bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, and oxalic acid affects growth, inducible defenses, and pine weevil resistance in Norway spruce
Authors: Krokene Paal , Kohmann Ketil , Huynh Ngan Bao , Mageroy Melissa H.
Published: July 2023

The large pine weevil (Hylobius abietis) is a major regeneration pest in commercial forestry. Pesticide application has historically been the preferred control method, but pesticides are now being phased out in several countries for environmental reasons. There is, thus, a need for alternative plant protection strategies. We applied methyl jasmonate (MeJA), salicylic acid (SA) or oxalic acid (OxA) on the stem of 2-year-old Norway spruce (Picea abies) plants to determine effects on inducible defenses and plant growth. Anatomical examination of stem cross-sections 9 weeks after application of 100 mM MeJA revealed massive formation of traumatic resin ducts and greatly reduced sapwood growth. Application of high concentrations of SA or OxA (500 and 200 mM, respectively) induced much weaker physiological responses than 100 mM MeJA. All three treatments reduced plant height growth significantly, but the reduction was larger for MeJA (~55%) than for SA and OxA (34-35%). Lower MeJA concentrations (5-50 mM) induced comparable traumatic resin duct formation as the high MeJA concentration but caused moderate (and non-significant) reductions in plant growth. Two-year-old spruce plants treated with 100 mM MeJA showed reduced mortality after exposure to pine weevils in the field, and this enhanced resistance-effect was statistically significant for three years after treatment.
Amorphophallus muelleri activates ferulic acid and phenylpropane biosynthesis pathways to defend against Fusarium solani infection
Authors: Gao Penghua , Qi Ying , Li Lifang , Yang Shaowu , Liu Jiani , Wei Huanyu , Huang Feiyan , Yu Lei
Published: July 2023

Amorphophallus sp. is an economically important crop for rural revitalization in southwest China. However, Fusarium solani often infects Amorphophallus sp. corms during storage, damaging the corm quality and affecting leaf elongation and flowering in the subsequent crop. In this study, the mechanism of resistance to F. solani was investigated in the leaf bud and flower bud corms of Amorphophallus muelleri through transcriptome and metabolome analyses. A total of 42.52 Gb clean reads and 1,525 metabolites were detected in a total of 12 samples including 3 samples each of disease-free leaf bud corms (LC), leaf bud corms inoculated with F. solani for three days (LD), disease-free flower bud corms (FC), and flower bud corms inoculated with F. solani for three days (FD). Transcriptome, metabolome, and conjoint analyses showed that ‘MAPK signal transduction’, ‘plant-pathogen interaction’, ‘plant hormone signal transduction’, and other secondary metabolite biosynthesis pathways, including ‘phenylpropane biosynthesis’, ‘arachidonic acid metabolism’, ‘stilbene, diarylheptane and gingerolin biosynthesis’, and ‘isoquinoline alkaloids biosynthesis’, among others, were involved in the defense response of A. muelleri to F. solani. Ultimately, the expression of six genes of interest (AmCDPK20, AmRBOH, AmWRKY33, Am4CL, Am POD and AmCYP73A1) was validated by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the results indicated that these genes were involved in the response of A. muelleri to F. solani. Ferulic acid inhibited the growth of F. solani, reducing the harm caused by F. solani to A. muelleri corms to a certain extent. Overall, this study lays a strong foundation for further investigation of the interaction between A. muelleri and F. solani, and provides a list of genes for the future breeding of F. solani-resistant A. muelleri cultivars.
Cognitive biases in first-episode psychosis with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Sanchez-Gistau Vanessa , Cabezas Angel , Manzanares Nuria , Sole Montse , Corral Lia , Vilella Elisabet , Gutierrez-Zotes Alfonso
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Psychotic disorders such schizophrenia and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are neurodevelopmental disorders with social cognitive deficits. Specifically, biased interpretation of social information can result in interpersonal difficulties. Cognitive biases are prevalent in psychosis, but no previous study has investigated whether the type and severity of cognitive biases differ between subjects experiencing first-episode psychosis (FEP) with (FEP-ADHD+) and without ADHD (FEP-ADHD−).

Methods

A total of 121 FEP outpatients at the Early Intervention Service of Reus were screened for childhood ADHD through the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD (DIVA). Cognitive biases were assessed by the Cognitive Biases Questionnaire for Psychosis (CBQp). CBQp scores of FEPs groups were compared with those of healthy controls (HCs) with an analysis of covariance. Spearman correlation analysis explored associations between CBQp scores and psychopathology.

Results

Thirty-one FEPs met the criteria for childhood ADHD and reported significantly more cognitive bias [median (interquartile range): 47 (38–56)] than FEP-ADHD− [42 (37–48)] and HCs [38 (35.5–43)]. CBQp scores did not differ between FEP-ADHD-and HCs when adjusted for age and sex. After controlling for clinical differences, Intentionalising (F = 20.97; p < 0.001) and Emotional Reasoning biases (F = 4.17; p = 0.04) were more strongly associated with FEP-ADHD+ than FEP-ADHD−. Cognitive biases were significantly correlated with positive psychotic symptoms in both groups but only with depressive symptoms in FEP-ADHD− (r = 0.258; p = 0.03) and with poor functioning in FEP-ADHD+ (r = −0.504; p = 0.003).

