bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges and advances in measuring sap flow in agriculture and agroforestry: A review with focus on nuclear magnetic resonance
Authors: Kumar Ritesh , Hosseinzadehtaher Mohsen , Hein Nathan , Shadmand Mohammad , Jagadish S. V. Krishna , Ghanbarian Behzad
Published: November 2022

Sap flow measurement is one of the most effective methods for quantifying plant water use.A better understanding of sap flow dynamics can aid in more efficient water and crop management, particularly under unpredictable rainfall patterns and water scarcity resulting from climate change. In addition to detecting infected plants, sap flow measurement helps select plant species that could better cope with hotter and drier conditions. There exist multiple methods to measure sap flow including heat balance, dyes and radiolabeled tracers. Heat sensor-based techniques are the most popular and commercially available to study plant hydraulics, even though most of them are invasive and associated with multiple kinds of errors. Heat-based methods are prone to errors due to misalignment of probes and wounding, despite all the advances in this technology. Among existing methods for measuring sap flow, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is an appropriate non-invasive approach. However, there are challenges associated with applications of NMR to measure sap flow in trees or field crops, such as producing homogeneous magnetic field, bulkiness and poor portable nature of the instruments, and operational complexity. Nonetheless, various advances have been recently made that allow the manufacture of portable NMR tools for measuring sap flow in plants. The basic concept of the portal NMR tool is based on an external magnetic field to measure the sap flow and hence advances in magnet types and magnet arrangements (e.g., C-type, U-type, and Halbach magnets) are critical components of NMR-based sap flow measuring tools. Developing a non-invasive, portable and inexpensive NMR tool that can be easily used under field conditions would significantly improve our ability to monitor vegetation responses to environmental change.
Bioorganic fertilizer promotes pakchoi growth and shapes the soil microbial structure
Authors: Wang Tao , Cheng Keke , Huo Xingjuan , Meng Pinpin , Cai Zhonghua , Wang Zongkang , Zhou Jin
Published: November 2022

As a functional probiotic,Bacillus subtiliscan promote crop growth and improve nutrient utilization by various mechanisms, so it has been made into bioorganic fertilizer as a replacement for chemical fertilizer. However, the effects ofB. subtilisbioorganic fertilizer application on the yield and quality of commercial crops ofBrassica chinensisL., the soil physicochemical properties and the microflora have not been clarified. In this study, pot experiments were conducted usingBrassica chinensisL. plants with four fertilization treatments: control without fertilization (CK), chemical fertilizer (CF), organic fertilizer (OF), and bioorganic fertilizer containingB. subtilis(BF). After 30 days of pot experiment, the results showed that BF efficiently improved plant height and biomass (1.20- and 1.93-fold, respectively); as well as significantly increasing soil available potassium and pH value. Using high-throughput sequencing, we examined the bacterial and fungal communities in the soil, and found that their diversity was remarkablely reduced in the BF treatment compared to CK group. A principal coordinate analysis also showed a clear separation of bacterial and fungal communities in the BF and CK groups. After application ofB. subtilisbioorganic fertilizer, some beneficial bacteria (such asBacillusandAmmoniphilus) and fungi (TrichodermaandMortierella) were enriched. A network analysis indicated that bacteria were the dominant soil microbes and the presence ofB. subtilisstimulated the colonization of beneficial microbial communities. In addition, predictive functional profiling demonstrated that the application of bioorganic fertilizer enhanced the function of mineral element metabolism and absorption and increased the relative abundance of saprotrophs. Overall, the application of bioorganic fertilizer effectively changed the soil microflora, improved the soil available potassium and pH value, and boosted the yield ofBrassica chinensisL. This work has valuable implications for promoting the safe planting of facility vegetables and the sustainable development of green agriculture.
Flexible response and rapid recovery strategies of the plateau forage Poa crymophila to cold and drought
Authors: Li Xin-Yu , Wang Yan , Hou Xin-Yi , Chen Yan , Li Cai-Xia , Ma Xin-Rong
Published: November 2022

Cold and drought stress are the two most severe abiotic stresses in alpine regions. Poa crymophila is widely grown in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau with strong tolerance. Here, by profiling gene expression patterns and metabolomics-associated transcriptomics co-expression network, the acclimation of Poa crymophila to the two stresses was characterized. (1) The genes and metabolites with stress tolerance were induced by cold and drought, while those related with growth were inhibited, and most of them were restored faster after stresses disappeared. In particular, the genes for the photosynthesis system had strong resilience. (2) Additionally, cold and drought activated hypoxia and UV-B adaptation genes, indicating long-term life on the plateau could produce special adaptations. (3) Phenolamines, polyamines, and amino acids, especially N′,N″,N′″-p-coumaroyl-cinnamoyl-caffeoyl spermidine, putrescine, and arginine, play key roles in harsh environments. Flexible response and quick recovery are strategies for adaptation to drought and cold in P. crymophila, accounting for its robust tolerance and resilience. In this study, we presented a comprehensive stress response profile of P. crymophila and provided many candidate genes or metabolites for future forage improvement.
Semi-supervised wildfire smoke detection based on smoke-aware consistency
Authors: Wang Chuansheng , Grau Antoni , Guerra Edmundo , Shen Zhiguo , Hu Jinxing , Fan Haoyi
Published: November 2022

