bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socially Disadvantaged Community Structures and Conditions Negatively Influence Risky Sexual Behavior in Adolescents and Young Adults: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bae Sung-Heui , Jeong Jieun , Yang Youngran
Published: November 2022

Objectives:This review aims to examine the association between community-level factors, namely, community structure and condition, and risky sexual behavior (RSB) including early sexual debut, having multiple sex partners, and unprotected sex, in adolescents and young adults.

Methods:In total, 17 observational studies were identified for review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Among the 11,216 identified articles, excluded articles comprised 8,361 duplicates, 2,855 articles by title screening, 893 by abstract screening, and 667 by full-text screening. Finally, eight additional articles were added by manual search.

Results:The community structural factors included social disadvantage, economic, employment, education status, racial or ethnic composition, residential stability, and physical environment. The current review found that social disadvantage (six studies) and economic status (10 studies) were most frequently examined. Particularly, higher levels of social disadvantage were associated with higher rates of early sexual initiation, inconsistent condom use, and multiple sexual partners.

Conclusion:This study highlights that community structure and conditions in terms of social disadvantages should be addressed to prevent RSB in the young population.
AMR-Assisted Order Picking: Models for Picker-to-Parts Systems in a Two-Blocks Warehouse
Authors: Pugliese Giulia , Chou Xiaochen , Loske Dominic , Klumpp Matthias , Montemanni Roberto
Published: November 2022

Manual order picking, the process of retrieving stock keeping units from their storage location to fulfil customer orders, is one of the most labour-intensive and costly activity in modern supply chains. To improve the outcome of order picking systems, automated and robotized components are increasingly introduced creating hybrid order picking systems where humans and machines jointly work together. This study focuses on the application of a hybrid picker-to-parts order picking system, in which human operators collaborate with Automated Mobile Robots (AMRs). In this paper a warehouse with a two-blocks layout is investigated. The main contributions are new mathematical models for the optimization of picking operations and synchronizations. Two alternative implementations for an AMR system are considered. In the first one handover locations, where pickers load AMRs are shared between pairs of opposite sub-aisles, while in the second they are not. It is shown that solving the mathematical models proposed by the meaning of black-box solvers provides a viable algorithmic optimization approach that can be used in practice to derive efficient operational plannings. The experimental study presented, based on a real warehouse and real orders, finally allows to evaluate and strategically compare the two alternative implementations considered for the AMR system.
Longitudinal Aerodynamic Parameter Identification for Blended-Wing-Body Aircraft Based on a Wind Tunnel Virtual Flight Test
Authors: Wang Lixin , Tai Shang , Yue Ting , Liu Hailiang , Wang Yanling , Bu Chen
Published: November 2022

The wind tunnel virtual flight test realizes the dynamic semi-free flight of the model in the wind tunnel through the deflections of the control surface and uses the test data to identify the aerodynamic derivatives. The difference in dynamics between the wind tunnel virtual flight and the free flight leads to discrepancies between the identification and theoretical results. To solve the problems, a step-by-step identification and correction method for aerodynamic derivatives is established based on the difference between the equations of motion of wind tunnel virtual flight and free flight to identify and correct the lift, drag derivatives, pitch moment derivatives, and velocity derivatives, respectively. To establish an aerodynamic parameter identification model, the flight dynamics equation is expressed as a decoupled form of the free flight force and the influence of the test support frame force on the model’s motions through linearization. To ensure the identification accuracy of each aerodynamic derivative, an excitation signal design method based on amplitude–frequency characteristic analysis is proposed. The longitudinal aerodynamic parameter identification results of a blended-wing-body aircraft show that identification results with higher accuracy can be obtained by adopting the proposed identification and correction method.
Three-Dimensional Flight Envelope for V/STOL Aircraft with Multiple Flight Modes
Authors: Ma Tielin , Wang Xiangsheng , Fu Jingcheng , Hao Shuai , Xue Pu
Published: November 2022

Vertical or short take-off and landing (V/STOL) aircraft generally have three flight modes, namely, vertical take-off and landing (VTOL), conversion, and cruise, according to the variable angle of propulsion direction to the fuselage axis. However, the traditional flight envelope or conversion corridor lacks the capability to comprehensively present the flight characteristics of these three modes. Pursuant to this, the purpose of this paper was to present a three-dimensional (3D) flight envelope that combines propulsion direction, airspeed, and altitude in one figure. The 3D envelope was constructed subject to the constraints of power rating and equilibrium conditions. To verify its effectiveness, the flight data of XV-15 was used to generate the 3D envelope, following the projection along with the cross-section, which was compared with the traditional flight envelope and conversion corridor, respectively. The maximum specific excess power (SEP) of each flight state was also promptly obtained. In the case study, the flight performance of a rotor-wing aircraft was comprehensively analyzed using the generated 3D envelope. The proposed method in this study exhibited its versatility and capability to demonstrate the performance in all flight modes intuitively, which promoted the efficiency of V/STOL aircraft flight performance analysis as well.
FPGA Implementation of a Convolutional Neural Network and Its Application for Pollen Detection upon Entrance to the Beehive
Authors: Sledevič Tomyslav , Serackis Artūras , Plonis Darius
Published: November 2022

