bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioral differences of individuals with different self-regulation levels in a real-life example of teamwork—DOTA 2
Authors: Wang Yilin , Leng Jiexing , Zhang Yichuan , Chen Wenwen , Xing Fugui , Zhao Nan
Published: November 2022

Teamwork is a vital aspect of human life, including a set of concrete behaviors which could be divided into various categories such as task performance, job dedication, backing up behavior, and monitoring. As an essential psychological factor could form team members to adapt to environmental changes, self-regulation has a marked impact on teamwork results. However, why self-regulation could affect results of teamwork in real life and how self-regulation influence the concrete teamwork behaviors remains unclear. This study recorded and extracted participants’ detailed gaming behaviors in Defense of the Ancients 2 (DOTA 2), which is an example of real-life teamwork scenario. The sample consisted of 59 DOTA 2 players with relative low-level self-regulation (93.22% male) and 59 with relative high-level self-regulation (96.61% male). Controlling confounding factors, we explored behavioral differences between the two groups in different types of heroes. Results showed that self-regulation influenced specific gaming behaviors including the categories of task performance, job dedication, and backing up behavior, but not including monitoring. Additionally, these impacts of self-regulation varied by hero type. These results demonstrate the different impacts of self-regulation on different categories of teamwork behaviors, and these impacts are considerably determined by individual’s role in the team. These findings shed light on the mechanism of the teamwork performance improvement caused by self-regulation and provide new insights into understanding the different impact patterns of self-regulation in different real-life tasks and responsibilities.
Sex-related differences in clinical characteristics of children with ASD without ID: Results from the ELENA cohort
Authors: Dellapiazza Florine , Michelon Cécile , Rattaz Cécile , Picot Marie-Christine , Baghdadli Amaria
Published: November 2022

Objective

The literature on sex related-clinical differences for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is highly contradictory, whereas this topic has major clinical implications. We aimed to investigate sex-related clinical differences in children with ASD without intellectual disability (ID).

Materials and methods

We compared 319 boys and 65 girls with ASD without ID, aged from 2 to 12 years, recruited from a multiregional cohort on their clinical profiles based on the scores for the Vineland-II, the SRS-2, the ADOS calibrated severity score, sensory processing, aberrant behaviors, and comorbidity rates.

Results

Our results confirm a high sex ratio of 4.9 males/females. Many similarities were found in the clinical profiles. However, we found that girls had higher SRS-2 total scores. In addition, there was a negative correlation between the SRS-2 total score and the intellectual quotient level (IQ) for girls only.

Conclusion

We confirm the higher rates of boys with ASD without ID. A comparison between the girls and boys showed them to have similar clinical profiles, except for the SRS- 2 total scores, which were higher among girls, suggesting more severe social impairment perceived by parents. Our findings that the cognitive level is related to ASD severity in girls should be taken into account during the diagnostic procedure in the clinical interpretation of gold-standard measures of ASD, and additional clinical observations are necessary.

Clinical trial registration

[ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT02625116s].
Key features of a trauma-informed public health emergency approach: A rapid review
Authors: Heris Christina L. , Kennedy Michelle , Graham Simon , Bennetts Shannon K. , Atkinson Caroline , Mohamed Janine , Woods Cindy , Chennall Richard , Chamberlain Catherine
Published: November 2022

COVID-19 is a major threat to public safety, and emergency public health measures to protect lives (e.g., lockdown, social distancing) have caused widespread disruption. While these measures are necessary to prevent catastrophic trauma and grief, many people are experiencing heightened stress and fear. Public health measures, risks of COVID-19 and stress responses compound existing inequities in our community. First Nations communities are particularly at risk due to historical trauma, ongoing socio-economic deprivation, and lack of trust in government authorities as a result of colonization. The objective of this study was to review evidence for trauma-informed public health emergency responses to inform development of a culturally-responsive trauma-informed public health emergency framework for First Nations communities. We searched relevant databases from 1/1/2000 to 13/11/2020 inclusive, which identified 40 primary studies (and eight associated references) for inclusion in this review. Extracted data were subjected to framework and thematic synthesis. No studies reported evaluations of a trauma-informed public health emergency response. However, included studies highlighted key elements of a “trauma-informed lens,” which may help to consider implications, reduce risks and foster a sense of security, wellbeing, self- and collective-efficacy, hope and resilience for First Nations communities during COVID-19. We identified key elements for minimizing the impact of compounding trauma on First Nations communities, including: a commitment to equity and human rights, cultural responsiveness, good communication, and positive leadership. The six principles guiding trauma-informed culturally-responsive public health emergency frameworks included: (i) safety, (ii) empowerment, (iii) holistic support, (iv) connectedness and collaboration, (v) compassion and caring, and (vi) trust and transparency in multi-level responses, well-functioning social systems, and provision of basic services. These findings will be discussed with First Nations public health experts, together with data on the experiences of First Nations families and communities during COVID-19, to develop a trauma-integrated public health emergency response framework or “lens” to minimize compounding trauma for First Nations communities.
The impacts of COVID-19 on China insurance industry—An empirical analysis based on event study
Authors: Wu Xuan , Wang Chan , Wen Hong-xing , Nie Pu-yan , Ye Jin-fa
Published: November 2022

Introduction

At the end of 2019, the sudden outbreak of COVID-19 pneumonia has developed from a mass health event to a global epidemic disaster. Its impact extends from human health to social, economic, political, international relations and global governance. In the process of fighting against the epidemic in China, almost all economic sectors were affected, and the insurance industry with epidemic sensitive characteristics was particularly affected.

