bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive model of chemotherapy-related toxicity in elderly Chinese cancer patients
Authors: Hua Yuwei , Zou Yuling , Guan Mei , Yuan Hsiang-Yu , Zhou Yanping , Liu Fengshuo
Published: April 2023

Purpose: Older cancer patients are more likely to develop and die from chemotherapy-related toxicity. However, evidence on drug safety and optimal effective doses is relatively limited in this group. The aim of this study was to develop a tool to identify elderly patients vulnerable to chemotherapy toxicity.

Patients and methods: Elderly cancer patients ≥60 years old who visited the oncology department of Peking Union Medical College Hospital between 2008 and 2012 were included. Each round of chemotherapy was regarded as a separate case. Clinical factors included age, gender, physical status, chemotherapy regimen and laboratory tests results were recorded. Severe (grade ≥3) chemotherapy-related toxicity of each case was captured according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events, version 5.0. Univariate analysis was performed by chi-square statistics to determine which factors were significantly associated with severe chemotherapy toxicity. Logistic regression was used to build the predictive model. The prediction model was validated by calculating the area under the curve of receiver operating characteristic (ROC).

Results: A total of 253 patients and 1,770 cases were included. The average age of the patients was 68.9 years. The incidence of grade 3–5 adverse events was 24.17%. Cancer type (non-GI cancers), BMI<20 kg/m2, KPS<90%, severe comorbidity, polychemotherapy, standard dose chemotherapy, low white blood cells count, anemia, low platelet cells count, low creatine level and hypoalbuminemia were associated with severe chemotherapy-related toxicity. We used these factors to construct a chemotherapy toxicity prediction model and the area under the ROC curve was 0.723 (95% CI, 0.687–0.759). Risk of toxicity increased with higher risk score (11.98% low, 31.51% medium, 70.83% high risk; p < 0.001).

Conclusion: We constructed a predictive model of chemotherapy toxicity in elderly cancer patients based on a Chinese population. The model can be used to guide clinicians to identify vulnerable population and adjust treatment regimens accordingly.
Focused ultrasound-mediated small-molecule delivery to potentiate immune checkpoint blockade in solid tumors
Authors: Wu Qiuyu , Xia Yuanhang , Xiong Xiaohe , Duan Xinxing , Pang Xiaoxiao , Zhang Fugui , Tang Song , Su Junlei , Wen Shuqiong , Mei Li , Cannon Richard D. , Ji Ping , Ou Zhanpeng
Published: April 2023

In the last decade, immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has revolutionized the standard of treatment for solid tumors. Despite success in several immunogenic tumor types evidenced by improved survival, ICB remains largely unresponsive, especially in “cold tumors” with poor lymphocyte infiltration. In addition, side effects such as immune-related adverse events (irAEs) are also obstacles for the clinical translation of ICB. Recent studies have shown that focused ultrasound (FUS), a non-invasive technology proven to be effective and safe for tumor treatment in clinical settings, could boost the therapeutic effect of ICB while alleviating the potential side effects. Most importantly, the application of FUS to ultrasound-sensitive small particles, such as microbubbles (MBs) or nanoparticles (NPs), allows for precise delivery and release of genetic materials, catalysts and chemotherapeutic agents to tumor sites, thus enhancing the anti-tumor effects of ICB while minimizing toxicity. In this review, we provide an updated overview of the progress made in recent years concerning ICB therapy assisted by FUS-controlled small-molecule delivery systems. We highlight the value of different FUS-augmented small-molecules delivery systems to ICB and describe the synergetic effects and underlying mechanisms of these combination strategies. Furthermore, we discuss the limitations of the current strategies and the possible ways that FUS-mediated small-molecule delivery systems could boost novel personalized ICB treatments for solid tumors.
We like to move it, move it: A perspective on performing passive leg movement as a non-invasive assessment of vascular function in pediatric populations
Authors: D’Agata Michele N. , Matias Alexs A. , Witman Melissa A.
Published: April 2023

The passive leg movement (PLM) technique is a non-invasive assessment of lower-limb vascular function. PLM is methodologically simple to perform and utilizes Doppler ultrasound to determine leg blood flow (LBF) through the common femoral artery at rest and in response to passive movement of the lower leg. LBF responses to PLM have been reported to be mostly nitric oxide (NO)-mediated when performed in young adults. Moreover, PLM-induced LBF responses, as well as the NO contribution to PLM-induced LBF responses, are reduced with age and in various diseased populations, demonstrating the clinical utility of this non-invasive test. However, no PLM studies to date have included children or adolescents. Since its conception in 2015, our laboratory has performed PLM on hundreds of individuals including a large cohort of children and adolescents. Thus, the purpose of this perspective article is threefold: 1) to uniquely discuss the feasibility of performing PLM in children and adolescents, 2) to report PLM-induced LBF values from our laboratory in 7–17-year-olds, and 3) to discuss considerations for making comparisons among pediatric populations. Based on our experiences performing PLM in children and adolescents (among various other age groups), it is our perspective that PLM can feasibly be performed in this population. Further, data from our laboratory may be used to provide context for typical PLM-induced LBF values that could be observed in children and adolescents, as well as across the lifespan.
slr2103, a homolog of type-2 diacylglycerol acyltransferase genes, for plastoquinone-related neutral lipid synthesis and NaCl-stress acclimatization in a cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Kondo Mimari , Aoki Motohide , Hirai Kazuho , Sagami Taku , Ito Ryo , Tsuzuki Mikio , Sato Norihiro
Published: April 2023

