bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Involvement in Health Behavior After Heart Transplantation: The Role of Personal Resources and Health Status. Single-Center Observational Study
Authors: Mierzyńska Anna , Kokoszka Andrzej , Jerzak-Wodzyńska Grażyna , Sobieszczańska-Małek Małgorzata , Zieliński Tomasz , Piotrowicz Ryszard
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Heart transplantation affects all spheres of the patients’ functioning - their physical well-being and coping with everyday situations, as well as their identity and social functioning. Its long-term effects depend on the effective cooperation with the transplant team. Post-transplant patients are expected to be committed to adherence to recommendations. Patients’ subjective characteristics could increase the risk of difficulties during treatment or might have a protective effect. The major aim of the study was to evaluate the level of engagement in health behavior in heart transplant recipients in relation to their personal resources, such as personality traits, and their health status.

Material and Method: The observational ex post facto model was proposed. Participants completed a set of psychological questionnaires. In the study, there were used questionnaires regarding health behavior (HBI), personality traits (NEO-FFI), health locus of control (MHLC), self-efficacy (GSES) and health status (GHQ-28). The group included in the analyses consisted of 107 heart transplant patients. They ranged in age from 19 to 75 years; 10.3% of them were women.

Results: According to norms, 71% patients reported high level of engagement in health behavior. There were significant differences in the level of dietary habits and other types of health behaviors. The best predictors of overall health behavior were conscientiousness (β = 0.20, p < 0.05) and health locus of control (Powerful Others) (β = 0.25, p < 0.05). The prophylaxis behavior was related significantly to the level of conscientiousness (p < 0.05) and health locus of control (Internal and Powerful Others) (p < 0.05; p < 0.01). The level of positive mental attitude was related significantly to agreeableness (p < 0.05), health locus of control (Powerful Others) (p < 0.01), and self-efficacy (p < 0.01). Everyday healthy practices were related significantly to openness to experience (p < 0.01) and health locus of control (all categories: Internal, Powerful Others and Chance) (p < 0.05; p < 0.01; p < 0.05, respectively).

Conclusion: Majority of heart transplant patients is engaged in high level of health behavior. Among the various forms of health-relevant habits, heart transplant patients adhere significantly less frequently to a healthy diet. Among examined resources, the best predictors of caring about health are generalized self-efficacy and age at the time of HTx.
Are You “Gazing” at Me? How Others' Gaze Direction and Facial Expression Influence Gaze Perception and Postural Control
Authors: Lebert Angélique , Chaby Laurence , Guillin Amandine , Chekroun Samuel , Vergilino-Perez Dorine
Published: December 2021

In everyday life, interactions between humans are generally modulated by the value attributed to the situation, which partly relies on the partner's behavior. A pleasant or cooperating partner may trigger an approach behavior in the observer, while an unpleasant or threatening partner may trigger an avoidance behavior. In this context, the correct interpretation of other's intentions is crucial to achieve satisfying social interactions. Social cues such as gaze direction and facial expression are both fundamental and interrelated. Typically, whenever gaze direction and facial expression of others communicate the same intention, it enhances both the interlocutor's gaze direction and the perception of facial expressions (i.e., shared signal hypothesis). For instance, an angry face with a direct gaze is perceived as more intense since it represents a threat to the observer. In this study, we propose to examine how the combination of others' gaze direction (direct or deviated) and emotional facial expressions (i.e., happiness, fear, anger, sadness, disgust, and neutrality) influence the observer's gaze perception and postural control. Gaze perception was indexed by the cone of direct gaze (CoDG) referring to the width over which an observer feels someone's gaze is directed at them. A wider CoDG indicates that the observer perceived the face as looking at them over a wider range of gaze directions. Conversely, a narrower CoDG indicates a decrease in the range of gaze directions perceived as direct. Postural control was examined through the center of pressure displacements reflecting postural stability and approach-avoidance tendencies. We also investigated how both gaze perception and postural control may vary according to participants' personality traits and emotional states (e.g., openness, anxiety, etc.). Our results confirmed that gaze perception is influenced by emotional faces: a wider CoDGs was observed with angry and disgusted faces while a narrower CoDG was observed for fearful faces. Furthermore, facial expressions combined with gaze direction influence participants' postural stability but not approach-avoidance behaviors. Results are discussed in the light of the approach-avoidance model, by considering how some personality traits modulate the relation between emotion and posture.
Factors Influencing the Creativity of Chinese Upper-Secondary-School Students Participating in Programming Education
Authors: Liu Jun , Sun Xue , Sun Meng , Zhou Yan , Li Xinyue , Cao Jinbo , Liu Zile , Xu Fei
Published: December 2021

Purpose: This study explored whether instructional characteristics, learner characteristics, family socioeconomic status, and gender influence creativity in the context of programming education in China.

