bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LbCas12a mediated suppression of Cotton leaf curl Multan virus
Authors: Ashraf Sidra , Ahmad Aftab , Khan Sultan Habibullah , Jamil Amer , Sadia Bushra , Brown Judith K.
Published: August 2023

Begomoviruses are contagious and severely affect commercially important fiber and food crops. Cotton leaf curl Multan virus (CLCuMuV) is one of the most dominant specie of Begomovirus and a major constraint on cotton yield in Pakistan. Currently, the field of plant genome editing is being revolutionized by the CRISPR/Cas system applications such as base editing, prime editing and CRISPR based gene drives. CRISPR/Cas9 system has successfully been used against biotic and abiotic plant stresses with proof-of-concept studies in both model and crop plants. CRISPR/Cas12 and CRISPR/Cas13 have recently been applied in plant sciences for basic and applied research. In this study, we used a novel approach, multiplexed crRNA-based Cas12a toolbox to target the different ORFs of the CLCuMuV genome at multiple sites simultaneously. This method successfully eliminated the symptoms of CLCuMuV in Nicotiana benthamiana and Nicotiana tabacum. Three individual crRNAs were designed from the CLCuMuV genome, targeting the specific sites of four different ORFs (C1, V1 and overlapping region of C2 and C3). The Cas12a-based construct Cas12a-MV was designed through Golden Gate three-way cloning for precise editing of CLCuMuV genome. Cas12a-MV construct was confirmed through whole genome sequencing using the primers Ubi-intron-F1 and M13-R1. Transient assays were performed in 4 weeks old Nicotiana benthamiana plants, through the agroinfiltration method. Sanger sequencing indicated that the Cas12a-MV constructs made a considerable mutations at the target sites of the viral genome. In addition, TIDE analysis of Sanger sequencing results showed the editing efficiency of crRNA1 (21.7%), crRNA2 (24.9%) and crRNA3 (55.6%). Furthermore, the Cas12a-MV construct was stably transformed into Nicotiana tabacum through the leaf disc method to evaluate the potential of transgenic plants against CLCuMuV. For transgene analysis, the DNA of transgenic plants of Nicotiana tabacum was subjected to PCR to amplify Cas12a genes with specific primers. Infectious clones were agro-inoculated in transgenic and non-transgenic plants (control) for the infectivity assay. The transgenic plants containing Cas12a-MV showed rare symptoms and remained healthy compared to control plants with severe symptoms. The transgenic plants containing Cas12a-MV showed a significant reduction in virus accumulation (0.05) as compared to control plants (1.0). The results demonstrated the potential use of the multiplex LbCas12a system to develop virus resistance in model and crop plants against begomoviruses.
A common self-advantage across the implicit and explicit levels for self-body recognition
Authors: Xiang Sijia , Zhao Minghui , Yu Lunhao , Liu Ning
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Although self-bias has been extensively studied and confirmed in various self-related stimuli, it remains controversial whether self-body can induce recognition advantage at the explicit level. After careful examination of previous experiments related to self-body processing, we proposed that participant strategies may influence explicit task outcomes.

Methods

To test our hypothesis, we designed a novel explicit task. For comparison, we also conducted classic explicit and implicit tasks.

Results

With the newly designed explicit task, we found clear and robust evidence of self-hand recognition advantage at the explicit level. Moreover, we found that there was a strong link between self-advantage found in the classic implicit task and the newly designed explicit task, indicating that the self-advantage processing by these two pathways may be linked.

Discussion

These findings provide new insights into the long-standing inconsistencies in previous studies and open a new avenue for studying self-bias using self-body stimuli.
Introverted and yet effective? A faceted approach to the relationship between leadership and extraversion
Authors: Liegl Simon , Furtner Marco R.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Extraversion and its facets of assertiveness and sociability were identified as stable predictors for leader emergence and effectiveness. However, recent research suggested that extraversion may lie in the eyes of the beholder; it might not be the leader’s possession but their followers’ attribution of the trait that shapes these criteria of leader success.

Methods

In our study, we reverse-engineered this relationship and assessed the effects of effective leadership behaviors on personality perceptions. More specifically, we created scenarios of a leader responding to coordination challenges with passive-avoidant, transactional, or transformational leadership behaviors. We presented 204 participants with these scenarios and assessed how extraverted, assertive, and sociable they perceived the leader to be.

