bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Problematic Smartphone Uses and Psychological Distress in the Relationship Between Sleep Quality and Disordered Eating Behaviors Among Chinese College Students
Authors: Wu Ruipeng , Guo Lan , Rong Hao , Shi Jingming , Li Wenyan , Zhu Minxia , He Yongjun , Wang Wanxin , Lu Ciyong
Published: December 2021

Background: Sleep problems and eating disorders (EDs) are both serious public health concerns often seen in young adults. Yet, the underlying mechanisms for such associations are largely unknown. This study aims to examine potential serial multiple mediation effects of problematic smartphone use (PSU) and psychological distress (i.e., depressive and anxiety symptoms) in the relationship between sleep quality and disordered eating behaviors/attitudes (DEBs).

Methods: A total of 4,325 students from two Tibet universities in China (2,657 females and 1,668 males) completed an online survey that included the following measurements: Eating Attitude Test-26 for disordered eating behaviors/attitudes, the Chinese Version of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (CPSQI), Smartphone Addiction Scale—Short Version (SAS-SV) for problematic smartphone use, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) for psychological distress.

Results: While the direct path linking sleep quality and DEBs was not found to be significant (Standardized β = 0.006, 95% CI = −0.0667~0.0970), both PSU (Standardized β = 0.016, 95% CI = 0.0256~0.0591) and anxiety symptoms (Standardized β = 0.014, 95% CI = 0.0203~0.0526) may mediate a link between sleep quality and DEBs; serial multiple mediation analysis revealed that a serial indirect pathway of “sleep quality -> PSU -> anxiety symptoms -> DEBs” existed(Standardized β = 0.001, 95% CI = 0.0002~0.0012). Similarly, while the direct path linking sleep quality and DEBs was not found to be significant (Standardized β = 0.006, 95% CI = −0.0667~0.0970), both PSU (Standardized β = 0.020, 95% CI = 0.0337~0.0692) and depressive symptoms (Standardized β = 0.015, 95% CI = 0.0139~0.0652) may mediate a link between sleep quality and DEBs; serial multiple mediation analysis revealed that a serial indirect pathway of “sleep quality -> PSU -> depressive symptoms -> DEBs” existed (Standardized β = 0.001, 95% CI = 0.0006~0.0038).

Conclusions: Psychological and behavioral factors may comprehensively work together, leading to flow-on effects from sleep problems to disordered eating behaviors among university students. Appropriate interventions that target problematic smartphone use could thus potentially reduce anxiety and depression levels, which in turn will provide a buffer against the negative impact of poor sleep quality on eating disorder symptoms.
Dietary Patterns and Changes in Weight Status Among Chinese Men and Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Xu Xiaoyue , Yan Alice F. , Wang Youfa , Shi Zumin
Published: December 2021

Aims: To identify dietary patterns during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and to examine their association with changes in weight status in the Chinese population.

Methods: The 2020 China COVID-19 cross-sectional survey is an anonymous 74-item survey administered via social media across 31 provinces in mainland China between April and May 2020. Dietary data were assessed by a Food Frequency Questionnaire and the changes in weight status were self-reported. Exploratory factor analysis using the principal component analysis method was applied to identify dietary patterns. The multinomial regression models were conducted, and forest plots were used to present the associations between dietary patterns and changes in weight status.

Results: Of a total of 10,545 adults (aged ≥18 years), more than half of participants reported to have weight gain, with 18.6% of men and 16.3% of women having weight gain >2.5 kg. Approximately 8% of participants reported to have weight loss, with 2.1% of men and 2.5% women having weight loss >2.5 kg. Two dietary patterns, namely, the modern and prudent dietary patterns, were identified during the COVID-19 pandemic. The modern dietary pattern was loaded heavily with soft drinks, fried foods, pickles, and inversely with fresh vegetables. The prudent dietary pattern was characterized by high intake of fresh fruits, vegetables, and inversely with soft drinks and fried food. The modern dietary pattern was positively associated with weight gain in men and women, while the prudent dietary pattern was negatively associated with both weight gain and loss in men and women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion: Dietary patterns during COVID-19 are significantly associated with the changes in weight status, which may subsequently increase the risk of diet-related non-communicable disease among the Chinese population.
Efficacy of Acupuncture in Post-partum With Diastasis Recti Abdominis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial Study Protocol
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhu Ying , Jiang Liyuan , Lu Chao , Xiao Lijuan , Chen Jiayu , Wang Ting , Deng Lujun , Zhang Haida , Shi Yingying , Zheng Tingting , Feng Min , Ye Tiantian , Wang Jing
Published: December 2021

Background: Diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) is one of the common complications during pregnancy and post-partum, which has psychological and physical effects on post-partum women. Acupuncture, a worldwide alternative therapy, has attracted wide attention in preventing and treating diseases related to pregnancy and childbirth. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture combined with physical training in treating post-partum rectus muscle dissociation.

