bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the entrepreneurial behavior of vegetable growers: influential factors and implications for agricultural development
Authors: Thakur Niyati , Sharma Ravinder , Thakur Pankaj , Shilpa  , Chaturvedi Ashutosh , Khushwaha Richa , Pani Saswat Kumar , Yadav Vijay Kumar , Singh Akash Gaurav , Sharma Ajit , Sharma Prashant
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Entrepreneurship in agricultural sector is a key enabler of rural development and economic growth. This research delves into the entrepreneurial behavior of vegetable growers involved in polyhouse protected farming and focuses on the factors that influence their entrepreneurial pursuits.

Methods

The research employed a mixed sampling methodology and the data collection was done by personally interviews. Whereas, data were analyzed using various statistical techniques including Entrepreneurial behavior index computation and Kendall’s tau correlation.

Results

The results of the study reveal noteworthy associations between factors such as farm income, experience in protected cultivation, area allocated for polyhouse cultivation and extension contact with entrepreneurial behavior. Notably, income consistently demonstrated a positive correlation with all aspects of entrepreneurial behavior, while experience and extension contact also exhibited significant positive relationships. Conversely, education level displayed a negative correlation with risk-taking ability but a positive correlation with other dimensions such as cosmopoliteness and innovativeness. However, family size and gender did not demonstrate significant associations with entrepreneurial behavior.

Discussion

The findings underscored the intricate nature of entrepreneurial behavior among vegetable growers which necessitate tailored interventions to foster entrepreneurship in this sector. The research recommends policy measures like financial incentives, enhanced access to extension services and promoting collaboration among polyhouse cultivators to encourage entrepreneurship. These initiatives aim to overcome financial barriers, improve technical knowledge and address structural challenges, ultimately fostering sustainable entrepreneurship and agricultural development.
Conception of a mobile health application targeting early postoperative physiotherapeutic care after total knee replacement, a qualitative study
Authors: Hakam Hassan Tarek , Ramadanov Nikolai , Garzuzi Awda , Salzmann Mikhail , Hofmann Hannes , Muehlensiepen Felix , Becker Roland , Prill Robert
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Mobile applications targeting physiotherapeutic care after total joint replacements are increasing in popularity among end-users. However, these applications were primarily conceived out of financial interest and lack an evidence-based programs tailored to the specific needs of the target population. The primary objective of this study is to describe the conception of an evidence-based mobile health application that targets early postoperative physiotherapeutic care after total knee replacement (TKR).

Methods

A literature search of eHealth applications targeting physical therapy after TKR was carried out. Articles were then screened and suggestions as well as recommendations were extracted to inform the design of a new application. The beta version of the application was then passed onto experts for evaluation. Final changes were then undertaken to account for the expert's opinions.

Results

Several reviews with recommendations for the design of applications targeting patients after total joint replacement were identified. Primarily, mobile applications targeting rehabilitative care after TKR need to be tailored to the needs of the elderly population. Additionally, no unified rehabilitative physiotherapeutic (PT) program was found reflecting a discrepancy regarding what exercises are most useful. A comparison of different programs yielded no significant difference favoring one single exercise regimen.

Discussion

As the elderly population was shown to be less proficient regarding the use of new technologies, the application at hand was explicitly made simple. Elements of different PT programs were incorporated and quadriceps strengthening exercises were included. application was composed based on the findings of the reviewed literature and then subsequently modified to incorporate the expert's suggestions. Experts mainly expressed concerns regarding the safety of patients during unsupervised physical therapy as well as the safety of the recorded data. Thus, password protection and a split between the physician's and the patient's interface was created.
The neurotoxicity of iodoacetic acid, a byproduct of drinking water disinfection
Authors: Wang Xu , Rong Chunshu , Niu Ping , Leng Wei , Wang Gaihua , He Ziqiao , Qi Xin , Zhao Dexi , Li Jinhua
Published: January 2025

IAA is a by-product of the water disinfection process and has been found to be neurotoxic. However, the role and mechanism of IAA neurotoxicity remain unclear. In this review, we comprehensively discuss the neurotoxic effects and mechanisms of IAA from the molecular level, cellular level and neurological manifestations. At the molecular level, IAA causes neurotoxicity by reducing mitochondrial membrane potential, aggravating oxidative stress and DNA damage. At the cellular level, IAA causes neurotoxicity by inducing BBB disruption, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis. In neurological manifestations, IAA can lead to neurotransmitter disorders, neurodevelopment dysfunction, and even neurodegenerative diseases. Taken together, our review provides insights into the mechanisms of IAA neurotoxicity that will contribute to future studies of IAA neurotoxicity and its protective strategies.
Clinical, pathological, and genotypic analysis of infectious bronchitis virus in broiler chickens in the Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Ishag Hassan Zackaria Ali , Terab Abdelnasir Mohammed Adam , Osman Ebrahim Mohamad Abdalsalam , El Tigani-Asil El Tigani Ahmed , Albreiki Mohammed Saleh , Bensalah Oum Keltoum , Shah Asma Abdi Mohamed , Khalafalla Abdelmalik Ibrahim
Published: January 2025

Background

Infectious Bronchitis (IB), caused by the infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), is a significant contagious respiratory disease in the poultry industry. The emergence of new variants represents a global challenge for the diagnosis and control of the disease. Despite vaccination efforts in poultry farms in the Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates (UAE), outbreaks continue to occur, raising concerns about the efficacy of vaccination protocols and the potential emergence of new viral strains. This study aims to provide information on clinical, pathological, and genotypes of IBV detected within the Abu Dhabi Emirate, during 2022–2023.

