bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Colorectal cancer and associated genetic, lifestyle, cigarette, nargileh-hookah use and alcohol consumption risk factors: a comprehensive case-control study
Authors: Bener Abdulbari , Öztürk Ahmet Emin , Dasdelen Muhammed Furkan , Barisik Cem Cahit , Dasdelen Zehra Betul , Agan Ahmet F. , De La Rosette Jean , Day Andrew S.
Published: October 2024

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the causes and risk factors of colorectal cancer (CRC) in a Turkish population, focusing on various modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors.

Methods

A hospital-based case-control design was employed to compare individuals with CRC (cases) to individuals without CRC (controls). Male and female participants were recruited from the surgery, internal medicine, and out-patient departments. The study encompassed socio-demographic data, clinical information, radiological diagnoses, and biochemical measurements. Univariable and multivariable logistic regressions were used to determine associated risk factors of CRC.

Results

The study included 704 individuals with CRC and 704 controls. Significant socio-demographic disparities were observed between the groups, with over 30% of the cases having lower levels of education and income compared to the controls. Lifestyle factors such as obesity, higher rates of smoking (cigarettes and hookah) and alcohol consumption were more prevalent among cases than controls. Further significant associations were identified with intestinal inflammation, obesity, processed food consumption, and symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, constipation, blood in stool, bloating, irritable bowel syndrome, nausea/vomiting, anemia, stress, fatigue, weakness, and weight loss. Diet analysis revealed that individuals with CRC consumed more red meat, processed and fast foods along with less pulses and vegetables. Genetic predispositions and exposure to chemicals also correlated strongly with increased CRC risk. Multivariable regression analysis identified, nausea/vomiting, constipation, intestinal disease, genetics factor, hookah-nargileh use, history of any cancer, family history of bowel cancer, constipation, cigarette smoking, stress, milk-yogurt consumption, obesity and red meat consumption as significant determinants for CRC.

Conclusion

CRC risk is influenced by dietary, lifestyle, and genetic factors. Awareness of hereditary risk and participation in screening are crucial. Lifestyle changes, such as avoiding smoking, hookah, and alcohol use, and adopting a healthy diet, are essential for prevention.
Ultrasonic Guided Wave Health Monitoring of High-Temperature Aircraft Structures Based on Variational Mode Decomposition and Fuzzy Entropy
Authors: Zhang Feiting , Zhang Kaifu , Cheng Hui , Gao Dongyue , Cai Keyi
Published: October 2024

This paper presents an innovative approach to high-temperature health monitoring of aircraft structures utilizing an ultrasonic guided wave transmission and reception system integrated with a zirconia heat buffer layer. Aiming to address the challenges posed by environmental thermal noise and the installation of heat buffers, which can introduce structural nonlinearities into guided wave signals, a composite guided wave consisting of longitudinal and Lamb waves was proposed for online damage detection within thermal protection systems. To effectively analyze these complex signals, a hybrid damage monitoring technique combining variational mode decomposition (VMD) and fuzzy entropy (FEN) was introduced. The VMD was employed to isolate the principal components of the guided wave signals, while the fuzzy entropy of these components served as a quantitative damage factor, characterizing the extent of the structural damage. Furthermore, this study validated the feasibility of piezoelectric probes equipped with heat buffer layers for both exciting and receiving ultrasonic guided wave signals in a dual heat buffer layer, a one-transmit-one-receive configuration. The experimental results demonstrated the efficacy of the proposed VMD-FEN damage factor for real-time monitoring of damage in aircraft thermal protection systems, both at ambient and elevated temperatures (up to 150 °C), showcasing its potential for enhancing the safety and reliability of aerospace structures operating under extreme thermal conditions.
Remaining Useful Life Prediction Method Based on Dual-Path Interaction Network with Multiscale Feature Fusion and Dynamic Weight Adaptation
Authors: Lu Zhe , Li Bing , Fu Changyu , Wu Junbao , Xu Liang , Jia Siye , Zhang Hao
Published: October 2024

In fields such as manufacturing and aerospace, remaining useful life (RUL) prediction estimates the failure time of high-value assets like industrial equipment and aircraft engines by analyzing time series data collected from various sensors, enabling more effective predictive maintenance. However, significant temporal diversity and operational complexity during equipment operation make it difficult for traditional single-scale, single-dimensional feature extraction methods to effectively capture complex temporal dependencies and multi-dimensional feature interactions. To address this issue, we propose a Dual-Path Interaction Network, integrating the Multiscale Temporal-Feature Convolution Fusion Module (MTF-CFM) and the Dynamic Weight Adaptation Module (DWAM). This approach adaptively extracts information across different temporal and feature scales, enabling effective interaction of multi-dimensional information. Using the Commercial Modular Aero-Propulsion System Simulation (C-MAPSS) dataset for comprehensive performance evaluation, our method achieved RMSE values of 0.0969, 0.1316, 0.086, and 0.1148; MAPE values of 9.72%, 14.51%, 8.04%, and 11.27%; and Score results of 59.93, 209.39, 67.56, and 215.35 across four different data categories. Furthermore, the MTF-CFM module demonstrated an average improvement of 7.12%, 10.62%, and 7.21% in RMSE, MAPE, and Score across multiple baseline models. These results validate the effectiveness and potential of the proposed model in improving the accuracy and robustness of RUL prediction.
Characterization of Changes in Ripening Process of Volatile Apple Compounds Based on HS-SPME-GC-MS Analysis
Authors: Ma Jun , Li Xiaolong , Chu Yannan , Yue Haiying , Xu Zehua , Li Baiyun , Wu Xianyi , Gan Jun , Jia Yonghua
Published: October 2024