The condition of a bee colony can be predicted by monitoring bees upon hive entrance. The presence of pollen grains gives beekeepers significant information about the well-being of the bee colony in a non-invasive way. This paper presents a field-programmable-gate-array (FPGA)-based pollen detector from images obtained at the hive entrance. The image dataset was acquired at native entrance ramps from six different hives. To evaluate and demonstrate the performance of the system, various densities of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) were trained and tested to find those suitable for pollen grain detection at the chosen image resolution. We propose a new CNN accelerator architecture that places a pre-trained CNN on an SoC FPGA. The CNN accelerator was implemented on a cost-optimized Z-7020 FPGA with 16-bit fixed-point operations. The kernel binarization and merging with the batch normalization layer were applied to reduce the number of DSPs in the multi-channel convolutional core. The estimated average performance was 32 GOPS for a single convolutional core. We found that the CNN with four convolutional and two dense layers gave a 92% classification accuracy, and it matched those declared for state-of-the-art methods. It took 8.8 ms to classify a 512 × 128 px frame and 2.4 ms for a 256 × 64 px frame. The frame rate of the proposed method outperformed the speed of known pollen detectors. The developed pollen detector is cost effective and can be used as a real-time image classification module for hive status monitoring.
Grassland Reseeding: Impact on Soil Surface Nutrient Accumulation and Using LiDAR-Based Image Differencing to Infer Implications for Water Quality
Authors: Hayes Emma , Higgins Suzanne , Geris Josie , Mullan Donal
Published: November 2022

Long-term phosphorus (P) accumulation in agricultural soils presents a challenge for water quality improvement. P is commonly elevated in soils managed for intensive livestock production due to repeated overapplication of slurry and fertilisers. High legacy nutrient accumulations result in poor water quality via transport pathways such as surface runoff, subsurface drainage, and soil erosion. To achieve environmental water quality targets, improved management strategies are required for targeting and reducing excess agricultural P sources. Reseeding of old swards is known to improve grassland productivity and enhance overall soil health. However, soil disturbance associated with reseeding could have positive and negative impacts on other soil functions that affect the nutrient balance (including improved microbial activity, but also increasing the potential for sediment and nutrient losses). This study investigates the impact of reseeding and inversion tillage in addressing soil surface nutrient surpluses and identifies potential trade-offs between production, environment (through soil erosion and associated sediment and nutrient losses), and soil health. At a study site in the Blackwater catchment in Northern Ireland, we collected high-resolution (35 m) gridded soil samples pre- and post-reseeding for nutrient analyses and combined this with GIS-based interpolation. We found that decreases in sub-field scale surface nutrient content (0–7.5 cm depth) occurred following tillage and reseeding, but that this was spatially variable. In addition, the magnitude of changes in nutrient content was variable between P and other sampled nutrients. LiDAR-based image differencing indicated variability in the magnitude of soil erosion and sediment loss also at sub-field scale. Information on the identified deposition and erosion zones (from LiDAR analysis) was combined with mass wasting data to determine accumulation rates and losses of nutrients in-field and confirmed some of the identified patterns in soil surface nutrient content changes post-reseeding. We conclude that while inversion tillage and reseeding are essential agricultural practices, environmental trade-offs exist through potential nutrient and sediment losses. LiDAR-based image differencing was found to be a useful tool in helping to quantify these risks. Quantifying sediment and nutrient losses as a result of inversion tillage and reseeding induced soil erosion aids in understanding potential trends in water quality statuses.
Effect of Total Mixed Ratio (TMR) Supplementation on Milk Nutritive Value and Mineral Status of Female Camels and Their Calves (Camelus dromedarius) Raised under Semi Intensive System during Winter
Authors: Abdelrahman Mutassim M. , Alhidary Ibrahim A. , Matar Abdulkareem M. , Alobre Mohsen M. , Alharthi Abdulrahman S. , Faye Bernard , Aljumaah Riyadh S.
Published: November 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the nutritional values of female camels’ milk and the minerals status, for them and their calves, when fed a total mixed ration (TMR) beside alfalfa hay during winter. Thirty-seven lactating multiparous female camels and their calves were selected at mid-lactation in the Al-Kharj region. Group one was fed only alfalfa hay ad libitum (C) and group two was supplemented with a total mixed ratio (TMR; 4 kg/head/day), primarily containing a mix of barley grain, wheat feed, palm kernel cake, soya hulls, vitamins and minerals. Milk and blood samples were collected in the middle of the winter season and analyzed for minerals using ICP-OES. A significant (p < 0.05) higher concentration was observed for protein and inorganic matter in milk from female camels supplemented with TMR in the T group. In addition, Mg, Co, Fe and Zn levels in milk significantly (p < 0.05) increased compared with the control group (C). Blood serum concentrations of Ca, P, Mg, Cu, I, Se, Zn and Cd minerals in female camels were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the T group compared to the C group. Blood serum of the calves in the T group was significantly (p < 0.05) at higher levels for all minerals than in the control group (C); except iodine. Furthermore, significant correlations were reported between Co and Mn elements with most other minerals under investigation. In conclusion, TMR supplementation in the T group of female camels during lactation in the winter season is highly recommended since it improves the milk composition and mineral profile.
NaCl Accumulation, Shoot Biomass, Antioxidant Capacity, and Gene Expression of Passiflora edulis f. Flavicarpa Deg. in Response to Irrigation Waters of Moderate to High Salinity
Authors: Ferreira Jorge , Liu Xuan , Suddarth Stella , Nguyen Christina , Sandhu Devinder
Published: November 2022

Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa (yellow passion fruit) is a high-value tropical crop explored for both fruit and nutraceutical markets. As the fruit production in the US rises, the crop must be investigated for the effects of salinity under semi-arid climates. We assessed the effects of irrigation-water salinity, leaf age, and drying method on leaf antioxidant capacity (LAC) and plant genetic responses. Plants were grown in outdoor lysimeter tanks for three years, with waters of electrical conductivities of 3.0, 6.0, and 12.0 dS m−1. Both Na and Cl significantly increased with salinity; leaf biomass at 3.0 and 6.0 dS m−1 were similar but reduced significantly at 12.0 dS m−1. Salinity had no effect on LAC, but new leaves had the highest LAC compared to older leaves. Low-temperature oven-dried (LTO) and freeze-dried (FD) leaves had the same LAC. The analyses of twelve transporter genes, six involved in Na+ transport and six in Cl− transport, showed higher expressions in roots than in leaves, indicating a critical role of roots in ion transport and the control of leaf salt concentration. Passion fruit’s moderate tolerance to salinity and its high leaf antioxidant capacity make it a potential new fruit crop for California, as well as a rich source of flavonoids for the nutraceutical market. Low-temperature oven drying is a potential alternative to lyophilization in preparation for Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) analysis of passion fruit leaves.
Fruit Quality and Contents of Some Bioactive Compounds in Selected Czech Sweet Cherry (Prunus avium L.) Cultivars under Conditions of Central Poland
Authors: Szpadzik Ewa , Krupa Tomasz , Molska-Kawulok Karolina , Przybyłko Sebastian
Published: November 2022

Dynamic changes have taken place in the production of sweet cherry (Prunus avium L.) in Poland over the last 20 years. New cultivars with both early- and late-ripening dates have appeared, and modern high-intensity cultivation techniques are being implemented. The main attribute of the fruit, in addition to its unique taste, is its health-promoting properties. In this research, which was conducted at the Warsaw University of Life Sciences in 2021, our main objectives were to evaluate seven selected Czech cherry cultivars (‘Jacinta’; ‘Horka’; ‘Tamara’; ‘Helga’; ‘Fabiola’; ‘Kasandra’; ‘Kordia’) with regard to their dessert quality and contents of biologically active compounds, and to indicate the most valuable cultivar under the conditions of central Poland. The cultivars tested differed in both the fruit quality and health-promoting properties. ‘Jacinta’, ‘Horka’, Tamara’ and ‘Fabiola’ had the largest fruits. The ‘Fabiola’ and ‘Kordia’ fruits had the highest firmness, while the ‘Jacinta’ and ‘Horka’ fruits had the highest soluble solid contents (SSCs) and titratable acidities (TAs). We found the highest SSC-to-TA ratio in the ‘Fabiola’ cultivar. ‘Jacinta’ proved to be the most valuable cultivar in terms of bioactive compounds, and it had the highest antioxidant activity (DPPH). Some of the traits were closely correlated with each other, mainly in relation to the biologically active compounds. Darker fruits contained more bioactive compounds and had a higher antioxidant activity. It was also proved that size of fruits as well as SSC and TA are also correlated with fruit color. Intensively colored fruit are larger and have higher SSC and TA. In sweet cherry fruit, the contents of polyphenols and flavonoids, as well as the high DPPH, are strongly determined by the high content of cyanidin-3-galactoside.
Sorption–Desorption of Imazamox and 2,4-DB in Acidic Mediterranean Agricultural Soils and Herbicide Impact on Culturable Bacterial Populations and Functional Diversity
Authors: Pinna Maria V. , Castaldi Paola , Garau Matteo , Bianco Angela , Multineddu Chiara , Cesarani Alberto , Sitzia Maria , Diquattro Stefania , Mangia Nicoletta P. , Garau Giovanni
Published: November 2022

In this study, we investigated the sorption–desorption behavior of imazamox (IMZ) and 2,4-DB (DB) in two typical acidic Mediterranean agricultural soils and the impact of these herbicides on culturable soil bacterial populations, enzyme activities and functional diversity when applied at concentrations higher than recommended doses (10×, 50×, 500×). Herbicide sorption was similar in both soils and IMZ was less retained compared to DB (~0.5 vs. 40 µg g−1 soil, respectively). IMZ desorption was remarkable (70–100%) while that of DB was more limited, i.e., ~40%. Three days after spiking (DAS), IMZ and DB significantly increased the number of soil-culturable heterotrophic bacteria, actinomycetes and Pseudomonas spp., soil respiration and the potential catabolic capacity of soil microbial communities. Soil dehydrogenase activity increased by ~56–70% in IMZ-treated soils while being reduced by ~33–41% in DB-treated ones. β-glucosidase activity showed a soil-dependent behavior, while the pattern of C source utilization suggested a change of soil microbial community structure after herbicide (especially DB) spiking. At 30 DAS, the herbicides’ impact on soil microorganisms, enzyme activity and functional diversity was still visible. Moreover, a toxic effect of DB (at 50× and 500×), but not IMZ, was recorded vs. Rhizobium sullae, the bacterial symbiont of Hedysarum coronarium. The obtained results indicated that IMZ and DB are poorly sorbed and highly desorbed by both soils. Moreover, at the tested concentrations, IMZ and DB can have short- and medium-term impacts on the microbial component and the related activity of the investigated soils, likely affecting a range of ecosystem services provided by soil microorganisms.
Nutritional Value of New Sweet Pepper Genotypes Grown in Organic System
Authors: Brezeanu Creola , Brezeanu Petre Marian , Stoleru Vasile , Irimia Liviu Mihai , Lipșa Florin Daniel , Teliban Gabriel-Ciprian , Ciobanu Marius Mihai , Murariu Florin , Puiu Ioan , Branca Ferdinando , Murariu Otilia Cristina
Published: November 2022