Methods

Epidemiological data were collected from twelve suspected IB outbreaks across seven broiler farms located in the Abu Dhabi Emirate. The cases were investigated through clinical and pathological examinations and Forty-six samples, including lung, spleen, kidney tissues, and oro-cloacal swabs, were collected for further analysis. The virus was detected by RT-qPCR assay, genotyping was determined by phylogenetic analysis of the Spike (S)-1 gene, and differentiation between field and vaccine strains was determined by comparing their sequences.

Results

The age of the affected flocks varies from 2 to 5 weeks. The highest morbidity, mortality and case fatality rates were 36, 33, and 95%, respectively. Necropsy examination revealed characteristic respiratory and renal pathological lesions. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a co-circulation of three lineages of IBV genotype GI-13 or 4/91 serotype (81.8%), GI-1 or Massachusetts serotype (9.1%) and GI-23 or Middle East serotype (9.1%). Approximately 90.9% of the strains classified within GI-1 and G1-13 lineages are 99 to 100% identical to 4/91 and Mass serotypes, respectively, and are considered as vaccine strains. Two strains (9.1%) classified within GI-23 lineage have a < 99% identity to the 4/91 and Mass serotypes vaccine strains and are considered as filed strains.

Conclusion

Co-circulation of three IBV lineages (GI-13, GI-1, and GI-23) in the Abu Dhabi broiler flocks showing IB symptoms were detected. This complex scenario of different IBV lineages circulation may account for the persistent outbreaks despite vaccination efforts. The results of the study are crucial for optimum IB vaccination and monitoring strategies or designing new vaccines based on local IBV field strains.
Prevalence and molecular characterization of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in endangered Eld’s deer (Rucervus eldii) in Hainan, China
Authors: Zhang Yun , Ren Guangxu , Lu Qingqing , Li Jiaqi , Qiang Yu , Li Youyou , Lai Xiuyi , Wang Yuan , Yu Xingyue , Lei Sheng , Li Yu , Chang Yunxing , Liu Xianrong , Qi Xuning , Xie Zhi , Li Tingting , Du Jiang , Duan Rui , Chang Xinyu , Wang Hesheng , Lu Gang
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is one of the most frequent microsporidia species causing digestive disorder mainly diarrhea in humans and animals. Eld’s deer (Rucervus eldii) is the class I national key protected wildlife and only distributed on Hainan Island in China. No report on the prevalence and molecular characterization of E. bieneusi in wild Eld’s deer worldwide.

Methods

217 fecal samples were collected from Eld’s deer in two isolated habitats of a nature reserve in Hainan, and examined by nested Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) targeting the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region.

Results and discussion

The overall prevalence of E. bieneusi in Eld’s deer was 17.5% (38/217), with 13.5% (12/89) and 20.3% (26/128) in habitats 1 and 2, respectively. Seven ITS genotypes were identified, including five known genotypes: D (n = 19), Peru11 (n = 10), EbpC (n = 5), Peru8 (n = 1) and Type IV (n = 1), and two novel genotypes: HNED-I and HNED-II (one each). Genotypes Peru8 and Peru11 were firstly identified in cervids. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all the detected genotypes belonged to zoonotic Group 1. The results implied that the further research on threaten of E. bieneusi to endangered Eld’s deer and potential risks for public health is necessary.
Cross-Sectional Analysis of Household Food Demand in Estuaire Gabon: A Near-Ideal Quadratic Demand System Approach
Authors: Ignanga Charlene , Chen Yu , Zhao Yining , Liu Heguang , Yu Wen
Published: January 2025

Gabon depends heavily on food imports to safeguard its food security; yet household food consumption patterns remain underexplored. This study investigates the structure of food demand in the Estuaire region, incorporating demographic determinants such as the age of the household head, household size, youth proportion, and residential distance from shopping centers. Using primary data collected from a randomized survey of 410 households, the analysis employs the Quadratic Almost Ideal Demand System (QUAIDS) model to estimate expenditure and price elasticities. The results indicate that expenditure elasticities are universally positive, with luxury items, including meat, eggs, and fish, exhibiting greater sensitivity compared to staple foods such as poultry, oil, rice, cassava, and bananas, which display inelastic demand. Price elasticities for meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and rice are negative, adhering to the law of demand. Demographic factors, including education, age, and residential location, significantly influence the consumption of meat, cassava, bananas, and oil. Household size, employment type, and youth composition also emerge as critical determinants of increased demand for poultry, fish, and rice. These findings offer policy-relevant insights to strengthen food security and address socioeconomic disparities.
Melatonin: An Overview on the Synthesis Processes and on Its Multiple Bioactive Roles Played in Animals and Humans
Authors: Andronachi Vasile-Cosmin , Simeanu Cristina , Matei Mădălina , Radu-Rusu Răzvan-Mihail , Simeanu Daniel
Published: January 2025

