bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of Exergames on emotional experience: a systematic review
Authors: Marques Lucas Murrins , Uchida Pedro Makoto , Barbosa Sara Pinto
Published: September 2023

Background

Gamification has proven to be a significant tool for health promotion, with a particular focus on physical activities such as Exergames, which improve not only physical, but also cognitive health. However, it is still not clear what effect the practice of Exergames has on changing the emotional experience.

Purpose

The objective of this systematic review is to evaluate the impact of Exergames training on emotional experience.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in the PUBMED and SCOPUS databases. The relevant articles were screened independently by three researchers. Data concerning emotional measures and Exergame practice were extracted for analysis.

Results

The search yielded 38 articles, of which 16 were included. Exergames were found to significantly impact happiness, anxiety, depressive symptoms, mental health-related quality of life, self-worth, self-esteem, self-efficacy, perceived behavioral control, vigor, vitality, intrinsic motivation, perceived energy, and relaxation.

Conclusion

Our review supports the evidence that the practice of physical activity through Exergames, on the emotional experience generally generates an increase in positive emotions. In this sense, the results found support both the use of Exergames as a leisure activity that promotes wellbeing and emotional regulation, as well as for health promotion, public health, and clinical practice purposes. Our review strongly supports the notion that engaging in physical activity through Exergames generally leads to an increase in positive emotions. As a result, these findings endorse the utilization of Exergames as a leisure activity to promote well-being and emotional regulation. Moreover, Exergames hold potential for health promotion, public health, and clinical practice purposes.
Super-spreading social events for COVID-19 transmission: evidence from the investigation of six early clusters in Bahrain
Authors: Alsayyad Adel , Chlif Sadok , Mohamed Afaf , Habbash Fatema , Ayoob Zahra , Almarabheh Amer , Al Sayed Kubra , Alsaleh Aseel , Alhajeri Maryam , Alzayani Salman , Abu Alfatah Najat , Ahmed Jamil , Ben Salah Afif
Published: September 2023

Introduction

This study aimed to characterize six early clusters of COVID-19 and derive key transmission parameters from confirmed cases that were traced between April and June 2020 in Bahrain.

Methods

Pairs of “infector-infectee” allowed us to map the clusters and estimate the incubation period serial interval as the secondary attack rate. The chi-squared test, with a p-value computed using the Monte Carlo test, measured associations between categorical variables. Statistical analysis was performed using R software and the “data.tree, tidyverse” libraries.

Results

From 9 April to 27 June 2020, we investigated 596 individuals suspected of COVID-19, of whom 127 positive cases were confirmed by PCR and linked in six clusters. The mean age was 30.34 years (S.D. = 17.84 years). The male-to-female ratio was 0.87 (276/318), and most of the contacts were of Bahraini citizenship (511/591 = 86.5%). Exposure occurred within the family in 74.3% (411/553), and 18.9% of clusters' cases were symptomatic (23/122 = 18.9%). Mapped clusters and generations increased after 24 May 2020, corresponding to “Aid El-Fitr.” The mean incubation period was 4 days, and the mean serial interval ranged from 3 to 3.31 days. The secondary attack rate was 0.21 (95% C.I.) = [0.17–0.24].

Conclusion

COVID-19 transmission was amplified due to the high number of families mixing during “Aid El Fitr” and “Ramadhan,” generating important clusters. Estimated serial intervals and incubation periods support asymptomatic transmission.
One health approach to toxocariasis in Brazilian indigenous populations, their dogs, and soil contamination
Authors: Santarém Vamilton Alvares , Doline Fernando Rodrigo , Ferreira Isabella Braghin , Farinhas João Henrique , Biondo Leandro Meneguelli , de Souza Filho Roberto Teixeira , Pettan-Brewer Christina , Giuffrida Rogério , Lescano Susana Angélica Zevallos , dos Santos Andrea Pires , Kmetiuk Louise Bach , Biondo Alexander Welker
Published: September 2023

Introduction

Although socioeconomic vulnerability and lifestyle factors may contribute to the transmission of Toxocara spp., no study has investigated indigenous populations in Brazil using the One Health approach.

Methods

Accordingly, this study assessed anti-Toxocara spp. antibodies in Brazilian indigenous people and healthcare professionals by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Presence of Toxocara spp. eggs (feces and hair) in dogs as definitive hosts and in soil samples of the indigenous communities were also recovered and molecularly investigated.

Results

Overall, 342/463 (73.9%) indigenous individuals and 46/147 (31.3%) non-indigenous healthcare professionals were seropositive for Toxocara spp. In addition, T. canis eggs were retrieved from 9/194 (4.6%) dog fecal samples and 4/204 (2.0%) dog hair samples, mainly from the Paraná State communities (3/42; 7.1%). Soil contamination was observed only in the Paraná State communities (36/90; 40.0%), with the molecular detection of T. canis. River water consumption was also associated with indigenous seropositivity (Odds ratio, 11.4).

