bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the influencing factors of users’ information processing in online health communities based on heuristic-systematic model
Authors: Gao Yunyun , Gong Liyue , Liu Hao , Kong Yi , Wu Xusheng , Guo Yi , Hu DeHua
Published: October 2022

With the rapid development of the Internet and the normalization of COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control, Online health communities (OHCs) have gradually become one of the important ways for people to obtain health information, and users have to go through a series of information processing when facing the massive amount of data. Understanding the factors influencing user information processing is necessary to promote users’ health literacy, health knowledge popularization and health behavior shaping. Based on the Heuristic-Systematic Model (HSM), Information Ecology Theory, Privacy Trade-Off and Self-Efficacy Theory, we constructed a model of factors influencing user information processing in online health communities. We found that information quality and emotional support had indirect effects on heuristic and systematic information processing, and these effects were mediated by privacy concerns and self-efficacy. In our research model, systematic information processing was most positively influenced directly by self-efficacy. Privacy concerns had a direct negative correlation with both dual information processing pathways. Therefore, OHCs managers should develop relevant regulations to ensure the information quality in OHCs and improve privacy protection services to promote user information processing by improving users’ self-efficacy and reducing their privacy concerns. Providing a user-friendly and interactive environment for users is also recommended to create more emotional support, thus facilitating more systematic information processing.
A review of psychological research on kando as an inclusive concept of moving experiences
Authors: Yasuda Shoko , Shoda Haruka , Uemiya Ai , Isaka Tadao
Published: October 2022

We are emotionally moved when we give birth to a child, witness the triumph of an athlete, listen to a beautiful piece of music, and so forth. Such moving experiences have been described as a form of emotion, by terms such as being moved, awe, and kama muta, each of which have been studied as a separate, but interrelated, psychological phenomenon. Japanese people use the term kando to describe these experiences collectively. In this study, we propose that kando should be treated as an umbrella term covering being moved, awe, and kama muta. To this end, we reviewed the literature on kando conducted by Japanese researchers and compared it to relevant concepts, mainly examined in Western countries. We also reviewed the literature on the generative mechanism of kando, and established that emotional and physical reactions are important to determine the degree of kando across the cases with and without storyline. Furthermore, individual characteristics such as trait empathy may generate a stronger degree of kando. Kando experiences can affect subsequent behaviors and cognition, though we still need evidence that such change can be triggered genuinely by the experience of kando. We suggest that kando may make our neuro-cognitive network tend toward more direct, unconscious, and impulsive decision making. One of the remaining questions in this domain is whether the mental construct of kando can find an equivalent to people in Western countries. For this purpose, events and reactions relevant to kando experiences should be systematically collected from a broad population.
Big contributions of the little brain for precision psychiatry
Authors: Anteraper Sheeba , Guell Xavier , Whitfield-Gabrieli Susan
Published: October 2022

Our previous work using 3T functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) parcellated the human dentate nuclei (DN), the primary output of the cerebellum, to three distinct functional zones each contributing uniquely to default-mode, salience-motor, and visual brain networks. In this perspective piece, we highlight the possibility to target specific functional territories within the cerebellum using non-invasive brain stimulation, potentially leading to the refinement of cerebellar-based therapeutics for precision psychiatry. Significant knowledge gap exists in our functional understanding of cerebellar systems. Intervening early, gauging severity of illness, developing intervention strategies and assessing treatment response, are all dependent on our understanding of the cerebello-cerebral networks underlying the pathology of psychotic disorders. A promising yet under-examined avenue for biomarker discovery is disruptions in cerebellar output circuitry. This is primarily because most 3T MRI studies in the past had to exclude cerebellum from the field of view due to limitations in spatiotemporal resolutions. Using recent technological advances in 7T MRI (e.g., parallel transmit head coils) to identify functional territories of the DN, with a focus on dentato-cerebello-thalamo-cortical (CTC) circuitry can lead to better characterization of brain-behavioral correlations and assessments of co-morbidities. Such an improved mechanistic understanding of psychiatric illnesses can reveal aspects of CTC circuitry that can aid in neuroprognosis, identification of subtypes, and generate testable hypothesis for future studies.
Media use and organ donation willingness: A latent profile analysis from Chinese residents
Authors: Gong Fangmin , Jia Yuhan , Zhang Jinzi , Cao Meiling , Jia Xiaocen , Sun Xinying , Wu Yibo
Published: October 2022

Background

Previous studies have paid attention to media as an important channel for understanding organ donation knowledge and have not divided groups according to the degree of media use to study their differences in organ donation. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to explore the influence of media use on organ donation willingness and the influencing factors of organ donation willingness of people with different media use levels.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of residents from 120 cities in China was conducted by questionnaire survey. Using Mplus 8.3 software, the latent profile analysis of seven media usage related items was made, and multiple linear regression was performed to analyze the influence of varying levels of media use on organ donation willingness of different population.