The market request for organic vegetables has grown recently for their positive impact on healthy diets. Consumers have progressively shown preferences for various combinations of color, size, and shape of pepper fruits. Facilitating communication, collaboration, and participation in the selection of cultivars with superior performance, flavor, texture, and culinary attributes can represent a key tool in breeding for nutritional and culinary traits. The current research started from the premise that organic production involves achieving adequate nutritional and culinary quality of pepper fruits. The study was conducted to investigate traits related culinary quality of pepper genotypes, especially in the ripening phase of fruits, to select the best resources with a high antioxidant content for breeding programs. The biological material represented by nine genotypes of sweet pepper was cultivated in the open fields during 2019 and 2020 at the experimental stations of the Vegetable Research Development Station of Bacau and of Iasi University of Life Sciences. Agricultural practices and intensive breeding focused on yield and stress tolerance have indirectly led to a reduction in the nutrition and flavor of the produce. Complex approaches, including screening of consumer preferences, phenotyping, and use of modern genomics and analytical chemistry tools in breeding, together with participatory farmer-breeder-chef-consumer collaborations, can represent a strategy to facilitate the development of the next generation of crops aimed to meet the growing demands of safe and nutritionally vegetables featured by culinary standards as good flavor, color, and texture.
Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals Contamination in Soil and Two Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Varieties Irrigated with Paper Mill Effluent
Authors: AL-Huqail Arwa A. , Kumar Pankaj , Eid Ebrahem M. , Adelodun Bashir , Abou Fayssal Sami , Singh Jogendra , Arya Ashish Kumar , Goala Madhumita , Kumar Vinod , Širić Ivan
Published: November 2022

Heavy metal pollution from industrial wastewaters has become an issue of global concern. These wastewaters are frequently used for inland irrigation which possess a serious risk of heavy metal contamination of both soil and cultivated crops. The problem is more common in developing countries like India where industrial wastewaters are often discharged without appropriate treatments. Therefore, this study aimed at assessing the impact of paper mill effluent for irrigation on the growth, productivity, and heavy metal accumulation potential of two rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties (PB-1121 and PR-121). Water, soil, and rice crop samples were obtained from the vicinity of Saharanpur city, Uttar Pradesh, India, and subsequently analyzed for selected physicochemical and heavy metal parameters. Results showed that paper mill effluent and nearby Kali River water had significant (p < 0.05) loads of pollutants that impacted the soil properties. Moreover, the maximum plant height (123.48 ± 4.86 and 98.83 ± 2.02 cm); total chlorophyll (6.70 ± 0.25 and 6.64 ± 0.17 mg/g); leaf carotenoids (0.67 ± 0.08 and 0.63 ± 0.05 mg/g); starch content (71.08 ± 2.05 and 72.60 ± 1.63%); amylose content (25.10 ± 1.32 and 20.28 ± 1.24%); crop yield (4270.20 ± 75.12 and 5830.58 ± 63.10 kg/ha); and straw yield (5472.05 ± 93.90 and 6683.76 ± 61.26 kg/ha) of PB-1121 and PR-121, respectively, were observed using Kali River water irrigation source as compared to paper mill effluent and borewell water. The order of heavy metal accumulation in rice straw and grain followed: Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Cr > Cd. Similarly, the bioaccumulation factors for heavy metals in rice straw and grain were observed as >1 and <1, respectively. Moreover, the target hazard quotient (THQ) showed that there was no potential health risk of heavy metal in rice irrigated with contaminated water supply except for the PR-121 variety irrigated with Kali River water where the health risk index (HRI) value exceeded the limit (>1). As a result, the findings of this study provide useful information about the current state of heavy metal pollution and the health risks associated with rice crops irrigated with contaminated water sources.
Future Scenarios for Viticultural Suitability under Conditions of Global Climate Change in Extremadura, Southwestern Spain
Authors: Moral Francisco J. , Aguirado Cristina , Alberdi Virginia , García-Martín Abelardo , Paniagua Luis L. , Rebollo Francisco J.
Published: November 2022

Weather condition is the main factor affecting winegrape production. Therefore, it is necessary to study the expected consequences of climate change on vineyards to anticipate adaptation strategies. To analyse how viticulture in Extremadura, in southwestern Spain, could be affected by warming, four temperature-based indices describing the suitability for grape production were computed for a reference period (1971–2005) and three future periods (2006–2035, 2036–2065, and 2066–2095). Projections were computed using a set of 10 global climate model (GCM) and regional climate model (RCM) combinations under two representative concentration pathways (RCP) scenarios, RCP 4.5, and RCP 8.5. Results showed that most of the Extremaduran region will remain suitable for winegrape production during the period 2006–2035. Later, for the mid-century, 2036–2065, depending on the considered index and the scenario, between 65% and 92% of the total area of Extremadura will be too hot for viticulture; for the end of the century, 2066–2095, between 80% and 98% of the region will be too hot. However, under the RCP 4.5 scenario, a few zones could be suitable for winegrape production but will require the use of new varieties and techniques to resist heat and drought stress.
Effect of Different Ratios of Cow Manure and Chemical Fertilizers on Fruit Quality of Gala Apples
Authors: Yang An , Yang Ling , Cheng Cungang , Xie Bin , Zhang Yanzhen , Li Xin , Li Yanqing , Li Zhuang
Published: November 2022

