bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Education Level, Underemployment, and Health
Authors: Li Nan , Wu Dan
Published: February 2022

Under the dual background of underemployment and health inequality, this study empirically analyzes the impact of education level on underemployed workers’ health based on data from the 2016 China Labor-force Dynamics Survey. The results show that underemployment is significantly related to the decline of self-rated health, increased depressive tendencies, and the prevalence of illness over a certain period. The results indicate that underemployment can significantly reduce the health level of workers in both low and high education level groups. However, underemployment appears to have no significant impact on workers’ health in the middle education level group. This result holds even if the measurement method of the indicators is adjusted and endogeneity is considered; this indicates that the research conclusions are robust. Moreover, this kind of health inequality mainly comes from the economic and leisure effects of underemployment for workers with different educational levels. Although underemployment significantly reduces the economic level of workers in each education level group, it brings a positive leisure effect to workers with a middle education level and a negative leisure effect to workers with a low education level. This study provides empirical support for increasing labor protection mechanisms for underemployed people and reducing the health inequality caused by differences in education level.
Why iPlay: The Relationships of Autistic and Schizotypal Traits With Patterns of Video Game Use
Authors: Yang Nancy , Hurd Pete L. , Crespi Bernard J.
Published: February 2022

Video games are popular and ubiquitous aspects of human culture, but their relationships to psychological and neurophysiological traits have yet to be analyzed in social-evolutionary frameworks. We examined the relationships of video game usage, motivations, and preferences with autistic and schizotypal traits and two aspects of neurophysiology, reaction time and targeting time. Participants completed the Autism Quotient, Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire, a Video Game Usage Questionnaire, and two neurophysiological tasks. We tested in particular the hypotheses, motivated by theory and previous work, that: (1) participants with higher autism scores would play video games more, and participants with higher schizotypy scores would play video games less; and (2) autism and positive schizotypy would be associated with opposite patterns of video game use, preferences and motivations. Females, but not males, with higher autism scores played more video games, and exhibited evidence of relatively male-typical video game genre preferences and motivations. By contrast, positive schizotypy was associated with reduced video game use in both genders, for several measures of game use frequency. In line with previous findings, males played video game more than females did overall, preferred action video games, and exhibited faster reaction and targeting times. Females preferred Puzzle and Social Simulation games. Faster reaction and targeting times were associated with gaming motives related to skill development and building behavior. These findings show that gaming use and patterns reflect aspects of psychology, and gender, related to social cognition and imagination, as well as aspects of neurophysiology. More generally, the results suggest that video game use is notably affected by levels of autistic and schizotypal traits, and that video games may provide an evolutionarily novel medium for imaginative play in which immersive play experiences can be decoupled from social interaction.
Relations Between Class Competition and Primary School Students’ Academic Achievement: Learning Anxiety and Learning Engagement as Mediators
Authors: Li Guoqiang , Li Zhiyuan , Wu Xinyue , Zhen Rui
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to analyze the relations between class competition and primary school students’ academic achievement, considering the possible mediating roles of learning anxiety and learning engagement. Participants were 1,479 primary school students from four primary schools in Zhejiang, China. We analyzed participants’ scores for class competition, learning anxiety, and learning engagement and their last two final exam scores. Class competition did not directly predict academic achievement, but indirectly affected academic achievement through learning anxiety and learning engagement. There were three effect paths: (1) class competition negatively predicted academic achievement by increasing learning anxiety; (2) class competition positively predicted academic achievement by promoting learning engagement; and (3) class competition affected academic achievement through multiple mediating effects of learning anxiety and learning engagement. This study highlights the important roles of learning anxiety and learning engagement in class competition and academic achievement, which have theoretical and practical significance.
The Role of Emotion Regulation in Eating Disorders: A Network Meta-Analysis Approach
Authors: Leppanen Jenni , Brown Dalia , McLinden Hannah , Williams Steven , Tchanturia Kate
Published: February 2022

Background

Previous theoretical models and reviews have documented a strong connection between emotion dysregulation eating disorder (ED) psychopathology among the general and clinical populations. The aim of this review was to build on this previous work by conducting a network meta-analysis to explore associations between adaptive and maladaptive emotion regulation strategies and ED psychopathology trans-diagnostically across the ED spectrum to identify areas of emotion dysregulation that have the strongest association with symptomatology.

Methodology

A total of 104 studies were included in the meta-analysis and correlation coefficient representing the associations between specific emotion regulation strategies and ED symptomatology were extracted. We ran a Bayesian random effects network meta-analysis and the initial network was well-connected with each emotion regulation strategy being linked to at least one other strategy. We also conducted a network meta-regression to explore whether between-study differences in body mass index (BMI), age, and whether the sample consisted of solely female participants explained any possible network inconsistency.

Results

The network meta-analysis revealed that ruminations and non-acceptance of emotions were most closely associated with ED psychopathology. There was no significant network inconsistency but two comparisons approached significance and thus meta-regressions were conducted. The meta-regressions revealed a significant effect of BMI such that the associations between different emotion regulation strategies and ED symptomatology were weaker among those with low BMI.

