bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation and selection of alfalfa genotypes for tolerance to aluminium toxic stress
Authors: Liatukienė Aurelija , Skuodienė Regina , Norkevičienė Eglė , Tamm Sirje , Pechter Priit , Petrauskas Giedrius
Published: July 2024

Alfalfa is one of the most important and the most cultivated crop due to its high nutritive quality and yield, but adaptation of alfalfa genotypes differ in terms of mobile aluminium stress in the soil. The aim of this study was to evaluate the tolerance to mobile Al concentrations in the laboratory and in the naturally acidic soil and select the promising genotypes based on agro-biological traits. In 2019, a laboratory experiment was conducted at the Institute of Agriculture of LAMMC. The experiment in the acidic soil with different mobile Al concentrations was conducted at the Vėžaičiai Branch of LAMMC. In 2020, the crops of alfalfa genotypes (11 cultivars and 3 populations) were established on Balthygleyic Dystric Retisol. The agro-biological traits were assessed during the 2021–2022 season. The tolerance index of hypocotyls and roots was evaluated using the filter-based screening method at different AlCl3 (0.0–64 mM) concentrations. The study results of the filter-based screening method showed that the genotype Žydrūnė, Malvina, Jõgeva 118, Skriveru, and 3130 were the most tolerant ones and the hypocotyl tolerance index of these genotypes was higher compared to medium tolerant genotypes Birutė, PGR12489, Europe and AJ2024 at 8, 16, 32 and 64 mM AlCl3 concentrations. The hypocotyl and root tolerance index of medium tolerant genotypes was higher compared to a sensitive genotype PGR10249 at 8 and 16 mM AlCl3. The study of cluster analysis with mobile Al 0.0–65.0 mg kg-1 showed that the genotypes Žydrūnė, Europe, AJ2024 and 3130 were the best in terms of wintering and spring regrowth, the cultivar Malvina had the best value of wintering, height before flowering and stem number, the cultivar Birutė had the best value of spring regrowth, height before flowering and seed yield, and the cultivar Skriveru had the best value of spring regrowth, height before flowering, stem number and seed yield.
Yes or no? A study of ErrPs in the “guess what I am thinking” paradigm with stimuli of different visual content
Authors: Berkmush-Antipova Artemiy , Syrov Nikolay , Yakovlev Lev , Miroshnikov Andrei , Golovanov Frol , Shusharina Natalia , Kaplan Alexander
Published: July 2024

Error-related potentials (ErrPs) have attracted attention in part because of their practical potential for building brain-computer interface (BCI) paradigms. BCIs, facilitating direct communication between the brain and machines, hold great promise for brain-AI interaction. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of ErrPs is crucial to ensure reliable BCI outcomes. In this study, we investigated ErrPs in the context of the “guess what I am thinking” paradigm. 23 healthy participants were instructed to imagine an object from a predetermined set, while an algorithm randomly selected another object that was either the same as or different from the imagined object. We recorded and analyzed the participants’ EEG activity to capture their mental responses to the algorithm’s “predictions”. The study identified components distinguishing correct from incorrect responses. It discusses their nature and how they differ from ErrPs extensively studied in other BCI paradigms. We observed pronounced variations in the shape of ErrPs across different stimulus sets, underscoring the significant influence of visual stimulus appearance on ErrP peaks. These findings have implications for designing effective BCI systems, especially considering the less conventional BCI paradigm employed. They emphasize the necessity of accounting for stimulus factors in BCI development.
Exploring the relationship between frequent cannabis use, belief updating under uncertainty and psychotic-like symptoms
Authors: Liang Xinyi , Avram Maria-Mihaela , Gibbs-Dean Toni , Chesney Edward , Oliver Dominic , Wang Simiao , Obreshkova Stiliyana , Spencer Tom , Englund Amir , Diederen Kelly
Published: July 2024

Background

Cannabis users present an important group for investigating putative mechanisms underlying psychosis, as cannabis-use is associated with an increased risk of psychosis. Recent work suggests that alterations in belief-updating under uncertainty underlie psychosis. We therefore compared belief updating under uncertainty between cannabis and non-cannabis users.

Methods

49 regular cannabis users and 52 controls completed the Space Game, via an online platform used for behavioral testing. In the task, participants were asked to predict the location of the stimulus based on previous information, under different uncertainty conditions. Mixed effects models were used to identify significant predictors of mean score, confidence, performance error and learning rate.

Results

Both groups showed decreased confidence in high noise conditions, and increased belief updating in more volatile conditions, suggesting that they could infer the degree and sources of uncertainty. There were no significant effects of group on any of the performance indices. However, within the cannabis group, frequent users showed worse performance than less frequent users.