A cyanobacterium, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, contains a lipid with triacylglycerol-like TLC mobility but its identity and physiological roles remain unknown. Here, on ESI-positive LC-MS2 analysis, it is shown that the triacylglycerol-like lipid (lipid X) is related to plastoquinone and can be grouped into two subclasses, Xa and Xb, the latter of which is esterified by 16:0 and 18:0. This study further shows that a Synechocystis homolog of type-2 diacylglycerol acyltransferase genes, slr2103, is essential for lipid X synthesis: lipid X disappears in a Synechocystis slr2103-disruptant whereas it appears in an slr2103-overexpressing transformant (OE) of Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 that intrinsically lacks lipid X. The slr2103 disruption causes Synechocystis cells to accumulate plastoquinone-C at an abnormally high level whereas slr2103 overexpression in Synechococcus causes the cells to almost completely lose it. It is thus deduced that slr2103 encodes a novel acyltransferase that esterifies 16:0 or 18:0 with plastoquinone-C for the synthesis of lipid Xb. Characterization of the slr2103-disruptant in Synechocystis shows that slr2103 contributes to sedimented-cell growth in a static culture, and to bloom-like structure formation and its expansion by promoting cell aggregation and floatation upon imposition of saline stress (0.3-0.6 M NaCl). These observations provide a basis for elucidation of the molecular mechanism of a novel cyanobacterial strategy to acclimatize to saline stress, and one for development of a system of seawater-utilization and economical harvesting of cyanobacterial cells with high-value added compounds, or blooming control of toxic cyanobacteria.
Integration of visual context in early and late bilingual language processing: evidence from eye-tracking
Authors: Abashidze Dato , Schmidt Angela , Trofimovich Pavel , Mercier Julien
Published: April 2023

Previous research on the processing of language embedded in a rich visual context has revealed the strong effect that a recently viewed action event has on language comprehension. It has been shown that listeners are more likely to view the target object of a recently performed event than look at the target object of a plausible future event during sentence utterance, regardless of the tense cue. In the current visual-world eye-tracking experiments, we tested the strength of the recently observed visual context with a group of English monolingual and two groups of English–French early and late bilingual speakers. By comparing these different groups, we examined whether bilingual speakers, as a consequence of greater cognitive flexibility when integrating visual context and language information, show early anticipatory eye-movements toward the target object. We further asked whether early and late bilinguals show differences in their processing. The findings of the three eye-tracking experiments revealed an overall preference for the recently seen event. However, as a result of the early provision of tense cue, this preference was quickly diminished in all three groups. Moreover, the bilingual groups showed an earlier decrease in reliance on the recently seen event compared to monolingual speakers and the early bilinguals showed anticipatory eye-movements toward the plausible future event target. Furthermore, a post-experimental memory test revealed that the bilingual groups recalled the future events marginally better than the recent events, whereas the reverse was found in the monolingual groups.
Comparing online and face-to-face administration of a neuropsychological computerized attention test: Assessment modality does not influence performance
Authors: Negrini Daniel , Schmidt Sergio L.
Published: April 2023

Background

The cognitive impairment associated with the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for teleneuropsychology (1). Moreover, neurologic diseases associated with mental deterioration usually require the use of the same neuropsychological instrument to assess cognitive changes across time. Therefore, in such cases, a learning effect upon retesting is not desired. Attention and its subdomains can be measured using Go/no-go tests, such as, the Continuous Visual Attention Test (CVAT). Here, we administered the CVAT to investigate the effect of modality (online vs. face-to-face) on attentional performance. The variables of the CVAT measures four attention domains: focused-attention, behavioral-inhibition, intrinsic-alertness (reaction time, RT), and sustained-attention (intra-individual variability of RTs, VRT).

Methods

The CVAT was applied face-to face and online in 130 adult Americans and 50 adult Brazilians. Three different study designs were used: (1) Between-subjects design: healthy Americans were tested face-to-face (n = 88) or online (n = 42). We verified if there were any differences between the two modalities. (2) Within-subjects design: Brazilians participants (n = 50) were tested twice (online and face-to-face). For each CVAT variable, repeated measures ANCOVAs were performed to verify whether modality or first vs. second tests differ. Agreement was analyzed using Kappa, intraclass correlation coefficients, and Bland–Altman plots. (3) Paired comparisons: we compared Americans vs. Brazilians, pairing subjects by age, sex, and level of education, grouping by modality.

