bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Protein Content in Pea (Pisum sativum L.) Seeds Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Hara Patryk , Piekutowska Magdalena , Niedbała Gniewko
Published: December 2022

Pea (Pisum sativum L.) is a legume valued mainly for its high seed protein content. The protein content of pea is characterized by a high lysine content and low allergenicity. This has made consumers appreciate peas increasingly in recent years, not only for their taste, but also for their nutritional value. An important element of pea cultivation is the ability to predict protein content, even before harvest. The aim of this research was to develop a linear and a non-linear model for predicting the percentage of protein content in pea seeds and to perform a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of these models. The analysis also focused on identifying the variables with the greatest impact on protein content. The research included the method of machine learning (artificial neural networks) and multiple linear regression (MLR). The input parameters of the models were weather, agronomic and phytophenological data from 2016–2020. The predictive properties of the models were verified using six ex-post forecast measures. The neural model (N1) outperformed the multiple regression (RS) model. The N1 model had an RMS error magnitude of 0.838, while the RS model obtained an average error value of 2.696. The MAPE error for the N1 and RS models was 2.721 and 8.852, respectively. The sensitivity analysis performed for the best neural network showed that the independent variables most influencing the protein content of pea seeds were the soil abundance of magnesium, potassium and phosphorus. The results presented in this work can be useful for the study of pea crop management. In addition, they can help preserve the country’s protein security.
Symbiotic Performance and Characterization of Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L. Millsp.) Rhizobia Occurring in South African Soils
Authors: Bopape Francina L. , Beukes Chrizelle W. , Katlego Kopotsa , Hassen Ahmed I. , Steenkamp Emma T. , Gwata Eastonce T.
Published: December 2022

Pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) is an important grain legume, which, like several other legumes, depends on the process of biological nitrogen fixation for its nitrogen (N2) requirement by forming a symbiotic association with rhizobia. Compared to other tropical legumes, however, the productivity of pigeonpea in South Africa is low, despite the extensive interests in developing it for wider markets. To assist this process, the objectives of the current study were to (i) characterize putative indigenous rhizobial strains that were previously derived from local soils with no previous history of legume cultivation and (ii) confirm their nodulation abilities on a local landrace and a genetically improved (exotic) genotype of pigeonpea. DNA-based analyses using the 16S rRNA and recA genes showed that the strains predominantly represented Rhizobium and Bradyrhizobium, although we also recovered Phyllobacterium and Paraburkholderia. These rhizobia nodulated both the local landrace and the improved pigeonpea genotype that were included for comparative purposes. In many cases, rhizobia performed similarly on the two genotypes, although the locally sourced landrace mostly performed better in terms of nodulation and plant biomass. While the current study generated vital information regarding the diversity of indigenous rhizobia associating with pigeonpea, further screening (including field inoculation trials) would be necessary to identify possible elite nitrogen fixing rhizobial strains for development as inoculants to enhance South African pigeonpea production.
Impacts of Biochar on Trifolium incarnatum and Lolium multiflorum: Soil Nutrient Retention and Loss in Sandy Loam Amended with Dairy Manure
Authors: Taggart Cosette B. , Muir James P. , Brady Jeff A. , Kan Eunsung , Mitchell Adam B. , Obayomi Olabiyi
Published: December 2022

Biochar has many potential benefits in agroecosystems such as increasing productivity of crops and modifying soil nutrient content. Biochar is sourced from many waste materials which could easily and sustainably remedy current challenges in concentrated agricultural operations that use manure-based fertilizers. However, relatively little is known about its effects on forage species in conjunction with manure or biochar enriched with manure effluent. Our objective was to look at the effect of biochar and dairy effluent soil amendments on a forage legume and a grass. In this study, sandy loam soil was amended with a variety of biochar (BC) in a greenhouse setting. Factors included (1) BC type; (2) BC loading percentage; (3) effluent saturation of BC; and (4) forage inclusion. The study was repeated twice: once with Trifolium incarnatum and once with Lolium multiflorum. Plant material was assayed for biomass (BM) and C and N content. Soil was assayed for nutrient content and micronutrients. Data were not normally distributed and were consequently analyzed for variance using non-parametric methods in R. Overall, T. incarnatum showed a very strong negative (p ≤ 0.05) impact associated with increasing loading percentages of blend and manure BC on herbage BM, while effluent saturation showed no effect (p > 0.05). In contrast, L. multiflorum showed a strong (p ≤ 0.05) positive impact of increasing loading percentages of saturated wood, blend, and manure BC on herbage BM. BC impact on soil nutrients and forage varied greatly depending on type of BC, loading percentage, and forage species included. Results indicated the importance of BC properties and rates, as well as forage species for nutrient tolerances when choosing a BC amendment and loading rate.
Production and Characterization of Wild Sugarcane (Saccharum spontaneum L.) Biochar for Atrazine Adsorption in Aqueous Media
Authors: Prens Josué , Kurt Zohre , James Rivas Arthur M. , Chen Jorge
Published: December 2022