The semi-transparency property of smoke integrates it highly with the background contextual information in the image, which results in great visual differences in different areas. In addition, the limited annotation of smoke images from real forest scenarios brings more challenges for model training. In this paper, we design a semi-supervised learning strategy, named smoke-aware consistency (SAC), to maintain pixel and context perceptual consistency in different backgrounds. Furthermore, we propose a smoke detection strategy with triple classification assistance for smoke and smoke-like object discrimination. Finally, we simplified the LFNet fire-smoke detection network to LFNet-v2, due to the proposed SAC and triple classification assistance that can perform the functions of some specific module. The extensive experiments validate that the proposed method significantly outperforms state-of-the-art object detection algorithms on wildfire smoke datasets and achieves satisfactory performance under challenging weather conditions.
Predicting starch content in cassava fresh roots using near-infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Nkouaya Mbanjo Edwige Gaby , Hershberger Jenna , Peteti Prasad , Agbona Afolabi , Ikpan Andrew , Ogunpaimo Kayode , Kayondo Siraj Ismail , Abioye Racheal Smart , Nafiu Kehinde , Alamu Emmanuel Oladeji , Adesokan Michael , Maziya-Dixon Busie , Parkes Elizabeth , Kulakow Peter , Gore Michael A. , Egesi Chiedozie , Rabbi Ismail Yusuf
Published: November 2022

The cassava starch market is promising in sub-Saharan Africa and increasing rapidly due to the numerous uses of starch in food industries. More accurate, high-throughput, and cost-effective phenotyping approaches could hasten the development of cassava varieties with high starch content to meet the growing market demand. This study investigated the effectiveness of a pocket-sized SCiO™ molecular sensor (SCiO) (740−1070 nm) to predict starch content in freshly ground cassava roots. A set of 344 unique genotypes from 11 field trials were evaluated. The predictive ability of individual trials was compared using partial least squares regression (PLSR). The 11 trials were aggregated to capture more variability, and the performance of the combined data was evaluated using two additional algorithms, random forest (RF) and support vector machine (SVM). The effect of pretreatment on model performance was examined. The predictive ability of SCiO was compared to that of two commercially available near-infrared (NIR) spectrometers, the portable ASD QualitySpec® Trek (QST) (350−2500 nm) and the benchtop FOSS XDS Rapid Content™ Analyzer (BT) (400−2490 nm). The heritability of NIR spectra was investigated, and important spectral wavelengths were identified. Model performance varied across trials and was related to the amount of genetic diversity captured in the trial. Regardless of the chemometric approach, a satisfactory and consistent estimate of starch content was obtained across pretreatments with the SCiO (correlation between the predicted and the observed test set, (R2P): 0.84−0.90; ratio of performance deviation (RPD): 2.49−3.11, ratio of performance to interquartile distance (RPIQ): 3.24−4.08, concordance correlation coefficient (CCC): 0.91−0.94). While PLSR and SVM showed comparable prediction abilities, the RF model yielded the lowest performance. The heritability of the 331 NIRS spectra varied across trials and spectral regions but was highest (H2 > 0.5) between 871−1070 nm in most trials. Important wavelengths corresponding to absorption bands associated with starch and water were identified from 815 to 980 nm. Despite its limited spectral range, SCiO provided satisfactory prediction, as did BT, whereas QST showed less optimal calibration models. The SCiO spectrometer may be a cost-effective solution for phenotyping the starch content of fresh roots in resource-limited cassava breeding programs.
Self-esteem mediated relations between loneliness and social anxiety in Chinese adolescents with left-behind experience
Authors: Chen Chen , Hu Liangyi
Published: November 2022

Although research examining loneliness and social anxiety has been conducted, few studies have explored pathways from loneliness at home to social anxiety at school in Chinese left-behind children. The study attempts to explore associations between loneliness at home and social anxiety at school and to examine roles of self-esteem in those relationships among a sample of Chinese left-behind children. Date were collected from 303 left-behind children, aged 10–14 years, and the Chinese versions of Children’s Loneliness Scale, Social Anxiety Scale, and Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale were used to measure loneliness at home, social anxiety at school, and self-esteem, respectively. Results showed that loneliness at home was positively associated with social anxiety at school; self-esteem played a partial mediation role in associations between loneliness at home and social anxiety at school. Findings suggest that high levels of self-esteem may influence pathways from loneliness at home to social anxiety at school in Chinese left-behind children, and increasing levels of self-esteem may be used in preventions for loneliness of Chinese left-behind children.
How does price variance among purchase channels affect consumers’ cognitive process when shopping online?
Authors: Wei Han , Xuefeng Zhang
Published: November 2022