Discussion

Indigenous individuals in Paraná State communities were 2.72-fold more likely to be seropositive than those in São Paulo State, likely due to a lack of sanitary infrastructure. In this scenario, a primarily soil-transmitted disease may also have become waterborne, with embryonated eggs probably spread to water supplies by rain. Full-time healthcare professionals in daily contact with indigenous communities were 9.2-fold more likely to be seropositive than professionals who visited sporadically, suggesting exposure to Toxocara spp. during their work and raising health concerns. In addition, the findings herein showed a significantly higher seroprevalence in indigenous people than in healthcare workers (χ2 = 85.5; p < 0.0001), likely due to overtime exposure to Toxocara spp. In conclusion, Brazilian indigenous communities are highly exposed to toxocariasis, with poor infrastructure and contact with contaminated river water as associated risk factors and a higher risk of infection in healthcare professionals working full-time in these communities.
Encoding-independent optimization problem formulation for quantum computing
Authors: Dominguez Federico , Unger Josua , Traube Matthias , Mant Barry , Ertler Christian , Lechner Wolfgang
Published: September 2023

We review encoding and hardware-independent formulations of optimization problems for quantum computing. Using this generalized approach, an extensive library of optimization problems from the literature and their various derived spin encodings are discussed. Common building blocks that serve as a construction kit for formulating these spin Hamiltonians are provided. This previously introduced approach paves the way toward a fully automatic construction of Hamiltonians for arbitrary discrete optimization problems and this freedom in the problem formulation is a key step for tailoring optimal spin Hamiltonians for different hardware platforms.
An effective method for measuring text legibility in XR devices reveals clear differences between three devices
Authors: Kilpeläinen Markku , Häkkinen Jukka
Published: September 2023

Reading is a crucial aspect of the extended reality (XR) experience across various professional and recreational contexts. Legibility, which is defined as the ease with which a character can be recognized, is an essential determinant of readability. As legibility on a specific device cannot be deduced from technical specifications alone, an efficient perceptual method for measuring legibility is needed to measure the legibility of text presented in XR. In this study, we present a method for comparing the legibility limits of XR devices, where single letter legibility is measured with fast and precise psychophysical methods. We applied the method to compare the legibility in three commercial XR headsets (Varjo VR-2, HTC Vive Pro Eye, Oculus Quest 2) in experiments with human observers. Our results show that the single letter legibility methods presented here provide an effect size approximately ten times higher compared to the widely used method of reading speed. This allows for the use of fewer observers and the detection of smaller differences, making it a more efficient and effective approach for comparing the legibility limits of XR devices.
Preliminary assessment of serum capillary zone electrophoresis in the Asian elephant (Elephas maximus)
Authors: Osorio Shirley , Soto Jeny , Schmitt Dennis , Kiso Wendy , Cray Carolyn
Published: September 2023

Serum protein electrophoresis has been demonstrated to have utility in diagnostic workup, wellness exams, and prognosis. Agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) has previously been described for use with serum from Asian elephants (Elephas maximus). As the newer method of capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) is becoming more commonplace in veterinary diagnostic laboratories, serum samples from Asian elephants were examined using this method. CZE allowed for a reproducible definition of two beta fractions and, overall, showed a low coefficient of variation for fraction quantitation. Preliminary reference intervals were generated using samples primarily from an older population of 22 female elephants. Albumin levels determined by CZE were also compared with those determined by the bromocresol green method on a chemistry analyzer. It was found that the latter method overestimated the level of albumin with a mean positive bias of 11.6% or 0.38 g/dL, thus method-specific reference intervals should be used. Significant negative correlations were observed between A/G ratio determined by CZE and serum amyloid A levels (r = −0.47, p < 0.0001) and haptoglobin (r = −0.52, p < 0.0001); both APP were significantly correlated with the alpha 2 globulin fraction (p < 0.0001). CZE reflects an overall picture of changes in acute phase proteins and immunoglobulins and accurate quantitation of albumin and thus should be considered as an adjunct tool to the use of other measures of the acute phase response in patient monitoring.
Active cancer as the main predictor of mortality for COVID-19 in oncology patients in a specialized center
Authors: Villanueva-Cotrina Freddy , Velarde Juan , Rodriguez Ricardo , Bonilla Alejandra , Laura Marco , Saavedra Tania , Portillo-Alvarez Diana , Bustamante Yovel , Fernandez Cesar , Galvez-Nino Marco
Published: September 2023

Introduction: The role of the type, stage and status of cancer in the outcome of COVID-19 remains unclear. Moreover, the characteristic pathological changes of severe COVID-19 reveled by laboratory and radiological findings are similar to those due to the development of cancer itself and antineoplastic therapies.

Objective: To identify potential predictors of mortality of COVID-19 in cancer patients.