Wild sugarcane (Saccharum spontaneum L.) is an invasive plant species in the Central American region. Due to its low nutrient and water requirements, it can grow fast and displace native species. Therefore, its biomass is considered a waste to prevent the further distribution of the specie. This study investigates the production and characterization of wild sugarcane biochar to provide a use for its waste. The produced biochar was used for atrazine adsorption in aqueous solutions to provide a possible application of this biochar near the water bodies that were often detected to be contaminated with atrazine. The biochar was produced via top-lit updraft gasification with airflow rates between 8 to 20 L/min, achieving yields ranging from 22.9 to 27.5%. Batch experiments revealed that biochar made at 12 L/min presented the best removal efficiency (37.71–100%) and the maximum adsorption capacity (qm = 0.42 mg/g). Langmuir (R2 = 0.94–0.96) and Freundlich (R2 = 0.89–0.97) described the experimental data appropriately. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy suggested that atrazine removal in wild sugarcane biochar could be mainly due to carboxylic functional groups. In addition, the biochar organic carbon composition contributed to a higher removal capacity in biochar produced at different airflow rates.
Continuous Wheat/Soybean Cropping Influences Soybean Yield and Rhizosphere Microbial Community Structure and Function
Authors: Sun Qing , Zhang Peiyu , Zhao Zixuan , Li Xuejie , Sun Xuefang , Jiang Wen
Published: December 2022

Wheat/soybean rotation is an important double-cropping system in the Huang-Huai-Hai plain of China. Continuous soybean cropping could cause soil quality deterioration and plant growth inhibition. However, the effects of continuous wheat/soybean cropping on soybean rhizosphere microbes remain largely unknown. In this study, we compared the soybean yield and rhizosphere soil microbial community between continuous winter wheat/summer soybean (W/S) with two harvests in one year and winter wheat/summer soybean-winter wheat/summer maize (W/S-W/M) with four harvests in two years. The results showed that the soybean yield in the W/S group significantly (p < 0.05) declined within the first two years. The W/S-W/M showed higher soybean yield and soil fertility index than the W/S group. The sequencing results revealed that cropping rotation had a higher impact on the fungal community than the bacterial community. The W/S group showed 22.08–23.01% higher alpha diversity of the fungal community, but the alpha diversity of the bacterial group did not vary significantly in this group. The fungal community composition in the W/S and W/S-W/M groups differed significantly. In the W/S-W/M group, a higher relative abundance of plant growth-promoting fungi (e.g., Mortierella), nematophagous fungi (e.g., Plectosphaerella), and biological control fungi (e.g., Coniothyrium) was observed. In the W/S group, a higher relative abundance of lignocellulose-degrading fungi (e.g., Trechispora, Myceliophthora, Botryotrichum, and Coniochaeta) and pathogenic fungi (e.g., Pyrenochaetopsis and Cyphellophora) was observed. LEfSe analysis demonstrated that Mortierella, Myceliophthora, and Trechispora could serve as crucial biomarkers. Mortierella was positively associated with available P levels and negatively associated with NO3−-N levels and pH while Trechispora showed the opposite trend. The findings of this study could enhance the current understanding of the mechanisms associated with the continuous wheat/soybean cropping obstacles and ensure the sustainability of agricultural production.
Long-Term Effects of Organic Amendments on Carbon Stability in Clay–Organic Complex and Its Role in Soil Aggregation
Authors: Kumar Dhiraj , Purakayastha Tapan Jyoti , Das Ruma , Yadav Rajendra Kumar , Shivay Yashvir Singh , Jha Prakash Kumar , Singh Surendra , Aditi Kumari , Prasad P. V. Vara
Published: December 2022

Clay–organic complexes (COC) impart chemical and physical protection to soil carbon (C). In the present study, the aim was to assess the long-term effects of different organic amendments on C stability in COC, distribution of the aggregates, C concentration in the aggregates and labile organic C fractions in the inceptisols located at the research farm situated in the semi-arid sub-tropical climate of India. The results showed that the COC, the percentage of large macroaggregates (LMA) (>2 mm) and the C associated with the aggregates decreased through the soil depths, whereas the other size fractions of soil aggregates (<2 mm) showed an increasing trend. The COC was significantly higher (4.4 times) in soil treatments where farmyard manures (FYM), green manure (GM) and biofertilizers (BF) were applied together (FYM + GM + BF). The organic amendments increased the proportion of LMA over control (no application of organic amendments) to a magnitude of 83 to 101% and the C associated with LMA to a magnitude of 0.48 to 9.8% over control in surface soil. On average, the combined application of FYM, GM and BF exhibited higher C accumulation in almost all soil aggregate fractions, except microaggregates (mA), i.e., (0.25–0.053 mm) size fractions, where application of FYM alone recorded the highest value. Averaged over soil depths, the particulate organic C (POC), dissolved organic C (DOC) and potassium permanganate oxidizable C (POXC) were significantly higher under integrated organic treatments than individual amendments. The significantly higher correlation between COC and the percentage of LMA and aggregate-associated C implied their direct role in soil aggregate formation and their stability. The carbon stability, i.e., retention time of humus in soil, was significantly correlated with soil organic carbon, dissolved organic carbon, particulate organic carbon, potassium permanganate oxidizable C, C mineralization (Cmin), glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP), macroaggregate (MA)-associated C and rice equivalent yield (REY). Overall, the data suggest that the combined application of FYM + GM + BF promotes soil quality under rice–wheat rotation in inceptisols in semi-arid sub-tropical India.
Energy Efficiency of Oat:Pea Intercrops Affected by Sowing Ratio and Nitrogen Fertilization
Authors: Moitzi Gerhard , Wagentristl Helmut , Kaul Hans-Peter , Bernas Jaroslav , Neugschwandtner Reinhard W.
Published: December 2022