Melatonin is a natural hormone synthesized mainly by the pineal gland of vertebrates, and, secondarily, by other tissues and organs as well. It is deemed a bioactive molecule due to the multiple roles and functions it performs in animals and humans. Research conducted up to 2024 has reported the presence of melatonin in a wide variety of plants and bacteria, as well. This review aims to collect some of the scientific data to identify and describe the main sources of melatonin, and to document the functions and roles it plays in animal organisms. It also includes a description of the main technological and nutritional factors that can positively or negatively influence the synthesis and secretion process of melatonin, which is subsequently transported from the animal body into some food products, such as milk. This paper also includes information on the interaction between melatonin and other bioactive compounds present in animal and human bodies, with the aim of identifying what other functions and roles this hormone performs, and whether it interacts with other substances present in the vertebrate organism.
Analysis and Evaluation of Harvest Quality Effectiveness of Carrot Clamping and Conveying Device
Authors: Wang Bokai , Hu Zhichao , Wu Feng , Gu Fengwei
Published: January 2025

China’s carrot planting area and total output rank first in the world, but China’s mechanized carrot harvesting level is relatively backward. There are many problems in the existing machine operation process, among which the problems of a high leakage rate and high damage rate are the main difficulties faced. In order to study this problem, a test platform composed of clamping and pulling devices and conveying devices is designed, and it can complete the experiments of clamping, pulling and conveying carrot plants and collecting carrot stalks at one time. During the test, the clamping speed was divided into four test levels: 0.40 m/s (T1), 0.85 m/s (T2), 1.30 m/s (T3), and control test (CK), and each test level was carried out three times at different forward speeds. Finally, the leakage rate and damage rate were statistically analyzed. The results show that the average damage rate of Xiahong2 is 6.13%, 3.53%, and 9.36% and that of Sanhong is 6.22%, 3.76%, and 9.88% under the clamping and conveying speeds of T1, T2, and T3 in two years. The average carrot missed-pulling rate of two consecutive years corresponding to two carrot varieties, Xiaohong2 and Sanhong, was 3.68% and 4.14%, respectively. The carrot missed-pulling rate of CK in the control group of two carrot varieties, Xiaohong2 and Sanhong, was high and stable at 96.2% to 97.5%. At the same time, T1, T2, and T3 had similar overall trends of high carrot leakage rates for two carrot varieties at different clamping and conveying speeds. This control experiment also proves that the experimental arrangement is scientific and accurate. The average carrot leakage rate of T1, T2, and T3 for Xiahong2 is 3.91%, 3.42%, and 6.22%, and that of T1, T2, and T3 for Sanhong is 4.06%. The research results can provide a theoretical basis and reference for the optimization and improvement of carrot clamping and conveying devices, and this research can provide a reference for how to reduce the harvest loss of carrot combine harvesters in China.
Regulatory Effects of S-Abscisic Acid and Soil Conditioner on the Yield and Quality of Hybrid Rice Under Salt Stress
Authors: Jin Wenyu , Ma Guohui , Li Lin , Wei Zhongwei
Published: January 2025

Salt stress significantly reduces rice yield and deteriorates rice quality. The present study was conducted to explore the regulatory effects of sole and combined application of S-abscisic acid (S-ABA) and soil conditioner on rice under high salt stress. The experimental treatments comprised 0.1% S-ABA alone (T1), the application of soil conditioner (T2), the combined application of both S-ABA and halotolerant microorganism soil conditioner (T3), and a control without any regulatory substance (CK). The treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design in triplicate. To simulate high salinity stress, a 0.6% saltwater solution (by mixing natural seawater with freshwater) was used for irrigation. The results showed that T3 alleviated the phytotoxic effects of high salt stress and substantially improved rice yield. Furthermore, the numbers of effective panicles, grains per panicle, and 1000-grain weight under T3 treatment were 13.3–14.5%, 8.9–14.1%, and 4.9–5.5% higher than CK owing to improvement in dry matter accumulation, SPAD values, leaf area index, antioxidant enzyme activity, and reduced malondialdehyde and sodium ion content in rice. Moreover, the T3 treatment increased the output, output rate, and conversion rate of stem sheath matter after the heading stage; improved the milling yield, starch paste viscosity, starch stickiness, and gelatinization enthalpy; and reduced rice chalkiness. In addition, the T3 treatment also increased the amylose contents and decreased the total protein contents, thereby improving the taste of the rice. Overall, the results indicated that the application of exogenous S-ABA and soil conditioner is an effective strategy to alleviate the severity of salt stress in rice.
Insights into the Photosynthetic Efficiency and Chloroplast Ultrastructure of Heat-Stressed Edamame Cultivars During the Reproductive Stages
Authors: Moloi Makoena Joyce , Tóth Csilla , Hafeez Arslan , Tóth Brigitta
Published: January 2025