Materials and methods: A retrospective and cross-sectional study was carried out in patients with clinical suspicion of COVID-19 who were confirmed for COVID-19 diagnosis by RT-PCR testing at the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases between April and December 2020. Demographic, clinical, laboratory and radiological data were analyzed. Statistical analyses included area under the curve and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

Results: A total of 226 patients had clinical suspicion of COVID-19, the diagnosis was confirmed in 177 (78.3%), and 70/177 (39.5%) died. Age, active cancer, leukocyte count ≥12.8 × 109/L, urea ≥7.4 mmol/L, ferritin ≥1,640, lactate ≥2.0 mmol/L, and lung involvement ≥35% were found to be independent predictors of COVID-19 mortality.

Conclusion: Active cancer represents the main prognosis factor of death, while the role of cancer stage and type is unclear. Chest CT is a useful tool in the prognosis of death from COVID-19 in cancer patients. It is a challenge to establish the prognostic utility of laboratory markers as their altered values it could have either oncological or pandemic origins.
External Validation of Toulouse-Rangueil eGFR12 Prediction Model After Living Donor Nephrectomy
Authors: Patel Suhani S. , Lonze Bonnie E. , Chiang Teresa Po-Yu , Al Ammary Fawaz , Segev Dorry L. , Massie Allan B.
Published: September 2023

Decreased postdonation eGFR is associated with a higher risk of ESRD after living kidney donation, even when accounting for predonation characteristics. The Toulouse-Rangueil model (TRM) estimates 12 month postdonation eGFR (eGFR12) to inform counseling of candidates for living donation. The TRM was validated in several single-center European cohorts but has not been validated in US donors. We assessed the TRM in living kidney donors in the US using SRTR data 1/2000–6/2021. We compared the 2021 CKD-EPI equation eGFR12 observed estimates to the TRM eGFR12 predictions. Median (IQR) bias was −3.4 (−9.3, 3.4) mL/min/1.73 m2. Bias was higher for males vs. females (bias [IQR] −4.4 [−9.9, 1.8] vs. −2.9 [−8.8, 4.1]) and younger (31–40) vs. older donors (>50) (bias −4.9 [−10.6, 3.0] vs. −2.1 [−7.5, 4.0]). Bias was also larger for Black vs. White donors (bias (−6.7 [−12.1, −0.3], p < 0.001) vs. (−3.4 [−9.1, 3.1], p < 0.001)). Overall correlation was 0.71. In a sensitivity analysis using the 2009 CKD-EPI equation, results were generally consistent with exception to a higher overall bias (bias −4.2 [−9.8, 2.4]). The TRM overestimates postdonation renal function among US donors. Overestimation was greatest for those at higher risk for postdonation ESRD including male, Black, and younger donors. A new equation is needed to estimate postdonation renal function.
Equities as an Effective Hedge against Inflation: Empirical Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Ali Khan Afsar , Awais Muhammad , A. Syed Haussaun , Fayaz Muhammad
Published: September 2023

The inflation stance of world economy has changed significantly and many of the investors now believe that there may be further spike in inflation in medium term. Capital markets serve as a medium to help mobiles the funds from one hand to another and aid in production of more goods and services. Due to political instability, spiking inflation and uncertain climate due to war on terrorism and other security issues, financial markets are not being able to get investors' trust resulting in lack of investment. Inflation which is measured by consumer price index (CPI) shows the overall upward movement in prices of goods and services. The rising prices in response to general inflation can protect investors by increasing the value of stocks in the equity market without affecting their real return. Pakistani economy largely remained impervious to the global financial crisis due to lower exposures to international finance faced multifaceted challenges on external and internal fronts mainly campaign against terrorism, unstable law and order situation, lingering energy shortages and non-materialization of external inflows. This work is limited to developed economies and less work has been done in the developing economies. In this way; this study will contribute valuable insight regarding this relationship in the Pakistani context.
Intellectual Capital Efficiency and Corporate Financial Performance
Authors: Rafeh Abdul , Ahmed Waqas , Shah Dr. S. M. Amir , Ali Malik Dr. Qaisar
Published: September 2023

The focus of this study is to investigate the linkages between the intellectual capital and the financial performance in manufacturing companies of Pakistan. For the purpose of this study financial data of 46 selected manufacturing companies were collected from their financial statements, covering the year 2011 through 2015. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to generalize the results. Intellectual capital performance is measured by Value Added Intellectual Coefficient (VAIC™) that is comprised of human capital efficiency, structural capital efficiency and capital employed efficiency. The financial performance is measured through return on assets, return on equity, return on investments and earnings per share. The results showed that the intellectual capital has significant effect on the financial performance of the manufacturing firms.
Goal Setting and Job Related Outcomes-Mediations of Employee Engagement and Workplace Optimism in IT Supplier Industry
Authors: Raza Nasir Ali , Awais Muhammad , A. Syed Hussaun
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine the role of goal setting on job related outcomes, employee engagement and workplace optimism mediates the relationship between goal setting and work place optimism in the supplier industry of IT sector. Employee engagement and work place optimism mediations are examined on the relationship between goal setting and job related outcomes. Job satisfaction, organizational commitment and turnover intentions are examined as the job related outcomes. Questionnaire method was used to collect data from targeted respondent. A total of 180 questionnaires were distributed from which 152 were received in useable form. Simple linear regression is used to test the first hypothesis and Baron and Kenny (1986) regression analysis is used to test remaining three hypotheses. It is determined that, to improve the job related outcomes effective goal setting by the management is important. Employee engagement and workplace optimism are also important factors to improve the outcomes
Determinants of Employee Deviant Behavior: Assessing the Mediating Role of Job Satisfaction
Authors: Moazzam Anum , Ahmed Khan Owais , Said Imran
Published: September 2023

