bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How does growth mindset affect mental health of high school students during the COVID-19 epidemic? The role of grit and coping strategies
Authors: Zhang Libin , Qi Huan , Wang Chenxu , Wang Tian , Zhang Yunyun
Published: September 2022

Background

The outbreak of COVID-19 epidemic continues to unfold globally, which harms the public’s mental health. Adolescents’ mental health is affected by social isolation and lockdown during the COVID-19 epidemic. The implicit theory of thoughts-emotion-behavior states that individuals with a growth mindset believe that thoughts, emotions, and behaviors can be changed through effort and tend to persist in pursuing higher goals and maintain enthusiasm as well as cope with stress resiliently, thus having higher gritty and levels of mental health. This study aimed to explore the role of grit and coping strategies in the influence of the growth mindset on adolescents’ mental health during the COVID-19 epidemic period.

Methods

A total of 1564 participants (Mage = 17.02, 760 boys, 804 girls) from three high schools in China were recruited to complete The Self-report Questionnaire-20, The Growth Mindset Scale, The Short Grit Scale, and The Coping Style Scale to evaluate mental health, growth mindset, grit, and positive coping strategies, respectively.

Results

The results showed that growth mindset has no significant indirect effect on mental health through grit but has a significant indirect effect on mental health through coping strategies. The results of chain mediation analysis showed that grit and coping strategies play chain mediating roles between growth mindset and adolescents’ mental health.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that cultivating a growth mindset, developing grit, and teaching adolescents to adopt positive coping strategies can improve adolescents’ mental health.
Impact of COVID-19 on viral respiratory infection epidemiology in young children: A single-center analysis
Authors: Shen David Paul , Vermeulen François , Debeer Anne , Lagrou Katrien , Smits Anne
Published: September 2022

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic impacts different health aspects. Concomitant with the adoption of non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) to reduce the spread of SARS-CoV-2, global surveillance studies reported a reduction in occurrence of respiratory pathogens like influenza A and B virus (IAV & IBV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). We hypothesized to observe this collateral benefit on viral respiratory infection epidemiology in young children.

Methods

Respiratory samples of children aged below 6 years, presenting at the outpatient clinic, emergency department, or pediatric infectious diseases department of the University Hospitals Leuven, between April 2017 and April 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The occurrence (positivity rate), and seasonal patterns of viral respiratory infections were described. Chi-squared or Fisher's exact test (and Bonferroni correction) were used to explore differences in occurrence between 2020-2021 and previous 12-month (April to April) periods.

Results

We included 3020 samples (453 respiratory panels, 2567 single SARS-CoV-2 PCR tests). IAV and IBV were not detected from March and January 2020, respectively. For IAV, positivity rate in 2020–2021 (0%,n= 0) was significantly different from 2018-2019 (12.4%,n= 17) (p< 0.001) and 2019-2020 (15.4%,n= 19) (p< 0.001). IBV positivity rate in 2020-2021 (0%,n= 0) was not significantly different from previous periods. RSV occurrence was significantly lower in 2020–2021 (3.2%,n= 3), compared to 2017-2018 (15.0%,n= 15) (p= 0.006), 2018–2019 (16.1%,n= 22) (p= 0.002) and 2019-2020 (22.8%,n= 28) (p< 0.001). The RSV (winter) peak was absent and presented later (March-April 2021). Positivity rate of parainfluenza virus 3 (PIV-3) was significantly higher in 2020-2021 (11.8%,n= 11) than 2017-2018 (1%,n= 1) (p= 0.002). PIV-3 was absent from April 2020 to January 2021, whereas no clear seasonal pattern was distinguished the other years. For the other viruses tested, no significant differences in occurrence were observed between 2020-2021 and previous periods. From March 2020 onwards, 20 cases (0.7%) of SARS-CoV-2 were identified.

Conclusion

These findings reinforce the hypothesis of NPIs impacting the epidemiology of influenza viruses and RSV in young children. Compared to previous periods, no IAV and IBV cases were observed in the 2020-2021 study period, and the RSV peak occurred later. Since the pandemic is still ongoing, continuation of epidemiological surveillance, even on a larger scale, is indicated.
Image segmentation using transfer learning and Fast R-CNN for diabetic foot wound treatments
Authors: Huang Huang-Nan , Zhang Tianyi , Yang Chao-Tung , Sheen Yi-Jing , Chen Hsian-Min , Chen Chur-Jen , Tseng Meng-Wen
Published: September 2022

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are considered the most challenging forms of chronic ulcerations to handle their multifactorial nature. It is necessary to establish a comprehensive treatment plan, accurate, and systematic evaluation of a patient with a DFU. This paper proposed an image recognition of diabetic foot wounds to support the effective execution of the treatment plan. In the severity of a diabetic foot ulcer, we refer to the current qualitative evaluation method commonly used in clinical practice, developed by the International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot: PEDIS index, and the evaluation made by physicians. The deep neural network, convolutional neural network, object recognition, and other technologies are applied to analyze the classification, location, and size of wounds by image analysis technology. The image features are labeled with the help of the physician. The Object Detection Fast R-CNN method is applied to these wound images to build and train machine learning modules and evaluate their effectiveness. In the assessment accuracy, it can be indicated that the wound image detection data can be as high as 90%.
Vaccine acceptance in rural India: Engaging faith leaders as vaccine ambassadors
Authors: Banerjee Preetika , Seth Rajeev , Dhaliwal Baldeep K. , Sullivan Alexis , Qiayum Yawar , Thankachen Betty , Closser Svea , Shet Anita
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Religious faith is a key marker of identity and shapes community perspectives and trust. Faith leader involvement in vaccine campaigns in India have been beneficial to counter misinformation regarding infectious diseases such as polio. Faith leaders are influential stakeholders who bear potential to enhance public confidence in vaccine campaigns.

