bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vision-Based a Seedling Selective Planting Control System for Vegetable Transplanter
Authors: Li Mingyong , Xiao Liqiang , Ma Xiqiang , Yang Fang , Jin Xin , Ji Jiangtao
Published: December 2022

Seedling transplanting is an important part of vegetable mechanized production in modern agriculture. After the seedlings are cultivated on a large scale by the nursery tray, they are planted into the field by the transplanter. However, unlike manual transplanting, transplanter is unable to judge the status of seedlings in the hole during seedling planting, which leads to problems such as damaged seedlings and empty holes being picked in the same order and planted into the field, resulting in yield reduction and missed planting. Aiming at this problem, we designed a seedling selective planting control system for vegetable transplanter which includes vision unit, seedling picking mechanism, seedling feeding mechanism, planting mechanism, pneumatic push rod unit, limit sensor, industrial computer and logic controller. We used asymmetrical light to construct visual identification scenes for planting conditions, which suppresses environmental disturbances. Based on the intersection operation of mask and image, a fast framework of tray hole location and seedling identification (FHLSI) was proposed combined with FCM segmentation algorithm. The vision unit provides the transplanting system with information on the status of the holes to be transplanted. Based on the information, planting system chooses the healthy seedlings for transplanting, improving the survival rate and quality of transplanting. The results show that the proposed visual method has an average accuracy of 92.35% for identification with the selective planting control system of seedlings and improves the transplanting quality by 15.4%.
Bulb Yield Stability Study of Onion Lines over Locations and Seasons in Ghana and Mali
Authors: Tignegre Jean Baptiste De La Salle , Traore Alpha Sidy , Konate Moumouni , Zaato Paul Alhassan , Diarra Ba Germain , Hanson Peter , Kizito Fred , Birhanu Birhanu Zemadim , Afari-Sefa Victor
Published: December 2022

Onion is one of the most economically and nutritionally important vegetable crops in West Africa. Onions are very important for consumers due to the antioxidants and compounds they contain that may reduce inflammation, lower triglycerides and reduce cholesterol levels, resulting in lower risks of heart disease and blood clots. However, high-yielding varieties that are accessible to farmers remain scarce. The objective of the present study was to identify adapted onion genotypes for sustainable production in Northern Ghana and Southern Mali. Nine onion lines, including a check variety, were assessed for yield stability using a randomized complete block design. The trials were carried out in “technology parks” under the joint management of farmers and researchers. Onion bulb weight was recorded for each plot after harvest. Separate analyses of variances were performed for each location and season. Analysis of variance of combined locations, seasons and lines was performed to determine the most stable varieties using the line-superiority measure and ecovalence stability coefficients. Results indicated that the lines AVON1310 and AVON1325 were most stable for yield performance over locations and seasons (Wi = 2.20 and 11.60, respectively; Pi = 1.32 and 6.56, respectively). From the genotype main effects and genotype-by-environment interaction biplots, the best performing lines were AVON1310 (33.32 t.h−1), AVON1308 (28.81 t.h−1) and AVON1325 (31.68 t.h−1). The stability of these lines makes them potential candidates for commercial release in West Africa to contribute to sustainably intensifying onion production in the region.
Nitrogen Fertilizer Reduction Combined with Biochar Application Maintain the Yield and Nitrogen Supply of Rice but Improve the Nitrogen Use Efficiency
Authors: Ning Chuanchuan , Liu Rui , Kuang Xizhi , Chen Hailang , Tian Jihui , Cai Kunzheng
Published: December 2022

Excessive application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer will cause many adverse consequences in paddy fields, especially for the reduction in N use efficiency. Biochar can be used to replace part of N fertilizer for rice production. A field experiment of 2-year/four-season was conducted to investigate the effects of N fertilizer reduction combined with rice straw biochar application on rice yield, soil fertility, and N use efficiency. The experiment contained six treatments: No N application (CK), customary N application (N100), 20% N reduction (N80), 20% N reduction + biochar (N80+BC), 40% N reduction (N60), and 40% N reduction + biochar (N60+BC). Compared with N100, N reduction alone had no significant impact on the number of tillers and aboveground biomass of rice, exceptfor N60 which slightly reduced grain yield, while biochar incorporation tended to obtain higher tillers, aboveground biomass, and grain yield of rice compared with N reduction alone. The average contribution of biochar to grain yield on the basis of N80 and N60 were 5.8% and 7.7%, respectively. Notably, biochar incorporation further improved the agronomic N efficiency (54.5–309.4% over N100) and apparent N recovery (25.7–150.5% over N100) on the basis of N reduction. Furthermore, biochar application could not only maintain N nutrition level of rice, but also improve soil fertility mainly by increasing soil pH and organic matter. Therefore, integrated application of mineral N fertilizer and biochar is a feasible nutrient management measure to increase rice yield and soil fertility, and improve N use efficiency in paddy ecosystem.
What Affects the Corporate Performance of Listed Companies in China’s Agriculture and Forestry Industry?
Authors: Liu Hui , Sun Mingyu , Gao Qiang , Liu Jiwei , Sun Yong , Li Qun
Published: December 2022