Conclusion

Cognitive bias severity increased from HCs to FEP-ADHD-patients to FEP-ADHD+ patients. FEP-ADHD+ patients may be a particularly vulnerable group in which metacognitive targeted interventions are needed.
The role of individual features of memory and impulsiveness in telling a true or false story in a realistic, clear, and reconstructible way
Authors: Sergi Ida , Mottola Francesca , Gnisci Augusto , Caso Letizia , Palena Nicola
Published: July 2023

Objective

The aim of the present study was to explore whether there was an interaction effect between such personal aspects and veracity on realism, clarity, and reconstructability of the story.

Methods

A total of 158 participants took part in the experiment and were asked to tell a truth and a lie during an interview (veracity condition). They filled in a questionnaire measuring their metamemory performance and their level of functional and dysfunctional impulsivity. A k-means cluster analysis on metamemory and impulsivity was conducted, and three clusters were obtained: controlled-memory inefficient, controlled-memory efficient, and impulsive-average memory.

Results

The results showed that participants scored higher on all three reality monitoring criteria when telling the truth than when lying. Further, a cluster membership by veracity interaction for realism was also significant, but when telling the truth, there was no difference between clusters in terms of realism used in the explanation. Follow-up analyses showed that, when lying, the level of realism in the story was significantly higher for people belonging to the cluster “impulsive-average memory” than for people belonging to the cluster “controlled-memory efficient”, a result that seems to indicate that people with good memory and can control dysfunctional impulsivity have more difficulties when lying.

Conclusions

Research has shown that realism, clarity, and reconstructability of the story, all part of reality monitoring, can be useful to assess veracity. Generally, truth tellers obtain higher scores on all three variables than liars, but there is some variability across individuals owing to their personal characteristics. Metamemory and impulsivity also play a role in deception. From the implications of the results, the limitations of the study and suggestions for future research are also provided.
Hunger modulates perceptions of food health but not taste in restricted eaters
Authors: Herrero Lucia , McCrea Cindy E.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Food taste and health perceptions are of particular interest for their implications on food choice. Most in vivo food choice studies experimentally control for hunger via a set preload or fast.

Methods

To explore how hunger may interact with these perceptions to impact food decisions, we compared taste and health perceptions of sweet and savory obesogenic food items among hungry or satiated participants with varying restrained eating tendencies.

Results

In our sample of 232 adults (M BMI = 25.9; M age = 36.4 yrs), highly palatable foods were perceived as tasty but unhealthy. Tastiness ratings were high, consistent across restrained eating groups, and unassociated with hunger. Perceptions of health, however, were impacted by the interaction of restrained eating group and hunger. Amongst hungry participants only, a graded association between restrained eating group and perceptions of health emerged for both food types. Specifically, hungry and highly restrained eaters viewed sweet foods as 2.8x healthier and savory foods as 2.1x healthier than their satiated counterparts.

Discussion

Our data suggest that hunger predicts differential health perceptions, but not tastiness ratings, among restrained eaters. We argue that the generalization of food perception data–especially among different eater types–may be limited if the continuum of hunger level is experimentally constrained. Therefore, hunger is a critical dynamic to consider in explorations of food perceptions and eating behavior in restrained eaters.
The transition to college: lived experiences of academically talented students with autism
Authors: Austermann Quinn , Gelbar Nicholas W. , Reis Sally M. , Madaus Joseph W.
Published: July 2023

The experiences of autistic college students have become an increasing focus of research over the past 10 years. As a part of a larger research project, 40 successful autistic college students were interviewed about their experiences transitioning from high school to college. Participants reported being active participants in selecting colleges, but not receiving robust transition services during high school. They reported wanting additional opportunities in high school to develop executive function skills and to have more social opportunities. Further, they stressed the importance of developing greater independence while in high school.
Psychometric properties of the Korean version of questionnaires on adherence to physical distancing and health beliefs about COVID-19 in the general population
Authors: Hong Youjin , An Hoyoung , Cho Eulah , Ahmed Oli , Ahn Myung Hee , Yoo Soyoung , Chung Seockhoon
Published: July 2023

Introduction

We aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Korean version of the questionnaires on adherence to physical distancing and health beliefs about COVID-19 in the general population in South Korea. In addition, we investigated how the various sections interacted with each other and with viral anxiety and depression, and ultimately affected adherence to physical distancing.

Methods

An anonymous online survey was conducted among members of the general population in South Korea between 10 and 18 January 2022. We recruited 400 respondents and measured their demographic information, symptoms, and responses to questions about COVID-19. First, we examined the reliability and validity of the questionnaires, which included questions about people’s adherence to physical distancing guidelines and COVID-19-related health beliefs. Second, we examined the relationship between physical distancing and viral anxiety or depression, as assessed using the six-item Stress and Anxiety to Viral Epidemics (SAVE-6) scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).

