bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Which factors influence plan reuse in a sequential posture selection task?
Authors: Schütz Christoph
Published: February 2025

In a sequential posture selection task, we reuse former motor plans to reduce cognitive planning cost. The resulting persistence in the former posture, termed motor hysteresis, can serve as a proxy for the percentage of motor plan reuse (PoR). A recent study showed a significant drop in PoR if participants were asked to skip every second drawer in a sequential drawer opening task. In the current study, we sought to disentangle four confounded factors that were potentially responsible for this drop in PoR: a change of (1) spatial distance, (2) digit distance, (3) number of drawers, or (4) context (presence of skipped drawers). To this end, two groups of participants were tested in a series of sequential drawer tasks, where each of the four potential influencing factors was varied independently. PoR was calculated as the dependent variable. Participants displayed a hysteresis effect in all ordered tasks, but the PoR was only reduced by an increase in spatial distance. The three remaining factors had no significant effect. This finding indicates that motor planning is only affected by local (spatial) parameters of the task, but not by context factors (digits, skipped drawers) or global parameters such as the number of drawers.
A cluster randomized controlled trial examining the effects of a four-week mindfulness-based practice on primary school students’ interpersonal mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and attentional focus
Authors: Lin Li-Jen , Lin Yu-Hsun , Yu Su-Ping , Liu Thu-Hua , Chen Yi-Lang
Published: February 2025

Background

Although mindfulness benefits are well-established across diverse populations, its impact on primary school children’s interpersonal mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and attentional focus remains underexplored. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a four-week mindfulness-based practice (MBP) intervention among primary school students.

Methods

A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted with 14 classes from Guanghua Elementary School, Taiwan. Classes were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (7 classes, n = 123) or a control group (7 classes, n = 158), encompassing middle and senior-grade male and female students. The intervention group participated in weekly 40-min MBP sessions over 4 weeks. Students completed three validated questionnaires measuring interpersonal mindfulness dimensions (Presence, PR; Awareness, AW; Nonreactivity, NR), emotional intelligence (EI), and mindfulness (MI, attentional focus), using 6-point Likert scales. Assessments were administered at baseline, immediately after the intervention, and at 8-week follow-up.

Results

Baseline scores revealed no significant differences between the groups across all measures. After the 4-week intervention, the intervention group showed significant improvements in PR (p < 0.01), NR (p < 0.01), and MI (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. At the 8-week follow-up, improvements in PR and MI were maintained, while NR gains diminished. Three-way ANOVA identified that gender and grade significantly influenced AW (p < 0.01) and PR (p < 0.05), respectively, with stage effects observed for NR and EI (p < 0.05). Notably, the intervention enhanced AW among boys, and gender-grade interactions had a significant impact on NR and EI outcomes.

Conclusion

Overall, the four-week MBP intervention significantly enhanced primary school students’ interpersonal mindfulness and attentional focus, with some benefits lasting up to 8 weeks. These findings highlight the importance of tailoring MBP programs to students’ developmental stages and gender-specific needs. Future studies should investigate longer interventions and incorporate objective measures to further validate these outcomes.
Clinical and genetic findings in autism spectrum disorders analyzed using exome sequencing
Authors: Blázquez Ana , Rodriguez-Revenga Laia , Alvarez-Mora María I. , Calvo Rosa
Published: February 2025

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) refers to a group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders and is characterized by impaired reciprocal social interaction and communication, as well as the presence of restricted interests and stereotyped and repetitive behaviors. As a complex neurodevelopmental disorder, the phenotype and severity of autism are extremely heterogeneous, with differences from one patient to another. Chromosome microarray (CMA) and fragile X syndrome analyses has been used as a powerful tool to identify new candidate genes for ASD. Methods: In the present study, CMA was first used to scan for genome-wide copy number variants in the patient, and no clinically significant copy number variants were found. Exome sequencing (ES) was used for further genetic testing. Results: ES was performed on 20 subjects. Eighty percent of our sample presented intellectual disability. Other co-occurring clinical conditions included speech disorders, psychomotor delay, the presence of dysmorphic features and medical co-morbidities. A pathogenic variant was identified in 10 patients (ADNP, FBN1, WAC, ASXL3, NR4A2, ALX4, ANKRD1, POGZ, SHANK3 and BPTF). Patients with a positive finding in ES were more likely to present a dysmorphic trunk, more than three dysmorphic features, hypotonia, psychomotor delay and strabismus. Conclusions: ES offers expanded diagnostic options for patients with ASD who are negative on CMA. However, further studies are needed for a better understanding of ASD etiology and also the different phenotypes.
Nicotine replacement therapy as a smoking cessation tool for adolescents: an update
Authors: Beis Ioannis , Dimou Anastasios , Kotoulas Serafeim-Chrysovalantis , Pataka Athanasia
Published: February 2025

Background

Adolescent smoking is a significant public health concern, as early nicotine addiction leads to more severe addiction and reduced cessation success during adulthood. While nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is an effective smoking cessation tool in adults, its efficacy in adolescents is less clear.