Results

All the interviewees were divided into three groups, namely, “Occluded media use” (9.7%), “Ordinary media use” (67.1%) and “High-frequency media use” (23.2%). Compared with ordinary media use, high-frequency media population (β = 0.06, P < 0.001) were positively correlated with their willingness to accept organ donation, residents who used media occlusion (β = −0.02, P < 0.001) were negatively correlated with their willingness to accept organ donation. The influencing factors of residents' accept willingness to organ donation were different among the types of occluded media use, ordinary media use and high-frequency media use.

Conclusion

It is necessary to formulate personalized and targeted dissemination strategies of organ donation health information for different media users.
Prevalence of syphilis among people living with HIV and its implication for enhanced coinfection monitoring and management in China: A meta-analysis
Authors: Wu Yuelin , Zhu Wenqian , Sun Chengqing , Yue Xiaoli , Zheng Min , Fu Gengfeng , Gong Xiangdong
Published: October 2022

Background

People living with HIV (PLWH) are at an increased risk of syphilis infection. The objectives of this study were to assess the overall prevalence of syphilis among PLWH in China and identify factors associated with syphilis infection among PLWH.

Methods

We searched Medline, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journals Database (VIP), Wan-fang Data, and Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) to identify studies that reported the prevalence of syphilis among PLWH in China and were published in English or Chinese from January 1, 1990, to May 31, 2022. The reference lists of retrieved articles and relevant reviews were also checked to identify additional studies. A random-effect model was fitted to calculate the pooled syphilis prevalence among PLWH. Subgroup analyses, meta-regression analyses and sensitivity analyses were conducted to determine the potential source of heterogeneity.

Results

Of the 1,599 articles screened, 29 studies involving 34,740 participants were eligible for inclusion in this meta-analysis. The overall prevalence of syphilis among PLWH in China was 19.9% [95% confidence interval (CI): 15.4–24.8%,I2= 98.9%]. Subgroup analysis showed that the pooled prevalence of syphilis among men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV (21.9%, 95% CI: 17.2–26.9%) was much higher than that among heterosexuals (10.3%, 95% CI: 5.2–16.8%); there was regional diversity in the prevalence of syphilis, the highest in northern China (31.7%, 95% CI: 17.9–47.4%), followed by central-southern China (26.7%, 95% CI: 11.4–45.7%), and the lowest in northwestern China (15.0%, 95% CI: 6.9–25.4%); the syphilis prevalence among PLWH decreased as CD4 + T cell count increased (19.6% in CD4 + T cell < 200 vs. 8.7% in ≥ 500) and was higher among non-antiretroviral therapy (non-ART) HIV-infected patients (21.0%, 95% CI: 9.9–35.0%) than that among ART ones (16.1%, 95% CI: 3.9–34.3%).

Conclusions

Our study showed a significantly high prevalence of syphilis among PLWH in China, particularly among MSM with HIV. Developing national guidelines for the integrated screening, monitoring, and management of HIV and syphilis as well as syphilis diagnosis and treatment training programs for physicians at designated HIV treatment hospitals is urgent and crucial to combat HIV and syphilis coinfection in China.
Mental health among healthcare workers during the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional survey in Jilin Province in China
Authors: Ning Liangwen , Jia Huanhuan , Yu Jianxing , Gao Shang , Shang Panpan , Cao Peng , Yu Xihe
Published: October 2022

Background

The prolonged COVID-19 pandemic has seriously impacted the mental health of healthcare workers. This study aimed to explore the mental health status of healthcare workers, compare the differences in mental health between physicians and nurses, and verify the impact of risk perception on mental health in the long-term COVID-19 pandemic in Jilin Province, China.

Methods

A stratified random sample was used to conduct an on-site questionnaire survey in December 2020 to measure the mental health status, risk perceptions, and demographic characteristics of healthcare workers in Jilin Province, China. A total of 3,383 participants completed the questionnaire survey, of which 3,373 were valid questionnaires.

Results

A total of 23.6% (n = 795) of participants had symptoms of depression, 27.4% (n = 923) had symptoms of anxiety, and 16.3% (n = 551) had symptoms of stress. Physicians reported significantly higher rates of depression and anxiety than nurses (p = 0.023, p = 0.013, respectively). There was no significant difference in the proportion of participants with stress between physicians and nurses (p = 0.474). Multivariate logistic regression results showed that healthcare workers who had a high level of risk perception were more likely to have symptoms of depression (AOR = 4.12, p < 0.001), anxiety (AOR = 3.68, p < 0.001), and stress (AOR = 4.45, p < 0.001) after controlling for other variables.