Methods

In order to identify the impacts of COVID-19 on China's insurance industry, this paper uses the event study method to calculate the changes in the cumulative abnormal return rate and the cumulative excess return of Chinese listed insurance companies before and after the outbreak of COVID-19. In the empirical analysis, five different typical events are examined, including the first outbreak of COVID-19 in China, the closure of Wuhan, the dredging of Wuhan, and the listing of vaccines in China.

Results

The results show that the return rate of listed companies in the insurance industry showed an “inverted N” curve with the “decreasing, rising and then decreasing.” The epidemic mainly has negative effects on the insurance industry in terms of premium income and indemnity expenditure. According to the supply shock theory of the new supply economics, the epidemic has a negative impact on the insurance industry in the short term and a positive impact in the long term.

Discussion

In this context, insurance enterprises should attach importance to the change of business model, strengthen the development model of public-private joint venture insurance, promote product innovation and the application of insurance technology, and the experience and practice of the insurance industry in responding to the impact of the epidemic are of great significance to the transformation of China's insurance industry.
Epidemiology and prediction model of patients with carcinosarcoma in the United States
Authors: Chen Mingjing , He Xiandong , Yang Qiao , Zhang Jia , Peng Jiayi , Wang Danni , Tong Kexin , Huang Wenxiang
Published: November 2022

Background

Carcinosarcoma is a rare biphasic tumor composed of both carcinoma and sarcoma elements, which occurs at various sites. Most studies are case reports or small population-based studies for a single disease site, so comprehensive evaluations of epidemiology and prognostic factors for carcinosarcoma are needed.

Methods

Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)-8 (1975–2019) provided data for the epidemiological analysis. SEER-17 (2000–2019) provided data on the primary tumor sites, initial treatment, construction, and validation of the nomogram.

Results

The age-adjusted incidence per 100,000 persons of carcinosarcoma increased significantly from 0.46 to 0.91 [1975–2019; average annual percent change (AAPC): 1.3%, P = 0.006], with localized stage increasing from 0.14 to 0.26 [2005–2015; annual percent change (APC): 4.2%]. The 20-year limited-duration prevalence per 100,000 increased from 0.47 to 3.36 (1999–2018). The mortality per 100,000 increased significantly from 0.16 to 0.51 (1975–2019; AAPC: 1.9%, P < 0.001). The 5-year relative survival was 32.8%. The greatest number of carcinosarcomas were from the uterus (68.7%), ovary (17.8%), lung and bronchus (2.3%). The main treatment is comprehensive treatment based on surgery; however, surgery alone is preferred in older patients. In multivariate analysis (N = 11,424), age, sex, race, year of diagnosis, disease stage, tumor site, and treatment were associated with survival. A nomogram was established to predict 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival, and the C-indexes were 0.732 and 0.748 for the training and testing sets, respectively. The receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated that the nomogram provided a comprehensive and accurate prediction [1-year area under the curve (AUC): 0.782 vs. 0.796; 3-year AUC: 0.771 vs. 0.798; 5-year AUC: 0.777 vs. 0.810].

Conclusions

In this study, the incidence, prevalence, and mortality of carcinosarcoma have increased over the past decades. There was a rapid rise in the incidence of localized stage in recent years, which reflected improved early detection. The prognosis of carcinosarcoma remains poor, signifying the urgency of exploring targeted cancer control treatments. Explicating distribution and gender disparities of carcinosarcoma may facilitate disease screening and medical surveillance. The nomogram demonstrated good predictive capacity and facilitated clinical decision-making.
Digital health systems strengthening in Africa for rapid response to COVID-19
Authors: Rinke de Wit Tobias F. , Janssens Wendy , Antwi Maxwell , Milimo Emmanuel , Mutegi Nick , Marwa Heri , Ndili Njide , Owino Wasunna , Waiyaiya Emma , Garcia Rojas Diana C. , Dolfing Monique , de Graaff Aafke , Swanepoel Ruan , van der Graaf Mark H. , Mulder Dorien , De Sanctis Teresa , Kratule Santa , Koyuncu Cem , Rogo Khama , Gómez-Pérez Gloria P. , Spieker Nicole
Published: November 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has painfully exposed the constraints of fragile health systems in low- and middle-income countries, where global containment measures largely set by high-income countries resulted in disproportionate collateral damage. In Africa, a shift is urgently needed from emergency response to structural health systems strengthening efforts, which requires coordinated interventions to increase access, efficiency, quality, transparency, equity, and flexibility of health services. We postulate that rapid digitalization of health interventions is a key way forward to increase resilience of African health systems to epidemic challenges. In this paper we describe how PharmAccess' ongoing digital health system interventions in Africa were rapidly customized to respond to COVID-19. We describe how we developed: a COVID-19 App for healthcare providers used by more than 1,000 healthcare facilities in 15 African countries from May–November 2020; digital loans to support private healthcare providers with USD 20 million disbursed to healthcare facilities impacted by COVID-19 in Kenya; a customized Dutch mobile COVID-19 triage App with 4,500 users in Ghana; digital diaries to track COVID-19 impacts on household expenditures and healthcare utilization; a public-private partnership for real-time assessment of COVID-19 diagnostics in West-Kenya; and an expanded mobile phone-based maternal and child-care bundle to include COVID-19 adapted services. We also discuss the challenges we faced, the lessons learned, the impact of these interventions on the local healthcare system, and the implications of our findings for policy-making. Digital interventions bring efficiency due to their flexibility and timeliness, allowing co-creation, targeting, and rapid policy decisions through bottom-up approaches. COVID-19 digital innovations allowed for cross-pollinating the interests of patients, providers, payers, and policy-makers in challenging times, showing how such approaches can pave the way to universal health coverage and resilient healthcare systems in Africa.
Dynamic soaring as a means to exceed the solar wind speed
Authors: Larrouturou Mathias N. , Higgins Andrew J. , Greason Jeffrey K.
Published: November 2022