Methods: A total of 851 upper-secondary-school students in Beijing, China, were surveyed using the Creativity Scale, Programming Learning Scale, Programming Teaching Scale and Family Socioeconomic Status Questionnaire. SPSS (version 22) was used for correlation analysis, t-test and regression analysis.

Results: (1) Teachers’ programming teaching method and management; students’ programming learning approach, attitude, and engagement; gender; and family economic capital were all significantly associated with creativity. (2) There were significant differences between males and females in terms of creativity, programming learning approach and programming learning attitude. (3) Learner attitudes, engagement, and approach, and their family economic capital, were strong predictors of creativity, with the strongest influence of learners’ attitudes to programming learning and weaker influence of family economic capital.

Conclusion: The main factors that influence creativity in the context of programming education are programming teaching method, programming teaching management, programming learning approach, programming learning attitude, programming learning engagement and family economic capital. Among these, learner factors (attitude, engagement, and approach) and family economic capital are the key factors influencing creativity. These findings provide a basis for improving the creativity of Chinese programming learners and inspire teachers to consider learner factors and gender differences as they design and manage their instruction. Furthermore, the influence of family economic capital on the creativity of learners cannot be ignored.
What Do Placebo and Nocebo Effects Have to Do With Health Equity? The Hidden Toll of Nocebo Effects on Racial and Ethnic Minority Patients in Clinical Care
Authors: Yetman Hailey E. , Cox Nevada , Adler Shelley R. , Hall Kathryn T. , Stone Valerie E.
Published: December 2021

A placebo effect is a positive clinical response to non-specific elements of treatment with a sham or inert replica of a drug, device, or surgical intervention. There is considerable evidence that placebo effects are driven by expectation of benefit from the intervention. Expectation is shaped by a patient’s past experience, observations of the experience of others, and written, verbal, or non-verbal information communicated during treatment. Not surprisingly, expectation in the clinical setting is strongly influenced by the attitude, affect, and communication style of the healthcare provider. While positive expectations can produce beneficial effects, negative information and experiences can lead to negative expectations, and consequently negative or nocebo effects. Key components identified and studied in the placebo and nocebo literature intersect with factors identified as barriers to quality care in the clinical setting for Black patients and other patients of color, including poor patient-clinician communication, medical mistrust, and perceived discrimination. Thus, in the context of discrimination and bias, the absence of placebo and presence of nocebo-generating influences in clinical settings could potentially reinforce racial and ethnic inequities in clinical outcomes and care. Healthcare inequities have consequences that ripple through the medical system, strengthening adverse short- and long-term outcomes. Here, we examine the potential for the presence of nocebo effects and absence of placebo effects to play a role in contributing to negative outcomes related to unequal treatment in the clinical encounter.
Role of Digital Technology in Transforming Organizational Competencies Influencing Green Economy: Moderating Role of Product Knowledge Hiding
Authors: Bai Haoran
Published: December 2021

Digital technology has gained momentum in the recent decade, with its relationships with digital entrepreneurship, digital economies, digital social interaction, green economies, etc. These have changed the perspective of business and hence digitalized the strategic policies through blockchains. The current study aims to identify such benefits that have changed the day-to-day life processes and procedures for carrying out different tasks due to the convenience of adopting digital technology. Those benefits have been classified as transparency, centralization, and access to new markets for the organizations considering their consequences, especially when using digital technology. When processes are taking place online, there are fair chances of hiding knowledge about certain products or procedures to gain particular benefits. Hence, this study has considered the moderating role of product knowledge hiding while interacting online. This study is a quantitative post-positivist cross-sectional study that has followed a survey technique for data collection. The population used in this study is the managerial staff of the telecom sector in the mainland in China. The sample size used in this study is 358. The software used in this study is Smart-PLS 3.3. The technique used in this study for data analysis is structural equation modeling with measurement modeling. The findings of this study show that digital technology has led to many benefits for organizations like centralization, access to the new markets, and transparency, which have been made possible remotely only because of the use of digital technology in business operations. However, the moderating role of product knowledge hiding has been found significant only for transparency. This research paper highlights the important benefits of the use of technological use in the corporate world. Also, it contributes to expanding the network of knowledge hiding, addressing the moderation of product knowledge hiding, and extending the known consequences of digital technology influencing knowledge hiding.
How EFL Teachers Engage Students: A Multimodal Analysis of Pedagogic Discourse During Classroom Lead-Ins
Authors: Qin Yongli , Wang Ping
Published: December 2021