Keeping employee deviance as the central point, the effects of injustice from organizational perspective as well as behavior of the leader is analyzed while keeping satisfaction at job as a mediating variable. Finding solution to unwanted behaviors of employees served as the bases of this research. The employees of cellular industry of Pakistan are taken as the respondents. Sample size consisted of 229 individuals and data collected was interpreted with the help of SPSS. Partial mediation remained between dependent and independent variables; however, variables are significantly correlated to each other. This study could be useful for all levels of management particularly the strategic level where policies are devised for employees. Precisely, this research focuses a stressed manager finding way to resolve employee problems related to morale and intrinsic motivation. The work limits itself to telecommunication industry of Pakistan only.
Analysis of Training and Development Activities in Tourism Sector of UAE
Authors: Komal Arshia , Naeem Hummayoun , Anami Amna , Shahnaz Sayeda , Didar Zainab
Published: September 2023

UAE has second largest economy after Saudi Arabia in the Arab World. The reason behind its growth is diversification. Among other GCC countries, the economy of UAE is more diverse and developed. Although it is the most diversified economy, UAE heavily relies on oil. Realizing this problem, Dubai has taken steps to free itself from relying on the only source of revenue. As a result, with the exception of Dubai, most of the UAE is dependent on oil revenues.Dubai has developed itself over the past few years. Understanding its strategic geographic position and the advantage of being the transit destination of many flights across the world, Dubai developed itself rapidly to become one of the most important tourist destinations on the world tourist map. The region has now become an attraction for business people, tourists and shoppers.This report will highlight the importance of tourism sector in UAE and how it has grown over the past years. With the growth in tourism industry, employment opportunities increased in the economy. The report will shed some light on how UAE has been able to train and develop the employees who play an important role in developing the tourism sector.
Impact of Quality Education and Tangibles of Education system on Literacy Improvement- An Empirical study of Southern Punjab Region of Pakistan
Authors: Farooq Mubashar , Shafiq Muhammad , Tahir Abdul Haseeb
Published: September 2023

In the case of a firm or a nation's lack of familiarity with the surroundings, changes occurring with the passage of time and lack of ability to adapt or cope with the changes around the globe draw you back and snatch the capability of fighting at the front with the global challenges. In under developing and a few developing countries literacy has been their core issue while comparing them with the other nations of the world. The current study targeted the Public and Private sector educational institutions of South Region of Province Punjab of Pakistan. Institutions that were considered as the population of the study comprised of the strength of students who were unable to be accounted for the collection of data. The sample size of 200 was selected based on the collection of data from prominent or senior students from all the selected institutes. Secondary data in the shape of statistical reports selected from the annual education reports were capitalized to strengthen the literature review while a survey questionnaire was applied to obtain the responses from the students of the different institutes.Results were obtained through SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). Reliability Statistics, Factor Analysis and Correlation analysis were applied to the data to judge its strength, evaluation by respondents and capability to influence each other through their values of interrelation. The results of the data analysis provide full support to the annual educational reports so, supporting the activities done by the Government of Pakistan for promotion and development of Literacy. It was recommended that the role of other dimensions of higher and quality education like (competency, attitude, delivery &reliability) can be applied to analyze their role in influencing the level of literacy.
Conflict Management Strategies and Organizational Performance in Banking Sector of Pakistan
Authors: Akhtar Adeel , Khan Aroosa , Akhtar Shakil , Shafiq Muhammad , Tanveer Rabia
Published: September 2023

This study identified the major factors causing conflict and studied the relationship between conflict management strategies and organizational performance by considering financial sector of Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Data collected through a self-administered questionnaire from a sample of 100 respondents and data analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16. In order to study the relationship between conflict management strategies and organizational performance regression analysis was performed. The study reflects that key causes of conflict are related to way of expression and communication between management and employees. Conflict management strategies and organizational performance found a statistically significant and positive relationship in between. This study finding will be helpful for the managers and HR decision makers to facilitate the organizational performance through better implementation of conflict management strategies.
Exploring the Role of Technological Interventions in Consumer Buying Behvio
Authors: Ahmad Khan Talha Zubair , Farooq Dr. Waqas , Ahmed Dr. Muhammad
Published: September 2023