Nutrient patterns can significantly influence the growth and development of fruit trees, especially fruit quality. In order to clarify the appropriate ratio of inorganic and organic fertilizers, six treatments with different ratios of cow manure and chemical fertilizers were set up in this study to evaluate the effects of different treatments on fruit yield, appearance quality, intrinsic quality and volatile substances. The results showed that, after replacing some chemical fertilizers with cow manure, the content of sugar, titratable acid, organic acid and aroma substance in the fruit increased, the fruit yield and colour did not change significantly, and the fruit weight per fruit decreased. Among the treatments of cow manure with chemical fertilizer, the fruits of 50% chemical fertilizer with 50% cow manure treatment had higher titratable acid (0.4%), malic acid (4.15 mg/g), sorbitol (0.51%), glucose (1.30%), fructose (5.81%) content and total aroma substance content (1047.82 μg/g) than chemical fertilizer alone. Compared to the fertilizer treatment alone, the application of cow manure instead of 50% of the chemical fertilizer had a positive effect on fruit quality.
Improving Nitrogen Availability and Ananas comosus L. Merr var. Moris Productivity in a Tropical Peat Soil Using Clinoptilolite Zeolite
Authors: Choo Liza Nuriati Lim Kim , Ahmed Osumanu Haruna , Razak Norfarhah Abdul , Sekot Shamsiah
Published: November 2022

Pineapple cultivation in nitrogen deficient and acidic peat soils leads to poor growth, yield, and fruit quality of pineapples. A study was conducted to determine whether clinoptilolite zeolite (CZ) could improve soil nitrogen availability, growth, yield, and fruit quality of pineapples grown in drained peat soils. Laboratory leaching experiments were conducted to determine the effectiveness of CZ in controlling nitrogen loss from peat soils, whereas an ion-exchange resin method was used to determine nitrogen availability in pineapple cultivation. Treatments evaluated were: (i) different amounts of CZ (25, 50, 70, and 100%) + NPK fertilizer, (ii) NPK fertilizer, and (iii) peat soil only. The peat soils with CZ reduced ammonium and nitrate losses because of the sorption of ammonium within the lattices of the CZ via ion exchange. Co-application of CZ (25%) and NPK fertilizers was more effective in increasing soil ammonium availability, whereas the use of CZ (25% to 100%) improved nitrogen uptake and use efficiency, growth, yield, and fruit quality of pineapple because CZ could regulate the availability of nitrogen ions for pineapple uptake. The buffering capacity of CZ increased soil pH and facilitated organic nitrogen mineralization. The co-application of CZ and NPK fertilizers can be used to improve nitrogen availability and pineapple productivity in tropical peat soils.
Study on the Relationship between Fermentation-Accumulated Temperature and Nutrient Loss of Whole-Plant Corn Silage
Authors: Wang Donghai , Luo Chenglong , Li Chen , Zhang Shu , Lu Na , Yang Zhuomeng , Yu Xiong , Cao Zhijun , Yang Hongjian , Li Shengli , Shao Wei , Wang Wei
Published: November 2022

The nutrition loss of silage is partly due to the heat production of silage. In this study, the amount of nutrition loss of silage was estimated by measuring the heat production of silage, and the concept of the accumulated temperature of fermentation was put forward. The laboratory measured the fermentation-accumulated temperature of whole-plant corn silage with different compaction densities. The samples were analyzed to establish a multiple linear regression model with nutrition loss. The results demonstrated a significant non-linear relationship between the whole-plant corn silage compaction density and fermentation-accumulated temperature. The multiple linear regression model between the accumulated-fermentation temperature and nutrition loss was significant under different densities. The amount of silage nutrition loss can be predicted by the fermentation-accumulated temperature.
Long-Term Field Evaluation of Conventional vs. Micropropagated Plants of Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium
Authors: Catalano Caterina , Carra Angela , Carimi Francesco , Motisi Antonio , Abbate Loredana , Sarno Mauro , Carrubba Alessandra
Published: November 2022

Pyrethrum is a perennial herbaceous plant endemic to the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea, and introduced in large areas of nearly all continents, where it is cultivated for the industrial extraction of pyrethrins. Pyrethrins are a group of six closely related monoterpene esters, widely used as natural insecticides. The world production of natural pyrethrins is lower than the market demand, and a wider introduction of this crop within the Mediterranean agrosystems could be an appealing opportunity for farmers and manufacturers. The availability of adequate amounts of selected plant material to bring into cultivation is, however, one of the major issues. Therefore, the in vitro propagation of elite pyrethrum genotypes could be a suitable alternative to conventional propagation methods. In this paper, we present the results of a 9-year field comparison between pyrethrum plants coming from an in vitro propagation protocol and plants obtained by cutting from the same mother plants. Furthermore, since plantlets derived from in vitro regeneration may experience ploidy changes, we evaluated the stability of the ploidy level of pyrethrum-micropropagated plants by flow cytometry (FCM) analysis. FCM screening revealed no differences among the morphotypes and between them and the mother plant. Likewise, the field evaluation of plants gave no significant differences between flower yields in both groups. Hence, micropropagation was confirmed as an easy, efficient and reproducible method to obtain large quantities of selected pyrethrum genotypes.
Green Remediation Technology for Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Lin Min-Siou , Huang Chin-Yuan , Lin Yuan-Chung , Lin Sun-Long , Hsiao Yin-Hsiu , Tu Pei-Chun , Cheng Pei-Cheng , Cheng Shu-Fen
Published: November 2022