Conclusion

At least one in six healthcare workers experienced mental health problems, and physicians were more likely than nurses to suffer from depression during the prolonged COVID-19 epidemic. Risk perception was highly predictive of depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms in medical staff. Public health interventions are needed to mitigate the long-term psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The role of individual service and team-based service price in the online environment: A view from the price difference
Authors: Lu Wei , Wei Wei , Li Chao , Luo Qing , Fan Lichun
Published: October 2022

Different from the traditional medical market, the online medical market allows physicians considerable discretion in setting prices of their services, which is beginning to be paid close attention to. Physicians face a challenge with the introduction of various service styles. Guided by transaction utility theory and price fairness, this study aims to investigate the influence of pricing strategy on service demands from the price difference perspective by focusing on two typical service models: individual service and team-based service. Moreover, team characteristics (response speed and team size) are also considered. The data collection was done in March 2018 and repeated in May 2018, and physicians who provide both individual service and team-based services are included in our study. Finally, a dataset consisting of 1,100 teams with 1,100 physician leaders from 14 departments such as obstetrics and gynecology department were collected from an online medical platform in China. Empirical results support most of our hypotheses. A negative influence of team-based price was observed. As a substitute service, a higher individual service price will make patients turn to team-based service. Moreover, individual service prices negatively moderated the relationship between team-based service prices and demands. By calculating the price difference between the individual service price and the team-based service price, we found a negative role of the price difference affecting patient purchase decisions. Although we did not find a significant effect of team size, a quick response can attract more patients. Price fairness provides a proper framework for understanding pricing strategy in individual and team-based service in an online environment. Understanding the effects of prices from a price difference perspective has both theoretical and practical contributions. Specifically, this study contributes to knowledge on price fairness, online medical platforms, and virtual teams, and provides management suggestions.
Status and influencing factors of medication literacy among Chinese caregivers of discharged children with Kawasaki disease
Authors: Zhang Yingzi , Wang Xiuqiong , Cai Jianghui , Yang Yanfeng , Liu Yiling , Liao Yeling , Zhou Yanhong , He Baoqin , Wen Wen , Zhuang Qian , Lin Yonghong
Published: October 2022

Background

The information on medication literacy among Chinese caregivers of discharged children with Kawasaki disease (KD) is unknown. We aimed to investigate the status of medication literacy among caregivers of discharged children with KD and evaluate the influencing factors of medication literacy.

Methods

From March 2020 to February 2021, 106 caregivers with a KD child were recruited for the present study. We collected the sociodemographic characteristics of the KD caregivers using structured interviews. The medication literacy of the KD caregivers was assessed by the Chinese version of Medication Literacy Assessment. KD patients' demographic and clinical data were obtained from the medical records. The multiple logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with medication literacy.

Results

(1) The average medication literacy score was 4.91 ± 1.51. (2) Most of the Chinese KD caregivers had insufficient medication literacy (≤ 5 scores), and only 39.2% of the caregivers had adequate medication literacy (>5 scores). (3) The multiple logistic regression shows that education level, monthly income, and duration of hospitalization are the independent influencing factors on the medication literacy of KD caregivers.

Conclusion

There is preliminary evidence that medication literacy among KD caregivers is low and needs improvement. A higher level of education, higher income, and longer duration of hospitalization were influencing factors of adequate medication literacy.
The effect of shift work on burnout and occupational fatigue among clinical faculty members during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Gilavand Abdolreza
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Shift work of clinical faculty members in the COVID-19 pandemic may cause burnout and occupational fatigue and as a result, may reduce the quality of student education and disrupt the treatment of patients, so this study was conducted to evaluate this case.

Materials and methods

The statistical population of this cross-sectional research included all clinical faculty members of Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences in southwestern Iran, who experienced a shift work system (night shift from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m.) during the COVID-19 pandemic, and finally, 71 of them participated in it. The sampling method was also available. Two inventories were used to collect data, namely the Maslach Burnout Inventory [MBI-HSS (MP)] and the Swedish Occupational Fatigue Inventory (SOFI-20).

Results

The self-reported burnout of faculty members was high (mean ± SD = 98.18 ± 17.18), which was graded into the range of emotional exhaustion (38.01 ± 10.2), range of personal accomplishment, (33.75 ± 6.75), and the range of depersonalization (26.42 ± 3.5), respectively. Perceived occupational fatigue of faculty members was also high (M ± SD = 82.25 ± 34.79), which included the dimensions of lack of motivation (18.69 ± 8.65), drowsiness (17.43 ± 8.7), lack of energy (16.33 ± 7.67), physical discomfort (15.65 ± 8.62), and physical stress (13.51 ± 6.9), respectively. In terms of demographic characteristics, occupational fatigue was significantly more common among women.

Discussion and conclusion

The self-reported burnout and occupational fatigue of clinical faculty members due to shift work were reported to be high in this study. Although our knowledge of burnout has advanced in recent years, many gaps in our knowledge still remain. In order for clinical faculty members to properly fulfill their mission to treat patients, educate students, and promote public health, it is necessary to provide all the necessary conditions for their effective activity. Some interventions, such as improving organizational strategies and providing technical solutions, incentives, and occupational facilities, can help reduce or eliminate these problems.
Measurable outcomes of consumer engagement in health research: A scoping review
Authors: DeBortoli Emily , Soyer H. Peter , Milne David , Dissanayaka Nadeeka , Gartner Coral , Holt Jeanette , Rae Kym , Robison Laura , Wallingford Courtney K. , McInerney-Leo Aideen M.
Published: October 2022

Background

Consumer engagement is increasingly recognized as an instrumental component of health research, with many institutions and international bodies mandating it as part of the research and funding process. Given an increasing utilization of consumer engagement in health research, it is critical to identify the literature which support its value and tools that capture successful outcomes. To develop an overview of the literature, we conducted an umbrella scoping review exploring important outcomes of consumer engagement in health research combined with a scoping review of relevant frameworks. Specifically, we aimed to capture outcomes which reflect authentic and meaningful consumer engagement.