Objective

This systematic review evaluates the effectiveness and safety of NRT for smoking cessation in adolescents.

Methods

A comprehensive search of PubMed and Cochrane Library databases identified 12 studies (randomized controlled trials and observational) examining NRT in adolescents. Outcomes included smoking cessation rates, withdrawal symptom relief, smoking reduction, and adverse events.

Results

NRT demonstrated limited success in long-term smoking cessation among adolescents, with low cessation rates that often declined post-treatment. However, NRT was effective in reducing smoking frequency and in managing withdrawal symptoms in some cases. The safety profile was generally favourable, with mild side effects such as skin irritation, headaches, and nausea.

Conclusion

While NRT can reduce smoking and alleviate withdrawal symptoms, its effectiveness in sustaining long-term cessation in adolescents is limited. Adherence challenges and side effects suggest a need for complementary behavioural support and further research into tailored NRT strategies for this population.
Exercise addiction in college students: the impact of body dissatisfaction, stress, physical activity and gender
Authors: Wang Ying , Hua Guohuan , Liu Wenting , Wan Changsheng , Hao Ming , Zhang Mingshou
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Engaging in physical activity is commonly regarded as beneficial to health. However, exercise addiction may arise when enthusiasm for exercise reaches a level that disrupts life balance and overall well-being. Factors influencing college students’ exercise addiction remain largely unknown.

Methods

Participants aged 18–23 years (N = 384) underwent body measurements, and sex-adapted silhouettes were employed to assess their level of body dissatisfaction. The Exercise Addiction Inventory was used to investigate the level of exercise addiction among college students. We used t-tests to compare sex differences in BMI, body fat percentage, body dissatisfaction levels, stress levels, and exercise addiction among college students. Chi-square’s test was used to compare differences between males and females in terms of BMI, physical activity levels, stress, and exercise addiction ratings. The exercise addiction level of college students was used as the dependent variable in multiple regression analysis, and BMI, muscle mass, body fat percentage, exercise score, stress level score, and body dissatisfaction level score were used as predictors.

Results

The results of multivariate regression analysis revealed sex differences in physical activity scores, stress levels, body dissatisfaction, and exercise addiction levels, with males consistently exhibiting significantly higher scores than females. In males, body dissatisfaction scores and stress were significant predictors of exercise addiction. Among females, physical activity scores, stress, body dissatisfaction, and body fat percentage were identified as significant predictors of exercise addiction.

Discussion

College students confront risks in relation to exercise addiction. High stress levels and body dissatisfaction may be important causes of exercise addiction. The male students had higher body dissatisfaction, stress levels, and risk of exercise addiction than the female students. With a change in female bodily aesthetics in terms of a shift from a primary focus on thinness-related beauty to having a thin and toned body, the risk of exercise addiction in female college students may increase.
Improving healthcare services for living kidney donors: an experience-based approach in the Netherlands
Authors: Sipma Wim S. , van Londen Marco , Visser Annemieke , de Jong Margriet F. C. , Ahaus Kees C. T. B.
Published: February 2025

Living kidney donors voluntarily donate one of their kidneys to someone suffering from end-stage kidney disease. Transplantation is a life-saving opportunity for these patients and generally provides an increase in quality of life. A major goal of research and practice related to living kidney donation concerns the safety of the donor. In comparison, only limited research has been carried out on donor experiences of the donor journey in the full cycle of care. To gain further insight into this, we have performed an experience-based co-design (EBCD) study in a major transplant center in the Netherlands. EBCD is a research approach where professionals and patients share experiences with the purpose of improving the healthcare journey. We identified 11 areas for potential improvement: from intake, throughout surgery and hospitalization, to homecare and aftercare. Donors indicated the importance of person-specific information during the admission process, accurate communication with health professionals and attention to recovery after surgery. Nevertheless, no one regretted their donation, and the overall experience was positive. An important finding for professionals is that donors feel like ‘normal’ patients and want to be taken care of even though they are healthy. Just like other patients, they can be anxious before surgery and some may have concerns about recovery. Although this is a single-center study, the results should be relevant for all transplant centers that are interested in improving donor experiences. We concluded that the EBCD approach, when embedded in a local context, is a valuable tool for bringing patients’ experiences to healthcare improvement.
Long-term consumption of green tea protects the mental health of middle-aged and older adult men by improving inflammation levels
Authors: Wan Zhenyu , Wan Qirong , Qin Xucong , Wang Gaohua , Lin Hong , Jin Yong , Wan Bing , Ai Linfeng , Wei Juan
Published: February 2025

Background

Middle-aged and older adult men are at a heightened risk of depression. Green tea, as a popular beverage, has drawn widespread attention for its health benefits. However, there remains controversy over the effects of green tea on combating depression and regulating hormones.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the effects of long-term green tea consumption on depression levels, hormones, and brain structure in, middle-aged and older adult men.