Results

All 400 participants (204 men, age 41.6 ± 10.8) completed the survey. Confirmatory factor analysis revealed a good model fit for adherence to physical distancing (CFI = 1.000, TLI = 1.019, RMSEA = 0.000, and SRMR = 0.034) and health beliefs about COVID-19 (CFI = 0.993, TLI = 0.991, RMSEA = 0.030, and SRMR = 0.052). It also showed good reliability for Factor I (Cronbach’s α = 0.826) and Factor II (α = 0.740). Four categories of the COVID-19 health beliefs questionnaire also showed good reliability for perceived susceptibility (α = 0.870), perceived severity (α = 0.901), perceived benefit (α = 0.935), and barriers to following physical distancing (α = 0.833). Structural equation models showed that the effects of health beliefs and viral anxiety and depression were mediated mostly by personal injunctive norms. Goodness-of-fit measures indicated a good fit. (Chi-square = 24.425, df = 7, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.966; RMSEA = 0.079).

Conclusion

The Korean version of the COVID-19 adherence to physical distancing and health beliefs questionnaires showed good reliability and validity in the Korean general population. In addition, the effects of health beliefs, along with viral anxiety and depression, were mainly mediated by personal injunctive norms.
Polydipsia and autistic traits in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders
Authors: Komatsu Hiroshi , Ono Takashi , Onouchi Yuji , Onoguchi Goh , Maita Yoshinori , Ishida Yusuke , Maki Takahiro , Oba Akiko , Tomita Hiroaki , Kakuto Yoshihisa
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Polydipsia, prevalent in 6%–20% of patients with schizophrenia, results in seclusion and prolonged hospitalization. It is also observed in autistic individuals, with previous studies reporting that autism accounted for 20% of all hospitalized patients with polydipsia. The current study investigated the association between polydipsia and autistic traits in patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) based on the hypothesis that higher autistic traits would be observed in schizophrenic patients with polydipsia.

Methods

In the first study (study A), the autism-spectrum quotient [(AQ); Japanese version] scores of long-stay inpatients with and without polydipsia were compared. Furthermore, the association between polydipsia and autistic traits was also examined in short-stay inpatients and outpatients with SSDs (study B).

Results

Study A showed that patients with polydipsia scored significantly higher on the three AQ subscales (attention switching; communication; and imagination) compared to those without. Study B also showed that patients with polydipsia had significantly higher AQ scores overall and for several subscales compared to those without polydipsia. Binary logistic regression analysis of the combined sample showed that male gender and higher autistic traits were significant predictors of polydipsia.

Discussion

The study highlights the importance of focusing on such traits to understand the pathogenesis of polydipsia in SSD patients.
Inside out: transforming images of lab-grown plants for machine learning applications in agriculture
Authors: Krosney Alexander E. , Sotoodeh Parsa , Henry Christopher J. , Beck Michael A. , Bidinosti Christopher P.
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Machine learning tasks often require a significant amount of training data for the resultant network to perform suitably for a given problem in any domain. In agriculture, dataset sizes are further limited by phenotypical differences between two plants of the same genotype, often as a result of different growing conditions. Synthetically-augmented datasets have shown promise in improving existing models when real data is not available.

Methods

In this paper, we employ a contrastive unpaired translation (CUT) generative adversarial network (GAN) and simple image processing techniques to translate indoor plant images to appear as field images. While we train our network to translate an image containing only a single plant, we show that our method is easily extendable to produce multiple-plant field images.

Results

Furthermore, we use our synthetic multi-plant images to train several YoloV5 nano object detection models to perform the task of plant detection and measure the accuracy of the model on real field data images.

Discussion

The inclusion of training data generated by the CUT-GAN leads to better plant detection performance compared to a network trained solely on real data.
Developmental screening tools for identification of children with developmental difficulties in high-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: Cibralic Sara , Hawker Patrick , Khan Ferosa , Lucien Abbie , Mendoza Diaz Antonio , Woolfenden Susan , Murphy Elisabeth , Deering April , Schnelle Clare , Townsend Sharnee , Eapen Valsamma
Published: July 2023

Objective

To examine and synthesize the literature on the use of universal developmental screening and surveillance tools in high-income countries in relation to (1) psychometric properties; (2) knowledge, acceptability, and feasibility of tools; and (3) follow-up taken following screening/surveillance.

Method

A PRISMA-compliant systematic review was performed in the PsychInfo, PubMed, and Embase databases. Studies published in the English language were included if they reported results evaluating a universal developmental screening or surveillance measurement tool. Articles on service providers’ and/or parents’ views on developmental screening were also included. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed for risk of bias using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool and the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies Tool. Results were synthesized qualitatively.

Results

Initial searches identified 2,078 articles, of which 52 were included in the final review. Findings showed that several articles assessing the accuracy of screening tools have been published, and together, they suggest that the accuracy of screening tools varies across cultures and countries. Furthermore, available literature indicated that administering universal developmental screening tools was feasible and acceptable, though only a small number of studies are available. Results also showed a limited number of studies looking at actions taken following positive screening results.

Conclusion

As the evidence stands, more research assessing the acceptability, feasibility, and accuracy of developmental screeners, is needed.