A technique by which a spacecraft can interact with flows of ionized gas in space (the solar wind or interstellar medium) in order to be accelerated to velocities greater than the flow velocity is explored. Inspired by the dynamic soaring maneuvers performed by sea birds and gliders in which differences in wind speed are exploited to gain velocity, in the proposed technique a lift-generating spacecraft circles between regions of the heliosphere that have different wind speeds, gaining energy in the process without the use of propellant and only modest onboard power requirements. In the simplest analysis, the spacecraft motion can be modeled as a series of elastic collisions between regions of the medium moving at different speeds. More detailed models of the spacecraft trajectory are developed to predict the potential velocity gains and the maximum velocity that may be achieved in terms of the lift-to-drag ratio of the vehicle. A lift-generating mechanism is proposed in which power is extracted from the flow over the vehicle in the flight direction and then used to accelerate the surrounding medium in the transverse direction, generating lift (i.e., a force perpendicular to the flow). Large values of lift-to-drag ratio are shown to be possible in the case where a small transverse velocity is imparted over a large area of interaction. The requirement for a large interaction area in the extremely low density of the heliosphere precludes the use of a physical wing, but the use of plasma waves generated by a compact, directional antenna to impart momentum on the surrounding medium is feasible, with the excitation of R-waves, X-waves, Alfven waves, and magnetosonic waves appearing as promising candidates. A conceptual mission is defined in which dynamic soaring is performed on the termination shock of the heliosphere, enabling a spacecraft to reach speeds approaching 2% ofcwithin two and a half years of launch without the expenditure of propellant. The technique may comprise the first stage for a multistage mission to achieve true interstellar flight to other solar systems.
Postcolonial control of Fiji soccer and the return of subjugated knowledges: From the 1970s to the 2010s
Authors: James Kieran E. , Tuidraki Henry D. , Tanzil Sheikh Ali
Published: November 2022

The primary aim of this article is to use Foucault's idea of subjugated knowledges to search out areas and viewpoints within Fiji soccer which are suppressed by the governing authorities. To fulfill this aim, we explore and assess, via ethnographic research, the racial and ethnic aspects of Fiji soccer, from the 1970s to the 2010s, and how cultural hegemony facilitates continued Fiji Indian control and dominance within the sport. Next, and although we note the positive dimension of Fiji Football Association's 2014 Veterans' Dinner, we suggest that some ex-Ba players were apparently discriminated against by, puzzlingly, not being invited. The regulator was also unaware of, or insensitive to, ex-players' transportation needs as some were poor or invalid. We then look at the cases of Sweats Soccer Club (SSC) and Nadi Legends Football Club (NLFC) to show how, in the face of the regulator's indifference to the financial plight of an Indigenous village club (SSC), the ex-Nadi players set up instead a self-help organization (NLFC) to assist and encourage ex-players going through hard times. The latter was a cross-ethnic group/cross-class collaboration between ex-officials and ex-players and was largely outside the regulator's sphere of interest or intent.
Stakeholder engagement in gender and climate change policy processes: Lessons from the climate change, agriculture and food security research program
Authors: Mulema Annet Abenakyo , Cramer Laura , Huyer Sophia
Published: November 2022

Introduction

With the rapid increase in climate shocks and hazards, policies governing climate change have proliferated while the integration of gender considerations to address gender-differentiated needs and impacts has remained a challenge. Stakeholder engagement is touted as a critical ingredient in climate change decisions and governance at different levels to achieve equitable outcomes. However, effective methods and outcomes of gender-responsive stakeholder engagement processes for climate change policy development are rarely published.

Methods

We apply the framework of 10 principles for effective agricultural research for development programs to analyze the stakeholder engagement processes in the context of the CGIAR's Research Program on Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security gender and climate change policy projects. We analyze both primary and secondary data to understand the categories of stakeholders engaged, methods of engagement, the outcomes and lessons learned across five regions.