Results

Assessment modality did not influence performance using two independent samples (between-subjects design) or the same individual tested twice (within-subjects design). The second test and the first test did not differ. Data indicated significant agreements for the VRT variable. Based on paired samples, Americans did not differ from Brazilians and a significant agreement was found for the VRT variable.

Conclusion

The CVAT can be administered online or face-to-face without learning upon retesting. The data on agreement (online vs. face-to-face, test vs. retest, Americans vs. Brazilians) indicate that VRT is the most reliable variable.

Limitations

High educational level of the participants and absence of a perfect balanced within-subjects design.
Core of sensory gating deficits in first-episode schizophrenia: attention dysfunction
Authors: Ding Yushen , Tian Qing , Hou Wenpeng , Chen Zhenzhu , Mao Zhen , Bo Qijing , Dong Fang , Wang Chuanyue
Published: April 2023

Background

Sensory gating deficits are a common feature of schizophrenia and may be indicative of higher-order psychopathological impairments. It has been proposed that incorporating subjective attention components into prepulse inhibition (PPI) measures may improve the accuracy of assessing these deficits. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between modified PPI and cognitive function, with a specific focus on subjective attention, to gain a better understanding of the underlying mechanisms of sensory processing deficits in schizophrenia.

Methods

Fifty-four unmedicated first-episode schizophrenia (UMFE) patients and 53 healthy controls participated in this study. The modified Prepulse Inhibition paradigm, including Perceived Spatial Separation PPI (PSSPPI) and Perceived Spatial Colocation PPI (PSCPPI), was used to evaluate sensorimotor gating deficits. Cognitive function was assessed in all participants using the Chinese version of the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Suite Test (MCCB).

Results

UMFE patients had lower MCCB scores and deficient PSSPPI scores than healthy controls. PSSPPI was negatively correlated with total PANSS scores and positively correlated with the speed of processing, attention/ vigilance, and social cognition. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that the PSSPPI at 60 ms had a significant effect on attentional/ vigilance and social cognition, even after controlling for gender, age, years of education, and smoking.

Conclusion

The study revealed notable impairments in sensory gating and cognitive function in UMFE patients, best reflected by the PSSPPI measure. Specifically, PSSPPI at 60 ms was significantly associated with both clinical symptoms and cognitive performance, suggesting that PSSPPI at 60 ms may capture psychopathological symptoms related to psychosis.
Perceived quality of care for severe acute malnutrition management among caregivers of under-five children with severe acute malnutrition in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2022: a mixed-method study
Authors: Adema Bulcha Guye , Atnafu Niguse Tadele , Ashagre Feven Mulugeta
Published: April 2023

Introduction

All the factors at the institutional, provider, and client levels have an impact on the quality of care. In low- and middle-income countries, poor quality of severe acute malnutrition (SAM) management at health institutions is a major contributor to child morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to determine the perceived quality of care for SAM management among caregivers of under-five children.

Methods

This study was conducted in public health facilities that provide inpatient SAM management in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. An institution-based convergent mixed-method study design was implemented. Quantitative data were analyzed by using a logistic regression model, while thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data.

Results

A total of 181 caregivers and 15 healthcare providers were recruited. The overall perceived quality of care for SAM management was 55.80% (CI: 48.5–63.10). Urban residence (AOR = 0.32, 95% CI: 0.16–0.66), college and above level education (AOR = 4.42, 95% CI: 1.41–13.86), working as a government employee (AOR = 2.72, 95% CI: 1.05–7.05), readmitted to the hospital (AOR = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.23–0.94), and length of hospital stays >7 days (AOR = 2.1, 95% CI: 1.01–4.27) were found to be significantly associated factors with perceived low-quality care for SAM management. Additionally, lack of support and attention from higher levels of management, and lack of supplements, separate units, and laboratory facilities were among the factors that impede the provision of quality care.

Discussion

Perceived quality of SAM management services was low against the national goal of quality improvement to meet the expectations of both internal and external clients. Rural residents, those with more educational qualifications, government employees, newly admitted patients, and patients who stayed longer in hospitals were the most unsatisfied groups. Improving support and logistic supply to health facilities, providing client-centered care, and responding to caregivers' demands may help to improve quality and satisfaction.
Child DNA methylation in a randomised controlled trial of a video-feedback intervention to promote positive parenting and sensitive discipline (VIPP-SD)
Authors: Braithwaite Elizabeth C. , Cole Jessica , Murgatroyd Christopher , Wright Nicky , O’Farrelly Christine , Barker Beth , Ramchandani Paul
Published: April 2023

Introduction

A major modifiable risk factor for behavioural difficulties is harsh and insensitive parenting, and it has been hypothesised that the biological mechanism by which parenting influences child behaviour is via changes in the child's DNA methylation. We attempted to, in part, address the hypothesis that parenting is associated with child DNA methylation and, in turn, behaviour.