Methods

Four databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane Library) were searched using key search terms. Records were included if they were review articles or frameworks that addressed outcomes of consumer engagement in health research. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics and an inductive qualitative content analysis. Identified outcomes were sorted based on the three most relevant stakeholder groups (consumer, researcher, institution).

Results

A total of twenty articles that explored a variety of health disciplines were included. We identified fifteen measurable outcomes of consumer engagement in health research. Eight core outcomes were relevant to all stakeholder groups, and were considered fundamental to authentic consumer engagement including (1) trust, (2) empowerment, (3) respect, (4) confidence in the outcomes of the research, (5) transparency of the research process, (6) satisfaction with the consumer engagement program, (7) knowledge and experiences of consumers, and (8) degree of consumer engagement. Outcomes pertaining to specific stakeholder groups included representativeness and diversity of the consumer groups, research relevance to consumers, funding opportunities, quality/validity of the research, recruitment/retention rates, translation and dissemination of research, and interpretation of results.

Conclusion

This review identified key measurable outcomes that could be captured when evaluating the impacts of consumer engagement on health research and the success of consumer engagement programs. All outcomes identified were relatively underexplored within the literature, and inadequately and/or inconsistently evaluated amongst studies. Future research should consult all stakeholder groups to identify outcomes perceived to be reflective of optimal consumer engagement.
Multimodal detection of typical absence seizures in home environment with wearable electrodes
Authors: Chatzichristos Christos , Swinnen Lauren , Macea Jaiver , Bhagubai Miguel , Van Paesschen Wim , De Vos Maarten
Published: October 2022

Patients with absence epilepsy fail to report almost 90% of their seizures. The clinical gold standard to assess absence seizures is video-electroencephalography (vEEG) recorded in the hospital, an expensive and obtrusive procedure which requires also extended reviewing time. Wearable sensors, which allow the recording of electroencephalography (EEG), accelerometer and gyroscope have been used to monitor epileptic patients in their home environment for the first time. We developed a pipeline for accurate and robust absence seizure detection while reducing the review time of the long recordings. Our results show that multimodal analysis of absence seizures can improve the robustness to false alarms, while retaining a high sensitivity in seizure detection.
Influence of sequential stimulation practices on geochemical alteration of shale
Authors: Li Qingyun , Druhan Jennifer L. , Bargar John R.
Published: October 2022

Water-based hydraulic fracturing fluids (HFFs) can chemically interact with formation shale, resulting in altered porosity and permeability of the host rock. Experimental investigations of spatial and temporal shale-HFF interactions are helpful in interpreting chemical compositions of the injectate, as well as predicting alteration of hydraulic properties in the reservoir due to mineral dissolution and precipitation. Most bench-top experiments designed to study shale-HFF chemical interactions, either using batch reactors or flow-through setups, are carried out assuming that the acid spearhead has already become mixed with neutral HFFs. During operations, however, HFFs are typically injected according to a sequenced pumping schedule, starting with a concentrated acid spearhead, followed by multiple additions of near-neutral pH HFFs containing chemical amendments and proppant. In this study, we use geochemical modeling to consider whether this pre-mixed experimental protocol provides results directly comparable to a sequential discrete fluid-shale interaction protocol. Our results show that for the batch system, the transient evolution in major ion concentrations is faster with the sequential procedure. After 2 h of reaction time, the two protocols converge to the same aqueous concentrations. In a flow-through geometry, the pre-mixed model predicts extensive chemical alteration close to the injection point but negligible alteration downstream. In contrast, the sequential model predicts mineral reactions over hundreds of meters along the flow path. The extent of shale alteration in the sequential model at a given location depends on shale mineralogy and where the acid spearhead resides during the shut-in period. The predictive model developed in this study can help experimentalists to design bench-top tests and operators to better translate the results of laboratory experiments into practical applications.
Solar observing with the Atacama large millimeter-submillimeter array
Authors: Bastian T. S. , Shimojo M. , Bárta M. , White S. M. , Iwai K.
Published: October 2022