Discussion

The present findings build on previous work and highlight the role of rumination and difficulties with accepting emotions as key emotion regulation difficulties in EDs. Additionally, the finding that the associations were weaker among ED patients with low BMI may point toward a complex relationship between ED behaviors and emotion regulation. Taken together, our findings call for interventions that target emotion regulation, specifically rumination and difficulties accepting emotions, in the treatment of EDs.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42021249996, PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42021249996.
Interventional Response of Hospital and Health Services to the Mental Health Effects of Viral Outbreaks on Health Professionals
Authors: Branjerdporn Grace , Bowman Candice , Kenworthy Sean , Stapelberg Nicolas J. C.
Published: February 2022

The aim of this integrative review was to examine the impact of past viral epidemics on staff mental health interventional responses, with a specific focus on healthcare provider response in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Following PRISMA methodology, databases were searched for relevant articles. A total of 55 articles with a range of methodologies (e.g., commentary papers, cohort studies, qualitative studies) were included to ensure broad coverage of this rapidly emerging research area. The literature showed that many healthcare providers implemented a variety of wellbeing initiatives to support their staff during a viral outbreak. Most of these interventions, however, were not formally evaluated. Interventions included leadership/team support; online psychoeducational resources and updated information on the pandemic; respite spaces; peer support outreach; staff resilience training; telephone hotline support; staff support groups; and individual counseling. Staff were generally supportive of the initiatives offered by hospital and health services, with certain interventions being more appreciated (e.g., staff respite areas). Rapid, locally, and culturally appropriate workplace-based responses may counter the negative mental health impact on staff; but a stepped response is required for a smaller number of staff at risk of mental illness, or those with pre-existing mental illness.

Systematic Review Registration: Unique Identifier: CRD42020222761.
Emergence of Within-Host SARS-CoV-2 Recombinant Genome After Coinfection by Gamma and Delta Variants: A Case Report
Authors: Francisco Junior Ronaldo da Silva , Almeida Luiz G. P. de , Lamarca Alessandra P. , Cavalcante Liliane , Martins Yasmmin , Gerber Alexandra L. , Guimarães Ana Paula de C. , Salviano Ricardo Barbosa , dos Santos Fernanda Leitão , de Oliveira Thiago Henrique , de Souza Isabelle Vasconcellos , de Carvalho Erika Martins , Ribeiro Mario Sergio , Carvalho Silvia , da Silva Flávio Dias , Garcia Marcio Henrique de Oliveira , de Souza Leandro Magalhães , da Silva Cristiane Gomes , Ribeiro Caio Luiz Pereira , Cavalcanti Andréa Cony , de Mello Claudia Maria Braga , Tanuri Amilcar , Vasconcelos Ana Tereza R.
Published: February 2022

In this study, we report the first case of intra-host SARS-CoV-2 recombination during a coinfection by the variants of concern (VOC) AY.33 (Delta) and P.1 (Gamma) supported by sequencing reads harboring a mosaic of lineage-defining mutations. By using next-generation sequencing reads intersecting regions that simultaneously overlap lineage-defining mutations from Gamma and Delta, we were able to identify a total of six recombinant regions across the SARS-CoV-2 genome within a sample. Four of them mapped in the spike gene and two in the nucleocapsid gene. We detected mosaic reads harboring a combination of lineage-defining mutations from each VOC. To our knowledge, this is the first report of intra-host RNA-RNA recombination between two lineages of SARS-CoV-2, which can represent a threat to public health management during the COVID-19 pandemic due to the possibility of the emergence of viruses with recombinant phenotypes.
From Lexicon to Flexicon: The Principles of Morphological Transcendence and Lexical Superstates in the Characterization of Words in the Mind
Authors: Libben Gary
Published: February 2022

The field of mental lexicon research has benefitted greatly from the founding metaphor of a dictionary in the mind. That metaphor, however, had its origins in a perspective in which the lexicon was seen as a static repository of representations with fixed structural properties. This paper presents a contrasting view. It is a view that highlights that words are activities that we perform, rather than simply representations that we have. It is proposed that lexical representations are best seen as hierarchies of action within a highly interconnected and dynamic system. The paper presents two principles of lexical organization:morphological transcendenceandlexical superstates. The former principle claims that through the activities of language comprehension and production, lexical forms can develop variant forms. Thus, the formkeymay develop into forms such askey- (e.g.,keyboard)and-key, (e.g.,turnkey). The paper also discusses how transcendence leads to lexical superstates, which do not have a fixed morphological structure. As part of a lexical superstate, alternative morphological structures exist as potential realizations. Which one is actually realized will depend on the specific circumstances of a lexical action. An account is presented in which the effects of semantic transparency are treated in terms of transcendence and superstate interactions. It is claimed that this approach, which highlights the dynamic and flexible nature of the mental lexicon, has implications for how we approach the modeling of language and cognition in general.
Unsupervised Text Segmentation Predicts Eye Fixations During Reading
Authors: Yang Jinbiao , van den Bosch Antal , Frank Stefan L.
Published: February 2022