Methods

Primary caregivers of young children with behavioural difficulties (children aged 12–36 months) were randomised to receive a video-feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline (VIPP-SD) (n = 151), or usual care (n = 149). Child buccal samples were collected at a 2-year post-randomisation follow up (children aged 3–5 years, VIPP-SD group n = 106, usual care group n = 117) and were assessed for DNA methylation at the NR3C1, FKBP5 and OXYR genes. Child behaviour was assessed at baseline, post-intervention and 2-years post-randomisation using the Preschool Parental Account of Children's Symptoms (PPACS). We examined group differences in DNA methylation, associations of DNA methylation with behaviour, and sex differences.

Results

For the NR3C1 and OXYR genes, there were no group differences, sex differences, or associations of DNA methylation with child behaviour, though all non-significant findings were in the hypothesised direction. For FKBP5 DNA methylation, there was a significant interaction between group and sex, such that males in the usual care group had higher DNA methylation than females, but in the intervention group females had higher DNA methylation than males. However, FKBP5 DNA methylation was not associated with behaviour in males or females.

Discussion

We provide the first evidence from a randomised controlled trial focused on improving parenting for sex-specific changes in child DNA methylation at a key gene involved in stress reactivity and psychopathology. This study adds to our understanding of causal mechanisms linking parenting with child behaviour, which is important for developing targeted interventions. A key limitation is that child DNA methylation was only assessed at one time point, so we were unable to assess change in DNA methylation over time. However, we demonstrate that is possible to collect and analyse DNA samples from families with young children receiving parenting interventions in the community, providing impetus for further research on this topic.
Scorpion venom and its adaptive role against pathogens: a case study in Centruroides granosus Thorell, 1876 and Escherichia coli
Authors: Gálvez Dumas , Bonilla Eleodoro , Vega Carlos
Published: April 2023

Scorpion venoms have been studied extensively, mostly aimed at applications for human health, with strong evidence of antimicrobial properties. However, ecological studies on the adaptive role of these antimicrobial properties have been mostly neglected. Here, this study investigated in the scorpion Centruroides granosus Thorell, 1876 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) whether the venom provided protection against the consumption of crickets injected with a pathogenic strain of the bacteria Escherichia coli. Preventing venom injection when consuming contaminated prey decreased scorpion survival as compared to their controls (phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) injection) and scorpions that injected the venom. Scorpions that injected the venom did not show lower survival when consuming contaminated prey as compared to their own control, and there was no difference in survival for the controls of scorpions that were prevented or allowed to inject the venom. Altogether, the results highlight the adaptive benefit of the venom for scorpions when coping with potentially hazardous prey. The implications of the findings are discussed, and this work seeks to encourage more work on the neglected field of venom evolutionary ecology of scorpions and other arthropods.
High occurrence of hepatitis E virus in raw pork liver and pork liver pâté produced in the Canadian province of Quebec
Authors: Chatonnat Eva , Julien Mariya , Jubinville Eric , Goulet-Beaulieu Valérie , Pavio Nicole , Jean Julie
Published: April 2023

The Hepatitis E virus is widespread throughout the world and causes sporadic cases of liver disease. In industrialized countries, its transmission is zoonotic, with pigs, deer, and wild boar being major reservoirs. Humans can be infected by ingesting raw or undercooked contaminated meat products. In the Canadian province of Quebec, HEV has been detected previously in pork liver and chops. In the present study, we analyzed 83 pork liver pâtés sold in local grocery stores and 79 raw pork livers obtained from Quebec hog processors. HEV RNA was extracted and detected by RT-qPCR. HEV RNA was amplified in 29% of the pâtés and 4% of the raw pork livers. Out of all amplified PCR-positive samples, only one showed a product during electrophoresis and was sent for sequencing. The resulting sequence matched a strain belonging to genotype 3 (HEV-3). This pilot study shows that HEV is present frequently in pork liver-based products in the province of Quebec.
Epidemiological characteristics of bovine besnoitiosis (Besnoitia besnoiti) in a beef cattle farm: a cross-sectional serological assessment
Authors: Coelho Joana , Domingues Joana , Waap Helga , Stilwell George
Published: April 2023

Background

Bovine besnoitiosis is an emerging disease caused by the protozoa Besnoitia besnoiti that can have a serious economic impact on affected farms. The fact that there is no effective vaccine nor treatment, along with the lack of consistent epidemiologic data, renders the implementation of preventive medicine and control strategies much harder.

Objectives

A cross-sectional serological assessment was performed to better understand the distribution and prevalence of this parasite in a large beef cattle farm in Portugal and to establish some epidemiological characteristics of besnoitiosis.

Methods

A random blood sampling of 450 animals from a farm that keeps around 2,000 cattle head was performed and sera were submitted to an indirect immunofluorescent antibody test (IFAT). Data on breed, age, sex, and birthplace of the tested animals and their mothers were recorded.

Results

The overall prevalence of positive animals was 16.89%, with significant differences between under 1-year-old calves (4.8%) and adults (19.67%). A higher antibody prevalence was shown in animals 1–2 years and >7 years old, in Salers breed and in cows imported from France or whose mothers had come from this country. Calves under 1 year old and crossbreed animals with ancestry born in the current farm presented the lowest antibody prevalence.