Results and discussion

Our results show that analysis of the existing policies and programs is a very critical entry point for identifying the points of leverage, the types of stakeholders to engage and how to engage them in the processes that focus on integrating gender in climate policies. Co-learning and co-development of knowledge products cultivate interest and commitment among stakeholders to address gender dynamics, although systematic monitoring and evaluation remains a challenge. This has implications for effective stakeholder engagement in mainstreaming gender in climate policies and evidence-based policy formulation for sustainable agriculture and food systems. Working with influential stakeholders, with the capacity and interest to address gender considerations yields more positive results. Mechanisms to address power relations need to be in place for gender considerations to be voiced and integrated and include women in decision-making processes.
Characterization of the VP2 and NS1 genes from canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) and feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) in Northern China
Authors: Li Shaohan , Chen Xin , Hao Yunfeng , Zhang Guangzhi , Lyu Yanli , Wang Jianke , Liu Weiquan , Qin Tong
Published: November 2022

Canine parvovirus type 2 (CPV-2) and feline panleukopenia virus (FPV) cause severe disease in young animals, pups, and kittens. CPV-2 evolved from FPV by altering the species-specific binding of the viral capsid to the host receptor, i.e., the transferrin receptor (TfR), and CPV-2 genetic variants have been identified by specific VP2 amino acid residues (297, 426). Early studies focused on the main capsid protein VP2; however, there have been limited studies on the non-structural protein NS1. In this study, we identified the genetic variants of clinical samples in dogs and cats in northern China during 2019–2020. The genetic characterization and phylogenetic analyses of VP2 and NS1 gene were also conducted. The results revealed that the CPV-2c was identified as the major genetic variant. One new CPV-2b and two CPV-2c strains were collected from cats. Four mutation sites (60, 630, 443, and 545 amino acid residues) were located in the functional domains of the NS1 protein. The phylogenetic analysis of VP2 and NS1 genes showed that they were clustered by geographical regions and genotypes. The gene mutation rate of CPV-2 was increasing in recent years, resulting in a complex pattern of gene evolution in terms of host preference, geographical selection, and new genetic variants. This study emphasizes that continuous molecular epidemiological surveillance is required to understand the genetic diversity of FPV and CPV-2 strains.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Delayed Diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Tertiary Hospital: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Dulyapach Kotchakorn , Ngamchaliew Pitchayanont , Vichitkunakorn Polathep , Sornsenee Phoomjai , Choomalee Kittisakdi
Published: November 2022

Objective: To determine the prevalence and associated factors of delayed diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) among outpatients in a tertiary hospital.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted among outpatients aged ≥35 years with twice fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels ≥126 mg/dl between 1 January 2018, and 31 December 2020. The prevalence and pattern of delayed diagnosis of DM were defined using the Thai Clinical Practice Guideline (CPG) for Diabetes, 2017, and the American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2017. The cut-off time for FPG level confirmation of 3 months was used to evaluate delayed diagnoses and associated factors. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify variables associated with delayed diagnoses.

Results: Of 260 participants, 96.9% and 85.4% had delayed diagnoses as defined by the Thai CPG and the ADA, respectively. Factors significantly associated with delayed diagnosis were hypertension, non-cash insurance, and >10 years of physician experience.

Conclusion: Undiagnosed diabetes and diagnosis delay should be a concern in tertiary settings. Senior physicians should focus on patients with higher FPG levels, particularly those who have hypertension, and use non-cash insurance schemes.
Air Traffic Complexity Assessment Based on Ordered Deep Metric
Authors: Chen Haiyan , Zhang Linghui , Yuan Ligang , Zhu Weiqi , Liu Li
Published: November 2022

Since air traffic complexity determines the workload of controllers, it is a popular topic in the research field. Benefiting from deep learning, this paper proposes an air traffic complexity assessment method based on the deep metric of air traffic images. An Ordered Deep Metric (ODM) is proposed to measure the similarity of the ordered samples. For each sample, its interclass loss is calculated to keep it close to the mean of the same class and far from the difference. Then, consecutive samples of the same class are considered as a cluster, and the intracluster loss is calculated to make the samples close to the samples within the same cluster and far from the difference. Finally, we present the ODM-based air traffic complexity assessment method (ATCA-ODM), which uses the ODM results as the input of the classification algorithm to improve the assessment accuracy. We verify our ODM algorithm and ATCA-ODM method on the real traffic dataset of south-central airspace of China. The experimental results demonstrate that the assessment accuracy of the proposed ATCA-ODM method is significantly higher than that of the existing similar methods, which also proves that the proposed ODM algorithm can effectively extract high-dimensional features of the air traffic images.
Crop Row Detection in the Middle and Late Periods of Maize under Sheltering Based on Solid State LiDAR
Authors: Zhang Shaolin , Ma Qianglong , Cheng Shangkun , An Dong , Yang Zhenling , Ma Biao , Yang Yang
Published: November 2022