China is embarking on a new journey to build a comprehensive socialist modern state in the new era. Modernization of agriculture and forestry is the basis of agricultural modernization, but China’s traditional agriculture and forestry industry are facing a more serious crisis of independent research and innovation. As the listed agroforestry companies are directly facing the demands of the market, it becomes essential to study the technological innovation of listed agroforestry companies. Therefore, this paper investigates the relationship between R&D innovation, corporate management, supply chain management, growth capacity, debt servicing capacity, and corporate performance of listed agroforestry companies. Based on the annual panel data of agroforestry listed companies in the CSMAR database from 2010–2021, the empirical study was conducted using panel PVAR models, OLS, 2SLS, LIML, and GMM estimation. The findings show that: (1) Granger causes affecting the supply chain management of listed companies in agroforestry are corporate management, debt servicing capacity, and growth capacity. Granger causes affecting the debt servicing capacity of listed companies in the agroforestry industry are R&D innovation, growth capacity, and corporate performance. Among them, there is a causal influence relationship between debt servicing capacity and corporate performance. (2) R&D innovation, corporate management, supply chain management, growth capacity, debt servicing capacity, and corporate performance contribute the most to its own impulse response, with an average contribution of 87.4%, 81.8%, 86.9%, 96.9%, 86.5%, and 94.7%, respectively. Compared to the other variables, the impulse response contribution of debt servicing capacity to corporate performance was the largest. (3) When supply chain management and growth capability play a fully mediating role, there is a significant positive effect of R&D innovation on corporate performance. Finally, we offer some policy recommendations and suggestions to the Chinese government, as well as some suggestions on how Chinese-listed companies in the agroforestry industry can improve their corporate performance. This paper provides a Chinese case study on the corporate performance of listed companies in the global agroforestry industry.
Genetic Analysis of Agronomic and Fall Armyworm-Resistance Traits in Maize Hybrids with Varying Levels of Resistance to Stem Borers
Authors: Job Anthony , Iseghohi Innocent , Abe Ayodeji , Yahaya Muhammad , Olayiwola Richard , Akinwale Richard , Obisesan Oluwafemi , Igyuve Moses
Published: December 2022

Stem borer (SB) and more recently, fall armyworm (FAW) are serious economic pests in maize production in sub-Saharan Africa. It is hypothesized that SB-resistant germplasm may confer resistance against FAW. However, the performance of SB-resistant lines in hybrid combinations and the inheritance of FAW-resistant traits under variable FAW infestations have not been reported. This study was conducted to (i) obtain information on the inheritance of agronomic and FAW-resistant traits under variable FAW infestations; (ii) identify hybrids combining high grain yield (GYLD) and stability under FAW infestations; and (iii) determine the effects of FAW damage on GYLD. Three SB-resistant lines (1393, CKSBL10060 and CML 331) as testers and six open-pollinated varieties (OPVs) as lines were crossed in a line tester scheme to generate eighteen test crosses. The test crosses together with two tester × tester crosses and two checks were evaluated under artificial FAW infestation (AI), natural infestation (NI) and pesticide-protected condition (PC) in Nigeria. Additive and non-additive effects were significant for GYLD, most agronomic and FAW-resistant traits under AI and NI, except ear damage (EDAM) scores under NI, whereas only the non-additive effect was significant for GYLD under PC. Two testers (1393 and CKSBL10060) combined significant and positive GCA effects for GYLD with desirable GCA effects for FAW-resistant traits under AI and NI, whereas CML 331 combined significant and negative GCA effects of GYLD with undesirable GCA effects of FAW resistance under the test conditions. Three OPVs (AWR SYN-W2, AMATZBR-WC4 and TZB-SR) had a significantly positive GCA effect for GYLD and a desirable GCA effect for either leaf damage (LDAM) or EDAM score under AI. The FAW LDAM and EDAM significantly reduced GYLD under AI but not under NI. Three test crosses (AMATZBR-WC4 x CKSBL10060, TZB-SR x CKSBL10060 and TZBR Comp 1-WC2 × 1393) combined high yield with stability and FAW tolerance across the test conditions and thus were recommended for further testing.
InceptionV3-LSTM: A Deep Learning Net for the Intelligent Prediction of Rapeseed Harvest Time
Authors: Han Shaojie , Liu Jianxiao , Zhou Guangsheng , Jin Yechen , Zhang Moran , Xu Shengyong
Published: December 2022

Timely harvest can effectively guarantee the yield and quality of rapeseed. In order to change the artificial experience model in the monitoring of rapeseed harvest period, an intelligent prediction method of harvest period based on deep learning network was proposed. Three varieties of field rapeseed in the harvest period were divided into 15 plots, and mobile phones were used to capture images of silique and stalk and manually measure the yield. The daily yield was divided into three grades of more than 90%, 70–90%, and less than 70%, according to the proportion of the maximum yield of varieties. The high-dimensional features of rapeseed canopy images were extracted using CNN networks in the HSV space that were significantly related to the maturity of the rapeseed, and the seven color features of rapeseed stalks were screened using random forests in the three color-spaces of RGB/HSV/YCbCr to form a canopy-stalk joint feature as input to the subsequent classifier. Considering that the rapeseed ripening process is a continuous time series, the LSTM network was used to establish the rapeseed yield classification prediction model. The experimental results showed that Inception v3 of the five CNN networks has the highest prediction accuracy. The recognition rate was 91% when only canopy image features were used, and the recognition rate using canopy-stalk combined features reached 96%. This method can accurately predict the yield level of rapeseed in the mature stage by only using a mobile phone to take a color image, and it is expected to become an intelligent tool for rapeseed production.
A Quantitative Analysis of Information Systems Management in the Educational Industry
Authors: Rubio Sánchez Juan Luis
Published: December 2022