Discussion and conclusions

The most significant risk factors revealed were age (>7 years old) and breed (Salers). Genetic studies should be carried out in order to confirm whether indeed there is a breed susceptibility to bovine besnoitiosis. We suggest that similar studies should be performed across southern Europe to establish strong epidemiologic data that would allow a rigorous transnational control program to be launched.
Predicting changes in neutralizing antibody activity for SARS-CoV-2 XBB.1.5 using in silico protein modeling
Authors: Ford Colby T. , Yasa Shirish , Jacob Machado Denis , White Richard Allen , Janies Daniel A.
Published: April 2023

The SARS-CoV-2 variant XBB.1.5 is of concern as it has high transmissibility. XBB.1.5 currently accounts for upwards of 30% of new infections in the United States. One year after our group published the predicted structure of the Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant’s receptor binding domain (RBD) and antibody binding affinity, we return to investigate the new mutations seen in XBB.1.5 which is a descendant of Omicron. Using in silico modeling approaches against newer neutralizing antibodies that are shown effective against B.1.1.529, we predict the immune consequences of XBB.1.5’s mutations and show that there is no statistically significant difference in overall antibody evasion when comparing to the B.1.1.529 and other related variants (e.g., BJ.1 andBM.1.1.1). However, noticeable changes in antibody binding affinity were seen due to specific amino acid changes of interest in the newer variants.
Application Effectiveness of Segment IV Portal Vein Reconstruction for Early Postoperative Liver Function Recovery in Split Liver Transplantation
Authors: Muhammad Imran , Rehman Faisal U. L. , Wang Feng , Xiong Xiaopeng , Lianghao Zhang , Jinzhen Cai
Published: April 2023

The objective of this study was to investigate the significance of portal vein reconstruction in segment IV of the liver on early postoperative liver function recovery in split liver transplantation. The clinical data of patients of right trilobe split liver transplantation in our center were analyzed and divided into two groups, including a group without portal vein reconstruction and a group with portal vein reconstruction. Clinical data of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), albumin (ALB), creatinine (Cr), total bilirubin (TB), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl Transferase (GGT), lactic acid (Lac), and international normalized ratio (INR) levels were analyzed. The technique of segment IV portal vein reconstruction is beneficial to the early postoperative recovery of liver function. Statistically, there was no significant effect of portal vein reconstruction in the IV segment of the liver on the recovery of liver function within 1 week after split liver transplantation. There was no significant difference in survival rate between the control group and reconstruction group over the 6 months follow-up period after surgery.
Simulation Study on Direct-Drive Compressor with Electromagnetic Linear Actuator
Authors: Zhu Jianhui , Xue Mengmeng , Dai Jianguo , Yang Zongzheng , Yang Jingnan
Published: April 2023

In order to enhance compressor efficiency and meet the requirements of energy conservation and environmental protection, this study designed a direct-drive compressor with an electromagnetic linear actuator. Starting with the structural design and performance analysis of the linear compressor, the working process of the moving-coil linear compressor was analyzed. The basic performance of the designed moving-coil linear motor was simulated and analyzed using the Maxwell software, while the overall performance of the linear compressor was simulated and analyzed using the Simulink software to verify the feasibility of controlling a linear compressor via the direct drive of a linear motor.
Improvements on the Dynamical Behavior of a HiL-Steering System Test Bench
Authors: Haas Alexander , Schrage Benedikt , Menze Gregor , Sieberg Philipp Maximilian , Schramm Dieter
Published: April 2023

Shorter available development times and fewer available vehicle prototypes have increased the subsystem-based investigation on test rigs within the automotive development process. Steering systems exhibit a direct interface to the driver, therefore, posing high requirements to the control performance of a test bench, especially for the perception of steering feel. This work proposes three approaches to improve the force control performance of permanent magnet linear motors incorporated on a steering test bench. The first method improves control accuracy when a harmonic force signal is introduced into the steering system by adjusting the reference force signal based on the identified peak values of the measured and reference forces. The second method allows the inclusion of the actuator’s inertia and the occurring ratios between steering wheel angle and rack displacement into the control scheme to reduce performance deterioration due to inertia. The third approach considers delay time in the actuator control and estimates its future position for delay compensation. A validation of the proposed methods is conducted, displaying an improvement for all three applications. The proposed methods extend the applicability of a steering test bench within the automotive development process by enabling more accurate and reproductible control performance.
Pushing Down on Me: The Paradoxical Role of Self-Leadership in the Context of Work Pressure
Authors: Neck Christopher B. , Neck Christopher P. , Goldsby Elizabeth A. , Goldsby Michael G.
Published: April 2023

