bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The cost of protecting resources: a cross-sectional study on the interaction between LMX and role ambiguity on work addiction and burnout among Canadian first-level healthcare managers
Authors: Maisonneuve Francis , Groulx Patrick , Galy Anaïs , Chênevert Denis , Cossette Michel
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Using the conservation of resources (COR) theory, our study explores the interaction between role ambiguity and leader-member exchange (LMX) quality on burnout using work addiction as a mediator among Canadian first-level healthcare managers.

Methods

Cross-sectional data was collected among 165 first-level managers working in healthcare with the support of interprofessional associations in Canada. Linear regression was used to test the presented hypotheses.

Results

Work addiction fully mediated the positive relationship between role ambiguity and burnout among first-level managers. In addition, high LMX exacerbated both the direct and indirect effects of role ambiguity.

Conclusion

Our study contributes by identifying role ambiguity as a context under which LMX can have adverse effects for first-level managers in healthcare. Moreover, work addiction acted as a mediator, theorized as a risky resource investment which depletes managers’ resources. Having a good relationship with their team further entices managers to develop a pathological relationship with their work to protect its members, which in turn is related to higher levels of burnout.
The utility of PET imaging in depression
Authors: Singh Shashi B. , Tiwari Atit , Katta Maanya R. , Kafle Riju , Ayubcha Cyrus , Patel Krishna H. , Bhattarai Yash , Werner Thomas J. , Alavi Abass , Revheim Mona-Elisabeth
Published: April 2024

This educational review article aims to discuss growing evidence from PET studies in the diagnosis and treatment of depression. PET has been used in depression to explore the neurotransmitters involved, the alterations in neuroreceptors, non-neuroreceptor targets (e.g., microglia and astrocytes), the severity and duration of the disease, the pharmacodynamics of various antidepressants, and neurobiological mechanisms of non-pharmacological therapies like psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, and deep brain stimulation therapy, by showing changes in brain metabolism and receptor and non-receptor targets. Studies have revealed alterations in neurotransmitter systems such as serotonin, dopamine, GABA, and glutamate, which are linked to the pathophysiology of depression. Overall, PET imaging has furthered the neurobiological understanding of depression. Despite these advancements, PET findings have not yet led to significant changes in evidence-based practices. Addressing the reasons behind inconsistencies in PET imaging results, conducting large sample size studies with a more standardized methodological approach, and investigating further the genetic and neurobiological aspects of depression may better leverage PET imaging in future studies.
Evaluator’s alignment as an important indicator of adequacy of the criteria and assessment procedure for recognizing the good practice in public health
Authors: Vinko Matej , Lesnik Tina , Radoš Krnel Sandra
Published: April 2024

Background

Public health interventions aim to reduce the burden of chronic non-communicable diseases. Implementing evidence-based interventions that are proven to be successful and effective is widely recognized as the best approach to addressing public health challenges. To avoid the development and implementation of less effective or successful or even harmful practices, clear criteria for the assessment of practices, that consider different dimensions of the interventions in public health, are needed. The main aim of the research was to test our Criteria and assessment procedure for recognizing good practices in the field of public health by estimating the consistency between the evaluators and thereby gaining insight into the adequacy and reliability of the criteria as well as to check how the evaluators understand the criteria and methodology and if it is properly used in assessing the interventions.

Methods

The assessment of the interventions took place from 2021 to 2022. The individual evaluator’s scores on the scale from 1 to 5 for each specific sub-criterion were collected, which was followed by a panel discussion to reach a final score for each sub-criterion. The inter-rater agreement was measured using percent overall agreement and Fleiss’ kappa coefficient.

Results

We found moderate inter-rater agreement on the level of the assessment criteria group. The lowest agreement was observed for the effectiveness and efficiency sub-criteria group, which also received the lowest scores from the evaluators. Challenges identified with the scoring process were due to the descriptive 1 to 5 scale and the varying specificity of the criteria.

Conclusion

The results showed that studying consistency between evaluators can highlight areas for improvement or adjustment in the assessment criteria and enhance the quality of the assessment instrument. Therefore, such analysis would be useful part of both newly and well-established health promotion and prevention program registries.
Case report: Tenecteplase for acute ischemic stroke after heparin reversal
Authors: Desai Manali , Fahad Ameen , Anderson Kristi , Erdman Michael , Silliman Scott
Published: April 2024

Intravenous thrombolysis can be administered to appropriate patients with suspected acute ischemic strokes who are on intravenous heparin infusions after its rapid reversal with protamine sulfate. Several case reports suggest the safety of tissue-type plasminogen activator, or alteplase, in these scenarios. Noting the increasing preferential use of tenecteplase over alteplase for intravenous thrombolysis of acute ischemic stroke, the safe and efficacious use of tenecteplase following heparin reversal has not been demonstrated in the literature. Our case demonstrates successful use of intravenous tenecteplase in a patient who was anticoagulated with therapeutic heparin. The patient had no hemorrhagic complications and had an excellent neurological outcome.
NeoRdRp2 with improved seed data, annotations, and scoring
Authors: Sakaguchi Shoichi , Nakano Takashi , Nakagawa So
Published: April 2024

RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is a marker gene for RNA viruses; thus, it is widely used to identify RNA viruses from metatranscriptome data. However, because of the high diversity of RdRp domains, it remains difficult to identify RNA viruses using RdRp sequences. To overcome this problem, we created a NeoRdRp database containing 1,182 hidden Markov model (HMM) profiles utilizing 12,502 RdRp domain sequences. Since the development of this database, more RNA viruses have been discovered, mainly through metatranscriptome sequencing analyses. To identify RNA viruses comprehensively and specifically, we updated the NeoRdRp by incorporating recently reported RNA viruses. To this end, 557,197 RdRp-containing sequences were used as seed RdRp datasets. These sequences were processed through deduplication, clustering, alignment, and splitting, thereby generating 19,394 HMM profiles. We validated the updated NeoRdRp database, using the UniProtKB dataset and found that the recall and specificity rates were improved to 99.4% and 81.6%, from 97.2% and 76.8% in the previous version, respectively. Comparisons of eight different RdRp search tools showed that NeoRdRp2 exhibited balanced RdRp and nonspecific detection power. Expansion of the annotated RdRp datasets is expected to further accelerate the discovery of novel RNA viruses from various transcriptome datasets. The HMM profiles of NeoRdRp2 and their annotations are available at https://github.com/shoichisakaguchi/NeoRdRp.
The Impact of Globalization on Innovative Public Procurement: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Manta Otilia , Mansi Egla
Published: April 2024

Incorporating circular economy principles into forward-thinking public procurement strategies enhances sustainability through the promotion of resource efficiency, sustainable sourcing, and extended producer responsibility. This approach not only encourages innovation and collaboration among suppliers but also drives the development of solutions aligned with circular economy goals. The ultimate result is a more cost-effective and environmentally friendly outcome in procurement. This article seeks to investigate the intersection of circular economy principles within the framework of an innovative public procurement system. The study explores the influence of globalization on this innovative public procurement paradigm, addressing both the challenges and opportunities inherent in the process. The study conceptualizes Innovative Public Procurement (IPP) as a strategic approach where public entities acquire goods, services, works, and utilities, emphasizing an optimal balance between price and quality. The central goal is to generate innovative benefits for both entities and society, all while minimizing adverse environmental effects. Employing traditional research methods, including the monographic method, document analysis, and comparison, the study illustrates how public procurement practices can be opened to innovators, including start-ups and innovative SMEs. The findings shed light on the challenges faced by these entities in navigating the procurement landscape, while emphasizing the potential opportunities arising from the synergy between innovative procurement practices and the circular economy. By adopting a holistic perspective that considers the full lifecycle costs and environmental impacts of goods and services, procurement decisions can prioritize options offering superior long-term value. This contributes to the broader transition towards a circular economy, effectively minimizing adverse effects on the environment...
Sensitivity Analysis for Design Parameters of Electric Tilt-Rotor Aircraft
Authors: Wang Yu , Ma Wenyuan , Chen Zhaolin
Published: April 2024

In recent years, there has been rapid development in electric aircraft, particularly electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, as part of efforts to promote green aviation. During the conceptual design stage, it is crucial to select appropriate values for key parameters and conduct sensitivity analysis on these parameters. This study focuses on an electric tilt-rotor aircraft and proposes a performance analysis method for electric aircraft while developing a general design tool specifically for this type of aircraft. Subsequently, the impact of wing incidence angle, sweep angle, span, propeller solidity, battery-specific energy, and battery mass on range, maximum takeoff weight, and hover power are analyzed. The results show that the battery mass, wingspan, and wingtip chord length have great effects on the maximum takeoff weight; among these, battery mass had the greatest influence. In terms of range, the battery energy density has a great positive effect on range, while the increase in wing angle of incidence, wingtip chord length and battery mass have some negative effects on range.
A Resilient Approach to a Test Rig Setup in the Qualification of a Tilt Rotor Carbon Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Wing
Authors: Vitale Pasquale , Diodati Gianluca , Orlando Salvatore , Timbrato Francesco , Miano Mario , Chiariello Antonio , Belardo Marika
Published: April 2024

The evolution of aircraft wing development has seen significant progress since the early days of aviation, with static testing emerging as a crucial aspect for ensuring safety and reliability. This study focused specifically on the engineering phase of static testing for the Clean Sky 2 T-WING project, which is dedicated to testing the innovative composite wing of the Next-Generation Civil Tiltrotor Technology Demonstrator. During the design phase, critical load cases were identified through shear force/bending moment (SFBM) and failure mode analyses. To qualify the wing, an engineering team designed a dedicated test rig equipped with hydraulic jacks to mirror the SFBM diagrams. Adhering to specifications and geometric constraints due to several factors, the jacks aimed to minimize the errors (within 5%) in replicating the diagrams. An effective algorithm, spanning five phases, was employed to pinpoint the optimal configuration. This involved analyzing significant components, conducting least square linear optimizations, selecting solutions that met the directional constraints, analyzing the Pareto front solutions, and evaluating the external jack forces. The outcome was a test rig setup with a viable set of hydraulic jack forces, achieving precise SFBM replication on the wing with minimal jacks and overall applied forces.
Agile Stage-Gate Approach for Design, Integration, and Testing of a 1U CubeSat
Authors: García-Sánchez Enrique Rafael , Vargas-Martínez Héctor Simón , Candia-García Filiberto , Contreras-Lima Joel
Published: April 2024