The rise of a flourishing online shopping market has expanded the range of purchase channels available to consumers. Meanwhile, the competition among channels has become increasingly fierce. In this study, the changes in cognitive processes caused by price variance among channels were investigated using event-related potentials. Several daily necessities with low or high price variance between a self-operated business channel and third-party seller channels were chosen as the study objects from a well-known electronic business platform. Thirty participants’ electroencephalograms were collected while they faced higher or lower price variance during the experiment. The results showed that small price variances between the two channels tended to intensify component N2, while big price variances tended to diminish component P3. These results suggest that N2 may reflect consumers’ identification process for price variance and inhibition of a planned response, while P3 may reflect the activation of attention caused by task difficulty due to price variance. These findings indicate that the changes in ERP components N2 and P3 may act as cognitive indices that measure customers’ identification and attention distribution when considering product price variances among online purchase channels.
What’s in a Japanese kawaii ‘cute’ name? A linguistic perspective
Authors: Kumagai Gakuji
Published: November 2022

While the concept termed as kawaii is often translated into English as ‘cute’ or ‘pretty’, it has multiple connotations. It is one of the most significant topics of investigation in behavioural science and Kansei/affective engineering. This study aims to explore linguistic (phonetic and phonological) features/units associated with kawaii. Specifically, it examines, through experimental methods, what kinds of phonetic and phonological features are associated with kawaii, in terms of the following three consonantal features: place of articulation, voicing/frequency, and manner of articulation. The results showed that the features associated with kawaii are: [labial], [high frequency], and [sonorant]. The factors associated with kawaii may include the pouting gesture, babyishness, smallness, femininity, and roundness. The study findings have practical implications due to their applicability regarding the naming of anime characters and products characterised by kawaii.
Sleep disturbance and quality of life among university freshmen in Qinghai–Tibet Plateau of China
Authors: Zhang Tiantian , Lu Li , Ren Yan-Ming , Liu Yu-Ying , Hynek Kamila Angelika , Gao Jie , Chen Hong-Ru , Shen Hong-Yi , Gai Xiang-Yun , Dang Zhan-Cui , Liu Shou
Published: November 2022

Purpose

University freshmen are particularly vulnerable as they are undergoing the transition from high school to university with a range of changes. Sleep problems among this group in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau of China were barely studied. This study aimed to explore sleep disturbance, and its association with quality of life (QoL) and demographic and clinical characteristics among university freshmen in Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, China.

Methods

A multistage stratified cluster random sampling method was performed to recruit student participants with a structured questionnaire to collect sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and lifestyle behaviors. Sleep disturbance including three aspects of sleep disturbance (i.e., difficulty initiating sleep (DIS), difficulty maintaining sleep (DMS), and early morning awakening (EMA)) was assessed using standardized measurement. Multiple logistic regression models were applied to analyze the data.

Results

Among included 2,769 freshmen, the prevalence of sleep disturbance was 14.8% (95% CI: 14.2–15.5%), and corresponding prevalence of DIS, DMS, and EMA was 8.2% (95% CI: 7.7–8.7%), 8.3% (95% CI: 7.8–8.8%), and 4.2% (95% CI: 3.8–4.6%), respectively. Freshmen with sleeping disturbance had significantly lower QoL in physical [F(1, 2769) = 60.23, p < 0.001], psychological [F(1, 2769) = 46.18, p < 0.001], social [F(1, 2769) = 23.04, p < 0.001], and environment [F(1, 2769) = 6.07, p = 0.01] domains. Multiple logistic regression analyses revealed that having breakfast five times a week or less (less than three times, OR = 1.79, 95% CI: 1.34–2.40; 3–5 times, OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.09–1.79), self-perceived severe Internet dependence (OR = 1.71, 95% CI: 1.11–2.65), self-perceived poor health status (OR = 3.44, 95% CI: 2.06–5.74), high academic stress (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.13–1.78), poor relationship with classmates (OR = 3.44, 95% CI: 1.53–7.71), and severe ADHD symptoms (OR = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.05–1.12) were positively associated with sleeping disturbance.

Conclusion

Sleep disturbance was common among freshmen and is associated with poorer QoL. Prevention and intervention strategies should be developed and implemented, especially among the vulnerable university freshman groups.
Socioeconomic and contextual determinants of the burden of disease attributable to metabolic risks in childhood
Authors: Vallejo-Torres Laura , Gonzalez Lopez-Valcarcel Beatriz
Published: November 2022

We analyze the socioeconomic and political contextual determinants of the burden of disease attributable to three metabolic risks in children: kidney dysfunction, high fasting plasma glucose, and high body-mass index. We use data from 121 countries. We matched data of the Global Burden of Disease project, World Bank and United Nations databases. The burden of disease is measured with the Disability Adjusted Life Years lost. We explore associations with four groups of variables: (i) income level, which measures differences in socioeconomic conditions between countries; (ii) income inequality, which measures within country inequalities in the income distribution; (iii) health care expenditure, which measures the resources allocated to health and healthcare, and (iv) women empowerment, which we measure in terms of both educational and political participation. Our findings point toward the need to act at the root of the underlying factors underpinning the disease burden, namely: reducing between and, particularly, within-country income inequalities, increasing the role of expenditure on health, and ensuring women empowerment and girls education. To our knowledge, this is the first study that have identified the associations of these variables with the burden of disease that is specifically attributable to metabolic risks in childhood.
Nutrition improvement program for rural compulsory education students and individual health
Authors: Liang Yinhe , Chen Xiyin , Zhao Chenxiao , Jiang Shaoxiang
Published: November 2022