Conclusion

Belief updating under uncertainty is not affected by cannabis use status but could be impaired in those who use cannabis more frequently. This finding could show a similarity between frequent cannabis use and psychosis risk, as predictors for abnormal belief-updating.
Innovative outpatient treatment for veterans and service members and their family members
Authors: Hoover Gabrielle Groth , Teer Andrew , Lento René , Ward Peter , Zakarian Rebecca J. , Tinney William , Sanders Wesley , Echevarria Katrina , Bonvie Joseph , Dunford Kathleen , Covitz Jessica , Tanev Kaloyan S.
Published: July 2024

In 2009, Massachusetts General Hospital and the Red Sox Foundation launched Home Base, a nonprofit dedicated to providing care to veterans, service members, and their loved ones who struggle with the invisible wounds of war free of charge. Significant needs exist for mental health services in each of these populations, and a need for innovative approaches to address shortcomings in existing treatment models. Three inventive components of our programming are highlighted herein: a Veteran Outreach Team, which helps to engage patients in care, programming, and services specifically for family members, and an intensive outpatient substance use treatment program. More than 4,000 patients, 3,031 veterans and service members, and 1,025 family members have engaged in treatment at Home Base. Patients were asked to complete post-treatment self-measures, including a satisfaction questionnaire via an electronic data collection system. The vast majority of individuals who engaged in our treatment model were satisfied with the care they received (>92%) and would refer their peers to the Home Base program (>75%). Data from 78 individuals who completed the dual diagnosis services demonstrated large effect sizes in reductions in alcohol use and comorbid mental health symptoms. These data suggest that novel components to the standard outpatient mental health model might provide substantive benefits for the patients served. While internal data is prone to a lack of generalizability, these additional offerings help ameliorate patients’ expressed shortcomings with existing models; present literature that describes the benefits that these additions provide is also reviewed. The lessons learned and limitations are discussed.
Photovoice for leveraging traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine amongst black adults to improve sleep health and overall health
Authors: Moise Rhoda , Chery Maurice , Wyrick Mykayla , Zizi Ferdinand , Seixas Azizi , Jean-Louis Girardin
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Average adults are recommended to have 7–8 h of sleep. However insufficient sleep (IS defined as <7 h/nightly) is associated with increased risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM), a burgeoning area of research and practice, leverages both modern and traditional approaches to improve health. Despite TCIM’s recognition as a tool to improve sleep and related outcomes, there is a gap in literature in addressing its impact among black individuals, who experience a disproportionate burden of IS and chronic disease. This qualitative study aimed to increase understanding of TCIM practices to overcome IS and overall health in black communities.

Methods

Using photovoice methodology, a qualitative tool which applies community-engaged principles to produce culturally informed results through interviews and digital media, consented participants were recruited from Miami, Florida and (1) instructed to capture images over one week that communicated their TCIM to improve sleep and overall health on their mobile device; (2) interviewed using individual, semi-structured procedures to add “voice” to the “photos” they captured for ~20 min; and (3) invited to participate in follow-up focus groups for refined discussion and data triangulation for ~1.5 h. Both individual and focus group interviews were conducted over Zoom with recordings transcribed for formal content analysis using Nvivo software.

Results

The sample included N = 25 diverse US black individuals (M = 37, SD = 13, range 21–57). Approximately a quarter of the sample were unemployed (N = 7) and majority were women (N = 21). Results highlighted five themes including: (1) natural wellness (sleep supplements, comfort beverages, aromatherapy, herbalism, outdoors); (2) self-care (self-maintenance, physical activity, spatial comfort); (3) leisure (pet support, play); (4) mental stimulation (mindfulness, reading); and (5) spiritual wellness (faith-based practices). Study results elucidate the heterogeneity of diverse US black individuals regarding sociocultural knowledge, beliefs, and behaviors.

Conclusion

Addressing IS in black communities requires a comprehensive strategy that integrates cultural sensitivity, family and community dynamics, education, mental health support, and informed policymaking. Future studies should consider how sleep health literacy, stress appraisal, and coping strategies may vary by race/ethnicity for tailored intervention.
Income inequality and healthcare utilization of the older adults-based on a study in three provinces and six cities in China
Authors: Chi Zhang , Lun Hai , Ma Jiaxin , Zhou Yaping
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The objective of this study is to gain a more nuanced understanding of the specific impact of income inequality on the utilization of healthcare services for older adults. Additionally, the study aims to elucidate the moderating and mediating roles of public transfer income and psychological health in this context.

Methods

A systematic examination of the impact of income inequality on healthcare utilization among older adults was conducted through field questionnaire surveys in six cities across three major geographical regions (West, Central, and East). The analysis employed baseline regression, as well as mediating and moderating effect tests.