This study analyzed energy input (direct and indirect), energy output, net-energy output, energy use efficiency, energy intensity, and the energy productivity of oat:pea intercrops as affected by sowing ratio (oat:pea (%:%): 100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 0:100) and nitrogen (N) fertilization (0, 60, 120 kg N ha−1). The two year field experiment was conducted on a calcaric Chernozem soil in the north-western part of the Pannonian Basin. The results for grain yield showed that pure stands of oat and pea had a higher energy use efficiency and energy intensity than intercrops, indicating that pure stands used the growing factors more efficiently than intercrops. The energy use efficiency was higher in pure pea than pure oat. The energy productivity for the above-ground biomass production was much more affected by the factor N fertilization than by the factor sowing ratio. The highest energy productivity of grain N yield and above-ground biomass N yield was achieved in pure pea stands (0:100). N in plant residues of the zero N fertilization variant required 68% lower technical energy than N from mineral fertilizer. The sowing rate of the intercrops is a management tool to trade-off between the benefits of the in-field biodiversity and energy efficiency.
Comparison of Trapping Effects of Different Traps and Monitoring the Occurrence Dynamics of Spodoptera litura in Soybean Fields of Dangtu, Anhui Province, China
Authors: Xu Yufei , Ye Zhihao , Xie Zhiyuan , Zhang Di , Liu Xiaofeng , Yan Yulu , Sun Lei , Chen Fajun , Gai Junyi , Xing Guangnan
Published: December 2022

In order to clarify the trapping efficiency of different types of sex pheromone traps on populations of Spodoptera litura in soybean fields, three kinds of conventional traps, called YL-VT, YL-HEMT and YL-NMT, and types of traps equipped with a automatic catch monitoring mechanism, called AIM and AIM-lite-A, have been tested. These last two allow monitoring the diurnal and seasonal rhythms of the catches. From 5 August to 5 October 2020, each YL-VT trap caught an average of 84.4 heads of S. litura moths per day, which was significantly higher than the YL-HEMT (11.8 heads), YL-NMT (16.5 heads) and AIM (9.7 heads), which did not show significant differences between them. The half-life of pheromone attraction effect in YL-VT trap is about 17–20 days. Considering the number of trapping and the duration of pheromone attraction effect, YL-VT trap is the best. For efficient monitoring, the validity period is approximately 15 days. Among the causes that could explain its higher capture rate and efficiency, the YL-VT trap has the smallest and largest number of inlet devices, and in it, the lure core is located inside of the insect inlet device. Under different occurrence numbers of S. litura, the accuracy of the automatic count of AIM-lite-A is 90% greater than in the AIM trap. The diurnal rhythms of S. litura observed by AIM-lite-A show that S. litura have two active periods that are from 18:00 to 21:00 and from 23:00 to 4:00 at night and that the first active period may be affected by sunshine and temperature. The annual activity rhythm of S. litura monitored by AIM showed that the activity of S. litura was related to temperature, there were approximately 6 generations of S. litura in a year and that the activity peak was from August to September in Dangtu, China. AIM and AIM-lite-A can be used for the annual monitoring of S. litura population in soybean fields because of their automatic counting function. AIM can simultaneously record a variety of meteorological data, AIM-lite-A has higher accuracy and a lower cost, which can be selected according to different situations. In conventional traps, the trap YL-VT can be used for the population monitoring of S. litura in soybean fields and pest control in the field, especially in greenhouses and net rooms where organic soybeans are grown, due to its low cost and efficient trapping ability.
Soil Organic Matter of Tidal Marsh Permafrost-Affected Soils of Kolyma Lowland
Authors: Polyakov Vyacheslav , Lupachev Alexey , Gubin Stanislav , Abakumov Evgeny
Published: December 2022

Soils of the Arctic sea coasts are one of the least studied due to the complex logistical accessibility of the region, as well as the severe climatic conditions. The genesis of these soils is determined by several factors of soil formation simultaneously—cryogenesis, the influence of river alluvial processes, as well as the tidal influence of the sea. The paper presents data on the morphological structure of soils formed on the seacoast of the East-Siberian Sea (Kolyma Lowland, North Yakutia). Under the influence of cryogenesis and sea water tidal input, marsh soils are formed, with a relatively high level of salinity and the development of gleyization. Autochthonous and allochthonous soil organic matter play a leading role in marsh soil formation here, including the possible accumulation and biochemical transformation of incoming pollutants (e.g., hydrocarbons). The main objective of the study was to evaluate the soil organic matter genesis and alteration under the influence of tidal processes in coastal permafrost-affected soils as well as to obtain the previously unknown characteristics of the structural and elemental composition of different fractions of organic matter. The elemental composition and 13C NMR spectroscopy of humic acids were analyzed. It was revealed that humic acids extracted from the studied marsh soils accumulate up to 50% C and 4% N. Active processes of dehydrogenation are noted in HAs molecules, which indicates a relatively low degree of aliphatic structure development. According to 13C NMR spectroscopy, it was revealed that up to 45% of aromatic structural fragments accumulate in marsh soils, indicating a relatively high degree of organic matter stabilization and resistance to biodegradation.
Comparing Ant Assemblages and Functional Groups across Urban Habitats and Seasons in an East Asia Monsoon Climate Area
Authors: Luo Xin-Yu , Newman Chris , Luo Yi , Zhou Zhao-Min
Published: December 2022