Classroom lead-in is the initial stage for motivating students to become engaged in-class interaction. However, little research, to our knowledge, has analyzed the role of teachers’ multimodal competence reflected through their multimodal pedagogic discourse in the realization of the ultimate goals of classroom lead-ins. Based on the data collected from a teaching contest in China, this paper explores how two-winner teachers utilize their multimodal ensembles of communicative modes to engage students during classroom lead-ins. The analysis shows that different communicative modes construct the higher-level action of lead-in, and they are orchestrated into multimodal ensembles for the specific function of each lead-in move. The findings indicate that EFL teachers’ high multimodal competence plays a decisive role in performing classroom lead-ins, and different lead-ins strategies influence the different orchestration of communicative modes. In constructing multimodal pedagogic discourse, teachers build up their professional image and display their personal charm as well. Future research for multimodal discourse analysis and pedagogic research is suggested in the paper.
Measuring Seclusion in Psychiatric Intensive Care: Development and Measurement Properties of the Clinical Seclusion Checklist
Authors: Ruud Torleif , Haugom Espen Woldsengen , Pincus Harold Alan , Hynnekleiv Torfinn
Published: December 2021

Background: Acute psychiatric units in general hospitals must ensure that acutely disturbed patients do not harm themselves or others, and simultaneously provide care and treatment and help patients regain control of their behavior. This led to the development of strategies for the seclusion of a patient in this state within a particular area separated from other patients in the ward. While versions of this practice have been used in different countries and settings, a systematic framework for describing the various parameters and types of seclusion interventions has not been available. The aims of the project were to develop and test a valid and reliable checklist for characterizing seclusion in inpatient psychiatric care.

Methods: Development and testing of the checklist were accomplished in five stages. Staff in psychiatric units completed detailed descriptions of seclusion episodes. Elements of seclusion were identified by thematic analysis of this material, and consensus regarding these elements was achieved through a Delphi process comprising two rounds. Good content validity was ensured through the sample of seclusion episodes and the representative participants in the Delphi process. The first draft of the checklist was revised based on testing by clinicians assessing seclusion episodes. The revised checklist with six reasons for and 10 elements of seclusion was tested with different response scales, and acceptable interrater reliability was achieved.

Results: The Clinical Seclusion Checklist is a brief and feasible tool measuring six reasons for seclusion, 10 elements of seclusion, and four contextual factors. It was developed through a transparent process and exhibited good content validity and acceptable interrater reliability.

Conclusion: The checklist is a step toward achieving valid and clinically relevant measurements of seclusion. Its use in psychiatric units may contribute to quality assurance, more reliable statistics and comparisons across sites and periods, improved research on patients' experiences of seclusion and its effects, reduction of negative consequences of seclusion, and improvement of psychiatric intensive care.
Distance Learning Effects Among Italian Children and Parents During COVID-19 Related School Lockdown
Authors: Crisci Giulia , Mammarella Irene C. , Moscardino Ughetta M. M. , Roch Maja , Thorell Lisa B.
Published: December 2021

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, both children and their parents experienced consequences related to distance learning (DL). However, positive and negative effects have varied greatly among families, and the specific factors explaining these differences in experiences are still underexplored. In this study, we examined children's executive functions (EF) and parents' psychological well-being in relation to negative and positive effects of DL on both children and their parents.

Method: Participants were 637 Italian parents (92% mothers) with a child (48% male) aged between 6 and 19 years involved in DL due to school closures during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected using an online survey. We performed three fixed-order hierarchical multiple regression analyses with child age and sex, children's EF deficits, and parents' psychological well-being as independent variables, and DL-related negative effects (on the child and on the parent) and DL-related positive effects as dependent variables.

Results: The results of the regression analyses showed that for negative effects of DL, younger age and greater EF deficits explained most part of the variance. Specifically, regarding negative effects on children, the most important factor was EF deficits, whereas regarding negative effects on parents, child age was the most important factor. For positive effects of DL, all variables explained only a small part of the variance. Child age was the most important factor, but EF deficits and parents' psychological well-being also had a significant impact.

Conclusions: The effects of DL during school closures vary widely across families. Our findings indicate that intervention efforts need to consider background variables, child factors, as well as parent factors when supporting families with homeschooling in times of pandemic.
How Air Quality Affect Health Industry Stock Returns: New Evidence From the Quantile-on-Quantile Regression
Authors: Liu Lu , Wang Kai-Hua , Xiao Yidong
Published: December 2021

This paper discusses the asymmetric effect of air quality (AQ) on stock returns (SR) in China's health industry through the quantile-on-quantile (QQ) regression method. Compared to prior literature, our study provides the following contributions. Government intervention, especially industrial policy, is considered a fresh and essential component of analyzing frameworks in addition to investors' physiology and psychology. Next, because of the heterogeneous responses from different industries to AQ, industrial heterogeneity is thus considered in this paper. In addition, the QQ method examines the effect of specific quantiles between variables and does not consider structural break and temporal lag effects. We obtain the following empirical results. First, the coefficients between AQ and SR in the health service and health technology industries change from positive to negative as AQ deteriorates. Second, AQ always positively influences the health business industry, but the values of the coefficients are larger in good air. In addition, different from other industries, the coefficients in the health equipment industry are negative, but the values of the coefficients change with AQ. The conclusions provide important references for investors and other market participants to avoid biased decisions due to poor AQ and pay attention to government industrial policies.
How People Foraging in Urban Greenspace Can Mobilize Social–Ecological Resilience During Covid-19 and Beyond
Authors: Sardeshpande Mallika , Hurley Patrick T. , Mollee Eefke , Garekae Hesekia , Dahlberg Annika C. , Emery Marla R. , Shackleton Charlie
Published: December 2021