1. Purpose: One of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic period was the migration of educational centers from face-to-face learning to e-learning. Most centers adapted their educational services and technological resources so that the students could attend the courses online and the teachers (and the rest of the staff) could telework. So, technology departments have become critical in educational services and need to adapt their processes. The ITIL (Information Technology Infrastructure Library) standard guides companies for this transformation. If educational centers are involved in digital transformation, the question to solve is the following: How far are the processes used in the technology departments of educational centers from the ITIL standard adopted in the information technology industry? The purpose of this research was to investigate whether technology departments have implemented the necessary processes. 2. Methods. The research was conducted by means of an online form sent to educational organizations to gather information about their technological processes. The responses collected from the web forms were statistically analyzed. 3. Results and conclusion. The main finding in this paper was that technology departments in educational centers have yet to adopt the processes required for an intensive online service, demonstrating a weakness in educational institutions.
Chromosome Evolution of the Liolaemus monticola (Liolaemidae) Complex: Chromosomal and Molecular Aspects
Authors: Lamborot Madeleine , Ossa Carmen Gloria , Aravena-Muñoz Nicolás , Véliz David , Araya-Donoso Raúl
Published: December 2022

Chromosomal rearrangements can directly influence population differentiation and speciation. The Liolaemus monticola complex in Chile is a unique model consisting of several chromosome races arranged in a latitudinal sequence of increasing karyotype complexity from south to north. Here, we compared chromosomal and mitochondrial cytochrome b data from 15 localities across the northern geographic distribution of L. monticola. We expanded the distribution of the previously described Multiple Fissions race (re-described as MF2), in the Coastal range between the Aconcagua River and the Petorca River, and described a new Multiple Fissions 1 (MF1) race in the Andean range. Both races present centric fissions in pairs 1 and 2, as well as a pericentric inversion in one fission product of pair 2 that changes the NOR position. Additionally, we detected a new chromosomal race north of the Petorca River, the Northern Modified 2 (NM2) race, which is polymorphic for novel centric fissions in pairs 3 and 4. Our results increase the number of chromosomal races in L. monticola to seven, suggesting a complex evolutionary history of chromosomal rearrangements, population isolation by barriers, and hybridization. These results show the relevant role of chromosome mutations in evolution, especially for highly speciose groups such as Liolaemus lizards.
The Pathology of Fatal Avian Malaria Due to Plasmodium elongatum (GRW6) and Plasmodium matutinum (LINN1) Infection in New Zealand Kiwi (Apteryx spp.)
Authors: Gulliver Emma , Hunter Stuart , Howe Laryssa , Castillo-Alcala Fernanda
Published: December 2022

Avian malaria caused by Plasmodium species is a known cause of mortality in avifauna worldwide, however reports within New Zealand kiwi (Apteryx spp.) are scant. Postmortem reports from kiwi were obtained from the Massey University/Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa School of Veterinary Science Pathology Register from August 2010–August 2020. Gross lesions were described from postmortem reports, and archived H.E.-stained slides used for histological assessment. Nested PCR testing was performed on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples to assess the presence of Plasmodium spp. and Toxoplasma gondii DNA and cases with a PCR-positive result were sequenced to determine the lineage involved. Of 1005 postmortem reports, 23 cases of confirmed or suspected avian malaria were included in this study. The most consistent gross lesions included splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and interstitial pneumonia with oedema. Histological lesions were characterised by severe interstitial pneumonia, pulmonary oedema, interstitial myocarditis, hepatic sinusoidal congestion and hypercellularity, and splenic macrophage hyperplasia and hyperaemia/congestion with numerous haemosiderophages. Cytoplasmic meronts were consistently found within endothelial cells of a variety of tissues, and within tissue macrophages of the liver, lung and spleen. A diagnosis of avian malaria was confirmed via PCR testing in 13 cases, with sequencing revealing P. matutinum (LINN1) and P. elongatum (GRW6) as the species involved. This is the largest case series describing the pathology of avian malaria as a cause of mortality in endemic New Zealand avifauna.
Variability in Adaptive Resistance of Salmonella Typhimurium to Sublethal Levels of Antibiotics
Authors: Dawan Jirapat , Ahn Juhee
Published: December 2022