China’s East Asia monsoon zone is undergoing rapid land-use conversion and urbanization. Safeguarding remaining biodiversity requires reducing, mitigating, and/or eliminating the negative impacts of human-induced landscape modification. In this study, we sampled ground-dwelling ants at 40 plots over 12 continuous months in a suburban area in southwestern China to examine whether and how vegetation composition and habitat fragmentation affected species richness and assemblage composition for the general ant community and, specifically, for principal functional groups (including Opportunists and Generalized Myrmicinae). Warmer seasons were associated with a higher capture rate for all functional groups. Patterns of ant species richness among Opportunists were more sensitive to vegetation and fragmentation than for Generalized Myrmicinae, and these effects generally varied with season. Patterns of ant assemblage composition for Opportunists were exclusively sensitive to vegetation, whereas Generalized Myrmicinae were sensitive to both vegetation and fragmentation with variation among seasons. Overall, our findings highlight the important role of seasonality, vegetation composition, and habitat fragmentation in mediating the impacts of human-induced landscape modification on urbanized ant communities, which make an essential functional contribution to biodiversity in the East Asia monsoon zone.
Embryonic Development and Survival of Siberian Sturgeon × Russian Sturgeon (Acipenser baerii × Acipenser gueldenstaedtii) Hybrids Cultured in a RAS System
Authors: Fopp-Bayat Dorota , Ciemniewski Tomasz , Cejko Beata Irena
Published: December 2022

The aim of this study was to describe the selected stages of embryonic development in Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser baerii) and hybrids of Siberian sturgeons and Russian sturgeons (Acipenser baerii × Acipenser gueldenstaedtii). For this purpose, embryos representing nine distinct developmental stages (stage 1—2.0 hpf, stage 2—5.5 hpf, stage 3—13.0 hpf, stage 4—20.0 hpf, stage 5—24.0 hpf, stage 6—26.0 hpf, stage 7—35.0 hpf, stage 8—55.0 hpf, and, stage 9—160.0 hpf; hpf—hours postfertilization) were sampled from each group (group A, group B, and group C) during incubation. Stages of embryogenesis were identified based on a 30-point scale of embryonic development in sturgeons. A total of 13 developmental stages were identified, including early cleavage, blastula formation, early and late gastrulation, onset of neurulation, beginning of organogenesis, and prelarvae. During gastrulation, the survival of hybrid embryos was highest in group B (93.8%) and lowest in group A (86.7%). Embryonic deformation was not observed during experimental incubation. The archived data relating to the embryonic development of Siberian sturgeon × Russian sturgeon hybrids could be applied to identify the individual stages of embryogenesis in hybrid sturgeons during egg incubation.
Dietary Use of Methionine Sources and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940 Influences Growth Performance, Hepatopancreatic Histology, Digestion, Immunity, and Digestive Microbiota of Litopenaeus vannamei Fed Reduced Fishmeal Diets
Authors: Casillas-Hernández Ramón , Gonzalez-Galaviz Jose Reyes , Rodriguez-Anaya Libia Zulema , Gil-Núñez Juan Carlos , Rodríguez-Jaramillo María del Carmen
Published: December 2022

An 8-week feeding trial investigated the effect of Fishmeal (FM) replacement by soybean meal (SBM) and poultry by-product meal (PBM) in diets supplemented with DL-Met, MET-MET (AQUAVI®), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940 (ECOBIOL®) and their combinations on growth performance and health of juvenile Litopenaeus vannamei. A total of six experimental diets were formulated according to L. vannamei nutritional requirements. A total of 480 shrimp (0.30 ± 0.04 g) were randomly distributed into 24 tanks (4 repetitions/each diet, 20 shrimp/tank). Shrimp were fed with control diet (CD; 200 g/Kg fishmeal) and five diets with 50% FM replacement supplemented with different methionine sources, probiotic (B. amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940) and their combinations: D1 (0.13% DL-MET), D2 (0.06% MET-MET), D3 (0.19% MET-MET), D4 (0.13% DL-MET plus 0.10% B. amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940 and D5 (0.06% MET-MET plus 0.10% B. amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940). Shrimp fed D3 and D5 had significantly higher final, weekly weight gain, and final biomass compared to shrimp fed CD (p < 0.05). Shrimp fed D2 to D5 increased the hepatopancreas epithelial cell height (p < 0.05). Digestive enzymatic activities were significantly increased in shrimp hepatopancreas’ fed D3 (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, shrimp fed D1 had significant downregulation of immune-related genes (p < 0.05). Moreover, shrimp fed D3 and D5 increased the abundance of beneficial prokaryotic microorganisms such as Pseudoalteromonas and Demequina related to carbohydrate metabolism and immune stimulation. Also, shrimp fed D3 and D5 increased the abundance of beneficial eukaryotic microorganism as Aurantiochytrium and Aplanochytrium were related to eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) production which plays a role in growth promoting or boosting the immunity of aquatic organisms. Therefore, fishmeal could be partially substituted up to 50% by SBM and PBM in diets supplemented with 0.19% MET-MET (AQUAVI®) or 0.06% MET-MET (AQUAVI®) plus 0.10% B. amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940 (ECOBIOL®) and improve the productive performance, health, and immunity of white shrimp. Further research is necessary to investigate synergistic effects of amino acids and probiotics in farmed shrimp diets, as well as to evaluate how SBM and PBM influence the fatty acid composition of reduced fishmeal diets and shrimp muscle quality. Nevertheless, this information could be interesting to develop low fishmeal feeds for aquaculture without affecting the growth and welfare of aquatic organisms.
The Flourishing Camel Milk Market and Concerns about Animal Welfare and Legislation
Authors: Smits Marcel , Joosten Han , Faye Bernard , Burger Pamela A.
Published: December 2022