One of the most pressing threats to individual employees in today’s fast-paced work environment is work pressure. In this paper, the intention is to link the individual influence process of self-leadership to work pressure, representing the first empirical research to do so. Through this linkage, we suggest a means by which the individual worker may deal with the external force of work pressure, thus decoupling the consequences of work pressure from the organizational influence. Through linking self-leadership to work pressure’s effects, we examine how the individual may mitigate the negative work pressure-driven outcomes whereas past research has typically focused on what the organization may do to mitigate these effects. Finally, this study aims to disentangle an existing paradox in the self-leadership literature through examining how the various strategies of self-leadership perform differently under the context of work pressure.
The Effect of Corporate Social Responsibility on Brand Image and Brand Equity and Its Impact on Consumer Satisfaction
Authors: Araújo Joana , Pereira Inês Veiga , Santos José Duarte
Published: April 2023

This paper aims to study the effect of corporate social responsibility (CSR) on brand image and brand equity and its impact on consumer satisfaction. The study follows a quantitative methodology, using the implementation of an online questionnaire distributed to people who bought, during the pandemic, a product that used a CSR action. Subsequently, data were analyzed through Smart PLS, following the Structural Equation Model. It was possible to conclude that the CSR initiatives positively affect consumer satisfaction through the mediating effect of brand image and brand equity. Further, brand image and brand equity improve when companies use CSR initiatives, and, despite what previous research has concluded, consumer satisfaction is not affected directly when CSR initiatives are used. This research has also showed that CSR’s impact on brand image is higher for men, and CSR initiatives’ impact on brand equity is also higher for regular purchase consumers.
CFD Simulation and Optimization of the Leaf Collecting Mechanism for the Riding-Type Tea Plucking Machine
Authors: Weng Xiaoxing , Tan Dapeng , Wang Gang , Chen Changqing , Zheng Lianyou , Yuan Mingan , Li Duojiao , Chen Bin , Jiang Li , Hu Xinrong
Published: April 2023

In the process of tea plucking and leaf gathering, the structure optimization design of the leaf collecting mechanism is the key element responsible for collecting fresh leaves. The unreasonable design and manufacture of leaf collecting mechanisms will cause the smooth collection of fresh leaves, the quality of the collected fresh leaves will be damaged, and the commodity value will be reduced. In order to further study the structural characteristics of the leaf collecting mechanism, an air outlet model of the leaf collecting mechanism was established for the phenomena of internal vortex rotation and impact in the leaf collecting mechanism process. The internal flow field of the leaf collecting mechanism, the movement trajectory of fresh leaves, and the non-homogeneous flow are calculated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Based on Box-Behnken’s central combinatorial design theory, the velocity inlet and outlet air structure factors are taken as the influencing factors to carry out response surface test research. The effect of different parameters such as engine rotation, shape of the blowing cavity and air outlet parts, and velocity on the flow is determined. The optimal parameter combination is as follows: the height of the outlet end, the length of the inlet end, and the velocity inlet are 0.01 m, 0.03 m, and 25 m/s, respectively. Furthermore, it was found that when the number of plates increases from 1 to 4, the non-homogeneity decreases all the time, and the distribution of blowing air is improved without a sharp decrease in velocity. The average velocity outlet was larger than the velocity inlet, which meets the requirements of blade gathering. Considering comprehensively, the flow field simulation of the blade collecting mechanism with four baffles was consistent with the test results of the velocity outlet. The validation results showed that the model can successfully simulate the air flow inside the leaf-collecting mechanism, and the reasonable structure design was conducive to reducing the number of collisions between tea buds and improving the quality of tea buds. This research has certain theoretical and practical implications for the accurate plucking of high-quality tea.
Simultaneous Assessment of Water and Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Rain-Fed Chickpea-Durum Wheat Intercropping Systems
Authors: Kherif Omar , Haddad Benalia , Bouras Fatma-Zohra , Seghouani Mounir , Zemmouri Bahia , Gamouh Ramzi , Hamzaoui Nadia , Larbi Amira , Rebouh Nazih-Yacer , Latati Mourad
Published: April 2023

It is well known that multiple interactions can occur between nitrogen and water use, depending on climate, soil and crop characteristics, in crop growth and yield development. However, little is known about the simultaneous change in both water and N use efficiency (WUE and NUE) and their possible interactions in cereal–-legume intercropping systems. In order to advance our knowledge on the N and water facilitation mechanisms involved in the intercropping responses of N and water input co-limitations, we investigated, via four experiment years, the simultaneous optimization of water and N-fertilizer inputs, as well as its possible effects on growth, yield, N acquisition, and the NUE and WUE in intercropped species. The results indicated that intercropping increases the leaf area index by more than +0.14 and +1.03 units when compared to durum wheat and chickpea monoculture systems, respectively. This increase is particularly noticeable under higher rainfalls during the crop period (i.e., as can be seen in the 2022, 2020, and 2019 seasons). Moderate N-application enhanced both the grain yield and protein accumulation in the mixed crops by more than 0.22 t ha−1 and 57 kg ha−1, respectively. Conversely, intercropping significantly decreased the mixed grain yield when compared to durum wheat monocultures. Intercropping advantages in terms of biomass (ranged from 1 to 44%) and N-acquisition (2 to 91%) was confirmed in either low- (2021) or high- (2019 and 2022) rainfall growing periods, but only under low and moderate N-applications. Improving N nutrition under both rainfall and drought growth periods was confirmed only for the mixed crops under all applied N-fertilizer doses. Such improvements in growth, N acquisition, and yield quality were most likely achieved by positive interactions (r2 = 0.73, p ≤ 0.001) between the NUE and WUE for the chickpea–wheat intercropping. Thus, 0.62 kg m−3 of WUE promotes a significant increase of 1 kg kg−1 in NUE by mixing chickpea-durum wheat. Rain-fed chickpea-durum wheat intercropping provides a higher performance in growth and yield quality compared to sole cropping systems; this may occur from the simultaneous optimizations of both water and N fertilizer inputs in low-N soil under semiarid conditions.
Thioredoxin Is a New Target for the Phytotoxicity of Small Lactone Mycotoxins, Patulin and Penicillic Acid on Maize Seedlings
Authors: Ismaiel Ahmed A. , Papenbrock Jutta
Published: April 2023