Life cycle stages are very important for the aerospace industry. Many models have emerged for handling the processes within and across the development of new products. Developing CubeSat-based missions has shortened the required time and has reduced expenses. However, the lack of strategic planning in the design, integration, and testing of product development models has been highlighted as one of the key issues contributing to failures. The objective of this study is to propose a new hybrid model for the physical development of a product using an Agile Stage-Gate methodology focused on a 1U CubeSat (AztechSat-1). This study aims to explain the full process throughout the project timeline from conceptualization to execution. The benefits of such a model include ensuring adaptive responses to not only improve technical integration but also allow the successful validation and verification of a nanosatellite. Our theoretical approach articulates an in-depth understanding of Agile Stage-Gate methodology through experience obtained from experts and team members. Our analysis supports the expected benefits of the iterative process at every stage. Through this approach, product development could benefit from reduced times and better innovations. Nevertheless, there are also drawbacks to this method. The requirements of greater human effort, more frequent demonstrations, and a constant review process have negative impacts. Additionally, particular modifications must be made for each area of research. For educational purposes, the initial results seem to be encouraging.
Effects of Particle Size Distribution on the Physicochemical, Functional, and Structural Properties of Alfalfa Leaf Powder
Authors: Lai Sitong , Cui Qingliang , Sun Yuanlin , Liu Rui , Niu Yajie
Published: April 2024

To explore the effects of particle size distribution on its physicochemical, functional, and structural properties, alfalfa leaf powders with mean particle sizes (D50) of 506.1, 246.3, 209.8, 92.01, and 20.68 μm were prepared by sieving. The physicochemical, functional, and structural properties of alfalfa were compared, and correlation and principal component analyses were conducted. As the D50 of alfalfa leaf decreased, the bulk density, tap density, and the swelling capacity increased first and then decreased, but the compressibility, transition temperature, and melting temperature exhibited an opposite trend. The solubility, lightness, and inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzymes and tyrosinase were enhanced. Specifically, the alfalfa leaf with a D50 of 209.8 μm exhibited a higher bulk density and swelling capacity and a lower compressibility, transition temperature, and melting temperature. The alfalfa leaf with a D50 of 20.68 μm presented better solubility, lightness, and inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzymes and tyrosinase. Additionally, the surface roughness and the number of surface hydroxyls improved and the crystallinity index decreased, but the type of surface functional groups was unchanged. These changes in microstructure can provide an explanation for the trend of the physicochemical and functional properties. Moreover, based on the results of the correlation analysis and principal component analysis, it can be concluded that there are strong correlations among the particle size, physicochemical properties, and functional properties of alfalfa leaf. Overall, this conclusion can help determine the appropriate grinding particle size range for alfalfa leaf in different functional food products.
Design and Test of Disturbed Fertilizer Strip-Ejection Device with Vertical Pendulum Bar Based on Discrete Element Method
Authors: Chen Lintao , Deng Xiangwu , Liu Zhaoxiang , Mou Xiangwei , Ma Xu , Chen Rui
Published: April 2024

Fertilizer can improve the yield of crops per unit area, and uniform fertilizer discharge can improve the fertilizer utilization rate. Therefore, it is meaningful to improve the performance of fertilizer-discharge devices in order to improve the modernization level of crop field fertilizer management. To address the problems of operational smoothness, stability and poor uniformity of fertilizer discharge, and other difficult problems encountered with strip fertilizer-discharge devices, this study designs a disturbed fertilizer strip-discharge device with a vertical pendulum. The main factors affecting the performance of fertilizer discharge were the wedge angle of the push-disturbing main pendulum bar (PMPB), the inclination angle of the aided-stirring pendulum pick (APP), the flow gap of the pendulum bar (FGPB), and the operation frequency of the swing-rod combination (SRC). The discrete element method (DEM) was used to establish a simulation model of the fertilizer device to explore the influence of the main factors on the performance of fertilizer discharge, with the coefficient of variation (CV) of fertilizer discharge uniformity and fertilizer discharge accuracy (FDA) used as the evaluation indices. The results show that the factors affecting the CV of fertilizer discharge uniformity and FDA were, in order of priority, the operation frequency of the SRC, the FGPB, the wedge angle of the PMPB, and the inclination angle of the APP. The optimal parameters after rounding were as follows: the wedge angle of the PMPB was 45°, the inclination angle of the APP was 46°, the operation frequency of the SRC was 188 times/min, and the FGPB was 4.5 mm. At this point, the model predicted that the CV of fertilizer discharge uniformity would be 10.53%, and that the FDA would be 3.19%. Using the optimal parameters for bench test verification, it was found that the wedge angle of the PMPB was 45°, the inclination angle of the APP was 46°, the operation frequency of the SRC was 188 times/min, the FGPB was 4.5 mm, the CV of the uniformity of the fertilizer discharge was 11.06%, and the FDA was 3.51%. In the test, the fertilizer-discharge device was stable and had good adaptability to different fertilizers. The results of this study can provide a theoretical reference for the development of precision strip-fertilizer application devices.
Intercropping Industrial Hemp and Cowpea Enhances the Yield of Squash—A Pollinator-Dependent Crop
Authors: Dingha Beatrice N. , Mukoko Gilbert N. , Egbon Ikponmwosa N. , Jackai Louis E.
Published: April 2024