The worldwide dromedary milk production has increased sharply since the beginning of this century due to prolonged shelf life, improved food-safety and perceived health benefits. Scientific confirmation of health claims will expand the market of dromedary milk further. As a result, more and more dromedaries will be bred for one purpose only: the highest possible milk production. However, intensive dromedary farming systems have consequences for animal welfare and may lead to genetic changes. Tighter regulations will be implemented to restrict commercialization of raw milk. Protocols controlling welfare of dromedaries and gene databases of milk-dromedaries will prevent negative consequences of intensive farming. In countries where dromedaries have only recently been introduced as production animal, legislators have limited expertise on this species. This is exemplified by an assessment on behalf of the Dutch government, recommending prohibiting keeping this species from 2024 onwards because the dromedary was deemed to be insufficiently domesticated. Implementation of this recommendation in Dutch law would have devastating effects on existing dromedary farms and could also pave the way for adopting similar measures in other European countries. In this paper it is shown that the Dutch assessment lacks scientific rigor. Awareness of breeders and legislators for the increasing knowledge about dromedaries and their products would strengthen the position of dromedaries as one of the most adapted and sustainable animals.
Evaluating Ruminal and Small Intestinal Morphology and Microbiota Composition of Calves Fed a Macleaya cordata Extract Preparation
Authors: Wickramasinghe Janaka , Anderson Chiron J. , Kaya Can Ayhan , Gorden Patrick J. , Ribeiro Flavio Rodrigues Borges , Dohms Juliane , Rigert Sydney , Schmitz-Esser Stephan , Appuhamy Ranga
Published: December 2022

The objective was to determine the impact of feeding MCE on ruminal and intestinal morphology and microbiota composition of calves. A total of 10 male and 10 female crossbred (dairy × beef) calves (6 d of age) were assigned randomly to control (CTL; n = 10) or MCE-supplemented (TRT; n = 10) groups. The MCE was fed in the milk replacer and top-dressed on the calf starter during pre-weaning (6 to 49 d) and post-weaning (50 to 95 d) periods, respectively. Calves were slaughtered at 95 d to collect rumen and intestinal samples to determine volatile fatty acid (VFA) profile, mucosal morphology, and microbiota composition. The effects of MCE were analyzed by accounting for the sex and breed effects. Feeding MCE increased rumen papillae length (p = 0.010) and intestinal villus height: crypt depth (p < 0.030) compared to CTL but did not affect rumen VFA profile. The TRT had a negligible impact on microbial community composition in both the rumen and the jejunum. In conclusion, feeding MCE from birth through weaning can improve ruminal and small intestinal mucosa development of calves despite the negligible microbiota composition changes observed post-weaning.
Pharmacokinetics of Antimicrobials in Children with Emphasis on Challenges Faced by Low and Middle Income Countries, a Clinical Review
Authors: Meesters Kevin , Alemayehu Tinsae , Benou Sofia , Buonsenso Danilo , Decloedt Eric H. , Pillay-Fuentes Lorente Veshni , Downes Kevin J. , Allegaert Karel
Published: December 2022

Effective antimicrobial exposure is essential to treat infections and prevent antimicrobial resistance, both being major public health problems in low and middle income countries (LMIC). Delivery of drug concentrations to the target site is governed by dose and pharmacokinetic processes (absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion). However, specific data on the pharmacokinetics of antimicrobials in children living in LMIC settings are scarce. Additionally, there are significant logistical constraints to therapeutic drug monitoring that further emphasize the importance of understanding pharmacokinetics and dosing in LMIC. Both malnutrition and diarrheal disease reduce the extent of enteral absorption. Multiple antiretrovirals and antimycobacterial agents, commonly used by children in low resource settings, have potential interactions with other antimicrobials. Hypoalbuminemia, which may be the result of malnutrition, nephrotic syndrome or liver failure, increases the unbound concentrations of protein bound drugs that may therefore be eliminated faster. Kidney function develops rapidly during the first years of life and different inflammatory processes commonly augment renal clearance in febrile children, potentially resulting in subtherapeutic drug concentrations if doses are not adapted. Using a narrative review approach, we outline the effects of growth, maturation and comorbidities on maturational and disease specific effects on pharmacokinetics in children in LMIC.
The Antioxidant Potential of the Mediterranean Diet as a Predictor of Weight Loss after a Very Low-Calorie Ketogenic Diet (VLCKD) in Women with Overweight and Obesity
Authors: Verde Ludovica , Dalamaga Maria , Capó Xavier , Annunziata Giuseppe , Hassapidou Maria , Docimo Annamaria , Savastano Silvia , Colao Annamaria , Muscogiuri Giovanna , Barrea Luigi
Published: December 2022