The aim of this study was to identify the aromatic compounds present in different apple varieties and to gain insights into the changes in the aromatic compounds during ripening. Three apple varieties (“Red Astrachan”, “Ning Qiu”, and “Golden Delicious”) at different stages of ripening were selected for this study; their peel and pulp were analyzed via headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME)–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS), and 30 volatile compounds were identified. The samples’ differences were analyzed using heat map cluster analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and an independent samples t-test. The results showed that the content of aromatic compounds in the peel was higher than that in the pulp. The relative content of esters in the aromatic compounds of the three apple varieties followed the order of pulp > peel and “Ning Qiu” > “Golden Delicious” > “Red Astrachan”. This suggests that “Ning Qiu” combines the advantages of its parents in terms of its aroma content. The highest concentrations of aroma compounds in “Red Astrachan” and “Ning Qiu” accumulate before the ripening stage, and care should be taken to choose an appropriate harvesting time according to the different needs during production. The main compounds of “Red Astrachan” are aldehydes and C8 esters, while those of “Ning Qiu” and “Golden Delicious” are alkenes and esters. After analyzing the relative odor activity values (rOAVs) of key volatile compounds and their aroma descriptors during the harvest period, acetic acid pentyl ester, butanoic acid hexyl ester, hexanoic acid hexyl ester, and 2-ethyl-1-Hexanol were found to contribute the most to the overall flavor of the peel and pulp. “Ning Qiu” combines the parental advantages of the concentrated peel of “Red Astrachan” and the astringent pulp of “Golden Delicious”, with compounds in its composition that give a pleasing aroma. Mature “Ning Qiu” fruits have a more intense aroma and fruity flavor. The development of flavor-specific varieties has provided the theoretical basis for future research in molecular hybridization, molecular-assisted breeding, and the molecular biology of apple flavor synthesis and metabolism.
Drying Methods for Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae as a Feed Ingredient for Pigs Affect In Vitro Nutrient Disappearance
Authors: Oh Junghyun , Kim Hansol , Park Kwanho , Kim Beob Gyun
Published: October 2024

The objective of the present research was to determine the nutrient utilization of full-fat black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens; BSFL), which were processed by various drying methods, using in vitro procedures for pigs. Four sources of BSFL were prepared using various drying methods: (1) hot-air drying at 65 °C for 24 h; (2) microwave drying at 700 W for 5 min, three times; (3) freeze drying at −40 °C for 72 h; (4) infrared drying at medium infrared region (ranged from 2.0 to 6.0 μm) and at 95 °C for 12 min. In vitro ileal disappearance (IVID) of nutrients in the BSFL was measured using a procedure simulating the nutrient digestion and absorption in the stomach and small intestine of pigs. In vitro total tract disappearance (IVTTD) of nutrients in the BSFL was also measured using a procedure that simulated the total intestine of pigs. The contents of dry matter, ether extract, and crude protein in the dried-BSFL ranged from 94.6 to 96.8%, 49.2 to 52.8%, and 30.0 to 36.8%, respectively, on an as-is basis. Microwave drying resulted in a greater (p < 0.05) IVID of dry matter in BSFL, compared with the freeze drying or infrared drying method, which caused the least IVID of dry matter. Hot air-dried BSFL, microwave-dried BSFL, and freeze-dried BSFL had a greater (p < 0.05) IVID of crude protein and a greater (p < 0.05) IVTTD of dry matter and organic matter, compared with infrared-dried BSFL. In conclusion, the hot-air drying, microwave drying, and freeze drying of full-fat black soldier fly larvae resulted in fairly comparable and relatively high nutrient digestibility based on the present in vitro study for pigs. However, the infrared drying method impaired nutrient utilization of full-fat black soldier fly larvae for pigs.
How Can Overinvestment in Farms Affect Their Technical Efficiency? A Case Study from Poland
Authors: Zmyślona Jagoda , Sadowski Arkadiusz , Pawłowski Krzysztof Piotr
Published: October 2024

Farm overinvestment is highly dangerous in how it affects productivity and profitability. Therefore, it imperatively needs to be measured in the context of investment support offered under the Common Agricultural Policy. In turn, technical efficiency is one of the best methods for measuring farm investment. This paper analyzes the technical efficiency of 3273 Polish farms based on unpublished FADN (Farm Accountancy Data Network) data from 2010–2019. The purpose of this study was to indicate the level of, and changes in, technical efficiency of Polish farms in function of their investment levels, with particular emphasis on overinvested holdings. Technical efficiency was examined using stochastic frontier analysis (SFA). The study proved a decline in technical efficiency in underinvested farms and in those affected by absolute overinvestment (i.e., ones where the assets-to-labor ratio grows while labor productivity drops).
Analyzing the Relationship between Agricultural AI Adoption and Government-Subsidized Insurance
Authors: Osorio Chad Patrick , Leucci Francesca , Porrini Donatella
Published: October 2024