Context

While vaccine coverage has been increasing in India, inequities abound, especially in populations with historically low vaccine confidence. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to major disruptions in delivery of routine immunization services for children. To address these challenges, we co-designed interventions aimed at contextual communication strategies and peer support. Engaging faith leaders was an important part of this intervention. In this report we describe our experience and highlight the perspectives of faith leaders and their expectations of the outcomes for this intervention.

Programmatic elements

The CIVIC Project, conducted from January to December 2021 aimed to engage caregivers, community health workers and key stakeholders, particularly, faith leaders in co-designing interventions to address vaccine hesitancy in Mewat. The project, deeply rooted in community based participatory research, used a three-E approach (Exploration of community perspectives, Establishment of vaccine trust and awareness, Engagement in vaccine promotion activities) to successfully engage faith leaders in the design and dissemination of media messages advocating for vaccine acceptance and uptake.

Lessons learned

The involvement of faith leaders in the intervention benefited the community in two ways. First, faith leaders were spotlighted via videos, often disseminating advice and personal anecdotes about vaccines, thus reassuring caregivers and community members who previously expressed distrust in vaccines. Second, involvement of trusted faith leaders provided a platform for a two-way dialogue for the community to openly discuss and address myths and misconceptions regarding vaccines. This project provided the learning that co-creating interventions with faith leaders who are often gatekeepers of close-knit communities can lead to the development of vaccine positive messaging that community members relate with, motivating increased vaccine confidence.
Sustainable consumption through policy intervention—A review of research themes
Authors: Mont Oksana , Lehner Matthias , Dalhammar Carl
Published: September 2022

Policy-makers are starting to acknowledge the urgent need for policy-intervention to achieve sustainable consumption. However, it is difficult to achieve policy-making that leads to impactful consumption interventions. Generally speaking, sustainable consumption can be achieved in three ways; to reduce consumption, to change consumption, and to improve consumption. These strategies all have their advantages and disadvantages regarding the likelihood for impactful policies to be implemented. Prior research identifies policies with big impact potential for all three of these strategies, but also clearly shows that none of the three strategies has so far been successfully applied to achieve sustainable consumption. Indeed, success remains elusive in each of the strategies to adopt the most impactful policies available due to limited implementability. The goal of this article is to provide a broad overview of research on sustainable consumption and to discuss future directions for research.
Noise and solar-wind/magnetosphere coupling studies: Data
Authors: Borovsky Joseph E.
Published: September 2022

Using artificial data sets it was earlier demonstrated that noise in solar-wind variables alters the functional form of best-fit solar-wind driver functions (coupling functions) of geomagnetic activity. Using real solar-wind data that noise effect is further explored here with an aim at obtaining better best-fit formulas by removing noise in the real solar-wind data. Trends in the changes to best-fit solar-wind formulas are examined when Gaussian random noise is added to the solar-wind variables in a controlled fashion. Extrapolating those trends backward toward lower noise makes predictions for improved solar-wind driver formulas. Some of the error (noise) in solar-wind data comes from using distant L1 monitors for measuring the solar wind at Earth. An attempt is made to confirm the improvements in the solar-wind driver formulas by comparing results of best-fit formulas using L1 spacecraft measurements with best-fit formulas obtained from near-Earth spacecraft measurements from the IMP-8 spacecraft. However, testing this methodology fails owing to observed large variations in the best-fit-formula parameters from year-to-year and spacecraft-to-spacecraft, with these variations probably overwhelming the noise-correction variations. As an alternative to adding Gaussian random noise to the solar-wind variables, replacing a fraction of the values of the variables with other values was explored, yielding essentially the same noise trends as adding Gaussian noise.
Hybrid effectiveness-implementation study designs in sports injury prevention research
Authors: Root Hayley J. , Lininger Monica R. , DiStefano Lindsay J.
Published: September 2022

