bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Fidelity Steganography: A Covert Parity Bit Model-Based Approach
Authors: Rabie Tamer , Baziyad Mohammed , Kamel Ibrahim
Published: July 2024

The Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) is fundamental to high-capacity data hiding schemes due to its ability to condense signals into a few significant coefficients while leaving many high-frequency coefficients relatively insignificant. These high-frequency coefficients are often replaced with secret data, allowing for the embedding of many secret bits while maintaining acceptable stego signal quality. However, because high-frequency components still affect the stego signal’s quality, preserving their structure is beneficial. This work introduces a method that maintains the structure of high-frequency DCT components during embedding through polynomial modeling. A scaled-down version of the secret signal is added to or subtracted from the polynomial-generated signal to minimize the error between the cover signal and the polynomial-generated signal. As a result, the stego image retains a structure similar to the original cover image. Experimental results demonstrate that this scheme improves the quality and security of the stego image compared to current methods. Notably, the technique’s robustness is confirmed by its resistance to detection by deep learning methods, as a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) could not distinguish between the cover and stego images.
Movement Intent Detection for Upper-Limb Rehabilitation Exoskeleton Based on Series Elastic Actuator as Force Sensor
Authors: Rosales-Luengas Yukio , Centeno-Barreda Daniel , Salazar Sergio , Flores Jonathan , Lozano Rogelio
Published: July 2024

In this paper, serial elastic actuators (SEAs) in conjunction with an accelerometer are proposed as force sensors to detect the intention of movement, and the SEA is proposed as a gentle actuator of a patient’s upper-limb exoskeleton. A smooth trajectory is proposed to provide comfortable performance. There is an offset trajectory between the link and the motor, which increases safety by preventing sudden movements, and the offset is equivalent to the torsional elastic spring constant. The proposed control law is based on a backstepping approach tested in real-time experiments with robust results in a 2-DoF upper-limb rehabilitation exoskeleton. The experimental results showed a sensitivity of 100% and a positive predictive value of 97.5% for movement intention detection.
Development and Integration of Carbon–Polydimethylsiloxane Sensors for Motion Sensing in Soft Pneumatic Actuators
Authors: Ma Ke , Wu Sihuan , Zheng Yuquan , Shao Maosen , Zhang Jie , Wu Jianing , Zhang Jinxiu
Published: July 2024

Drawing inspiration from the intricate soft structures found in nature, soft actuators possess the ability to incrementally execute complex tasks and adapt to dynamic and interactive environments. In particular, the integration of sensor data feedback allows actuators to respond to environmental stimuli with heightened intelligence. However, conventional rigid sensors are constrained by their inherent lack of flexibility. The current manufacturing processes for flexible sensors are complex and fail to align with the inherent simplicity of soft actuators. In this study, to facilitate the straightforward and consistent sensing of soft pneumatic actuators, carbon–polydimethylsiloxane (CPDMS) materials were employed, utilizing 3D printing and laser-cutting techniques to fabricate a flexible sensor with ease. The preparation of standard tensile specimens verified that the sensor exhibits a fatigue life extending to several hundred cycles and determined its gauge factor to be −3.2. Experimental results indicate that the sensor is suitable for application in soft pneumatic actuators. Additionally, a printed circuit board (PCB) was fabricated and the piecewise constant curvature (PCC) kinematic method was utilized to enable real-time pose estimation of the soft pneumatic actuator. Compared with computer vision methods, the pose estimation error obtained by the sensing method is as low as 4.26%. This work demonstrates that this easily fabricated sensor can deliver real-time pose feedback for flexible pneumatic actuators, thereby expanding the potential application scenarios for soft pneumatic actuators (SPAs).
A Hybrid Three-Finger Gripper for Automated Harvesting of Button Mushrooms
Authors: Koirala Bikram , Kafle Abishek , Nguyen Huy Canh , Kang Jiming , Zakeri Abdollah , Balan Venkatesh , Merchant Fatima , Benhaddou Driss , Zhu Weihang
Published: July 2024

Button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) grow in multilayered Dutch shelves with limited space between two shelves. As an alternative to conventional hand-picking, automated harvesting in recent times has gained widespread popularity. However, automated harvesting of mushrooms faces critical challenges in the form of growing environment, limited spaces, picking forces, and efficiency. End effectors for picking button mushrooms are an integral part of the automated harvesting process. The end effectors developed so far are oversized, bulky, and slow and thus are unsuitable for commercial mushroom harvesting applications. This paper introduces a novel three-finger hybrid gripper with rigid and soft parts, specifically designed for harvesting button mushrooms in automated systems even on narrow shelves. It discusses the design, fabrication, force analysis, and picking performance of the gripper in detail for both individual and clustered mushrooms. The results indicate that the gripping force depends on mushroom density and size. The inclusion of textured soft pads on gripper fingertips performs better compared with plain soft pads by reducing force by up to 20% and improving picking time. The gripper achieved a 100% picking success rate for single-grown mushrooms and 64% for clusters, with reduced picking times compared with existing end effectors. However, harvesting clustered mushrooms led to increased damage, suggesting the need for future improvements.
Spectral Properties of Bistatic Radar Signals Using the Ray Tracing Technique and a Facet Approach
Authors: Zuo Mingcheng , Mitri Rukiah S. , Gai Igor , Brighi Giancorrado , Tortora Paolo
Published: July 2024