As the basic link of autonomous navigation in agriculture, crop row detection is vital to achieve accurate detection of crop rows for autonomous navigation. Machine vision algorithms are easily affected by factors such as changes in field lighting and weather conditions, and the majority of machine vision algorithms detect early periods of crops, but it is challenging to detect crop rows under high sheltering pressure in the middle and late periods. In this paper, a crop row detection algorithm based on LiDAR is proposed that is aimed at the middle and late crop periods, which has a good effect compared with the conventional machine vision algorithm. The algorithm proposed the following three steps: point cloud preprocessing, feature point extraction, and crop row centerline detection. Firstly, dividing the horizontal strips equally, the improved K-means algorithm and the prior information of the previous horizontal strip are utilized to obtain the candidate points of the current horizontal strip, then the candidate points information is used to filter and extract the feature points in accordance with the corresponding threshold, and finally, the least squares method is used to fit the crop row centerlines. The experimental results show that the algorithm can detect the centerlines of crop rows in the middle and late periods of maize under the high sheltering environment. In the middle period, the average correct extraction rate of maize row centerlines was 95.1%, and the average processing time was 0.181 s; in the late period, the average correct extraction rate of maize row centerlines was 87.3%, and the average processing time was 0.195 s. At the same time, it also demonstrates accuracy and superiority of the algorithm over the machine vision algorithm, which can provide a solid foundation for autonomous navigation in agriculture.
Effects of Inhibiting the Expression of Chitin Synthase Gene SfCHSB on the Metabolism of Trehalose and Chitin in Spodoptera frugiperda Larvae
Authors: Liu Xiangyu , Wang Shasha , Yu Yuanyi , Cheng Yisha , Hu Chaoxing , Zhou Min , Li Can , Tang Bin , Wu Yan
Published: November 2022

Spodoptera frugiperda is one of the world’s major agricultural pests and it occurs in many countries around the world. In Lepidoptera, the peritrophic membrane in the midgut protects the midgut epithelial cells and facilitates the digestion and absorption of food. Its main components are chitin and protein. Chitin synthase (CHS), as the last enzyme in the chitin biosynthesis pathway, is very important. Here, the expression of chitin synthase B (CHSB) gene identified from midgut was inhibited by RNA interference to explore its function in the metabolism of trehalose and chitin of S. frugiperda larvae. The results were as follows: SfCHSB was highly expressed in actively feeding larvae. Second, knockdown of SfCHSB resulted in decreased expression of most genes involved in chitin metabolism, including chitinase, and abnormal phenotypes of S. frugiperda were observed. In addition, membrane-bound trehalase activity and glucose content increased, and trehalose content decreased at 24 h after dsSfCHSB injection. Trehalase activities increased significantly and the glycogen content decreased at 48 h after dsSfCHSB injection. Finally, the activity of chitinase decreased and the content of chitin increased significantly. Our results indicate that SfCHSB expression is specific, SfCHSB has a large role in regulating chitin metabolism, and it has broad application prospects in the biocontrol of S. frugiperda.
Reproductive Biology Factors Hampering Lemon [Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f.] Genetic Improvement
Authors: Catalano Chiara , Las Casas Giuseppina , Giuffrida Alessio , Ferlito Filippo , Di Guardo Mario , Continella Alberto , Bennici Stefania , La Malfa Stefano , Gentile Alessandra , Distefano Gaetano
Published: November 2022

Background: Floral sterility and nucellar embryony are peculiar traits of several Citrus species and represent an obstacle to traditional breeding. Morphological sterility mainly results in pistil abortion and anther atrophy, while polyembryony is due to a mechanism known as sporophytic apomixis, which consists of the presence of embryos in the seed generated from the nucellar (maternal) tissue alongside the zygotic embryo (sexual origin). Considering the growing interest in lemon [Citrus limon (L.) Burm. f.] breeding, and the lack of information on floral sterility and the polyembryony trait among different lemon cultivars, a morphological and molecular characterization of these traits of interest was performed on forty Sicilian and international lemon cultivars available in the citrus germplasm collection of Catania University (Italy). Methods: Eight traits related to the reproductive biology were assessed on the selected lemon cultivars, namely: pistil abortion and anther atrophy, number of seeds per fruit, number of embryos per seed, percentage of seeds showing polyembryony, germination, percentage of seeds resulting in more than one plantlet, and average seed weight. Moreover, seedlings recovered after the germination assay were genotyped with SNP and SSR markers for ascertaining their nucellar or zygotic origin. In addition, PCR analysis were performed to assess the allele combination of the miniature inverted-repeat transposable element (MITE) insertion in CitRKD1, a gene associated with the occurrence of apomixis in citrus. Results: All traits showed high variability among the accessions analyzed. As for polyembryony, lemon ‘Adamopoulos’ scored the highest percentage of polyembryonic seeds (67.6%), whilst lemon ‘Lunario’ showed the lowest value (8.7%). Conclusions: Insights on the level of polyembryony within lemon varieties will represent a valuable tool for breeders for the set-up of novel mating schemes. In fact, when a polyembryonic female parent is used in cross breeding, the selection of the zygotic individual is hampered by the presence of a nucellar one.
Influence of Sieve Surface Attitude on Sieving Performance of Granular Materials with Non-Uniform Feeding Conditions
Authors: Zhu Li , Chen Shuren , Zhao Zhan , Ding Hantao , Zhu Yongle
Published: November 2022