Systematic review registration

This review has been registered with the University of York Centre for Reviews and Dissemination (PROSPERO; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=337320, registration number CRD42022337320).
Disability doesn’t discriminate: health inequities at the intersection of race and disability
Authors: Dorsey Holliman Brooke , Stransky Michelle , Dieujuste Nathalie , Morris Megan
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Given the prevalence of discrimination experienced by racial and ethnic minorities living with disabilities, it is likely that racism experienced by Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) is compounded by the ableism experienced by people with disabilities, widening disparities in health and healthcare outcomes. To address this, we described unmet healthcare needs of a sample of Black, non-Hispanic, and Hispanic adults with and without disabilities. The following research question was examined exploratively: Are Black and Hispanic adults with disabilities at increased risk of unmet healthcare needs compared to Black and Hispanic adults without disabilities according to the 2018 National Health Interview Survey?

Methods

Survey data was examined from the 2018 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), a nationally representative survey of community-dwelling adults in the United States.

Results

Black and non-Hispanic adults most commonly reported mobility only disabilities. People with disabilities were significantly more likely to delay or forego care than their peers without disabilities within each racial/ethnic group. Among non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic adults, nearly 30% of people with disabilities forewent services due to cost compared to persons without disabilities.

Conclusions

Black and Hispanic adults with disabilities experience greater disparities in access to healthcare than Black and Hispanic adults without disabilities. Therefore, health disparities experienced by racial and ethnic minorities living with disabilities is likely influenced by the dual systemic factors of racism and ableism.
In the name of the residents' wellbeing: development of halal tourism in Indonesia using the “place attachment” approach and “value-belief-norm theory”
Authors: Dewi Ike Janita
Published: July 2023

Studies on halal tourism tend to be demand-side oriented. This paper offers an insight into halal tourism from the supply-side perspective using Place Attachment and Value-Norm-Belief. The study has two aims. The first aim is to develop a research model for the development of halal tourism from a supply-side perspective (i.e., using the perspective of residents living in the Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia). The second aim is to formulate strategies and policies based on the results. Data were collected from the survey questionnaire of 251 respondents and analyzed using Descriptive Analysis and Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM). The findings showed that Place Dependence and Place Identity fully mediate the Perceived Benefits and Perceived Concerns on Attitudes toward halal tourism development. Perceived benefits positively affect attitude toward halal tourism development, whereas perceived concerns has negative affect. This study enriches tourism research by combining two concepts of Place Attachment and Value-Norm-Belief in the context of halal tourism. The empirical contribution of this research is the development of a model that can be applied in other regions.
Analysis of the dynamics of food security in the countries of the Eurasian Economic Union
Authors: Iashina Ekaterina A. , Evgrafova Lyudmila V. , Dzhancharova Gulnara K. , Ukolova Anna V. , Kovaleva Elena V.
Published: July 2023

The research aims to analyze the integration of agricultural and food markets in the context of food security of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU). The research is based on the methodology of export and import of agri-food products by the EAEU countries of the World Trade Center. The analysis of food security of the EAEU was carried out by the methods of descriptive statistics and related disciplines (econometrics, multidimensional statistical methods, mathematical modeling) and the index approach. It was noted that increasing production volumes and joint international and Russian trade communications will help increase the macro-micro level of self-sufficiency in the key range of food products for both the EAEU states and the population in particular.
Evaluation of the quality of meat and carcasses from sheep fed diets containing three types of oils
Authors: Costa Thays Syntya Antunes da , Silva Jamile Andréa Rodrigues da , Faturi Cristian , Silva André Guimarães Maciel e , do Rêgo Aníbal Coutinho , Monteiro Edwana Mara M. , Budel Juliana Cristina de Castro , Castro Vinícius Costa Gomes de , Barbosa Antônio Vinicius Corrêa , Silva Welligton Conceição da , Lourenço-Junior José de Brito
Published: July 2023

The objective of this research was to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the carcass and meat of lambs fed with different types of oil. Thirty male, uncastrated, mixed breed (Santa Inês × Dorper) sheep were used in this experiment and were distributed in random blocks with three treatments and 10 replicates per treatment, where each animal represents a replicated experimental unit. The three treatments were the following experimental diets: soybean oil in natura; soybean oil after use in frying, and palm oil (Elaeis guineensis). The oils were incorporated into the sheep diets at a level of 4%. Carcasses were evaluated for hot and cold yield, loss due to cooling, finish, conformation, internal fat concentration, morphometric measurements, tissue composition, and commercial cuts. The addition of soybean oil in natura, residual soybean oil from frying, and palm oil to the sheep diets did not alter any of the evaluated characteristics, which therefore can be interpreted as favoring the use of any of these three oils as a supplement to their diet, and the three oils imparted good characteristics to the carcasses and the meat.
Genome editing of pseudorabies virus in the CRISPR/Cas9 era: a mini-review
Authors: Wang Hai-Ming , Qiao Yang-Yang , Cai Bing-Yan , Tan Ju , Na Lei , Wang Yu , Lu Hui , Tang Yan-Dong
Published: July 2023