Results

First, there is a negative relationship between income inequality and the use of therapeutic healthcare services (β1 = −0.484, P < 0.01) and preventive healthcare services (β2 = −0.576, P < 0.01) by older adults. This relationship is more pronounced in the low- and medium-income groups as well as in the western region. The mediating effect of psychological state is significant (β3 = −0.331, P < 0.05, β4 = −0.331, P < 0.05). Public transfer income plays a significant role in regulation. The moderating effect of public transfer income on therapeutic services was more significant in low-income groups (β5 = 0.821, P < 0.01). The moderating effect of public transfer income on preventive services was more significant in middle-income groups (β6 = 0.833, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The study clearly demonstrates a significant negative correlation between income inequality and the utilization of healthcare services by older adults. Furthermore, the study reveals that this relationship is particularly pronounced among older adults in low- and medium-income and Western regions. This detailed analysis of regional and income level heterogeneity is of particular value in this field of research. Secondly, this study attempts to integrate the two pivotal dimensions of public transfer income and psychological state for the first time, elucidating their moderating and mediating roles in this relationship. The findings indicate that public transfer income serves as a moderating factor, exerting a notable “reordering effect” on income inequality and resulting in a “deprivation effect.” Such factors may impede the utilization of medical services, potentially influencing the psychological state of older adults.
Higher blood manganese level associated with increased risk of adult latent tuberculosis infection in the US population
Authors: Qi Min , Zhang Huan , He Jian-Qing
Published: July 2024

Background

The associations between blood heavy metal levels and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the potential association between blood heavy metal levels and LTBI in adults using National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2011 to 2012.

Methods

We enrolled 1710 participants in this study, and compared the baseline characteristics of participants involved. Multivariate logistic regression analysis, restricted cubic splines (RCS) analysis, along with subgroup analysis and interaction tests were utilized to explore the association between blood manganese (Mn) level and LTBI risk.

Results

Participants with LTBI had higher blood Mn level compared to non-LTBI individuals (p < 0.05), while the levels of lead, cadmium, total mercury, selenium, copper, and zinc did not differ significantly between the two groups (p > 0.05). In the fully adjusted model, a slight increase in LTBI risk was observed with each 1-unit increase in blood Mn level (OR = 1.00, 95% CI: 1.00–1.01, p = 0.02). Participants in the highest quartile of blood Mn level had a threefold increase in LTBI risk compared to those in the lowest quartile (OR = 4.01, 95% CI: 1.22–11.33, p = 0.02). RCS analysis did not show a non-linear relationship between blood Mn level and LTBI (non-linear p-value = 0.0826). Subgroup analyses and interaction tests indicated that age, alcohol consumption, and income-to-poverty ratio significantly influenced LTBI risk (interaction p-values<0.05).

Conclusion

Individuals with LTBI had higher blood Mn level compared to non-LTBI individuals, and higher blood Mn level associated with increased LTBI risk.
What If We Could Swallow Medicines Instead of Needing Painful Injections?
Authors: Brayden David J. , Gundy Sarah , Riordan Claire
Published: July 2024

People usually take medicines by swallowing a tablet or pill, but many important medicines cannot be taken by mouth. Vaccines, for example, must be injected using a needle and syringe. You might know people who have diabetes, a condition in which the body does not make enough of the hormone insulin. Insulin allows your cells to use the sugar in your blood for energy. People with diabetes must take insulin to be able to lower their blood sugar levels. Unfortunately, people cannot take insulin by mouth because the acid in the stomach will attack it like food. Insulin is also large and cannot cross the wall of the intestine to get into the blood, which is where it needs to go. Instead, people must take insulin by injecting it into the blood. But what if medicines, like insulin, could be designed so they could be swallowed instead of being injected?
Donor Fractions of Cell-Free DNA Are Elevated During CLAD But Not During Infectious Complications After Lung Transplantation
Authors: Novo Mirza , Nordén Rickard , Westin Johan , Dellgren Göran , Böhmer Jens , Ricksten Anne , Magnusson Jesper M.
Published: July 2024

During the last few years, cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has emerged as a possible non-invasive biomarker for prediction of complications after lung transplantation. We previously published a proof-of-concept study using a digital droplet polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR)-based method for detection of cfDNA. In the current study, we aimed to further evaluate the potential clinical usefulness of detecting chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD) using three different ddPCR applications measuring and calculating the donor fraction (DF) of cfDNA as well as one method using the absolute amount of donor-derived cfDNA. We analyzed 246 serum samples collected from 26 lung transplant recipients. Nine of the patients had ongoing CLAD at some point during follow-up. All four methods showed statistically significant elevation of the measured variable in the CLAD samples compared to the non-CLAD samples. The results support the use of ddPCR-detected cfDNA as a potential biomarker for prediction of CLAD. These findings need to be validated in a subsequent prospective study.
Application of High-Speed Self-Aligned Focusing Schlieren System for Supersonic Flow Velocimetry
Authors: Lax Philip A. , Leonov Sergey B.
Published: July 2024

A self-aligned focusing schlieren (SAFS) system combines the field of view of a conventional schlieren system with the defocus blur of a focusing schlieren system away from the object plane. It can be assembled in a compact form, measuring 1.2 m (4 ft) in length in the described case. The depth of field is sufficiently shallow to distinguish specific spanwise features in a supersonic flow field within a 76.2 mm (3 in) wide test section. As a result, the boundary-layer perturbations on windows and window-material defects and surface imperfections are blurred. Analytical forms are derived for depth of field and vignetting of the SAFS system. A laser spark velocity measurement in Mach 2 flow is performed by tracking the blast wave of a laser spark using 500 kHz SAFS imaging with a 200 ns optical pulse width. The flow Mach number and stagnation temperature are measured by comparing the blast-wave dynamics to an analytical solution. Additionally, schlieren image velocimetry is performed by analyzing natural flow perturbations in 500 kHz SAFS images using a self-correlation method. Comparing the spectra of gas density perturbations from the core flow and a near-wall region reveals a significant difference, with high-frequency prevalence at the boundary-layer location.
Arrival and Departure Sequencing, Considering Runway Assignment Preferences and Crossings
Authors: Ma Ji , Delahaye Daniel , Liang Man
Published: July 2024