Cultural crop-production practices are not only engineered to minimize pest incidence but also improve resource use efficiency and increase the diversity of habitat for beneficial insects that provide pollination services. With the increasing cultivation of industrial hemp and the benefits associated with the cultivation of multiple crops, its integration into a polyculture cropping system remains to be evaluated. We intercropped two pollinator-attractive crops, hemp and cowpea, with squash, a pollinator-dependent crop, to evaluate the impact of pollinator abundance and diversity on crop yield. Intercropping significantly increased the overall abundance of pollinators with 79.1% recorded from the intercropping systems compared to 21.9% in the monocropping systems. Sweat bees and bumble bees were the most abundant bees, and Squash+Cowpea was the most diverse cropping system. Intercropping significantly increased the yield of squash with higher squash yield (155%) in Hemp+Squash and (161%) in Squash+Cowpea than in squash monocrop. Also, intercropping resulted in higher hemp yield (64%) in Hemp+Cowpea and (165%) in Hemp+Squash compared to hemp monocrop. This study demonstrated that agricultural systems such as intercropping that are designed to attract pollinators are much more productive by not only improving crop yield but also growers’ returns on investments.
AM-UNet: Field Ridge Segmentation of Paddy Field Images Based on an Improved MultiResUNet Network
Authors: Wu Xulong , Fang Peng , Liu Xing , Liu Muhua , Huang Peichen , Duan Xianhao , Huang Dakang , Liu Zhaopeng
Published: April 2024

In order to solve the problem of image boundary segmentation caused by the irregularity of paddy fields in southern China, a high-precision segmentation method based on the improved MultiResUNet model for paddy field mapping is proposed, combining the characteristics of paddy field scenes. We introduce the attention gate (AG) mechanism at the end of the encoder–decoder skip connections in the MultiResUNet model to generate the weights and highlight the response of the field ridge area, add an atrous spatial pyramid pooling (ASPP) module after the end of the encoder down-sampling, use an appropriate combination of expansion rates to improve the identification of small-scale edge details, use 1 × 1 convolution to improve the range of the sensory field after bilinear interpolation to increase the segmentation accuracy, and, thus, construct the AM-UNet paddy field ridge segmentation model. The experimental results show that the IoU, precision, and F1 value of the AM-UNet model are 88.74%, 93.45%, and 93.95%, respectively, and that inference time for a single image is 168ms, enabling accurate and real-time segmentation of field ridges in a complex paddy field environment. Thus, the AM-UNet model can provide technical support for the development of vision-based automatic navigation systems for agricultural machines.
Rice Yield Estimation Using Multi-Temporal Remote Sensing Data and Machine Learning: A Case Study of Jiangsu, China
Authors: Liu Zhangxin , Ju Haoran , Ma Qiyun , Sun Chengming , Lv Yuping , Liu Kaihua , Wu Tianao , Cheng Minghan
Published: April 2024

Effective estimation of crop yields at a regional scale holds significant importance in facilitating decision-making within the agricultural sector, thereby ensuring grain security. However, traditional ground-based measurement techniques suffer from inefficiencies, and there exists a need for a reliable, precise, and effective method for estimating regional rice yields. In this study, we employed four machine-learning techniques: partial least squares regression (PLSR), support vector regression (SVR), random forest regression (RFR), and back propagation neural network (BPNN). We combined these methods with multi-temporal rice NDVI (normalized difference vegetation index) data for rice yield estimation. Following an accuracy evaluation and a spatial analysis, the key findings of our study are as follows. (1) The RFR model emerged as the most accurate for rice yield estimation, achieving an R2 of 0.65, an RMSE of 388.79 kg/ha, and an rRMSE of 4.48%. While PLSR and SVR demonstrated comparable accuracy, they were both inferior to RFR. (2) Using the top seven predictors with the highest importance rankings as inputs for the RFR model (NDVI values on the 6th, 17th, 33rd, 44th, 71st, 90th, and 106th days after the rice transplanting stage) achieved comparable accuracy while reducing information redundancy. (3) The proposed model demonstrated good spatial applicability (MI = −0.03) for rice yield estimation in Jiangsu, China. (4) A high spatial resolution yearly rice yield dataset (1 km) spanning from 2001 to 2020 was generated using the proposed model and is accessible on the Zenodo database. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated the efficacy of combining multi-temporal remote sensing data with machine-learning techniques for accurate rice yield estimation, thereby aiding agricultural authorities and production enterprises in the timely formulation and refinement of cropping strategies and management policies for the ongoing season.
Solid-State Fermentation Using Bacillus licheniformis-Driven Changes in Composition, Viability and In Vitro Protein Digestibility of Oilseed Cakes
Authors: Rambu Dan , Dumitru Mihaela , Ciurescu Georgeta , Vamanu Emanuel
Published: April 2024

