Karaffa Levente , Sándor Erzsébet
Published: December 2024

Microbial biostimulants that promote plant growth and abiotic stress tolerance are promising alternatives to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Although Trichoderma fungi are known biocontrol agents, their biostimulatory potential has been scarcely studied in field conditions. Here, the mixture of two endophytic Trichoderma strains (Trichoderma afroharzianum TR04 and Trichoderma simmonsii TR05) was tested as biostimulant in the form of foliar spray on young (BBCH 15-16) maize (5.7 ha) and sunflower (5.7 and 11.3 ha) fields in Hungary. The stimulatory effect was characterized by changes in plant height, the number of viable leaves, and the chlorophyll content, combined with yield sensor collected harvest data. In all trials, the foliar treatment with Trichoderma spores increased photosynthetic potential: the number of viable leaves increased by up to 6.7% and the SPAD index by up to 19.1% relative to the control. In extreme drought conditions, maize yield was doubled (from 0.587 to 1.62 t/ha, p < 0.001). The moisture content of the harvested seeds, as well as sunflower height, consistently increased post-treatment. We concluded that foliar spraying of young plants with well-selected endophytic Trichoderma strains can stimulate growth, photosynthesis, and drought tolerance in both monocot maize and dicots sunflower crops in field conditions.
Physio-Biochemical Mechanisms of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Enhancing Plant Resistance to Abiotic Stress
Authors: Sun Dandi , Shang Xiaoqian , Cao Hanwen , Lee Soon-Jae , Wang Li , Gan Yantai , Feng Shoujiang
Published: December 2024

Agricultural innovations in the past decades have addressed the mounting challenges of food, feed, and biofuel security. However, the overreliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture has exacerbated biodiversity loss, environmental degradation, and soil health deterioration. Leveraging beneficial soil microorganisms, particularly arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, offers an emerging solution to reduce dependence on synthetic agrochemicals in crop production. Understanding the mechanisms can help maximize AM fungi’s benefits in response to abiotic stresses. In this review, we explore the main mechanisms of AM fungi in promoting soil nutrient mobilization and uptake, increasing water absorption, stimulating antioxidative enzyme activities, altering morphophysiological structure, and performing hormonal crosstalk when mycorrhizal plants face an abiotic stressor. Also, we highlight the necessity of innovating practical ways to cope with variations in AM fungal species, diversity in host species, soil, and environmental conditions, as well as difficulties in mass multiplication for commercialization. Understanding the mechanisms and limitations may help explore the biofertilizer potential of AM fungal symbiosis, benefiting crop production while addressing the environment and soil health issues.
A Dual-Source Energy Balance Model Coupled with Jarvis Canopy Resistance for Estimating Surface Evapotranspiration in Arid and Semi-Arid Regions
Authors: Zhang Qiutong , Kong Jinling , Wang Lizheng , Wang Xixuan , Zhang Zaiyong , Jiang Yizhu , Zhong Yanling
Published: December 2024

Soil moisture is one of the main factors influencing evapotranspiration (ET) under soil water stress conditions. The TSEBSM model used soil moisture to constrain soil evaporation. However, the transpiration schemes constrained by soil moisture require greater physical realism and the soil evaporation schemes parameters usually need calibration. In this study, the TSEBSM model was enhanced by incorporating Jarvis’s canopy resistance which considered the influence of soil moisture on transpiration schemes. We assessed the new model (TSEBSM+) in the Heihe and Haihe basins of China. The TSEBSM+ model displayed a consistency to the TSEB in the ET estimation at the A’rou site, but approximately 30% and 35% reductions in RMSEs at the Huazhaizi and Huailai sites. It produced approximately 20% and 10% of the reductions in the ET RMSEs at the Huailai and A’rou sites compared to the TSEBSM model, but had a similar performance at the Huazhaizi site. Moreover, the TSEBSM+ model estimated ET in the Heihe River Basin with an RMSE of 0.58 mm·day−1, and it was sensitive to the soil moisture, particularly when the soil moisture was below 30%. In conjunction to soil moisture, the TSEBSM+ model could potentially be a more effective tool for monitoring the ET.
Challenges and Solutions for Small Dairy Farms in the U.S.: A Review
Authors: Jafri Syed H. , Adnan K. M. Mehedi , Baimbill Johnson Stefan , Talukder Anzalin Ali , Yu Mark , Osei Edward
Published: December 2024