Pseudorabies virus (PRV) is an important swine virus that has a significant impact on the global swine industry. PRV is a member of the herpesvirus family, specifically the alphaherpesvirus subfamily, and has been extensively utilized as a prototype herpesvirus. Notably, recent studies have reported that PRV sporadically spills over into humans. The PRV genome is approximately 150 kb in size and is difficult to manipulate at the genomic level. The development of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas9) technology has revolutionized PRV genome editing. CRISPR/Cas9 has been widely used in the construction of reporter viruses, knock-out/knock-in of genes of interest, single virus tracking and antiviral strategies. Most importantly, for vaccine development, virulence gene knockout PRV vaccine candidates can be obtained within 2 weeks using CRISPR/Cas9. In this mini-review, we provide a concise overview of the application of CRISPR/Cas9 in PRV research and mainly share our experience with methods for efficiently editing the PRV genome. Through this review, we hope to give researchers better insight into the genome editing of pseudorabies virus.
Effects of Oxygenated Brackish Water on Pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.) Growth Characteristics Based on a Logistic Crop Growth Model
Authors: Shan Yuyang , Sun Yan , Tao Wanghai , Su Lijun
Published: July 2023

Oxygenated irrigation can improve soil physical and chemical properties and increase vegetable yields. It provides an effective method for safe and efficient utilization of brackish water, but its growth-promoting pathway is unclear. We investigated the effects of brackish water culture at five dissolved oxygen concentrations (9.5 (CK), 12.5, 15.5, 18.5, and 22.5 mg/L) on pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.) growth characteristics by hydroponics experiment, and the logistic model to fit and analyze pakchoi growth characteristics. At a brackish water dissolved oxygen concentration of 18.5 mg/L, nitrogen mass fraction was significantly higher than in a control treatment by 43.4%, and pakchoi effective accumulated temperature increment during vigorous plant height and root length growth was significantly lower than other treatments. The logistic model effectively simulated pakchoi plant height and root length growth, and both theoretical maximum plant height and root length reached their maximum values at 18.5 mg/L dissolved oxygen concentration. Path analysis showed that the maximum net photosynthetic rate and nitrogen mass fraction were the main factors affecting aboveground pakchoi fresh weight. In conclusion, a dissolved oxygen concentration of 18.5 mg/L in brackish water is more appropriate for pakchoi to achieve high yield under brackish water hydroponics conditions. Our results provide guidance for the safe and efficient utilization of brackish water in green and efficient vegetable production.
Spatiotemporal Evolution of Cultivated Land Use Eco-Efficiency and Its Dynamic Relationship with Landscape Pattern Change from the Perspective of Carbon Effect: A Case Study of Henan, China
Authors: Liu Qi , Qiao Jiajun , Han Dong , Li Mengjuan , Shi Liangxiao
Published: July 2023

Cultivated land is a vital factor in agricultural production but faces multiple challenges, including declining total area, spatial transformation, and ecological degradation. It is imperative to enhance cultivated land use eco-efficiency (CLUE). This study aimed to evaluate the CLUE that considers both carbon sequestration and emissions using the SBM model at the county level. Next, spatial autocorrelation was employed to measure CLUE’s spatial correlation. The spatial agglomeration pattern of CLUE was determined, then time-series cluster analysis was used to identify the temporal evolution patterns of CLUE in various districts and counties. Furthermore, we explored the spatiotemporal dynamic relationship between CLUE and landscape pattern changes using landscape pattern index and geographically and temporally weighted regression (GTWR), considering spatiotemporal heterogeneity, and using interaction detectors to identify the interaction between landscape pattern factors on CLUE. The results show that: (1) From 2000 to 2020, CLUE in Henan Province varied between 0.50 and 0.70 in most years, indicating potential for improvement. There are four primary temporal evolution patterns: 26 Late-development, 22 Wave-rising, 27 Fluctuation-rising, and 29 Continuous-rising types of CLUE. (2) CLUE exhibits low values in the middle and eastern regions, i.e., areas with high values are concentrated in the southern districts, counties, and western and northern regions. CLUE has a significant positive spatial correlation with HH agglomeration areas mainly concentrated in Xinyang City, and LL agglomeration areas mainly located in the eastern and central regions. (3) Overall, different landscape factors exhibit varying degrees of spatiotemporal heterogeneity in their impact on CLUE. The total area and aggregation of cultivated land have a positive effect on CLUE, with the area of the positive influence of the total area gradually expanding over time and the aggregation gradually decreasing. The complexity of cultivated land shape has a negative effect. The impact of cultivated land patch density is two-sided, with the area of negative influence gradually expanding over time. (4) The interaction between the total area, shape, and aggregation of cultivated land is enhanced. Additionally, the interaction between cultivated land patch density and other factors has changed from a weakening to a strengthening one, and the “double-edged sword” effect has gradually shifted into a one-way effect. Therefore, in the process of land consolidation, it is recommended to prioritize regularized, larger, and more concentrated cropland patches whenever possible.
Using Internet of Things (IoT), Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), and Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) to Enhance Monitoring and Detection of Grain Pests in Storage and Handling Operators
Authors: Crépon Katell , Cabacos Marine , Bonduelle Félix , Ammari Faten , Faure Marlène , Maudemain Séverine
Published: July 2023