Methods: This is a randomized, controlled trial of DRA in post-partum conducted at Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated with Zhejiang University of Chinese Medicine. The primary purpose is to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture and physical training on DRA in post-partum women. The study will be conducted from March 2022 to March 2023. The acupuncture group received acupuncture and physical training (n = 48), the sham acupuncture group received sham acupuncture and physical training (n = 48), and the physical training group received physical training (n = 48). These experiments perform once/day, five times a week for 2 weeks, followed up for half a year after the end of the course of treatment. Our tests perform a course of treatment, which includes a total of 10 consecutive treatments. Furthermore, the patient will be followed up for half a year after the treatment. Primary and secondary indicators, including inter recti distance (IRD), linea alba (LA) tension, the MOS item short-form health survey (SF-36), short-form McGill pain questionnaire-2 (SF-MPQ-2), body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), leeds dyspepsia questionnaire (LDQ), menstrual distress questionnaire (MDQ), 10 items of edinburgh post-natal depression scale (EPDS-10), the modified body self-image scale (MBIS), international consultation incontinence questionnaire short-form (ICIQ-SF) and hernia-related quality-of-life survey (HerQles), which will be evaluated before and after treatment and half a year after treatment. Adverse events and side effects during each treatment will be collected and recorded.

Discussion: There is evidence that acupuncture and physical training can treat DRA in post-partum. In this study, we evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in post-partum with DRA.
Review and Prospect: Artificial Intelligence in Advanced Medical Imaging
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Cao Guohua , Wang Yan , Liao Shu , Wang Qian , Shi Jun , Li Cheng , Shen Dinggang
Published: December 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI) as an emerging technology is gaining momentum in medical imaging. Recently, deep learning-based AI techniques have been actively investigated in medical imaging, and its potential applications range from data acquisition and image reconstruction to image analysis and understanding. In this review, we focus on the use of deep learning in image reconstruction for advanced medical imaging modalities including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and positron emission tomography (PET). Particularly, recent deep learning-based methods for image reconstruction will be emphasized, in accordance with their methodology designs and performances in handling volumetric imaging data. It is expected that this review can help relevant researchers understand how to adapt AI for medical imaging and which advantages can be achieved with the assistance of AI.
Perceived Service Quality in HRI: Applying the SERVBOT Framework
Authors: Kharub Isha , Lwin Michael , Khan Aila , Mubin Omar
Published: December 2021

Services are intangible in nature and as a result, it is often difficult to measure the quality of the service. In the service literature, the service is usually delivered by a human to a human customer and the quality of the service is often evaluated using the SERVQUAL dimensions. An extensive review of the literature shows there is a lack of an empirical model to assess the perceived service quality provided by a social robot. Furthermore, the social robot literature highlights key differences between human service and social robots. For example, scholars have highlighted the importance of entertainment value and engagement in the adoption of social robots in the service industry. However, it is unclear whether the SERVQUAL dimensions are appropriate to measure social robot’s service quality. The paper proposes the SERVBOT model to assess a social robot’s service quality. It identifies, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, empathy, and entertainment as the five dimensions of SERVBOT. Further, the research will investigate how these five factors influence emotional engagement and future intentions to use the social robot in a concierge service setting. The model was tested using student sampling, and a total of 94 responses were collected for the study. The findings indicate empathy and entertainment value as key predictors of emotional engagement. Further, emotional engagement is a strong predictor of future intention to use a social robot in a service setting. This study is the first to propose the SERVBOT model to measure social robot’s service quality. The model provides a theoretical underpinning on the key service quality dimensions of a social robot and gives scholars and managers a method to track the service quality of a social robot. The study also extends on the literature by exploring the key factors that influence the use of social robots (i.e. emotional engagement).
The Impact of COVID-19 on Physical Performance and Mental Health—A Retrospective Case Series of Belgian Male Professional Football Players
Authors: Wagemans Jente , Catteeuw Peter , Vandenhouten Jan , Jansen Jordi , de Corte Xander , Ceusters Ciesse , Vissers Dirk
Published: December 2021

Rationale: As every season, physical performance of players of Royal Antwerp FC's first team was regularly tested and mental well-being and mood were assessed during football season 2020–2021. Just like in the general population, several professional athletes were infected by SARS-CoV-2 during that season. COVID-19 is a complex disorder affecting multiple body systems, potentially damaging lungs, affecting the cardiovascular system or causing muscle weakness. Therefore, the impact of COVID-19 on performance was a major concern for the affected football players and their entourage.

Objectives: To retrospectively examine the influence of COVID-19 on physical performance and mental health in professional football athletes during the season 2020–2021.

Methods: Thirty-three professional athletes (age: 25.37 ± 4.11 years; height: 182.75 ± 7.62 cm; weight: 78.90 ± 8.97 kg) of a Belgian first division football club were assessed weekly during the 2020-2021 season. Weekly assessments comprised strength values of the hamstrings, hip abductors and hip adductors, jump performance, a modified Hooper questionnaire to assess mental status and nose swab PCR tests for COVID-19. Data analysis was performed from 2 weeks prior to COVID-19 contamination up to 8 weeks after the first positive test. Post-hoc Bonferroni correction was applied when performing statistical analysis.