Despite vast evidence supporting the effectiveness of lower extremity injury prevention programs in a variety of sport settings, age groups, and levels of competition, there is limited evidence on implementation strategies that positively impact the feasibility, scale-up and sustainability of such programs. Sport-related injury prevention is affected by the research-to-practice gap, a pervasive issue in healthcare, where high-quality experimental research is not used in routine clinical practice. An intervention shown to be efficacious in a controlled environment, such as a lab or in a field-study conducted by scientists, will demonstrate a decline in benefit when implemented in the intended clinical setting. Real-world considerations, such as foundational knowledge and training, time constraints, or end user motivation, influence the quality and consistency of implementation. Acknowledging and addressing implementation barriers in a systematic way is essential to promote effective program dissemination. Study design methods that measure both clinical effectiveness and implementation strategies need to be identified. Hybrid effectiveness-implementation designs simultaneously measure both an intervention's effect on clinical outcomes as well as critical information related to implementation strategy; however these study designs are not frequently utilized. The purpose of this mini-review is to describe: the basics of hybrid designs, rationale for using hybrid designs, and examples of how these designs could be used in athletic healthcare injury prevention research.
Food security systems in rural communities: A qualitative study
Authors: Yusriadi Yusriadi , Cahaya Andi
Published: September 2022

Indonesia is rich in natural resources, but the problem of food insecurity is still a significant concern. However, few studies still examine the relationship of socio dynamics in contributing to local ecosystems to create food security. In this study, we discuss how social dynamics contribute to normative structures, community habits, and livelihoods to meet the living needs of rural communities in creating household food security and how they try to deal with worsening food insecurity through the local wisdom of rural communities. The research methodology is participatory qualitative, while data collection is through a Discussion Group Forum (FGD) and in-depth interviews with rural communities. Fifteen villages contributed to this study, interviewing 14 villagers individually, and the rest were grouped in FGDs based on livelihood categories and equal access to forest and coastal areas. Interview notes and transcription of citations were analyzed using the Thematic Framework Analysis (TFA). The study results illustrate that the village food system is vulnerable to human and natural capital. An adaptation of rural communities will experience food security difficulties when ecosystems do not provide sufficient protection due to a fluctuating climate, crop failure, and loss of household labor due to travel and health emergencies. In addition, food security is created through the dynamics of a well-maintained environment and rural local wisdom, which facilitates broad access to food provided by nature, agricultural land, marine resources, environmental knowledge, community relations, and labor. Our findings highlight the need for interventions that promote environmental conservation goals and introduce social structures that support food security.
Cerebrospinal fluid leaks following intradural spinal surgery—Risk factors and clinical management
Authors: Lenschow Moritz , Perrech Moritz , Telentschak Sergej , von Spreckelsen Niklas , Pieczewski Julia , Goldbrunner Roland , Neuschmelting Volker
Published: September 2022

Background

Cerebrospinal fluid leakage (CSFL) following spinal durotomy can lead to severe sequelae. However, while several studies have investigated accidental spinal durotomies, the risk factors and influence of clinical management in planned durotomies remain unclear.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of all patients who underwent planned intradural spinal surgery at our institution between 2010 and 2020. Depending on the occurrence of a CSFL, patients were dichotomized and compared with respect to patient and case-related variables as well as dural closure technique, epidural drainage placement, and timing of mobilization.

Results

A total of 351 patients were included. CSFL occurred in 4.8% of all cases. Surgical indication, tumor histology, location within the spine, previous intradural surgery, and medical comorbidities were not associated with an increased risk of CSFL development (all p > 0.1). Age [odds ratio (OR), 0.335; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.105–1.066] and gender (OR, 0.350; 95% CI, 0.110–1.115) were not independently associated with CSFL development. There was no significant association between CSFL development and the dural closure technique (p = 0.251), timing of mobilization (p = 0.332), or placement of an epidural drainage (p = 0.321).

Conclusion

CSFL following planned durotomy pose a relevant and quantifiable complication risk of surgery that should be factored in during preoperative patient counseling. Our data could not demonstrate superiority of any particular dural closure technique but support the safety of both early mobilization within 24 h postoperatively and epidural drainage with reduced or no force of suction.
The composition of the gut microbiota is altered in biliary atresia with cholangitis
Authors: Zheng Lulu , Wu Yibo , Gong Zhenhua , Lv Zhibao , Xu Weijue , Sheng Qingfeng , Huang Xiong , Liu Jiangbin
Published: September 2022

Aim

To detect the composition of the gut microbiota in biliary atresia after Kasai surgery.

Methods

Infants within six months after the Kasai operation who were diagnosed by cholangiography at Shanghai Children’s Hospital were enrolled in the study. Fecal samples were collected from diapers, placed into sterile tubes in the inpatient department or outpatient department and frozen at −80°C within half an hour. The gut microbiota was detected by 16S rRNA sequences. Then, the patients that were followed up to one year after the Kasai operation who suffered from cholangitis at least one time were grouped into the BAcho group, and the others were grouped into the BAnoncho group.

Results

Nine of 18 BA patients were grouped into the BAcho group, and the others were grouped into the BAnoncho group. In the BAcho group, AST, ALT and GGT were significantly increased compared to the BAnoncho group. The number of total OTUs (operational taxonomic units) in feces was more elevated in the BAnoncho group than in the BAcho group. In the BAnoncho group, the Chao index at the OTU level was significantly increased compared to that in the BAcho group (66.37 ± 21.5 vs. 45.64 ± 11.25, p = 0.02 < 0.05). Bifidobacterium was the most abundant genus in the BAnoncho group, accounting for 22.14%, and Klebsiella accounted for 22.74% in the BAcho group. Compared with the BAnoncho group, Bacteroides was significantly decreased in the BAcho group (p = 0.037).