Words typically form the basis of psycholinguistic and computational linguistic studies about sentence processing. However, recent evidence shows the basic units during reading, i.e., the items in the mental lexicon, are not always words, but could also be sub-word and supra-word units. To recognize these units, human readers require a cognitive mechanism to learn and detect them. In this paper, we assume eye fixations during reading reveal the locations of the cognitive units, and that the cognitive units are analogous with the text units discovered by unsupervised segmentation models. We predict eye fixations by model-segmented units on both English and Dutch text. The results show the model-segmented units predict eye fixations better than word units. This finding suggests that the predictive performance of model-segmented units indicates their plausibility as cognitive units. The Less-is-Better (LiB) model, which finds the units that minimize both long-term and working memory load, offers advantages both in terms of prediction score and efficiency among alternative models. Our results also suggest that modeling the least-effort principle for the management of long-term and working memory can lead to inferring cognitive units. Overall, the study supports the theory that the mental lexicon stores not only words but also smaller and larger units, suggests that fixation locations during reading depend on these units, and shows that unsupervised segmentation models can discover these units.
Microbial Biomass, Composition, and Functions Are Responsible for the Differential Removal of Trace Organic Chemicals in Biofiltration Systems: A Batch Study
Authors: Cao Lijia , Wolff David , Liguori Renato , Wurzbacher Christian , Wick Arne
Published: February 2022

Biofiltration processes help to remove trace organic chemicals (TOrCs) both in wastewater and drinking water treatment systems. However, the detailed TOrCs biotransformation mechanisms as well as the underlying drivers behind the variability of site specific transformation processes remain elusive. In this study, we used laboratory batch incubations to investigate the biotransformation of 51 TOrCs in eight bioactive filter materials of different origins treating a range of waters, from wastewater effluents to drinking water. Microscopy, 16S rRNA amplicon and whole metagenome sequencing for assessing associations between the biotransformation rate constants, microbial composition and genetic potential complemented chemical analysis. We observed strong differences in the mean global removal of TOrCs between the individual sand filters (−1.4–58%), which were mirrored in overall biomass, microbial community composition, and enzyme encoding genes. From the six investigated biomass markers, ATP turned out to be a major predictor of the mean global biotransformation rate, while compound specific biotransformations were correlated with the microbial community composition. High biomass ecosystems were indicated in our systems by a dominance of Nitrospirae, but individual TOrC biotransformation showed a correlation with rare taxa (<2%) such as Hydrogenophaga, or individual functions such as the enoyl-CoA hydratase/3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase encoding genes. In general, this study provides new insights into so far rarely addressed variability of TOrCs biotransformation. We propose potential novel biological indicators for the removal performance of TOrCs in biofiltration systems, highlighting the role of living biomass in predicting and normalizing the global transformation, and the role of the microbial community for the individual transformation of TOrCs in engineered and natural systems.
Penile Flap Inversion Vaginoplasty in Transgender Women: Contemporary Morbidity and Learning-Curve Analysis From a High-Volume Reconstructive Center
Authors: Maurer Valentin , Howaldt Marian , Feldmann Inga , Ludwig Tim , Vetterlein Malte W. , Gild Philipp , Weis Sylvia , Marks Phillip , Soave Armin , Meyer Christian P. , Fisch Margit , Dahlem Roland , Riechardt Silke
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Numbers of PIV are rising. The aim of this study is to analyze the surgical learning-curve (LC) on the grounds of perioperative complications.

Patients and Methods

108 PIVs, performed by a single surgeon between 2015 and 2018 have been analyzed. Learning-curve analysis was based on three factors: operating time, vaginal depth and complications.

Results

The median FU was 6.3 months. Median age at surgery was 36 years, median time of hormone treatment was 36 months. The median CI was 0.3 and the median BMI was 25 kg/cm3. Median CCI® was 8.08. 40.7% of the patients developed short-term complications, more than half of which were Clavien I. Overall only 1.9% had Clavien IIIb complications. There were no Clavien IV or V complications. 17.6% of patients had wound infections, 13% wound dehiscence, 9.3% introitus strictures, 13.9% suffered from atrophy of the neovagina, i.e. loss of depth or width, and 8.3% from meatus urethrae strictures. Duration of hormonal therapy, BMI and CI had no impact on surgical outcome. Age had a significant impact on CCI®, as younger patients had a higher risk for complications. Use of scrotal skin and surgeries performed had a significant influence. LC analysis via CUSUM analysis showed that after 32 surgeries, the PIV is performed safely.