Due to the increased unpredictability and severity of weather patterns caused by climate change, traditional farming practices and risk management strategies are becoming increasingly inadequate. In this paper, we explore the literature to understand the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in mitigating climate-related agricultural risks and the pivotal role that public institutions play in encouraging farmers to adopt such technologies. We propose a framework to integrate AI into government-subsidized insurance structures, focusing on reduced premiums through government intervention. We argue that AI’s potential to reduce the uncertainty and severity of climate-induced damages could lower the overall risk profile of insured farmers, thereby justifying lower premiums in the long run. We further discuss the implications of such policies on insurance markets, agricultural sustainability, and global food security. Our initial exploration contributes to the literature by addressing a relatively underexplored intersection of two critical fields—agricultural insurance and artificial intelligence—suggesting directions for future research.
Digitalization and Agricultural Green Total Factor Productivity: Evidence from China
Authors: Zhang Qixuan , Yang Yuxin , Li Xue , Wang Pingping
Published: October 2024

Based on panel data of 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) in China from 2011 to 2022, this paper empirically examines the impact of digitalization on the inputs and outputs of the agricultural production process, and thereby derives the effects and mechanisms by which digitalization empowers the growth of agricultural green total factor productivity. The study finds that agricultural and rural areas’ digitalization significantly improves agricultural green total factor productivity, and this promotion mainly comes from the improvement of technical efficiency. Further analysis shows that digitalization mainly reduces land input and labor input, increases expected output, and reduces undesired output during the agricultural production process to achieve an improvement in agricultural green total factor productivity, indicating that digitalization has altered the allocation of agricultural factors. Heterogeneity analysis finds that the effect of digitalization on the growth of agricultural green total factor productivity is more pronounced in the eastern regions, southern regions, and areas with higher levels of agricultural digitalization, indicating that the development of digitalization exacerbates the gap in agricultural green total factor productivity among regions.
Soil Recycling of Waste Biomass in the Production of Malus domestica Fruit Tree Seedlings
Authors: Matłok Natalia , Szostek Małgorzata , Balawejder Maciej
Published: October 2024

The production of fruit tree seedlings generates waste wood biomass, which results from the pruning of budded rootstocks in the first year of the two-year production cycle. This study proposes a new method of managing this biomass by recycling the wood chips (2, 3 and 5 t ha−1) back into the soil. The impact of different wood chip doses on selected physicochemical soil properties after the production process (especially soil organic carbon content (SOC), as well as the quantity and quality of the produced Malus domestica fruit tree seedlings, was determined. The recycling of waste biomass contributed to enriching the soil with additional components, mainly organic carbon with the potential for biotransformation into humic substances. The applied doses of wood chips, in amounts of 2, 3, and 5 t ha−1, resulted in an increase in SOC content compared to the control by 21.5%, 22.5%, and 35.8%, respectively. Additionally, the recycling of waste biomass introduced other compounds important for plant growth and development into the soil, particularly iron, zinc, magnesium, and manganese. It should be noted that the proposed method of managing waste biomass generated during the apple tree seedling production stage resulted in reduced production costs while maintaining high production indices.
Characterising the Nutritional and Alkaloid Profiles of Tarwi (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet) Pods and Seeds at Different Stages of Ripening
Authors: Parra-Gallardo Giovana , Salas-Sanjuán María del Carmen , del Moral Fernando , Valenzuela Juan Luis
Published: October 2024

Tarwi (Lupinus mutabilis Sweet) is a key crop for Andean indigenous communities, offering proteins and fats. Both the pods and seeds of tarwi are consumed, either in their tender (immature) state or as dried, fully ripe seeds. Tarwi, like other Lupinus species, contains high alkaloid levels in its fruits and seeds that must be removed before consumption. This study evaluated the fat, protein, fibre, and alkaloid contents of four cultivars at five maturity stages ranging from 180 to 212 days after sowing. Samples of the pods and the seeds were analysed to determine their colour and protein, crude fibre, fat, and alkaloid contents. The results showed that while the protein concentration in the pods decreased as the fruits matured, the protein content in the seeds increased, reaching approximately 41%. Moreover, the pods exhibited a significant decrease in alcohol content, with the values dropping below 1% at the senescent (dry) stage for all the cultivars. In contrast, the alkaloid levels in the seeds remained stable from 196 days after sowing in the Guaranguito, Andean, and Ecuadorian cultivars, with concentrations around 4%. The present study showed that as the pods matured, their overall protein content decreased, while their seed protein content increased to around 41%. The alkaloid levels in the pods dropped below 1% in the dry stage, while the seed alkaloid levels remained stable at around 4% in the Guaranguito, Andean, and Ecuadorian cultivars after 196 days. However, in the Peruvian cultivar, the alkaloid content remained constant starting from 188 days after sowing, with concentrations just over 3%. This result suggests that as the pods mature, their alkaloid content decreases, while the alkaloid levels in the seeds stabilise from around 188 to 196 days after seeding. Consequently, the alkaloid contents found in the seeds likely originate from other aerial parts of the plant and are not significantly increased by the pods.
Model Optimization and Application of Straw Mulch Quantity Using Remote Sensing
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , Sun Yu , Wang Yueyong , Wang Jun , Gao Xuebing , Wang Libin , Liu Mengqi
Published: October 2024