Aircraft sequencing has the potential to decrease flight delays and improve operational efficiency at airports. This paper presents the aircraft sequencing problem (ASP) on multiple runways with complex interactions by allocating flights on runways and optimizing landing times, take-off times, and crossing times simultaneously in a uniform framework. The problem was formulated as a mixed-integer program considering realistic operational constraints, including runway assignment preferences based on the entry/exit fixes of the terminal maneuvering area (TMA), minimum runway separation, time window, and arrival crossing rules. Variable-fixing strategies were applied, to strengthen the formulation. A first-come-first-served (FCFS) heuristic was proposed for comparison. Various instances from the literature and from realistic data sets were tested. Our computational study showed that the solution approach optimizes runway schedules, to achieve significantly fewer flight delays, taking runway assignment preferences and arrival crossings into account.
Influence of Double-Ducted Serpentine Nozzle Configurations on the Interaction Characteristics between the External and Nozzle Flow of Aircraft
Authors: Zhu Jilong , Zhang Yi , Li Yaohua , Zeng Liquan , Miao Lei , Xiong Neng , Tao Yang
Published: July 2024

To clarify the influence of the serpentine nozzle configurations on the flow characteristics and aerodynamic performance of aircraft, the flow features and aerodynamic performances of the double-ducted serpentine nozzles with different aspect ratios (AR), length–diameter ratios (LDR) and shielding ratios (SR) are numerically investigated. The results show that the asymmetric nozzle flow occurs due to the curved profile of serpentine nozzles, and a local accelerating effect exists at the S-bend, causing the increase in wall shear stress. The unilateral unsymmetrical expansion of the tail jet in the upward direction interacts with the separated external flow of the afterbody, forming an obvious cross-shock wave and shear layer structure. The surface pressure of the afterbody increases along the external flow direction, and decreases sharply in the separation point of the boundary layer. With the increase in AR and LDR, the local accelerating effect of the nozzle flow weakens, while with the increase in SR, the accelerating effect increases. The total pressure recovery coefficient, flow coefficient and axial thrust coefficient all decrease with the increase in AR, LDR, and SR. The thrust vector angle decreases with the increase in AR but is less affected by LDR and SR.
Establishment and Solution of a Finite Element Gas Exchange Model in Greenhouse-Grown Tomatoes for Two-Dimensional Porous Media with Light Quantity and Light Direction
Authors: Jiang Chengyao , Xu Ke , Rao Jiahui , Liu Jiaming , Li Yushan , Song Yu , Li Mengyao , Zheng Yangxia , Lu Wei
Published: July 2024

An accurate gas utilization model is essential for precisely detecting plant photosynthetic capacity. Existing equipment for measuring the plant photosynthetic rate typically considers the key parameters of mesophyll cell conductance and a photosynthetic model based on the carbon reaction process under direct light conditions. However, the light environment signals received by the plant canopy not only vary significantly in incidence angles, but the effective light intensity also differs greatly from the measured values under vertical incidence conditions. To reduce the deviation between existing photosynthetic models and the actual photosynthetic efficiency of leaves, this study employs the gas diffusion method from engineering, using the finite element approach. Based on elastic mechanics and seepage mechanics, the internal stress field control equation of tomato leaves and the two-phase flow equation under a CO2 porous medium were derived. A mathematical model of porous gas–liquid two-phase fluid-solid coupling was established, solved, and analyzed. Preliminary verification was conducted through tests. The results show that in the initial stage of CO2 entering the leaf, the gas flow velocity is higher because of the larger pressure gradient between the pore and the leaf. In this stage, the gas diffusion rate is higher. As the intake time increases, the pressure gradient gradually decreases, and the inlet velocity slows down. Consequently, the diffusion rate gradually reduces. Because of the coupling of light quantity and light direction, the gas diffusion rate significantly increases compared with the uncoupled model. Additionally, a diffusion model that does not consider fluid–solid coupling will overestimate the gas flow rate as the depth of gas entry increases. Therefore, the internal gas diffusion model must account for the effect of coupling on the diffusion rate.
Saline–Alkali Soil Reclamation Contributes to Soil Health Improvement in China
Authors: Zhu Wei , Gu Shiguo , Jiang Rui , Zhang Xin , Hatano Ryusuke
Published: July 2024