The phytotoxic mechanisms of patulin (PAT) and penicillic acid (PA) have not been identified unambiguously. This study aims to clarify their effects on thioredoxins (Trxs). Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), PAT and PA were isolated by solvent extraction and chromatographic techniques from the cultures of Aspergillus flavus Z2 (LC171449), Penicillium vulpinum CM1 and Aspergillus ochraceus EMCC516, respectively. The three mycotoxins showed phytotoxicity to the germination of maize seeds, which was manifested by inhibiting radicle and coleoptile emergence, in addition to their toxic effects on fresh weights and root and shoot lengths. The phytotoxicity of AFB1 and PAT was greater than that of PA. Due to the central roles exhibited by plant Trxs in cellular metabolic activities, they were tested as target proteins for PAT and PA using AFB1 as positive control. In vivo studies showed that the mycotoxins significantly reduced Trx activity measured in the roots and shoots of maize seedlings. PAT showed greater Trx-inhibiting activity than PA and AFB1. In vitro studies of the mycotoxins on Trx y1 (from Arabidopsis thaliana) and thioredoxin reductase (Tr, from rat liver) activities confirm the results of in vivo studies. The inactivation of Trx with PAT and PA was reduced in the presence of glutathione (GSH). Data obtained suggest that lactone mycotoxins are more highly reactive with simple low-molecular-weight thiols (like GSH) than with complex ones (like Trx).
Application of 6-Pentyl-α-Pyrone in the Nutrient Solution Used in Tomato Soilless Cultivation to Inhibit Fusarium oxysporum HF-26 Growth and Development
Authors: Hao Jianxiu , Wuyun Dalai , Xi Xianmei , Dong Baozhu , Wang Dong , Quan Wei , Zhang Ziyu , Zhou Hongyou
Published: April 2023

Soilless cultivation has increased in China. Like vegetables or ornamental plants, tomatoes can be cultivated in soilless culture systems. Fusarium wilt (FW) is an economic tomato disease. The nature and amount of volatile organic compounds in Trichoderma asperellum PT-15 were investigated, and 6-pentyl-α-pyrone (6-PP) was detected. Furthermore, the effect of 6-PP on Fusarium oxysporum HF-26 was evaluated. Results revealed that 25 mg/L 6-PP was the optimal concentration inhibiting F. oxysporum HF-26 and that the content of fusaric acid decreased considerably compared to that of the control. FUB1, FUB4, and FUB10 toxin synthesis and transport genes were downregulated. Additionally, VelA, velB, and LaeA genes were downregulated, reducing F. oxysporum mycelial growth and hyphae formation. 6-PP was added to the soilless culture solution in a greenhouse experiment. The results showed that an antifungal–nutrient solution containing 25 mg/L 6-PP significantly suppressed FW with 70.71% efficacy and a 27.23% disease index (DI), which were higher efficacy and lower DI than that of the control. Furthermore, treatment with an antifungal–nutrient solution containing 6-PP increased the levels of defence enzymes 24 h post-inoculation (hpi) compared with those at other time periods. The relative expression levels of the PR1, NPR1, PR2, and PR5 genes were considerably upregulated at 24 hpi.
Preliminary Results on the Effects of Initial Stand Density and Supplemental Irrigation on Biomass of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehn. Grown as a Short Rotation Woody Crop under Semi-Arid Conditions
Authors: Vaknin Yiftach , Korol Leonid
Published: April 2023

Most short rotation coppice (SRC) plantations are grown in temperate, subtropical, and tropical areas where land availability is limited. Very little is known about the potential biomass yield of Eucalyptus camaldulensis grown as SRC under semi-arid conditions with supplemental irrigation. Our objective was to maximize biomass production of E. camaldulensis under semi-arid conditions as a feedstock for biofuels by optimizing initial stem density (ISD) and irrigation amount. We tested the effects of four densities of 2500, 10,000, 40,000, and 160,000 stems per hectare, and supplemental irrigation of 100% or 200% of potential evapotranspiration on tree growth and biomass production. Our results showed that under semi-arid conditions and supplemental irrigation, trees grew rapidly and accumulated biomass at a rate equal to or exceeding that in tropical regions. As ISD increased, individual trees grew slightly taller, became much narrower, and had fewer stems. We concluded that competition for resources such as light and nutrients increased with ISD, resulting in significantly lower biomass accumulation by individual trees. However, the significantly greater number of individuals with increasing ISD was responsible for the higher biomass production per hectare, allowing us to achieve exceptionally high annual yields of eucalypt biomass under semi-arid conditions after three annual coppicing cycles.
Time to Onset of Flowering, Water Use, and Yield in Wheat
Authors: Xi Yue , Wang Dong , Weiner Jacob , Du Yan-Lei , Li Feng-Min
Published: April 2023