Results: Eleven players tested positive for COVID-19. Duration of contamination was 13 ± 7 days. There was no statistically significant difference before and after COVID-19 infection for jump performance, and adductor and abductor muscle strength (p > 0.05). Functional hamstring strength improved significantly 2 weeks (MD: 41.48; 95%CI: −3.79 to 86.75; p = 0.009) and 4 weeks (MD: 34.76; 95%CI: −8.91 to 78.42; p = 0.019) after COVID-19, whereas mood (MD: −0.60; 95%CI: −1.46 to 0.26; p = 0.041), stress levels (MD: −0.83; 95%CI: −1.85 to 0.20; p = 0.020) and total wellness (MD: −2.41; 95%CI: −5.25 to 0.43; p = 0.015) showed a significant reduction 8 weeks after confirmed COVID-19.

Conclusion: Physical performance varied considerably across outcomes before and 8 weeks after COVID-19 contamination in a sample of first division football players. However, affected football players' overall well-being, stress levels and mood diminished after a positive COVID-19 test.
VasH Contributes to Virulence of Aeromonas hydrophila and Is Necessary to the T6SS-mediated Bactericidal Effect
Authors: Li Jihong , Wu Zhihao , Wu Changsong , Chen Dan-Dan , Zhou Yang , Zhang Yong-An
Published: December 2021

Aeromonas hydrophila is a Gram-negative bacterium that is commonly distributed in aquatic surroundings and has been considered as a pathogen of fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. In this study, a virulent strain A. hydrophila GD18, isolated from grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), was characterized to belong to a new sequence type ST656. Whole-genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis showed that GD18 was closer to environmental isolates, however distantly away from the epidemic ST251 clonal group. The type VI secretion system (T6SS) was known to target both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells by delivering various effector proteins in diverse niches by Gram-negative bacteria. Genome-wide searching and hemolysin co-regulated protein (Hcp) expression test showed that GD18 possessed a functional T6SS and is conditionally regulated. Further analysis revealed that VasH, a σ54-transcriptional activator, was strictly required for the functionality of T6SS in A. hydrophila GD18. Mutation of vasH gene by homologous recombination significantly abolished the bactericidal property. Then the virulence contribution of VasH was characterized in both in vitro and in vivo models. The results supported that VasH not only contributed to the bacterial cytotoxicity and resistance against host immune cleaning, but also was required for virulence and systemic dissemination of A. hydrophila GD18. Taken together, these findings provide a perspective for understanding the VasH-mediated regulation mechanism and T6SS-mediated virulence and bactericidal effect of A. hydrophila.
A Low-Power High-Efficiency Adaptive Energy Harvesting Circuit for Broadband Piezoelectric Vibration Energy Harvester
Authors: Zou Aicheng , Liu Zhong , Han Xingguo
Published: December 2021

Existing piezoelectric vibration energy harvesting circuits require auxiliary power for the switch control module and are difficult to adapt to broadband piezoelectric vibration energy harvesters. This paper proposes a self-powered and low-power enhanced double synchronized switch harvesting (EDSSH) circuit. The proposed circuit consists of a low-power follow-up switch control circuit, reverse feedback blocking-up circuit, synchronous electric charge extraction circuit and buck-boost circuit. The EDSSH circuit can automatically adapt to the sinusoidal voltage signal with the frequency of 1 to 312.5 Hz that is output by the piezoelectric vibration energy harvester. The switch control circuit of the EDSSH circuit works intermittently for a very short time near the power extreme point and consumes a low amount of electric energy. The reverse feedback blocking-up circuit of the EDSSH circuit can keep the transmission efficiency at the optimal value. By using a charging capacitor of 1 mF, the charging efficiency of the proposed EDSSH circuit is 1.51 times that of the DSSH circuit.
Gain-Scheduled Control of Asymmetric Thrust Magnetic Bearing
Authors: Zhang Shuyue , Wu Jihao
Published: December 2021

The thrust position of the magnetic levitation rotor can be changed, bringing convenience to the practical application of cold compressors. This paper derives the mathematical model of asymmetric thrust magnetic bearings for a cold compressor and analyzes the changes in the system characteristics with the equilibrium position. By constructing PID controllers associated with the structural parameters of the magnetic bearing, the adaptive adjustment of the control parameters under different balanced position commands is realized. The simulation and experimental results prove that the gain-scheduled control method proposed in this paper can achieve a robust stability of the rotor in the range of 50 to 350 μm, and not at the cost of the response speed, adjustment time, and overshoot. The research results have reference significance for the structure design of asymmetric thrust magnetic bearings and play an important role in the commissioning and performance improvement of cold compressors.
Challenges and Solutions for High-Speed Aviation Piston Pumps: A Review
Authors: Zhang Chenchen , Zhu Chenhang , Meng Bin , Li Sheng
Published: December 2021