The solid-state fermentation (SSF) efficiency of Bacillus licheniformis ATCC 21424 (BL) on various agro-industrial by-products such as oilseed cakes [hemp (HSC), pumpkin (PSC), and flaxseed (FSC)] was evaluated by examining the nutritional composition, reducing sugars, and in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) for use in animal nutrition. SSF significantly decreased crude protein, along with changes in the total carbohydrates (p < 0.05) for all substrates fermented. An increase in crude fat for HSC (1.04%) and FSC (1.73%) was noted, vs. PSC, where the crude fat level was reduced (−3.53%). Crude fiber does not differ significantly between fermented and nonfermented oilseed cakes (p > 0.05). After fermentation, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) significantly increased for HSC and FSC (p < 0.05), as well as for PSC despite the small increase in ADF (4.46%), with a notable decrease in NDF (−10.25%). During fermentation, pH shifted toward alkalinity, and after drying, returned to its initial levels for all oilseed cakes with the exception of PSC, which maintained a slight elevation. Further, SSF with BL under optimized conditions (72 h) increases the reducing sugar content for FSC (to 1.46%) and PSC (to 0.89%), compared with HSC, where a reduction in sugar consumption was noted (from 1.09% to 0.55%). The viable cell number reached maximum in the first 24 h, followed by a slowly declining phase until the end of fermentation (72 h), accompanied by an increase in sporulation and spore production. After 72 h, a significant improvement in water protein solubility for HSC and FSC was observed (p < 0.05). The peptide content (mg/g) for oilseed cakes fermented was improved (p < 0.05). Through gastro-intestinal simulation, the bacterial survivability rate accounted for 90.2%, 101.5%, and 85.72% for HSC, PSC, and FSC. Additionally, IVPD showed significant improvements compared to untreated samples, reaching levels of up to 65.67%, 58.94%, and 80.16% for HSC, PSC, and FSC, respectively. This research demonstrates the advantages of oilseed cake bioprocessing by SSF as an effective approach in yielding valuable products with probiotic and nutritional properties suitable for incorporation into animal feed.
High-Throughput Phenotyping: Application in Maize Breeding
Authors: Resende Ewerton Lélys , Bruzi Adriano Teodoro , Cardoso Everton da Silva , Carneiro Vinícius Quintão , Pereira de Souza Vitório Antônio , Frois Correa Barros Paulo Henrique , Pereira Raphael Rodrigues
Published: April 2024

In breeding programs, the demand for high-throughput phenotyping is substantial as it serves as a crucial tool for enhancing technological sophistication and efficiency. This advanced approach to phenotyping enables the rapid and precise measurement of complex traits. Therefore, the objective of this study was to estimate the correlation between vegetation indices (VIs) and grain yield and to identify the optimal timing for accurately estimating yield. Furthermore, this study aims to employ photographic quantification to measure the characteristics of corn ears and establish their correlation with corn grain yield. Ten corn hybrids were evaluated in a Complete Randomized Block (CRB) design with three replications across three locations. Vegetation and green leaf area indices were estimated throughout the growing cycle using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and were subsequently correlated with grain yield. The experiments consistently exhibited high levels of experimental quality across different locations, characterized by both high accuracy and low coefficients of variation. The experimental quality was consistently significant across all sites, with accuracy ranging from 79.07% to 95.94%. UAV flights conducted at the beginning of the crop cycle revealed a positive correlation between grain yield and the evaluated vegetation indices. However, a positive correlation with yield was observed at the V5 vegetative growth stage in Lavras and Ijaci, as well as at the V8 stage in Nazareno. In terms of corn ear phenotyping, the regression coefficients for ear width, length, and total number of grains (TNG) were 0.92, 0.88, and 0.62, respectively, demonstrating a strong association with manual measurements. The use of imaging for ear phenotyping is promising as a method for measuring corn components. It also enables the identification of the optimal timing to accurately estimate corn grain yield, leading to advancements in the agricultural imaging sector by streamlining the process of estimating corn production.
Comparison of Juvenile Development of Maize and Sorghum in Six Temperate Soil Types under Extreme Water Regimes
Authors: Somfalvi-Tóth Katalin , Hoffmann Richárd , Jócsák Ildikó , Pitz András , Keszthelyi Sándor
Published: April 2024