The Atacama Large Millimeter-submillimeter Array (ALMA), sited on the high desert plains of Chajnantor in Chile, has opened a new window onto solar physics in 2016 by providing continuum observations at millimeter and sub-millimeter wavelengths with an angular resolution comparable to that available at optical (O), ultraviolet (UV), extreme ultraviolet (EUV), and X-ray wavelengths, and with superior time resolution. In the intervening years, progress has been made testing and commissioning new observing modes and capabilities, in developing data calibration strategies, and in data imaging and restoration techniques. Here we review ALMA current solar observing capabilities, the process by which a user may propose to use the instrument, and summarize the observing process and work flow. We then discuss some of the challenges users may encounter in imaging and analyzing their data. We conclude with a discussion of additional solar observing capabilities and modes under consideration that are intended to further exploit the unique spectral coverage provided by ALMA.
Sensor-based intervention to enhance movement control of the spine in low back pain: Protocol for a quasi-randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mourits Bianca M. P. , Vos Lammert A. , Bruijn Sjoerd M. , Dieën Jaap H. van , Prins Maarten R.
Published: October 2022

Introduction

Chronic low back pain is a common condition that imposes an enormous burden on individuals and society. Physical exercise with education is the most effective treatment, but generally results in small, albeit significant improvements. However, which type of exercise is most effective remains unknown. Core stability training is often used to improve muscle strength and spinal stability in these patients. The majority of the core stability exercises mentioned in intervention studies involve no spinal movements (static motor control exercises). It is questionable if these exercises would improve controlled movements of the spine. Sensor-based exergames controlled with spinal movements could help improve movement control of the spine. The primary aim of this study is to compare the effects of such sensor-based exergames to static motor control exercises on spinal movement control.

Methods and analysis

In this quasi-randomized controlled trial, 60 patients with chronic low back pain who are already enrolled in a multidisciplinary rehabilitation programme will be recruited. Patients will be randomly allocated into one of two groups: the Sensor-Based Movement Control group (n = 30) or the Static Motor Control group (n = 30). Both groups will receive 8 weeks of two supervised therapy sessions and four home exercises per week in addition to the rehabilitation programme. At baseline (week 1) and after the intervention (week 10), movement control of the spine will be assessed using a tracking task and clinical movement control test battery. Questionnaires on pain, disability, fear avoidance and quality of life will be taken at baseline, after intervention and at 6- and 12 months follow-up. Repeated measures ANOVAs will be used to evaluate if a significant Group x Time interaction effect exists for the movement control evaluations.

Discussion

Sensor-based spinal controlled exergames are a novel way to train spinal movement control using meaningful and engaging feedback. The results of this study will inform clinicians and researchers on the efficacy of movement control training for patients with low back pain.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for this study protocol was obtained from the METC Brabant (protocol number NL76811.028.21).

Trial registration

Open Science Framework Registries (https://osf.io/v3mw9/), registration number: 10.17605/OSF.IO/V3MW9, registered on 1 September 2021.
A Study on Customer Satisfaction in Bali’s Luxury Resort Utilizing Big Data through Online Review
Authors: Williady Angellie , Wardhani Herwinda Novitya , Kim Hak-Seon
Published: October 2022

Bali is known as one of the region’s most popular and long-established mass tourism destinations. However, the tourism sector in Indonesia saw a drastic decrease in the number of local and foreign tourists due to COVID-19. The objective of this study is to analyze the factors that are related to customer satisfaction post-COVID-19 in Bali’s resorts. The data consist of a total of 7370 hotel reviews collected from Google Travel. Text mining was used to conduct a frequency analysis to determine which attributes were frequently mentioned. Additionally, semantic network analysis was used to analyze customer experiences and satisfaction in Bali resorts. As a result, the top 88 keywords were divided into five clusters such as “Location”, “Health Protocol”, “Destination Resort”, “Value”, and “F&B”. The first quantitative analysis, factor analysis, shows there are 18 words out of 88 words related to six different clusters. Furthermore, the absolute value result of the linear regression analysis indicated that intangible service is affecting customer satisfaction negatively. As a result of the factor analysis, the two aspects that are related to the intangible service, “hospitality” and “staff”, are considered to be the most important aspects of resorts and should be improved in order to increase customer satisfaction.
Development of a Unique Technology for the Pyrolysis of Rice Husk Biochar for Promising Heavy Metal Remediation
Authors: Lobzenko Ilia , Burachevskaya Marina , Zamulina Inna , Barakhov Anatoly , Bauer Tatiana , Mandzhieva Saglara , Sushkova Svetlana , Minkina Tatiana , Tereschenko Andrey , Kalinichenko Valery , Khroniuk Oleg , Rajput Vishnu D.
Published: October 2022

Due to anthropogenic activities, potentially toxic elements cause severe soil pollution worldwide. Therefore, remediation of contaminated soils is exigent and imperative. One cost-effective and environmentally friendly remediation approach is the application of biochar, which is a solid carbonaceous material. Biochar degrades slowly in soil and can persist there for thousands of years, according to various estimations. In addition, coal obtained from crop wastes has a developed porous structure, a high specific surface area, and does not contain toxic compounds such as heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Biochar with optimal values for specific surface area and porosity was obtained from rice husk by stepwise pyrolysis. The pyrolysis parameters such as the heating rate (11 °C∙min−1), temperature (700 °C), and holding time (45 min) were established. At the same time, the surface area of the biochar increased by almost three times with a change in the pyrolysis conditions. As a part of this research, the efficacy of adsorption of Cu(II) from Haplic Chernozem using biochar made from rice husk was examined. The Langmuir and Freundlich models were employed to describe the adsorption data. The isotherm data of heavy metals was better fitted to the Langmuir adsorption model. The addition of rice husk biochar to the soil presented greater removal efficiencies of Cu(II) than soil in pure form. The analysis of the structural characteristics of the sorbent suggest that this material may work efficiently for the restoration of contaminated soil.
A LoRaWAN IoT System for Smart Agriculture for Vine Water Status Determination
Authors: Valente Antonio , Costa Carlos , Pereira Leonor , Soares Bruno , Lima José , Soares Salviano
Published: October 2022