Bistatic radar experiments have been used to study surface characteristics of extra-terrestrial bodies in the Solar System, including the Moon, Venus, Mars, and Titan. This paper proposes a 3D model to characterize the scattered field of a gaussian rough surface on an extra-terrestrial body for an orbital bistatic radar configuration. Specifically, this model will investigate how the variability of surface roughness impacts the spectral broadening of the received signal using physical optics approximations and ray tracing on a surface model using a facet approach with Gaussian properties. A linear relationship between spectral broadening of the signal and surface roughness was found. This relationship is in line with results obtained by commonly used analytical models for bistatic radar on planetary surfaces.
A Comparative Study on the Efficiencies of Aerodynamic Reduced Order Models of Rigid and Aeroelastic Sweptback Wings
Authors: Özkaya Yılmaz Özge , Kayran Altan
Published: July 2024

This paper presents the effect of wing elasticity on the efficiency of a nonintrusive reduced order model using a three-dimensional sweptback wing. For this purpose, a computationally low-cost but highly accurate nonintrusive reduced order method is constructed utilizing proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) coupled with radial basis function (RBF) interpolation. The results are evaluated in terms of order reduction and prediction capability of rigid and aeroelastic ROMs. Our results show that compared to the rigid wing, reduced order modeling is more effectively applied to the aeroelastic sweptback wing due to the postponement of flow separation caused by bending–torsion coupling, when the pressure coefficient (Cp) is considered as the output. We further show that for flexible wings, utilizing rigid nodes is not sufficient for presenting the Cp distribution accurately; hence, separate ROMs must be generated for the deformed positions of the nodes. Moreover, the RBF method is also exploited for prediction of the results with direct interpolation of the data ensemble by generating a surrogate model. Finally, the proposed methods are compared in terms of accuracy, computational cost and practicality.
Design and Preliminary Experiment of Track Width Adjustment System for Sprayer Based on Integral Separated Fuzzy Proportional Integral Derivative Control Strategy
Authors: Tan Lu , Jia Mei , He Jin , Su Xintong , Wang Quanyu , Yang Hanyu , Li Hang
Published: July 2024

Different agronomic requirements, production conditions, and crop species result in varying row spacings. To address the issue of seedling damage caused by pressure when a fixed track width sprayer operates in different row spacings and enhance the accuracy of track width adjustment, this study designed a track width adjustment system for a sprayer based on the agronomic requirements for field management during the early and mid-stages of corn growth and the entire growth period of wheat in Henan Province, China. The designed track width adjustment system for the sprayer comprised transmission mechanisms, telescopic track width adjustment mechanisms, and an electro-hydraulic control system. The control system achieved a precise track width adjustment by controlling the movement of the hydraulic cylinders through electrical signals, forming a closed-loop adjustment system with the aid of sensors. Four control schemes are proposed: classical PID, integral separated PID, fuzzy adaptive PID, and integral separated fuzzy PID. Simulation experiments were conducted using MATLAB to compare these schemes. The results indicated that the integral separated fuzzy PID exhibited the fastest response and highest steady-state accuracy. The performance of the track width adjustment system was validated through field experiments. The results demonstrate that the stability coefficient of variation for the track width adjustment was 3.04%, which is below the 10% threshold required by agricultural machinery standards. Additionally, the average error of the track width adjustment was 13.42 mm, indicating high precision and effectively reducing seedling compression damage during plant protection operations.
Optimizing the Water and Nitrogen Management Scheme to Enhance Potato Yield and Water–Nitrogen Use Efficiency
Authors: Ju Zhiqiang , Li Dongrong , Cui Yanqiang , Sun Dongyuan
Published: July 2024

Water and nitrogen are the primary constraints on improving agricultural productivity. The aims of this study are to investigate the synergistic effects of water and nitrogen, optimize their combination schemes under mulched drip irrigation systems in the northwest region of China, and offer scientific insight into enhancing water and nitrogen use efficiency in potato cultivation. The traditional cultivar “Qing Shu 10” was chosen for the test material. A two-year field study on potato water–nitrogen interaction was conducted in the central Hexi Corridor, within Ganzhou District of Zhangye City, with three irrigation levels (W1 (336 mm), W2 (408 mm), and W3 (480 mm)) and three nitrogen application rates (N1 (44 kg ha−1), N2 (192 kg ha−1), and N3 (240 kg ha−1)) using a fully randomized combination design, resulting in nine treatments. This study examined the varying responses in potato yield and water–nitrogen use efficiency to different water–nitrogen combinations in the Hexi Corridor region, developed a mathematical regression model to predict the economic benefit of potatoes based on water–nitrogen interactions, and refined the application strategy. The results indicated that both the volume of irrigation water and the rate of nitrogen application significantly influenced potato yield and water–nitrogen utilization efficiency. A distinct interactive effect was observed between irrigation volume and nitrogen application rate. The reduced irrigation volume restricted nitrogen uptake, with an average increase of 31.87% in nitrogen fertilizer partial productivity and 31.54% in potato yield when moving from W1 to W2 over two years and only a 6.02% and 5.48% increase from W2 to W3, respectively. Similarly, reduced nitrogen application rates also hindered water uptake by potatoes, with increases of 9.05% in water use efficiency, 12.14% in irrigation water use efficiency, 12.12% in yield from N1 to N2, and only 1.98% and 1.69% increases in irrigation water use efficiency and yield from N2 to N3, while water use efficiency decreased by 1.17%. The highest yield values over the two-year period were observed in the N2W3 treatment, with 43,493.54 and 43,082.19 kg ha−1. The irrigation volume, nitrogen application rate, and potato economic benefit were well modeled by a quadratic regression, with an R2 of 0.996 for both predicted and actual economic benefit over two years, indicating a trend of initial increase followed by a decrease as water and nitrogen levels increased. Through simulation optimization and a thorough analysis of multiple indicators, the N2W3 treatment yielded an economic benefit exceeding 25,391.13 CNY ha−1 and demonstrated a high water–nitrogen utilization efficiency. This treatment not only enhances potato economic benefit but also minimizes agricultural resource inputs, establishing it as the optimal water and fertilizer management strategy for this study.
Characteristics and Factors Influencing Summer Phytoplankton Community Structures of Typical Lakes in Southeast Hubei, China
Authors: Leng Mingkai , Yang Xiaoqing , Wu Xiaodong , Lin Guiying , Ge Xuguang , Liu Haoran , Huang Zhi , Chen Yuhan , Li Wenhui
Published: July 2024