Small-sized dairy farms (SSDFs) are integral to the agricultural landscape, providing economic, social, and environmental benefits to rural communities. However, they face growing challenges, including market volatility, rising production costs, labor shortages, and complex regulatory demands. This review synthesizes the current literature on the economic and environmental obstacles confronting SSDFs and explores strategies to enhance their sustainability and competitiveness. Key barriers include limited access to capital, high feed and energy expenses, and difficulties in adopting new technologies due to financial constraints. SSDFs also struggle to compete with larger farms benefiting from economies of scale and increased market power. Potential solutions include strengthening cooperative models, implementing diversification strategies, and leveraging policy support for targeted financial assistance and technology adoption. Case studies of successful SSDFs show that transitioning to organic production, adopting climate-smart techniques, and focusing on niche markets can significantly improve profitability and resilience. This review emphasizes the need for tailored policy frameworks, innovative financial models, and collaboration among stakeholders to support SSDFs. Future research should prioritize understanding SSDF-specific financial dynamics, assessing the cost-effectiveness of technology adoption, and developing strategies to enhance market access and long-term sustainability in the U.S. dairy sector.
The Adoption of Sustainable Farming Practices by Smallholder Crop Farmers: Micro-Level Evidence from North-Eastern South Africa
Authors: Sithole Ally , Olorunfemi Oluwasogo David
Published: December 2024

Sustainable farming practices (SFPs) are often touted as vehicles for improving crop productivity and the livelihoods of many rural households. However, SFP’s adoption rates remain persistently low, especially among smallholder farmers in many rural parts of developing countries. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the adoption of SFPs amongst smallholder crop farmers in Mbombela, South Africa. A simple random sampling procedure was employed to collect data from 294 farmers who were solely specializing in crop production. The data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and the analysis was performed with descriptive statistics. A multivariate probit model was adopted to determine the socio-economic determinants of adopting SFPs. The findings of this study confirm that SFPs are essential for addressing the abiotic and biophysical challenges that impede crop productivity, as farmers view these practices as highly beneficial in their farming activities. Also, the results reveal that crop rotation was the most adopted practice, whereas intercropping and conservation tillage were the least adopted practices in the surveyed area. Furthermore, the study showed that “gender, years of education, off-farm income, annual income, marital status, and satisfaction with extension services” were significant socio-economic attributes that do indeed influence the adoption of SFPs by smallholder crop farmers in the surveyed area. These findings underscore the need for the Ministry of Agriculture and rural development stakeholders to address issues relating to economic incentives, improve farmers’ perception of SFPs, provide financial literacy and support programs, and intensify efforts to promote underutilized practices.
Biochar: An Option to Maintain Rice Yield and Mitigate Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Rice Fields in Northeast China
Authors: Dong Wenjun , Danso Frederick , Tang Ao , Zhang Jun , Liu Youhong , Meng Ying , Zhang Xijuan , Wang Lizhi , Yang Zhongliang
Published: December 2024

Crop production is heavily dependent on fertilizers that negatively impact the environment; therefore, research on biochar to improve the soil’s properties and reduce greenhouse gas emissions has intensified over the years. To elucidate rice yield and greenhouse gas emission (GHG) arising from the application of biochar and N fertilizer on paddy soil in Northeast China, a 3-year (2015–2017) field experiment was established. Adopting a split-plot design with three replicates, two nitrogen (N) fertilizer levels in the main plots were designated as follows: 120 kg N ha−1 (N1, 2/3 of N application rate for optimal local rice yield); 180 kg N ha−1 (N2, full N application rate for optimal local rice yield); and four biochar application rates of no biochar (C0, control); 1.0 t ha−1 biochar (C1); 1.5 t ha−1 biochar (C2); and 2.0 t ha−1 biochar (C3) were designated as sub-treatments. The results showed that in 2015, biochar amendment increased GHG emissions while between 2016 and 2017, biochar amendment of 1.5 t ha−1 decreased CH4 emissions, global warming potential (GWP), and greenhouse gasses intensity (GHGI) by 11.3%, 10.9%, and 17.0%, respectively. On average, for the years 2016 and 2017, the N2O fluxes were 17.0% lower in the N2 plots compared to the N1 plots. Biochar amendment of 1.5 t ha−1 recorded an 8.6% increase in rice yield compared to the control. The soil properties of the study site showed that biochar amendment of 1, 1.5, and 2 t ha−1 augmented soil organic matter by 3.3%, 5.3%, and 5.2%, respectively, and soil phosphorus availability by 6.4%, 11.2%, and 22.6%, respectively. The co-application of biochar at 1.5 t ha−1 and 180 kg N ha−1 effectively regulated GHG emissions while maintaining crop yield. Appropriate co-application of biochar with N fertilizer can be adopted for emission reduction and rice yield maintenance while maintaining soil fertility in Northeast China.
The Application of Kitchen Waste Changed the Community Structure and Composition of AOA and AOB by Affecting the pH and Soil Organic Carbon of Red Soil
Authors: Zhang Donghui , Chen Wen , Wen Changtao , Hou Zheng , Wang Keqin , Song Yali
Published: December 2024