To reduce the use of insecticides, silo operators are reconsidering their practices and implementing integrated pest management (IPM) to manage insect infestations. IPM requires the early detection of insects to react before infestation spread or to isolate infested lots. Depending on their position in the storage and handling chain, operators will favor monitoring or rapid detection tools. To simplify monitoring in storage, an internet-connected trap has been designed. It includes a camera located above a tank that allows for the captured insects to be counted. A total of 89 traps were installed in elevators for a proof-of-concept phase. Compared to sample monitoring, the traps detected an average of three additional insect species in an infested batch. To improve the detection of insects in wheat, methods for detecting and quantifying live adult insects (Sitophilus oryzae, Rhyzoperta dominica, and Tribolium confusum) using NIRS and HSI have been developed. The used instruments, a near-infrared spectrometer and a hyperspectral camera, allow for an in-flow analysis, which reduces sampling errors. The cross-validation errors of the NIRS models ranged from 2.44 insects/kg to 2.56 insects/kg, and the prediction error of the HSI ones ranged from 0.70 insect/kg to 2.07 insect/kg, depending on the insect species.
Two Amnion-Derived Mesenchymal Stem-Cells Injections to Osteoarthritic Elbows in Dogs—Pilot Study
Authors: Domaniza Michal , Hluchy Marian , Cizkova Dasa , Humenik Filip , Slovinska Lucia , Hudakova Nikola , Hornakova Lubica , Vozar Juraj , Trbolova Alexandra
Published: July 2023

The aim of the study was to investigate the potential of cell-based regenerative therapy for elbow joints affected by osteoarthritis. Interest was focused on two intra-articular applications of amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells (A-MSCs) to a group of different breeds of dogs with elbow osteoarthritis (13 joints). Two injections were performed 14 days apart. We evaluated synovial fluid biomarkers, such as IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-15, IL-10, MCP-1, TNF-α, and GM-CSF, by multiplex fluorescent micro-bead immunoassay in the treated group of elbows (n = 13) (day 0, day 14, and day 28) and in the control group of elbows (n = 9). Kinematic gait analysis determined the joint range of motion (ROM) before and after each A-MSCs application. Kinematic gait analysis was performed on day 0, day 14, and day 28. Kinematic gait analysis pointed out improvement in the average range of motion of elbow joints from day 0 (38.45 ± 5.74°), day 14 (41.7 ± 6.04°), and day 28 (44.78 ± 4.69°) with statistical significance (p < 0.05) in nine elbows. Correlation analyses proved statistical significance (p < 0.05) in associations between ROM (day 0, day 14, and day 28) and IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-15, MCP-1, TNF-α, and GM-CSF concentrations (day 0, day 14, and day 28). IFN-γ, IL-6, IL-15, MCP-1, GM-CSF, and TNF- α showed negative correlation with ROM at day 0, day 14, and day 28, while IL-10 demonstrated positive correlation with ROM. As a consequence of A-MSC application to the elbow joint, we detected a statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease in concentration levels between day 0 and day 28 for IFN-γ, IL-6, and TNF-α and statistically significant increase for IL-10. Statistical significance (p < 0.05) was detected in TNF-α, IFN-γ, and GM-CSF concentrations between day 14 and the control group as well as at day 28 and the control group. IL-6 concentrations showed statistical significance (p < 0.05) between day 14 and the control group.
Comparing Pixel Changes and Manual Observations for Mapping Broiler Activity during Dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens) Provisioning
Authors: van Leuffen Noa , Ipema Allyson F. , Bolhuis J. Elizabeth
Published: July 2023

Welfare issues in broilers include inactivity and poor leg health. Activity can be stimulated by providing whole dried Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BFSL), but it is unknown whether this effect changes over time. Therefore, effects of BSFL provisioning on broiler activity per minute were assessed in detail. Additionally, the use of pixel changes as a proxy for broiler activity was explored. Broilers were housed in groups of 28 (n = 4 pens, <33 kg/m2). Dried BSFL were scattered through the pen of treatment groups at 08:00, 11:00, 14:00, and 17:00. Activity was assessed per minute both manually using scan sampling, and automatically as percent pixel changes for 30 min around BSFL provisioning, and at 14, 21 and 28 days of age. Both methods were moderately positively correlated and showed that BSFL provisioning increased activity. Activity as assessed by manual observations decreased at 17:00, at 21, and 28 days in both groups. The pixel changes indicated that this could be due to low activity levels in the control group. Using pixel changes seems to be a promising, timesaving tool to score broiler activity, but future research is necessary to validate this method and determine how high activity can be maintained over time.
Comparative Population Dynamics of Schizothorax wangchiachii (Cyprinidae: Schizothoracinae) in the Middle Reaches of the Yalong River and the Upper Reaches of the Jinsha River, China
Authors: He Zhi , Gao Kuo , Chen Hongjun , Yang Deying , Pu Yong , Zheng Li , Jiao Yuanyuan , Xiong Jinxin , Chen Qiqi , Lai Bolin , Zhang Mingwang , Tang Ziting , Yan Taiming
Published: July 2023