Soil salinization is a significant threat to soil health, especially to the agricultural ecosystem; it reduces vegetation biomass, destroys ecosystem diversity, and limits land use efficiency. This area of investigation has garnered extensive attention in China, especially in the arid and semi-arid areas, totaling 7.66 × 106 ha. A variety of theoretical research and technology developments have contributed to soil water and salt regulation and the screening of salt-tolerant varieties to improve nutrient utilization efficiency and microbial control and reduce ecological problems due to saline-based obstacles. These techniques can be classified into physical treatments, chemical treatments, biological treatments, and combined treatments; these different measures are all aimed at primarily solving saline–alkali stress. In general, the improvement and utilization of saline–alkali soil contribute to soil health improvement, concentrating on high-quality development, food security, ecological security, cultivated land protection, and agricultural upgrading. However, the risks of various technologies in the practical production process should be highlighted; green and healthy measures are still expected to be applied to saline–alkali land.
Research on the Dynamic Evaluation of the Competitiveness of Listed Seed Enterprises in China
Authors: Li Lanlan , Zhang Lu , Wang Xiudong
Published: July 2024

Seed enterprises are crucial for ensuring national food security, the driving force behind the seed industry’s advancement, and the core entity in constructing a modern seed industry system. At the micro and macro levels, agricultural seed enterprises face challenges and pressures in earning excess profits, enhancing their competitive edge, and resisting the incursion of multinational seed enterprises. This article selects panel data from 49 listed seed enterprises in China from 2015 to 2022 and uses methods such as global principal component analysis (GPCA) and Q-type cluster analysis to measure and evaluate the competitiveness of Chinese seed enterprises. Research has found that: (1) From 2015 to 2022, the overall competitiveness of listed Chinese agricultural seed enterprises has shown an upward trend. The competitiveness of agricultural seed enterprises can be further decomposed into operational capabilities, growth capabilities, production efficiency, technological innovation capabilities, etc. (2) The top ten agricultural seed enterprises in China have obvious advantages in operational and technological innovation capabilities, but their growth capabilities and production efficiency are insufficient. (3) Regarding the vertical comparison of the seed industry, the ranking of the competitiveness of Chinese listed agricultural seed enterprises from strong to weak is wheat seed enterprises > other seed enterprises > melon and vegetable seed enterprises > corn seed enterprises > rice seed enterprises. (4) Compared with international seed industry giants, there are various reasons why China’s top agricultural seed enterprises have weaker competitiveness, specifically reflected in research and development investment, scale and market share, industrial layout, and other aspects. The findings of this research offer empirical evidence to bolster the competitiveness of seed enterprises and advance the seed industry, while also aiding in fortifying the nation’s strategic oversight of the seed sector, bearing profound implications for safeguarding food security.
Why Do Farmers Not Irrigate All the Areas Equipped for Irrigation? Lessons from Southern Africa
Authors: Nhamo Luxon , Mpandeli Sylvester , Liphadzi Stanley , Dirwai Tinashe Lindel , Mugiyo Hillary , Senzanje Aidan , Lankford Bruce A , Mabhaudhi Tafadzwanashe
Published: July 2024

The reliance on rainfed agriculture exposes southern Africa to low agricultural productivity and food and nutritional insecurity; yet, the region is endowed with vast irrigation potential. Extreme weather events including drought, floods, and heatwaves exacerbate the existing challenges, underscoring the need to improve agricultural water management as a climate change adaptation strategy. This mixed-methods review followed the Search, Appraisal, Synthesis, and Analysis (SALSA) framework to explore the irrigation opportunities and challenges in southern Africa by critically analysing the drivers and constraints of irrigation systems in southern Africa. The premise is to understand the reasons behind the abandonment of some of the areas equipped for irrigation. In cases where irrigation systems are present, the study assesses whether such technologies are effectively being used to generate the expected agricultural productivity gains, and what factors, in cases where that is not the case, constrain farmers from fully using the existing infrastructure. The review further discusses the enabling environment supporting irrigated agriculture and the role of gender in irrigation development. An assessment of the role of women in agriculture on the share of land equipped for irrigation to total cultivated land area, as well as on the proportion of the area equipped for irrigation versus the area that is actually irrigated is conducted. The review found a divergence between countries’ land areas equipped for irrigation and actually irrigated areas. Specific to irrigation expansion, the review rebuts the notion that increasing the irrigated area increases crop production and ensures food security. This may not always be true as irrigation development needs to consider the impacts on other closely linked water and energy sectors through transformative approaches like the water–energy–food (WEF) nexus and scenario planning. If well-planned and implemented, sustainable irrigated agriculture could be catalytic to transforming southern Africa’s food system to be inclusive, equitable, socially just, and resilient, benefiting people and the planet.
Research on Rapeseed Above-Ground Biomass Estimation Based on Spectral and LiDAR Data
Authors: Jiang Yihan , Wu Fang , Zhu Shaolong , Zhang Weijun , Wu Fei , Yang Tianle , Yang Guanshuo , Zhao Yuanyuan , Sun Chengming , Liu Tao
Published: July 2024