Straw mulch quantity is an important indicator in the detection of straw returned to the field in conservation tillage, but there is a lack of large-scale automated measurement methods. In this study, we estimated global straw mulch quantity and completed the detection of straw returned to the field. We used an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) carrying a multispectral camera to acquire remote sensing images of straw in the field. First, the spectral index was selected using the Elastic-net (ENET) algorithm. Then, we used the Genetic Algorithm Hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization (GA-HPSO) algorithm, which embeds crossover and mutation operators from the Genetic Algorithm (GA) into the improved Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm to solve the problem of machine learning model prediction performance being greatly affected by parameters. Finally, we used the Monte Carlo method to achieve a global estimation of straw mulch quantity and complete the rapid detection of field plots. The results indicate that the inversion model optimized using the GA-HPSO algorithm performed the best, with the coefficient of determination (R2) reaching 0.75 and the root mean square error (RMSE) only being 0.044. At the same time, the Monte Carlo estimation method achieved an average accuracy of 88.69% for the estimation of global straw mulch quantity, which was effective and applicable in the detection of global mulch quantity. This study provides a scientific reference for the detection of straw mulch quantity in conservation tillage and also provides a reliable model inversion estimation method for the estimation of straw mulch quantity in other crops.
Lightweight Detection of Broccoli Heads in Complex Field Environments Based on LBDC-YOLO
Authors: Zuo Zhiyu , Gao Sheng , Peng Haitao , Xue Yue , Han Lvhua , Ma Guoxin , Mao Hanping
Published: October 2024

Robotically selective broccoli harvesting requires precise lightweight detection models to efficiently detect broccoli heads. Therefore, this study introduces a lightweight and high-precision detection model named LBDC-YOLO (Lightweight Broccoli Detection in Complex Environment—You Look Only Once), based on the improved YOLOv8 (You Look Only Once, Version 8). The model incorporates the Slim-neck design paradigm based on GSConv to reduce computational complexity. Furthermore, Triplet Attention is integrated into the backbone network to capture cross-dimensional interactions between spatial and channel dimensions, enhancing the model’s feature extraction capability under multiple interfering factors. The original neck network structure is replaced with a BiFPN (Bidirectional Feature Pyramid Network), optimizing the cross-layer connection structure, and employing weighted fusion methods for better integration of multi-scale features. The model undergoes training and testing on a dataset constructed in real field conditions, featuring broccoli images under various influencing factors. Experimental results demonstrate that LBDC-YOLO achieves an average detection accuracy of 94.44% for broccoli. Compared to the original YOLOv8n, LBDC-YOLO achieves a 32.1% reduction in computational complexity, a 47.8% decrease in parameters, a 44.4% reduction in model size, and a 0.47 percentage point accuracy improvement. When compared to models such as YOLOv5n, YOLOv5s, and YOLOv7-tiny, LBDC-YOLO exhibits higher detection accuracy and lower computational complexity, presenting clear advantages for broccoli detection tasks in complex field environments. The results of this study provide an accurate and lightweight method for the detection of broccoli heads in complex field environments. This work aims to inspire further research in precision agriculture and to advance knowledge in model-assisted agricultural practices.
Potato–Soybean Intercropping Increased Equivalent Tuber Yield by Improving Rhizosphere Soil Quality, Root Growth, and Plant Physiology of Potato
Authors: Wang Can , Yi Zelin , Chen Siyu , Peng Fangli , Zhao Qiang , Tang Zhurui , Shao Mingbo , Lv Dianqiu
Published: October 2024

Potato–legume intercropping has been confirmed to increase productivity in modern agricultural systems. However, the physiological and ecological mechanisms of potato–soybean intercropping for promoting tuber yield formation in potato remain unclear. Field experiments were conducted in 2022 and 2023 to explore the responses of tuber yield formation, rhizosphere soil quality, root growth, and plant physiology of potato in potato–soybean intercropping. The soil at the experimental site is Cambisols. The treatments included sole cropping potato, sole cropping soybean, and potato–soybean intercropping. Our results indicated that potato –soybean intercropping decreased the water content, increased the total K content and activities of urease and catalase in rhizosphere soil, and enhanced the root mean diameter, root projected area, and root length density in the 0–5 cm and 15–20 cm soil layers of potato. Moreover, potato–soybean intercropping improved the plant photosynthetically active radiation and light transmittance rate of the middle and lower layers as well as the leaf area index, enhanced the leaf chlorophyll b content and ribulose-1,5-diphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase activity, and increased the leaf net photosynthetic rate and organ dry matter accumulation amounts of potato. The changes in the above parameters resulted in an increased tuber weight per plant (19.4%) and commercial tuber number (42.5%) and then enhanced the equivalent tuber yield of potato (38.2%) and land equivalent ratio (1.31 in 2022 and 1.33 in 2023). Overall, potato–soybean intercropping greatly increased the equivalent tuber yield by improving the rhizosphere soil quality, root growth, and plant physiology of potato and then achieved a higher land equivalent ratio.
Transcriptomic Insights into Drought Survival Strategy of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench during Early Growth under Polyethylene Glycol-Simulated Conditions
Authors: Zhang Ruidong , Chang Jiarong , Chen Haiyun , Li Jiaqi , Huang Kun , Deng Zhilan , Cao Xiong , Feng Jun
Published: October 2024