This study was designed to evaluate the adaptive resistance of Salmonella Typhimurium under continuous sublethal selective pressure. Salmonella Typhimurium ATCC 19585 (STATCC) and S. Typhimurium CCARM 8009 (STCCARM) were sequentially cultured for 3 days at 37 °C in trypticase soy broth containing 1/2 × MICs of cefotaxime (CEF1/2), chloramphenicol (CHL1/2), gentamicin (GEN1/2), and polymyxin B (POL1/2). The STATCC and STCCARM exposed to CEF1/2, CHL1/2, GEN1/2, and POL1/2 were evaluated using antibiotic susceptibility, cross-resistance, and relative fitness. The susceptibilities of STATCC exposed to GEN1/2 and POL1/2 were increased by a 2-fold (gentamicin) and 8-fold (polymyxin B) increase in minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values, respectively. The MIC values of STCCARM exposed to CEF1/2, CHL1/2, GEN1/2, and POL1/2 were increased by 4-fold (cefotaxime), 2-fold (chloramphenicol), 2-fold (gentamicin), and 8-fold (polymyxin B). The highest heterogeneous fractions were observed for the STATCC exposed to CEF1/2 (38%) and POL1/2 (82%). The STCCARM exposed to GEN1/2 was cross-resistant to cefotaxime (p < 0.05), chloramphenicol (p < 0.01), and polymyxin B (p < 0.05). The highest relative fitness levels were 0.92 and 0.96, respectively, in STATCC exposed to CEF1/2 and STCCARM exposed to POL1/2. This study provides new insight into the fate of persistent cells and also guidance for antibiotic use.
Antifungal Activity of Essential Oil and Plant-Derived Natural Compounds against Aspergillus flavus
Authors: Tian Fei , Woo So Young , Lee Sang Yoo , Park Su Been , Zheng Yaxin , Chun Hyang Sook
Published: December 2022

Aspergillus flavus is a facultative parasite that contaminates several important food crops at both the pre- and post-harvest stages. Moreover, it is an opportunistic animal and human pathogen that causes aspergillosis diseases. A. flavus also produces the polyketide-derived carcinogenic and mutagenic secondary metabolite aflatoxin, which negatively impacts global food security and threatens human and livestock health. Recently, plant-derived natural compounds and essential oils (EOs) have shown great potential in combatting A. flavus spoilage and aflatoxin contamination. In this review, the in situ antifungal and antiaflatoxigenic properties of EOs are discussed. The mechanisms through which EOs affect A. flavus growth and aflatoxin biosynthesis are then reviewed. Indeed, several involve physical, chemical, or biochemical changes to the cell wall, cell membrane, mitochondria, and related metabolic enzymes and genes. Finally, the future perspectives towards the application of plant-derived natural compounds and EOs in food protection and novel antifungal agent development are discussed. The present review highlights the great potential of plant-derived natural compounds and EOs to protect agricultural commodities and food items from A. flavus spoilage and aflatoxin contamination, along with reducing the threat of aspergillosis diseases.
Revisiting Periodontal Disease in Dogs: How to Manage This New Old Problem?
Authors: Cunha Eva , Tavares Luís , Oliveira Manuela
Published: December 2022

Periodontal disease (PD) is one of the most prevalent oral inflammatory diseases in dogs. PD onset begins with the formation of a polymicrobial biofilm (dental plaque) on the surface of the teeth, followed by a local host inflammatory response. To manage this disease, several procedures focusing on the prevention and control of dental plaque establishment, as well as on the prevention of local and systemic PD-related consequences, are essential. The removal of dental plaque and the inhibition of its formation can be achieved by a combination of dental hygiene homecare procedures including tooth brushing, the application of different oral products and the use of specific diet and chew toys, and regular professional periodontal procedures. Additionally, in some cases, periodontal surgery may be required to reduce PD progression. Associated with these measures, host modulation therapy, antimicrobial therapy, and other innovative therapeutic options may be useful in PD management. Moreover, PD high prevalence and its relation with potential local and systemic consequences reinforce the need for investment in the development of new preventive measures, treatments, and oral procedures to improve the control of this disease in dogs. Knowledge on the specific guidelines and diversity of the available products and procedures are fundamental to apply the most adequate treatment to each dog with PD.
MLN-4760 Induces Oxidative Stress without Blood Pressure and Behavioural Alterations in SHRs: Roles of Nfe2l2 Gene, Nitric Oxide and Hydrogen Sulfide
Authors: Kluknavsky Michal , Micurova Andrea , Cebova Martina , Şaman Ezgi , Cacanyiova Sona , Bernatova Iveta
Published: December 2022

Reduced angiotensin 1–7 bioavailability due to inhibition of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) may contribute to increased mortality in hypertensive individuals during COVID-19. However, effects of ACE2 inhibitor MLN-4760 in brain functions remain unknown. We investigated the selected behavioural and hemodynamic parameters in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) after a 2-week s.c. infusion of MLN-4760 (dose 1 mg/kg/day). The biochemical and molecular effects of MLN-4760 were investigated in the brainstem and blood plasma. MLN-4760 had no effects on hemodynamic and behavioural parameters. However, MLN-4760 increased plasma hydrogen sulfide (H2S) level and total nitric oxide (NO) synthase activity and conjugated dienes in the brainstem. Increased NO synthase activity correlated positively with gene expression of Nos3 while plasma H2S levels correlated positively with gene expressions of H2S-producing enzymes Mpst, Cth and Cbs. MLN-4760 administration increased gene expression of Ace2, Sod1, Sod2, Gpx4 and Hmox1, which positively correlated with expression of Nfe2l2 gene encoding the redox-sensitive transcription factor NRF2. Collectively, MLN-4760 did not exacerbate pre-existing hypertension and behavioural hyperactivity/anxiety in SHRs. However, MLN-4760-induced oxidative damage in brainstem was associated with activation of NO- and H2S-mediated compensatory mechanisms and with increased gene expression of antioxidant, NO- and H2S-producing enzymes that all correlated positively with elevated Nfe2l2 expression.
New Treatment for the Cognitive and Emotional Deficits Linked with Paclitaxel-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy in Mice
Authors: Martínez-Martel Ignacio , Bai Xue , Batallé Gerard , Pol Olga
Published: December 2022