Climate change requires the introduction of alternative crops in certain temperate areas due to the warmer and drier growing seasons. Maize, one of the most important crops, is projected to become less tolerant of a drier climate. Therefore, it is necessary to find an alternative species that is less susceptible to environmental stressors. This study compared the germination, growth vigour, and stress tolerance of maize and sorghum grow in six types of soil under three water regimes. The results indicate that sorghum germination is faster and more uniform. The most significant differences in germination rates were found in chernozem (88.9% and 72.2% for sorghum and maize, respectively) and saline solonetz (74.4% and 63.3% for sorghum and maize, respectively). Maize exhibited higher growth vigour only in three cases, i.e., under solonetz–flooding, shifting sand–drought, and brown forest floor–flooding conditions. An ANOVA showed a significant difference between sorghum and maize stress conditions due to soil conditions and water availability (p < 0.0001). Sorghum can be a suitable alternative to maize, but only in areas with hot, dry periods and in areas where the soil is not too prone to waterlogging, regardless of its quality.
Starch Extraction Methods in Tubers and Roots: A Systematic Review
Authors: Dorantes-Fuertes María-Guadalupe , López-Méndez María Cristina , Martínez-Castellanos Gustavo , Meléndez-Armenta Roberto Ángel , Jiménez-Martínez Hugo-Emmanuel
Published: April 2024

Starch extraction from tubers and roots has long been an essential process, playing a crucial role in diverse industries ranging from alimentary to pharmacology. This review explores the different methods employed in starch extraction, including traditional techniques and the most innovative mechanical strategies. The methods show a good improvement in many aspects, such as an improvement in the efficiency of the process and an improvement in the yield, showing a value of 10.0–65.0% depending on the starch source. On the other hand, solvents such as NaOH are used in many mechanical processes for alkaline digestion to improve the extraction time. Ethanol and K2S2O5 concentrations of 0.5% and 0.8% were used to prevent oxidation and modify some properties of the extracted starch. The use of many solvents has improved the optimization of the processes, providing the final extracted starch with more advantages and better quality. However, using enzymes such as cellulase in new and innovative ways has provided more advantages and a better efficiency and yield than the other methods. Each method has its advantages and challenges, highlighting the importance of understanding the diversity of different approaches and their impact on the yield, sustainability, environmental considerations, and quality of the extracted starch. As the world looks for more ecological approaches, this review shows the importance of critically evaluating the yield, efficiency, and environmental implications of the extraction methods, providing us with more ways of evaluating the methods used for starch extraction. The ecological impact is a crucial point when evaluating the innovation of a new extraction process, which is why methods such as ultrasound and pulsed electric-field-assisted techniques have been proposed. These methods have been presented as sustainable techniques called green technologies, offering more approaches and different advantages than the other methods. This review intends to investigate the complexities and considerations of starch extraction, providing a solid basis for decision-making regarding starch extraction. In a time where sustainability and product quality are crucial elements of industrial strategy formulation, an in-depth understanding of these methods becomes imperative to the development of responsible practices and efficiency in starch extraction.
Enhanced Soil Carbon Stability through Alterations in Components of Particulate and Mineral-Associated Organic Matter in Reclaimed Saline–Alkali Drainage Ditches
Authors: Li Xiangrong , Gao Yang , Liu Zhen , Liu Jiabin
Published: April 2024

Soil carbon content and stability are primarily influenced by the stabilization of particulate organic matter (POM) and mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM). Despite extensive research on the stabilization processes of POM and MAOM carbon components under various land-use types, the investigation into stabilization processes of soil carbon remains limited in saline–alkali soils. Therefore, we collected soil samples from different positions of saline–alkali drainage ditches at four reclamation times (the first, seventh, fifteenth, and thirtieth year) to determine their carbon content and physicochemical properties. Moreover, POM and MAOM fractions were separated from soil samples, and Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) were used to investigate changes in their chemical composition. The results showed that with increasing reclamation time, the soil total carbon and soil organic carbon (SOC) contents significantly increased from 14 to 15 and 2.9 to 5.5 g kg−1, respectively. In contrast, soil inorganic carbon content significantly decreased from 11 to 9.6 g kg−1. Notably, the changes in soil carbon components following the increasing reclamation time were primarily observed in the furrow sole at a depth of 20–40 cm. While the SOC content of the POM fraction (SOCPOM) decreased significantly, the SOC content of the MAOM fraction (SOCMAOM) increased significantly. These alterations were largely dominated by drainage processes after reclamation instead of a possible conversion from SOCPOM to SOCMAOM. FTIR results revealed that MAOM was greatly influenced by the reclamation time more than POM was, but the change in both POM and MAOM contributed to an increase in soil carbon stability. Our findings will deepen the comprehension of soil carbon stabilization processes in saline–alkali drainage ditches after reclamation and offer a research framework to investigate the stability processes of soil carbon components via alterations in POM and MAOM fractions.
Genome-Wide Identification of Phytochrome-Interacting Factor (PIF) Gene Family in Potatoes and Functional Characterization of StPIF3 in Regulating Shade-Avoidance Syndrome
Authors: Han Yuwen , Yang Jiangwei , Zhang Ning , Gong Yating , Liu Mei , Qiao Run , Jiao Xinhong , Zhu Fengjiao , Li Xinxia , Si Huaijun
Published: April 2024