Drought stress during sorghum emergence significantly affects seedling establishment, adversely affecting both emergence and population growth. This study investigates drought tolerance mechanisms during sorghum germination by analyzing physiological changes and transcriptomic data from two lines: W069 (drought tolerant) and W040 (drought sensitive). Under drought conditions, a phenotypic analysis revealed that W069 exhibited longer shoots and roots than W040. Additionally, physiological data indicated higher osmotic substance and lower malondialdehyde levels in W069. Using Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome analyses, we identified three key pathways (starch and sucrose metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and phytohormone signaling) as pivotal in the drought response during seed germination in sorghum plants. Expression profiling revealed that most drought tolerance-related genes in the three key pathways were expressed at higher levels in the drought-tolerant cultivar W069, possibly explaining its greater stress tolerance. These findings enhance our understanding of drought-responsive gene networks in sorghum seed germination, offering potential target genes and strategies for enhancing drought tolerance in this crop.
World’s Best Practice Locust and Grasshopper Management: Accurate Forecasting and Early Intervention Treatments Using Reduced Chemical Pesticide
Authors: Hunter David
Published: October 2024

World’s Best Practice management of locusts and grasshoppers requires accurate forecasting that helps determine where and when surveys are preferentially conducted so that infestations can be found quickly as part of ensuring early intervention treatments. Using survey data downloaded directly into a Geographic Information System (GIS), as well as rainfall and other factors important in the population dynamics of the species concerned, models within the GIS provide forecasts of future developments. The GIS provides forecasts of likely events and is used by locust and grasshopper experts to make decisions; that is, the forecasting is part of a Decision Support System for improved locust and grasshopper management. Surveys are generally conducted by ground vehicles, but for locusts, surveys by aircraft can be an important way to rapidly find bands. In Australia, dense bands can often be seen from an aircraft flying overhead at a height of 300 m, and similar detection of bands of the desert locust by aircraft has been conducted in Somalia. Swarms can be detected by ground vehicles, but because swarms move, surveying by aircraft is also an important way of locating swarms for treatment. When locust infestations are found, they are rapidly treated as part of early intervention preventive management. However, it is generally recognized that it is extremely difficult for landholders alone to protect crops against locusts and grasshoppers, so government intervention is often necessary. These organizations use a variety of treatment techniques to reduce the amount of chemical pesticide applied either by strip spraying or treating very dense infestations, such as roosting swarms, or using biopesticides. These techniques, as used in a number of countries, have proven to be very effective in managing locust populations while reducing the risk to the natural environment and human health.
Moulding Test and Process Parameter Optimization of Biomass Seedling Pots for Cow Dung and Corn Stover
Authors: Chen Jiaqi , Ma Yongcai , Wang Hanyang , Teng Da , Qi Yan , Liu Dan
Published: October 2024

In order to determine the optimal moulding process parameters of biomass seedling pots prepared from fermented cow dung mixed with corn stover, the moulding pressure, baking time, and baking temperature of biomass seedling pots were taken as the influencing factors, and the expansion rate, durability rate, wet swelling rate (48 h), and resistance to damage were taken as the evaluation indexes, and the Box–Behnken design of the response surface method was used to analyze the significance of interactions among the different influencing factors in the moulding process of biomass seedling pots and to optimize the moulding process. The experiment was conducted in the Biomass Laboratory of Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University. The response surface method Box–Behnken design was used to analyze the significance of the interaction between different influencing factors in the biomass seedling pots moulding process and optimize the moulding process. The results showed that the optimum moulding process conditions obtained using the Box–Behnken design were the following: a moulding pressure of 520.393 kN, baking temperature of 202.870 °C, and baking time of 8.573 min. The model was validated by testing and a response value of 10.522% was obtained for expansion, 99.598% for durability rate, 11.145% for wet swelling (48 h), and 4503.545 N for resistance to damage. The experimental verification showed that the deviation of the actual value obtained under this condition from the predicted value is less than 5%, indicating that the model reproduces well and meets the experimental requirements. Based on the optimal moulding process conditions determined in this experiment, the total porosity, EC, and pH of the Biomass seedling pots were determined to be 67.32%, 1.63 mS/cm, and 6.7, respectively, which met the seedling requirements.
The Synergistic Effects of Different Phosphorus Sources: Ferralsols Promoted Soil Phosphorus Transformation and Accumulation
Authors: Zhou Long , Zhao Tilei , Thu Nyeinnyein , Zhao Hongmin , Zheng Yi , Tang Li
Published: October 2024