Phytoplankton plays a key role in the stabilization of aquatic ecosystems. However, there is a lack of research on the structure of phytoplankton communities and their influencing factors in shallow lakes in Southeast Hubei. In this study, four typical lakes were selected in the summer of 2019, and the phytoplankton community structure and its drivers were investigated for each lake. The results showed that the number of phytoplankton species, dominant species, biomass, and abundance varied among lakes. A comprehensive trophic level index (TLI) assessment showed that Lake Xiandao was oligotrophic, Lake Baoan was light eutrophic, and Lake Wang and Lake Ci were moderate eutrophic. The Shannon–Wiener, Margalef, and Pielou indices showed that the phytoplankton communities of Lake Wang and Lake Ci are less stable, and the water bodies are more severely contaminated. In contrast, the communities of the Lake Baoan and Lake Xiandao are more stable and have superior water quality. A redundancy analysis (RDA) indicated that the primary variables influencing phytoplankton community structures were pH and water temperature (WT) (Lake Ci); permanganate index (CODMn) and pH (Lake Xiandao); WT and total nitrogen (TN) (Lake Wang); and WT and total phosphorus (TP) (Lake Baoan).
Increasing Application of Multifunctional Bacillus for Biocontrol of Pests and Diseases and Plant Growth Promotion: Lessons from Brazil
Authors: Vasques Natalia Caetano , Nogueira Marco Antonio , Hungria Mariangela
Published: July 2024

The microbial genus Bacillus inhabits a diverse range of environments and is widespread across all global biomes, with a significant presence in soil habitats. In agriculture, Bacillus strains play multifaceted roles, serving as biocontrol agents against pests and diseases, and promoting plant growth by facilitating nutrient availability and enhancing stress tolerance. Through mechanisms such as phosphate solubilization, ACC-deaminase activity, and synthesis of phytohormones and siderophores, Bacillus spp. contribute to soil health and crop productivity, in a new approach of regenerative agriculture. The ability of Bacillus spp. to solubilize phosphate makes essential nutrients more accessible to plants, while ACC-deaminase activity helps plants withstand environmental stresses. Additionally, the synthesis of phytohormones can stimulate plant growth and development, and siderophores may facilitate the uptake of nutrients such as iron by plants. As the agricultural industry embraces Bacillus-based formulations for pest management and crop enhancement, future research holds promising prospects for optimizing their applications and harnessing their full potential in agroecosystems. Continued exploration of Bacillus spp. diversity and their interactions with plants and soil microbiota will further advance sustainable agricultural practices. This review contributes to understanding how Bacillus strains can revolutionize agriculture by enhancing soil health, increasing crop productivity, and providing effective biological solutions against pests and diseases. The successful application of Bacillus-based technologies in millions of hectares in Brazilian agriculture demonstrates the synergy between the need for more sustainable agricultural practices and the use of bio-inputs.
Enhancement of Damping-Off Disease Control in Tomatoes Using Two Strains of Trichoderma asperellum Combined with a Plant Immune Stimulant
Authors: Intana Warin , Promwee Athakorn , Wijara Kanjarat , Nguyen Hien Huu
Published: July 2024

Damping-off disease, caused by Pythium aphanidermatum, significantly impacts tomato production. This study explored the potential of a two-pronged approach for enhanced biocontrol: combining two antagonistic Trichoderma asperellum strains (CB-Pin-01 and NST-009) with a plant immune stimulant (CaCO3). Laboratory assays demonstrated strong individual efficacy of both Trichoderma strains against P. aphanidermatum, with significant growth inhibition and overgrowth capabilities. Importantly, scanning electron microscopy confirmed their compatibility. Greenhouse experiments revealed that the combined application of Trichoderma strains and CaCO3 achieved the most significant reduction in disease incidence (17.78%) compared to the control (66.55%). Furthermore, this treatment resulted in 100% root colonization by Trichoderma and the highest population density in the soil (6.17 × 107 CFU g−1), suggesting the immune stimulant’s role in promoting beneficial microbe establishment. These findings highlight the potential of this combined strategy as a sustainable and effective approach for managing damping-off disease in tomatoes.
A Synergistic Indole-3-Acetic Acid-Producing Synthetic Bacterial Consortium Benefits Walnut Seedling Growth
Authors: Cheng Qi , Sun Shanshan , Ning Xin , Qiao Minhang , Chen Wenxuan , Zhang Pengrui , Liu Kai , Ding Yanqin
Published: July 2024

Synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) have been shown to be an ecofriendly alternative for promoting plant growth. However, the mechanisms by which SynCom inoculants drive plant growth promotion in rhizosphere soil are still not fully explored. Herein, we designed a three-strain consortium based on the biocompatibility among strains and indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) production. The consortium containing Bacillus safensis 5-49, Bacillus stratosphericus 5-54, and Bacillus halotolerans 6-30 possessed a synergistic effect on IAA production and biofilm formation. Genetic analysis suggested that IAA was synthesized through tryptophan-dependent pathways in the strains. The consortium outperformed the plant growth-promoting effect observed with single strains, showing an increase in walnut (Juglans regia) seedling dry weight by 92.3% over the non-inoculated plants after 60 days of cultivation. This effect was underpinned by the synergistic interactions of the consortium, which was evidenced by the significantly increased relative abundance of Bacillus and tryptophan metabolism-associated genes in the rhizosphere of consortium-inoculated plants. Meanwhile, the consortium increased the relative abundance of indigenous Pseudomonas in rhizosphere soil, providing a synergistic effect on improving soil enzyme activities and thus available nutrients. The available N, P, and K contents in the consortium-inoculated plant rhizosphere were 3.77–28.4% higher than those in non-inoculated samples. This work provided an efficient bacterial consortium and proposed the mode of action by which this consortium improved plant growth and soil fertility.
Occurrence of Neopestalotiopsis clavispora Causing Apple Leaf Spot in China
Authors: Shi Jie , Li Baoyan , Wang Shaoli , Zhang Wei , Shang Mingqing , Wang Yingzi , Liu Baoyou
Published: July 2024

Leaf spot, a major apple disease, manifests in diverse symptoms. In this study, the pathogen was isolated from diseased ‘Yanfu 3’ apple leaves in Yantai, Shandong Province, and identified as Neopestalotiopsis clavispora through morphological observation, molecular identification, and multi-gene (ITS, TEF1α, and TUB2) phylogenetic analysis. Three isolates (YTNK01, YTNK02, and YTNK03) were selected for pathogenicity tests to verify Koch’s postulates. To our knowledge, this is the first report of N. clavispora being responsible for apple leaf spots in China, and the disease has been named ‘apple Neopestalotiopsis leaf spot’. Additionally, N. clavispora was found to infect crabapple, sweet cherry, grape, peach, and pear under laboratory conditions, indicating that these fruit trees may be potential hosts for N. clavispora in the field. The in vitro toxicity of ten fungicides to the pathogen was assessed using the mycelial growth rate method. All ten fungicides were effective in inhibiting the growth of N. clavispora. Among them, those based on pylocyanonitrile, propiconazole, pyraclostrobin, tebuconazole, diphenoxazole, and osthole showed higher toxicity to N. clavispora, with EC50 values of 0.11, 0.41, 0.47, 1.32, 1.85, and 3.82 µg/mL, respectively. These fungicides could be used as alternatives to prevent this disease in production. Overall, these findings provide valuable insights into the characteristics of N. clavispora causing apple leaf spot and are crucial for developing effective management strategies.
Edible Oil-Based Coatings Preserve Quality of Organic Apple cv. ‘Golden Delicious’ during Storage
Authors: Guerra Marcos , Porteous-Álvarez Alejandra J. , Marcelo Víctor , Sanz Miguel Angel , Rodríguez-González Álvaro , Casquero Pedro Antonio
Published: July 2024

The effects of edible coatings on the quality of organic apple cv. ‘Golden delicious’ during storage were investigated. Following harvest, the fruits were treated by dipping in various coatings: Nutropit® (14% CaO), Nutropit®+Xedabio (soybean lecithin-based (E322), 0.8%), Bioxeda (an eugenol-based product containing clove oil, 0.8%), Nutropit®+Bioxeda, and Semperfresh (SemperfreshTM, a sucrose-ester based coating, 1%). Organically grown apple cv. ‘Golden delicious’ treated with edible oil-based coatings Xedabio or Bioxeda, combined with Nutropit®, improved postharvest longevity as they effectively delayed color changes in the fruit, and reduced weight loss, shriveling, superficial scald, and rot incidence. Additionally, the combined treatments minimized synthetic pesticide input in the apple agroecosystem, resulting in fruit with zero residues—a critical factor in organic apple production—while maintaining high consumer acceptance.
Numerical Simulation and Validation of Droplet Deposition on Tomato Leaf Surface under Air-Assisted Spraying
Authors: Liu Ze , Chen Jian , Guo Jili , Qiu Baijing
Published: July 2024