We use the county-by-county rollout of the program and employ the difference-in-difference (DID) methodology to identify the effects of the implementation of the nutrition improvement program for rural compulsory education students on adolescent health. The results show that the nutrition improvement program reduces the frequency and probability of illness and improves the students' health status. The heterogeneity analysis indicates that the children in western regions and children left behind have a greater marginal improvement. It finds that the nutrition improvement program for rural compulsory education students improves adolescent health through diversifying nutrition intake to alleviate malnutrition and developmental delay in impoverished areas. The program can promote adolescent health in impoverished areas, which has a role in improving regional health disparities and alleviating the intergenerational entrenchment of poverty.
Gender perspectives of the water, energy, land, and food security nexus in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Hlahla Sithabile
Published: November 2022

The water, energy, land and food (WELF) nexus has been touted as a cross-sectoral systems approach that presents an opportunity to address the grand challenges related to poverty, unemployment, inequality and climate change, especially in the global South. However, as with any other developmental approach, the WELF nexus needs to mainstream gender, which often lies at the heart of poverty, unemployment, and inequality in sub-Saharan Africa. Access to water, energy, land and food is gendered, and so are livelihood strategies and climate change responses. Inequitable access to these resources, gender inequalities, socio-economic vulnerability and cultural norms contribute to women's susceptibility to the impacts of climate change and limit their ability to harness opportunities arising from it. Reducing women's vulnerability to the impacts of climate change in SSA and improving equity in natural resource access and resource use efficiencies will require transformation of gender relations and the active participation of both men and women in decision-making processes. Moreover, policies and interventions that cater to the WELF nexus need be updated to be more gender-aware and sensitive, as this will also contribute to addressing Sustainable Development Goal 5, in addition to Goals 1, 2, 6, 7, and 15.
Cover crop-based reduced tillage management impacts organic squash yield, pest pressure, and management time
Authors: Bruce Dylan , Silva Erin M. , Dawson Julie C.
Published: November 2022

Cover crop-based reduced tillage (CCBRT) systems can provide multiple benefits in cucurbit cropping systems, including potential to reduce spread of soil-borne pathogens, minimize erosion, and decrease weed pressure. Despite benefits and farmer interest, adoption has been limited, in part due to inconsistent weed suppression and potential for reduced yields. Prior studies have suggested that N competition, allelopathy, and lower temperature may be factors in reducing vegetable yield in CCBRT systems. A strip tillage approach has been suggested as one strategy that could mitigate those issues, but cucurbit yields using these systems have shown mixed results in prior studies, some of which did not include other important considerations for growers such as the impact on weed and pest pressure. In 2018 and 2019, CCBRT strip till practices for organic acorn winter squash (Cucurbita pepo L.) production were assessed in Wisconsin on certified organic land. Combinations of different between-row (aisle) and in-row mulches were compared to attempt to identify reduced tillage combinations that effectively manage weeds while resulting in yields comparable to full tillage production, testing our hypothesis that no differences between production systems would be observed due to strip tillage and plastic mulch warming soil and minimizing competition while promoting cash crop growth. Aisle treatments included roller-crimped cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) mulch, straw mulch and cultivated bare ground, and in-row treatments included plastic mulch, ground straw mulch, and cultivated ground. Weed and pest counts, weed management time, and yields were compared between treatments. Plots managed with rye and straw in the aisles had significantly less weed pressure as compared to cultivated aisle treatments, although rye required more weed management time than ground straw mulch. In addition, rye resulted in lower marketable yield due to higher proportion unmarketable fruit in 2018, likely related to a 25 cm rain event 2 weeks prior to harvest. A significant row mulch × aisle mulch interaction was observed for marketable fruit m−1, showing that yield was not significantly affected by the type of in-row mulch in plots with crimped rye mulch in the aisle. Pressure from squash bugs (Anasa tristis) was also higher in treatments with organic or synthetic mulches (straw in aisles or rows, rye in aisles, and plastic in rows). Our results support previous evidence that crimped rye can be an effective mulching strategy to reduce weed pressure, with more efficient management than traditional straw mulch. However, crimped rye systems may have negative implications for yield and pest pressure regardless of the use of a strip-tillage approach, indicating that more research is needed to refine the production system.
Exploring human behavior change in equine welfare: Insights from a COM-B analysis of the UK's equine obesity epidemic
Authors: Furtado Tamzin , Perkins Elizabeth , Pinchbeck Gina , McGowan Catherine , Watkins Francine , Christley Rob
Published: November 2022