To explore the differences in the growth characteristics and population dynamics of Schizothorax wangchiachii populations in the Jinsha River (JSR) and the Yalong River (YLR), samples were collected in the upper reaches of the JSR (n = 230) from 2019 to 2020 and the middle reaches of the YLR (n = 187) from 2017 to 2018. In the JSR and YLR populations, the age range was 11 and 12 years old, respectively, and the best growth equation was the Von Bertalanffy equation. The comparative analysis of the two populations showed that the growth coefficient, initial sexual maturity age and age at first capture of the YLR population were greater than those of the JSR population. Comparing the mortality rates of the two groups, we found that the YLR population had the higher female mortality rate (0.658 years−1) and the lower male mortality rate (0.453 years−1). Our assessment of the three natural mortality rates showed that the Fcur of both male and female populations was greater than F25%, indicating that both populations were in an overexploited state. Therefore, we suggest considering the two groups as separate protection units and implementing management measures such as ecological regulation, restoration of tributary habitat and strengthening of fishing ban monitoring to protect their resources.
From Hospital to Community: Exploring Antibiotic Resistance and Genes Associated with Virulence Factor Diversity of Coagulase-Positive Staphylococci
Authors: Aqel Hazem , Sannan Naif , Foudah Ramy
Published: July 2023

Coagulase-positive staphylococcus (CoPS), including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), poses a global threat. The increasing prevalence of MRSA in Saudi Arabia emphasizes the need for effective management. This study explores the prevalence of virulence-associated genes and antibiotic resistance patterns in CoPS. Nasal swabs from 200 individuals were collected, and standard protocols were used for the isolation, identification, and characterization of CoPS and coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS). Additionally, antimicrobial susceptibility testing and PCR were conducted. Bacterial growth was observed in 58.5% of participants, with 12% positive for CoPS and 30% positive for CoNS. Hospital personnel carriers showed a significantly higher proportion of CoNS compared with non-hospital personnel carriers. Non-hospital personnel CoPS strains displayed higher sensitivity to oxacillin than hospital personnel strains. Cefoxitin exhibited the highest sensitivity among β-lactam antibiotics. All isolates were sensitive to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, rifampin, and quinupristin. Polymerase chain reaction analysis detected methicillin resistance genes in both non-hospital and hospital personnel MRSA strains. The coa and spa genes were prevalent in MRSA isolates, while the Luk-PV gene was not detected. A high prevalence of CoPS and CoNS was observed in both non-hospital and hospital personnel carriers. Occupational risk factors may contribute to the differences in the strain distribution. Varying antibiotic susceptibility patterns indicate the effectiveness of oxacillin and cefoxitin. Urgent management strategies are needed due to methicillin resistance. Further research is necessary to explore additional virulence-associated genes and develop comprehensive approaches for CoPS infection prevention and treatment in Saudi Arabia.
A Novel Suspended-Sediment Sampling Method: Depth-Integrated Grab (DIG)
Authors: Groten Joel T. , Levin Sara B. , Coenen Erin N. , Lund J. William , Johnson Gregory D.
Published: July 2023

Measuring suspended sediment in fluvial systems is critical to understanding and managing water resources. Sampling suspended sediment has been the primary means of understanding fluvial suspended sediment. Specialized samplers, sampling methods, and laboratory methods developed by select U.S. Federal Agencies are more representative of river and stream conditions than commonly used grab sampling and total suspended solids (TSS) laboratory methods but are not widely used because they are expensive, time consuming, and not required as part of water quality standards in the United States. A new suspended-sediment sampling method called a depth-integrated grab (DIG) was developed by combining certain elements from both grab and depth-integrating sampling methods and suspended-sediment concentration (SSC) laboratory methods. The goal of the DIG method was to provide more accurate results than Grab-TSS while being easier and cheaper to sample than specialized samplers and methods. Approximately 50 paired comparison samples were collected at 9 sites in Minnesota from 2018 through 2019. Results showed no significant difference between the DIG and specialized sampling methods and a significant difference between both methods and the Grab-TSS method. The DIG-SSC provided an improved alternative to the Grab-TSS method, but additional research and testing is important to evaluate if this method is appropriate in different conditions than were observed in this study.
Enhancing Fire Detection Technology: A UV-Based System Utilizing Fourier Spectrum Analysis for Reliable and Accurate Fire Detection
Authors: Truong Cong Tuan , Nguyen Thanh Hung , Vu Van Quang , Do Viet Hoang , Nguyen Duc Toan
Published: July 2023