As a core power component, aviation piston pumps are widely used in aircraft hydraulic systems. The piston pump’s power-to-weight ratio is extremely crucial in the aviation industry, and the “ceiling effect” of the PV value (product of compressive stress and linear velocity) limits the piston pump’s ability to increase working pressure. Therefore, increasing the piston pump’s speed has been a real breakthrough in terms of further enhancing the power-to-weight ratio. However, the piston pump’s design faces several challenges under the extreme operating conditions at high speeds. This study reviews several problems aviation axial piston pumps face under high-speed operating conditions, including friction loss, cavitation, cylinder overturning, flow pressure pulsation, and noise. It provides a detailed description of the research state of the art of these problems and potential solutions. The axial piston pump’s inherent sliding friction pair, according to the report, considerably restricts further increasing of its speed and power-to-weight ratio. With its mature technology and deep research base, the axial piston pump will continue to dominate the aviation pumps. Furthermore, breaking the limitation of the sliding friction pair on speed and power density, thus innovating a novel structure of the piston pump, is also crucial. Therefore, this study also elaborates on the working principle and development process of the two-dimensional (2D) piston pump, which is a representative of current high-speed pump structure innovation.
Improving the Yield of Xenocoumacin 1 by PBAD Promoter Replacement in Xenorhabdus nematophila CB6
Authors: Qin Youcai , Jia Fenglian , Li Xiaohui , Li Beibei , Ren Jie , Yang Xiufen , Li Guangyue
Published: December 2021

Xenocoumacin 1 (Xcn1), which is produced by Xenorhabdus nematophila CB6, exhibits strong inhibition activity against plant pathogens, especially fungi and oomycetes. Therefore, it has attracted interest in developing it into a novel biofungicide applicable for plant protection. However, its low yield with concomitant high cost during the fermentation process limits its widespread application. In this study, we replaced the native promoter of xcnA with the arabinose-inducible araBAD promoter (PBAD), a well-known and widely used promoter for expressing heterologous genes, to evaluate its effects on Xcn1 yield and antimicrobial activity. Compared with wildtype strain, the fermentation yield of Xcn1 was improved from 68.5 mg/L to 249.7 mg/L (3.6-fold) and 234.9 mg/L (3.4-fold) at 0.5% and 1.0% L-arabinose concentration, respectively. We further explored the transcription level of the biosynthesis related genes of Xcn1 and found that their upregulation resulted in the yield improvement of Xcn1. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of Xcn1 against Bacillus subtilis and Phytophthora capsici was determined by agar diffusion plate and growth inhibition assay, as expected, it was also found to be enhanced. The promoter-replacement strategy utilized here improves the yield of Xcn1 efficiently, which provides a basis for the industrial production of Xcn1.
Hydropriming with Moringa Leaf Extract Mitigates Salt Stress in Wheat Seedlings
Authors: Ahmed Talaat , Abou Elezz Ahmed , Khalid Muhammad Fasih
Published: December 2021

Salinity is the major constraint that decreases the yield and production of crops. Wheat has a significant value in agricultural food commodities. The germination and growth of wheat seedlings are a big challenge in salt-affected soils. The seed priming technique is used to mitigate salt stress and enhance the germination and growth of the crops. Therefore, the current study was conducted to evaluate the hydropriming of natural plant extract (moringa leaf extract) and water on wheat seeds and grown under different saline (0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, and 0.2 M NaCl) environments. The germination attributes (germination percentage, germination index, mean germination day, coefficient of variance, vigor index) and seedling growth (fresh weight, dry weight, root length, shoot length) were enhanced in the plants primed by moringa leaf extract. The germination percentage was observed 10% more at 0.2 M NaCl stress in seeds treated with moringa leaf extract than seeds treated with water. The nutrient (K, Ca, Mg, P, S, Fe, B, Mn, Zn, Cu) uptake was also observed more in the shoots and roots of wheat seedlings soaked in moringa leaf extract as compared to soaked in water. Controlled plants showed higher concentrations of toxic ions (Na) and reactive oxygen species (H2O2) in shoots and roots of wheat seedlings. The use of moringa leaf extract for priming wheat seeds will enhance their germination and growth by maintaining efficient nutrient uptake and restricting the toxic ions and reactive oxygen species accumulation.
Control Potentials of Three Entomopathogenic Bacterial Isolates for the Carob Moth, Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in Pomegranates
Authors: Alotaibi Saqer S. , Darwish Hadeer , Alharthi Sarah , Alghamdi Akram , Noureldeen Ahmed , Fallatah Ahmed M. , Fodor András , Al-Barty Amal , Albogami Bander , Baazeem Alaa
Published: December 2021