Informal foraging for food and other natural materials in urban greenspaces is an activity undertaken by many across the world. For some, foraging is a necessary means of survival and livelihood, while for others, it provides cultural and recreational opportunities. In the socioeconomic crises induced by Covid-19, foraging can help communities, especially (but not exclusively) vulnerable people, cope with the impacts of lockdowns, and associated economic decline. In the long run, foraging can help improve social–ecological resilience in urban systems, particularly in response to climate, economic, and disease disruptions. First, we elaborate the ways in which urban foraging can provide immediate relief from the shocks to natural, human, social, physical, and financial capital. We then describe how over time, the livelihood, food, and income diversification brought about by foraging can contribute to preparedness for future uncertainties and gradual change. Cities are increasingly becoming home to the majority of humanity, and urban foraging can be one of the pathways that makes cities more liveable, for humans as well as other species we coexist with. Through the capitals framework, we explore the role foraging could play in addressing issues of biodiversity conservation, culture, and education, good governance and social justice, multifunctional greenspace, and sustainable nature-based livelihoods in urban areas.
Comparison of Tumor Seeding and Recurrence Rate After Laparoscopic vs. Open Nephroureterectomy for Upper Urinary Tract Transitional Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Morselli Simone , Vitelli Ferdinando Daniele , Verrini Giorgio , Sebastianelli Arcangelo , Campi Riccardo , Liaci Andrea , Spatafora Pietro , Barzaghi Paolo , Ferrari Giovanni , Gacci Mauro , Serni Sergio , Brausi Maurizio
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Laparoscopic surgery for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Cell Carcinoma (UTUC) is still debated for its possible seeding risk and thus consequent oncological recurrences, especially for atypical ones. The aim of the study is to compare recurrence and survival after Laparoscopic vs. Open Radical Nephroureterectomy (RNU) for Upper Urinary Tract Urothelial Cancer (UTUC).

Method: A retrospective evaluation of UTUC consecutive surgeries from 2008 to 2019 was conducted, including pT ≥ 2, High Grade UTUC who underwent RNU with bladder cuff excision without concomitant lymphadenectomy in three urological tertiary centers. Statistical analyses compared recurrence and cancer specific survival, based on surgical approach, while logistic multivariate analyses and Kaplan Meyer survival curve analyzed possible risk factors for recurrence and survival.

Results: One hundred seven cases of RNU, 47 (43.9%) laparoscopic and 60 (56.1%) open, were included in this report. Preoperative characteristics were comparable between groups. However, tumor stage was higher in the Open arm [T3–T4 in 44 (73.3%) vs. 20 (43.4%) in Laparoscopic]. Mean follow-up was 91.6 months in laparoscopy RNU vs. 93.5 months in open RNU. Recurrence rate (RR) was comparable between groups (p = 0.594), and so was the site, although 3 (6.3%) peritoneal recurrences were found only in laparoscopic group (p = 0.057). At multivariate logistic regression, tumor stage and surgical approach were independent predictors of recurrence (p < 0.05), while only tumor stage was predictor of cancer specific death (p = 0.029).

Conclusion: Surgical approach has no impact on recurrence site, overall survival, and RR. Still, according to our data peritoneal carcinomatosis was present only in laparoscopic arm, despite how it didn't reach statistical significance.
The Descriptions and Attitudes of Riders and Arena Owners to 656 Equestrian Sport Surfaces in Sweden
Authors: Egenvall Agneta , Roepstorff Lars , Peterson Michael , Lundholm Marcus , Hernlund Elin
Published: December 2021