Historically, abundant research has explored the dimensions of consumer behavior within the context of traditional retail businesses. However, with the rise in digitalization, availability of faster internet speeds, and emergence of freemium business models there is a dire need to revisit our understanding of traditional consumer behavior models. An application of this radical change can be seen within the context of various online free-to-play multiplayer games that offer in-game customization options such as cosmetic changes within the character designs, possibility of changing whether effects, innovation map designs, new playable game modes, and similar options offered to customers in a form of a compendium. This phenomenon has greatly rejuvenated the need to rethink consumer behavior models from physical to digital marketplace. Therefore, this paper attempts to present a better understanding of consumer buying behavior within the context of digital marketplace by incorporating the theoretical foundations of digital innovation. Furthermore, variety of customer orientations have been explored with an aim to provide better understanding of customer purchase decisions in an online multiplayer game called Defense of the Ancients 2 (Dota 2). Lastly, the paper proposes several theoretical propositions that lay down the foundational work towards reconceptualizing consumer behavior as a consequence of digital innovation within the context of virtual marketplace.
Linkage of Organizational Justice and Employees Cognitive Work Engagement: Power Distance Orientation Matters
Authors: Qayyum Dr. Abdul , Shafi Muhammad Qaiser , Riaz Dr. Iram , Gul Zarish
Published: September 2023

This study aims to examine the impact of four dimensions of organizational justice on employees’ cognitive work engagement with the moderating role of power distance. Using convenience sampling technique, a survey of 307 employees in the telecom sector of Pakistan was carried out in the cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Data were gathered using self-administered questionnaires. SPSS and Smart PLS have been used for data analysis.The findings reveal that procedural, distributive, and informational justice are effective in determining cognitive work engagement of employees whereas interactional justice does not influence cognitive work engagement. Moreover, power distance moderates the relationship between procedural and interactional justice and cognitive work engagement but it does not moderate the relationship between distributive and informational justice and cognitive work engagement of employees in the telecom sector of Pakistan. The study implication, limitations, and suggestions for future research have also been discussed.
Contemporary Competitive Typology: Organizational Learning as Competitive Advantage in Higher Education Institutes
Authors: Iqbal Yasmine Muhammad Javaid , Zia – Ur – Rehman Dr. Muhammad
Published: September 2023

Organizational learning is gaining pace in the era of knowledge management. Cutthroatcompetition has shifted the trend from optimal economic consumption of organizational resource to optimal economic allocation of organizational knowledge. In retrospection of this concept, purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of organizational learning on competitive advantage as a contemporary competitive typology. Simple random sampling technique is used for data collection and empirical analysis is conducted by applying organizational learning and competitive advantage (OL- CA) model by Akhtar et. all. Statistical standpoint is gathered using, reliability, validity, pair – wise correlation, linear, multiple and stepwise regression analysis in SPSS. Correlation and linear regression analysis support the relationship of constructs of organizational learning with competitive advantage. Strategic learning and the flow of knowledge and informationsignificantly influenced competitive advantage achievement and systems thinking showed least impact. Organizations instead of concentrating on elevating resource optimization, it is recommended for enterprises to factor in the resource of organizational learning for sustainable competitive advantage. Further studies may check this model in industries that receives less attention in Pakistan and have varied organizational culture and norms because of causality, including police department, intelligence agencies andpharmaceutical industry.
The Impression of SMM Fundamentals on CBE and Brand Knowledge
Authors: Fatima Mehreen , Ahmed Qazi Mohammed , Paracha Osman Sadiq
Published: September 2023

This exploration talks about the effect of online marketing on strengthening BA and BI on advancing CBE in the clothing industry of Pakistan. The significant focal point of doing this examination was to break down how unique SMM (SMM) segments significantly affect building up CBE (CBE) and brand knowledge. This exploration incorporates three independent factors, one mediating variable and two dependent factors. The independent factors included customization, trendiness and EWOM (EWOM). The mediating variable was CBE and the dependent factors were BA and BI. The assortment of the information was brought out through an online survey made on Google forms and had 248 respondents. The information gathered was examined through programming called SPSS, and distinctive measurable tests. The after effects of these tests showed that the components EWOM, Trendiness and customization do play a significant part in building up BA and image. The study could be additionally improved in the event that we center around more factors and another various area of Pakistan for investigating the effect of social media.
Patterns of Copper Bioaccumulation and Translocation in Grapevine Grafts Depending on Rootstocks
Authors: Vršič Stanko , Gumzej Mojca , Lešnik Mario , Perko Andrej , Pulko Borut
Published: September 2023