Conclusion

The composition of the gut microbiota was different between BA with cholangitis and BA without cholangitis.
Characterization of strains of Anaplasma marginale from clinical cases in bovine using major surface protein 1a in Uruguay
Authors: Parodi Pablo , Armúa-Fernández María T. , Schanzembach Marcos , Mir Daiana , Benítez-Galeano María José , Rodríguez-Osorio Nélida , Rivero Rodolfo , Venzal José M.
Published: September 2022

The major surface protein 1a (MSP1a) gene has been used to characterize Anaplasma marginale genetic diversity. This pathogen causes significant productivity and economic losses to the cattle industry. The objective of the present study was to report the first characterization of A. marginale genetic diversity in Uruguay based on MSP1a genotypes and their putative relationship with Rhipicephalus microplus. This cross-sectional study was conducted between 2016 and 2020. The study included whole blood samples from clinical cases of bovine anaplasmosis obtained from 30 outbreaks located in six Uruguay territorial departments. Diagnosis was performed using Giemsa-stained smears and confirmed by nested Polymerase Chance Reaction (nPCR) targeting the A. marginale major surface protein 5 gene. The genetic diversity of A. marginale strains was characterized by analyzing the microsatellite and tandem repeats of MSP1a. Based on the microsatellite structure, four genotypes were identified. Genotype E was the most prevalent. Analysis of MSP1a tandem repeats showed 28 different strains from the combination of 31 repeats, with τ-10-15 and α-β-β-β-Γ being the most common. Repeats Γ, β, α, and γ were associated with the absence of R. microplus with statistical significance (p < 0.05). Molecular observations showed that 46.7% of the strains identified in our samples lacked the ability to bind to tick cells; therefore, they were probably transmitted by other vectors. Strain genetic diversity provides valuable information for understanding the epidemiological behavior of A. marginale and could contribute to the development of effective vaccines for the control of this disease.
Corporate Social Responsibility: The Impact of Employees’ Perceptions on Organizational Citizenship Behavior through Organizational Identification
Authors: Freire Carla , Gonçalves Joana , Carvalho Maria Rita
Published: September 2022

The impact of the employees’ perceptions of CSR activities on the employee-organization relationship has been little explored in the literature. This study aims to analyze the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) perceptions (Environment-related CSR; Employee-related CSR, Customer-related CSR) on organizational citizenship behavior through the mediating role of the organizational identification of employees in the hotel sector. A questionnaire was applied to a sample of 214 frontline employees who work in four- and five-star hotels. Using Model 4 of the PROCESS macro, a mediation model was designed to test the hypotheses. The results indicate that there is a mediation model that uses the effect of organizational identification in the relationship between perceptions of CSR and organizational citizenship behavior. This study concludes that an increase in identification with the organization based on environmental-related activities, employee-related activities, or customer-related activities impact on OCB. The results of this study represent contributions to the literature in the CSR field, as well as to the case of human resources managers who wish to enhance organizational citizenship behavior and identification among hotel staff.
Minimisation of Failure Transients in a Fail-Safe Electro-Mechanical Actuator Employed for the Flap Movables of a High-Speed Helicopter-Plane
Authors: Di Rito Gianpietro , Kovel Romain , Nardeschi Marco , Borgarelli Nicola , Luciano Benedetto
Published: September 2022

The work deals with the model-based characterization of the failure transients of a fail-safe rotary EMA developed by Umbragroup (Italy) for the flap movables of the RACER helicopter-plane by Airbus Helicopters (France). Since the reference application requires quasi-static position-tracking with high disturbance-rejection capability, the attention is focused on control hardover faults which determine an actuator runaway from the commanded setpoint. To perform the study, a high-fidelity nonlinear model of the EMA is developed from physical first principles and the main features of health-monitoring and closed-loop control functions (integrating the conventional nested loops architecture with a deformation feedback loop enhancing the actuator stiffness) are presented. The EMA model is then validated with experiments by identifying its parameters by ad-hoc tests. Simulation results are finally proposed to characterize the failure transients in worst case scenarios by highlighting the importance of using a specifically designed back-electromotive damper circuitry into the EMA power electronics to limit the position deviation after the fault detection.
Effects of Farmland Landscape Fragmentation on Agricultural Irrigation in Hotan Oasis
Authors: Zhang Lei , Liu Yunfei , Yin Changjun , Xue Dongping , Gui Dongwei , Qi Zhiming
Published: September 2022