In view of the actual climate change scenario felt across the globe, resource management is crucial, especially with regard to water. In this sense, continuous monitoring of plant water status is essential to optimise not only crop management but also water resources. Currently, monitoring of vine water status is done through expensive and time-consuming methods that do not allow continuous monitoring, which is especially inconvenient in places with difficult access. The aim of the developed work was to install three groups of sensors (Environmental, Plant and Soil) in a vineyard and connect them through LoRaWAN protocol for data transmission. The results demonstrate that the implemented system is capable of continuous data communication without data loss. The reduced cost and superior range of LoRaWAN compared to WiFi or Bluetooth is especially important for applications in remote areas where cellular networks have little coverage. Altogether, this methodology provides a remote, continuous and more effective method to monitor plant water status and is capable of supporting producers in more efficient management of their farms and water resources.
Design and Research of a Harvesting Actuator for Camellia oleifera Flowers during the Budding Period
Authors: Wu Zechao , Li Lijun , Zhao Qing , Guo Xin , Li Jun
Published: October 2022

The collection of Camellia oleifera flowers is a key foundation of Camellia oleifera flower pollen extraction. Due to the current problems of low efficiency, high labor intensity and the high cost of manual collection of Camellia oleifera flowers, a harvesting actuator was designed. By analyzing the inherent characteristics of the Camellia oleifera flower and the harvesting method, a harvesting structure using a combination of friction roller twisting harvesting and pipeline pneumatic conveying was designed. The geometric model of the Camellia oleifera flower was established and the motion analysis of the flower was carried out, which indicated that the Camellia oleifera flower would tend to a stable state for easy picking after entering the actuator. Using Automatic Dynamic Analysis of Mechanical Systems 2015 software (ADAMS, MSC. Software Corporation, Santa Ana, CA, USA) to simulate the process of Camellia oleifera flower picking, a mechanical analysis was performed in the contact plane to prove the theoretical feasibility of friction roller picking these flowers, and the main influencing factor was obtained as the speed of the friction roller. The test prototype for Camellia oleifera flower picking was built, and the picking experiment was implemented to study the effect of motor speed on the picking time of single Camellia oleifera flowers and the effect of the success rate of the flower picking. The test results show that when the motor speed is 400 r/min, the picking success rate is 96%, the picking time of a single flower is 1.2 s, and the speed of the machine collection of Camellia oleifera flowers is 2.3 times that of manual collection, which proves the realistic feasibility of this picking actuator. This paper provides an important reference and basis for the research and development of a flower harvesting actuator.
Morphological, Cytological, and Molecular-Based Genetic Stability Analysis of In Vitro-Propagated Plants from Newly Induced Aneuploids in Caladium
Authors: Yu Shuangying , Zhao Xiaoqin , Wang Yida , Jiang Dongzhu , Zhang Yiming , Hu Liu , Liu Yiqing , Cai Xiaodong
Published: October 2022

Aneuploids are valuable materials of genetic diversity for genetic analysis and improvement in diverse plant species, which can be propagated mainly via in vitro culture methods. However, somaclonal variation is common in tissue culture-derived plants including euploid caladium. In the present study, the genetic stability of in vitro-propagated plants from the leaf cultures of two types of caladium (Caladium × hortulanum Birdsey) aneuploids obtained previously was analyzed morphologically, cytologically, and molecularly. Out of the randomly selected 23 and 8 plants regenerated from the diploid aneuploid SVT9 (2n = 2x − 2 = 28) and the tetraploid aneuploid SVT14 (2n = 4x − 6 = 54), respectively, 5 plants from the SVT9 and 3 plants from the SVT14 exhibited morphological differences from their corresponding parent. Stomatal analysis indicated that both the SVT9-derived variants and the SVT14-originated plants showed significant differences in stomatal guard cell length and width. In addition, the variants from the SVT14 were observed to have rounder and thicker leaves with larger stomatal guard cells and significantly reduced stomatal density compared with the regenerants of the SVT9. Amongst the established plants from the SVT9, two morphological variants containing 3.14–3.58% less mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) lost one chromosome, and four variants containing 4.55–11.02% more MFI gained one or two chromosomes. As for the plants regenerated from the SVT14, one variant with significantly higher MFI gained two chromosomes and three plants having significantly lower MFI resulted in losing four chromosomes. Three, out of the twelve, simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers identified DNA band profile changes in four variants from the SVT9, whereas no polymorphism was detected among the SVT14 and its regenerants. These results indicated that a relatively high frequency of somaclonal variation occurred in the in vitro-propagated plants from caladium aneuploids, especially for the tetraploid aneuploid caladium. Newly produced aneuploid plants are highly valuable germplasm for future genetic improvement and research in caladium.
The Biogenic Synthesis of Cobalt Monometallic and Cobalt–Zinc Bimetallic Nanoparticles Using Cymbopogan citratus L. Leaf Extract and Assessment of Their Activities as Efficient Dye Removal and Antioxidant Agents
Authors: Riaz Tauheeda , Nayyar Soha , Shahzadi Tayyaba , Zaib Maria , Shahid Sammia , Mansoor Sana , Javed Mohsin , Iqbal Shahid , Al-Anazy Murefah Mana , B. Elkaeed Eslam , Pashameah Rami Adel , Alzahrani Eman , Farouk Abd-ElAziem
Published: October 2022