While equine obesity is understood by equine professionals to be a serious and widespread welfare problem, thus far approaches to reducing the prevalence of obesity in the UK's leisure horses have mainly been limited to educating owners about the dangers of obesity in their horses. In human health, approaches to behavior change encourage holistic thinking around human behavior, recognizing the importance of the connection between the individuals' knowledge, attitudes, habits, and the social and physical environments. This study used qualitative data from interviews with horse owners and professionals, open-access discussion fora and focus groups in order to collate extensive information about the factors shaping the UK's equine obesity crisis. The data were initially analyzed using a grounded theory method to determine the common themes, and were then analyzed using the COM-B model of behavior change, in order to identify areas where human behavior change might be better supported. The analysis highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to behavior change, since all areas of the COM-B were important in limiting owners' recognition of, and response to, equine obesity. For example, environments and social norms limited the likelihood of owners proactively managing horse weight, and owners also found it difficult to identify overweight horses, and evaluate the risks of long-term health issues as a result of weight, with short-term negative impacts of weight management. While interventions often aim to educate owners into changing their behavior, this analysis highlights the importance of creative and holistic approaches which work alongside the owners' motivations, while shaping the social and physical environments.
A Weak SNR Signal Extraction Method for Near-Bit Attitude Parameters Based on DWT
Authors: Mao Yanhui , Zhong Yongmin , Gao Yi , Wang Yuelong
Published: November 2022

In practice, the near-bit signals are usually accompanied by noises generated by drilling tool vibration and high-speed rotary. This study introduces discrete wavelet transform to a well drilling area and presents a new weal signal extraction algorithm, which can eliminate the vibration and rotary noises effectively and obtain the useful gravity attitude signals based on the discrete wavelet transform through a hard threshold method. The effectiveness and usefulness of our method are verified via Matlab simulation and actual drilling data.
Robust Tracking Control of Piezo-Actuated Nanopositioning Stage Using Improved Inverse LSSVM Hysteresis Model and RST Controller
Authors: Baziyad Ayad G. , Ahmad Irfan , Salamah Yasser Bin , Alkuhayli Abdulaziz
Published: November 2022

Nanopositioning technology is widely used in high-resolution applications. It often uses piezoelectric actuators due to their superior characteristics. However, piezoelectric actuators exhibit a hysteresis phenomenon that limits their positioning accuracy. To compensate for the hysteresis effect, developing an accurate hysteresis model of piezoelectric actuators is very important. This task is challenging, requiring some considerations of the multivalued mapping of hysteresis loops and the generalization capabilities of the model. This challenge can be dealt with by developing a machine learning-based model, whose inverse model can be used to efficiently design an accurate feedforward controller for hysteresis compensation. However, this approach depends on model accuracy and the type of data used to train the model. Thus, accurate prediction of the hysteresis behavior may not be guaranteed in the presence of disturbances. In this paper, a machine learning-based model is used to design a hysteresis compensator and then combined with a robust feedback controller to enhance the robustness of a nanopositioning control system. The proposed model is based on hysteresis operators, the least square support vector machine (LSSVM) method, and particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. The inverse model is used to design the feedforward controller, and the RST controller is employed to develop feedback control. Our main contribution is the introduction of a hybrid controller capable of compensating for the hysteresis effect, and at the same time, eliminating remaining modeling errors and rejecting disturbances. The performance of the proposed approach is evaluated through MATLAB simulation, as well as through real-time experiments. The experimental results of our approach demonstrate superior tracking performance compared with the PID-LSSVM controller.
Design of Piezopolymer Interdigital Transducers with Scaled Electrode Geometries Based on FEM Analysis
Authors: Capineri Lorenzo , Bergamaschi Luca , Bulletti Andrea
Published: November 2022

The design of interdigital transducers (IDT) for active structural health monitoring (SHM) systems often requires a tuning of their characteristics for specific applications. IDTs are generally preferred for the selectivity of Lamb’s guided modes, but the directivity of the radiation pattern is a design parameter that is often difficult to customize for complex mechanical structures. This work proposes a comprehensive experimental study of the IDT with regular geometry, highlighting the dimensional parameters that can optimize the overall performance. From this study, a scaled electrode geometry emerged as a possible solution to shape the directivity diagram while maintaining the selectivity of the guided wave modes. This study based on FEM simulators led to a more versatile design of IDTs built with piezopolymer films of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). The experimental validation showed the directivity diagrams and the ultrasonic guided mode selection were in very good agreement with the simulations. Another outcome of the investigation was the off axis propagation due to the contribution of the bus bars for connecting the IDT fingers to the excitation electronic circuit.
Evolutionary Game Analysis of Government and Enterprise Behavior Strategies in Public-Private-Partnership Farmland Consolidation
Authors: Wang Wenxiong , Song Ziying , Zhou Wei , Jiang Yong , Sun Yuan
Published: November 2022