The long-term use of copper (Cu) fungicides in viticulture in Europe has led to Cu accumulation in vineyard top soils. However, less is known about the accumulation of Cu in grapevine grafts after the callusing process/before planting in the nursery. This paper presents the capacity of 5BB and SO4 rootstocks to accumulate Cu, as well as the patterns of translocation in the grafts. After heat forcing (callusing), the grapevine grafts of Sauvignon Blanc on 5BB and SO4 rootstocks were grown in pots for six months in a glasshouse and exposed to various Cu formulations (Cu-oxychloride, Cu-gluconate) and concentrations in peat (50, 150, 500, and 1000 mg Cu of dry weight (DW)). In addition to monitoring the shoot growth dynamics and analyzing the copper content in graft organs, bioaccumulation (BAFs) and translocation factors (TFs) of Cu were calculated. The mean Cu concentrations were ranked as follows: roots (15–164) > rootstock trunks (8–38) > canes (5–21) mg kg−1 DW. The Cu concentrations depended on the Cu formulation and concentration in the substrate. Higher Cu content was found in the roots of both rootstocks (5BB and SO4, 23–155 and 15–164 mg kg−1 DW, respectively) and the lowest in the canes (less than 10 mg kg−1 DW) of grafts grown in Cu-oxychloride-treated peat. Based on the BAFs and TFs, both rootstocks could be considered as Cu exclusive. A higher translocation rate was determined in systemic Cu-gluconate and SO4 rootstock. With shoot length measurements, the significant inhibitory effects of Cu on grapevine grafts growth could not be confirmed, despite the inhibitory effects that were clearly expressed in the first two months of growth. Soils containing more than 500 mg Cu/kg−1 are less suitable for growing vine grafts.
Research on the Model of a Navigation and Positioning Algorithm for Agricultural Machinery Based on the IABC-BP Network
Authors: Yue Dansong , Shang Shuqi , Feng Kai , Wang Haiqing , He Xiaoning , Zhao Zelong , Zhang Ning , Zuo Baiqiang , Wang Dongwei
Published: September 2023

Improving the positioning accuracy and stability of a single BDS/INS sensor system in agricultural machinery is important for expanding the application scenarios of agricultural machinery. This paper proposes a navigation and positioning model based on an improved bee-colony-algorithm-optimized BP network (the IABC-BP model). The main aspect of this work involves introducing adaptive coefficients and speed adjustment coefficients that obey Gaussian distribution to ensure the balance between the rate of convergence, group flexibility, and searchability in the search process. The implicit adaptive layer formula of the BP network is proposed, and the BDS/INS navigation and positioning model for agricultural machinery is established using the IABC algorithm and the Kalman filter. Simulation tests and analyses of real-world application scenarios were conducted on the model, and the results showed that, compared with the original model, the performance of the model improved by 90.65%, 84.11%, and 25.96%, indicating that the proposed model has high accuracy and effectiveness. In the information fusion and compensation correction mode, the algorithm processes errors such as longitude and latitude within the target range and can achieve reliable navigation and positioning accuracy in a short period. At the same time, the model has good stability and generalization ability, and can be applied to other navigation scenarios in the future to expand its application scope.
Phosphate Fertilizer Type and Liming Affect the Growth and Phosphorus Uptake of Two Maize Cultivars
Authors: Ning Fangfang , Nkebiwe Peteh Mehdi , Hartung Jens , Munz Sebastian , Huang Shoubing , Zhou Shunli , Graeff-Hönninger Simone
Published: September 2023

In the context of phosphorus (P) exhaustion and low P use efficiency (PUE) in crop production, a field trial was designed on a low-P soil in southwestern Germany in 2020 and 2021 to investigate the effects of P fertilizer type and liming on maize growth and P uptake and PUE. The experimental factors were (i) two P fertilizer types, rock phosphate (RP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP); (ii) lime application, lime and no lime; and (iii) two maize cultivars. The results showed that RP resulted in a lower leaf area index and light interception compared with DAP, a 33% lower silage yield, and a 29% lower P content at harvest. The PUE of RP was 18%, which was 37% lower than DAP. Soil liming reduced shoot biomass and led to 35% less shoot P content at the six-leaf stage. The maize cultivar Stabil expressed higher yielding and P acquisition characteristics. In conclusion, DAP cannot be replaced by placed RP, regardless of the lime application in silage maize production in this study. Future research on the PUE of maize cultivars should also consider root characteristics in response to P fertilizer type and soil pH.
Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) Response to Different Forms of Sulfur Fertilizers
Authors: Kulczycki Grzegorz , Sacała Elżbieta , Koszelnik-Leszek Anna , Milo Łukasz
Published: September 2023

The aim of the study was to compare sulfate fertilizers and mixtures of elemental sulfur (S0) and sulfate in terms of yield and nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) status in perennial ryegrass. Mixtures of sulfate and S0 can reduce the consumption of sulfate alone. The plants were grown in soil cultures. The plants were supplemented with S0, K2SO4, MgSO4, and (NH4)SO4 or a mixture of these salts with So. Two sulfur doses were applied and the ryegrass was harvested three times. Fresh and dry weights of each swath, the N and S content, and their uptake were determined. The total fresh yield of sulfur-fertilized plants was 25 to 94% higher compared to unfertilized plants. The increases in dry matter were even more significant. Fertilizers, being a mixture of S0 and sulfate, showed the same efficiency as those containing sulfate alone. Sulfur fertilization resulted in a higher S content and its uptake, lowered N concentration in second and third swatch, and a decrease in total N uptake. In conclusion, to achieve high crop yields, soil sulfur deficiency should be corrected and fertilizers that are the mixture of elemental sulfur and sulfate are a beneficial and effective approach.
Assessing Microplastic-Induced Changes in Sandy Soil Properties and Crop Growth
Authors: Lincmaierová Karina , Botyanszká Lenka , Lichner Lubomír , Toková Lucia , Zafeiriou Ioannis , Bondarev Dmitrij , Horák Ján , Šurda Peter
Published: September 2023