Chemotherapy-provoked peripheral neuropathy and its linked comorbidities severely reduce the quality of a patient’s life. Its therapy is not completely resolved and has become an important clinical challenge. The protective actions of molecular hydrogen (H2) in many neurological disorders have been described, but its effects on memory and the emotional deficits accompanying neuropathic pain induced by chemotherapy remain unknown. In this study, using male mice injected with paclitaxel (PTX), we examined the effects of systemic treatment with hydrogen-rich water (HRW) in: (i) the mechanical and thermal allodynia provoked by PTX and the pathways involved; (ii) the memory deficits, anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors associated with PTX-induced peripheral neuropathy (PIPN); and (iii) the plasticity (p-extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase; p-ERK ½), nociceptive (p-protein kinase B, p-Akt), inflammatory (p-nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells inhibitor, alpha; p-IKBα), and oxidative (4-hydroxynonenal: 4-HNE) alterations provoked by PIPN in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The results revealed: (1) the antiallodynic actions of HRW administered at one or two times per day during 7 and 3 consecutive days; (2) the participation of Kv7 potassium channels and the Nrf2-heme oxygenase 1-NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 pathway in the painkiller effects of HRW; (3) the inhibition of memory deficits and the anxiodepressive-like behaviors related with PIPN induced by HRW; and (4) the normalization of p-ERK ½, p-Akt and 4-HNE up-regulation and the activation of antioxidant enzymes produced by this treatment in PFC. This study proposes HRW as a possible effective and safe therapy for PIPN and its associated cognitive and emotional deficits.
Numerical Simulation and Experimental Measurements of Dynamic Responses of Asphalt Pavement in Dry and Saturated Conditions under Full-Scale Accelerated Loading
Authors: Wang Wentao , Yan Guannan , Zhao Kang , Wang Linbing
Published: December 2022

Asphalt pavement presents diverse dynamic responses to vehicle loading in dry and saturated conditions, which can be systematically explored by numerical simulation. Building a numerical model based on the actual conditions of asphalt pavement is necessary, and relevant field tests should be subsequently conducted to monitor dynamic responses to calibrate and validate the numerical model. On the basis of strictly controlling the paths of vehicle wheels during field tests, this study numerically analyzed the dynamic responses of asphalt pavement in dry and saturated conditions under full-scale accelerated loading. The trends of the modeling results were consistent with those of field measurements. The increase in vehicle load significantly increased the magnitudes of stress, strain, and pore water pressure, while vehicle speed showed an obvious impact on pore water pressure. The dynamic responses decreased with pavement depths. Water made the dynamic responses more complex, and pore water pressure significantly decreased with depth within the upper layer of saturated asphalt pavement. Transverse distributions of indicators presented obvious compressive states in the regions in direct contact with vehicle wheels, while tensile states were found in the range of the middle vehicle axle. The numerical results provided a basis for field measurements in future studies, especially for the exploration of factors of temperature and layer depth.
The Role of Poultry Litter and Its Biochar on Soil Fertility and Jatropha curcas L. Growth on Sandy-Loam Soil
Authors: Masocha Boitshwarelo Lorato , Dikinya Oagile
Published: December 2022

Low agricultural output and a decline in plant-available nutrient content in soil pose significant challenges to developing countries. To test the hypothesis that poultry litter and its biochar improve soil quality, nutrient status, and plant growth, a greenhouse pot experiment with sandy-loam soil was conducted. Selected application rates of poultry litter (0, 15, 30, 60, and 120 g/kg) and its biochar pyrolyzed at 350 °C and 600 °C were used. With the addition of organic amendments, Jatropha plant height, leaf number, and stem diameter improved significantly, as did soil fertility indicators (pH, organic matter content, cation exchange capacity, and plant-available nutrients). When compared to the control, increased application rates ranging from 60 g/kg to 120 g/kg significantly improved soil properties and plant growth. PL (Poultry litter)- and BC350 (Biochar produced at 350 °C)-treated soil outperformed other organic amendments in terms of soil quality, nutrient status, and plant growth. Soil pH, CEC, and OM were found to be positively correlated with available plant nutrients, with PL-treated soils having higher levels of plant available nutrients. Because the properties of the feedstocks complement each other, combined organic amendments improved studied parameters, particularly PLBC600 (Poultry litter mixed with biochar produced at 600 °C) compared to BC600 (Biochar produced at 600 °C). Increased application rates of pure and combined feedstock effectively increased soil fertility and Jatropha growth; however, lower temperature biochar is recommended for use as a soil organic amendment.
Climate Change and Its Impact on the Agricultural Calendar of Riverine Farmers in Médio Juruá, Amazonas State, Brazil
Authors: de Vasconcelos Mônica Alves , Veiga José Augusto Paixão , Silva Josivaldo Lucas Galvão , Guimarães David Franklin , Brito Adriane Lima , dos Santos Yara Luiza Farias , Lopes Myriam , Lima Adriana Lira , de Oliveira Erilane Teixeira
Published: December 2022