In order to improve the bioremediation efficiency of petroleum-contaminated soil, five test groups were selected in this study, including native bacteria, Acinetobacter venetianus, Vetiveria zizanioides L., and Vetiveria zizanioides L. combined with Acinetobacter venetianus and biochar to compare the degradation efficiency of petroleum-contaminated soil. The results of the study showed that after a six-month bioremediation, there was no significant difference between the native bacteria and the A.V. bacteria group in the removal efficiency of TPH, and the proportion of degradable TPH accounts for about 50~70%. The removal efficiency of TPH could be increased by 18.1–29% by increasing the phytoremediation of Vetiveria zizanioides L. The cultivation of Vetiveria zizanioides L. could not only stabilize the soil’s pH and conductivity but could also increase the soil’s bacterial abundance. It was suggested that bioremediation could be carried out through the combination of native bacteria and the planting of Vetiveria zizanioides L. Although the addition of biochar to the soil was able to improve the remediation effect of Vetiveria zizanioides L., it would increase the soil conductivity and reduce the abundance of soil bacteria. Therefore, it was recommended to reduce the conductivity of biochar before adding it, which may improve processing efficiency.
Effect of Sun Drying on Phytoconstituents and Antiviral Activity of Ginger against Low-Pathogenic Human Coronavirus
Authors: Elkhawas Yasmin A. , Gad Haidy A. , Lashkar Manar O. , Khinkar Roaa M. , Wani Mohmmad Y. , Khalil Noha
Published: November 2022

Rhizomes of ginger are commonly used as a spice and for home remedies in either fresh or dry form. This study aimed to assess the effect of sun drying on the volatile constituents, total phenolic and flavonoid content, and the antiviral activity of ginger against low-pathogenic human coronavirus. The antiviral effect of the major volatile compounds was predicted through molecular docking. GC/MS was employed for profiling the volatile constituents of both fresh and dry ginger oils. Moreover, chemometric analysis was applied to discriminate between fresh and dry ginger and to investigate the correlation between their volatile constituents and the antiviral activity using principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least-squares regression (PLS-R). GC/MS analysis revealed that the major effects of the drying process were an increase in α-curcumene and β-sesquiphellandrene. Moreover, total phenolic and flavonoid contents of dried ginger decreased considerably. A PCA score plot revealed significant discrimination between fresh and dry ginger, with α-curcumene and 4-thujanol identified as the main discriminating markers. These findings were validated by in silico molecular docking studies, which revealed that the compounds under consideration had good drug-like characteristics. Thus, ginger is rich in valuable phytoconstituents which showed promising therapy in viral infections such as COVID-19.
Nutritional Characterization of Hay Produced in Campania Region: Analysis by the near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) Technology
Authors: Zicarelli Fabio , Sarubbi Fiorella , Iommelli Piera , Grossi Micaela , Lotito Daria , Lombardi Pietro , Tudisco Raffaella , Infascelli Federico , Musco Nadia
Published: November 2022

Since the dietary characteristics of hays can be very variable, it is of great importance for nutritionists to know their chemical composition in order to formulate adequate rations for the animals. Laboratory analyses are time-consuming and expensive while the Near Infrared Spectroscopy offers several advantages, including obtaining information on feeds nutritional characteristics very quickly and in situ at the farm, thanks to portable NIRS. In this trial, over 400 hay samples collected in the Campania region (Italy) were analyzed with portable NIRS device. The final aim was to analyze the differences in hay quality in different production areas, highlighting the possible factors involved and suggesting possible corrective measures. All the analyzed hays (polyphite, Gramineae and alfalfa) were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by the area of cultivation/preservation. In particular, the polyphite and Gramineae hays produced in most of the areas of Campania region showed poor nutritional value due to the low protein content and high structural carbohydrate that significantly reduced its digestibility. The use of high-quality forages in the ration represents a pivotal factor to allow the production of high-quality products of animal origin. The use of NIRS seems to be a valuable strategy to select potential treatments that can increase feed digestibility and to avoid long chemical analysis.
Morphological Assessment and Biomarkers of Low-Grade, Chronic Intestinal Inflammation in Production Animals
Authors: Soares Igor , Belote Bruna L. , Santin Elizabeth , Dal Pont Gabriela C. , Kogut Michael H.
Published: November 2022

The complex interaction between the intestinal mucosa, the gut microbiota, and the diet balances the host physiological homeostasis and is fundamental for the maximal genetic potential of production animals. However, factors such as chemical and physical characteristics of the diet and/or environmental stressors can continuously affect this balance, potentially inducing a state of chronic low-grade inflammation in the gut, where inflammatory parameters are present and demanding energy, but not in enough intensity to provoke clinical manifestations. It’s vital to expand the understanding of inflammation dynamics and of how they compromise the function activity and microscopic morphology of the intestinal mucosa. These morphometric alterations are associated with the release of structural and functional cellular components into the feces and the blood stream creating measurable biomarkers to track this condition. Moreover, the identification of novel, immunometabolic biomarkers can provide dynamic and predictors of low-grade chronic inflammation, but also provide indicators of successful nutritional or feed additive intervention strategies. The objective of this paper is to review the mechanisms of low-grade inflammation, its effects on animal production and sustainability, and the biomarkers that could provide early diagnosis of this process and support studies of useful interventional strategies.
Seroprevalence of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Chattogram Metropolitan Area, Bangladesh
Authors: Ara Jahan , Islam Md. Sirazul , Quader Md. Tarek Ul , Das Anan , Hasib F. M. Yasir , Islam Mohammad Saiful , Rahman Tazrina , Das Seemanta , Chowdhury M. A. Hassan , Das Goutam Buddha , Chowdhury Sharmin
Published: November 2022