To investigate the effects of kitchen waste on the chemical properties of acidic red soil and the community structure of ammonia–oxidizing archaea (AOA) and ammonia–oxidizing bacteria (AOB), a study was conducted in the flue–cured tobacco farmland ecosystem of the Erlongtan small watershed in central Yunnan. Eight fertilization methods were applied: no fertilization control CK, single application of chemical fertilizer T1 (1 t·hm−2), kitchen waste combined with a chemical fertilizer (T2:12 t·hm−2 + 1 t·hm−2, T3:15 t·hm−2 + 1 t·hm−2, T4:18 t·hm−2 + 1 t·hm−2), and single application of kitchen waste (T5:12 t·hm−2, T6:15 t·hm−2, T7:18 t·hm−2). The numbers twelve, fifteen, and eighteen in brackets represent the amount of food waste applied, and one represents the amount of chemical fertilizer applied. The study evaluated the effects of kitchen waste on soil chemical properties, the community structure and composition of AOA and AOB, and the relationship between soil chemical properties and these microbial communities in acidic red soil. The results showed that: (1) single application of kitchen waste (T5, T6, T7) effectively improved soil nutrient status (SOC increased by 15.79–217.24%; TN increased by 1.53–92.99%; NH4+–N increased by 18.19–520.74%; NO3−–N) increased by 15.54–750.61%), and alleviated acidification. (2) Temporal variations had a more significant effect on the community structure of AOA and AOB than different treatments. The dominant phyla of AOA were Thaumarchaeota, Crenarchaeot. The dominant phylum of AOB was Proteobacteria, and the dominant genera were Nitrosospira and norank_Bacteri. (3) The number of AOA co–occurrence network nodes were equivalent to that of AOB, but AOB had more connection edges, indicating a more complex interaction network. In contrast, AOA exhibited higher modularity, reflecting tighter internal connections and greater stability. The AOA co–occurrence network showed stronger performance during the maturity and fallow stages, while AOB interactions were most active during the topping stage. (4) AOA demonstrated a strong correlation with soil chemical properties during the topping and maturity stages, whereas AOB showed a stronger correlation at the rosette and fallow stages. Among soil chemical factors, pH and SOC were identified as the primary drivers influencing AOA and AOB community abundance and structural differentiation. In conclusion, kitchen waste application enhances the nutrient content of acidic red soil and influences the niche differentiation of AOA and AOB, thereby affecting nitrogen recycling. This approach represents an environmentally friendly and sustainable fertilization method.
LeafDPN: An Improved DPN Model for the Identification of Bacterial Blight in Soybean in Natural Environments
Authors: Cong Rui , Xu Ying , Su Hao , Zhou Jiaying , Hu Yuxi , Xin Dawei , Chen Qingshan , Zhu Rongsheng , Song Shuang
Published: December 2024

Bacterial blight of soybean (BBS), caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea, is one of the most devastating diseases in soybean with significant yield losses ranging from 4% to 40%. The timely detection of BBS is the foundation for disease control. However, traditional identification methods are inefficient and rely heavily on expert knowledge. Existing automated approaches have not achieved high accuracy in natural environments and often require advanced equipment and extensive training, limiting their practicality and adaptability. To overcome these challenges, we propose LeafDPN, an improved Dual-Path Network model enhanced with Vision Transformer blocks in the forward propagation function and SE blocks in the ConvBNLayer. These enhancements improved the model’s accuracy, receptive field, and feature expression capabilities. Experiments conducted on a self-constructed dataset of 864 expert-labeled images across three disease types demonstrated that LeafDPN achieved a 98.96% identification accuracy and the shorted iteration time in just 24 epochs. It outperformed 14 baseline models like HRNet and EfficientNet in terms of accuracy, training efficiency, and resource consumption. In addition, the proposed LeafDPN model has the potential to be applied in the identification of other plant diseases based on available datasets.