Horses in equestrian sports are commonly trained in arenas with prepared footing. Information on the number and variants of such arenas is generally unknown. This paper provides an overview of the primary construction types of riding surfaces in Sweden including details on composition, constructions principles, usage frequency, maintenance, and cost of operation as well as to investigate rider perception of the ideal arena properties using a large population of riders. Data on 656 equestrian surfaces in Sweden obtained up to 2014 are presented, of which 373 were outdoor and 283 were indoor arenas. Dressage and show-jumping were the main disciplines conducted in the arenas. Sand-mineral arenas were most common outdoors and sand-woodchips arenas most common indoors, followed by sand-fibre arenas and even fewer synthetic arenas. Comparing the three most common arena types, dragging was most often done on sand-woodchips and sand-fibre arenas. Harrowing was less often done on sand-mineral arenas compared to sand-woodchips and sand-fibre arenas. Combining dragging, harrowing, deep harrowing, and rolling, arenas with higher usage were maintained more frequently, compared to those used less frequently. It was commonly claimed that the top-layer needs renovation every other-4th year or every 5th to 10th year. Few respondents allocated more than 10,000 SEK in yearly maintenance costs, with the exception for sand-woodchips and sand-fibre arenas followed by synthetic arenas. The shortest duration perceived between required renovations was found for sand-woodchips top-layer arenas. Ideal surface properties were evaluated by 3,158 riders. Dressage and show-jumping riders differed somewhat regarding ideal spans of functional arena properties: for impact firmness, responsiveness, and grip. The current study likely included well-utilised arenas, compared to those less well-utilised. The resources necessary to keep an arena consistent over time seemed underestimated. Knowledge of maintenance and priorities for arenas are important to users and arenas managers, be they construction companies or arena managers in order to maximise the outcome of efforts for arena improvement and optimise locomotor health for horses that use them. Further, many arenas were new and research into organic arena management is important, especially if equestrians continue to build and renew arena surfaces.
An Ovine Model of Awake Veno-Arterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation
Authors: Qi Jiachen , Gao Sizhe , Liu Gang , Yan Shujie , Zhang Min , Yan Weidong , Zhang Qiaoni , Teng Yuan , Wang Jian , Zhou Chun , Wang Qian , Ji Bingyang
Published: December 2021

Background: Large animal models are developed to help understand physiology and explore clinical translational significance in the continuous development of veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) technology. The purpose of this study was to investigate the establishment methods and management strategies in an ovine model of VA-ECMO.

Methods: Seven sheep underwent VA-ECMO support for 7 days by cannulation via the right jugular vein and artery. The animals were transferred into the monitoring cages after surgery and were kept awake after anesthesia recovery. The hydraulic parameters of ECMO, basic hemodynamics, mental state, and fed state of sheep were observed in real time. Blood gas analysis and activated clotting time (ACT) were tested every 6 h, while the complete blood count, blood chemistry, and coagulation tests were monitored every day. Sheep were euthanized after 7 days. Necropsy was performed and the main organs were removed for histopathological evaluation.

Results: Five sheep survived and successfully weaned from ECMO. Two sheep died within 24–48 h of ECMO support. One animal died of fungal pneumonia caused by reflux aspiration, and the other died of hemorrhagic shock caused by bleeding at the left jugular artery cannulation site used for hemodynamic monitoring. During the experiment, the hemodynamics of the five sheep were stable. The animals stayed awake and freely ate hay and feed pellets and drank water. With no need for additional nutrition support or transfusion, the hemoglobin concentration and platelet count were in the normal reference range. The ECMO flow remained stable and the oxygenation performance of the oxygenator was satisfactory. No major adverse pathological injury occurred.

Conclusions: The perioperative management strategies and animal care are the key points of the VA-ECMO model in conscious sheep. This model could be a platform for further research of disease animal models, pathophysiology exploration, and new equipment verification.
Increase in the Length of Lung Cancer Patient Pathway Before First-Line Therapy: A 6-Year Nationwide Analysis From Hungary
Authors: Kiss Zoltan , Bogos Krisztina , Tamási Lilla , Ostoros Gyula , Müller Veronika , Urbán László , Bittner Nóra , Sárosi Veronika , Vastag Aladár , Polányi Zoltán , Nagy-Erdei Zsófia , Knollmajer Kata , Várnai Máté , Nagy Balázs , Horváth Krisztián , Rokszin György , Abonyi-Tóth Zsolt , Barcza Zsófia , Moldvay Judit , Gálffy Gabriella , Vokó Zoltán
Published: December 2021

Objective: This study aimed to examine the characteristics of the lung cancer (LC) patient pathway in Hungary during a 6-years period.

Methods: This nationwide, retrospective study included patients newly diagnosed with LC (ICD-10 C34) between January 1, 2011, and December 31, 2016, using data from the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) of Hungary. The following patient pathway intervals were examined: system, diagnostic and treatment interval by age, gender, tumor type, study year and first-line LC therapy.

Results: During the 6-years study period, 17,386 patients had at least one type of imaging (X-ray or CT/MRI) prior to diagnosis, and 12,063 had records of both X-ray and CT/MRI. The median system interval was 64.5 days, and it was 5 days longer among women, than in men (68.0 vs. 63.0 days). The median system interval was significantly longer in patients with adenocarcinoma compared to those with squamous cell carcinoma or small cell lung cancer (70.4 vs. 64.0 vs. 48.0 days, respectively). Patients who received surgery as first-line treatment had significantly longer median system intervals compared to those receiving chemotherapy (81.4 vs. 62.0 days). The median system interval significantly increased from 62.0 to 66.0 days during the 6-years study period.