The interaction between the leaf and airflow directly influences droplet deposition on the leaf surface. This paper investigates the effect of this interaction on droplet deposition. A bidirectional fluid-structure coupling model was established using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based on mechanical parameters and surface roughness of tomato leaves to simulate tomato leaf deposition under air-assisted spraying. Utilizing the model and considering air velocity, droplet size, and initial leaf inclination as experimental factors, a three-factor, three-level central composite design simulation and response surface analysis were conducted to examine the influence of each factor on the surface deposition amount of tomato leaves. The order of influence of each factor on the deposition amount is as follows: a quadratic regression model was established with the flow velocity having the greatest influence, followed by initial leaf inclination and then droplet size. The influence of each factor on the deposition distribution of the leaf surface was compared and studied separately. Airflow velocity significantly affected the deposition distribution of the leaf surface. Higher airflow velocities resulted in a lower proportion of deposition at the tip and a higher proportion at the base. The maximum relative errors of leaf deformation and deposition were 8.77% and 17.44%, respectively. The findings of this research can provide valuable insights for optimizing the working parameters of air-assisted atomizers.
Drought Stress Increases the Complexity of the Bacterial Network in the Rhizosphere and Endosphere of Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Wu Chunyan , Zhang Xiaoqin , Liu Yinxiu , Tang Xu , Li Yan , Sun Tao , Yan Guochao , Yin Chang
Published: July 2024

The root microbiota plays a crucial role in assisting the plant host in combating various biotic and abiotic stresses, notably drought, which poses a significant threat to global food security. Despite extensive efforts to understand the shifts in rhizosphere and endosphere bacteriomes, there remains a gap in comprehending how drought stress influences the co-occurring network patterns within these compartments and their ecological functional potentials. To address this gap, a pot experiment was conducted with two treatments: continuous flooding as a control and drought treatment. Bulk soil, rhizosphere, and endosphere samples were collected and subjected to high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics analysis. The results revealed that drought stress significantly reduced the rice biomass but increased the Shannon diversity index in both the rhizosphere and endosphere bacterial communities with no observable effect on richness across compartments. Additionally, drought treatment markedly altered the community structure and bacterial assemblages in these compartments, resulting in the specific enrichment of Actinobacteriota, Gemmatimonadetes, and Patescibacteria, while Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes were depleted in the rhizosphere and endosphere. Furthermore, drought heightened the complexity of the co-occurring networks and the proportions of positive links across all sampling compartments; this effect was accompanied by an increase in the number of connectors in the bulk soil and rhizosphere, as well as module hubs in the rhizosphere. Functional potential prediction indicated that drought stress significantly altered multiple potential ecological functions across all sampling compartments, particularly enriching functions related to the oxidation of sulfur, manganese, and hydrogen in the bulk soil, while functions associated with iron oxidation were significantly depleted in the rhizosphere. Overall, our results demonstrate that under drought stress, rice may specifically enrich certain bacterial taxa and enhance their positive interactions within its root system to improve adaptation.
New Insights into Structure and Function Predictions of TIFY Genes in Barley: A Genome-Wide Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: Li Jianjian , Xu Xiwen , Wang Haoran , Zhang Yuan
Published: July 2024

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is the fourth-largest cereal crop widely grown for livestock feed, brewing malts and human food. The TIFY family is a plant-specific protein family with diverse functions in plant growth, development and stress responses. However, a genome-wide comprehensive analysis of the TIFY gene family has not yet been characterized in Hordeum vulgare. In the present study, 21 and 22 TIFY family members were identified in the genomes of Hv_Morex and Hv_Barke, respectively. The HvTIFY proteins could be divided into the TIFY, ZIM/ZML and JAZ groups, and the JAZ group could be further clustered into six subgroups. HvTIFY genes were conserved in the two genotypes, and all of the duplicated gene pairs in the barley TIFY family were dominated by intense purifying selection. Tandem duplication was the main driving force for the expansion of the HvTIFY gene family. In silico gene expression profiling revealed most members of the Hv_Morex JAZ group were predominantly expressed in reproductive organs and root tissues and were also more involved in the responses to cold treatment and spot blotch infection than other groups. Quite a few JAZ genes (Hv_MoJAZ1, Hv_MoJAZ4, Hv_MoJAZ6, Hv_MoJAZ9, Hv_MoJAZ11, Hv_MoJAZ12 and Hv_MoJAZ14) were found to be tightly associated with the growth of barley and the responses to cold and spot blotch infection stresses. The genome-wide comprehensive analysis of the structure and function of the HvTIFY genes will contribute further to our understanding of the functions of these genes in response to abiotic and biotic stresses in Hordeum vulgare.
Estimation of Leaf Water Content of a Fruit Tree by In Situ Vis-NIR Spectroscopy Using Multiple Machine Learning Methods in Southern Xinjiang, China
Authors: Cui Jintao , Sawut Mamat , Ailijiang Nuerla , Manlike Asiya , Hu Xin
Published: July 2024