Conclusion

The PIV is a safe GAS-technique, associated with minor complications leading to low rates of revision surgery. Younger age, the use of scrotal skin and surgeon's experience has significant impact on complications. Duration of hormonal therapy, circumcision and BMI has no impact on complications.
Sperm Transcripts Associated With Odorant Binding and Olfactory Transduction Pathways Are Altered in Breeding Bulls Producing Poor-Quality Semen
Authors: Karuthadurai Thirumalaisamy , Das Dayal Nitai , Kumaresan Arumugam , Sinha Manish Kumar , Kamaraj Elango , Nag Pradeep , Ebenezer Samuel King John Peter , Datta Tirtha Kumar , Manimaran Ayyasamy , Jeyakumar Sakthivel , Ramesha Kerekoppa
Published: February 2022

Spermatozoa carries a reservoir of mRNAs regulating sperm functions and fertilizing potential. Although it is well recognized that a considerable proportion of high genetic merit breeding bulls produce poor-quality semen, the transcriptomic alterations in spermatozoa from such bulls are not understood. In the present study, comparative high-throughput transcriptomic profiling of spermatozoa from good and poor-quality semen-producing bulls was carried out to identify the transcripts associated with semen quality. Using next-generation sequencing (NGS), we identified 11,632 transcripts in Holstein Friesian bull spermatozoa; after total hit normalization, a total of 544 transcripts were detected, of which 185 transcripts were common to both good and poor-quality semen, while 181 sperm transcripts were unique to good quality semen, and 178 transcripts were unique to poor-quality semen. Among the co-expressed transcripts, 31 were upregulated, while 108 were downregulated, and 46 were neutrally expressed in poor-quality semen. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the dysregulated transcripts were predominantly involved in molecular function, such as olfactory receptor activity and odor binding, and in biological process, such as detection of chemical stimulus involved in sensory perception, sensory perception of smell, signal transduction, and signal synaptic transmission. Since a majority of the dysregulated transcripts were involved in the olfactory pathway (85% of enriched dysregulated genes were involved in this pathway), the expression of selected five transcripts associated with this pathway (OR2T11, OR10S1, ORIL3, OR5M11, and PRRX1) were validated using real-time qPCR, and it was found that their transcriptional abundance followed the same trend as observed in NGS; the sperm transcriptional abundance of OR2T11 and OR10S1 differed significantly (p< 0.05) between good and poor-quality semen. It is concluded that poor-quality semen showed altered expression of transcripts associated with olfactory receptors and pathways indicating the relationship between olfactory pathway and semen quality in bulls.
Machine Learning-Based Monitoring of DC-DC Converters in Photovoltaic Applications
Authors: Bindi Marco , Corti Fabio , Aizenberg Igor , Grasso Francesco , Lozito Gabriele Maria , Luchetta Antonio , Piccirilli Maria Cristina , Reatti Alberto
Published: February 2022

In this paper, a monitoring method for DC-DC converters in photovoltaic applications is presented. The primary goal is to prevent catastrophic failures by detecting malfunctioning conditions during the operation of the electrical system. The proposed prognostic procedure is based on machine learning techniques and focuses on the variations of passive components with respect to their nominal range. A theoretical study is proposed to choose the best measurements for the prognostic analysis and adapt the monitoring method to a photovoltaic system. In order to facilitate this study, a graphical assessment of testability is presented, and the effects of the variable solar irradiance on the selected measurements are also considered from a graphical point of view. The main technique presented in this paper to identify the malfunction conditions is based on a Multilayer neural network with Multi-Valued Neurons. The performances of this classifier applied on a Zeta converter are compared to those of a Support Vector Machine algorithm. The simulations carried out in the Simulink environment show a classification rate higher than 90%, and this means that the monitoring method allows the identification of problems in the initial phases, thus guaranteeing the possibility to change the work set-up and organize maintenance operations for DC-DC converters.
Control Design for CABLEankle, a Cable Driven Manipulator for Ankle Motion Assistance
Authors: Venkata Sai Prathyush Idumudi , Ceccarelli Marco , Russo Matteo
Published: February 2022