Farmland landscape fragmentation is an important problem affecting the agricultural modernization process in China. However, farmland landscape fragmentation leads to land being wasted and increases management costs, particularly in the dryland’s oasis regions. Therefore, investigating the impact of farmland landscape fragmentation on agricultural irrigation is of great significance in developing oasis agriculture. This paper used the landscape quantitative index (DIVISION), the moving window method, and gradient analysis methods to study the temporal and spatial pattern changes in farmland fragmentation in the Hotan Oasis. Additionally, the impact of fragmentation on irrigation in the oasis was elaborated upon by exploring the relationship between evapotranspiration and its components in farmland fragmentation. The results showed that the farmland area of the Hotan Oasis increased from 1546.19 km2 in 2000 to 2068.23 km2 in 2020, and farmland landscape fragmentation increased with the expansion of the Hotan Oasis. In addition, a significant relationship between farmland fragmentation and evapotranspiration and its components was evident. A lower DIVISION value corresponded to a higher ET value, a lower ETs/ETc ratio, and a higher water use efficiency. When the total farmland area is assumed to remain unchanged, the irrigation water consumption is reduced by 4.82 × 108 m3 according to the size and proportion of arable land with the lowest degree of fragmentation (L1, division value of 0.46). In addition, with the increase in the proportion of farmland, the scale of oasis decreases by 2431.56 km2 for the reduction in field roads, shelterbelt, and bare land. These findings suggest that solving the problem of farmland fragmentation can effectively reduce irrigation water consumption, realize the internal expansion of the oasis through intensive land use, and relieve the pressure of the external expansion of the oasis.
Bamboo Biochar and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Improved the Growth of Maize (Zea mays L.) and Decreased Cadmium Uptake in Cd-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Zha Yan , Zhao Bo , Niu Tianxin
Published: September 2022

Cadmium (Cd) has attained top priority among all the toxic trace elements, and it easily accumulates in the human body through various pathways. The current pot study was focused on the impacts of foliar spray zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) (0, 50, 75, 100 mg·L−1), alone or combined with soil-applied bamboo biochar (1.0% w/w), on the maize growth and Cd and Zn accumulations in the grains of maize under Cd-contaminated soil. The results showed that the maize-growth, photosynthesis, and gas-exchange attributes were accelerated by the foliar-applied ZnO NPs, and this effect was further enhanced by the bamboo biochar application in combination with ZnO NPs. All the amendments decreased the electrolyte leakage (EL) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents, and they enhanced the activities of the antioxidant enzymes in the leaves and roots of the maize more than the control. The Cd concentrations in the shoots decreased by 74.55%, in the roots 66.38%, and in the grains by 76.19% after the bamboo biochar combined with a foliar spray of 100 mg·L−1 ZnO NPs. The current study concluded that the combination of the foliar spray of ZnO NPs and soil-applied bamboo biochar is a feasible strategy for safely growing crops on Cd-contaminated soils.
Effects of Leaf Surface Roughness and Contact Angle on In Vivo Measurement of Droplet Retention
Authors: Ma Jing , Liu Kuan , Dong Xiaoya , Chen Chenggong , Qiu Baijing , Zhang Songchao
Published: September 2022

Droplet retention during pesticide application is a serious problem because run-off droplets flow out of the target area and pose a hazard to human health and the environment. The present study was conducted with the aim to measure the droplet retention of sprayed droplets on crop leaves in vivo using a constructed test system. In the measurement, three crop species with different surface properties (tomato, chili pepper, and winter wheat) were selected for droplet retention determination, and the variations in the time intervals of maximum retention and stable retention were determined. Contact angle and surface roughness (Ra), which are the most important surface properties of crop leaves, were used as independent variables. The Ra values of tomato, pepper, and winter wheat were 24.73 μm, 5.28 μm, and 17.59 μm, respectively, while the contact angles of tomato, pepper, and winter wheat were 97.67°, 70.07° and 131.98°, respectively. The results showed that the curves of droplet retention on sprayed tomato and wheat leaves had similar patterns over time and could be divided into four periods (rapidly increasing period, slowly increasing period, collapsing period, and stable period). The maximum droplet retention on tomato leaf surface was Rmax = 0.169 g⋅cm−2, and the stable retention was Rst = 0.134 g⋅cm−2. The maximum droplet retention on the surface of winter wheat leaf was Rmax = 0.244 g⋅cm−2, and the stable retention was Rst = 0.093 g⋅cm−2. However, droplet retention on pepper leaves was different from that on tomato and wheat leaves. The curve pattern of droplet retention on pepper leaves over time showed two peaks and two valleys. Moreover, the maximum retention, Rmax, was in the range of 0.149~0.151 g⋅cm−2, and the stable retention was Rst = 0.077 g⋅cm−2. It is expected that the obtained results can be used to characterize the properties of crop leaves and that this study can contribute to the improvement of droplet retention for effective chemical application and the reduction in the environmental pollution caused by agricultural pesticides.
Nitrogen Effect on Fruit Quality and Yield of Muskmelon and Sweet Pepper Cultivars
Authors: Grasso Rafael , Peña-Fleitas M. Teresa , de Souza Romina , Rodríguez Alejandra , Thompson Rodney B. , Gallardo Marisa , Padilla Francisco M.
Published: September 2022