The labor relationship developed by the Amazonian riverside dwellers is weakened due to changes in temperature, the flood pulse, the ebb tide of the rivers, and precipitation. In this context, this research aimed to evaluate the impacts of climate change on the socio-biodiversity chains in the region of Médio Juruá-Amazonas. Collections were carried out in two communities located in the Sustainable Development Reserve (RDS) Uacari, in July 2022, through participatory workshops. The communities affirm that the extreme flood events of the Juruá River are more intense in recent years, both concerning the extreme levels of the river and in periodicity and speed of flooding. The large floods have impacted the productive calendar, generating losses for farmers. In addition, rubber trees and cassava plantations have been dying with the large floods, and oil seeds are being carried by the water before harvest. The physical data of the Juruá River shows a trend of increasing extreme floods over the last 40 years for the period November to April, highlighting the years 2013 to 2015 and 2021 with the largest positive anomalies. Farmers have adapted their calendars, modified some planting areas to locations with higher altitudes and farther from the river banks, and have sought new rubber matrices. The results point to the need for mitigation and adaptation measures promoted by local governments.
Integrated Arrays of Micro Resistance Temperature Detectors for Monitoring of the Short-Circuit Point in Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhao Lianqi , Wu Cong , Zhang Xinshui , Zhang Yue , Zhang Chao , Dong Lei , Su Longxing , Xie Jin
Published: December 2022

Short-circuit induced thermal runaway is one of the main obstacles that hinder the large-scale commercial applications of lithium metal batteries. The fast and accurate detection of an internal short-circuit is, therefore, a key step for preventing thermal runaway. The traditional temperature detection is mainly to place temperature sensors outside the battery, which is far from the actual hotspot inside the cell and has a lag in response. In this study, we integrated arrays of micro resistance temperature detectors (AMRTDs) inside the pouch cell. AMRTDs can be used for the detection of a short-circuit with a high temporal and spatial resolution. We show that the initial short-circuit may induce a high temperature local hotspot exceeding 300 °C, whereas the nearby area was still maintained at near room temperature. Our work provides a design strategy for in-situ detection of short-circuits in lithium metal batteries.
A Comparative Study of Morphology, Photosynthetic Physiology, and Proteome between Diploid and Tetraploid Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.)
Authors: Feng Zhanyuan , Bi Zhubai , Fu Dugong , Feng Lihan , Min Dangxuan , Bi Chensong , Huang He
Published: December 2022

Watermelon is an important fruit that is widely distributed around the world. In particular, the production and consumption of watermelon in China ranks first in the world. Watermelon production is severely affected by a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses during cultivation, and polyploidization can promote stress resistance and yield. However, the morphological and physiological characteristics of tetraploid watermelon and the underlying molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. In this study, we revealed that the leaves, fruits, and seeds of tetraploid watermelon were significantly larger than those of the diploid genotype. Some physiological characteristics, including photosynthetic rate (Pn) and stomatal conductance (Gs), were greater, whereas the intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) and transpiration rate (Tr) were lower in tetraploid than in diploid watermelon. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis combined with tandem mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF/TOF) was performed to compare proteomic changes between tetraploid and diploid watermelon. A total of 21 differentially expressed proteins were identified; excluding the identical proteins, 8 proteins remained. Among them, four proteins were upregulated and four were downregulated in tetraploid versus diploid genotypes. qRT-PCR results showed inconsistencies in gene expression and protein accumulation, indicating a low correlation between gene expression and protein abundance. Generally, this study extends our understanding of the traits and molecular mechanisms of tetraploid watermelon and provides a theoretical basis for watermelon polyploid breeding.
Artificial Intelligence for Detecting and Quantifying Fatty Liver in Ultrasound Images: A Systematic Review
Authors: Alshagathrh Fahad Muflih , Househ Mowafa Said
Published: December 2022