A control design is presented for a cable driven parallel manipulator for performing a controlled motion assistance of a human ankle. Requirements are discussed for a portable, comfortable, and light-weight solution of a wearable device with an overall design with low-cost features and user-oriented operation. The control system utilizes various operational and monitoring sensors to drive the system and also obtain continuous feedback during motion to ensure an effective recovery. This control system for CABLEankle device is designed for both active and passive rehabilitation to facilitate the improvement in both joint mobility and surrounding muscle strength.
University Social Responsibility: Challenging Systemic Racism in the Aftermath of George Floyd’s Murder
Authors: Meikle Paulette A. , Morris Lekeitha R.
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we examine university discretionary interpretation of the 2020 social upheaval that emanated from George Floyd’s murder as an element of university social responsibility (USR) policymaking. The paper addresses two research questions: (a) What are university presidents’ implicit and explicit social justice responses to George Floyd’s death and the idealistic protests of 2020? (b) To what degree are principles of social justice embedded in universities’ intellectual roots and social responsibility? Using a sample of university presidents’ public statements in response to George Floyd’s death and the idealistic protests of 2020, we analyze the response and responsibilities of universities in the struggle for a just society. We cross-check mission statements and strategic plans to corroborate universities’ public statements with their institutional philosophies, mission, and action plans relating to discrimination against racial and ethnic minorities and systemic racism. We use critical discourse analysis and the Voyant Tool to perform a textual analysis of 62 university presidents’ letters and mission statements. They all denounced the dehumanization and inequitable treatment of Black people. An important implication of our work is the sharp difference in the depth and forthrightness of responses by university presidents across university types. Some presidential letters are forthright in their denouncement of the murder of George Floyd and systemic racism, while others were, at best, vague in their approach. Presidential letters disclose their institutions’ priorities, organizational identities, and social responsibility convictions. Overall, mission statements and strategic plans included addressing systemic racism and inequality. While there is no ordered symmetry between presidential narratives and institutional action, we anticipate social responsibility as a core institutional value. We argue for social justice anti-racist platforms as critical dimensions of USR. We call for university milieus that promote a fair and just society among all stakeholders.
Variable Rate Seeding in Precision Agriculture: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives
Authors: Šarauskis Egidijus , Kazlauskas Marius , Naujokienė Vilma , Bručienė Indrė , Steponavičius Dainius , Romaneckas Kęstutis , Jasinskas Algirdas
Published: February 2022

The main objective of this study was to analyze variable rate seeding (VRS) methods and critically evaluate their suitability and effectiveness for the challenges under field conditions. A search was performed using scientific databases and portals by identifying for analysis and evaluation 92 VRS methodologies, their impact and economic benefits depending on the main parameters of the soil and environment. The results of the review identified that VRS could adapt the appropriate seeding rate for each field zone, which was based on site-specific data layers of soil texture, ECa, pH and yield maps. Then, remotely detected images or other data which identify yield-limiting factors were identified. The site-specific sowing method (with a variable sowing rate for each field area) allows the optimization of crop density to obtain the best agronomic and economic results. Various proximal and remote sensor systems, contact and contactless equipment, mapping and VRS modeling technologies are currently used to determine soil and crop variability. VRS depends on the field characteristics’ sowing equipment capabilities, the planned harvest, soil productivity and machine technology interactions with the environment. When forecasting the effective payback of a VRS over the desired period, the farm size should on average be at least 150 ha. In future studies, to achieve the best solutions and optimal methods, it is important to test, evaluate and put into practice the latest methodologies on farms, to perform complex assessments of changes in sensor, soil, plant and environmental parameters.
Effects of Shallow Groundwater Depth and Nitrogen Application Level on Soil Water and Nitrate Content, Growth and Yield of Winter Wheat
Authors: She Yingjun , Li Ping , Qi Xuebin , Guo Wei , Rahman Shafeeq Ur , Lu Hongfei , Ma Cancan , Du Zhenjie , Cui Jiaxin , Liang Zhijie
Published: February 2022

The large amount of nitrogen application on the North China Plain has caused a serious negative impact on the sustainable development of regional agriculture and ecological environmental protection. Our aim was to explore the effects of nitrogen fertilization rate and groundwater depth on growth attributes, soil-water and soil-fertilizer contents, and the winter wheat yield. Experiments were carried out in micro-lysimeters at groundwater depths of 60, 90, 120, and 150 cm on the basis of 0, 150, 240, and 300 kg/ha nitrogen fertilization rates in the growth season for winter wheat. Results showed that plant height, leaf area index, soil plant analysis development, and yield without nitrogen application increased significantly with increases in groundwater depth. The optimal groundwater depths for growth attributes and yield were 60–120 cm and tended to be shallower with added nitrogen application. Soil moisture was lowered significantly with groundwater depth, adding a nitrogen application reduced soil moisture, and excessive nitrogen input intensified soil drought. Nitrate-N accumulation at the 120–150 cm depths was significantly higher than that at the 60–90 cm depths, and a 300 kg/ha (traditional nitrogen application rate) treatment was 6.7 times greater than that of 150 kg/ha treatment and increased by 74% more than that of the 240 kg/ha treatment at 60–150 cm depth. Compared with the yield of the 300 kg/ha rate, the yield of the 240 kg/ha rate had no significant difference, but the yield increased by 3.90% and 11.09% at the 120 cm and 150 cm depths. The growth attributes and yield of winter wheat were better, and the soil nitrate-N content was lower, when the nitrogen application rate was 240 kg/ha. Therefore, it can be concluded that nitrogen application can be reduced by 20% on the North China Plain.
The Potential of Using Radarsat-2 Satellite Image for Modeling and Mapping Wheat Yield in a Semiarid Environment
Authors: Barbouchi Meriem , Lhissou Rachid , Abdelfattah Riadh , El Alem Anas , Chokmani Karem , Ben Aissa Nadhira , Cheikh M’hamed Hatem , Annabi Mohamed , Bahri Haithem
Published: February 2022