Methods

A total of 280 volunteers participated in the study, divided into a tea-drinking group and a control group. Basic demographic information and biological marker data, as well as MRI data from some of the volunteers, were collected. A controlled study was conducted to explore the effects of long-term tea drinking on them.

Results

BMI (p = 0.002), depression level (p = 0.003), insomnia severity (p = 0.008), and systemic inflammation index (p = 0.009) were significantly lower in the tea drinking group, and their testosterone levels were significantly higher than those in the control group (p = 0.001). Moreover, GM volume in the right precuneus in the control group was significantly reduced compared with that in the tea drinking group.

Conclusion

Long-term tea consumption helps reduce BMI and increase testosterone levels in middle-aged and older adult men, and it can also reduce their risk of depression by lowering inflammation and improving sleep quality. Additionally, long-term tea consumption may have the potential to delay brain aging in middle-aged and older adult men.
Advancements in cache management: a review of machine learning innovations for enhanced performance and security
Authors: Krishna Keshav
Published: February 2025

Machine learning techniques have emerged as a promising tool for efficient cache management, helping optimize cache performance and fortify against security threats. The range of machine learning is vast, from reinforcement learning-based cache replacement policies to Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) models predicting content characteristics for caching decisions. Diverse techniques such as imitation learning, reinforcement learning, and neural networks are extensively useful in cache-based attack detection, dynamic cache management, and content caching in edge networks. The versatility of machine learning techniques enables them to tackle various cache management challenges, from adapting to workload characteristics to improving cache hit rates in content delivery networks. A comprehensive review of various machine learning approaches for cache management is presented, which helps the community learn how machine learning is used to solve practical challenges in cache management. It includes reinforcement learning, deep learning, and imitation learning-driven cache replacement in hardware caches. Information on content caching strategies and dynamic cache management using various machine learning techniques in cloud and edge computing environments is also presented. Machine learning-driven methods to mitigate security threats in cache management have also been discussed.
Climate of Accountability, Respect, and Ethics Survey (CARES): development and validation of an organizational climate survey
Authors: Martinson Brian C. , Smallfield Jarvis , Magley Vicki J. , Thrush Carol R. , Gunsalus C. K.
Published: February 2025

Background

This research describes the development and validation of the CARES Climate Survey, a 22-item measure designed to assess interpersonal dimensions of work-unit climates. Dimensions of work-unit climates are identified through work-unit member perceptions and include civility, interpersonal accountability, conflict resolution, and institutional harassment responsiveness.

Methods

Two samples (N = 1,384; N = 868) of academic researchers, including one from the North American membership of the American Geophysical Union (AGU), and one from a large research-intensive university, responded to the CARES and additional measures via an online survey.

Results

We demonstrate content validity of the CARES measure and confirm structural validity through exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses which yielded four dimensions of interpersonal climate. In addition, we confirm the CARES internal reliability, construct validity, and excellent sub-group invariance.

Conclusions

The CARES is a brief, psychometrically sound instrument that can be used by researchers, institutional leaders, and other practitioners to assess interpersonal climates in organizational work-units.

Originality/value

This is the first study to develop and validate such a measure of interpersonal climates specifically in research-intensive organizations, using rigorous psychometric methods, grounded in both theory and prior research on work-unit climates.
How Do Pacifiers and Bottles Affect Facial Growth?
Authors: Masson Beatriz Carvalho , Oliveira Fernanda Maria Machado Pereira Cabral de , Paula-Silva Francisco Wanderley Garcia de
Published: February 2025

Sucking is a very important reflex that babies depend on to feed. The sucking reflex can be observed while the baby is still in the mother’s womb. According to the World Health Organization, breastfeeding should be the only form of infant feeding during the first 6 months of life, but some families choose to use bottles. Sucking that is not related to feeding is called non-nutritive sucking. Examples include sucking pacifiers, lips, fingers, and toys, which, as the baby gets older, can alter the growth pattern of bones, unbalance the facial muscles, and cause the teeth to be malpositioned. Risks associated with non-nutritive sucking habits should be explained to families. If a child develops non-nutritive sucking habits, the entire family should help the baby to break the habit in the best possible way such as reduce the duration of non-nutritive suction, do not offer pacifiers and distract the child with other activities.
Different understandings, different responses: experiences of racism among highly educated, second generation Black Germans
Authors: Piwoni Eunike
Published: February 2025