Phosphorus (P) application can enhance soil P availability and alter P fractions. However, the P accumulation and transformation of different P sources in low-phosphorus red soil remain unclear. Two-year (2018–2019) field experiments were conducted to investigate the effects of five P source treatments (CK—no phosphorus; SSP—superphosphate; MAP—calcium–magnesium phosphate; DAP—monoammonium phosphate; and CMP—diammonium phosphate) on the P accumulation of maize and soil P fractions in low-P red soil using the Hedley Sequential Method. The results showed that P application significantly increased P uptake, Olsen-P, total phosphorus, and most of the soil P fractions. Compared to the CMP, MAP, and DAP treatments, SSP had a relatively higher P accumulation and labile P pool, with a slightly lower moderately labile P pool. The SSP treatment mainly increased soil-available P content and crop P uptake by increasing the labile P pool (resin-P and NaHCO3-Pi) and reducing the moderately labile P pool and non-labile P pool. The P activation coefficient (PAC%) and Olsen-P were positively correlated with labile P (resin-P, NaHCO3-Pi, and NaHCO3-Po) and moderately labile P (NaOH-Pi and 1 M HCl-Pi) and negatively correlated with Fe2O3 and Al2O3. The results suggest that SSP has a priority effect on the crop P uptake and soil P availability in low-P red soil.
Effect of Watering Gradient on Chlorophyll Fluorescence Parameters of Prunus domestica Trees
Authors: Yin Xin , Wang Haichao , Wang Chunguang , Wang Shuai , Ren Xiaodan , Zong Zheying
Published: October 2024

Mature 5-year-old Prunus domestica trees were used as research objects in plantation areas in arid and semi-arid regions of northern China in Hohhot city; three irrigation gradients and a natural control were set up according to the determination of wilting coefficient and field capacity, and FluorCam 1000-H chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of plant leaves were determined by using a portable chlorophyll fluorescence imager. The results showed that the effects of irrigation gradients on potential photochemical efficiency, maximum photochemical efficiency and non-photochemical burst were not significant (p > 0.05), and the effects on photochemical burst were significant (p < 0.05) at different fertility periods. The potential photochemical efficiency, maximum photochemical efficiency and photochemical burst basically showed a trend of increasing and then decreasing, and the non-photochemical burst showed a trend of decreasing and then increasing during different fertility periods. During the same fertility period, the potential and maximum photochemical efficiencies were significantly increased, and the photochemical and non-photochemical bursts were somewhat reduced under the full irrigation gradient. Therefore, the chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of Prunus domestica trees at different fertility stages can be regulated by controlling the irrigation gradient to increase the activity of photosystem II (PSII), which in turn improves the photosynthesis of the plants.
Lameness in Adult Sheep and Goats in Greece: Prevalence, Predictors, Treatment, Importance for Farmers
Authors: Katsarou Eleni I. , Lianou Daphne T. , Michael Charalambia K. , Petridis Ioannis G. , Vasileiou Natalia G. C. , Fthenakis George C.
Published: October 2024

The present study refers to an extensive investigation of lameness performed countrywide in Greece, on 325 sheep and 119 goat farms. The specific objectives of this work were to present data on the occurrence of lameness on sheep and goat farms and to identify variables (including variables related to climatic factors) associated with the disorder on the farms. Farms were visited and animals on the farm were assessed for the presence of lameness; further, an interview was carried out with the farmer to obtain information regarding practices applied on the farm. Climatic variables at the location of each farm were derived from NASA research. The within farm prevalence rate varied from 0.0% to 25.0% in sheep flocks and from 0.0% to 30.0% in goat herds. The mean ± standard error (median (interquartile range)) within farm prevalence rate among sheep farms was 1.9% ± 0.2 (0.0% (0.0%)); among goat farms, it was 2.6% ± 0.5% (0.0% (0.0%)). Multivariable analysis for within farm prevalence of lameness revealed three significant predictors in sheep farms: application of vaccination against foot-rot, increased precipitation at the farm location and longer annual grazing period for sheep, and one in goat farms: increased precipitation at the farm location. Treatment of lameness involved mostly administration of antibiotics (on 104 farms); the antibiotics administered most often were lincomycin (on 69 farms) and oxytetracycline (on 33 farms). There was a tendency for higher median within farm prevalence of lameness among farms where no antibiotic administration was practiced. Finally, 6.2% of sheep farmers and 4.2% of goat farmers considered lameness as an important health problem for the animals, specifically the third and fifth most important problem on the respective farms.
Energy Values and Standardized Ileal Digestibility of Amino Acids in Fermented Soybean Meal Fed to Growing Pigs
Authors: Huang Jinxiu , Wang Ya , Liu Zhiyun , Ma Ruyue , Zhong Xiaoxia , Yao Yanchu
Published: October 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the digestible energy (DE), metabolizable energy (ME), and standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in fermented soybean meal (FSBM) fed to growing pigs. In experiment 1, twenty-two growing pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire; 32.0 ± 4.2 kg BW) were fed one of 11 diets in a replicated 11 × 3 incomplete Latin square design to determine the DE and ME of FSBM. The diets included a corn-based diet and 10 experimental diets formulated by replacing the corn with 29.10% FSBM. In experiment 2, eleven growing pigs (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire; 24.3 ± 2.3 kg BW) were surgically equipped with a T-cannula and arranged in an 11 × 6 incomplete Latin square design with 11 diets and six periods. The diets included an N-free diet and 10 experimental diets containing 40% FSBM as the sole source of AA. The results showed that the contents of dry matter (DM), gross energy, crude protein, crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, calcium, and phosphorus averaged 91.83% (ranging from 89.24 to 94.55%), 18.44 MJ/kg (ranging from 18.00 to 18.95 MJ/kg), 50.63% (ranging from 50.00 to 51.81%), 4.51% (ranging from 3.41 to 5.40%), 9.17% (ranging from 7.02 to 10.30%), 6.38% (ranging from 4.97 to 7.45%), 0.32% (ranging from 0.29 to 0.34%), and 0.67% (ranging from 0.61 to 0.84%), respectively. The average DE and ME were 17.55 and 16.33 MJ/kg DM, respectively, with ranges of 15.72 to 18.80 MJ/kg DM and 14.30 to 17.72 MJ/kg DM, respectively. Significant differences were observed in the SID of essential AA (p < 0.05), except for Thr and Arg. The SID of Lys, Met, Trp, and Thr ranged from 68.13 to 83.27% (mean = 76.62%), 62.23 to 89.30% (mean = 75.25%), 72.30 to 90.29% (mean = 80.96%), and 74.17 to 84.41% (mean = 77.90%), respectively. These results indicate significant variability in chemical composition, energy content, and the SID of AA among the selected FSBM samples. The chemical composition of FSBM can be used to predict DE and ME values.
Strain Elastography Evaluation of Patellar Tendons in Dogs after TPLO/TTA for Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture, Qualitative and Semiquantitative Evaluation Compared with Healthy Subjects
Authors: Signore Francesca Del , De Dominicis Stefania , Smoglica Camilla , Rosto Martina , De Bonis Andrea , Paolini Andrea , Vignoli Massimo
Published: October 2024