Conclusion: The LC patient pathway significantly increased in Hungary over the 6-years study period. There were no significant differences in the length of the whole LC patient pathway according to age, however, female sex, surgery as first-line treatment, and adenocarcinoma were associated with longer system intervals.
Estimation of the Dynamic Parameters of the Bearings in a Flexible Rotor System Utilizing Electromagnetic Excitation by a Built-In Motor
Authors: Chen Yinsi , Yang Ren , Sugita Naohiro , Zhong Jianpeng , Mao Junhong , Shinshi Tadahiko
Published: December 2021

Estimation of the dynamic parameters of bearings is essential in order to be able to interpret the performance of rotating machinery. In this paper, we propose a method to estimate the dynamic parameters of the bearings in a flexible rotor system. By utilizing the electromagnetic excitation generated by a built-in PM motor and finite element (FE) modeling of the rotor, safe, low-cost, and real-time monitoring of the bearing dynamics can be achieved. The radial excitation force is generated by injecting an alternating d-axis current into the motor windings. The FE model of the rotor and the measured frequency responses at the motor and bearing locations are used to estimate the dynamic parameters of the bearings. To evaluate the feasibility of the proposed method, numerical simulation and experiments were carried out on a flexible rotor system combined with a bearingless motor (BELM) having both motor windings and suspension windings. The numerical simulation results show that the proposed algorithm can accurately estimate the dynamic parameters of the bearings. In the experiment, the estimates made when utilizing the excitation force generated by the motor windings are compared with the estimates made when utilizing the excitation force generated by the suspension windings. The results show that most of the stiffness and damping coefficients for the two experiments are in good agreement, within a maximum error of 8.92%. The errors for some coefficients are large because the base values of these coefficients are small in our test rig, so these coefficients are sensitive to deviations. The natural frequencies calculated from the dynamic parameters estimated from the two experiments are also in good agreement, within a maximum relative error of 3.04%. The proposed method is effective and feasible for turbomachines directly connected to motors, which is highly significant for field tests.
Recognition of Areca Leaf Yellow Disease Based on PlanetScope Satellite Imagery
Authors: Guo Jiawei , Jin Yu , Ye Huichun , Huang Wenjiang , Zhao Jinling , Cui Bei , Liu Fucheng , Deng Jiajian
Published: December 2021

Areca yellow leaf disease is a major attacker of the planting and production of arecanut. The continuous expansion of arecanut (Areca catechu L.) planting areas in Hainan has placed a great need to strengthen the monitoring of this disease. At present, there is little research on the monitoring of areca yellow leaf disease. PlanetScope imagery can achieve daily global coverage at a high spatial resolution (3 m) and is thus suitable for the high-precision monitoring of plant pest and disease. In this paper, PlanetScope images were employed to extract spectral features commonly used in disease, pest and vegetation growth monitoring for primary models. In this paper, 13 spectral features commonly used in vegetation growth and pest monitoring were selected to form the initial feature space, followed by the implementation of the Correlation Analysis (CA) and independent t-testing to optimize the feature space. Then, the Random Forest (RF), Backward Propagation Neural Network (BPNN) and AdaBoost algorithms based on feature space optimization to construct double-classification (healthy, diseased) monitoring models for the areca yellow leaf disease. The results indicated that the green, blue and red bands, and plant senescence reflectance index (PSRI) and enhanced vegetation index (EVI) exhibited highly significant differences and strong correlations with healthy and diseased samples. The RF model exhibits the highest overall recognition accuracy for areca yellow leaf disease (88.24%), 2.95% and 20.59% higher than the BPNN and AdaBoost models, respectively. The commission and omission errors were lowest with the RF model for both healthy and diseased samples. This model also exhibited the highest Kappa coefficient at 0.765. Our results exhibit the feasible application of PlanetScope imagery for the regional large-scale monitoring of areca yellow leaf disease, with the RF method identified as the most suitable for this task. Our study provides a reference for the monitoring, a rapid assessment of the area affected and the management planning of the disease in the agricultural and forestry industries.
Nitrogen Intake and Its Partition on Urine, Dung and Products of Dairy and Beef Cattle in Chile
Authors: Beltran Ignacio E. , Calvache Ivan , Cofre Rocio , Salazar Francisco , Keim Juan P. , Morales Alvaro , Pulido Ruben G. , Alfaro Marta
Published: December 2021