The study of estimating rapeseed above-ground biomass (AGB) is of significant importance, as it can reflect the growth status of crops, enhance the commercial value of crops, promote the development of modern agriculture, and predict yield. Previous studies have mostly estimated crop AGB by extracting spectral indices from spectral images. This study aims to construct a model for estimating rapeseed AGB by combining spectral and LiDAR data. This study incorporates LiDAR data into the spectral data to construct a regression model. Models are separately constructed for the overall rapeseed varieties, nitrogen application, and planting density to find the optimal method for estimating rapeseed AGB. The results show that the R² for all samples in the study reached above 0.56, with the highest overall R² being 0.69. The highest R² for QY01 and ZY03 varieties was 0.56 and 0.78, respectively. Under high- and low-nitrogen conditions, the highest R² was 0.64 and 0.67, respectively. At a planting density of 36,000 plants per mu, the highest R² was 0.81. This study has improved the accuracy of estimating rapeseed AGB.
Changes in the Bioavailability of Ionizable Herbicides in Volcanic Soils Due to Soil Acidification by Urea as Fertilizer
Authors: Palma Graciela , Jorquera Milko , Ladino Aylin , Benimeli Claudia , Briceño Gabriela
Published: July 2024

The application of urea as a nitrogen fertilizer and herbicide is a common practice in agricultural systems. However, there is no background information on how the soil acidification caused by urea might affect the herbicide bioavailability in volcanic soils. The persistence study was conducted under microcosm incubation conditions in two Andisol soils amended with a field equivalent nitrogen dose of 200 kg N ha−1 and double dose of 400 kg N ha−1. Clopyralid, fluroxypyr, picloram, and triclopyr, acidic ionizable herbicides, were applied at the field equivalent dose. Adsorption studies were also carried out on both soils at pH 4, 5, and 6. Clopyralid and picloram showed the greatest increase in half-life in the range of 20–80%. The application of twice the dose of urea resulted in minor changes. A higher adsorption implies a higher persistence of the herbicides. This was more evident for the Piedras Negras soil (PNS). The conclusion of this work is that soil acidification by urea increases the persistence of ionizable herbicides in Andisol soils and that this effect depends on the acidity of the herbicide and the physico-chemical characteristics of the soil, which are among the most determining factors.
Differences in Milk Fatty Acids Profile of Two Breeds of Water Buffaloes Explained by Their Gastrointestinal Microbiota
Authors: Zhao Yameng , Guo Yanxia , Yang Chengjian , Song Ziyi , Luo Xianqing
Published: July 2024

This experiment investigated gastrointestinal microbes’ role in milk fatty acid differences between Murrah and Nili-Ravi buffaloes. After 30 days of a basal diet, rumen microbial diversity was similar, but Murrah buffaloes had greater partially unsaturated fatty acids like C18:2c9t11. Rumen bacteria like Acetobacter, Ruminococcus, and Prevotellaceae_YAB2003_group correlated positively with milk fatty acids C22:5n-6 and C18:3 in Murrah. Fecal microbial beta diversity differed, with UCG-005 and Prevolla positively correlated with C18:2c9t11 and C22:5n-6. The greater quantity of milk fatty acids C18:3, C18:2c9t11, and C22:5n-6 in Murrah milk was linked to rumen and fecal microbes. This suggests that gastrointestinal microbes like Acetobacter, Ruminococcus, and UCG_005 regulate milk fatty acid concentrations in buffaloes.
Small for Gestational Age Calves: Part II—Reduced Fertility, Productive Performance, and Survival in Holstein Friesian Heifers Born Small for Their Gestational Age
Authors: Meesters Maya , Van Eetvelde Mieke , Verdru Karel , Govaere Jan , Opsomer Geert
Published: July 2024

Recently: more attention has been given to low-birth-weight calves, often without considering gestation length. Calves can be classified as small for gestational age (SGA) when their birth weight is below the 10th percentile, similar to the definition in human medicine. While SGA babies face various health risks, it remains unclear if SGA calves face similar long-term health consequences. This study aimed to investigate the long-term effects on fertility, productive performance, and overall survival in Holstein Friesian (HF) heifers born SGA. Chi-squared analysis assessed culling and survival rates, and linear mixed-effect models evaluated the impact of gestational age group (small, average, or large for gestational age, respectively, SGA, AGA, and LGA) on growth, fertility, milk yield, and lifespan. SGA calves showed catch-up growth at six months but weighed significantly less at twelve months (p = 0.003). Age at first insemination and calving did not differ significantly, although SGA heifers required more inseminations (2.3 ± 1.50) compared to AGA and LGA heifers (1.7 ± 0.98 and 1.5 ± 0.89, respectively, p = 0.006). SGA calves tended to be culled more during the first lactation than AGA calves (25.0% vs. 11.9%, p = 0.078) and showed lower survival to second calving (p = 0.019) compared to AGA and LGA heifers. The Kaplan–Meier analysis indicated a tendency for gestational age to affect overall survival (p = 0.1), with SGA heifers having a higher risk of leaving the herd prematurely (p = 0.035, hazard ratio = 1.53). Milk yield per productive day was significantly lower in SGA heifers (21.2 ± 8.73 kg) compared to AGA and LGA heifers (26.9 ± 5.01 kg and 26.3 ± 3.38 kg, respectively, p = 0.006). This study reveals that HF calves born SGA suffer long-term consequences, although further research is needed to understand the economic impact of rearing SGA heifers.
Effects of Mixed Organic Acids and Essential Oils in Drinking Water on Growth Performance, Intestinal Digestive Capacity, and Immune Status in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Dong Yuanyang , Gao Xulong , Qiao Chenqi , Han Miaomiao , Miao Zhiqiang , Liu Ci , Yan Lei , Li Jianhui
Published: July 2024