The monitoring of cereal productions, mainly through yield estimations, has played an important role in providing reliable information to decision makers in order to ensure the proper management of agricultural markets. In this context, remote sensing, which allows the coverage of large areas, is an important source of information that complements those obtained by other methods. In this study, we aim to estimate the wheat yield at an early growth stage (spring season) using only one Radarsat-2 (RS-2) polarimetric image. We propose an empirical statistical relationship between the yield measured in situ and polarimetric parameters extracted from the RS-2 image. The RS-2 image was acquired at the flowering stage as it is proved to be the most appropriate moment for yield prediction. We selected the region of Boussalem in the northwest of Tunisia as the study area. For experimental validation, the yield was determined in situ at the end of the wheat season. Results showed that the polarization ratios are more correlated than the polarimetric parameters with the grain yield with a significant correlation of the HH/VV ratio (r = 0.76) and the HV/VV ratio (r = −0.75), while the most correlated polarimetric parameter was Alpha (r = −0.51). Finally, the multiple regression has led to the development of a three-variable model (HH/VV, HV/HH, and alpha) as the best predictor of the wheat grain yields. Validation results revealed a great potential with a determination coefficient (R2) of 0.58 and root mean squared error (RMSE) of 0.89 t/ha.
Impacts of Technology Training Provided by Agricultural Cooperatives on Farmers’ Adoption of Biopesticides in China
Authors: Liu Yuying , Shi Ruiling , Peng Yiting , Wang Wei , Fu Xinhong
Published: February 2022

As pesticide abuse becomes increasingly serious worldwide, it is necessary to pay attention to the biopesticide adoption behavior of agricultural producers. It is worth verifying whether agricultural cooperatives, as training organizations sharing the same social network with farmers, can promote the adoption of biopesticides through their technology diffusion function. Therefore, based on survey data of 837 citrus producers in Sichuan Province, China, the IV-probit regression model and a mediation effects model were used to empirically test the impact of technical training on farmers’ adoption of biopesticides in addition to its mechanism, considering the farmers’ perception of technology as the mediation variable. The results show that (a) participation in technical training can significantly enhance the probability of the adoption of biopesticides; (b) farmers’ perceptions of biopesticides’ economic and health benefits play a partial mediating role in the relationship; and (c) technical training has more significant effects on biopesticides adoption behavior for a household with higher-educated household heads, lower household total income, and smaller household size, relative to their counterparts. This study provides evidence for establishing relevant policy to encourage the full adoption of the technical training function of agricultural cooperatives and popularize the use of biopesticides.
The Comprehensive Effects of Rhizophagus intraradices and P on Root System Architecture and P Transportation in Citrus limon L.
Authors: Liu Chun-Yan , Guo Xiao-Niu , Wu Xiao-Long , Dai Feng-Jun , Wu Qiang-Sheng
Published: February 2022

Both arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and phosphorus (P) collectively influence the root system architecture (RSA), but whether the combination of the two affects RSA, particularly lateral root formation, is unknown. In the present study, a pot experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (Rhizophagus intraradices) on the RSA of lemon (Citrus limon L.) seedlings under 0 (P0) and 50 mg/kg (P50) P levels. Moreover, P and carbohydrate content; acid phosphatase activity; and the expression of P transporter genes (PTs), phosphatase genes (PAPs), and lateral-root-related genes; were determined. Our results show that root mycorrhizal colonization and mycorrhizal dependency of lemon plants are significantly higher under P0 than under P50 conditions. AMF significantly promoted the plant growth performance of lemon, irrespective of substrate P levels. The RSA parameters of AMF plants, including total root length, projected area, surface area, average diameter, volume, and second- and third-order lateral root numbers, were distinctly increased under the two P levels compared to those of non-AMF plants. Mycorrhizal treatment also induced higher carbohydrate (sucrose, glucose, and fructose) and P contents, along with a higher activity of root acid phosphatase. The expression of P-related genes, including ClPAP1, ClPT1, ClPT3, ClPT5, and ClPT7, as well as the expression of lateral-root-related genes (ClKRP6, ClPSK6, and ClRSI-1), was dramatically upregulated by AMF inoculation, irrespective of substrate P levels. Principal component analysis showed that root P and carbohydrate contents, as well as the expression of ClKRP6 and ClPSK6, were positively correlated with RSA traits and lateral root development. Our study demonstrates that mycorrhizas accelerate the P acquisition and carbohydrate accumulation of lemon plants by upregulating the expression of lateral-root-related genes, thereby positively improving the RSA. Furthermore, AMF had a greater impact on the RSA of lemon than substrate P levels.
Design and Testing of Reverse-Rotating Soil-Taking-Type Hole-Forming Device of Pot Seedling Transplanting Machine for Rapeseed
Authors: Quan Wei , Wu Mingliang , Dai Zhenwei , Luo Haifeng , Shi Fanggang
Published: February 2022