To improve the implementation effect of farmland consolidation (FC) and promote the development of agricultural modernization, the Chinese government has vigorously promoted the application of the public-private-partnership for farmland consolidation (PPP-FC). However, many conflicts of interest among stakeholders exist in PPP-FC. Especially in the implementation stage of PPP-FC, most private enterprises probably prefer to decrease the costs of construction to increase the profits when government incentives and supervision are insufficient. Based on this, this paper constructs an evolutionary game model between the government and the enterprises to explore the motivations of the enterprises’ speculative behaviors, the interaction mechanism and the evolutionary stability strategies of both parties and uses numerical simulations to visually analyze the effectiveness of the incentive mechanism and the strategic change of both sides. Our results show that (1) the enterprise’s farmland operating income is the decisive factor that affects behavioral choices: the situation for the income of a low-effort strategy is greater than that of a high-effort strategy is the root cause of speculative behavior; (2) the incentive mechanism can simultaneously affect the decision-making direction and speed of both the government and the enterprises, especially punishment which can effectively regulate the behaviors of the enterprises; (3) government regulation costs and officials’ desire for promotion are important factors affecting their strategic choices: regulation costs negatively impact the government’s plans to adopt an incentive strategy and the promotion desire positively promotes the government implementing incentive measures for the enterprises; and (4) the supervision level of farmers is an important factor that affects the strategic choices of both the government and the enterprises: farmers supervision is an effective remedy for inadequate government regulation and constrains the government’s behavior. Finally, the paper proposes corresponding policy recommendations to improve the implementation effect of PPP-FC and also provides an important reference for other developing countries to formulate PPP-FC incentive mechanisms.
Insights into the Role of Natural Products in the Control of the Honey Bee Gut Parasite (Nosema spp.)
Authors: El-Seedi Hesham R. , El-Wahed Aida A. Abd , Naggar Yahya Al , Saeed Aamer , Xiao Jianbo , Ullah Hammad , Musharraf Syed G. , Boskabady Mohammad H. , Cao Wei , Guo Zhiming , Daglia Maria , El Wakil Abeer , Wang Kai , Khalifa Shaden A. M.
Published: November 2022

The honey bee is an important economic insect due to its role in pollinating many agricultural plants. Unfortunately, bees are susceptible to many pathogens, including pests, parasites, bacteria, and viruses, most of which exert a destructive impact on thousands of colonies. The occurrence of resistance to the therapeutic substances used against these organisms is rising, and the residue from these chemicals may accumulate in honey bee products, subsequently affecting the human health. There is current advice to avoid the use of antibiotics, antifungals, antivirals, and other drugs in bees, and therefore, it is necessary to develop alternative strategies for the treatment of bee diseases. In this context, the impact of nosema diseases (nosemosis) on bee health and the negative insults of existing drugs are discussed. Moreover, attempts to combat nosema through the use of alternative compounds, including essential oils, plant extracts, and microbes in vitro and in vivo, are documented.
The Impact of Thyme and Oregano Essential Oils Dietary Supplementation on Broiler Health, Growth Performance, and Prevalence of Growth-Related Breast Muscle Abnormalities
Authors: Zaazaa Ahmed , Mudalal Samer , Alzuheir Ibrahim , Samara Maen , Jalboush Nasr , Fayyad Adnan , Petracci Massimiliano
Published: November 2022

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of thyme and oregano essential oils (as growth promotors), individually and in combination, on the health, growth performance, and prevalence of muscle abnormalities in broiler chickens. Six hundred day-old Cobb 500 hybrid chickens were randomized into four dietary treatment groups with three replicates each. Chicks in the control group (C) received a basal diet, while the experimental treatment groups received basal diets containing 350 mg/kg of thyme oil (T1), 350 mg/kg of oregano oil (T2), and 350 mg/kg of thyme and oregano oil (T3). Growth performance parameters were evaluated at 14, 28, and 42 days. The broilers in treatments T1 and T2 had significantly higher body weights than the control group. The feed conversion ratio was the lowest in chicks who received oregano oil, followed by those fed thyme oil. The overall prevalence of growth-related breast muscle abnormalities (including white striping and white striping combined with wooden breast) in groups receiving essential oils (T1, T2, and T3) was significantly higher than in the control group (C). The thyme and oregano oil diets showed no significant differences in antibody titers against Newcastle disease or interferon-γ (INF-γ) serum levels. In conclusion, thyme and oregano oils had a positive impact on the growth performance of broiler chickens but increased the incidence of growth-related breast muscle abnormalities.
Molecular Detection of Babesia gibsoni in Cats in China
Authors: Yin Fangyuan , Mu Daoe , Tian Zhuojia , Li Dong , Ma Xiting , Wang Jinming , Guan Guiquan , Yin Hong , Li Facai
Published: November 2022