The screen surface particle distribution is an important factor affecting screening performance. A vibrating screen with an adjustable horizontal attitude angle was used, the non-uniform feeding and horizontal attitude angles were used as variables and the screening of rice particles was simulated by the discrete element method. The screen surface distribution and movement speed of the rice particles were analyzed based on the influence of the variables on screening performance. The results indicated that the material distribution became more unbalanced with the increase in non-uniform feeding, and the particles’ speed increased with the increase in attitude angle on the y-axis. The particles experienced accelerated dispersion, which improved the unbalanced distribution of the particles and screening performance. According to the loss rate, the horizontal attitude angle adjustment model was established and optimized under non-uniform feeding. The reliability of the model was verified by simulation. A bench test was carried out to verify the simulation. The optimization model can reduce the loss rate, improve the screening performance of non-uniform feeding, and provide a reference for the material screening of non-uniform feeding.
The Results of Studies on the Assessment of the Destruction of Soil Clods during Combine Harvesting of Potatoes
Authors: Dorokhov Alexey , Didmanidze Otari , Aksenov Alexander , Sibirev Alexey , Sazonov Nikolay , Mosyakov Maxim , Godyaeva Maria
Published: November 2022

Existing potato harvesters cause damage to marketable products as a result of the interaction of potato tubers with each other, with working bodies and soil clods, given the wide variety of soil and climatic conditions in which the harvesting process takes place. In addition, under homogeneous soil and climatic conditions within the same accounting area, there is a large deviation from the average values of the main physical soil constants—moisture and hardness. Field studies were carried out to determine the fractional composition of soil clods, size-mass parameters, as well as their physical and mechanical properties with the identification of the greatest force for their destruction. The article presents a methodology for conducting research to assess the influence of working bodies on the magnitude of the force impact on potato tubers and soil clods during harvesting, a methodology for assessing the dynamic destruction of soil clods. The results of comparative studies of the force impact of the working bodies of modern potato harvesters, which affect the destruction of soil clods, causing damage to potato tubers as a result of their interaction with soil clods are presented.
Water Use Efficiency, Spectral Phenotyping and Protein Composition of Two Chickpea Genotypes Grown in Mediterranean Environments under Different Water and Nitrogen Supply
Authors: De Santis Michele Andrea , Satriani Antonio , De Santis Fortunato , Flagella Zina
Published: November 2022

Chickpea is a drought-tolerant crop and an important source of protein, relevant to its beneficial effects. The aim of this study was to assess the response to agronomic management, including water and nitrogen supply, of crop physiological and agronomic traits in relation to water use efficiency and grain protein composition. Two varieties, Pascià and Sultano, were grown at two different sites in South Italy under rainfed and irrigated conditions, with and without starter nitrogen fertilization. Crop physiological assessment was carried out by hyperspectral phenotyping at flowering and during grain filling. Increases in grain yield and grain size in relation to water supply were observed for water use up to about 400 mm. Water use efficiency increased under starter nitrogen fertilization, and Pascià showed the highest values (4.8 kg mm−1). The highest correlations of the vegetation indexes with the agronomic traits were observed in the later growth stage, especially for the optimized soil-adjusted vegetation index (OSAVI); furthermore, grain filling rate showed a strong relationship with photochemical reflectance index (PRI). Experimental factors mainly influenced protein composition rather than protein content. In particular, the 7s vicilin protein fraction showed a negative correlation with grain yield and water use, while lectin showed an opposite response. Both fractions are of interest for consumer’s health because of their allergenic and antinutritional properties, respectively. Data from spectral phenotyping will be useful for digital farming applications, in order to assess crop physiological status in modern agricultural systems.
Flaxseed Meal and Its Application in Animal Husbandry: A Review
Authors: Xu Lei , Wei Zixi , Guo Baozhu , Bai Rong , Liu Jiao , Li Yanpin , Sun Wenjuan , Jiang Xianren , Li Xilong , Pi Yu
Published: November 2022

Flaxseed meal (FSM) is rich in protein, α-linolenic acid, dietary fiber, flaxseed gum, and other bioactive substances. The total protein content of these components is up to 30%. Thus, FSM can be used as a high-quality protein feed resource. However, due to the presence of anti-nutritional factors, such as cyanogenic glycosides (CGs), phytic acid, anti-vitamin B6 factor, and other anti-nutritional factors, the application of FSM is restricted in animal diets. Recently, the interest in decreasing anti-nutritional factors and improving the nutritional value of FSM has been increasing in the field of animal nutrition. Therefore, this paper reviews the nutritional components, anti-nutritional factors, and the CG detoxification methods of FSM as well as its application in livestock and poultry, in order to provide a theoretical reference for the application of FSM in animal husbandry.
The Improvement of a Traction Model for Agricultural Tire–Soil Interaction
Authors: Roşca Radu , Cârlescu Petru , Ţenu Ioan , Vlahidis Virgil , Perşu Cătălin
Published: November 2022