This article argues that there is a close relationship between individuals’ understandings of specific incidents of racism, their ideas of how racism operates, and their (repertoires of) responses to such incidents. The argument is based on a qualitative interview study with 21 highly educated Black Germans with at least one parent born outside Germany, and draws on both the extant literature on responses to experiences of ethnoracial exclusion and research into how people make sense of such experiences. The analysis specifically explores two contrasting types of interviewees: Type 1 felt that they were constantly and potentially always affected by racism and had a broad knowledge of racism. These interviewees recounted many different incidents, many of which they clearly labelled as “racist.” Type 1 interviewees reported a variety of response options, with direct confrontation being one of them. In stark contrast, Type 2 respondents tended to normalise the relatively few incidents they mentioned or indicate only feelings of unease. They also believed that they were largely unaffected by racism, had a less deep understanding of racism and tended to respond to incidents of exclusion in ways that allowed the encounter to continue without disruption. Overall, the study calls for greater attention to racialised people’s meaning-making in relation to concrete incidents of exclusion and to their knowledge of racism. This requires methodological adaptations to qualitative interview research, which remains the most popular method for exploring experiences of racism. In particular, the study highlights the importance of understanding the ways in which respondents talk about their experiences (categorisation, indication of feelings of unease, and normalisation). It also emphasises the need to go beyond considering only interviewees’ responses to direct questions about their experiences of racism and/or discrimination and/or incidents clearly categorised by interviewees as, for example, “racist.” Moreover, reconstructing interviewees’ knowledge about racism offers a path towards understanding not only their sense-making but also their repertoires of responses. This, in turn, provides insight into why individuals of comparable class position and educational background respond to racism in different ways.
The search for ancient life on Mars using morphological and mass spectrometric analysis: an analog study in detecting microfossils in Messinian gypsum
Authors: Sellam Youcef , Gruchola Salome , Tulej Marek , Keresztes Schmidt Peter , Riedo Andreas , Meddane Sofiane , Wurz Peter
Published: February 2025

Hydrated sulfate deposits have been detected on Mars. A spaceflight instrument capable of detecting microfossils in these salt deposits is highly important for the search for ancient life on Mars. This study employed a range of analytical methods, including nondestructive optical microscopy and SEM-EDX, as well as spatially resolved laser ablation mass spectrometry (LIMS), the latter being designed for in-situ analyses on planetary surfaces, to comprehensively examine the morphology, texture, mineralogy, and geochemistry of fossil-bearing gypsum deposits from Algeria. These extensive gypsum formations formed during the Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC) and serve as excellent astrobiological analogs for the large-scale hydrated sulfate deposits detected on Mars. Significant research on Messinian gypsum reveals notable microbial fossil filaments. This study aims to determine whether optical microscopy and LIMS measurements together can detect fossil filaments in the gypsum samples, identify their composition, and decipher their biogenicity and syngeneity. Spatially resolved depth profiling and chemical mapping analysis of one representative fossil filament using LIMS provided detailed mineralogical and compositional variations that correlate with distinctive morphological features. These findings collectively indicate that the fossil filament exhibits distinct composition and diagenetic processes in comparison to the surrounding gypsum host. The microfossil’s syngeneity and biogenicity were established based on the presence of morphological biosignatures, biologically relevant elements, and biologically induced or influenced minerals such as dolomite and clay minerals. The formation of these minerals within the physico-chemical context of ancient Martian lakes was also discussed. The same suite of measurements and techniques could be applied to study microfossil-bearing gypsum formations on Mars and beyond.
Exploring the impacts of purslane extract: a novel supplement for improving physiological and immunological responses in Labeo catla fingerlings
Authors: Faisal Muhammad , Hussain Syed Makhdoom , Sarker Pallab K. , Ali Shafaqat , Al-Ghanim Khalid A.
Published: February 2025

Introduction

The application of therapeutic plants in aquaculture has gained considerable worldwide attention and is currently the focus of ongoing scientific research. These plants possess diverse bioactive compounds that offer safer, non-toxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible alternatives for consumers. This research assessed the efficacy of purslane extract supplementation on sunflower meal (SFM)-based diets (iso-nitrogenous, iso-lipidic, and iso-caloric) in terms of growth, improving carcass, mineral content, hematology, immune responses, and antioxidant status in Labeo catla fingerlings.

Methods

Each of the seven test diets—T0 (no extract supplementation), T1 (0.5% supplementation), T2 (1% supplementation), T3 (1.5% supplementation), T4 (2% supplementation), T5 (2.5% supplementation), and T6 (3% supplementation)—were administered two times per day at a rate equivalent to 5% of their body mass. The experiment was maintained in V-shaped steel tanks for a duration of 90 days. Each group included 15 fingerlings (N = 315; average weight: 7.36 ± 0.03 g), and each diet was administered in triplicates.

Results

Based on the results of the current study, it is clear that the T3 (1.5% supplementation) diet showed significantly improved growth (in terms of percentage weight gain), feed utilization, and whole-body protein content. In addition, the incorporation of 1.5% purslane extract in SFM-based diets significantly enhanced hematological indices, including platelets, red blood cells, hemoglobin, and white blood cells. Furthermore, all the examined diets exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) increase in mineral content. Dietary supplementation with 1.5% purslane extract exhibited significant enhancements in antioxidant defenses, including increased superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxide activities, alongside a marked decrease in malondialdehyde levels. Furthermore, immune parameters, such as lysozyme activity and total globulins levels, showed considerable improvements in response to the 1.5% purslane supplementation.