High temperatures have adverse impacts on the photosynthetic efficiency and yield of many crop plants. This study investigated how high temperatures affect the photosynthetic efficiency parameters and chloroplast ultrastructure of three edamame cultivars (AGS354, UVE17, and UVE14) at the reproductive stages (flowering and pod-filling). Heat stress (HS) treatments were performed under controlled conditions in climate chambers set at 25/18 °C (control), 30/23 °C (HS-I), and 35/28 °C (HS-II). The AGS354 cultivar exhibited the greatest susceptibility under HS-II treatment, characterised by a reduction in the photochemical reactions, decreased chlorophyll-a (chl-a) and carotenoid accumulation, the highest increase in the starch grain traits, and reduced plastoglobule and grana area traits. In UVE 14 and UVE17, the HS-II treatment enhanced chl-a and chl-b accumulation. Elevated carotenoid levels in UVE14 and UVE17 likely protected chlorophyll from degradation and mitigated photooxidative damage. The HS-II treatment also enhanced the grana traits, supporting improved light-harvesting capacity during heat stress in UVE14 and 17. However, heat stress disrupted the photochemical reactions (quantum efficiency of photosystem II, performance index absorbance, and performance index), indicating that elevated carotenoids alone do not exhibit complete tolerance to heat stress. Since plastoglobules play an essential in carotenoid biosynthesis, increased or stabilised plastoglobule traits in UVE14 and UVE17 under HS-II treatment strongly indicate improved heat stress tolerance. Overall, UVE14 and UVE17 emerged as the most heat-tolerant cultivars, with AGS354 being the most susceptible. These findings provide valuable insights into heat stress adaptation mechanisms and suggest the UVE14 and UVE17 cultivars as potential candidates for breeding heat-tolerant edamame cultivars.
Research on the Multiple Linear Regression Model of Color Difference and Physicochemical Properties of Thermal Treated Biomass
Authors: Song Lei , Li Yuanna , Lei Tingzhou , Yang Yantao , Shen Yilin , Zheng Hesheng
Published: January 2025

This study assesses the relationship between the color changes and physicochemical properties of thermally treated biomass feedstocks, using colorimetric measurements to study the color difference values of straw, forest, and grass undergoing thermal treatments at 120~200 °C. We establish a multiple linear regression model to correlate the physicochemical properties of the treated solid products with three-dimensional color coordinates (L*, a*, b*). The results indicate that as the treatment temperature increases, the color difference (∆Eab*) value also increases. Meanwhile, the number of conjugated structures in the chromophore groups increases, causing the color of the solid products to tend toward black. The ash, volatile, fixed carbon, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, higher calorific value, solid yield, energy yield, bulk density, and water contact angle of the thermally treated biomass feedstocks have a statistical measure of R2 ≥ 0.90 with the three-dimensional color coordinates, indicating a good correlation. Therefore, it is possible to quickly predict the basic physicochemical properties of thermally treated biomass feedstocks based on their surface color, providing a theoretical basis for the rapid quality assessment of solid products using CIELAB color changes in industrial applications.
Effects of Different Nitrogen Topdressing Ratios on Soil Nitrate-Nitrogen and Summer Maize Growth
Authors: Li Yan , Ouyang Yingqi , Chen Yu , Wang Juan
Published: January 2025

The Jianghuai region in China is well known for its high-quality and high-yielding maize production, but there is inadequate analysis about the N management in this region (especially the topdressing ratio). To evaluate the suitable topdressing ratio for maize nitrogen application, the effects of different nitrogen topdressing ratios on soil nitrogen and summer maize growth were studied in 2022–2023. In each treatment, a total of 250 kg N/hm2 was applied, i.e., 50 kg N/hm2 was applied as the base fertilizer, and the rest of the nitrogen fertilizer (200 kg N/hm2) was applied at the jointing and filling stages at different ratios, including 3:7 (60 and 140 kg N/hm2 were applied at the jointing and filling stages, respectively, T1 treatment), 7:3 (T2 treatment), and 1:1 (CK treatment). Compound fertilizer (N:P:K = 18%:12%:5%) was used as the base fertilizer, and urea was used as the topdressing fertilizer. The results showed that in 2022 (dry year), compared with values in the T1 treatment, the nitrate-nitrogen accumulation in the 0–100 cm soil layer at maize harvest under the T2 and CK treatments decreased by 33.8% and 14.7%, respectively; compared with values in CK treatment, the T2 treatment could significantly increase the ear length of maize by 9.4%. In 2023 (wet year), compared with values in the T1 treatment, the 100-grain weight, maize yield, N partial factor productivity (NPFP), and N uptake efficiency (NUPE) of T2 treatment significantly increased by 13.4%, 17.2%, 20.1%, and 21.5%, respectively; compared with values in the CK treatment, ear length, maize yield, and NPFP of T2 treatment significantly increased by 6.15%, 14.0%, and 15.8%, respectively. Therefore, for this study, a topdressing ratio of 7:3 between the jointing and filling stages (T2 treatment) was beneficial to reduce nitrogen accumulation in dry years and increase maize yield and nitrogen partial factor productivity in wet years.
Vegetable Fields Mapping in Northeast China Based on Phenological Features
Authors: Hu Jialin , Lu Huimin , Song Kaishan , Zhu Bingxue
Published: January 2025