Yield and fruit quality are two of the most important parameters for the profitability of vegetable crops. In commercial vegetable production, nitrogen (N) is commonly applied in excess, which is associated with nitrate (NO3−) leaching loss. In addition, excess N application may affect yield and fruit quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of N applications of very deficient N (N1, 2 mmol L−1), deficient N (N2, 8 mmol L−1), and conventional N (N3, 14 mmol L−1), according to local fertigation practices, in soil-grown muskmelon and sweet pepper crops in Almeria, South-Eastern Spain. The evaluation was conducted in three cultivars of each species. The yield and the fruit quality parameters of firmness, colour, total soluble solids (TSS) and morphometric variables were evaluated in two years for each species. For most parameters in both species, the effects of N, when significant, occurred regardless of cultivar. In muskmelon and sweet pepper, application of 8.2 mmol N L−1 (i.e., N2) was sufficient to achieve a maximum yield of 6.7 and 7.4 kg m−2, respectively. In muskmelon, very deficient N application led to an increase of 58% in the percentage of fruit discarded, mostly due to malformed and undersized fruits. Fruit firmness and red–green axis coordinate (a*) were not consistently affected by N in any of the crops. However, the fruit lightness (L*) increased with N addition in both species, likely because of increased chlorophyll pigments. With N addition, fruit TSS slightly decreased in muskmelon and slightly increased in sweet pepper. However, fruit TSS of both species were within reference values for commercialisation in the three N treatments. There were differences in yield between cultivars in muskmelon but not in sweet pepper, likely due to differences in fruit number in muskmelon. There were differences between cultivars in TSS and colour a* coordinate in both muskmelon and sweet pepper. Cultivars with higher TSS and a* coordinate will likely be more desirable for consumers because of the sweeter taste and more intense orange colour in muskmelon and reddish colour in sweet pepper. Overall, our manuscript showed that N application can be reduced, relative to the conventional N application, without reducing yield or fruit quality in muskmelon, yet additional studies should be conducted in sweet pepper to complement the results of the 2020 crop.
Drying of Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller) and Its Potential as a Solid Biofuel
Authors: San Miguel Guillermo , Fernández-Olmedilla Diego , Sánchez-Godoy Francisco
Published: September 2022

Prickly pear is a species that shows great capability to grow in harsh environments with potential for being used as an energy resource. The aim of this paper was to characterize prickly-pear mature cladodes in terms of chemical, proximal, and fuel properties, as well as to study the drying kinetics of this biomass after pretreatments destined to expose the internal tissues of mature cladodes to different temperatures. The results show that prickly-pear biomass was a poor-quality solid biofuel due to a low calorific value (12.9 MJ/kg d.m.b.) and a high ash content (25.8 wt.%). When drying prickly-pear biomass, cutting the cladodes to expose the internal tissues significantly increased the drying rate, especially when temperatures of 60 °C and above were employed. Double exponential (three parameters) and Midilli were the models that best fitted the experimental curves of prickly-pear cladodes cut into straps and cubes when dried at 50–70 °C. Finally, the bulk density of the prickly-pear biomass was similar to the one obtained for herbaceous biomasses, thus suggesting that further densification will enhance the usability of this feedstock.
Optimizing Sowing Window for Local and Chinese Elite Lines under Changing Climate
Authors: Khan Bismillah , Arif Muhammad , Munsif Fazal , Anjum Muhammad Mehran , Wójcik-Gront Elżbieta , Khan Aziz , Ahmad Ijaz , Ren Yong , Zhao Changping , Liao Xiangzheng , Zhang Shengquan
Published: September 2022

Climate change threatens major global crops including wheat of subtropical regions, especially during critical developmental stages. To address this concern, researchers try to identify exotic genetic diversity with pronounced stress tolerance or avoidance or find improved genotypes with optimal sowing time. Current research evaluated seven exotic Chinese wheat genotypes (MY4094, MY1617, MY1416, MY2914, MY1501, MY1419, and MY902) for yield and associated characters along with a local check variety (PS-15) under optimal (1st November), moderate (16th November), and late sowing times (1st December) during both years. The result revealed that delayed sowing reduced yield and yield components of the tested genotypes, including the local check. Genotype MY1617 performed best under optimal sowing in terms of grain yield and yield attributes, with a 5% increase over the local check. MY902 had the highest seed yield among late-sown genotypes. Correlation analysis showed that grain yield was positively correlated with grains per spike, days to anthesis, booting, and heading. The current study provides important information for wheat breeders to exploit exotic genetic materials under a diverse sowing window and develop genotypes with improved traits that may boost wheat growers’ production.
An Investigation of the Frequency and Duration of a Drive Spoon–Dispersed Water Jet and Its Influence on the Hydraulic Performance of a Large-Volume Irrigation Sprinkler
Authors: Tang Pan , Chen Chao
Published: September 2022