Strain elastography (SE) evaluates tissue stiffness, providing qualitative and semiquantitative evaluation, with a strain ratio (SR) > 1 indicating that the target lesion is stiffer than the reference tissue. The patellar tendon has been described as soft in healthy dogs and hard in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament rupture, but SR usefulness has not been assessed. Dogs were divided into healthy (G1) and at least 1 month after surgery (G2) groups. Thickness was recorded, and a B-mode score of 0–3 was determined based on the abnormality’s severity. SE was qualitatively performed with a score of 1–4, and EI was recorded on the whole ligament and in proximal, intermediate and distal areas; SR was collected with the fat pad and cutis/subcutis. G1 was significantly thinner, with a lower score than G2 and a more elastic pattern. EI for G1 was significantly lower than G2 for the whole tendon and the single portions, and EI for the distal portion was significantly lower than the proximal and intermediate one in G2. SR was <1 in G1 and >1 in G2 for both the fat pad and cutis/subcutis. These data suggest that after surgery, the tendon may become non-uniformly stiffer. The cutis/subcutis appears to be a more reliable reference tissue than the infrapatellar fat pad.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Bovine, Porcine, and Sheep Muscle Using Interpretable Machine Learning Models
Authors: Guo Yaqiang , Li Shuai , Na Rigela , Guo Lili , Huo Chenxi , Zhu Lin , Shi Caixia , Na Risu , Gu Mingjuan , Zhang Wenguang
Published: October 2024

The growth and development of muscle tissue play a pivotal role in the economic value and quality of meat in agricultural animals, garnering close attention from breeders and researchers. The quality and palatability of muscle tissue directly determine the market competitiveness of meat products and the satisfaction of consumers. Therefore, a profound understanding and management of muscle growth is essential for enhancing the overall economic efficiency and product quality of the meat industry. Despite this, systematic research on muscle development-related genes across different species still needs to be improved. This study addresses this gap through extensive cross-species muscle transcriptome analysis, combined with interpretable machine learning models. Utilizing a comprehensive dataset of 275 publicly available transcriptomes derived from porcine, bovine, and ovine muscle tissues, encompassing samples from ten distinct muscle types such as the semimembranosus and longissimus dorsi, this study analyzes 113 porcine (n = 113), 94 bovine (n = 94), and 68 ovine (n = 68) specimens. We employed nine machine learning models, such as Support Vector Classifier (SVC) and Support Vector Machine (SVM). Applying the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) method, we analyzed the muscle transcriptome data of cattle, pigs, and sheep. The optimal model, adaptive boosting (AdaBoost), identified key genes potentially influencing muscle growth and development across the three species, termed SHAP genes. Among these, 41 genes (including NANOG, ADAMTS8, LHX3, and TLR9) were consistently expressed in all three species, designated as homologous genes. Specific candidate genes for cattle included SLC47A1, IGSF1, IRF4, EIF3F, CGAS, ZSWIM9, RROB1, and ABHD18; for pigs, DRP2 and COL12A1; and for sheep, only COL10A1. Through the analysis of SHAP genes utilizing Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways, relevant pathways such as ether lipid metabolism, cortisol synthesis and secretion, and calcium signaling pathways have been identified, revealing their pivotal roles in muscle growth and development.
A Situational Analysis of Attitudes toward Stray Cats and Preferences and Priorities for Their Management
Authors: Rand Jacquie , Scotney Rebekah , Enright Ann , Hayward Andrea , Bennett Pauleen , Morton John
Published: October 2024