To address the problem whereby the size of the hole formed by the existing hole-forming device of hole-punching transplanters is significantly inconsistent with the theoretical size as it is impacted by the inserting and lifting methods, a scheme for eliminating the forward speed of the whole machine by the horizontal linear velocity of reverse rotation of the hole-forming mechanism is proposed to vertically insert and lift the hole-forming device in accordance with the working characteristics of hole-punching transplanting and the agronomic requirements of rapeseed transplanting. In addition, a novel type of reverse-rotating soil-taking-type hole-forming device for the pot seedling transplanting machine for rapeseed was developed. A test bench for the hole-forming device was set and its effectiveness was verified in the soil bin. It was found, from the test results, that, when the forward speed of the hole-forming device was between 0.25 m/s and 0.45 m/s, the average qualified rates of hole forming of the device were 95.2%, 94.0% and 93.3%, respectively; the average change rates of the hole size were 2.3%, 2.9% and 5.5%, respectively; and the average error between the theoretical value of effective depth and the experimental value was between 2.0% and 5.6%. The average angle between the hole-forming stage trajectory of the hole opener and the horizontal direction at different forward speeds was higher than 88.0°; the coefficient of variation was between 0.16% and 0.64%; the perpendicularity of the hole-forming operation was high; the change rates of soil porosity of the hole wall were between 8.2% and 9.3%; and the average soil heave degrees at the hole mouth after the completion of the hole-forming operation were 3.9%, 4.1% and 4.2%, respectively. The average soil stability rates of the hole wall were 91.9%, 91.2% and 91.0%, respectively. The different performances of the hole-forming device were confirmed to meet the requirements of rapeseed pot seedling transplanting. This study can provide a reference for the structural improvement and optimization of the hole-punching transplanter for rapeseed pot seedlings.
Effects of Liming on Soil Properties and Its Roles in Increasing the Productivity and Profitability of the Oil Palm Industry in Malaysia
Authors: Mahmud Md Shawon , Chong Khim Phin
Published: February 2022

As global demand for edible oil increases, palm oil-producing countries in Southeast Asia are experiencing a rapid expansion of agricultural land for industrial oil palm cultivation by converting existing agricultural lands and some tropical rainforests; however, soil acidity and nutrient depletion are two major constraints in oil palm cultivation in the tropics. Several factors may cause soil acidification, including natural processes, industrial pollutants and extensive agricultural production. Soil acidity increases the leaching of many essential plant nutrient elements and the availability of toxic elements by modifying various geochemical and biological reactions in the soil. Even though acidic soil is less fertile, the productivity of tropical soil is among the highest in the world once the chemical constraints are removed by applying a sufficient quantity of lime and fertilizers. Lime is a widely used alkali to improve soil fertility by retaining nutrients, increasing soil biota, decreasing heavy-metal availability and potentially achieving resistance against Ganoderma disease at oil palm estates. Liming materials are not simple compounds with consistent chemical properties; thus, selecting the appropriate lime must be based on soil type and price compared to the products neutralizing value, composition, and fineness. Since the primary aim of liming is to improve soil pH, numerous reviews have been reported on the impacts of soil acidification, nutrient deficiencies and heavy-metal toxicity; however, no extensive review has been published that discusses the effects of liming on oil palm growth and yield. It is not enough to emphasize just soil impacts alone, and a thorough assessment must also be given on crops (oil palm) and soil biodiversity. This review synthesizes current understanding and introduces a holistic approach to provide insights into the far-reaching effects liming has on the biogeochemical properties of tropical soil and oil palm crops.
Evaluation of Methods for Measuring Fusarium-Damaged Kernels of Wheat
Authors: Ackerman Arlyn J. , Holmes Ryan , Gaskins Ezekiel , Jordan Kathleen E. , Hicks Dawn S. , Fitzgerald Joshua , Griffey Carl A. , Mason Richard Esten , Harrison Stephen A. , Murphy Joseph Paul , Cowger Christina , Boyles Richard E.
Published: February 2022

Fusarium head blight (FHB) is one of the most economically destructive diseases of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), causing substantial yield and quality loss worldwide. Fusarium graminearum is the predominant causal pathogen of FHB in the U.S., and produces deoxynivalenol (DON), a mycotoxin that accumulates in the grain throughout infection. FHB results in kernel damage, a visual symptom that is quantified by a human observer enumerating or estimating the percentage of Fusarium-damaged kernels (FDK) in a sample of grain. To date, FDK estimation is the most efficient and accurate method of predicting DON content without measuring presence in a laboratory. For this experiment, 1266 entries collectively representing elite varieties and SunGrains advanced breeding lines encompassing four inoculated FHB nurseries were represented in the analysis. All plots were subjected to a manual FDK count, both exact and estimated, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) analysis, DON laboratory analysis, and digital imaging seed phenotyping using the Vibe QM3 instrument developed by Vibe imaging analytics. Among the FDK analytical platforms used to establish percentage FDK within grain samples, Vibe QM3 showed the strongest prediction capabilities of DON content in experimental samples, R2 = 0.63, and higher yet when deployed as FDK GEBVs, R2 = 0.76. Additionally, Vibe QM3 was shown to detect a significant SNP association at locus S3B_9439629 within major FHB resistance quantitative trait locus (QTL) Fhb1. Visual estimates of FDK showed higher prediction capabilities of DON content in grain subsamples than previously expected when deployed as genomic estimated breeding values (GEBVs) (R2 = 0.71), and the highest accuracy in genomic prediction, followed by Vibe QM3 digital imaging, with average Pearson’s correlations of r = 0.594 and r = 0.588 between observed and predicted values, respectively. These results demonstrate that seed phenotyping using traditional or automated platforms to determine FDK boast various throughput and efficacy that must be weighed appropriately when determining application in breeding programs to screen for and develop resistance to FHB and DON accumulation in wheat germplasms.
Effect of Clay Mineralogy and Soil Organic Carbon in Aggregates under Straw Incorporation
Authors: Xue Bin , Huang Li , Li Xiaokun , Lu Jianwei , Gao Ruili , Kamran Muhammad , Fahad Shah
Published: February 2022