Crop breeding has been successful in increasing crop grain yield (GY; reproductive biomass) largely through reduced vegetative size, increased reproductive effort (RE = reproductive biomass/total biomass) and increased water-use efficiency (WUE) in grain production. Flowering time is an important life history trait that signifies the switch from vegetative to reproductive growth. The relationship between GY and time from sowing to flowering (Tsf) is unclear. We fit the relationships between GY and RE vs. Tsf to the logistic model using data from 18 spring wheat genotypes grown under simulated rainfed conditions. Tsf accounted for water use before and after flowering, root length density, total leaf area, and the time from flowering to harvest. Early flowering meant decreased water use before flowering and increased water use afterward. Soil water remaining at harvest was positively correlated with yield. Early flowering genotypes have a higher WUE of grain production, but there was no significant difference in the WUE of total biomass production. The relationship between grain yield and Tsf is described as a unimodal curve, as is the relationship between RE and Tsf. Higher yields and a higher RE have been achieved through earlier flowering, and both RE and Tsf reached their optimal values for maximizing GY. Crop breeding is unlikely to achieve further increases in GY through this route in the future. The results suggest that breeding does not improve biomass’s water-use efficiency, but causes changes in biomass allocation strategy, and this could be a new direction for genetically improving grain yield.
Effects of Biodegradable Plastic Mulch Film on Cabbage Agronomic and Nutritional Quality Traits, Soil Physicochemical Properties and Microbial Communities
Authors: Zhang Wei , Ma Jinjun , Cui Zhongli , Xu Langtao , Liu Qian , Li Jianbin , Wang Shenyun , Zeng Xiaoping
Published: April 2023

The long-term use of polyethylene mulch (PEM) films can cause plastic film residual pollution that has an adverse effect on soil health and crop quality. To address this issue, poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), an aliphatic–aromatic copolyester, is widely used in the production of commercially biodegradable plastic mulch (BDM) films. The use of BDMs can alleviate soil plastic pollution and reduce the labor cost of retrieving plastic film residues from the field. The effects of BDM and PEM on the agronomic and nutritional quality traits of cabbage cultivar ‘Sugan No. 35’, as well as the physicochemical properties and microbial communities of the soil were analyzed during two consecutive years of the experiment. No significant difference was observed in the cabbage agronomic and nutritional quality traits among three mulching treatments. Nonetheless, the mulching and degradation of BDM reduced the pH value and increased the organic matter content of the soil samples compared with PEM mulching. In the soil bacterial and fungal communities, Proteobacteria and Ascomycota were the most abundant bacterial phylum and fungal phylum across all the soil samples, respectively; the use of BDM increased the relative abundance of soil Proteobacteria and Ascomycota compared with PEM mulching. The overall cost of BDM mulching was much lower than that of PEM mulching during the cabbage production.
Cotton Blight Identification with Ground Framed Canopy Photo-Assisted Multispectral UAV Images
Authors: Wang Changwei , Chen Yongchong , Xiao Zhipei , Zeng Xianming , Tang Shihao , Lin Fei , Zhang Luxiang , Meng Xuelian , Liu Shaoqun
Published: April 2023

Cotton plays an essential role in global human life and economic development. However, diseases such as leaf blight pose a serious threat to cotton production. This study aims to advance the existing approach by identifying cotton blight infection and classifying its severity at a higher accuracy. We selected a cotton field in Shihezi, Xinjiang in China to acquire multispectral images with an unmanned airborne vehicle (UAV); then, fifty-three 50 cm by 50 cm ground framed plots were set with defined coordinates, and a photo of its cotton canopy was taken of each and converted to the L*a*b* color space as either a training or a validation sample; finally, these two kinds of images were processed and combined to establish a cotton blight infection inversion model. Results show that the Red, Rededge, and NIR bands of multispectral UAV images were found to be most sensitive to changes in cotton leaf color caused by blight infection; NDVI and GNDVI were verified to be able to infer cotton blight infection information from the UAV images, of which the model calibration accuracy was 84%. Then, the cotton blight infection status was spatially identified with four severity levels. Finally, a cotton blight inversion model was constructed and validated with ground framed photos to be able to explain about 86% of the total variance. Evidently, multispectral UAV images coupled with ground framed cotton canopy photos can improve cotton blight infection identification accuracy and severity classification, and therefore provide a more reliable approach to effectively monitoring such cotton disease damage.