In this work, green synthesized cobalt monometallic and cobalt–zinc bimetallic NPs were prepared by bioreduction of metallic salts with Cymbopogan citratus plant extract. Biosynthesized cobalt nanoparticles (NPs) and cobalt–zinc bimetallic NPs were characterized using diverse techniques such as FTIR, UV-Visible spectroscopy, SEM, XRD, and EDX analyses. UV-visible spectra for green-synthesized cobalt monometallic and cobalt–zinc bimetallic NPs were in the range between 300 to 350 nm, which confirmed the formation of stable monometallic and bimetallic NPs. The average particle size of CoNPs calculated by XRD analysis was found to be 22.77 nm and that of Co-Zn BMNPs was 14.8 nm. Different functional groups in the Cymbopogan citratus plant extract, which served as a reducing and stabilizing agent for NPs, were identified by FTIR spectra. Cobalt NPs and cobalt–zinc bimetallic NPs were used in the evaluation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and dye degradation activity. Green-synthesized cobalt monometallic NPs and cobalt–zinc bimetallic NPs exhibited excellent antioxidant activity with the scavenging of DPPH free radicals. Green synthesized cobalt NPs and cobalt–zinc bimetallic NPs were utilized for the removal of methylene blue (MB) dye. Different parameters such as the effect of temperature, pH, and dye concentration on adsorbent doses were analyzed and optimized. The best dye removal percentage was obtained with Co-Zn BMNPs compared with CoNPs. Cobalt NPs and cobalt–zinc bimetallic NPs did not display good anti-inflammatory activity because of the presence of secondary metabolites which inhibited them to react with proteins.
Legume Overseeding along with P Fertilization Increase Forage Production of Temperate Natural Grasslands
Authors: Rama Gonzalo , Oyarzabal Mariano , Cardozo Gerónimo , Lezama Felipe , Baeza Santiago
Published: October 2022

Legume overseeding along with P fertilization is a common practice used in natural temperate and subtropical grasslands to increase forage production. This practice has been evaluated at experimental plots but not at the paddocks level of commercial farms. The latter are realistic evaluation units to generate knowledge for livestock management. In this study, the enhanced vegetation index (EVI), a proxy of forage production, was used to evaluate the effect of this practice on grazed paddocks in Uruguay. Twenty paired paddocks under similar grazing conditions were selected with natural grassland (NG) and natural grassland with legume overseeding and P fertilization (NG-LP). Paired paddocks were compared in terms of EVI mean and its temporal variability. After nine years of the intensification practice, mean annual EVI of NG-LP was 4% higher than that of NG, while the mean winter–spring EVI of NG-LP was 7.5% higher. EVI intra- and inter-annual variability of NG-LP was 8–11% higher than that of NG. Additionally, forage production was estimated using a radiative transfer model. Differences between NG-LP and NG were amplified six to seven times. Legume overseeding along with P fertilization increased forage production in pastoral livestock paddocks, particularly in the period of forage deficit, while it also increased intra and inter-annual variability of forage production.
Understanding the Complex Functional Interplay between Glucosinolates and Cyanogenic Glycosides in Carica papaya
Authors: Ruhaizat-Ooi Insyirah-Hannah , Zainal-Abidin Rabiatul-Adawiah , Ab Ghani Nur Syatila , Afiqah-Aleng Nor , Bunawan Hamidun , Mohd-Assaad Norfarhan , Mohamed-Hussein Zeti-Azura , Harun Sarahani
Published: October 2022