The goodness-of-fit analysis performed over the results provided by a model presented in a previous paper proved that the theoretical data were very well correlated with the experimental data with regard to the traction force (with Pearson coefficient r2 over 0.9); however, the model was less accurate in predicting traction efficiency, with r2 = 0.203. In order improve the model and obtain a better fit between the theoretical and experimental data (especially for the traction efficiency), the model was updated and modified by taking into account the geometry of the tire cross section, which was considered to be a deformable ellipse. Due to the deformable cross section, the minor axis of the tire–ground contact super ellipse decreased compared with the previous model (from 0.367 m to 0.222 m), while the major axis increased (from 0.530 m to 0.534 m). As a result, different data for the traction force and traction efficiency were obtained. The effect of the wheel travel reduction (wheel slip) over the tire–soil shear area was also investigated, and the hypothesis of a constant shear area (independent of wheel slip) provided the most accurate results. The goodness-of-fit analysis performed using the data predicted by the modified model showed that the Pearson coefficient increased significantly with regard to the traction efficiency (from 0.203 to 0.838), while it decreased by only 2.7% with regard to the data for the traction force, still preserving a high value (r2 = 0.896).
Biochar-Compost Additions Have Strong Short-Term Effects on Carbon and Nitrogen Emissions from an Agricultural Soil
Authors: Maier Regine , Soja Gerhard , Friesl-Hanl Wolfgang , Zechmeister-Boltenstern Sophie , Michel Kerstin , Tatzber Michael , Kitzler Barbara
Published: November 2022

Biochar (BC) application to agricultural soils has become a promising strategy for mitigation of soil-borne greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, i.e., carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), but little is known about the effects on nitric oxide (NO) and dinitrogen (N2) fluxes. We conducted a short-term field experiment to evaluate the effects of BC with compost and additional fertilizer on different soil GHG fluxes. Application of 1% BC-compost showed no significant effect on CH4 and CO2 fluxes but lowered NO and N2O fluxes compared to the control without BC-compost. The addition of N to BC-compost (0.5% BC-compost + 175 kg N) showed a small mitigation potential for CH4 whereas N2O and NO fluxes significantly increased for one week after the application. The N2:N2O ratio shifted towards N2O production after the application of N-enriched BC-compost. During storage of pure N-enriched BC-compost, high gaseous losses in the form of NO (71.2 ± 2 µg N g−1 h−1), N2O (1319 ± 101 µg N g−1 h−1), and N2 (337.8 ± 93 µg N g−1 h−1) were measured. Approximately 31% of applied N was lost in gaseous form even in the presence of BC. To avoid this, an optimized strategy to balance easily available N from compost and fertilizer with the amount of BC should be developed.
Identification, Interaction, Expression, and Function of QTLs on Leaf Numbers with Single-Segment Substitution Lines in Rice
Authors: Bu Suhong , Zhan Penglin , Huang Lilong , Tang Jichun , Chen Leyi , Zhu Haitao , Liu Zupei , Meng Lijun , Liu Guifu , Wang Shaokui
Published: November 2022

Rice leaf is a solar panel of photosynthesis and determines the light energy utilization and yield of plants. Leaf numbers appear as S-type or parabola-type growth curves throughout their development. However, the ways in which the genes regulate the process of leaf numbers still remain poorly understood. This paper first identified five QTLs associated with leaf numbers using single-segment substitution lines (SSSLs). Then, the epistatic effects between double QTLs were estimated via the decomposition of the QTL polymerization effects. Additionally, further the expression patterns and functions for these five QTLs and their epistasis were revealed by the methodologies of conditional QTL mapping and functional QTL mapping, respectively. The five SSSLs were detected as having significant additive and/or dominant effects at one or more stages, all of which increased the leaf numbers, except for the negative additive effect of the first SSSL. Seven pairs of QTLs interacted each other via three or four epistatic components, with the opposite effects in the case of single genes, i.e., most epistatic effects were negative. The five QTLs expressed their effects mainly in three stages, namely within 14 days, from 28 days to 42 days, and from 49 days to 63 days after transplantation. Positive effects and negative interactions of the QTLs were observed in the early and the late stages, but opposite interactions were observed in the middle stage. Mainly, three functional parameters, including the inflexion point, the peak value, and the degradation rate, were regulated via the QTL effects and their opposite interactions. This paper uncovered the genetic rule of five QTLs on the leaf numbers, including the interaction, expression, and function features. The information will be helpful to understand the genetic mechanism for developmental traits.
Evaluation of Rosmarinic Acid on Broiler Growth Performance, Serum Biochemistry, Liver Antioxidant Activity, and Muscle Tissue Composition
Authors: Shang Rongsheng , Chen Lifei , Xin Yizhen , Wang Guiying , Li Rong , Li Shaojin , Li Lusheng
Published: November 2022