Seroprevalence studies of COVID-19 are used to assess the degree of undetected transmission in the community and different groups such as health care workers (HCWs) are deemed vulnerable due to their workplace hazards. The present study estimated the seroprevalence and quantified the titer of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody (IgG) and its association with different factors. This cross-sectional study observed HCWs, in indoor and outdoor patients (non-COVID-19) and garment workers in the Chattogram metropolitan area (CMA, N = 748) from six hospitals and two garment factories. Qualitative and quantitative ELISA were used to identify and quantify antibodies (IgG) in the serum samples. Descriptive, univariable, and multivariable statistical analysis were performed. Overall seroprevalence and among HCWs, in indoor and outdoor patients, and garment workers were 66.99% (95% CI: 63.40–70.40%), 68.99% (95% CI: 63.8–73.7%), 81.37% (95% CI: 74.7–86.7%), and 50.56% (95% CI: 43.5–57.5%), respectively. Seroprevalence and mean titer was 44.47% (95% CI: 38.6–50.4%) and 53.71 DU/mL in the non-vaccinated population, respectively, while it was higher in the population who received a first dose (61.66%, 95% CI: 54.8–68.0%, 159.08 DU/mL) and both doses (100%, 95% CI: 98.4–100%, 255.46 DU/mL). This study emphasizes the role of vaccine in antibody production; the second dose of vaccine significantly increased the seroprevalence and titer and both were low in natural infection.
Chimeric Peptides Derived from Bovine Lactoferricin and Buforin II: Antifungal Activity against Reference Strains and Clinical Isolates of Candida spp.
Authors: Aguirre-Guataqui Katherine , Márquez-Torres Mateo , Pineda-Castañeda Héctor Manuel , Vargas-Casanova Yerly , Ceballos-Garzon Andrés , Rivera-Monroy Zuly Jenny , García-Castañeda Javier Eduardo , Parra-Giraldo Claudia Marcela
Published: November 2022

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are considered to be a valuable source for the identification and/or design of promising candidates for the development of antifungal treatments, since they have advantages such as lower tendency to induce resistance, ease of production, and high purity and safety. Bovine lactoferricin (LfcinB) and Buforin II (BFII) are AMPs to which great antimicrobial potential has been attributed. The minimum motives with antimicrobial activity derived from LfcinB and BFII are RRWQWR and RLLR, respectively. Nine chimeras containing the minimum motives of both peptides were synthesized and their antifungal activity against fluconazole (FLC)-sensitive and resistant C. albicans, C. glabrata, and C. auris strains was evaluated. The results showed that peptides C9: (RRWQWR)2K-Ahx-RLLRRRLLR and C6: KKWQWK-Ahx-RLLRRLLR exhibited the greatest antifungal activity against two strains of C. albicans, a FLC-sensitive reference strain and a FLC-resistant clinical isolate; no medically significant results were observed with the other chimeras evaluated (MIC ~200 μg/mL). The chimera C6 was also active against sensitive and resistant strains of C. glabrata and C. auris. The combination of branched polyvalent chimeras together with FLC showed a synergistic effect against C. albicans. In addition to exhibiting antifungal activity against reference strains and clinical isolates of Candida spp., they also showed antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, suggesting that these chimeras exhibit a broad antimicrobial spectrum and can be considered to be promising molecules for therapeutic applications.
Outstanding Enrofloxacin Removal Using an Unmodified Low-Cost Sorbent Prepared from the Leaves of Pyracantha koidzumii
Authors: Martínez-Escutia Rubén , Méndez-Albores Abraham , Vázquez-Durán Alma
Published: November 2022

Increasing discharges of synthetic antimicrobial agents from industrial and municipal sewage, as well as from agricultural runoffs into water bodies, is still a global challenge. Here, an unmodified low-cost sorbent was prepared in an ecofriendly manner from Pyracantha koidzumii leaves for the removal of enrofloxacin (ENR). Sorbent characterization was accomplished using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), BET surface area, zeta potential, and point of zero charge. Biosorption assays were carried out via batch mode concerning the impact of adsorbent dosage, contact time, solution pH, solution ionic strength, adsorbate concentration, and temperature. In general, ENR adsorption was significantly correlated with pH and ionic strength. At a neutral pH, the sorbent had a theoretical maximal ENR uptake of 138.89 mg/g. However, the adsorption capacity was significantly affected by the presence of high concentrations of divalent cations (Ca2+ and Mg2+). The findings from the kinetics and isotherms showed that the pseudo-second-order kinetic and Langmuir isotherm models best fit the experimental data. Electrostatic interactions, hydrogen bonding, and π-π stacking were the most important mechanisms of adsorption of ENR onto the P. koidzumii sorbent. Overall, this study suggests the promising application of this agricultural residue for the efficient removal of ENR from water.
Microbial Phenolic Metabolites in Urine Are Inversely Linked to Certain Features of Metabolic Syndrome in Spanish Adolescents
Authors: Laveriano-Santos Emily P. , Quifer-Rada Paola , Marhuenda-Muñoz María , Arancibia-Riveros Camila , Vallverdú-Queralt Anna , Tresserra-Rimbau Anna , Ruiz-León Ana María , Casas Rosa , Estruch Ramon , Bodega Patricia , de Miguel Mercedes , de Cos-Gandoy Amaya , Martínez-Gómez Jesús , Santos-Beneit Gloria , Fernández-Alvira Juan M. , Fernández-Jiménez Rodrigo , Lamuela-Raventós Rosa M.
Published: November 2022