Nitrogen that is excreted through the urine and dung of cattle is an important source of nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions. In Chile, several studies have evaluated nitrogen (N) intake and its partitioning into urine and dung from beef and dairy cattle, however, there are no studies collating all data into one central database, which would allow an estimation of N excretion and its key variables to be developed. The aim of this study was to determine the N partition (milk or meat, urine and dung) and variables influencing the nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and urinary N excretion of cattle based on a database generated from Chilean studies. The search of studies was carried out using a keyword list in different web-based platforms. Nitrogen excretion into urine and dung was calculated using equations reported in the literature for beef and dairy cattle. Mixed models were used to identify variables influencing the N partitioning. Nitrogen intake and its partitioning into the animal product, urine and dung were higher for dairy compared to beef cattle. For dairy cattle, NUE was influenced by milk yield, the non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC)/crude protein ratio, acid detergent fiber intake and milk urea N (MUN), while urinary N excretion was influenced by milk yield, MUN and NFC intake. For beef cattle, N intake and its excretion were greater for grazing compared to the confined system, while NUE was greater for confined animals. This database supplies new information on N intake and its partitioning (milk, meat, urine and dung) for dairy and beef cattle, which can be used for the estimation of greenhouse gas emissions from pasture-based livestock in Chile. Additionally, our study supplies new information on nutritional variables determining NUE and urinary N excretion for dairy cattle, which can be used by farmers to reduce N excretion into the environment.
Ecological Adaptability of Some Cultivars and Breeding Samples of Origanum vulgare L.
Authors: Myagkikh Elena , Babanina Svetlana , Mishnev Alexander , Radchenko Ludmila , Pashtetskiy Vladimir , Nevkrytaya Natalya , Loretts Olga
Published: December 2021

Since the registry of common oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) cultivars does not involve regionalization, a comprehensive study of cultivars bred by different institutions in the intended cultivation region is valuable and relevant. The objective of the research was to assess the possibility of using various indices of ecological adaptability originally developed for grain crops for their use in the most adapted genotypes’ selection (breeding samples and cultivars) of Origanum vulgare L. to the temperate climate of the Crimean Peninsula. The research was carried out in the piedmont zone of Crimea from 2016 to 2019. The study material consisted of breeding samples No. 10 and No. 82 from the collection of FSBSI “Research Institute of Agriculture of Crimea”, as well as cultivars Zima, Raduga, and Slavnitsa selected by the All-Russian Scientific Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (ARSRIMAP). Genotype had the greatest influence on yield of fresh oregano material (43%) with the influence of the weather conditions of the year being 2%. On the contrary, meteorological conditions had a much greater effect on the essential oil accumulation and its areal yield, which were 30% and 25%, respectively. In terms of the coefficient of ecological variation of fresh yield, sample No. 82 and Slavnitsa cultivar were the best (11.47–16.7%). The local genotypes No. 10 and No. 82 varied less by the essential oil content and its yield. The genotype effect value was greater than 0 in the Raduga cultivar and local genotype No. 82 for the yield, but only in No. 82 genotype for the other two characteristics. Cultivars Zima and Raduga were classified as intensive (bi > 1) by the environmental flexibility of fresh yield, while local genotype No. 82 and Slavnitsa cultivar formed the group of intensive ones by essential oil content and essential oil yield. Local genotypes No. 10 and No. 82 were better than the introduced cultivars in terms of essential oil content homeostability and essential oil yield (Hom = 1.91–2.18). Thus, local genotypes proved to be more adapted to the region’s conditions in terms of essential oil accumulation. However, they were inferior to the registered cultivars of ARSRIMAP breeding in terms of fresh yield.
Biochemical Characterisation and Genetic Structure Provide Insight into the Diversity of the Mediterranean Tomato Ancient Varieties ‘San Marzano’ and ‘Re Fiascone’: New Resources for Breeding
Authors: Tripodi Pasquale , Pepe Rosa , Francese Gianluca , Rosaria Macellaro , Onofaro Sanajà Vincenzo , Di Cesare Carlo , Festa Giovanna , D’Alessandro Antonietta , Mennella Giuseppe
Published: December 2021

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is one of the most important vegetable crops highly appreciated for the nutritional properties and content of beneficial compounds for human health. After its domestication, this crop has been spread throughout the world and found its secondary centre of diversification in the Mediterranean basin, where numerous landraces have been developed. Among these, ‘San Marzano’ is a famous and remunerative PDO variety for processing and fresh market consumption. ‘Re Fiascone’ is an ancient cultivar for which ongoing efforts aim to promote its diffusion and commercialisation. Both find their origin in the Campania region in Southern Italy where in the past decades, several accessions have been selected and handed down by farmers. This study reports a comprehensive assessment for morphological and biochemical traits of twenty-one accessions of the two landraces. Fruit morphology and content of sugars and flavonoids were the most discriminating parameters among cultivars. Among sugars and organic acids, fructose and citric acid were the most represented compounds, respectively. We found level of trans-lycopene and β-carotene up to 112.82 and 16.29 µg g−1 of fresh product, respectively, while ascorbic acid levels reached values up to 22.48 mg 100 g−1 of fresh weight. Molecular analysis has been performed using a double approach for microsatellite genotyping based on capillary electrophoresis and high-resolution melting. Results highlighted a separation of the accessions according to ‘Re Fiascone’ and ‘San Marzano’ identifying both unique and admixed accessions between the two groups. The study approach aims at the recovery and valorisation of local genetic resources, but also at the identification of traits of interest to transfer in breeding programs.
The Response of Vegetable Sweet Potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam) Nodes to Different Concentrations of Encapsulation Agent and MS Salts
Authors: Tadda Shehu A. , Kui Xiaohua , Yang Hongjuan , Li Min , Huang Zhehong , Chen Xuanyang , Qiu Dongliang
Published: December 2021