An ever-increasing amount of microplastics enters the environment and affects soil properties and plant growth. Investigating how the interactions between microplastics and soil properties vary across different soil types is crucial. In sandy soil, the subcritical SWR induced by microplastics may affect other soil properties. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of adding three types of microplastics (high-density polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride, and polystyrene) at a concentration of 5% (w/w) to sandy soil on the persistence and severity of SWR, as well as on various soil properties (bulk density, water sorptivity, and hydraulic conductivity) and plant characteristics (fresh and dry weight, maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII, and nutrient content) of radish (Raphanus sativus L.). It was found that microplastic contamination increased the persistence and severity of SWR and decreased soil bulk density, water sorptivity, and hydraulic conductivity. The total biomass measurements did not reveal a significant difference between the microplastic treatments and the control group. This study did not confirm any significant influence of microplastic contamination on the maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII, a measure of crop photosynthesis. Even though the value of photosynthetic efficiency changed with time, the values for all treatments stabilised at the end of the experiment. Microplastic contamination did not significantly alter crops’ nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, or zinc contents. However, the copper content was reduced in all treatments, and magnesium and iron were reduced in the PVC and PS treatments compared to the control. The microplastic-induced changes in biomass or photosynthetic efficiency do not correspond to the changes in crop element concentrations.
Antioxidant Interactions between Citrus Fruit Carotenoids and Ascorbic Acid in New Models of Animal Cell Membranes
Authors: Barros Marcelo P. , Zacarías-Garcia Jaime , Rey Florencia , Zacarías Lorenzo , Rodrigo María J.
Published: September 2023

The regular consumption of citrus fruits by humans has been associated with lower incidence of chronic-degenerative diseases, especially those mediated by free radicals. Most of the health-promoting properties of citrus fruits derive from their antioxidant content of carotenoids and ascorbic acid (ASC). In the current work we have investigated the scavenging (against hydroxyl radical) and quenching capacities (against singlet oxygen) of four different carotenoid extracts of citrus fruits in the presence or absence of ASC (μM range) in organic solvent, aqueous solution, micelles and in an innovative biomimicking liposomal system of animal cell membrane (AML). The fruits of four varieties of citrus were selected for their distinctive carotenoid composition (liquid chromatography characterization): ‘Nadorcott’ mandarin and the sweet oranges ‘Valencia late’, ‘Ruby Valencia’ and ‘Pinalate’ mutant. The quenching activity of citrus carotenoids strongly depended on the biological assemblage: freely diffusible in organic solvent, ‘Ruby Valencia’ carotenoids (containing lycopene) showed the highest quenching activity, whereas ‘Nadorcott’ mandarin extracts, rich in β-cryptoxanthin, prevailed in micellar systems. Interestingly, the addition of 10 μM ASC significantly increased the quenching activity of all citrus extracts in micelles: ‘Valencia’ orange (+53%), ‘Pinalate’ (+87%), ‘Ruby’ (4-fold higher) and ‘Nadorcott’ mandarins (+20%). Accurate C11-BODIPY581/591 fluorescence assays showed solid scavenging activities of all citrus extracts against AML oxidation: ‘Valencia’ (−61%), ‘Pinalate’ (−58%) and ‘Ruby’ oranges (−29%), and ‘Nadorcott’ mandarins (−70%). Indeed, all four citrus extracts tested here have balanced antioxidant properties; extracts from the ‘Nadorcott’ mandarin slightly prevailed overall, due, at least in part, to its high content of β-cryptoxanthin. This study depicts some of the antioxidant interactions between citrus fruit carotenoids and ascorbic acid in models of animal cell membranes and reinforces the contribution of them in promoting health benefits for humans.
Diagnosis of Citrus Greening Based on the Fusion of Visible and Near-Infrared Spectra
Authors: Xiao Huaichun , Liu Yang , Liu Yande , Xiao Hui , Sun Liwei , Hao Yong
Published: September 2023

A disease, known as citrus greening, is a major threat to the citrus industry. The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of rapid detection and improving the identification accuracy of citrus greening with visible and near-infrared spectra under spectral fusion. After we obtained the spectra of the collected citrus leaves and used the polymerase chain reaction for part of them, five types of samples were sorted out: slight, moderate, serious, nutrient deficiency, and normal. This study of spectral fusion was conducted on three levels as spectral data, characteristic, and model decision, and the identification capacity was tested using prediction samples. It was found that the effect of a least squares support vector machine model for feature-level fusion based on principal component analysis presented the best performance, while in the Lin_Kernel function; the accuracy was 100%, penalty coefficient γ was 0.09, and operation time was 0.66 s. It is better than the single spectral discriminant model. The results showed that the fusion of visible and near-infrared spectra was feasible for the nondestructive detection of citrus greening disease. This method is of great significance for the healthy development of the citrus industry, and provides important reference value for the application of spectral fusion in other fields.
Advancing Nanoscale Communication: Unveiling the Potential of Terahertz and Molecular Communication
Authors: Singh Pankaj , Jung Sung-Yoon
Published: September 2023