The phytochrome-interacting factor (PIF) proteins are part of a subfamily of basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH) transcription factors that integrate with phytochromes (PHYs) and are known to play important roles in adaptive changes in plant architecture. However, the characterization and function of PIFs in potatoes are currently poorly understood. In this study, we identified seven PIF members in potatoes and named them StPIF01-1, StPIF01-2, StPIF03, StPIF06-1, StPIF06-2, StPIF07, and StPIF09 based on their location in potato chromosomes. The chromosomal location, gene structures, physicochemical characteristics, phylogenetic tree, and tissue-specific expression of StPIFs were also analyzed. RT-qPCR analysis revealed that the StPIF3 gene was highly induced by shade and may play a crucial regulatory role in potato responses to shade stress. Also, multiple cis-regulatory elements involved in light response were detected in the promoter of the StPIF genes. Subcellular localization analysis indicated that the StPIF3-encoding protein is mainly localized in the nucleus. Transgenic overexpression of StPIF3 in potatoes increased stem length, chlorophyll accumulation, and enhanced shade-avoidance symptoms, whereas the StPIF3-interfering lines had a lower plant height and more chlorophyll accumulation. These findings enhance our comprehension of StPIF gene roles, potentially advancing potato yield and quality research. This study provides detailed information about StPIFs and identifies the function of StPIF3, which is involved in shade-avoidance syndrome.
CFD Analysis and Optimization of a Plastic Greenhouse with a Semi-Open Roof in a Tropical Area
Authors: Yin Haoran , Wang Kaiji , Zeng Jiadong , Pang Zhenzhen
Published: April 2024

A numerical simulation model of a natural ventilation greenhouse is helpful for improving the production and quality of greenhouse crops in tropical areas. Field experiments show that the mean coefficient of variation of indoor light intensity in four seasons was lower than 10.0%. The highest indoor temperature reached 39.3 °C during summer, while the average indoor temperature ranged from 24 °C to 26 °C in the other three seasons. The average relative humidity in the greenhouse ranged from 76% to 87% annually, which was higher and more stable than that in the external environment. A three-dimensional steady-state numerical model of the greenhouse was established based on computational fluid dynamics. Under natural ventilation conditions, the maximum error between the simulated value and the measured value of the temperature in each measuring point was 5.90%. And the average relative error between the simulated and measured values was 3.0% in the range of 0.7−1.5 m of crop cultivation height. Finally, a numerical simulation of adding side windows and expanding the vents was carried out. The results show that these methods can homogenize the airflow distribution in the greenhouse and improve the utilization efficiency of natural ventilation without more mechanical system operations.
The Influence of Three Commercial Soy Lecithin-Based Semen Extenders and Two Spermatozoa Concentrations on the Quality of Pre-Freeze and Post-Thaw Ram Epididymal Spermatozoa
Authors: Mujitaba Malam Abulbashar , Kútvölgyi Gabriella , Radnai Szentpáli Judit , Debnár Viktória Johanna , Tokár Alexandra , Vass Nóra , Bodó Szilárd
Published: April 2024

There are limited studies on the factors affecting the success of ram epididymal spermatozoa (REPS) cryopreservation. On this note, the current study assessed the influence of three commercial soy lecithin-based semen extenders, AndroMed® (AND), BioXcell® (BIO), and OviXcell® (OVI), and two concentrations (400 × 106 vs. 200 × 106 spermatozoa/mL) on the pre-freeze and post-thaw quality of REPS. The REPS were retrieved from nine adult rams’ testes and diluted with each of the three extenders to both concentrations. Straws were frozen manually. Standard motility (SMP) and kinematic parameters (KPs) were assessed via a CASA, while spermatozoa viability, morphology, and acrosomal integrity were assessed via the Kovács–Foote staining technique. The concentration did not significantly affect the pre-freeze and post-thaw SMP and KPs of REPS. BIO and OVI had significantly higher pre-freeze and post-thaw BCFs, post-thaw VAP, and the percentage of all intact heads than AND. In contrast, AND had a significantly lower percentage of REPS with tail defects than BIO and OVI. The 400 × 106 spermatozoa/mL concentration resulted in a significantly higher percentage of all intact heads than the 200 × 106 spermatozoa/mL concentration. Freezing significantly increased tail defects and decreased the percentage of REPS with distal cytoplasmic droplets. The cryopreservation of REPS at the 400 × 106 spermatozoa/mL concentration is recommended. All three extenders must be optimized to preserve the viability, membrane integrity, and better normal morphology of REPS; the reason for increased tail abnormality after the freezing/thawing process needs to be studied.
Proteomics Reveals the Obstruction of Cellular ATP Synthesis in the Ruminal Epithelium of Growth-Retarded Yaks
Authors: Hu Rui , Shah Ali Mujtaba , Han Qiang , Ma Jian , Dai Peng , Meng Yukun , Peng Quanhui , Jiang Yahui , Kong Xiangying , Wang Zhisheng , Zou Huawei
Published: April 2024