Current cat management approaches are outdated and ineffective, failing to reduce stray cat numbers or related complaints and negatively impacting the job satisfaction and mental health of veterinary, shelter, and municipal staff. We undertook a situational analysis prior to implementing a Community Cat Program based on free sterilization of owned, semi-owned, and unowned cats in the city of Ipswich, Queensland, Australia. The study involved 343 residents in three suburbs in Ipswich, Queensland, Australia with high per capita intake of cats into the receiving shelter and municipal pound. We investigated the prevalence and impacts of free-roaming cats in urban areas, focusing on sightings, associated issues, and community preferences for cat management. Stray cats were observed by many respondents (71%), primarily at private residences (52%) and in alleyways or streets (22%), which caused serious or moderately serious problems for 38% of those who saw stray or wandering cats. Key concerns included the killing of native birds (38%) and animals (35%), noise (33%), and soiling (32%). Actions taken by respondents who saw stray or wandering cats included chasing them away or using deterrents (25%), capturing the cat for removal or calling council (18%) and preventing home entry (14%). Respondents’ priorities for the local government management of cats included preventing kittens from being born (94% of respondents) and stopping cats from preying on native animals (91%); reducing disease spread to pets (89%), wildlife (89%), and humans (87%); decreasing stray cat numbers (75%); and preventing cat fights (70%). Respondents favored sterilization (65%) over euthanasia (35%), aligning with the results of previous research. Cat ownership and feeding unowned cats were predictors of management preferences. Only 29% of respondents were satisfied with the current local council management of the problem. Information on the benefits of management by sterilization could further enhance community support.
Differences in Growth Performance and Meat Quality between Male and Female Juvenile Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) during Separate Rearing
Authors: Sayouh Mohamad , Ali Masoud , Li Yan , Tao Yi-Fan , Lu Si-Qi , Qiang Jun
Published: October 2024

This study compared the growth and flesh quality of juvenile male and female Nile tilapia grown in separate RAS tanks. The Genetic Sex Determination method yielded 40 males and 40 females. Males grew longer and heavier than females, and the results showed significant variation between the sexes in terms of weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), and final body length and weight. In terms of the feed conversion ratio (FCR), Gonad Somatic Index (GSI), and Viscera Somatic Index (VSI), females presented better results than males. Male and female Hepatosomatic Index (HSI) values did not differ significantly—no difference in blood serum values. The meat’s moisture and crude protein composition did not alter significantly from male to female; however, the crude fat and ash levels did differ significantly. Male and female animals were given the same seventeen distinct types of amino acids, and there was no distinct variation in the profiles of total amino acids (TAAs) and essential amino acids (EAAs) between the sexes. However, in the non-essential amino acid (NEAA) category, there were marginally significant differences, wherein females performed better than males. Males and females differed considerably in crude fat and ash levels but not in the moisture content or crude protein composition of the meat. Regarding fatty acids, males outperformed females in terms of total fatty acids (TFAs), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and saturated fatty acids (SFAs). However, no significant difference in the amount of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) in muscle was found between males and females.
Responses of Intestinal Antioxidant Capacity, Morphology, Barrier Function, Immunity, and Microbial Diversity to Chlorogenic Acid in Late-Peak Laying Hens
Authors: Sun Yue , Li Zhuang , Yan Ming , Zhao Haitong , He Zhengxing , Zhu Mingkun
Published: October 2024

This study examined the influence of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on gut antioxidant status, morphology, barrier function, immunity, and cecal microbiota in late-peak laying hens. A total of 240 Hy-Line Brown hens, aged 43 weeks, were randomly assigned to four groups, the basal diet +0, 400, 600, and 800 mg/kg CGA, for 12 weeks. The results revealed that CGA significantly reduced ileal H2O2 and malondialdehyde levels; increased duodenal height, ileal villus height, and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio; while decreasing jejunal crypt depth. The 600 and 800 mg/kg CGA significantly upregulated the duodenal, jejunal, and ileal ZO-1 and occludin gene expression; increased IgG levels in serum and ileum; and upregulated ileal IgA gene expression. The 600 mg/kg CGA significantly upregulated CD3D and CD4 gene expression, while downregulating IL-1β gene expression in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Moreover, CGA changed the gut microbiota structure. The SCFA-producing bacteria unclassified_f__Peptostreptococcaceae, unclassified_f_Oscillospiraceae, Pseudoflavonifractor, Lachnospiraceae_FCS020_group, Oscillospira, Elusimicrobium, Eubacterium_ventriosum_group, Intestinimonas, and norank_f_Coriobacteriales_Incertae_Sedis were significantly enriched in the 400, 600, and/or 800 mg/kg CGA groups. The bacteria Lactobacillus, Bacillus, and Akkermansia were significantly enriched in the 600 mg/kg CGA group. Conclusively, dietary CGA (600–800 mg/kg) improved intestinal antioxidant status, morphology, barrier and immune function, and beneficial microbiota growth in late-peak laying hens.