(1) Background: To explore the association between microbial phenolic metabolites (MPM) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its clinical features in adolescents aged 12.02 ± 0.41 years. (2) Methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted in 560 participants at baseline in the SI! Program for Secondary Schools trial. The following MPM, coumaric acids (m-, o-, p-coumaric acids), dihydroxyphenylpropionic acid, dihydroresveratrol, enterolignans, gallic acid, hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxyphenylacetic acid, hydroxytyrosol, protocatechuic acid, syringic acid, urolithins (A, B), and vanillic acid, were analyzed by HPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap-HRMS. MetS and its clinical features were defined in accordance with the International Diabetes Federation. (3) Results: Out of all MPM, urolithin A was inversely associated with the diastolic blood pressure z-score. Urolithin B was inversely associated with the MetS score and waist circumference z-score. Additionally, higher levels of gallic acid were associated with lower odds of presenting MetS (OR = 0.85, 95% CI: 0.77; 0.93) and abdominal obesity (OR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.89; 0.98). Higher urolithin B levels were inversely associated with abdominal obesity (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.89; 0.98) and high blood glucose (OR = 0.92, 95% CI:0.88; 0.96); (4) Conclusions: gallic acid, urolithin A and B were associated with lower odds of presenting MetS or some of its clinical features in adolescents. This is the first study that evaluates several MPM with MetS in adolescents, highlighting the importance of MPM on cardiometabolic health at early life stages.
The Inhibition of Zinc Excitotoxicity and AMPK Phosphorylation by a Novel Zinc Chelator, 2G11, Ameliorates Neuronal Death Induced by Global Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Hong Dae Ki , Eom Jae-Won , Kho A Ra , Lee Song Hee , Kang Beom Seok , Lee Si Hyun , Koh Jae-Young , Kim Yang-Hee , Choi Bo Young , Suh Sang Won
Published: November 2022

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is necessary for maintaining a positive energy balance and essential cellular processes such as glycolysis, gene transcription, glucose uptake, and several other biological functions. However, brain injury-induced energy and metabolic stressors, such as cerebral ischemia, increase AMPK phosphorylation. Phosphorylated AMPK contributes to excitotoxicity, oxidative, and metabolic problems. Furthermore, brain disease-induced release of zinc from synaptic vesicles contributes to neuronal damage via mechanisms including ROS production, apoptotic cell death, and DNA damage. For this reason, we hypothesized that regulating zinc accumulation and AMPK phosphorylation is critical for protection against global cerebral ischemia (GCI). Through virtual screening based on the structure of AMPK subunit alpha 2, we identified a novel compound, 2G11. In this study, we verified that 2G11 administration has neuroprotective effects via the blocking of zinc translocation and AMPK phosphorylation after GCI. As a result, we demonstrated that 2G11 protected hippocampal neurons against GCI and OGD/R-derived cellular damage. In conclusion, we propose that AMPK inhibition and zinc chelation by 2G11 may be a promising tool for preventing GCI-induced hippocampal neuronal death.
Therapeutic Effect of Curcumin on 5/6Nx Hypertriglyceridemia: Association with the Improvement of Renal Mitochondrial β-Oxidation and Lipid Metabolism in Kidney and Liver
Authors: Ceja-Galicia Zeltzin Alejandra , García-Arroyo Fernando Enrique , Aparicio-Trejo Omar Emiliano , El-Hafidi Mohammed , Gonzaga-Sánchez Guillermo , León-Contreras Juan Carlos , Hernández-Pando Rogelio , Guevara-Cruz Martha , Tovar Armando R. , Rojas-Morales Pedro , Aranda-Rivera Ana Karina , Sánchez-Lozada Laura Gabriela , Tapia Edilia , Pedraza-Chaverri José
Published: November 2022

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) prevalence is constantly increasing, and dyslipidemia in this disease is characteristic, favoring cardiovascular events. However, the mechanisms of CKD dyslipidemia are not fully understood. The use of curcumin (CUR) in CKD models such as 5/6 nephrectomy (5/6Nx) has shown multiple beneficial effects, so it has been proposed to correct dyslipidemia without side effects. This work aimed to characterize CUR’s potential therapeutic effect on dyslipidemia and alterations in lipid metabolism and mitochondrial ß-oxidation in the liver and kidney in 5/6Nx. Male Wistar rats were subjected to 5/6Nx and progressed by 4 weeks; meanwhile, CUR (120 mg/kg) was administered for weeks 5 to 8. Our results showed that CUR reversed the increase in liver and kidney damage and hypertriglyceridemia induced by 5/6Nx. CUR also reversed mitochondrial membrane depolarization and β-oxidation disorders in the kidney and the increased lipid uptake and the high levels of proteins involved in fatty acid synthesis in the liver and kidney. CUR also decreased lipogenesis and increased mitochondrial biogenesis markers in the liver. Therefore, we concluded that the therapeutic effect of curcumin on 5/6Nx hypertriglyceridemia is associated with the restoration of renal mitochondrial ß-oxidation and the reduction in lipid synthesis and uptake in the kidneys and liver.