Ectomyelois ceratoniae (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) is the primary pest of pomegranates in Saudi Arabia and is mostly controlled using broad-spectrum pesticides. Providing environmentally sound choices to limit reliance on chemical management is a major challenge in the control of E. ceratoniae and, as a consequence, in the protection of pomegranate crops from its invasion. Entomopathogenic bacteria (EPB) symbiotically associated with entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) are well-known biocontrol agents of soil-dwelling or aerial pests. The bacterium symbiont (EPB) is the real insect-killing biocontrol agent, while the nematode (EPN) serves as a vector. We wondered whether the EPB vector, which is extremely vulnerable to adverse environmental conditions, like drought, high temperatures, and repellent soil microorganisms, could be omitted. We intended to evaluate the biocontrol potential of directly applied EPB cells and cell-free culture media (CFCM) on the larval instar E. ceratoniae. Xenorhabdus budapestensis DSM 16342 (EMA), X. szentirmaii DSM 16338 (EMC), and Photorhabdus luminescens ssp. laumondi (TT01) strains were used. After three days of exposure, the cells of EMA, EMC, and TT01 strains resulted in 100%, 88%, and 79.3% larval mortality rates, respectively. The applied EMA CFCM resulted in 53.7% larval mortality, indicating the presences of (at least) one extremely strong component produced by EMA. We concluded that the direct application of either the EPB cells or the CFCM must be a prospective alternative biocontrol of E. ceratoniae, especially to protect the important fruit (pomegranate, Punica granatum) cultivars. Especially, newly identified local EPB isolates could be applied as bio-pesticides for integrated management practices or organic pomegranate production.
A Reference Standard Process Model for Agriculture to Facilitate Efficient Implementation and Adoption of Precision Agriculture
Authors: Rupnik Rok , Vavpotič Damjan , Jaklič Jurij , Kuhar Aleš , Plavšić Miroslav , Žvanut Boštjan
Published: December 2021

Agriculture is a sector that today demands even greater efficiency; thus, it relies extensively on the use of precision agriculture technologies: IoT systems, mobile applications, and other digitalization technologies. Experience from a large-scale EU-funded project with a consortium made up of several software companies shows that software companies have a different and unequal knowledge/understanding of agricultural processes and the use of precision agriculture in agricultural processes. This finding coupled with what is known about the standard process model for IT governance (COBIT) triggered the idea of a reference standard process model for agriculture (RSPMA), which we present in this paper. We applied the Delphi technique to assess the RSPMA and evaluate its potential implementation in the area of agriculture. A panel of 20 members from Slovenia, Romania, Croatia, and Serbia was established for the study. The majority of RSPMA elements were identified as appropriate for the use in agriculture by the panel. The study results show that RSPMA is suitable for use in this field.
Agricultural and Foodstuff Trade between EU28 and Russia: (Non)Uniformity of the Russian Import Ban Impact Distribution
Authors: Krivko Mikhail , Smutka Luboš
Published: December 2021

The distribution of the impact of the Russian import ban on the EU28 countries is not uniform. The market shares and clustering of the EU28 countries changed before and after the introduction of the ban. Although the Russian import ban was introduced as a countermeasure to Western sectoral and individual sanctions, the ban’s impact on EU28 economies is not parallel, and the impact is not evenly distributed among EU members. Cluster analysis shows that two groups of countries can be distinguished, with Group 2 having the most severe impact from the ban (on average, a decrease of 48% in the trade balance with Russia). Our results show that Germany, the Netherlands, Latvia, Lithuania, Italy and Poland are the countries which have experienced the largest Russian import ban impact and bear up to 63% of total EU28 losses due to the ban. Some of the countries (Austria, Hungary, Czechia) did not stop expanding trade after the import ban, and they could be the ones to see the first benefits once the ban is lifted.
GIS-Based Assessment of the Chestnut Expansion Potential: A Case-Study on the Marvão Productive Area, Portugal
Authors: Rodrigues Abel , Gonçalves Alexandre B. , Costa Rita Lourenço , Gomes Alberto Azevedo
Published: December 2021

Sweet chestnut is a relevant species in Europe for the production of timber and fruit, alongside environmental effects such as biodiversity of protection against soil erosion. In Portugal, chestnut is cultivated mainly for fruit production, in two areas, in the North and the South of the country, with moderate water deficit and low slope and at altitudes higher than 500 m. The current area (845 ha) of the southern so-called Marvão Protected Designation of Origin, of a fortyfold lower order of magnitude by comparison with the Northern productive area, has a significant expansion potential, given its similarity with contiguous areas in the same region. In this context, the main objective of the present work was the evaluation through geographic information analysis of that expansive potential, by comparison of physiographic profiling of the current production area with contiguous areas. A GIS-based characterization of current and potential chestnut areas in Marvão is presented. The methodology involved (i) digital profiling of the main classes/values of the geographical spatial ecological fingerprint considering topography, soil and microclimate variables in the areas currently occupied with sweet chestnut stands and (ii) the evaluation of the distribution of that environmental fingerprint in the whole Marvão productive area, for extending the cultivation to contiguous areas with a similar ecological fingerprint. An enlarged 9889 ha chestnut area was proposed, allocated for high forest stands aiming at agroforestry fruit production and coppiced stands for timber production and environmental protection, corresponding to 4590 ha and 5299 ha, respectively. Fruit production was proposed to field slopes of 0–4% and 4–8%, and altitudes between 400 m and 500 m. Presumable high-quality sites allocated to temporary dry/irrigated cultivations were also proposed for fruit production, in the same slope classes and altitudes higher than 500 m. Timber production and environmental protection were proposed for slopes within 8−12% and >12% ranges. This selection took into account the logistical feasibility facilitated in lower slopes for intensive mechanized management operations. This methodology permits a future field evaluation of site indexes, productivity, and correlations between environmental variables and stand biometry.
Lateral Stability Performance of Articulated Narrow-Track Tractors
Authors: Franceschetti Bruno , Rondelli Valda , Capacci Enrico
Published: December 2021