Obesity involves a chronic state of low-grade inflammation, which is linked to the development of several comorbidities. Recently, the very low-calorie ketogenic diet (VLCKD) has gained great interest in the treatment of obesity, almost ousting the ancient and healthy Mediterranean diet (MD). However, because these dietary regimens exploit different pathophysiological mechanisms, we hypothesize that adherence to the MD may play a role in determining the efficacy of the VLCKD. We enrolled 318 women (age 38.84 ± 14.37 years; BMI 35.75 ± 5.18 kg/m²) and assessed their anthropometric parameters, body compositions, and adherence to the MD (with the PREvención con DIetaMEDiterránea (PREDIMED) questionnaire) at baseline. The anthropometric parameters and body composition were repeated at the end of the VLCKD. At the end of the VLCKD, the women with high adherence to the MD achieved the best results in terms of weight loss and improved body composition. Specifically, the women who were above the median of fat mass (FM)% reduction had the best MD pattern, characterized by a higher consumption of extra virgin olive oil (EVOO), fruits, vegetables, and red wine, as well as a higher adherence to the MD than the women who were below the same median. In a multiple regression analysis, the PREDIMED score was the main predictor of the FM% reduction score and came in first, followed by fruit, EVOO, and glasses of wine, in predicting the percentage reduction in FM. A PREDIMED score value of > 5 could serve as a threshold to identify patients who are more likely to lose FM at the end of the VLCKD. In conclusion, high adherence to the MD resulted in higher VLCKD efficacy. This could be due to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the MD, which are capable of establishing a metabolic set-up that is favorable to the onset of more effective ketosis.
Soluble Transferrin Receptor, Antioxidant Status and Cardiometabolic Risk in Apparently Healthy Individuals
Authors: Suárez-Ortegón Milton Fabian , Arbeláez Alejandra , Moreno-Navarrete José María , Ortega-Ávila José Guillermo , Mosquera Mildrey , Fernández-Real José Manuel
Published: December 2022

Body iron excess appears to be related to insulin resistance and cardiometabolic risk and increased oxidative stress might be involved in this relationship. Very few studies have described the association between soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) levels and cardiometabolic risk in the general population or antioxidant status. There were 239 subjects (20–65 years old) included in this cross-sectional study. Linear regressions adjusting for BMI, menopausal status, insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), physical inactivity, alcohol intake and subclinical/chronic inflammation were used to describe the association between sTfR, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and measures of cardio-metabolic risk. sTfR levels were positively associated with TAC in men (βeta [95% confidence interval ]: 0.31 [0.14 to 0.48]) and women (βeta = 0.24 [0.07 to 0.40]) in non-adjusted and adjusted models (p < 0.05). In men, sTfR levels were inversely associated with waist circumference (βeta [95% confidence interval]: −1.12 [−2.30 to −0.22]) and fasting glucose (−2.7 (−4.82 to −0.57), and positively with LDL cholesterol (12.41 (6.08 to 18.57) before and after adjustments for confounding variables. LDL cholesterol had a significant and positive association with TAC in non-adjusted and adjusted models in men (p < 0.05). sTfR levels are significantly associated with antioxidant status and a few specific cardio-metabolic risk variables, independently of covariates that included serum ferritin and hepcidin. This might imply that iron biomarkers in regard to cardiometabolic risk reflect physiological contexts other than iron metabolism.
Influence of Spray Drying on Encapsulation Efficiencies and Structure of Casein Micelles Loaded with Anthraquinones Extracted from Aloe vera Plant
Authors: Sadiq Uzma , Gill Harsharn , Chandrapala Jayani , Shahid Fatima
Published: December 2022

The encapsulation efficiency (EE%) and structural changes within the Anthraquinones-encapsulated casein micelles (CM) powders were evaluated in this study. For this purpose, the anthraquinone powder extracted from Aloevera, its freeze-dried powder (FDP) and whole leaf Aloe vera gel (WLAG) has been encapsulated in CM through ultrasonication prior to spray dying to produce nanocapsules: CM encapsulated anthraquinone powder (CMAQP), CM encapsulated freeze-dried powder (CMFDP) and CM encapsulated Whole leaf aloe vera gel (CMWLAG). Based on the pH of the solution before drying, CMAQP had the highest EE% following spray drying. However, due to air-interface-related dehydration stresses, SD resulted in a slight decrease in the EE% of anthraquinones (aloin, aloe-emodin, and rhein) in CMAQP. Meanwhile, a significant increase in EE% of CMFDP was observed compared to the aqueous state. According to SEM findings, the particle size of CMAQP was 2.39 µm and ξ-potential of ~−17mV. The CMFDP had a rough fractal surface with large particle sizes and potential of 3.49 µm and ~−11mV respectively. CM deformed, having the least EE% and lowest ξ-potential (−4.5 mV). Spray drying enhances melanoidin formation in CMWLAG, as evidenced by the highest chroma values. The results suggested that EE%, stability, and degree of Maillard reaction are closely linked to the type of anthraquinone encapsulated, the pH of the solution, and the nanostructure of casein micelles during spray drying.
Environment- and Genotype-Dependent Irrigation Effect on Soybean Grain Yield and Grain Quality
Authors: Matoša Kočar Maja , Josipović Marko , Sudarić Aleksandra , Plavšić Hrvoje , Beraković Ivica , Atilgan Atilgan , Marković Monika
Published: December 2022