The interaction between soil organic carbon (SOC) and clay minerals is a critical mechanism for retaining SOC and protecting soil fertility and long-term agricultural sustainability. The SOC composition and minerals speciation in clay fractions (<2 μm) within soil aggregates under straw removed (T) and straw incorporation (TS) conditions were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The TS treatment promoted enrichment of clay in aggregates. The TS increased the contents of SOC (27.0–86.6%), poorly crystalline Fe oxide (Feo), and activity of Fe oxides (Feo/Fed); whereas, it reduced the concentrations of free Fe oxide (Fed) in the clay fractions within aggregates. Straw incorporation promoted the accumulation of aromatic-C and carboxylic-C in the clay fraction within aggregates. The relative amount of hydroxy-interlayered vermiculite, aliphatic-C, and alcohol-C in the clay fractions within the macroaggregates was higher than that microaggregates, whereas the relative amounts of illite, kaolinite, Fe(III), and aromatic-C had a reverse tendency. The hydroxy-interlayered vermiculite in clay fractions showed positive correlation with the amounts of C–C(H) (r = 0.93) and C–O (r = 0.96 *, p < 0.05). The concentration of Feo and Feo/Fed ratio was positively correlated with the amounts of C=C and C(O)O content in clay within aggregates. Long-term straw incorporation induced transformation of clay minerals and Fe oxide, which was selectively stabilized straw-derived organic compounds in clay fractions within soil aggregates.
Monitoring and Inference of Behavioral Resistance in Beneficial Insects to Insecticides in Two Pest Control Systems: IPM and Organic
Authors: Gómez-Guzmán José Alfonso , Sainz-Pérez María , González-Ruiz Ramón
Published: February 2022

Pyrethrins are the most widely used insecticide class in olive groves with organic management. Although there are data sets about insect pests of stored products and human parasites developing resistance to pyrethrins, there is no information on the long-term effect on olive agroecosystems. A field method based on the experimental induction of sublethal effects by means of insecticide application, and the monitoring of the response of insects through post-treatment sampling, has recently been developed. This method has allowed for the detection of populations behaviorally resistant to organophosphates in integrated pest management (IPM) and conventional crops. With the application of a similar methodology, this study aimed to verify the possible reaction of natural enemies in organic crops, using pyrethrins as an inducing insecticide. The study was carried out in 2019 in two olive groves in southern Spain (Jaén, Andalusia), one of them being IPM and the other being an organic production system. The results did not allow for verification of the behavioral resistance in populations of natural enemies of both IPM and organic management against pyrethrins, while against dimethoate, behavioral resistance was verified in IPM management. The possible causes involved in obtaining these results are discussed.
The Role of Soil Moisture Information in Developing Robust Climate Services for Smallholder Farmers: Evidence from Ghana
Authors: Sutanto Samuel J. , Paparrizos Spyridon , Kranjac-Berisavljevic Gordana , Jamaldeen Baba M. , Issahaku Abdulai K. , Gandaa Bizoola Z. , Supit Iwan , van Slobbe Erik
Published: February 2022

In Ghana, most of the farmers are engaged in small-scale rainfed farming where the success is influenced by the prevailing weather conditions. Current Climate Information Services (CISs) only provide information on rainfall conditions to reduce their farming vulnerability to climate extremes. Access to other practical knowledge, such as soil moisture content would benefit farmers further in the decision-making process. This study aims to assess the role of soil moisture information in farmers’ agricultural decision-making and to understand how this information is being perceived, assessed, and applied. Exploratory research, combined with field visits and farmer interviews, was carried out in Gbulung, Napakzoo, and Yapalsi communities in the outskirts of Tamale, northern Ghana in October–December 2021. Results show that soil moisture information is highly important for activities, such as fertilizer application and sowing. Soil moisture information, however, is not readily available to the farmers, causing them to rely solely on their indigenous knowledge to monitor the soil moisture conditions. Our study reveals that developing a CIS embedded with soil moisture advisory module (CIS-SM) will help farmers in conducting strategic and tactical decision-making in their daily farming activities.