Discussion

This study suggested that 1.5% purslane extract supplementation is the optimum level for improving the health and physiology of L. catla fingerlings. The therapeutic benefits of purslane may be attributed to its bioactive compounds, which contribute significantly to enhancing fish performance.
Incremental Pyraformer–Deep Canonical Correlation Analysis: A Novel Framework for Effective Fault Detection in Dynamic Nonlinear Processes
Authors: Ding Yucheng , Zhang Yingfeng , Huang Jianfeng , Peng Shitong
Published: February 2025

Smart manufacturing systems aim to enhance the efficiency, adaptability, and reliability of industrial operations through advanced data-driven approaches. Achieving these objectives hinges on accurate fault detection and timely maintenance, especially in highly dynamic industrial environments. However, capturing nonlinear and temporal dependencies in dynamic nonlinear industrial processes poses significant challenges for traditional data-driven fault detection methods. To address these limitations, this study presents an Incremental Pyraformer–Deep Canonical Correlation Analysis (DCCA) framework that integrates the Pyramidal Attention Mechanism of the Pyraformer with the Broad Learning System for incremental learning in a DCCA basis. The Pyraformer model effectively captures multi-scale temporal features, while the BLS-based incremental learning mechanism adapts to evolving data without full retraining. The proposed framework enhances both spatial and temporal representation, enabling robust fault detection in high-dimensional and continuously changing industrial environments. Experimental validation on the Tennessee Eastman (TE) process, Continuous Stirred-Tank Reactor (CSTR) system, and injection molding process demonstrated superior detection performance. In the TE scenario, our framework achieved a 100% Fault Detection Rate with a 4.35% False Alarm Rate, surpassing DCCA variants. Similarly, in the CSTR case, the approach reached a perfect 100% Fault Detection Rate (FDR) and 3.48% False Alarm Rate (FAR), while in the injection molding process, it delivered a 97.02% FDR with 0% FAR. The findings underline the framework’s effectiveness in handling complex and dynamic data streams, thereby providing a powerful approach for real-time monitoring and proactive maintenance.
SNN-Based Surrogate Modeling of Electromagnetic Force and Its Application in Maglev Vehicle Dynamics Simulation
Authors: Feng Yang , Zhao Chunfa , Liang Xin , Bai Zhan
Published: February 2025

The majority of electromagnetic force calculation models employed in maglev vehicle system dynamics focus exclusively on vertical and lateral movement while neglecting the nonlinear magnetization properties of ferromagnetic materials. This oversight leads to discrepancies between the dynamics simulations and actual conditions. To enhance the accuracy of dynamics simulations and evaluate the performance of maglev vehicle systems under various operational conditions, it is imperative to identify an electromagnetic force calculation model that combines accuracy and applicability. To address this objective, this paper examines a U-shaped electromagnet in medium–low-speed maglev vehicles as a case study. It constructs a spatial electromagnetic force calculation surrogate model using a Shallow Neural Network. The surrogate model is capable of accurately calculating electromagnetic forces considering relative position deviations in the lateral, vertical, rolling, pitching, and shaking directions. Moreover, it can be integrated into vehicle system dynamics simulations. The accuracy of the electromagnetic force calculation surrogate model is confirmed by extensive comparisons with finite element simulation results across various conditions, achieving an impressive concordance rate of up to 95%. An illustrative application of the electromagnetic force calculation surrogate model in maglev vehicle system dynamics simulation is provided to showcase its practical utility.
Farmers’ Typologies for the Construction of a Technological and Socioeconomic Baseline of Industrial Cassava Organizations to Guide Research, Production, and Policy Design in Colombian Caribbean Region
Authors: Martínez-Reina Antonio María , Araujo Hernando , Regino Sol Mara , Espitia Amaury , Tordecilla Lilibet , Grandett Liliana , Pérez Shirley , Martínez Remberto , Rosero Amparo
Published: February 2025

The cassava production system in Colombia is relevant for food security and agro-industrial development, especially in the Caribbean region. To optimize this system, it is necessary to understand the technical and socioeconomic particularities of the crop, which facilitates cost improvements and increased yields. Two main market segments are recognized in this country, cassava for human consumption and for industrial purposes (starch and animal feed). There is still no comprehensive study on the characterization of industrial cassava production systems; therefore, this work aims to identify typologies of farmers according to their technological and socioeconomic characteristics, to contribute to research and production planning. The information related to sociodemographic and technological conditions was collected through a structured survey applied to 53 organizations selected by random sampling that compiles consensual information of 1470 producers. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and a multivariate analysis of variables, such as cultivated area, yield, and proximity to markets, using the Gower method. The results indicated that in the Caribbean industrial cassava production, the average age of farmers is 47 years, with mostly men (72%), and a predominant educational level of secondary school (35%). Two groups of farmers were identified from multivariate analysis, from which group 2 (G2) represented four producer organizations (119 producers) and showed the highest yields and a larger cultivated area, suggesting that a larger scale of production is associated with better yields, which is associated with major access to technological tools and possibly technical knowledge. However, the most cassava producers (49 producer organizations and 1361 producers) had a lower cultivated area and yield, confirming that the technological level and management optimization is related to competitiveness and profitability.
Numerical Analysis of Influence Mechanism of Orifice Eccentricity on Silo Discharge Rate
Authors: Wang Yinglong , Han Yanlong , Li Anqi , Li Hao , Gao Haonan , Sun Ze , Ji Shouyu , Li Zhuozhuang , Jia Fuguo
Published: February 2025