A tractor losing lateral stability starts to rollover. It is a matter of fact that tractor lateral rollover accidents are one of the most frequent causes of death and injuries for farmers. Consequently, tractors are fitted with a specific protective structure to minimize the consequences for the driver during the rollover (ROPS). The narrow-track tractor, designed to operate in vineyards and orchards, is a tractor category with a very narrow track width and the risk of rollover is higher. The aim of the study was to evaluate the compact narrow-track tractor types commercially available, designed to mount a cantilever engine in the forward position with effects on the Center of Gravity (CoG) because more than 50% of the tractor weight is loaded on the front axle, and, specifically, the articulated narrow-track tractors where the stability is affected by the pivot point connecting the two tractor bodies. As a consequence of the typical tractor design of articulated tractors, during the steering action the line passing through the front and rear tire contact points on the ground changes, influencing the tractor’s stability. The approach of the research was based on reproducing the lateral stability tractor condition by developing a kinematic model, with the goal to virtually simulate the tractor behavior and to calculate the lateral stability angle for articulated tractors. The innovative contribution of this paper was the tractor articulation joint modeling, assuming a virtual pivot point to reproduce two relatives’ rotations between the front and rear bodies of the tractor: vertical (yaw angle) and longitudinal (roll angle) rotations. The lowest value of the stability angle was 39.3°, measured at −35° yaw angle. The model at the tractor design stage will allow adjusting of the tractor parameters to improve the lateral stability performance.
Optimization of Growing Medium and Preservation Methods for Plant Beneficial Bacteria, and Formulating a Microbial Biopreparation for Raspberry Naturalization
Authors: Pylak Michał , Oszust Karolina , Frąc Magdalena
Published: December 2021

The current study focuses on the optimization of bacterial growing medium composition, including the carbon and nitrogen source in different concentrations, the pH value of the medium and the temperature. Optimization was performed for four environmental bacterial isolates belonging to the genera Arthrobacter, Pseudomonas and Rhodococcus, which were previously obtained from wild raspberries. These bacteria proved to be potent antagonists against certain fungal and fungal-like plant pathogens. Furthermore, three preservation methods and three sample preparation techniques were evaluated. In addition, a prebiotic supplementary blend based on previous research was tested. The research included a pot experiment to estimate the influence of bacterial cultures on the growth of plant shoots and roots, on the soil enzymatic activity and the content of macronutrients, minerals and nitrogen in the soil depending on the naturalization strategy. The best carbon and nitrogen source were chosen. The addition of a supplementary blend resulted in the increased growth of two bacterial isolates. Bacterial inoculum applied to the roots and watering resulted in increased shoot mass in objects infected with plant pathogens, although in plants without the pathogen infection, bacterial inoculum resulted in the decreased mass of plants. Naturalization strategy should be matched to the pathogens present at plantations.
Mulching with Leaf Litter from Municipal Green Waste Favours Predatory Mononchid Nematodes
Authors: Petrikovszki Renáta , Zalai Mihály , Tóthné Bogdányi Franciska , Tóth Ferenc , Nagy Péter
Published: December 2021

Although the incorporation of organic amendments into the soil is widely researched, less attention has been given to the impact of in-situ composting of municipal green wastes (MGW), especially leaf litter, on free-living nematodes. In a four year experiment (2016–2019) of tomato cropping cycles, we tested the hypothesis that leaf litter mulch has a positive effect on mononchid predatory nematodes and influences their species composition. Two treatments were applied every year: plots were either mulched with leaf litter or left unmulched. Soil samples were collected every autumn at the end of the growing season. Active, free-living nematodes were extracted by Baermann funnel from soil samples, the density of mononchid predatory nematodes was determined, and the individuals were identified to genus or species. In the first year (2016), mulching did not affect the density of mononchids. From the second year (2017) on, their number significantly increased in mulched plots, compared to in unmulched ones. During the study period the presence of four mononchid genera: Clarkus, Mylonchulus, Prionchulus, and Iotonchus, were detected. Our hypothesis was confirmed, as the number of mononchids increased in the presence of MGW leaf litter mulch layer.
Characteristic Decrease in the Value of Rapeseed Evapotranspiration after Its Ripening
Authors: Leśny Jacek , Kuchar Leszek , Panfil Monika , Vinogradov Dmitri V. , Dragańska Ewa
Published: December 2021

This paper presents the methodology of taking measurements of active surface energy balance components using the Bowen method. It discusses the applied measurement system, an important part of which are HMD 50U/50Y measurement sensors from Vaisala, adapted to work in the field. Their operation is a source of data for determining vertical profiles of temperature and water vapour pressure. These data are used to determine the turbulence components of the energy balance, i.e., sensible and latent heat. Measurements taken during the vegetative season on rape field showed that intensive evaporation occurred in the period until the end of June and that its decrease coincided with the decrease in the value of the degree of plant development determined on the basis of LAI records. In spring, during the period of intensive plant development, the decade sums of evaporation reached 30 mm, after which their quantities fell to the range of 10–15 mm. They became higher only in the periods of precipitation, when the water from the interception was available.
Comparison of Frequentist and Bayesian Generalized Linear Models for Analyzing the Effects of Fungicide Treatments on the Growth and Mortality of Piper Nigrum
Authors: Le Bao V. Q. , Nguyen Anh , Richter Otto , Nguyen Truc T.
Published: December 2021