This four-year study with four elite soybean lines with different maturities was conducted to investigate the impact of deficit (a field water capacity, or FWC, of 60%) and full irrigation (an FWC of 80–100%) on soybean grain yield and grain quality (grain protein and oil contents and crude protein and oil yields), depending on the environmental conditions and genotype. Overall, the irrigation effect was positive for the grain yield and grain protein content but negative for the grain oil content. The differences between the full and deficit irrigation were only 2.9% for the grain yield, 2.8% for the crude protein yield and 1.7% for the crude oil yield. The results indicate that deficit irrigation could be the best option for optimizing soybean production in environments similar to the tested one. In such conditions, further rationalization of soybean production could be achieved by choosing the C2 genotype (0 maturity group), which, combined with deficit irrigation, had the highest grain, crude protein and crude oil yields.
Special Issue “New Challenges in Improving the Quality and Safety of Meat Products”
Authors: Karwowska Małgorzata , Lorenzo Jose M. , Tomasevic Igor
Published: December 2022

Among the various food items, meat products constitute a significant share in the diets of modern humans [...]
Using AI Motion Capture Systems to Capture Race Walking Technology at a Race Scene: A Comparative Experiment
Authors: Zhang Dongtao , Ji Zhongqiu , Jiang Guiping , Jiao Weiwei
Published: December 2022

Background: This study tested the reliability of the 3D coordinates of human joint points obtained by using an AI motion capture system at a race walking scene. Methods: Using a direct linear transformation (DLT) 3D video recording method, 15 race walking athletes were photographed. We compared the average values, standard deviations, and 95% confidence intervals of the multiple correlation coefficients and differences in the 3D coordinate–time curve of the human joint points that were automatically parsed by the AI motion capture system with those that were manually parsed. Results: Except for the left shoulder y coordinates, left hip y and z coordinates, and left toe tip z coordinates, the multiple correlation coefficients between the curve obtained via the automatic analysis and the average curve obtained via the manual analysis of the other coordinates were greater than 0.90, while the difference between the curve obtained via the automatic analysis and the curve obtained via the manual analysis of the left hand, the left wrist, the left hip, and the left toe was less than 0.025 m. Conclusion: The 3D coordinates of the human joint points obtained via the AI motion capture system were highly similar to the average value of the 3D coordinates obtained via the manual analysis, supporting the use of the AI motion capture system as a highly reliable means to capture the technical motion of race walking in the race walking competition context.
Tokens Shuffling Approach for Privacy, Security, and Reliability in IoHT under a Pandemic
Authors: Bahbouh Nour , Basahel Abdullah , Sendra Sandra , Abi Sen Adnan Ahmed
Published: December 2022

Privacy and security are unavoidable challenges in the future of smart health services and systems. Several approaches for preserving privacy have been provided in the Internet of Health Things (IoHT) applications. However, with the emergence of COVID-19, the healthcare centers needed to track, collect, and share more critical data such as the location of those infected and monitor social distancing. Unfortunately, the traditional privacy-preserving approaches failed to deal effectively with emergency circumstances. In the proposed research, we introduce a Tokens Shuffling Approach (TSA) to preserve collected data’s privacy, security, and reliability during the pandemic without the need to trust a third party or service providers. TSA depends on a smartphone application and the proposed protocol to collect and share data reliably and safely. TSA depends on a proposed algorithm for swapping the identities temporarily between cooperated users and then hiding the identities by employing fog nodes. The fog node manages the cooperation process between users in a specific area to improve the system’s performance. Finally, TSA uses blockchain to save data reliability, ensure data integrity, and facilitate access. The results prove that TSA performed better than traditional approaches regarding data privacy and the performance level. Further, we noticed that it adapted better during emergency circumstances. Moreover, TSA did not affect the accuracy of the collected data or its related statistics. On the contrary, TSA will not affect the quality of primary healthcare services.
An Overview of the Process Mechanisms in the Laser Powder Directed Energy Deposition
Authors: Piscopo Gabriele , Atzeni Eleonora , Saboori Abdollah , Salmi Alessandro
Published: December 2022

Laser Powder Directed Energy Deposition (LP-DED) is a very powerful Additive Manufacturing process for different applications, such as repair operations and the production of functionally graded material. However, the application is still limited, and one of the main reasons is related to the lack of knowledge of the process mechanisms. Since the mechanisms involved in the process, which are mutually related to each other, directly influence the properties of the produced part, their knowledge is crucial. This paper presents a review of the LP-DED mechanisms and the relationship between the input process parameters and related outcomes. The main mechanisms of the LP-DED process, which are identified as (i) laser irradiation and material addition, (ii) melt pool generation, and (iii) subsequent solidification, are discussed in terms of input parameters, with a focus on their effects on the deposition effectiveness, and interrelation among the mechanisms of the deposition process. The results highlight the complexity of the mechanisms involved in the LP-DED process and guide engineers in navigating the challenges of the deposition process, with a specific focus on the critical parameters that should be investigated when new materials are developed, or process optimization is carried out.
Special Issue on Recent Advanced Technologies on Renewable Energy (AFORE2021)
Authors: Song Hwachang , Lee Jangho
Published: December 2022