In recent years, advancements in nanotechnology have opened up new frontiers in communication systems, bringing the dream of seamless communication at the nanoscale level closer to reality [...]
Design of a Configurable Spike-Encoding Circuit Based on Focal Plane Array
Authors: Lu Di , Li Wenchang , Liu Jian , Chen Gang , Li Zhigang
Published: September 2023

Spiking neural networks inspired by biological models are gaining popularity in artificial intelligence due to their ability to solve diverse problems while reducing energy consumption. As a result of the trade-off between the need to transmit large amounts of data and the power consumption of hardware deployment, artificial vision systems are particularly well-suited to construction using spiking neural networks (SNNs). How to communicate with the neuromorphic network effectively is one of the challenges associated with building systems that utilize SNN systems. It is necessary to convert the data to spike form before they can be processed by an SNN as input, unless neuromorphic or event-triggered sensing systems are employed. We present a configurable circuit based on a focal plane array (FPA) capable of providing spike-encoded readout data at the pixel level. With this type of circuit, the current signal of the photoelectric sensor can be encoded into two spike encodings with different precision, which are sent for processing to SNNs. This provides image information at two different scales for the artificial vision system based on SNNs. With this feature, we can use this circuit and different SNN structures to build an artificial target recognition system that is closer to the biological visual system.
Research on Dynamic Sealing Performance of Combined Sealing Structure under Extreme Working Conditions
Authors: Zheng Shengpeng , Xiao Xiaoping , Ma Xin , Li Zisheng , Liu Yitao , Li Jiepu , Wang Dongyu , Li Xiang
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the sealing performance of a combined sealing structure under extremely high and low temperature conditions, considering potential issues like high-temperature aging and low-temperature brittle fracture, which can lead to sealing failure. EPDM rubber underwent uniaxial compression tests at high, low, and normal temperatures, then the sealing performance under extreme working conditions was compared with that under normal temperature conditions. Additionally, the influences of gasket parameters and gas pressure on the sealing performance were analyzed. The result shows that compared with the normal temperature conditions, the maximum von Mises stress is reduced by 65% and the effective sealing length and the maximum contact pressure is reduced by 40% under the high temperature conditions, while the maximum von Mises stress is increased by 7 times and the maximum contact pressure is increased by a remarkable 7 times under the low temperature conditions. In the range of 10–100 MPa, the increase in gas pressure aggravates the O-ring stress concentration and improves the sealing performance relatively. When the thickness of gasket is 0.85–1.05 mm, the stress concentration of the O-ring is lighter and the sealing performance is better.
Distribution of Active Faults and Lithospheric Discontinuities in the Himalayan-Tibetan Orogenic Zone Identified by Multiscale Gravity Analysis
Authors: Wu Xiaolong , Wu Jifeng , Xiang Yang , Khan Muhammad Sohail
Published: September 2023

The lithospheric structure of the Tibetan Plateau and its adjacent area is a hot topic in geodynamic research. It is important to reveal the mechanism of crustal deformation and tectonic evolution of the study area. In this study, the techniques of wavelet multiscale decomposition and field edge detection were used to study the discontinuities of the lithosphere revealed by multilevel Bouguer gravity anomalies. Specifically, we evaluated the depth characteristics of the major active faults in the study area and identified 15 deep major faults that cut through the lithosphere. They are Chaman fault, Shyok suture zone, Altyn-Tagh fault, Karakash fault, Karakoram fault, Talas-Fergana fault, Kashgarr-Yeshgar transfer system, Rushan-Pshart suture zone, Sangri-Nacuo fault, Main Frontal thrust, Burmese fold belt, Yadong-Gulu fault, Gaoligong fault, Sagaing fault and Nujiang fault. We have also elucidated the tectonic mechanisms of two famous geodynamic phenomena in the Pamir Plateau. The first is the intense intermediate depth seismicity beneath Pamir-Hindukush. It cannot simply be described as the rupture of a subducted residual plate, which could be divided into two distinct tectonic units. One belongs to the Indian plate, the other to the Eurasian plate. Secondly, the mechanism of intense seismicity confined to the western upper crust of the Pamir Plateau could be explained as significant fragmentation of crustal material. Finally, and most importantly, we summarized the coupling mechanism between deep geodynamics and horizontal deformation as observed by modern geodetic techniques. In the upper mantle, the leading edge of the subducting Indian plate reached the SW boundary of Tarim basin and forms a closed structure in western Himalaya. Then, the Tibetan Plateau underwent a tectonic escape towards the east under the continuous compression between the Indian and Eurasian plates. During the process of tectonic escape, the role of the N–S direction normal faults in the Himalayan tectonic zone is limited.