As an emerging technology, shoot encapsulation has been employed in germplasm conservation, distribution, and micropropagation of elite plant species. However, the production of synthetic seeds of sweet potato via non-zygotic embryogenesis requires a large number of embryos per cultured callus suspension and is labour-intensive. Here, we reported a simple method of encapsulating in vitro derived vegetable sweet potato nodal segments with sodium alginate, calcium chloride (CaCl2), and Murashige and Skoog (MS) salts. The nodes encapsulated with 4% sodium alginate (w/v) and 100 mM CaCl2 were the most suitable for propagation. They had uniform spherical beads and took the least number of days to shoot and root emergence. These plantlets produced more leaves, roots, and long shoots. Further evaluation of the MS salts concentration revealed that the plantlets encapsulated and grown with ½ MS salts had the least days to shoot and root emergence. They also had a longer shoot, the highest conversion rate (99%), and the least leaf abscission (17%). Thus, the sweet potato nodal segments encapsulated with 4% sodium alginate, 100 mM CaCl2, and ½ MS salts could be used as excellent material for micropropagation, germplasm conservation, and exchange of sweet potato planting materials.
Lethality of Phasmarhabditis spp. (P. hermaphrodita, P. californica, and P. papillosa) Nematodes to the Grey Field Slug Deroceras reticulatum on Canna Lilies in a Lath House
Authors: Schurkman Jacob , Dodge Christine , Mc Donnell Rory , Tandingan De Ley Irma , Dillman Adler R.
Published: December 2021

The grey field slug, Deroceras reticulatum, is an agricultural pest causing damage to a wide variety of crops each year. The nematode Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita has been shown to effectively kill this slug in field-simulated conditions, leading to its widespread use as a biological control agent in Europe. However, recently discovered isolates of Phasmarhabditis from California have not been tested in a field-simulated environment. The lethality of three local isolates of Phasmarhabditis (P. hermaphrodita, P. californica, & P. papillosa) as well as the molluscicide Sluggo Plus® was assessed on D. reticulatum in a lath house. Remaining leaf area on Canna lilies and slug mortality were recorded after 3 weeks of exposure to treatments. Local isolates efficiently killed D. reticulatum and protection from leaf damage was attained by treatment with P. papillosa. Further experimentation is required to assess plant protection afforded by Phasmarhabditis as plants in some trials may have been in poor health. The three tested Phasmarhabditis isolates are reasonable candidates for biological control within the United States but additional information, particularly on the lethality to non-target gastropods, is needed before an informed decision on their use can be made.
Are Environmental Regulations to Promote Eco-Innovation in the Wine Sector Effective? A Study of Spanish Wineries
Authors: Calle Félix , Carrasco Inmaculada , González-Moreno Ángela , Córcoles Carmen
Published: December 2021

In a changing socio-economic and ecological context, the agri-food industry, where the use of natural resources is very important, must pay more and more attention to green and eco-innovation. Public decision-makers have started to implement measures to encourage the adoption of sustainable practices by companies, which are also pressured by supply and demand factors. This article aims to determine the factors that drive eco-innovation in the wine sector in Spain, a mature and traditional sector characterized by its high fragmentation. In particular, we sought to determine the role environmental regulations play in promoting eco-innovation in the sector. To this end, an empirical study was developed using a structural equation model established using a partial least squares technique for a sample of 251 wineries from all over the country. The study shows that the current regulatory framework inhibits eco-innovation in Spanish wineries, who are more encouraged by positioning and external motivation factors.
Improvement of Root Characteristics Due to Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Interactions Increases Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency
Authors: Du Ming , Zhang Wenzhong , Gao Jiping , Liu Meiqiu , Zhou Yan , He Dawei , Zhao Yanze , Liu Shiming
Published: December 2021

Although nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) co-application improves crop growth, yield, and N use efficiency (NUE) of rice, few studies have investigated the mechanisms underlying these interactions. To investigate root morphological and physiological characteristics and determine yield and nitrogen use parameters, rhizo-box experiments were performed on rice using six treatments (no fertilizer, PK, N, NK, NP, and NPK) and plants were harvested at maturity. The aboveground biomass at the elongating stage and grain yield at maturity for NPK treatment were higher than the sum of PK and N treatments. N, P, and K interactions enhanced grain yield due to an increase in agronomic N use efficiency (NAE). The co-application of N, P, and K improved N uptake and N recovery efficiency, exceeding the decreases in physiological and internal NUE and thereby improving NAE. Increases in root length and biomass, N uptake per unit root length/root biomass, root oxidation activity, total roots absorption area, and roots active absorption area at the elongating stage improved N uptake via N, P, and K interactions. The higher total N uptake from N, P, and K interactions was due to improved root characteristics, which enhanced the rice yield and NUE.