Results

Interestingly, and not fully meeting our expectations, ascriptions of extraversion and its facets of assertiveness and sociability did not directly relate to the effectiveness of the behaviors, as the moderately effective transactional leadership style garnered the highest ascriptions of extraversion and its facets. Further, ascriptions of extraversion to the transformational behavior of intellectual stimulation were remarkably low, matched only by the laissez-faire dimension of the passive-avoidant leadership style.

Discussion

We integrate and contrast these unexpected but explainable findings with current research, discuss potential associations between introversion and empowering leadership practices and provide suggestions for future discourse, illustrating the potential of investigating the presence of an introverted leadership advantage in the workplace of tomorrow.
The program for introduction of basic mathematical knowledge: the effects in six years old Mexican children
Authors: Solovieva Yulia , Zavaleta José Rodríguez , Carrillo Andrea Celeste Rosete , Quintanar Luis , Plotnikova Valeriya
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The process of teaching and learning mathematics in primary school represents an obstacle for both teachers and pupils. According to the historical-cultural conception of development and education, the way how intellectual concepts are initially introduced may radically affect a student’s success in learning. The historical-cultural conception of development, together with activity theory, may serve as the basis for creating a novel methodology for pedagogical work on mathematical concepts with pre-school and school children.

Methods

The goal of the present study was to show the effects of work with an original program for the initial introduction of mathematical concepts to young school children. The program included reflexive symbolic and logical actions on the materialized and perceptual level, which were introduced and performed collectively by six-year-old children under the guidance and assistance of a teacher. The pupils were tested before and after their work with the program.

Results

The results showed important qualitative and quantitative progress by the children in solving the tasks of the assessment, together with an increment of reflection on their intellectual actions.

Discussion

The study points to the necessity for more intensive and extensive research, involving specialists in psychology and pedagogy trained in cultural-historical methodology.
To each their own: a review of individual differences and metaphorical perspectives on time
Authors: Feist Michele I. , Duffy Sarah E.
Published: August 2023

How do people talk—and potentially think—about abstract concepts? Supported by abundant linguistic evidence, Conceptual Metaphor Theory posits that people draw upon concrete concepts to structure abstract ones via metaphorical connections. Often, the source domain for a metaphor draws upon embodied physical experience, as in the time is space system, whereby representations in the domain of time are thought to arise from experiences of navigating through, orienting within, and observing motion in space. In recent years, psychological evidence has suggested that the connections between space and time are indeed conceptual; however, many gaps in our understanding of the workings of metaphor remain. Notably, until recently, the unique variations in the ways in which people experience metaphor have been largely overlooked, with much research falling prey to what Dąbrowska has identified as one of the ‘deadly sins’ of cognitive linguistics: to ignore individual differences. By focusing on two widely studied metaphors for time, Moving Time and Moving Ego, this review article shines a spotlight on the varied ways in which people draw on their embodied and enculturated experiences, along with ‘human experience’ on an individual level and the contexts within which they use metaphor. In doing so, it highlights the importance for metaphoric conceptualization of variation across languages, across contexts, and across individuals, suggesting that while the use and interpretation of metaphor may begin with cross-domain connections, they are but part of the story.
Public stigma toward fatigue—do social characteristics of affected persons matter? Results from the SOMA.SOC study
Authors: von dem Knesebeck Olaf , Barbek Rieke
Published: August 2023

Objectives

Although public stigma imposes a great burden on those affected with manifold negative consequence there is not much known about public stigma related to fatigue. Therefore, this study addresses the following research questions: (1) What is the magnitude of public stigma toward individuals with fatigue? (2) Are there differences in public stigma depending on the social characteristics of the affected person (sex, occupation, and migration)?

Methods

Analyses are based on a national telephone survey in Germany (N = 1,209). A vignette describing a person with symptoms of fatigue was presented to the respondents. Vignettes were varied according to sex, occupational status, and migration status. Stigma toward the person presented in the vignette was measured by stereotypes and negative emotional reactions (anger).