Eccentric silo is an extremely common type of silo, but it is still unclear how to accurately control the discharge by adjusting eccentric orifices, limiting the application and development of eccentric silo. In this study, the rice particle discharging process on silos with different eccentricities was simulated by the discrete element method (DEM), and the influence mechanism of orifice eccentricity on silo discharge rate was analyzed. The results show that eccentricity has a direct influence on the particle volume fraction and vertical velocity that determine the discharge rate of the silo. In fully eccentric silo, it is not easy for particle flow to achieve balance, particles will pass through outlet with more kinetic energy. Moreover, continuous force network cannot be formed between particles with shear resistance, resulting in weak interlocking action between particles. The orientation of particle in fully eccentric silo is more vertical, especially near the silo wall, which will produce larger local particle volume fraction above the orifice. When the eccentricity exceeds the critical eccentricity, the sparse flow area on the discharge orifice becomes larger, and the particle acceleration area increases accordingly. Research findings may offer valuable insights for the accurate control of discharge rate of eccentric silo, as well as for optimizing silo design.
Methodology for Determining the Main Physical Parameters of Apples by Digital Image Analysis
Authors: Alikhanov Jakhfer , Moldazhanov Aidar , Kulmakhambetova Akmaral , Zinchenko Dimitriy , Nurtuleuov Alisher , Shynybay Zhandos , Georgieva Tsvetelina , Daskalov Plamen
Published: February 2025

This paper presents the validation of a digital image analysis method for the quantitative determination of physical quality parameters of apples by comparative analysis with a traditional measurement method. The method was used to determine the quality indicators of apples based on digital image analysis in accordance with standard requirements. Five popular apple varieties from Kazakhstan were selected for the study: Aport Alexander, Ainur, Sinap Almaty, Nursat and Kazakhskij Yubilejnyj. The parameters of the five apple varieties were measured both manually and digitally, which revealed close agreement between the obtained values. The analysis of the results of measuring the geometric parameters of the apples and the percentage of red color in the images was carried out. The maximum relative errors in determining the diameters (d, D) and height (h) were 2.99%, 3.03% and 4.12%, respectively. Regression models were developed to predict the weight and volume of apples. The best results in weight prediction were obtained for the Sinap Almatinsky variety using stepwise linear regression (R2 = 0.96), and volume prediction showed the best results for the Nursat variety (R2 = 0.92). This study lays the foundation for the development of automated systems for sorting apples by commercial varieties.
Differential Sensitivity of Maize Hybrids to Nicosulfuron
Authors: Bevilaqua Natalia da Cunha , Costa Renato Nunes , Giovanelli Bruno Flaibam , Pereira Vinicius Gabriel Caneppele , Krenchinski Fábio Henrique , Carbonari Caio Antonio , Velini Edivaldo Domingues
Published: February 2025

Maize hybrids exhibit varying levels of tolerance to the herbicide nicosulfuron, influenced by the environment, plant developmental stage, and herbicide rate. The objective of this study was to determine the sensitivity of maize hybrids to nicosulfuron through biochemical markers. Eight hybrids were treated with 120 g ha−1 of nicosulfuron at the V2 and V6 growth stages in a greenhouse experiment. The plants were collected at one day after the application of the herbicide to determine the contents of nicosulfuron, aminobutyric and quinic acids and valine, leucine, and isoleucine amino acids. Plant height and phytotoxicity were evaluated at 7, 14, 21, and 28 DAA. The plants were collected at 28 DAA to determine the shoot dry weight. The results indicated that sensitivity to nicosulfuron varied among the eight hybrids studied, with the V2 stage exhibiting higher herbicide accumulation, greater height reduction, and increased phytotoxicity. Aminobutyric acid levels increased in all hybrids after herbicide application, with a stronger correlation between its accumulation and growth inhibition at the V2 stage. These findings suggest that V2 is the most suitable stage for distinguishing hybrid sensitivity to nicosulfuron.
Hive Insulation Increases Foraging Activities of Bumble Bees (Bombus impatiens) in a Wild Blueberry Field in Quebec, Canada
Authors: Paré Maxime C. , Mortazavi Nasimeh , Brassard Jean-Denis , Chouffot Thierry , Douillard Julie , Cutler G. Christopher
Published: February 2025