Foot rot disease poses a devastating threat to pepper agriculture. In Vietnam, conventionally, fungicides are the control methods used against the disease. However, the practical effectiveness of fungicide treatment has yet to be quantitatively assessed. To fill this gap a three-factorial experiment was conducted, the factors of which were fungicide application, soil type, and infection pathway, with plant mortality and plant growth as the target variables. Two of the most common fungicides were chosen, including Agrifos 400 (potassium phosphonate) and Aliette 800WG (fosetyl-Al). The two fungicides were used in multiple treatment plans, with soil drenching selected as the means of controlling foot rot disease on red basalt soil and red basalt soil added with organic matter in a greenhouse experiment. Three-month-old pepper (Piper nigrum) plants were treated with Agrifos (application interval of 10 and 20 days), Aliette (application interval of 30 and 60 days), and a combination of both fungicides at half doses. Pepper plants were infected with the fungus Pythium spp. from soil or by direct inoculation. To assess the effect of fungicides on foot rot mortality and the growth of pepper plants, multiple generalized linear models were set up using frequentist and Bayesian approaches. Generally, both procedures suggest the same conclusions for model selection in terms of the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and the deviance information criterion (DIC). Fungicide type was found to be the main factor that affected the survival of plants. Most of the treatments (except Aliette, with an interval of 60 days) effectively reduced the mortality. The usage of fungicides affected the growth of plants in interaction with soil types. Aliette suppressed the growth of plants, especially on red soil, while Agrifos had no effect on the growth of pepper plants. The combined application of Agrifos and Aliette with half doses proves to be a promising solution for balancing cost and effectiveness in protecting plants against foot rot pathogens without affecting their growth. In our case, under the inhomogeneity of variance and unbalanced samples, the Bayesian inference appeared to be the most useful because of its flexibility in terms of model structure.
Rumen Fermentation—Microbiota—Host Gene Expression Interactions to Reveal the Adaptability of Tibetan Sheep in Different Periods
Authors: Lv Weibing , Liu Xiu , Sha Yuzhu , Shi Hao , Wei Hong , Luo Yuzhu , Wang Jiqing , Li Shaobin , Hu Jiang , Guo Xinyu , Pu Xiaoning
Published: December 2021

As an important ruminant on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Tibetan sheep can maintain their population reproduction rate in the harsh high-altitude environment of low temperature and low oxygen, which relies on their special plateau adaptations mechanism that they have formed for a long time. Microbiomes (known as “second genomes”) are closely related to the nutrient absorption, adaptability, and health of the host. In this study, rumen fermentation characteristics, the microbiota, and rumen epithelial gene expression of Tibetan sheep in various months were analyzed. The results show that the rumen fermentation characteristics of Tibetan sheep differed in different months. The total SCFAs (short-chain fatty acids), acetate, propionate, and butyrate concentrations were highest in October and lowest in June. The CL (cellulase) activity was highest in February, while the ACX (acid xylanase) activity was highest in April. In addition, the diversity and abundance of rumen microbes differed in different months. Bacteroidetes (53.4%) and Firmicutes (27.4%) were the dominant phyla. Prevotella_1 and Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group were the dominant genera. The abundance of Prevotella_1 was highest in June (27.8%) and lowest in December (17.8%). In addition, the expression of CLAUDIN4 (Claudin-4) and ZO1 (Zonula occludens 1) was significantly higher in April than in August and December, while the expression of SGLT1 (Sodium glucose linked transporter 1) was highest in August. Correlation analysis showed that there were interactions among rumen fermentation characteristics, the microbiota, and host gene expression, mainly by adjusting the amino acid metabolism pathway and energy metabolism pathway to improve energy utilization. At the same time, we adjusted the balance of the rumen “core microbiota” to promote the development of rumen and maintain the homeostasis of rumen environment, which makes Tibetan sheep better able to adapt to the harsh environment in different periods of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
Diffuse Alopecia and Thyroid Atrophy in Sheep
Authors: Sampaio Rubia Avlade Guedes , Riet-Correa Franklin , Barbosa Francisca Maria Sousa , de Gois Daniela Dantas , Lima Raquel Costa , da Silva Iara Geovana , da Silva Vitória Maria , Oliveira Alexandra Melo , Simões Sara Vilar Dantas , Lucena Ricardo Barbosa
Published: December 2021