Results

Of the stereotypes under study, “hypersensitive” was most frequently endorsed by the respondents (35.7%), followed by “weak will” (27.2%). About 15–20% of the respondents agreed that they react with anger, annoyance or incomprehension. There were considerable differences in fatigue stigma according to the social characteristics of the affected person. In two social groups public stigma was particularly pronounced: (1) male persons with a low occupational status and a migration background; (2) female persons with a high occupational status and without a migration status. In contrast, women with a low occupational status and a migration background were less stigmatized.

Conclusion

Individuals suffering from fatigue symptoms are confronted with stereotypes and negative emotional reactions by the public. Magnitude of public stigma considerably varies according to social characteristics of the afflicted person. Future studies should consider applying an intersectional approach to identify groups that are at risk of multiple stigma.
The worse we feel, the more intensively we need to stick together: a qualitative study of couples’ emotional co-regulation of the challenge of multimorbidity
Authors: Horn Andrea B. , Zimmerli Lukas , Maercker Andreas , Holzer Barbara M.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Being faced with multimorbidity (i.e., being diagnosed with at least two chronic conditions), is not only demanding in terms of following complicated medical regimes and changing health behaviors. The changes and threats involved also provoke emotional responses in the patients but also in their romantic partners. This study aims at exploring the ways of emotional co-regulation that couples facing multimorbidity express when interviewed together.

Method

N = 15 opposite sex couples with one multimorbid patient after an acute health crisis that led to hospitalization were asked in a semi-structured interview about how they found ways to deal with the health situation, what they would recommend to other couples in a similar situation, and how they regulated their emotional responses. Interviews were analyzed qualitatively following open, axial, and selective coding, as in the grounded theory framework.

Results

Emerging categories from the romantic partners’ and the patients’ utterances revealed three main categories: First,overlapping cognitive appraisals about the situation(from fighting spirit to fatalism)and we-ness(construing the couple self as a unit) emerged as higher order factor from the utterances. Second,relationship-related strategiesincluding strategies aimed at maintaining high relationship quality in spite of the asymmetric situation like strengthening the common ground and balancing autonomy and equity in the couple were often mentioned. Third, some couples mentioned how they benefit fromindividual strategiesthat involve fostering individual resources of the partners outside the couple relationship (such as cultivating relationships with grandchildren or going outdoors to nature).

Discussion

Results underline the importance of a dyadic perspective not only on coping with disease but also on regulating the emotional responses to this shared challenging situation. The utterances of the couples were in line with earlier conceptualizations of interpersonal emotion regulation and dyadic perspectives on we-disease. They broaden the view by integrating the interplay between individual and interpersonal regulation strategies and underline the importance of balancing individual and relational resources when supporting couples faced with chronic diseases.
Caught on the surface: Tustin on autistic experience
Authors: Taipale Joona
Published: August 2023

According to Frances Tustin, the core of autism is found in sensory modifications—and tactile modifications in particular. Tustin argues that sensory experiences may become self-absorbed to such an extent that the sensory environment experientially flattens into a two-dimensional “feel,” which complicates the individual’s relations with the external environment and other people. Focusing on these fundamental modifications and their experiential consequences, the article introduces Tustin’s main insight in terms of collapse of intentional depth, suggesting that this collapse concerns not only concrete spatial depth, but symbolic and intersubjective depth as well. By so doing, the article illustrates how Tustin’s ideas render intelligible certain commonly recognized features of autism, such as “deficits in the ability to initiate and to sustain reciprocal social interaction and social communication” and “restricted, repetitive, and inflexible patterns of behavior, interests or activities” (ICD-11).
Racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 booster vaccination among U.S. older adults differ by geographic region and Medicare enrollment
Authors: Hayes Kaleen N. , Harris Daniel A. , Zullo Andrew R. , Chachlani Preeti , Wen Katherine J. , Smith-Ray Renae L. , Djibo Djeneba Audrey , McCarthy Ellen P. , Pralea Alexander , Singh Tanya G. , McMahill-Walraven Cheryl , Taitel Michael S. , Deng Yalin , Gravenstein Stefan , Mor Vincent
Published: August 2023

Introduction

COVID-19 booster vaccines are highly effective at reducing severe illness and death from COVID-19. Research is needed to identify whether racial and ethnic disparities observed for the primary series of the COVID-19 vaccines persist for booster vaccinations and how those disparities may vary by other characteristics. We aimed to measure racial and ethnic differences in booster vaccine receipt among U.S. Medicare beneficiaries and characterize potential variation by demographic characteristics.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study using CVS Health and Walgreens pharmacy data linked to Medicare claims. We included community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries aged ≥66 years who received two mRNA vaccine doses (BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273) as of 8/1/2021. We followed beneficiaries from 8/1/2021 until booster vaccine receipt, death, Medicare disenrollment, or end of follow-up (12/31/2021). Adjusted Poisson regression was used to estimate rate ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) comparing vaccine uptake between groups.