Glucosinolates (GSLs) and cyanogenic glycosides (CGs) fulfil functions in plant defence and have been reported to be anticancer agents. Generally, GSL-containing plants do not produce CG, and vice versa, CG-containing plants do not synthesise GSLs. However, the production of both GSL and CG compounds was observed in Carica papaya. Additionally, several studies found both GSL glucotropaeolin and CG prunasin in papaya leaves. The advancement of genome technologies can be explored to elucidate the gene functions and other molecular discoveries in plants that might relate to GSLs and CGs. This review aims to discuss the complex interplay of the rare events whereby these two compounds (GSL and CG) co-occur in a bifurcation pathway in papaya. To our knowledge, this is the first review that highlights novel GSL and CG genes in papaya. Furthermore, species-specific pathways in papaya are also discussed and comprehensively described. The transcription factors involved in regulating GSL and CG biosynthesis pathways are also discussed, accompanied by relevant bioinformatic approaches that can help discover potential regulatory genes that control the production of prunasin and glucotropaeolin in papaya.
Nitrogen and Phosphorus Fertilization Reshapes the Abundance and Structure of Ammonia Oxidizers on a Leymus chinensis Steppe in Northern China
Authors: Qin Yan , Liu Wenhui , He Feng , Li Xianglin
Published: October 2022

Although nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization are important for maintaining the health and productivity of Leymus chinensis steppe, their impact on the abundance and community structure of ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) in this ecosystem is still unclear. We used the amoA gene as a molecular marker to monitor changes in AOA and AOB under low and high N and P fertilization and applied the resin-core technique to measure soil N mineralization. We found that the abundance of AOA based on amoA gene copies, ranging from 7.51 × 107 to 1.23 × 108 copies g−1 soil, was higher than that of AOB. Fertilization, especially high N and P, increased the number of amoA copies associated with AOB. AOA and AOB communities were dominated by Crenarchaeota and Proteobacteria, respectively. Fertilization decreased the relative abundances of Thaumarchaeota in the AOA community and Proteobacteria in the AOB community and increased the relative abundance of Ammonia_oxidizing_bacteria_ensemble. In N and P fertilization treatments, soil N transformation was closely related to AOB but not AOA. Soil ammonium N and nitrate N reshape the structure of ammonia oxidizers of AOB but not those of AOA on L. chinensis steppes.
Enhancement of the Expression of ZmBZR1 and ZmBES1 Regulatory Genes and Antioxidant Defense Genes Triggers Water Stress Mitigation in Maize (Zea mays L.) Plants Treated with 24-Epibrassinolide in Combination with Spermine
Authors: Talaat Neveen B. , Ibrahim Ahmed S. , Shawky Bahaa T.
Published: October 2022

Water shortages greatly threaten global food security and limit crop production. Hence, increasing crop water stress tolerance is a critical way to secure agricultural production. 24-Epibrassinolide (EBL) and spermine (Spm) are closely involved in plant growth and development, as well as stress tolerance. In this study, the potential role of 0.1 mg L−1 EBL and/or 25 mg L−1 Spm foliage applications in improving the tolerance of maize to water-deficit conditions (50% and 75% field capacity) was investigated. We found that EBL, either alone or in combination with Spm, plays a major role in maize drought tolerance through upregulating the expression of both regulatory genes (ZmBZR1 and ZmBES1) of the brassinosteroid signal transduction pathway and gene-encoding antioxidant defense enzymes ZmSOD, ZmCAT, ZmAPX, ZmMDHAR, ZmDHAR, and ZmGR. Moreover, exogenous treatments alleviated the inhibition of maize plant growth and productivity and mitigated drought-induced oxidative stress by improving antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidase, dehydroascorbate reductase, monodehydroascorbate reductase, glutathione reductase) activity, enhancing antioxidant molecule (ascorbate, glutathione) content, preventing reactive oxygen species accumulation, and maintaining cell membrane integrity. These findings reveal that the application of EBL, either individually or in combination with Spm, can be a good strategy for ameliorating water stress in sustainable agricultural systems.
How Stand Age Affects Soil Nitrification and Nitrogen Gas Emissions in Tropical and Subtropical Tea Plantations
Authors: Tang Ruijie , Hu Yujie , Hu Tianyi , Zhao Yan , Wu Yanzheng , Meng Lei
Published: October 2022

Tea plants prefer NH4+-N to NO3−-N, and thus nitrification would be detrimental to the N uptake of tea. However, the effects of different stand ages on nitrification and nitrogen oxide (NO and N2O) emissions in tropical and subtropical regions remain unclear. We performed an incubation experiment with tea field soils from different stand ages (5, 15, and 30 years) under different water contents in subtropical (Changsha, Hunan; C5L, C15L, C30L, C5H, C15H, C30H) and tropical regions (Baisha, Hainan; B5L, B15L, B30L, B5H, B15H, B30H). The results showed that the highest net nitrification rate was in C15L and B15. The results indicated that there was more NO3−-N loss in the 15-y tea field soil in both regions. The highest nitrogen oxide emissions from the subtropical and tropical plots were in C15H and B30H. Available K was the key variable for NO and N2O emissions in Changsha county, whereas SOM, pH, and available P were the key factors affecting NO and N2O emissions in Baisha county. Our findings suggest that more attention should be paid to NO3−-N loss in middle-aged (10–30 years) tea fields. Similarly, the focus should be given to nitrogen oxide emissions from middle-aged tea plantations in subtropical regions and old tea plantations (≥30 stand years) in tropical regions.