The frequency and duration of drive spoon–dispersed water jet directly influence the water distribution pattern and, further, affect water distribution uniformity. A mathematical model for calculating the duration was established, and an experiment was carried out to verify the accuracy of the theory by using high-speed photography (HSP) technique. Another important component of the investigation was the influence of frequency and duration on the water distribution pattern and water distribution uniformity. The results showed that the frequency of drive spoon–dispersed water jet increased and the duration time decreased with increased working pressure and decreased distance between counterweight-installed position and rotation axis. The calculated values of the theory were greater than the measured values. Differences between the measured and predicted values decreased with increased working pressure, and the average difference decreased to 2.98% when the working pressure increased to 0.40 MPa. The application rates within 1–13 m improved and increased about 50% by decreasing the distance from 135 mm to 80 mm. The maximum application rates decreased from 10.3 to 9.2 mm h−1, 9.5 to 8.8 mm h−1, and 8.4 to 7.9 mm h−1 with a working pressure of 0.30, 0.35, and 0.40 MPa, respectively. The Christiansen’s uniformity coefficient (CU) values decreased by increasing the distance between the counterweight and the rotation axis. The maximum CU values were obtained at the spacing coefficient of 1.2, 1.2, and 1.1 for 0.30, 0.35, and 0.40 MPa, respectively. By decreasing the distance from 135 mm to 80 mm, the maximum CU values increased from 58.96% to 75.1%, 68.85% to 80.1%, and 72.46% to 82.17% for 0.30, 0.35, and 0.40 MPa, respectively.
Does the Availability of Specific Agri-Equipment Influence Cropping System Design? A Case Study of Pulses
Authors: Kefi Souha , Rizzo Davide , Dubois Michel J. F.
Published: September 2022

Cropping system design is being transformed through the twofold evolution of agricultural practices for an agroecological transition, and of equipment diversification for agrotechnical needs. Among the most well-known drivers there are genetic selection, crop diversification, protein and energy autonomy. Protein and energy autonomy but also crop diversification could be achieved by reintroducing pulses into farming systems. The availability of specific equipment might be the simplest prerequisite for developing agroecological farming practices while supporting these goals. However, the links between pulses and agri-equipment are not clarified in the literature. The aim of this study is to understand recent historical and current links between pulses and equipment and to gain insight into the suitability or even to find shortcomings concerning pulses and available agri-equipment. To this end, 21 key informants were identified in the agronomical, sociotechnical, economic, and political sectors in France. We asked them four questions: (i) Can you describe your professional functions? (ii) Do you think that equipment is related to the design of the culture system? (iii) Do you think that pulses require specific equipment? (iv) How do you define agroecology? Respondents’ profiles are equally distributed into profiles directly related to the farmer and profiles not directly related to farmers. All 21 respondents answered questions (ii) and (iv). Only 14 respondents answered question (iii), and most of them are directly related to the farmer. We note that pulses do not require specific agri-equipment in a conventional system. The need for agri-equipment is found in the soil conservation approach where pulses are combined with other crops. Soil conservation approaches appear to achieve agroecological goals through the reintroduction of legumes and the decarbonization of energy associated with reduced mechanical costs and CO2 emissions. This article presents expert opinions on the impact of equipment in the adaptation of agroecological practices as well as insights into the existing blockages of equipment in relation to soil conservation practices.
Functional Analysis of ScABI3 from Syntrichia caninervis Mitt. in Medicago sativa L.
Authors: Zhang Yi , Wang Chun , Huang Mingqi , Zhang Yigong
Published: September 2022

ABI3 (ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE 3) is a family of B3 transcription factors essential for regulating the abscisic acid (ABA) signaling pathway involved in various biological processes and abiotic stress. Our previous studies demonstrated that ectopic expression of ScABI3 from a desiccation-tolerant moss (Syntrichia caninervis) into Arabidopsis thaliana enhanced abiotic stress tolerance. However, studies on plant transformation using the ABI3 gene are limited and other possible functions of ScABI3 are not known. Here, we transformed the ScABI3 into alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) and analyzed the effects on phenotype, photosynthetic efficiency, and nutritional quality. The results showed that the endogenous ABA content of the transgenic plants was significantly higher than WT, and the leaf-stem ratio, leaf area, and branch number increased with ScABI3 overexpression in alfalfa. Further analysis of the gas exchange parameters showed that the net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (Gs), transpiration rate (Tr), and water-use efficiency (WUE) of the transgenic alfalfa were significantly higher than WT; meanwhile, the protein content of the transgenic lines was higher than the WT, but the crude fat content was lower. Thus, these findings suggest that ScABI3 can be used as a potential candidate gene to manipulate alfalfa’s growth and nutritional quality. This study will provide a theoretical basis for breeding alfalfa varieties and assist in forage production and animal husbandry in the future.
Environmental Factors Affecting the Reproductive Efficiency of Italian Simmental Young Bulls
Authors: Corte Pause Francesca , Crociati Martina , Urli Susy , Monaci Maurizio , Degano Lorenzo , Stradaioli Giuseppe
Published: September 2022