Developing vegetable agriculture is crucial for ensuring a balanced dietary structure and promoting nutritional health. However, remote sensing extraction in open-field vegetable planting areas faces several challenges, such as the mixing of target crops with natural vegetation caused by differences in climate conditions and planting practices, which hinders the development of large-scale vegetable field mapping. This paper proposes a classification method based on vegetable phenological characteristics (VPC), which takes into account the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of vegetable cultivation in Northeast China. We used a two-step strategy. First, Sentinel-2 satellite images and land use data were utilized to identify the optimal time and key indicators for vegetable detection based on the phenological differences in crop growth. Second, spectral analysis was integrated with three machine learning classifiers, which leveraged phenological and spectral features extracted from satellite images to accurately identify vegetable-growing areas. This combined approach enabled the generation of a high-precision vegetable planting map. The research findings reveal a consistent year-by-year increase in the planting area of vegetables from 2019 to 2023. The overall accuracy (OA) of the results ranges from 0.81 to 0.93, with a Kappa coefficient of 0.83. Notably, this is the first 10 m resolution regional vegetable map in China, marking a significant advancement in economic vegetable crop mapping.
Effects of Short-Term Intercropping of Forage Crops on Soil Microbial Communities in Ziziphus jujuba cv. “Lingwuchangzao” Orchards in Northwest China
Authors: Zhang Hong , Bai Mingsheng , Gou Yufei , Chang Tianyu , Wei Jiayuan , Quan Yanan , Gan Xiuwen , Lin Ying , Lu Shiyun , Shi Xiaodong , Zhang Xinyue , Li Jingyu , Wei Tianjun , Zhou Jun , Liu Jianli
Published: January 2025

In the transitional region between agriculture and livestock rearing in northern China, planting forage crops in rows among fruit trees as feed in orchards represents an effective strategy for enhancing the ecological environment while addressing the increasing demand for livestock feed. Nonetheless, the impact of short-term mowing of cover forage crops for livestock feed on the quality of soil remains unclear. A two-year field experiment was conducted in Ziziphus jujuba cv. “Lingwuchangzao” orchards located in Lingwu County, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, in arid and semi-arid Northwest China. The experiment consisted of four treatments: (A) clean tillage (CK), (B) plantation with Lolium perenne (LP), (C) plantation with Trifolium repens (TR), and (D) plantation with Vicia villosa (VV).The results showed that short-term intercropping of forage crops may lead to a reduction in most soil nutrients in Z. jujuba cv. “Lingwuchangzao” orchards, particularly in the 0–20 cm soil layer. However, intercropping with TR can mitigate this declining trend and may even enhance nutrient levels within the 0–40 cm depth. Furthermore, intercropping of forage crops had a more pronounced effect on the α-diversity of fungal communities than on bacterial communities. This practice also altered the relative abundance of bacterial genera such as Sphingomonas, Bacillus, and Flavobacterium in the 20–40 cm depth and dominant fungal genera Fusarium and Mortierella in the 0–20 cm soil layer. The effects of soil physicochemical properties on bacterial communities were more significant than those on fungal communities.These results indicate that the short-term intercropping of forage crops in Z. jujuba cv. “Lingwuchangzao” orchards in arid and semi-arid Northwest China have varying impacts depending on the type of forage crop used.
Sugar Metabolism and Transport in Response to Drought–Rehydration in Poa pratensis
Authors: Yu Jiangdi , Zhang Ran , Li Xiaoxia , Dong Di , Wang Sining
Published: January 2025

Poa pratensis is one of the world’s most widely planted cold-season turfgrasses, with good quality but poor drought resistance. When plants suffer from stress, the metabolism of soluble sugar takes place, which is a dynamic process involving both degradation and synthesis. A detailed and in-depth study of the sugar metabolism process in plants’ response to stress will help us to understand the internal mechanism of plant adaptation to stress. In this study, the ‘10-202’ ecotype with drought resistance and the ‘Blue moon’ ecotype with drought sensitivity were used to explore the sugar metabolism process in response to drought stress. The results showed that drought stress induced sucrose accumulation in the leaves and roots, promoted increases in SPS, S-AI, and PpN/A-Inv activities, as well as gene expression in the leaves, and changed the content and distribution of fructose, glucose, sucrose, maltose, and trehalose in vivo. Compared with ‘Blue moon’, ‘10-202’ had higher trehalose content in leaves under normal conditions, and its roots could accumulate more fructose and glucose to maintain the balance of osmotic potential and redox under drought stress. Meanwhile, PpSWEET1b, -12, and -15 in the leaves and roots of the two ecotypes were significantly induced by drought stress. The improvements in sucrose accumulation and decomposition efficiency in leaves under drought stress is conducive to enhancing drought resistance in plants. PpSWEET1b plays a vital role in regulating the sugar transport process of drought tolerance in turfgrass.
Impact of Flower Head Order and Phenolic Content on the Quality of Three Different Artichoke Cultivars for Fresh-Cut Products
Authors: Giménez-Berenguer Marina , Giménez María José , Serna-Escolano Vicente , Zapata Pedro Javier
Published: January 2025