Water scarcity is one of the most significant environmental factors that inhibits photosynthesis and decreases the growth and productivity of plants. Using the deep learning convolutional neural network (CNN) model, this study evaluates the ability of spectroscopy to estimate leaf water content (LWC) in fruit trees. During midday, spectral data were acquired from leaf samples obtained from three distinct varieties of fruit trees, encompassing the spectral range spanning from 350 to 2500 nm. Then, for spectral preprocessing, the fractional order derivative (FOD) and continuous wavelet transform (CWT) algorithms were used to reduce the effects of scattering and noise on the collected spectra. Finally, the CNN model was developed to predict LWC in different fruit trees. The results showed that: (1) The spectra treated with CWT and FOD could improve the spectrum expression ability by improving the correlation between spectra and LWC. The correlation level of FOD treatment was higher than that of CWT treatment. (2) The CNN model was developed using FOD 1.2, and CWT 3 performed better than other traditional machine learning methods, such as RFR, SVR, and PLSR. (3) Further validation using additional samples demonstrated that the CNN model had good stability and quantitative prediction capability for the LWC of fruit trees (R2 > 0.95, root mean square error (RMSE) < 1.773%, and relative percentage difference (RPD) > 4.26). The results may provide an effective way to predict fruit LWC using a CNN-based model.
Integrated Ex-Situ Conservation and Ornamental Evaluation of the Vulnerable and Protected Greek Endemic Campanula laciniata L.: A Multifaceted Approach
Authors: Panagiotidou Theodora-Nafsika , Pipinis Elias , Anestis Ioannis , Kostas Stefanos , Tsoulpha Parthena , Karapatzak Eleftherios , Tsoktouridis Georgios , Hatzilazarou Stefanos , Krigas Nikos
Published: July 2024

In the frame of exploring the local native biodiversity for new ornamental species, the current study frames pivotal efforts for the ex situ conservation of the vulnerable and protected local Greek endemic plant Campanula laciniata L. and presents its natural requirements, seed germination trial, and first cultivation–fertilization protocol. The temperature and precipitation requirements of C. laciniata prevailing in its natural habitats were explored by using high-spatial-resolution bioclimatic maps in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The germination of C. laciniata seeds was tested at 15 °C under alternating light and dark conditions as suggested for various Mediterranean Campanula species. However, the germination rate of C. laciniata seeds was low (35%), thus indicating the need for further research. The derived seedlings were used to study the effect of fertilization schemes on C. laciniata growth involving integrated nutrient management (INM), inorganic fertilization (ChF), and control (only water) using a substrate of soil:peat:perlite (4:3:1, v/v/v). After six months of plant growth, specific morphological and physiological characteristics as well as the phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of the plants receiving each fertilization treatment were measured. Fertilization significantly affected the morphological and physiological characteristics of the produced plants. Total phenols and antioxidant capacity were both affected by fertilization treatment but were lower in fertilized plants compared to control ones. After pivotal ex situ conservation, we performed a multifaceted evaluation for the ornamental-horticultural sector showing that C. laciniata holds a noteworthy ornamental potential (52.78%) with feasible value chain creation in the medium term for its sustainable utilization.
Effects of Straw Return Rate on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Yield in Paddy Fields
Authors: Che Yuxuan , Zhang Boyuan , Liu Boyu , Wang Jiacheng , Zhang Hailin
Published: July 2024

Crop straw returning to the field is an effective practice for straw utilization to improve soil fertility and sustain crop productivity. However, little information is available about the long-term effects of paddy straw return on soil properties and rice yield under a double-rice system. The objectives of this study were to test the hypothesis of the effects of different amounts of paddy straw returned to the field on soil physicochemical properties and rice yield, and to clarify the correlation between crop yield and soil physicochemical properties as well as quick-acting nutrients under different straw-returning modes. The experiment, initiated in the 2005 rice season, utilized “Xiang 45” and “Xiang 13” long-grained rice cultivars within a double-season rice cropping system. Three straw-returning treatments were implemented: rotary tillage with full rice straw incorporation (RTS), incorporation of one-third of the rice straw (1/3RTS), and incorporation of two-thirds of the rice straw (2/3RTS). This study found that among the three straw return rates, 2/3RTS had the most significant impact on soil physicochemical properties. Soil nitrogen content was identified as a crucial factor influencing soil organic carbon (SOC) accumulation, while pH levels significantly affected rice yield. Straw incorporation effectively increased the content and stocks of SOC.
Unveiling the Biodiversity and Conservation Significance of Medog: A Camera-Trapping Survey on Mammals in the Southeastern Tibetan Mountains
Authors: Wang Qianqian , Yang Biao , Zhu Ruifeng , Wang Xin , Li Shilin , Zhang Li
Published: July 2024

The Medog in southeastern Tibet is home to a diverse range of wild animals. However, research on these mammals’ species directories, distribution, and conservation status remains insufficient, despite their crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. The study carried out a camera-trapping survey to assess mammal biodiversity and the significance of mammal protection in their natural habitats in Gedang, Medog. Future directions and application prospects of the study for wildlife conservation in the southeastern Tibetan mountains were also discussed. The survey, spanning from April 2023 to May 2024, with 19,754 camera trap days, revealed 25 mammalian species across five orders and 14 families. Among these, four classified as Endangered, five as Vulnerable, two as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List, nine were categorized as Critically Endangered or Endangered on the Red List of China’s Vertebrates, and seven were China’s national first-class key protected wildlife. The order Carnivora exhibited the highest diversity, comprising 12 species. Furthermore, the study filled the knowledge gap regarding the underrepresentation of Gongshan muntjac Muntiacus gongshanensis in IUCN and provided new insights into the recorded coexistence of the Himalayan red panda Ailurus fulgens and Chinese red panda Ailurus styani along the Yarlung Zangbo River for the first time, and also documented new upper elevation limits for four large to medium-sized species. Regarding the relative abundance indices (RAI) captured by camera traps, the most prevalent species identified was the White-cheeked macaque Macaca leucogenys, followed by the Gongshan muntjac and Himalayan serow Capricornis thar. The monitoring also captured a number of domestic dogs and livestock, as well as human disturbances. These findings underscore the importance of conserving these mammals and emphasize the need for conservation efforts to protect their habitats and reduce human activities that threaten their survival, thereby maintaining the ecological balance of the region. Additionally, the research highlighted Gedang’s significance to global conservation efforts for mammalian diversity, providing essential data for effective wildlife conservation strategies.
Comparative Analysis of Morphometric, Densitometric, and Mechanical Properties of Skeletal Locomotor Elements in Three Duck Species (Anatidae: Anatinae)
Authors: Osiak-Wicha Cezary , Tomaszewska Ewa , Muszyński Siemowit , Flis Marian , Świetlicki Michał , Arciszewski Marcin B.
Published: July 2024