In order to evaluate the effects of acidifiers and essential oils in drinking water on growth, intestinal digestive capacity, and immune status in broilers, a total of 480, 1-day-old Arbore Acres broilers were randomly assigned to four treatments including normal tap water (Ctr) and tap water supplemented with acidifier I (ACI), acidifier I and essential oils (ACI+EO), and acidifier II (ACII). Both ACI+EO and ACII increased final body weight. The pH value of the crop and gizzards was reduced by ACI+EO, and ACII decreased the pH values of the proventriculus and gizzards (p < 0.05). Compared with control group, ACI, ACI+EO, ACII significantly enhanced lipase activity in jejunum but ACII decreased the level of serum total cholesterol and total triglyceride (p < 0.05). Compared with the control group, ACI+EO and ACII significantly increased the relative weight of the spleen, increased the level of serum IgA and IgM, and decreased E. coli in excreta, while ACII significantly decreased Salmonella in excreta (p <0.05). All treatments significantly increased Lactobacillus in excreta. In conclusion, ACI+EO improved immune status and ACII was effective in reducing Salmonella and promoting Lactobacillus, contributing to intestinal health.
Ameliorative Effects of HT074-Inula and Paeonia Extract Mixture on Acute Reflux Esophagitis in Rats via Antioxidative Activity
Authors: Kim Young-Sik , Park Yeonjin , Kim Yongbin , Son Hyo-Eun , Rhee Jinhui , Pyun Chang-Won , Park Chanoh , Kim Hocheol
Published: July 2024

HT074, a multiherbal mixture containing extracts from Inula britannica flowers and Paeonia lactiflora roots, is used in Korean medicine for gastric disorders. This study investigated the protective mechanisms of HT074 against acute reflux esophagitis (RE) in rats. Nitric oxide (NO) production and mRNA expression of antioxidant-related genes (Nrf2, HO-1, SOD, CAT, and GPx2) were evaluated in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) was induced in rats, followed by HT074 (100, 300 mg/kg) or ranitidine (50 mg/kg) administration. Esophageal damage and histological changes were assessed. Gastric pH and protein expression levels of Nrf2, HO-1, SOD, CAT, and GPx-1/2 were measured. HT074 pretreatment reduced NO production and increased the expression of HO-1, CAT, and GPx2 in LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells. In GER-induced rats, HT074 significantly decreased esophageal lesions and increased the expression of HO-1, SOD, GPx-1/2, and Nrf2. HT074 did not affect gastric pH. These findings suggest that HT074 protects against GER-induced esophagitis by inhibiting NO production and enhancing antioxidant activity. Therefore, HT074 could be a promising therapeutic agent for GER disease.
Integrating Interpolation and Extrapolation: A Hybrid Predictive Framework for Supervised Learning
Authors: Jiang Bo , Zhu Xinyi , Tian Xuecheng , Yi Wen , Wang Shuaian
Published: July 2024

In the domain of supervised learning, interpolation and extrapolation serve as crucial methodologies for predicting data points within and beyond the confines of a given dataset, respectively. The efficacy of these methods is closely linked to the nature of the dataset, with increased challenges when multivariate feature vectors are handled. This paper introduces a novel prediction framework that integrates interpolation and extrapolation techniques. Central to this method are two main innovations: an optimization model that effectively classifies new multivariate data points as either interior or exterior to the known dataset, and a hybrid prediction system that combines k-nearest neighbor (kNN) and linear regression. Tested on the port state control (PSC) inspection dataset at the port of Hong Kong, our framework generally demonstrates superior precision in predictive outcomes than traditional kNN and linear regression models. This research enriches the literature by illustrating the enhanced capability of combining interpolation and extrapolation techniques in supervised learning.
Comparative Studies of Major Sea Routes
Authors: Paulauskas Vytautas , Paulauskas Donatas
Published: July 2024

A large amount of cargo is transported between European and Southeast Asian countries. Ships sometimes take different routes when sailing between ports due to the best commercial speed; navigational, economical, and hydrometeorological conditions; and political and military situations. Several routes are available for sailing between Europe and Southeast Asia: sailing the Suez Canal, sailing around the African continent, sailing the Panama Canal, as well as sailing the Northern Sea route. This article analyzes the possible sailing routes between Southeast Asia and Europe and presents a developed methodology for the evaluation of sailing routes. This sea route evaluation methodology is based on a comparative mathematical model that evaluates the main factors of cargo transportation by sea: transportation cost and time, possible maximum ship parameters, transportation energy (fuel) demand, and other possible factors, such as the probability of various restrictions. This paper presents a case study of cargo transportation between Rotterdam (The Netherlands) and Shanghai (China) using different possible sea routes. Assessments of various possible routes are presented; the main topics of discussion and conclusions are formulated.
Evaluating the Potential of Double-Muscled Angus Sires to Produce Progeny from Dairy Cows to Meet Premium Beef Brand Specifications
Authors: Mckimmie Craig , Amirpour Najafabadi Hamed , Alizadeh Hossein , Hickford Jon
Published: July 2024