As there are few studies of Babesia spp. infection in cats in China, or anywhere in the world, the aim of this study was to explore the epidemic features of babesiosis in pet cats in China. In total, 429 blood samples were randomly collected in four different geographical regions. The 18S rRNA gene fragment of Babesia spp. was amplified by nest polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and haplotype and phylogenetic analysis of Babesia were performed to analyze the relationship of this protozoa. The total positive rate of infection was 2.8%. BLAST analysis indicated that Babesia gibsoni was detected in 12 cats. Among these, 4.3%, 3.1%, 0.8% and 2.0% were from Chongqing, Fujian, Hubei and Shandong, respectively. Haplotype and phylogenetic analysis showed that there were nine haplotypes and no obvious genetic variation among B. gibsoni populations. These findings will be helpful for understanding the epidemiology of Babesia spp. in China, and provide a foundation for developing effective preventative strategies.
Optimising Puppy Socialisation–Short- and Long-Term Effects of a Training Programme during the Early Socialisation Period
Authors: Stolzlechner Lisa , Bonorand Alina , Riemer Stefanie
Published: November 2022

The socialisation period in dog puppies is one of the most important periods determining behavioural development in dogs. Here, we aimed to test the effect of providing stimulation (beyond mere exposure) early during the socialisation period (approx. 3–6 weeks) on puppies’ behaviour. Each of 12 litters (83 puppies) of various breeds was divided into a treatment and a control group. Between 3–6 weeks, the treatment group received age-appropriate “challenge” exercises (carefully graded noise exposure, novel objects, and problem-solving tasks) four times per week (total 12 times). The control group spent the same time with the trainer, who cuddled or played with the puppies. In a behaviour test at 6–7 weeks, two of four principal components, “social-startle” and “response to novelty”, differed significantly between the groups. Treatment puppies were bolder towards the novel object, showed a reduced startle reaction, and recovered more quickly after a loud noise. Furthermore, they accomplished the problem-solving task faster and were more persistent during problem-solving than the control group. The control group showed a higher interest in a friendly stranger. It is a possibility that increased handling experienced by the control group had beneficial effects on their sociability. No long-term effects of the treatment were found, as determined by a validated dog personality questionnaire, available for 67 dogs at the age of six months. Likely, a continuation of the treatment over a longer time period would be necessary to obtain lasting effects, since the training took place only during the first third of the socialisation period.
Wheat Germ Oil and Propolis Decrease Parasite Burden and Restore Marked Histopathological Changes in Liver and Lung in Mice with Chronic Toxoplasmosis
Authors: Barakat Ashraf Mohamed , Fadaly Hassan Ali Mohamed El , Gareh Ahmed , Abd El-Razik Khaled A. , Ali Fatma Abo Zakaib , Saleh Amira A. , Sadek Sabry A. S. , Dahran Naief , El-Gendy Abd El-Nasser G. , El-Khadragy Manal F. , Elmahallawy Ehab Kotb
Published: November 2022

Toxoplasmosis is a parasitic zoonotic disease with a worldwide distribution. Its effects can be critical in immunocompromised patients. However, there is a limited availability of effective, low-toxicity drugs against this disease, particularly in its chronic form. The present study evaluated the effect of propolis and wheat germ oil (WGO) as safe, natural products to reduce Toxoplasma cysts in experimentally infected mice. For the experiment, five groups (10 mice per group) were examined: Group 1: negative control (noninfected, nontreated); Group 2: positive control (infected, nontreated); Group 3: infected and treated with WGO at a dose of 0.2 mg/1.5 mL per kg body weight/day; Group 4: infected and treated with 0.1 mL propolis extract/day; and Group 5: infected and treated with a combination of WGO and propolis at the same doses as Group 3 and 4. After the mice were sacrificed, liver and lung specimens underwent histopathological examination, and the parasite burden was investigated by parasitological methods and quantified using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Notably, the results showed a substantial decrease in parasitic burden in Group 5 compared to the control group. These results were further confirmed by molecular analysis and quantification of the DNA concentration of the Toxoplasma P29 gene after treatment in all tested samples. Furthermore, the combination of propolis and WGO restored all histopathological changes in the liver and lungs. Taken together, these findings provide remarkably promising evidence of the effects of the combination of WGO and propolis against chronic toxoplasmosis in mice.
Efficacy and Safety of Nasal Immunisation with Somatostatin DNA Vaccine for Growth Promotion in Fattening Pigs
Authors: Chen Chao , Zhou Zichao , Niu Kaifeng , Du Chao , Liang Aixin , Yang Liguo
Published: November 2022