Thyroid dysfunction substantially affects the quality of life due to its association with various disorders in different organs. A low intake of selenium and zinc can predispose to thyroid alterations, resulting in hypothyroidism. A deficiency of selenium and zinc causes direct and indirect skin lesions, both by the action of free radicals on the skin and by thyroid dysfunction. The aim of this study was to describe natural cases of diffuse alopecia and thyroid abnormalities in sheep with selenium and zinc deficiency. Five adult sheep presented marked and diffuse alopecia, and the residual hairs were dry and brittle. The skin was thick and crusty, with marked peeling. The triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) serum concentrations were below reference values for the species. Zinc and Se concentrations were low in both the serum and liver. During necropsy, cachexia associated with serous fat atrophy was observed, and the thyroid glands showed marked atrophy. Microscopically, the thyroid presented multifocal to coalescent atrophy, with atrophied and dilated follicles, macrophage infiltration, and the presence of fibrous connective tissue. The skin revealed hyperkeratosis and edema. It is concluded that thyroid atrophy, alopecia, and hyperkeratosis are associated with low serum and liver concentrations of zinc and selenium in sheep.
Wild Felids Blood Group System
Authors: Silvestre-Ferreira Ana , Pastor Josep
Published: December 2021

Wild felids and domestic cats share the AB blood group. However, there have been few studies regarding the characterization and prevalence of the different blood types in wild animals. The erythrocyte membrane glycolipids of the wild cats correspond to the major disialoganglioside patterns observed in domestic cats. Like in domestic cats, type A blood seems to be the most common, although wild felid species seem to exhibit one single blood type. Of the species studied, the wild domestic cats, and the Panthera and ocelot lineages, all had type A blood; the Puma lineage showed almost exclusively type B blood. The prevalence of wild felids blood types show that there seems to be variation between species, but not within species, and no evidence of geographical variation has yet been found, showing apparently no genetic variability. The presence of alloantibodies has also been demonstrated, so the risk of life-threatening transfusion reactions due to mismatched transfusions and neonatal isoerythrolysis is a possibility. Like in other species, the recognition of wild felids blood groups is clinically relevant, as it can also be important in establishing phylogenetic relationships within the Felidae family. We will review the current knowledge on this topic and give insights into the wild felids blood groups potential for zoo transfusion medicine and phylogenetic studies in order to help support reintroduction projects and to preserve genetic diversity.
Rearing of Bitterling (Rhodeus amarus) Larvae and Fry under Controlled Conditions for the Restitution of Endangered Populations
Authors: Kujawa Roman , Piech Przemysław
Published: December 2021

Among the several dozen European freshwater fish species, only European bitterling (Rhodeus amarus Bloch) and Rhodeus meridionalis belong to the group of ostrakophilous fish. The embryonic and larval development of the fish in this reproductive group until the time of the yolk sac resorption takes place in the gill cavity of river mussels (Anodonta sp. or Unio sp.). This paper presents the results of the European bitterling Rhodeus amarus being reared under controlled conditions. Bitterling larvae were caught together with river mussels in the natural environment and subsequently placed in a tank for behavioural observations. Bitterling larvae were seen swimming in the water within a week of placing the bivalves under controlled conditions. The bitterling larvae were 8.6 ± 0.11 mm long when they started to swim actively. The rearing was conducted in water at 20 and 26 ± 0.5 °C and lasted for 6.5 months (200 days) in both variants. Initially, the larvae were fed with live nauplii of Artemia salina and subsequently with fodder. The bitterlings in tanks with water at 26 ± 0.5 °C were 66.2 ± 3.0 mm long and weighed 3389 ± 548 mg. For comparison, bitterlings kept in water at 20 ± 0.5 °C were 64.48 ± 3.4 mm long and weighed 3242 ± 427 mg. No larval malformities or mortality were observed during the larvae and fry rearing. The bitterlings had well-developed secondary sexual characteristics and exhibited pre-spawning behaviour at the end of the rearing. This produced suitable bitterling stocking material to be used in the conservation of small or endangered populations.
Reverse Genetic Screen for Deleterious Recessive Variants in the Local Simmental Cattle Population of Switzerland
Authors: Häfliger Irene M. , Seefried Franz R. , Drögemüller Cord
Published: December 2021

We herein report the result of a large-scale reverse genetic screen in the Swiss Simmental population, a local dual-purpose cattle breed. We aimed to detect possible recessively inherited variants affecting protein-coding genes, as such deleterious variants can impair fertility and rearing success significantly. We used 115,000 phased SNP data of almost 10 thousand cattle with pedigree data. This revealed evidence for 11 genomic regions of 1.17 Mb on average, with haplotypes (SH1 to SH11) showing a significant depletion in homozygosity and an allele frequency between 3.2 and 10.6%. For the proposed haplotypes, it was unfortunately not possible to evaluate associations with fertility traits as no corresponding data were available. For each haplotype region, possible candidate genes were listed based on their known function in development and disease. Subsequent mining of single-nucleotide variants and short indels in the genomes of 23 sequenced haplotype carriers allowed us to identify three perfectly linked candidate causative protein-changing variants: a SH5-related DIS3:p.Ile678fs loss-of-function variant, a SH8-related CYP2B6:p.Ile313Asn missense variant, and a SH9-related NUBPL:p.Ser143Tyr missense variant. None of these variants occurred in homozygous state in any of more than 5200 sequenced cattle of various breeds. Selection against these alleles in order to reduce reproductive failure and animal loss is recommended.