The growing consumer interest in healthy and convenient food has led to an increased demand for fresh-cut vegetables, including artichokes, which are known for their bioactive compounds like antioxidants and polyphenols. However, artichokes are highly susceptible to browning, as their high phenol content complicates processing into ready-to-eat products. This study evaluated the suitability of three artichoke cultivars (‘Lorca’, ‘Tupac’, and ‘Green Queen’) for fresh-cut processing, focusing on flower head order (main, secondary, tertiary). Artichokes were processed as fresh-cut hearth slices, stored for 7 days at 2 °C and 85% relative humidity, and assessed for total phenolic content (day 0) and browning index (days 0, 1, 3, 5, 7). Sensory analysis was performed until day 3. Results revealed that tertiary heads, especially from the ‘Green Queen’ cultivar, exhibited the highest phenolic content but also greater susceptibility to browning, whereas main heads, lower in polyphenols (particularly from the ‘Lorca’ and ‘Tupac’ cultivars), showed minor browning indices and higher consumer acceptability. These parameters displayed a strong negative correlation coefficient (>−0.9), indicating that an increase in browning directly impacts sensory rejection. This study highlights the importance of cultivar and flower head order selection, providing valuable insights to enhance the quality and commercial viability of minimally processed artichoke products.
Construction of Orchard Agricultural Machinery Dispatching Model Based on Improved Beetle Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Liu Lixing , Liu Hongjie , Li Jianping , Wang Pengfei , Yang Xin
Published: January 2025

In order to enhance orchard agricultural efficiency and lower fruit production expenses, we propose a BL-DBO (Beetle Optimization Algorithm introducing Bernoulli mapping and Lévy flights) to solve the agricultural machinery dispatching model within the orchard area. First, we analyze the agricultural machinery dispatching problem in the orchard area and establish its mathematical model with the objective of minimizing dispatching costs as a constraint. To tackle the problems of uneven individual position distribution and the risk of becoming stuck in local optimal solutions in the traditional DBO algorithm, we introduce Bernoulli mapping during the initialization phase of the DBO. This method ensures a uniform distribution of the initialized population. Furthermore, during the iterative process of the algorithm, we incorporated the Lévy flight approach into the positional update equations for beetles involved in breeding, foraging, and theft activities within the DBO. This helps the beetles escape from local optimal solutions. Finally, we conduct experiments based on location information of Shunping Shunnong Orchard and fruit trees in Shijiazhuang. The results indicate that, compared to dispatching using human experience and the traditional DBO algorithm, the dispatching results generated by the BL-DBO not only reduce the number of agricultural machinery purchases but also decrease the energy loss from non-working distances of the machinery, effectively saving fruit production costs.
Winter Activity and Dormancy of Snails: Freezing and Food Shortage Avoidance Strategy Facing Snow-Cover Shortage
Authors: Lipińska Anna M. , Książkiewicz Zofia , Ćmiel Adam M. , Hnatyna Oksana , Laskowska Paulina , Halabowski Dariusz
Published: January 2025

Cold tolerance is a key factor shaping the survival and geographic distribution of terrestrial snails, especially in regions with harsh winters. Understanding how these organisms cope with freezing temperatures is crucial for predicting their responses to changing climates. This study focused on two microsnail species, Vertigo antivertigo and V. moulinsiana, to assess their winter activity, cold tolerance strategies, and whether their body size varies with latitude. Activity patterns were observed under controlled temperatures (0 °C, 2 °C, and 5 °C), while supercooling points (SCP) were measured to evaluate freezing avoidance. Shell morphology was analyzed across populations from various sites in Poland to explore local adaptations. The results showed that snail activity decreases as temperatures drop, with the lowest activity observed at 0 °C. Both species displayed a freezing-avoidant strategy, with V. moulinsiana having slightly higher SCP values, reflecting its adaptation to milder climates. Morphological differences in shell dimensions across sites suggest potential local adaptations to environmental conditions. These findings highlight temperature as a critical driver of activity, survival, and morphological variation in terrestrial snails. Limited winter activity may allow foraging or shelter-seeking but poses risks for overwintering. As climate change leads to snow-free winters, these species may face significant challenges in maintaining their populations and distributions.
Exploring Anticitrullinated Antibodies (ACPAs) and Serum-Derived Exosomes Cargoes
Authors: Alghamdi Mohammed A. , Bahlas Sami M. , Alamry Sultan Abdulmughni , Mattar Ehab H. , Redwan Elrashdy M.
Published: January 2025