Ducks (Anatinae) play a crucial role in wetland ecosystems, contributing to seed dispersal and nutrient cycling. This study investigates the skeletal adaptations of three duck species: the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula), and Green-Winged Teal (Anas crecca). The focus is on the tibiotarsus and humerus bones to understand how these adaptations support their different locomotion and habitat preferences. Bone samples n = 6 of deceased ducks (both male and female) from each species (for a total of 36 samples) were cleaned and measured for length, weight, and density. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was used to determine bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC), and mechanical properties like yield force and stiffness were tested using a 3-point bending test. The results show significant differences in body weight, bone weight, and bone length among the species, with Mallards being the largest and Teals the smallest. Male Teals displayed higher relative bone weight (RBW) in their tibia compared to male Mallards, and male Mallards had significantly lower RBW in the humerus compared to the other species. Female Teals had higher RBW than the other species. Teals also exhibited much lower BMD in the tibia, whereas female Mallards had lower BMD in the humerus. The Seedor index revealed that male Mallards had the highest values in the tibia, while female Teals had the lowest. Mechanical testing indicated that Teals had lower yield force and breaking force in the tibia, whereas Mallards showed the highest stiffness in both bones. Tufted Ducks had intermediate values, consistent with their diving behaviour. These findings suggest that the Mallard’s robust bones support its adaptability to various environments and diverse locomotion and foraging strategies. The Teal’s lighter and less dense bones facilitate rapid flight and agility in shallow wetlands. The Tufted Duck’s intermediate bone characteristics reflect its specialization in diving, requiring a balance of strength and flexibility. Understanding these skeletal differences may provide valuable insights into the evolutionary biology and biomechanics of these species, aiding in their conservation and enhancing our knowledge of their roles in wetland ecosystems. By exploring the functional morphology of these ducks, this study aims to shed light on the biomechanical mechanisms that underpin their locomotion and foraging behaviours.
Dietary Supplementation of Crossbred Pigs with Glycerol, Vitamin C, and Niacinamide Alters the Composition of Gut Flora and Gut Flora-Derived Metabolites
Authors: Wei Panting , Sun Wenchen , Hao Shaobin , Deng Linglan , Zou Wanjie , Wu Huadong , Lu Wei , He Yuyong
Published: July 2024

The addition of glycerin, vitamin C, and niacinamide to pig diets increased the redness of longissimus dorsi; however, it remains unclear how these supplements affect gut microbiota and metabolites. A total of 84 piglets (20.35 ± 2.14 kg) were randomly allotted to groups A (control), B (glycerin-supplemented), C (vitamin C and niacinamide-supplemented), and D (glycerin, vitamin C and niacinamide-supplemented) during a feeding experiment. Metagenomic and metabolomic technologies were used to analyze the fecal compositions of bile acids, metabolites, and microbiota. The results showed that compared to pigs in group A, pigs in group D had lower virulence factor expressions of lipopolysaccharide (p < 0.05), fatty acid resistance system (p < 0.05), and capsule (p < 0.01); higher fecal levels of ferric ion (p < 0.05), allolithocholic acid (p < 0.01), deoxycholic acid (p < 0.05), tauroursodeoxycholic acid dihydrate (p < 0.01), glycodeoxycholic acid (p < 0.05), L-proline (p < 0.01) and calcitriol (p < 0.01); and higher (p < 0.05) abundances of iron-acquiring microbiota (Methanobrevibacter, Clostridium, Clostridiaceae, Clostridium_sp_CAG_1000, Faecalibacterium_sp_CAG_74_58_120, Eubacteriales_Family_XIII_Incertae_Sedis, Alistipes_sp_CAG_435, Alistipes_sp_CAG_514 and Methanobrevibacter_sp_YE315). Supplementation with glycerin, vitamin C, and niacinamide to pigs significantly promoted the growth of iron-acquiring microbiota in feces, reduced the expression of some virulence factor genes of fecal pathogens, and increased the fecal levels of ferric ion, L-proline, and some secondary bile acids. The administration of glycerol, vitamin C, and niacinamide to pigs may serve as an effective measure for muscle redness improvement by altering the compositions of fecal microbiota and metabolites.
Disparate Effects of Stressors on Met-Enkephalin System Parameters and on Plasma Concentrations of Corticosterone in Young Female Chickens
Authors: Scanes Colin Guy , Pierzchala-Koziec Krystyna
Published: July 2024