Common eastern bumble bees (Bombus impatiens Cresson) play an essential role in pollinating lowbush blueberries (LB) in northern Quebec, but their costs and the suboptimal weather conditions during pollination highlight the need to find appropriate hive management strategies. A study was conducted in a LB field in Saguenay (Québec, Canada) focusing on the effects of hive insulation (I+ and I−), heating (H+ and H−), and placement in a single-row tree line windbreak. High-definition time-lapse cameras monitored hive activities and bumble bee foraging behaviors. We found that the conventional management of placing hives in full sun without insulation (I−) resulted in the lowest levels of bumble bee foraging activity and overall hive traffic. Placing bumble bee hives against a windbreak resulted in the highest numbers of bees entering hives with pollen (+156%), leaving hives (+69%), and overall hive traffic (+76%). Insulating hives with extruded polystyrene foam gave intermediate results, with a 105% increase in foraging activity compared to the conventional management method (I−H−). Interestingly, placing hives on seedling mats to maintain colony temperatures above 15 °C (H+) tended to decrease foraging activity and overall hive traffic. Our results show that strategic placement of bumble bee hives against windbreaks can significantly increase the activity of Bombus workers from those hives and can be used as a simple, low-cost, and efficient bumble bee hive management method by LB growers.
miR-192-2 Regulates the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Ovarian Granulosa Cells by Targeting IGFBP2 in Zhedong White Geese
Authors: Wang Size , Zeng Chuicheng , Pan Yue , Zang Zhengyu , Zhang Yuanliang , Yue Shan , Zhao Xiuhua , Huang He
Published: February 2025

The proliferation and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells (GC) is critical for follicular development and ovulation, especially for egg-laying performance in female birds. In geese, follicular atrophy is accompanied by follicular GC apoptosis during brooding stages. MicroRNAs are involved in follicular development, atrophy, ovulation, and degeneration. Our previous high-throughput sequencing study of ovaries from laying and brooding geese revealed that miR-192-2 may be involved in follicle growth and development, as well as follicle cell proliferation and apoptosis in geese. To further investigate the effect of miR-192-2 on GC in geese, we screened the target gene of miR-192-2 (IGFBP2) and constructed a miR-192-2 overexpression and interference vector, synthesized a small interfering RNA for IGFBP2. The results showed that after miR-192-2 overexpression, the mRNA and protein expression of proliferation-related genes (PCNA, CDK2, CCND1, and CCND2) were significantly decreased, the mRNA and protein expression of apoptosis-related genes (Caspase3, Caspase8, and Caspase9) were significantly increased, and the mRNA and protein expression of anti-apoptosis gene Bcl-2 were significantly decreased. While the mRNA and protein expressions of PCNA, CDK2, CCND1, and CCND2 were significantly decreased after the downregulation of IGFBP2 expression, the mRNA and protein expressions of Caspase3, Caspase8, and Caspase9 were significantly increased, and the mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2 was significantly decreased. In conclusion, miR-192-2 inhibited proliferation and promoted apoptosis of follicular GC by targeting IGFBP2 in Zhedong White geese. Apoptosis of GC leads to follicular atresia, which in turn leads to brooding behavior in female geese. Therefore, it is possible to explore inhibiting the expression of miR-192-2 in production to alter the brooding behavior of Zhedong White Geese, thereby improving egg production and economic returns for producers.
Analysis of the Transcriptional Control of Bcl11b in Chicken: IRF1 and GATA1 as Negative Regulators
Authors: Qiu Lingling , Wang Haojie , Li Wenhao , Yang Ting , Bai Hao , Chang Guobin
Published: February 2025

B-cell lymphoma/leukemia 11B (Bcl11b) plays roles in cell proliferation and apoptosis and holds a pivotal position within the immune system. Our previous studies have demonstrated that Bcl11b can promote cell apoptosis to curb ALV-J infection. To gain insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying Bcl11b expression regulation in chickens, we constructed various truncated dual luciferase reporter vectors and analyzed the promoter region of Bcl11b. We employed promoter-binding TF profiling assay and the dual luciferase assay of site-directed mutagenesis and the expression level of interfering or overexpressing transcription factors were used to study their transcriptional regulation mechanism of chicken Bcl11b and functions in ALV-J infection. Our findings revealed core regulatory regions of the chicken Bcl11b promoter. By examining the −606~−363 bp region, we identified several transcription factors and their binding sites. Mutational and functional analysis further revealed interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF1) and GATA-binding protein 1 (GATA1) as critical factors for the repression of chicken Bcl11b, thereby affecting cell apoptosis and ALV-J replication. Furthermore, DNA methylation analysis indicated that methylation may also contribute to changes in Bcl11b promoter activity. These findings offer valuable insights into the regulatory mechanisms of chicken Bcl11b and provide promising targets for molecular breeding and genetic improvement of disease resistance in chickens.
IgE-Crosslinking-Induced Luciferase Expression Test as a Sensitive Indicator of Anisakis Allergy
Authors: Akiyama Haruyo , Niwa Masashi , Kurisaka Chisato , Hamada Yuto , Fukutomi Yuma , Teshima Reiko
Published: February 2025