Background: Autoantibodies such as rheumatoid factor (RF) and anticitrullinated protein autoantibodies (ACPAs) are useful tools for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The presence of ACPAs against citrullinated proteins (CPs), especially citrullinated fibrinogen (cFBG), seems to be a useful serological marker for diagnosing RA. RA patients’ sera were found to be enriched in exosomes that can transmit many proteins. Exosomes have been found to express citrullinated protein such as cFBG. Objective: We conducted this study in two stages. In the first phase, we aimed to evaluate the association between autoantibodies and risk factors. In the next step, ACPA-positive serum samples from the first phase were subjected to exosomal studies to explore the presence of cFBG, which is a frequent target for ACPAs. Methods: We investigated the autoantibodies in one hundred and sixteen Saudi RA patients and correlated with host-related risk factors. Exosomes were extracted from patients’ sera and examined for the presence of cFBG using monoclonal antibodies. Results: The study reported a high female-to-male ratio of 8:1, and seropositive RA (SPRA) was more frequent among included RA patients. The frequency and the levels of ACPAs were similar in both genders. Autoantibodies incidences have a direct correlations with patient age, while the average titers decreased as the age increased. Further, the highest incidence and levels of autoantibodies were reported in patients with RA duration between 5 and 10 years. Smoking and family history have no impact on autoantibody, except for ACPAs titers among smokers’ RA. Our analysis of serum exosomes revealed that about 50% of SPRA patients expressed cFBG. Conclusions: The female-to-male ratio is 8:1, which is higher than the global ratio. We can conclude that patients’ age and disease duration contribute to the autoantibodies, particularly RF and anti-MCV, whereas smoking and family history had no effects on autoantibodies. We detected cFBG in all exosomes from SPRA patients; thus, we suggest that the precise mechanism of exosomes in RA pathogenesis can be investigated to develop effective treatment strategies.
Oxidative Stress in Renal Health
Authors: Simões e Silva Ana Cristina
Published: January 2025

Oxidative stress is caused by the increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) inside cells [...]
Welding of Solid-State-Recycled Aluminum Alloy: Comparative Analysis of the Mechanical and Microstructural Properties
Authors: Krolo Jure , Špada Vedrana , Bilušić Martin , Čatipović Nikša
Published: January 2025

The main aim of this research is to investigate the possibilities and challenges involved in the electric arc welding of solid-state-recycled EN AW 6082 aluminum alloy. Lately, solid-state recycling has gained increased attention as a more sustainable and efficient aluminum recycling method, whereby only about 30% of the energy of conventional recycling is used. This method is based on the deformation of small-sized metal waste into solid recycled specimens without a remelting step. For the welding of solid-state-recycled specimens, both metal inert gas welding and tungsten inert gas welding methods are used. To evaluate the weldability of solid-state-recycled material, welded specimens are compared with welded, commercially produced EN AW 6082 aluminum alloy sheets. The welding is performed using the same processes, parameters, and conditions. To evaluate the welding potential of solid-state-recycled alloy, tensile tests, microhardness tests, optical metallography, and scanning electron microscopy, accompanied by energy-dispersive spectroscopy analysis, are performed.
Optimization of the Geometric Characteristics of Damping Layers for Acoustic Black Hole Beams Based on the Backpropagation Algorithm
Authors: Ouyang Lijun , Zhang Jiahao , Zhen Bin
Published: January 2025

In real-world scenarios, it is common to apply a damping layer of a specific thickness to the surface of an acoustic black hole (ABH) beam to boost its energy dissipation capacity. However, it has become apparent that excessive damping layers might result in negative consequences. The present study suggests employing the backpropagation (BP) algorithm to refine the positioning, thickness, and contour of the damping layer for optimal results. This study begins with the derivation of a semi-analytical solution for the vibration characteristics of an ABH beam under a harmonic load using the Gaussian expansion method (GEM). This process results in the preliminary identification of a thickness profile for the damping layer that exhibits significant potential for energy dissipation. Subsequently, a BP neural network is trained on the data produced by the semi-analytical solution to further optimize this thickness variation function. The findings reveal that the geometry of the damping layer has a more complex influence on performance than previously recognized. The optimization guided by the BP neural network suggests that achieving a strong ABH effect does not require uniform application of the damping layer across the entire ABH section. Rather, the most effective approach is to concentrate the damping layer thickness at the ABH tip, with a rapid decrease in thickness as one moves away from this point. It is also determined that applying a damping layer in areas far from the tip is unnecessary. Additionally, an innovative strategy is proposed to enhance the system’s energy dissipation capabilities without changing the truncation thickness of the ABH beam. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how the damping layer affects the energy dissipation performance of ABH beams.
A Secure and Efficient Authentication Scheme for Fog-Based Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks
Authors: Lee Sangjun , Son Seunghwan , Kwon DeokKyu , Park Yohan , Park Youngho
Published: January 2025

Recently, the application of fog-computing technology to vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) has rapidly advanced. Despite these advancements, challenges remain in ensuring efficient communication and security. Specifically, there are issues such as the high communication and computation load of authentications and insecure communication over public channels between fog nodes and vehicles. To address these problems, a lightweight and secure authenticated key agreement protocol for confidential communication is proposed. However, we found that the protocol does not offer perfect forward secrecy and is vulnerable to several attacks, such as privileged insider, ephemeral secret leakage, and stolen smart card attacks. Furthermore, their protocol excessively uses elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), resulting in delays in VANET environments where authentication occurs frequently. Therefore, this paper proposes a novel authentication protocol that outperforms other related protocols regarding security and performance. The proposed protocol reduced the usage frequency of ECC primarily using hash and exclusive OR operations. We analyzed the proposed protocol using informal and formal methods, including the real-or-random (RoR) model, Burrows–Abadi–Nikoogadam (BAN) logic, and automated validation of internet security protocols and applications (AVISPA) simulation to show that the proposed protocol is correct and secure against various attacks. Moreover, We compared the computational cost, communication cost, and security features of the proposed protocol with other related protocols and show that the proposed methods have better performance and security than other schemes. As a result, the proposed scheme is more secure and efficient for fog-based VANETs.
Influence of Polystyrene Molecular Weight on Semiconductor Crystallization, Morphology, and Mobility
Authors: He Zhengran , Bi Sheng , Asare-Yeboah Kyeiwaa , Chen Jihua
Published: January 2025