Background: Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is growing more prevalent worldwide. Although non-invasive diagnostic approaches such as conventional ultrasonography and clinical scoring systems have been proposed as alternatives to liver biopsy, their efficacy has been called into doubt. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now combined with traditional diagnostic processes to improve the performance of non-invasive approaches. Objective: This study explores how well various AI methods function and perform on ultrasound (US) images to diagnose and quantify non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Methodology: A systematic review was conducted to achieve this objective. Five science bibliographic databases were searched, including PubMed, Association for Computing Machinery ACM Digital Library, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers IEEE Xplore, Scopus, and Google Scholar. Only peer-reviewed English articles, conferences, theses, and book chapters were included. Data from studies were synthesized using narrative methodologies per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) criteria. Results: Forty-nine studies were included in the systematic review. According to the qualitative analysis, AI significantly enhanced the diagnosis of NAFLD, Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), and liver fibrosis. In addition, modalities, image acquisition, feature extraction and selection, data management, and classifiers were assessed and compared in terms of performance measures (i.e., accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity). Conclusion: AI-supported systems show potential performance increases in detecting and quantifying steatosis, NASH, and liver fibrosis in NAFLD patients. Before real-world implementation, prospective studies with direct comparisons of AI-assisted modalities and conventional techniques are necessary.
Long-Term Aerobic Training Improves Mitochondrial and Antioxidant Function in the Liver of Wistar Rats Preventing Hepatic Age-Related Function Decline
Authors: Silva Mónica Garcia , Nunes Paulo , Oliveira Paula , Ferreira Rita , Fardilha Margarida , Moreira-Gonçalves Daniel , Duarte José Alberto , Oliveira Maria Manuel , Peixoto Francisco
Published: December 2022

Most studies on the effects of physical exercise have focused on its influence on muscle tissue, forgetting its interference in liver function. Ageing leads to the progressive impairment of hepatic functions. Several biochemical and bioenergetics parameters were determined to test the impact of a lifelong aerobic training program in the hepatic age-related and the development of an adaptative response. Liver samples were collected from 28 male Wistar rats (4-week-old, 159.4 ± 11.9 g at the beginning of the protocol), randomly distributed into two groups: non-exercised or exercised and submitted to a treadmill exercise program (60 min/day, 5 days/week, at 70% of maximal running speed), for 24 (n = 9) or 54 weeks (n = 10). A maximal running speed test was performed to determine the training speed. Antioxidant enzyme activity, cellular redox status, oxidative stress, mitochondrial respiratory chain enzymes and respiratory activity were performed in liver samples. Lifelong exercise decreased the age-associated decline in mitochondrial dysfunction, increasing the respiratory rate in state 2 (mitochondrial respiration stimulated by the substrate in the absence of added ADP) (p = 0.03) and citrate synthase enzymatic activity (p = 0.007). Complex II (p < 0.0001) and IV (p < 0.001) showed a decrease in enzymatic activity. Ageing-related oxidative stress was also attenuated by physical exercise, as showed by the increase in first-line defense antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (p = 0.07) and catalase (p = 0.03)), decreased lipid peroxidation levels (p = 0.864 for total fraction, p = 0,27 for mitochondrial fraction) and higher glutathione reduced/oxidized ratio (p = 0.02). According to our results, the regular practice of exercise can prevent the liver’s mitochondrial dysfunction and loss of antioxidant system efficacy that may arise from ageing, highlighting the benefit of lifelong aerobic exercise in preventing age-related hepatic impairment and associated diseases.
Dental Transmigration: An Observational Retrospective Study OF52 Mandibular Canines
Authors: Martínez-Rodríguez César , Martínez-Rodríguez Natalia , Alamán-Fernández José María , Ruiz-Sáenz Pedro Luis , Santos-Marino Juan , Martínez-González José María , Barona-Dorado Cristina
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of transmigrated canines in a Spanish population by evaluating their clinical and radiological characteristics. The descriptive observational study obtained 6840 orthopantomographs from all patients seeking dental care in the years 2017–21 via the Patient Reception Service and Dentistry Service at the Faculty of Dentistry at the Complutense University of Madrid and the Central Hospital of the Red Cross of Madrid (Spain). In total, 52 patients presented transmigrated canines, establishing a prevalence of 0.76%. This sample comprised 28 women and 24 men. Whenever a transmigrated canine was identified, a CBCT scan was obtained and used to evaluate the clinical and radiological variables associated with canine transmigration. The predominant side of the transmigration was the left (57.69%) compared to the right side (42.30%). The position of the canine, in order of frequency, according to the Mupparapu classification, corresponded to type IV (42.30%), type II (36.53%), type I (15.38%), and type V (5.76%), with no type III transmigrations found. Clinical manifestations were only recorded in 17.30% of cases, and 11.53% of the radiological findings showed the presence of tooth cysts that were confirmed by histopathological studies. Other impactions, in addition to the transmigrated canine, were found in five patients (9.61%), with the majority being the presence of third molars.
Combined In Vitro Toxicity and Immunogenicity of Cold Plasma and Pulsed Electric Fields
Authors: Wolff Christina M. , Kolb Juergen F. , Bekeschus Sander
Published: December 2022

In modern oncology, therapies are based on combining monotherapies to overcome treatment resistance and increase therapy precision. The application of microsecond-pulsed electric fields (PEF) is approved to enhance local chemotherapeutic drug uptake within combination electrochemotherapy regimens. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been implicated in anticancer effects, and cold physical plasma produces vast amounts of ROS, which have recently been shown to benefit head and neck cancer patients. PEF and cold plasma technology have been linked to immunogenic cell death (ICD) induction, a regulated cell death accompanied by sterile inflammation that promotes antitumor immunity. To this end, we investigated the combined effect of both treatments regarding their intracellular ROS accumulation, toxicity, ICD-related marker expression, and optimal exposure sequence in a leukemia model cell line. The combination treatment substantially increased ROS and intracellular glutathione levels, leading to additive cytotoxic effects accompanied by a significantly increased expression of ICD markers, such as the eat-me signal calreticulin (CRT). Preconditioned treatment with cold plasma followed by PEF exposure was the most potent treatment sequence. The results indicate additive effects of cold plasma and PEF, motivating further studies in skin and breast tumor models for the future improvement of ECT in such patients.
Identification of DDX60 as a Regulator of MHC-I Class Molecules in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Geng Nina , Hu Tuo , He Chunbo
Published: December 2022

Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapies induce durable responses in approximately 15% of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients who exhibit microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or deficient mismatch repair (dMMR). However, more than 80% of CRC patients do not respond to current immunotherapy. The main challenge with these patients is lack of MHC-I signaling to unmask their cancer cells so the immune cells can detect them. Here, we started by comparing IFNγ signature genes and MHC-I correlated gene lists to determine the potential candidates for MHC-I regulators. Then, the protein expression level of listed potential candidates in normal and cancer tissue was compared to select final candidates with enough disparity between the two types of tissues. ISG15 and DDX60 were further tested by wet-lab experiments. Overexpression of DDX60 upregulated the expression of MHC-I, while knockdown of DDX60 reduced the MHC-I expression in CRC cells. Moreover, DDX60 was downregulated in CRC tissues, and lower levels of DDX60 were associated with a poor prognosis. Our data showed that DDX60 could regulate MHC-I expression in CRC; thus, targeting DDX60 may improve the effects of immunotherapy in some patients.
Black Garlic and Thiosulfinate-Enriched Extracts as Adjuvants to Ceftriaxone Treatment in a Rat Peritonitis Model of Sepsis
Authors: Redondo-Calvo Francisco Javier , Bejarano-Ramírez Natalia , Baladrón Víctor , Montenegro Omar , Gómez Luis Antonio , Velasco Rubén , Villasanti Natalia , Illescas Soledad , Franco-Sereno María Teresa , Gracia Ignacio , Rodríguez Juan Francisco , Muñoz-Rodríguez José Ramón , Pérez-Ortiz José Manuel
Published: December 2022

To date, there have been no new drugs or adjuvants able to decrease both morbidity and mortality in the context of sepsis and septic shock. Our objective was to evaluate the use of thiosulfinate-enriched Allium sativum and black garlic extracts as adjuvants in the management of sepsis. An experimental in vivo study was carried out with male Sprague–Dawley® rats. Animals were randomized in four treatment groups: antibiotic (ceftriaxone) treatment (group I), ceftriaxone plus thiosulfinate-enriched extract (TASE, group II), ceftriaxone plus thiosulfinate-enriched extract and black garlic extracts (TASE + BGE, group III), and ceftriaxone plus black garlic extract (BGE, group IV). All animals were housed and inoculated with 1 × 1010 CFU/15 mL of intraperitoneal Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. Subsequently, they received a daily treatment according to each group for 7 days. Clinical, analytical, microbiological, and histopathological parameters were evaluated. Statistically significant clinical improvement was observed in rats receiving garlic extracts in weight (groups II and III), ocular secretions, and piloerection (group IV). Moreover, less liver edema, vacuolization, and inflammation were observed in groups receiving adjuvant support (groups II, III, and IV). When comparing interleukins 24 h after bacteria inoculum, we found statistically significant differences in TNF-alpha levels in groups receiving BGE (groups III and IV, p ≤ 0.05). Blood and peritoneal liquid cultures were also analyzed, and we detected a certain level of Enterococcus faecalis in peritoneal cultures from all treatment groups and less bacteria presence in blood cultures in rats receiving garlic extracts (groups II, III, and IV). In conclusion, TASE and BGE could be promising nutraceutical or medicinal agents as coadjuvants in the treatment of sepsis because of its effects in modulating the inflammatory response.
What Predictability for Animal Models of Peripheral Vestibular Disorders?
Authors: Tighilet Brahim , Trico Jessica , Xavier Frédéric , Chabbert Christian
Published: December 2022

The different clinical entities grouped under the term peripheral vestibulopathies (PVs) or peripheral vestibular disorders (PVDs) are distinguished mainly based on their symptoms/clinical expression. Today, there are very few commonly accepted functional and biological biomarkers that can confirm or refute whether a vestibular disorder belongs to a precise classification. Consequently, there is currently a severe lack of reliable and commonly accepted clinical endpoints, either to precisely follow the course of the vertigo syndrome of vestibular origin or to assess the benefits of therapeutic approaches, whether they are pharmacological or re-educational. Animal models of PV are a good means to identify biomarkers that could subsequently be exploited in human clinical practice. The question of their predictability is therefore crucial. Ten years ago, we had already raised this question. We revisit this concept today in order to take into account the animal models of peripheral vestibular pathology that have emerged over the last decade, and the new technological approaches available for the behavioral assessment of vestibular syndrome in animals and its progression over time. The questions we address in this review are the following: are animal models of PV predictive of the different types and stages of vestibular pathologies, and if so, to what extent? Are the benefits of the pharmacological or reeducational therapeutic approaches achieved on these different models of PV (in particular the effects of attenuation of the acute vertigo, or acceleration of central compensation) predictive of those expected in the vertiginous patient, and if so, to what extent?