The effects of stressors were examined on Met-enkephalin-related parameters and plasma concentrations of corticosterone in 14-week-old female chickens. Water deprivation for 24 h was accompanied by a tendency for increased plasma concentration of Met-enkephalin while plasma concentrations of corticosterone were elevated in water-deprived birds. Concentrations of Met-enkephalin were reduced in the anterior pituitary gland and adrenal gland in water-deprived pullets while proenkephalin (PENK) expression was increased in both tissues. There were changes in the plasma concentrations of Met-enkephalin and corticosterone in pullets subjected to either feed withholding or crowding. Concentrations of Met-enkephalin were increased in the anterior pituitary gland but decreased in adrenal glands in pullets subjected to crowding stress. The increase in the plasma concentrations of Met-enkephalin was ablated when the chickens were pretreated with naltrexone. However, naltrexone did not influence either basal or crowding on plasma concentrations of corticosterone. In vitro release of Met-enkephalin from the anterior pituitary or adrenal tissues was depressed in the presence of naltrexone. It was concluded that Met-enkephalin was part of the neuroendocrine response to stress in female chickens. It was concluded that stress influenced the release of both Met-enkephalin and corticosterone, but there was not complete parallelism.
Quantification of the Environmental Impact of Feeding Yeast Probiotic Saccharomyces cerevisiae Actisaf Sc 47 in Dairy Cow: A Life Cycle Assessment Approach
Authors: Salah Nizar , Legendre Héloïse , Paiva Erika , Duclos Julie , Briche Maxime , Maaoui Mariem , Scholten Jasper , Garat Boute Céline
Published: July 2024

Today, one of the major challenges of dairy farmers is to reduce their environmental footprint to establish more effective, efficient, and sustainable production systems. Feed additives such as yeast probiotics could potentially allow them to achieve these objectives through the improvement of milk production, feed efficiency, and ration valorization, hence mitigating the environmental impacts of milk production. In this study, the life cycle assessment (LCA) principle was performed to estimate the environmental impact of the production and supplementation of a commercial yeast probiotic (Actisaf Sc 47) in three trials performed in three different countries that are representative for around 50% of the milk production in Europe: France (French trial), United Kingdom (UK trial), and Germany (German trial). For each trial, two groups of animals were compared: control, without Actisaf Sc 47 supplementation, used as baseline; and experimental, with Actisaf Sc 47 supplementation at 5 or 10 g/cow/day. Different impact categories were analyzed for each group to calculate the impact of producing 1 kg of fat- and protein-corrected milk. An initial analysis was done only during the period of Actisaf Sc 47 supplementation and showed than the supplementation with Actisaf Sc 47 reduced, on average by 5%, the carbon footprint during the three trials. A second analysis was done via the extrapolation of all the data of each trial to an annual farm level, including the lactation period (305 days), dry period (60 days), and the period with and without Actisaf Sc 47 supplementation. Reported at a farm annual scale, the average reduction allowed by Actisaf Sc 47 supplementation was 2.9, 2.05, 2.47, 1.67, 2.28, 2.18, 2.14, and 2.28% of the carbon footprint, land use, water use, resource use, acidification, freshwater eutrophication, marine eutrophication, and terrestrial eutrophication, respectively. On average, the production of 1 kg of fat- and protein-corrected milk by using Actisaf Sc 47 was shown to improve environmental impacts compared to control. Regarding Actisaf Sc 47 production, the LCA showed that the production of 1 kg of Actisaf Sc 47 emitted 2.1 kg CO2 eq with a negligible contribution to total the carbon footprint of milk ranging from 0.005 to 0.016%. The use of Actisaf Sc 47 in dairy cows could then result in different positive outcomes: improving performance and efficiency while reducing the global carbon footprint.
Machine Learning-Based Feature Extraction and Selection
Authors: Ruano-Ordás David
Published: July 2024

Over the last decade, technological advances have brought breakthroughs in the landscape of data management, transmission, processing, and storage [...]
Comparative Analysis of SAAS Model and NPC Integration for Enhancing VR Shopping Experiences
Authors: Doungtap Surasachai , Wang Jenq-Haur , Phanichraksaphong Varinya
Published: July 2024

This article examines the incorporation of the Shopping Assistance Automatic Suggestion (SAAS) model into Virtual Reality (VR) environments in order to improve the online shopping experience. The SAAS model employs sophisticated deep learning methods to offer customized product recommendations, which are conveyed by non-player characters (NPCs) via voice-based interactions. Our goal is to develop an interactive shopping experience that replicates real-life interactions by integrating AI-powered recommendations with immersive VR technology. We gather and standardize data from several open commerce databases, such as Amazon Product and Customer Reviews. The SAAS model, in conjunction with GPT-3, BERT, and T5, undergoes training and testing to evaluate its effectiveness across multiple criteria. The results demonstrate that the SAAS model surpasses other models in delivering contextually aware and pertinent recommendations. The integration process outlines the specific steps involved in capturing, processing, and transforming user interactions in virtual reality (VR) into vocal suggestions provided by non-player characters (NPCs). This strategy improves customization and utilizes the immersive features of virtual reality to effectively engage people. The results of our research establish a higher standard for e-commerce, with the goal of enhancing the user experience of online purchasing by making it more instinctive, engaging, and pleasurable.