The morphological characteristics of organic semiconductors significantly impact their performance in many applications of organic electronics. A list of challenges such as dendritic crystal formation, thermal cracks, grain boundaries, and mobility variations must be addressed to optimize their efficiency and stability. This paper provides an in-depth overview of how different polymer additives (conjugated, semicrystalline, and amorphous polymers) influence the crystallization, morphology and mobility of some well-studied organic semiconductors. Conjugated polymers enhance molecular alignment and crystallinity, leading to distinct crystalline structures and improved charge transport properties. Semicrystalline polymers offer in-situ crystallization control, which improves film morphology and increases crystallinity and mobility. Amorphous polymers help minimize misalignment and promote parallel orientation of organic crystals, which is critical for effective charge transport. Special attention is given to polystyrene (PS) as a representative additive in this review, which highlights the significant effects of its molecular weight (Mw) on film morphology and charge transport properties. In particular, low-Mw PS (less than 20k) typically results in smaller, more uniform crystals, and enhances both charge transport and interface quality. Medium-Mw PS (20k to 250k) balances film stability and crystallinity, with moderate improvements in both crystal size and mobility. High-Mw PS (greater than 250k) promotes larger crystalline domains, better long-range order, and more pronounced improvement in charge transport, although it may introduce challenges such as increased phase separation and reduced solubility. This comprehensive analysis underscores the decisive role of polymer additives in optimizing the morphology of organic semiconductors and maximizing their charge transport for next-generation organic electronic applications.
Large-Eddy Simulation of Droplet Deformation and Fragmentation Under Shock Wave Impact
Authors: Rossano Viola , De Stefano Giuliano
Published: January 2025

This study employs the large-eddy simulation (LES) approach, together with the hybrid volume of fluid—discrete phase model, to examine the deformation and breakup of a water droplet impacted by a traveling shock wave. The research investigates the influence of Weber number on transient deformation and breakup characteristics. Particular focus is given to the detailed analysis of sub-droplet-size distributions, which are frequently overlooked in existing studies, providing a novel insight into droplet fragmentation dynamics. The predicted deformation and breakup patterns of droplets in the shear breakup regime align well with experimental data, validating the computational approach. Notably, LES is able to reproduce the underlying physical mechanisms, highlighting the significant role of recirculation zones and the progression of Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities in droplet breakup. Additionally, it is shown that higher Mach numbers significantly amplify both cross-stream and streamwise deformations, leading to earlier breakup at higher airflow pressures. Increasing the Weber number from 205 to 7000 results in 25% reduction in the average size of the sub-droplets, indicating the strong influence of aerodynamic forces on droplet fragmentation. This comprehensive analysis, while aligning with experimental observations, also provides new insights into the complex dynamics of droplet breakup under post-shock conditions, highlighting the robustness and applicability of the proposed hybrid Eulerian–Lagrangian formulation for such advanced applications in fluid engineering.
Test–Retest Reliability and Concurrent Validity of FysioMeter C-Station Assessing Lower-Limb Muscle Strength via Isometric Mid-Thigh Pulls
Authors: Sakstrup Mathias G. , Schmidt Andreas , O’Neill Seth , Green Brady , Jørgensen Martin G. , Stevenson Andrew J. T.
Published: January 2025

The isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) is a reliable method to assess lower limb isometric muscle strength. A portable device (FysioMeter C-station) could serve as a suitable alternative. The reliability and concurrent validity of the FysioMeter C-station have not been evaluated for the IMTP unilateral test. The aims of this study were to (1) examine the between-session reliability of the unilateral IMTP test for the left and the right legs using the C-station, and (2) explore the concurrent validity of these measures when compared to gold standard force plates (AMTI). Twenty healthy, recreationally active males (age: 23 ± 4 years, height: 1.81 ± 0.60 m, weight: 79.6 ± 10.8 kg) participated and completed test sessions one week apart. The participants performed the following: (i) three bilateral IMTPs on dual force plates (AMTIBI); (ii) three unilateral IMTPs on each leg on a single force plate (AMTIRIGHT, AMTILEFT); and (iii) three unilateral IMTPs on each leg on the C-station (CSRIGHT, CSLEFT). The peak force was measured in all the testing modalities and an Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) and Pearson Correlation Coefficient (PCC) were used to evaluate the reliability and validity. The C-station showed good between-session reliability for CSLEFT (ICC = 0.84) and CSRIGHT (ICC = 0.85). A strong concurrent validity (PCC ≥ 0.82) was found for the C-station compared to the gold standard (AMTI). The C-station appears to be reliable for measuring unilateral IMTP in recreationally active males. Furthermore, strong concurrent validity of the C-station compared to the gold standard was demonstrated.