The objectives of the study aimed to evaluate the effect of weather conditions and scrotal circumference (SC) on standard semen characteristics of Italian Simmental young bulls (n = 577), all raised in the same performance station and sampled by the artificial vagina (AV) method. Considering the increasing SC, the results showed a significant increase in quantitative semen parameters (p < 0.05 and p < 0.0001, for sperm concentration and total number of spermatozoa, respectively); for every extra centimeter of SC, 17.5 × 106 spermatozoa/mL and 0.102 × 109 of total spermatozoa were produced. The age of the animal at semen collection (395 and 465 days) had similar positive effects. The effect of the average temperature humidity index (THI limits ≤ 40 and ≥70) in the previous 60, 30, and 10 days before the semen collection was also considered. Sixty days before the semen collection, the increasing THI increased both primary (p < 0.0001) and secondary (p < 0.0001) abnormalities while the percentage of morphologically normal spermatozoa decreased (p < 0.0001). Thirty and ten days before collection, the same effect on morphological traits was maintained, but total and progressive motility was also influenced (p < 0.01) with an unexpected increasing pattern. Thus, environmental conditions can influence semen quality during the entire spermatogenesis and results can guide future research on this breed.
Effect of the Administration of a Nutraceutical Supplement in Racehorses with Lower Airway Inflammation
Authors: Stucchi Luca , Lo Feudo Chiara Maria , Stancari Giovanni , Conturba Bianca , Ferrucci Francesco
Published: September 2022

Mild–moderate equine asthma (MEA) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the lower airways of the horse, characterized by tracheal mucus accumulation, cough and poor performance. The therapeutic approach is based on pharmacological treatment and environmental management. Moreover, the efficacy of the administration of antioxidant molecules has been reported. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the administration of a commercial nutraceutical supplement, composed of several herbal extracts, on lower airway inflammation in racehorses. Twelve Thoroughbreds affected by MEA were selected. All horses underwent a clinical examination with assignment of a clinical score, airway endoscopy and cytological examination of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In seven horses, the supplement was administered for 21 days in association with environmental changes, while in five horses only environmental changes were performed. All procedures were repeated at the end of the study. Data concerning the clinical score, the endoscopic scores and the cytology at the beginning and at the end of the study were statistically compared. Data showed a significant reduction (p < 0.0156) of the clinical score and a significant reduction (p < 0.0156) of the tracheal mucus score. The results showed the beneficial effect of the supplement on mild–moderate lower airway inflammation, probably due to its antioxidant activity.
Bilateral Change in Vertical Hoof Force Distribution in Horses with Unilateral Forelimb Lameness before and after Successful Diagnostic Anaesthesia
Authors: Hoffmann Johanna R. , Geburek Florian , Hagen Jenny , Büttner Kathrin , Cruz Antonio M. , Röcken Michael
Published: September 2022

Kinetic examinations of horses with induced lameness as well as the effect of perineural anaesthesia in sound horses have shown promise, but clinical studies regarding the effect of diagnostic anaesthesia during the different stance phases are rare. Fourteen horses with unilateral forelimb lameness were examined with the Hoof™ System during trot to assess vertical force distribution (in kg) affecting both front hooves before and after diagnostic anaesthesia during landing, midstance, and breakover. For statistical analysis, a covariance analysis with repeated measurements regarding the limb (lame/sound) as well as anaesthesia (before/after) and the covariable body weight was performed. The p-values for the pairwise comparisons were adjusted using the Bonferroni–Holm correction (p < 0.05). For all phases of the stance, a significant interaction between the factors limb and anaesthesia was shown. Before diagnostic anaesthesia, vertical force was significantly reduced on the lame limb compared to the sound limb during landing (−25%, p < 0.001), midstance (−20%, p < 0.001) and breakover (−27%, p < 0.001). After anaesthesia, the difference between both forelimbs was not significant anymore for all phases. The vertical force on the lame limb increased significantly after positive anaesthesia during the whole stance phase, with breakover being most affected (+27%, p = 0.001). Pressure measurements with the Hoof™ System can be used to evaluate the effect of diagnostic anaesthesia in a clinical setting with pain-related vertical force asymmetries being neutralised after diagnostic anaesthesia. Breakover is the main event influenced by lameness.
Efficacy of Abdominal Ultrasonography for Differentiation of Gastrointestinal Diseases in Calves
Authors: Yoshimura Naoaki , Tsuka Takeshi , Yoshimura Takaaki , Otoi Takeshige
Published: September 2022

This study investigated the clinical efficacy of abdominal ultrasonography for abomasal dilation in three calves, intestinal volvulus in five calves, intussusception in one calf, and internal hernia in one calf. In the abdominal ultrasonograms of the abomasal dilation cases, this disease was commonly characterized by severely extended lumens, including heterogeneously hyperechoic ingesta without intraluminal accumulations of gas. In the animals with intestinal volvulus and intussusception, a to-and-fro flow was observed to be a common ultrasonographic characteristic that led to suspicion of an intestinal obstruction. The use of abdominal ultrasonography for five cases with intestinal volvulus gave no reason to suspect this disease, despite its efficacy in one case, based on an acutely angled narrowing. Although three of five animals with intestinal volvulus had intestinal ruptures, no ultrasonographic evidence could be obtained. When abdominal ultrasonography was used for one case with intussusception, this pathological condition could be strongly suspected, as a “target” sign was observed. This finding supported surgical intervention for this case, followed by treatment with manual reduction, resulting in a favorable outcome. In terms of the differential and definitive diagnosis for various intestinal diseases, abdominal ultrasonography may be poor at providing indicative evidence, but very helpful for confirming intestinal obstruction.