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with different doses of rosmarinic acid (RA) on the growth performance, serum biochemical indices, liver antioxidant activity, and muscle nutritional component of broiler chickens during 1–20 days of age. A total of 1000 1-day-old Cobb 500 white-feathered broilers were divided into five groups. Each group included four replicates and 50 birds per replicate. The control group was the basic fodder group fed with a basal diet. The experimental groups included four levels of RA (100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg RA added to the basal diet, respectively). The results showed that a quadratic increase in final body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG) and a quadratic decrease in the feed/gain (F/G) ratio were observed with increasing dietary RA levels. At 200 mg/kg RA supplementation, growth performance was significantly improved. Moreover, under this RA treatment, the highest levels of total protein and globulin were detected in the serum, the activities of total superoxide dismutase and catalase in the liver of broilers were significantly increased, and the malondialdehyde content was significantly decreased, indicating a higher antioxidant capacity of the liver when 200 mg/kg RA was added to the basal diet. The flavor of the muscle meat was improved by dietary supplementation with 200 mg/kg RA. Therefore, adding 200 mg/kg of RA to the diet could significantly improve the growth performance of broilers, improve liver antioxidant capacity, and improve muscle quality, etc. The addition of RA to broiler feed as a natural antioxidant has great prospects.
A Poly(dA:dT) Tract in the IGF1 Gene Is a Genetic Marker for Growth Traits in Pigs
Authors: Liao Weili , Wang Yifei , Qiao Xiwu , Zhang Xiaoke , Deng Haohui , Zhang Caihong , Li Jiaqi , Yuan Xiaolong , Zhang Hao
Published: November 2022

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) is an important regulator of body growth, development, and metabolism. The poly(dA:dT) tract affects the accessibility of transcription factor binding sites to regulate transcription. Therefore, this study assessed the effects of two poly(dA:dT) tracts on the transcriptional activity of porcine IGF1. The luciferase assay results demonstrated that the poly(dA:dT) tract 2 (−264/−255) was a positive regulatory element for IGF1 gene expression, and the activities between the different lengths of the poly(dA:dT) tract 2 were significant (p<0.01). The transcription factor C/EBPα inhibited the transcription of IGF1 by binding to tract 2, and the expression levels between the lengths of tract 2 after C/EBPα binding were also statistically different (p<0.01). Only the alleles 10T and 11T were found in the tract 2 in commercial pig breeds, while the 9T, 10T, and 11T alleles were found in Chinese native pig breeds. The allele frequencies were in Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in all pig breeds. The genotypes of tract 2 were significantly associated with the growth traits (days to 115 kg and average daily gain) (p<0.05) in commercial pig breeds. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that the tract 2 mutation could be applied as a candidate genetic marker for growth trait selection in pig breeding programs.
Nutritional and Functional Roles of Phytase and Xylanase Enhancing the Intestinal Health and Growth of Nursery Pigs and Broiler Chickens
Authors: Moita Vitor Hugo C. , Kim Sung Woo
Published: November 2022

This review paper discussed the nutritional and functional roles of phytase and xylanase enhancing the intestinal and growth of nursery pigs and broiler chickens. There are different feed enzymes that are currently supplemented to feeds for nursery pigs and broiler chickens. Phytase and xylanase have been extensively studied showing consistent results especially related to enhancement of nutrient digestibility and growth performance of nursery pigs and broiler chickens. Findings from recent studies raise the hypothesis that phytase and xylanase could play functional roles beyond increasing nutrient digestibility, but also enhancing the intestinal health and positively modulating the intestinal microbiota of nursery pigs and broiler chickens. In conclusion, the supplementation of phytase and xylanase for nursery pigs and broiler chickens reaffirmed the benefits related to enhancement of nutrient digestibility and growth performance, whilst also playing functional roles benefiting the intestinal microbiota and reducing the intestinal oxidative damages. As a result, it could contribute to a reduction in the feed costs by allowing the use of a wider range of feedstuffs without compromising the optimal performance of the animals, as well as the environmental concerns associated with a poor hydrolysis of antinutritional factors present in the diets for swine and poultry.
An Overview of the Impact of Pharmaceuticals on Aquatic Microbial Communities
Authors: Pinto Isabel , Simões Manuel , Gomes Inês B.
Published: November 2022

Pharmaceuticals are present as pollutants in several ecosystems worldwide. Despite the reduced concentrations at which they are detected, their negative impact on natural biota constitutes a global concern. The consequences of pharmaceuticals’ presence in water sources and food have been evaluated with a higher detail for human health. However, although most of the pharmaceuticals detected in the environment had not been designed to act against microorganisms, it is of utmost importance to understand their impact on the environmental native microbiota. Microbial communities can suffer serious consequences from the presence of pharmaceuticals as pollutants in the environment, which may directly impact public health and ecosystem equilibrium. Among this class of pollutants, the ones that have been studied in more detail are antibiotics. This work aims to provide an overview of the impacts of different pharmaceuticals on environmental biofilms, more specifically in biofilms from aquatic ecosystems and engineered water systems. The alterations caused in the biofilm function and characteristics, as well as bacteria antimicrobial tolerance and consequently the associated risks for public health, are also reviewed. Despite the information already available on this topic, the need for additional data urges the assessment of emerging pollutants on microbial communities and the potential public health impacts.