One of the most important strategies for achieving the goal of a sustainable environment, according to the international climate action initiatives, is to increase the proportion of renewable energy in energy use [...]
Study of Marine Sponges Graphitization during Heat Treatment up to 1200 °C
Authors: Petrova Olga V. , Sivkov Danil V. , Nekipelov Sergey V. , Vinogradov Alexander S. , Korusenko Petr M. , Isaenko Sergey I. , Skandakov Roman N. , Bakina Ksenia A. , Sivkov Viktor N.
Published: December 2022

The results of studies of marine sponge carbonization processes during thermal treatment in an argon atmosphere in the temperature range from room temperature to 1200 °C are presented. The spatial structure, atomic composition of native and carbonized sponges, and their changes during pyrolysis were characterized using a set of methods that are informative at the macro- (thermogravimetric analysis, derivative thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry), micro- (Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy), and nanoscales (X-ray absorption and photoelectron spectroscopy using synchrotron radiation and a sample charge compensation system). Preservation of the 3D architecture at the macro- and microlevels and graphitization of the interfibril medium with the formation of turbostratic graphite at the nanolevel were demonstrated. It was shown that the atomic contents of nitrogen, carbon, and oxygen in the spongin were ~2–3 at.%, ~5 at.%, and ~4 at.%, respectively. The matter concentrated in the space between the spongin fibrils included ~70 at.% carbon and ~11 at.% oxygen, with a large proportion of carbon (~63 at.%) involved in the formation of aromatic and C–C bonds and the remainder in carbon monoxide compounds. After the decomposition of spongin at 400 °C, this substance transformed into turbostratic graphite, preserving the 3D architecture of the original marine sponge as the temperature rose.
Gradual Deterioration Behavior of the Load-Bearing Strength of Main Cable Wires in a Suspension Bridge
Authors: Chong Hailang , Wang Dagang , Wang Bo , Shen Xiaoman , Wahab Magd Abdel
Published: December 2022

The main cable is the primary load-bearing component of a long-span multi-tower suspension bridge. The interaction between a dead load, vehicle load, wind load, and the corrosion environment leads the main cable wire to exhibit tribo-corrosion-fatigue behaviors. This behavior causes wire wear and deterioration, as well as a reduction in the effective cross-sectional area. This leads to the gradual deterioration of the wire’s load-bearing strength and seriously affects the load-bearing safety of the main cable. In order to ensure the safety of suspension bridges, it is critical to investigate the gradual deterioration behavior of the main cable wire’s load-bearing strength. A wire tribo-corrosion-fatigue test rig was established to test the wire under different friction pairs (saddle groove or parallel wires). The cross-sectional failure area of the wire with different pairs was obtained by super-depth electron microscopy and calculation. The damage degree evolution model and the deterioration model of the wire load-bearing strength were established by combining the theory of damage mechanics and the finite element method. The results show that, as contact and fatigue loads increase, so does the cross-sectional failure area of the fatigue steel wire. The fatigue wire’s damage degree has a good quadratic function relationship with fatigue cycles. The damage degree of the wire increases and the load-bearing strength decreases with increasing contact load and fatigue load. The load-bearing strength of the wire changes little at the beginning and decreases with increasing fatigue cycles. The results have fundamental significance for the life prediction of the main cable wires of suspension bridges.
Thermodynamic Modelling of Harsh Environments on the Solid Phase Assemblage of Hydrating Cements Using PHREEQC
Authors: Holmes Niall , Tyrer Mark , Kelliher Denis
Published: December 2022

Poor durability of reinforced concrete structures can lead to serious structural failures. An accurate model to observe the effects of aggressive agents like carbonation, sulfate ingress, and seawater solutions on the solid phase assemblage will help designers and specifiers better understand how cement behaves in these environments. This paper presents the first steps in developing such a model using the PHREEQC geochemical software by accounting for alkali binding and dissolution. It also presents the use of discrete solid phases (DSPs) to account for the solid-solution behaviour of siliceous hydrogarnet and magnesium silicate hydrate (M-S-H). A new thermodynamic description of the vaterite phase has also been developed for this work using the cemdata18 thermodynamic database. The predicted phase assemblages of cements in these environments here agree with previously published findings using a different thermodynamic model supported with experimental data.
A Wideband Eight-Element Antenna with High Isolation for 5G New-Radio Applications
Authors: Cai Jing , Zhang Juhui , Xi Shuqi , Huang Jianlin , Liu Gui
Published: December 2022

A wideband multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) antenna with high isolation for fifth-generation (5G) new-radio (NR) smartphone employment operating at a range from 3.3–5 GHz is presented in the paper. The wideband antenna is comprised of eight identical radiation units and applies defected ground structure (DGS) to offer higher isolation between antenna units. Each of the antenna elements is formed of a C-shaped microstrip line, two triangle-shaped strips and a rectangular strip. The measurement results present that the transmission coefficients of the presented antenna are smaller than −18 dB in the required wideband, and the envelope correlation coefficient (ECC) values are better than 0.005. The realized gain and efficiency of the designed antenna are about 3.5 dBi and higher than 75%, respectively. The volume of this total antenna is 150 × 75 × 7 mm3, and the measurement of each antenna unit is merely 6.8 mm × 7 mm × 0.8 mm (0.077 λ×0.08 λ×0.009 λ, λ is the wavelength of 3.4 GHz). The presented MIMO antenna is suitable for 5G new-radio (NR) smartphone applications.