This study proposes a low-cost and reliable smart fire alarm system that utilizes ultraviolet (UV) detection technology with an aspherical lens to detect fires emitting photons in the 185–260 nm range. The system integrates the aspherical lens with an accelerator and a digital compass to determine the fire source’s direction, allowing for safe evacuation and effective firefighting. Artificial intelligence is employed to reduce false alarms and achieve a low false alarm rate. The system’s wide detection range and direction verification make it an effective fire detection solution. Upon detecting a fire, the system sends a warning signal via Wi-Fi or smartphone to the user. The proposed system’s advantages include early warning, a low false alarm rate, and detection of a wide range of fires. Experimental results validate the system’s design and demonstrate high accuracy, reliability, and practicality, making it a valuable addition to fire management and prevention. The proposed system utilizes a parabolic mirror to collect UV radiation into the detector and a simple classification model that uses Fourier transform algorithm to reduce false alarms. The results showed accuracies of approximately 95.45% and 93.65% for the flame and UVB lamp, respectively. The system demonstrated its effectiveness in detecting flames in the range of up to 50 m, making it suitable for various applications, including small and medium-sized buildings, homes, and vehicles.
Amoxicillin Degradation by TiO2 P25 Solar Heterogeneous Photocatalysis: Influence of pH and Oxidizing Agent H2O2 Addition
Authors: Alcázar-Medina Tania L. , Chairez-Hernández Isaías , Lemus-Santana Ana A. , Núñez-Núñez Cynthia M. , Proal-Nájera José B.
Published: July 2023

Over the years, there has been an increase in the consumption of drugs, particularly antibiotics. Amoxicillin (AMX) is considered one of the most widely used antibiotics, causing resistance in microorganisms in the ecosystem where it is found. Additionally, it has been cataloged among the drugs under surveillance by the European Commission since 2020. The present work studies the efficiency of AMX degradation by photolysis and heterogeneous solar photocatalysis processes under different reaction pH levels (3.5, 4.15, 7 and 9) and observing the influence of different doses of H2O2 (nil and 4 mM), as an oxidizing agent. TiO2 P25 was used as photocatalyst, impregnated in glass supports of 0.1 and 1 m2 in flat plate reactors (FPR). A 2 × 2 × 4 statistical analysis carried out after repeated measurements to determine the relationship between the different parameters involved (process, H2O2 dose, and pH). The kinetics of the AMX degradation reaction showed the best rate constant (KphC = 0.10 min−1) under acidic medium conditions (pH 4.15), without addition of H2O2, and by heterogeneous photocatalysis when using a 1 m2 FPR to achieve 100% COD removal. ANCOVA showed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the use of H2O2 for the first minutes of the reaction and in the different FPR surfaces.
Minimization of Personnel Absenteeism with the Application of Proposed Ergonomic Model in a Plastics Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Quiroz-Flores Juan , Abásolo-Núñez Brenda , Suárez-Miñano Daniella , Nallusamy S.
Published: July 2023

This research article focuses on the ergonomic design of the workstations for the plastics industry plant to reduce the postural load that improves the workers’ productivity and the operators’ absenteeism due to musculoskeletal disorders. This article develops an innovative solution to deal with one of the main problems of the plastic industry, namely, the high rate of worker absenteeism generated by musculoskeletal disorders due to the high postural load at the stations of work in this industry. The research is divided into four stages, namely the Determination of the objectives through the analysis of the problem and its root causes, the Redesign of the work methodologies in the productive area, the Improvement in the activities and tools used in the production chain, and Evaluations of the different impacts that the proposal entails. A proposed model validated with the Delmia V5 software and evaluation methods such as RULA, REBA, and OCRA, made possible a reduction in the level of risk of 50% and 66.7% in the different jobs analyzed and obtained 42,929 PEN in savings per year in respect to the total costs generated by the absenteeism presented. The result of the new workstations satisfies the ergonomic aspects and the needs of the workers. The study focuses on an analysis of risk levels that occurred in each of the high-density bag production activities, where non-conformity was found regarding the high risks presented, those leading causes with inappropriate postures by the staff, non-optimal working conditions, and absence of ergonomic furniture. This research serves as the basis for future lines of research and other companies with similar characteristics to implement the model.
Application of Image Processing in Evaluation of Hydraulic Fracturing with Liquid Nitrogen: A Case Study of Coal Samples from Karaganda Basin
Authors: Longinos Sotirios Nik. , Abbas Azza Hashim , Bolatov Arman , Skrzypacz Piotr , Hazlett Randy
Published: July 2023

Research of microstructure and permeability evolution of coal following LN2 treatment elucidate the process of cryogenic fracturing due to environmentally friendly behavior in comparison with conventional hydraulic fracturing. The evolution of the 2D microstructure of bituminous coal before and after LN2 treatment was examined using a high-resolution camera. The image processing was implemented using functions from the OpenCV Python library that are sequentially applied to digital images of original coal samples. The images were converted into binary pixel matrices to identify cracks and to evaluate the number of cracks, crack density, total crack area, and average crack length. Results were visualized using Seaborn and Matplotlib Python libraries. There were calculations of total crack area (TCA), total number of cracks (TNC), crack density (CD), the average length of cracks (Q2), first (Q1) and third (Q3) quartiles in fracture length statistics. Our findings demonstrate a progressive increase in the Total Crack Area (δTCA) with longer freezing times and an increased number of freezing–thawing cycles. In contrast, the change in crack density (δCD) was generally unaffected by freezing time alone but exhibited a significant increase after several freezing–thawing cycles. Among the freezing times investigated, the highest crack density (CD) value of 300 m−1 was achieved in FT60, while the lowest CD value of 31.25 m−1 was observed in FT90 after liquid nitrogen (LN2) treatment. Additionally, the FTC4 process resulted in a 50% augmentation in the number of cracks, whereas the FTC5 process tripled the number of small cracks.