Growth-retarded yaks are of a high proportion on the Tibetan plateau and reduce the economic income of farmers. Our previous studies discovered a maldevelopment in the ruminal epithelium of growth-retarded yaks, but the molecular mechanisms are still unclear. This study aimed to reveal how the proteomic profile in the ruminal epithelium contributed to the growth retardation of yaks. The proteome of the ruminal epithelium was detected using a high-resolution mass spectrometer. There were 52 proteins significantly differently expressed between the ruminal epithelium of growth-retarded yaks and growth-normal yaks, with 32 downregulated and 20 upregulated in growth-retarded yaks. Functional analysis showed the differently expressed proteins involved in the synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies (p = 0.012), propanoate metabolism (p = 0.018), pyruvate metabolism (p = 0.020), and mineral absorption (p = 0.024). The protein expressions of SLC26A3 and FTH1, enriched in the mineral absorption, were significantly downregulated in growth-retarded yaks. The key enzymes ACAT2 and HMGCS2 enriched in ketone bodies synthesis and key enzyme PCCA enriched in propanoate metabolism had lower protein expressions in the ruminal epithelium of growth-retarded yaks. The ATP concentration and relative mitochondrial DNA copy number in the ruminal epithelium of growth-normal yaks were dramatically higher than those of growth-retarded yaks (p < 0.05). The activities of citrate synthase (CS), the α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (α-KGDHC), isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICD) in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), and the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex (MRCC) were significantly decreased in ruminal epithelium of growth-retarded yaks compared to growth-normal yaks (p < 0.05). The mRNA expressions of COQ9, COX4, and LDHA, which are the encoding genes in MRCC I, IV and anaerobic respiration, were also significantly decreased in the ruminal epithelium of growth-retarded yaks (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that the average daily gain (ADG) was significantly positively correlated to the relative mitochondrial DNA copy number (p < 0.01, r = 0.772) and ATP concentration (p < 0.01, r = 0.728) in the ruminal epithelium, respectively. The ruminal weight was positively correlated to the relative mitochondrial DNA copy number (p < 0.05, r = 0.631) and ATP concentration in ruminal epithelium (p < 0.01, r = 0.957), respectively. The ruminal papillae had a significant positive correlation with ATP concentration in ruminal epithelium (p < 0.01, r = 0.770). These results suggested that growth-retarded yaks had a lower VFA metabolism, ketone bodies synthesis, ion absorption, and ATP synthesis in the ruminal epithelium; it also indicated that the growth retardation of yaks is related to the obstruction of cellular ATP synthesis in rumen epithelial cells.
A Prospective, Blinded, Open-Label Clinical Trial to Assess the Ability of Fluorescent Light Energy to Enhance Wound Healing after Mastectomy in Female Dogs
Authors: Marchegiani Andrea , Troisi Alessandro , Bazzano Marilena , Spaterna Andrea , Fruganti Alessandro
Published: April 2024

Mammary gland tumors represent the most frequently diagnosed malignant neoplasm in intact female dogs, and surgical removal represents the current gold standard treatment. To promote wound healing and prevent possible bacterial contamination, perioperative antimicrobials are commonly used in clinical practice, even though there are no publications establishing guidelines for the use of such drugs in canine mastectomy. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the ameliorative effect of fluorescent light energy on the quality of the healing process after mastectomy surgery in female dogs, in the absence of perioperative antimicrobial administration. Nine female dogs received a multiple-gland mastectomy due to gland tumors and received FLE application immediately after surgery and then five days after. The surgical incisions were evaluated by a blind investigator over time using the Modified Hollander Cosmesis and Modified Draize Wound Healing Score systems. Statistical analysis revealed a significant ameliorative effect of FLE in the control of step-off borders, contour irregularities, and excessive distortion. In addition, erythema, edema, and serous discharge were lower for those wounds managed with FLE. These results underscore the advantageous impact of FLE on the healing of post-mastectomy wounds in female dogs, offering the dual benefits of reducing potential infection risks and lessening the home care burden for pet owners.
Effects of Lonicera japonica Extract with Different Contents of Chlorogenic Acid on Lactation Performance, Serum Parameters, and Rumen Fermentation in Heat-Stressed Holstein High-Yielding Dairy Cows
Authors: Ma Fengtao , Liu Junhao , Li Shengli , Sun Peng
Published: April 2024

This examined the effects of Lonicera japonica extract (LJE) with different chlorogenic acid (CGA) contents on lactation performance, antioxidant status and immune function and rumen fermentation in heat-stressed high-yielding dairy cows. In total, 45 healthy Chinese Holstein high-yielding dairy cows, all with similar milk yield, parity, and days in milk were randomly allocated to 3 groups: (1) the control group (CON) without LJE; (2) the LJE-10% CGA group, receiving 35 g/(d·head) of LJE-10% CGA, and (3) the LJE-20% CGA group, receiving 17.5 g/(d·head) of LJE-20% CGA. The results showed that the addition of LJE significantly reduced RT, and enhanced DMI, milk yield, milk composition, and improved rumen fermentation in high-yielding dairy cows experiencing heat stress. Through the analysis of the serum biochemical, antioxidant, and immune indicators, we observed a reduction in CREA levels and increased antioxidant and immune function. In this study, while maintaining consistent CGA content, the effects of addition from both types of LJE are similar. In conclusion, the addition of LJE at a level of 4.1 g CGA/(d·head) effectively relieved heat stress and improved the lactation performance of dairy cows, with CGA serving as the effective ingredient responsible for its anti-heat stress properties.