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the SS DNA vaccine on growing pigs. Randomly, 147 pigs were divided into four groups, treatment 1 (T1, 3 × 109 CFU/mL, n = 39), T2 (3 × 108 CFU/mL, n = 35), T3 (3 × 107 CFU/mL, n = 35) and control group (phosphate-buffered saline, n = 38). All animals received two vaccinations separated by 45 days and the same diet and management. The results showed that all treatment groups (T1, T2 and T3) had significantly higher slaughter weight (d 185) than the Ctrl group (p < 0.05), and daily gain between 50 and 110 days of age was significantly higher in all treatment groups than in the Ctrl group (p < 0.05). Antibody-positive pigs have significantly higher daily weight gain than that in antibody-negative pigs (p < 0.05). The results of the meat quality analysis showed no significant changes between the P (antibody-positive pigs) and N (antibody-negative pigs) groups. Furthermore, the results showed that antibody titres at 110 and 185 days had a significant positive correlation with the daily weight gain (p < 0.05) and a significant negative correlation with the backfat thickness (p < 0.05). Evaluating the safety of vaccines by PCR amplification of target genes (GS/2SS), faecal, soil and water samples had no target genes detected by PCR amplification in these samples after 5 days, and no GS/2SS were detected in the blood and tissues for the experimental period. Moreover, no abnormalities were found in pathological sections of the P group compared with the N group. In conclusion, SS DNA vaccines can promote the growth of fattening pigs to a certain extent without altering the meat quality, and it has no effects on the safety of the surrounding environment.
Novel Polyhydroquinoline-Hydrazide-Linked Schiff’s Base Derivatives: Multistep Synthesis, Antimicrobial, and Calcium-Channel-Blocking Activities
Authors: Zainab  , Yu Haitao , Rehman Najeeb Ur , Ali Mumtaz , Alam Aftab , Latif Abdul , Shahab Nazish , Amir Khan Irfan , Jabbar Shah Abdul , Khan Momin , Al-Ghafri Ahmed , Al-Harrasi Ahmed , Ahmad Manzoor
Published: November 2022

Polyhydroquinoline (PHQ) are the unsymmetrical Hantzsch derivatives of 1,4-dihydropyridines with several biological applications. In this work, twenty-five (3–27) new Schiff’s base derivatives of polyhydroquinoline hydrazide were synthesized in excellent to good yields by a multi-component reaction. The structures of the synthesized products (1–27) were deduced with the help of spectroscopic techniques, such as 1H-, 13C -NMR, and HR-ESI-MS. The synthesized products (1–27) were tested for their antibacterial and in vitro calcium -channel-blocking (CCB) potentials using the agar-well diffusion method, and isolated rat aortic ring preparations, respectively. Among the series, sixteen compounds were found to inhibit the growth of Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis. Among them, compound 17 was observed to be the most potent one at a dose 2 µg/mL, with an 18 mm zone of inhibition against both bacteria when it was compared with the standard drug amoxicillin. Eight compounds showed CCB activity of variable potency; in particular, compound 27 was more potent, with an EC50 value of 0.7 (0.3–1.1) µg/mL, indicating their CCB effect.
Incidence and Risk Factors of Colistin-Induced Nephrotoxicity Associated with The International Consensus Guidelines for the Optimal Use of the Polymyxins: A Retrospective Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alotaibi Fawaz M. , Alshehail Bashayer M. , Al Jamea Zainab A. H. , Joseph Royes , Alanazi Amal H. , Alhamed Najla A. , Alqarni Reyouf S.
Published: November 2022

Background: Colistin is an effective therapy against multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria. However, nephrotoxicity is a major issue with its use. Objective: We aimed to evaluate the incidence and the potential risk factors of nephrotoxicity in colistin-treated patients. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted. All adult patients aged 18 years and older who received colistin for ≥72 h were included in the study, while end-stage kidney disease patients requiring dialysis or had renal transplants were excluded. The incidence and severity of acute kidney injury (AKI) were assessed based on the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO). Result: Out of 128 patients who received colistin, 51.56% of them have experienced AKI. The incidence was increased among oldest patients (above 80) and those who did not receive the appropriate dose (p-value = 0.0003). In addition, the median time until the AKI occurred was 10 days after receiving the colistin treatment. Rates of AKI in patients with previous AKI (71.7%) were three times higher than patients who did not previously experience AKI (HR = 2.97, 95% CI [1.8–4.8]). Conclusions: Nephrotoxicity is a significant issue among patients who receive colistin in the hospital, especially among older patients and those who did not receive the appropriate dose. As a result, healthcare providers should play a major role in colistin dosing, especially among the older adult population.
Macrolide Resistance in Bordetella pertussis: Current Situation and Future Challenges
Authors: Ivaska Lauri , Barkoff Alex-Mikael , Mertsola Jussi , He Qiushui
Published: November 2022

Pertussis is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by Bordetella pertussis bacterium. The mainstay of treatment is macrolide antibiotics that reduce transmissibility, shorten the duration of symptoms and decrease mortality in infants. Recently, the macrolide resistance of B. pertussis has been reported globally but is especially widespread in mainland China. In this review, we aim to summarise the current understanding of the epidemiology, resistance mechanisms and clinical implications of B. pertussis macrolide resistance. Since the first appearance of macrolide-resistant B. pertussis in Arizona, USA, in 1994, only sporadic cases have been reported outside China. In certain parts of China, on the other hand, up to 70–100% of the recent clinical isolates have been found to be macrolide resistant. Reasons for macrolide resistance being centred upon China during the last decade can only be speculated on, but the dominant B. pertussis lineage is different between China and most of the high-income countries. It seems evident that efforts to increase awareness, guide molecular epidemiological surveillance and carry out systematic screening of B. pertussis positive samples for macrolide resistance should be implemented globally. In addition, practices to improve the clinical care of infants with pertussis caused by resistant strains should be studied vigorously.