Background: Anisakis allergy has been increasing, and the diagnosis of it is based on specific serum IgE detection. Recently, the IgE-crosslinking-induced luciferase expression (EXiLE) test has been proposed as convenient tool for detecting functionally specific IgE antibodies. Here, we investigated if the EXiLE test is a useful tool in the diagnosis of Anisakis allergy. Methods: HuRa-40 cells were sensitized using six serum types from three patients with Anisakis allergy at the time of the initial test and after 6–12 months. Thereafter, various concentrations of Anisakis worm protein (AWP) were reacted to measure the degree of EXiLE. The degree of EXiLE was compared with Anisakis-specific IgE antibody levels measured by the CAP-FEIA method, and the IgE-antibody-binding protein profile was examined using IgE immunoblotting. Results: The results showed a good correlation between the CAP-FEIA values and EXiLE obtained with 5 μg/mL of AWP (R = 0.91, p < 0.01), a strong response on IgE immunoblotting in the region containing proteins weighing ≥40,000 Da. In addition, after the onset of Anisakis allergy, the degree of serum EXiLE decreased in two patients whose Anisakis-specific IgE antibody levels decreased over time but increased in one patient whose specific IgE antibodies increased after repeated antigen sensitization. Conclusions: Based on these data, the AWP-induced EXiLE test seemed to be useful and convenient for the diagnosis of Anisakis allergy, supplementing specific IgE determinants. After allergy onset, the use of this method to observe changes in specific IgE levels over time may be important for predicting the risk of recurrence.
Multidrug Resistance, Biofilm-Forming Ability, and Molecular Characterization of Vibrio Species Isolated from Foods in Thailand
Authors: Mitsuwan Watcharapong , Boripun Ratchadaporn , Saengsawang Phirabhat , Intongead Sutsiree , Boonplu Sumaree , Chanpakdee Rawiwan , Morita Yukio , Boonmar Sumalee , Rojanakun Napapat , Suksriroj Natnicha , Ruekaewma Chollathip , Tenitsara Titima
Published: February 2025

Background: Vibrio species are common foodborne pathogens that cause gastrointestinal tract inflammation. Multidrug resistance (MDR) in Vibrio spp. is a global health concern, especially in aquaculture systems and food chain systems. This study aimed to detect Vibrio contamination in food collected from 14 markets in Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, and determine their antibiotic susceptibility. Methods: One hundred and thirty-six food samples were investigated for Vibrio contamination. All isolates were tested for antibiogram and biofilm-forming ability. Moreover, the ceftazidime or cefotaxime resistance isolates were additionally investigated for extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) producers. The isolates were additionally examined for the presence of antibiotic resistance genes. The ESBL-suspected isolates with moderate-to-high biofilm-forming ability were further analyzed for their whole genome. Results: The prevalence of Vibrio contamination in food samples was 42.65%, with V. parahaemolyticus demonstrating the highest prevalence. Most isolates were resistant to β-lactam antibiotics, followed by aminoglycosides. The overall MDR of isolated Vibrio was 18.29%, with an average multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) index of 16.41%. Most isolates were found to have β-lactam resistance-related genes (blaTEM) for 41.46%, followed by aminoglycoside resistance genes (aac(6′)-Ib) for 18.29%. Most Vibrio showed moderate to strong biofilm-forming ability, particularly in MDR isolates (92.86%). Two ESBL-suspected isolates, one V. parahaemolyticus isolate and one V. navarrensis, were sequenced. Interestingly, V. parahaemolyticus was an ESBL producer that harbored the blaCTX-M-55 gene located in the mobile genetic element region. While V. navarrensis was not ESBL producer, this isolate carried the blaAmpC gene in the region of horizontal gene transfer event. Remarkably, the Inoviridae sp. DNA integration event was present in two Vibrio genomes. Conclusions: These findings impact the understanding of antibiotic-resistant Vibrio spp. in food samples, which could be applied for implementing control measures in aquaculture farming and food safety plans.
Local Diversity-Guided Weakly Supervised Fine-Grained Image Classification Method
Authors: Meng Yuebo , Luo Xianglong , Zhan Hua , Wang Bo , Su Shilong , Liu Guanghui
Published: February 2025

For fine-grained recognition, capturing distinguishable features and effectively utilizing local information play a key role, since the objects of recognition exhibit subtle differences in different subcategories. Finding subtle differences between subclasses is not straightforward. To address this problem, we propose a weakly supervised fine-grained classification network model with Local Diversity Guidance (LDGNet). We designed a Multi-Attention Semantic Fusion Module (MASF) to build multi-layer attention maps and channel–spatial interaction, which can effectively enhance the semantic representation of the attention maps. We also introduce a random selection strategy (RSS) that forces the network to learn more comprehensive and detailed information and more local features from the attention map by designing three feature extraction operations. Finally, both the attention map obtained by RSS and the feature map are employed for prediction through a fully connected layer. At the same time, a dataset of ancient towers is established, and our method is applied to ancient building recognition for practical applications of fine-grained image classification tasks in natural scenes. Extensive experiments conducted on four fine-grained datasets and explainable visualization demonstrate that the LDGNet can effectively enhance discriminative region localization and detailed feature acquisition for fine-grained objects, achieving competitive performance over other state-of-the-art algorithms.