In response to the increasing global demand for sustainable beef production, this review of the literature was undertaken to explore the possibility of using the progeny of cows in the pasture-based New Zealand dairy production system that are mainly of the Holstein–Friesian, Jersey, and Holstein–Friesian × Jersey-cross breeds, to produce beef that meets the standards demanded by the Certified Angus Beef® (CAB) standard. CAB is a United States of America (USA) benchmark for beef quality. Traditionally, the offspring of dairy breeds have not been suitable for producing high-quality beef due to their genetic makeup and physical characteristics. However, in the USA, breeding programmes have used genetic strategies to boost muscle meat yield in terminal-sire breeds like the Lim-Flex® and NuEra Genetics® T14 cattle lines. In these lines, selection has focused on enhancing muscling and other Angus traits, including ensuring the cattle are homozygous polled and black-coloured. The overall aim has been to alter the phenotypic characteristics of the offspring of dairy cows by terminal-sire crosses, so they resemble the phenotype of purebred Angus cattle and meet the CAB standard. The approach can involve using different alleles of the myostatin gene (MSTN) carried by the terminal Angus sires to increase carcass value from the dairy cow-derived male progeny (including the MSTN c.821(del11) allele or the myostatin protein p.F94L leucine-containing allele) to increase meat yield and eating characteristics. It is concluded that a targeted selection and mating strategy could provide another source of high-quality beef production, and one that also meets societal demands for better animal welfare and increased sustainability.
Coffee Silverskin as a Fat Replacer in Chicken Patty Formulation and Its Effect on Physicochemical, Textural, and Sensory Properties
Authors: Özhamamcı İzzet
Published: July 2024

Coffee silverskin (CSS) is a by-product released as waste after roasting coffee beans. This by-product can be used as a functional food ingredient as it contains many valuable compounds such as fibers, sugars, phenolic acids, carotenoids, and flavonoids. In this research, the effects of the partial substitution of animal fat with CSS on physicochemical, textural, and sensory properties in chicken patty production were investigated. For this purpose, four different groups of chicken patties were produced in which animal fat was replaced with CSS at different rates (control: 12% fat, SS1: 10% fat + 2% silverskin, SS2: 8% fat + 4% silverskin, SS3: 6% fat + 6% silverskin). The substitution of animal fat with CSS resulted in decreases in pH, moisture content, water activity, and color values while increasing TBARS (Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances) and moisture retention. The cooking process also significantly affected the physicochemical properties (p < 0.01). Textural parameters, apart from adhesiveness, were affected by the replacement of animal fat with CSS. While hardness increased compared to the control, resilience, and springiness decreased. On the other hand, cohesiveness was similar in control and SS1 but decreased in other ratios. The use of CSS affected all sensory characteristics, and the sensory evaluation scores closest to the control were determined in the group that used 2% CSS instead of animal fat.
CAL: Core-Aware Lock for the big.LITTLE Multicore Architecture
Authors: Nie Shiqiang , Liu Yingming , Niu Jie , Wu Weiguo
Published: July 2024

The concept of “all cores are created equal” has been popular for several decades due to its simplicity and effectiveness in CPU (Central Processing Unit) design. The more cores the CPU has, the higher performance the host owns and the higher the power consumption. However, power-saving is also one of the key goals for servers in data centers and embedded devices (e.g., mobile phones). The big.LITTLE multicore architecture, which contains high-performance cores (namely big core) and power-saved cores (namely little core), has been developed by ARM (Advanced RISC Machine) and Intel to trade off performance and power efficiency. Facing the new heterogeneous computing architecture, the traditional lock algorithms, which are designed to run on homogeneous computing architecture, cannot work optimally as usual and drop into the performance issue for the difference between big core and little core. In our preliminary experiment, we observed that, in the big.LITTLE multicore architecture, all these lock algorithms exhibit sub-optimal performance. The FIFO-based (First In First Out) locks experience throughput degradation, while the performance of competition-based locks can be divided into two categories. One of them is big-core-friendly, so their tail latency increases significantly; the other is little-core-friendly. Not only does the tail latency increase, but the throughput is also degraded. Motivated by this observation, we propose a Core-Aware Lock for the big.LITTLE multicore architecture named CAL, which keeps each core having an equal opportunity to access the critical section in the program. The core idea of the CAL is to take the slowdown ratio as the matric to reorder lock requests of these big and little cores. By evaluating benchmarks and a real-world application named LevelDB, CAL is confirmed to achieve fairness goals in heterogeneous computing architecture without sacrificing the performance of the big core. Compared to several traditional lock algorithms, the CAL’s fairness has increased by up to 67%; and Its throughput is 26% higher than FIFO-based locks and 53% higher than competition-based locks, respectively. In addition, the tail latency of CAL is always kept at a low level.