Results

We identified 11,339,103 eligible beneficiaries (mean age 76 years, 60% female, 78% White). Overall, 67% received a booster vaccine (White = 68.5%; Asian = 67.0%; Black = 57.0%; Hispanic = 53.3%). Compared to White individuals, Black (RR = 0.78 [95%CI = 0.78–0.78]) and Hispanic individuals (RR = 0.72 [95% = CI 0.72–0.72]) had lower rates of booster vaccination. Disparities varied by geographic region, urbanicity, and Medicare plan/Medicaid eligibility. The relative magnitude of disparities was lesser in areas where vaccine uptake was lower in White individuals.

Discussion

Racial and ethnic disparities in COVID-19 vaccination have persisted for booster vaccines. These findings highlight that interventions to improve vaccine uptake should be designed at the intersection of race and ethnicity and geographic location.
Characterization of antimicrobial and antioxidant performance of dihydroeugenol and its glycoside incorporated into whey protein isolate films
Authors: Resende Déborah Braga , Simões Luara Aparecida , Teixeira Fernandes Natalia de Andrade , Luvizaro Lucas Baldo , Dias Marali Vilela , Carvalho Diogo Teixeira , Piccoli Roberta Hilsdorf , Schwan Rosane Freitas , Dias Disney Ribeiro
Published: August 2023

Bio-based plastics are gaining attention as environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional petroleum-based plastics in food packaging. Biodegradable films made from biocompatible macromolecules like polysaccharides and proteins offer promising solutions. This study investigated the effects of incorporating dihydroeugenol and glycoside into whey protein isolate (WPI) films to enhance their antimicrobial and antioxidant properties for food packaging. The findings showed that the glycoside film surpassed the dihydroeugenol film in inhibiting bacterial growth, forming larger inhibition halos against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria monocytogenes, and Salmonella Enteritidis (inhibition halos ≥15 mm). The glycoside film exhibited superior effectiveness against Gram-positive bacteria, indicating enhanced penetration through their cell membranes. Additionally, the synthesized compounds significantly boosted the antioxidant activity of the films compared to the control film without dihydroeugenol and glycoside. With a relatively low solubility (23% ± 2.87% and 24% ± 3.92% for dihydroeugenol and glycoside, respectively), these films are suitable for packaging and safeguarding food products with medium to high humidity. This study concluded that incorporating dihydroeugenol and its glycoside into WPI films holds great promise for developing active packaging solutions in the food industry. These films offer both antibacterial and antioxidant properties, particularly advantageous for food products with medium to high humidity.
What interventions should we implement in England's mental health services? The mental health implementation network (MHIN) mixed-methods approach to rapid prioritisation
Authors: Ahuja Shalini , Phillips Lawrence , Smartt Caroline , Khalid Sundus , Coldham Tina , Fischer Laura , Rae Sarah , Sevdalis Nick , Boaz Annette , Robinson Sarah , Gaughran Fiona , Lelliott Zoe , Jones Peter , Thornicroft Graham , Munshi Jayati-Das , Drummond Colin , Perez Jesus , Littlejohns Peter
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Setting mental health priorities helps researchers, policy makers, and service funders improve mental health services. In the context of a national mental health implementation programme in England, this study aims to identify implementable evidence-based interventions in key priority areas to improve mental health service delivery.

Methods

A mixed-methods research design was used for a three step prioritisation approach involving systematic scoping reviews (additional manuscript under development), expert consultations and data triangulation. Groups with diverse expertise, including experts by experience, worked together to improve decision-making quality by promoting more inclusive and comprehensive discussions. A multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) model was used to combine participants' varied opinions, data and judgments about the data's relevance to the issues at hand during a decision conferencing workshop where the priorities were finalised.

Results

The study identified mental health interventions in three mental health priority areas: mental health inequalities, child and adolescent mental health, comorbidities with a focus on integration of mental and physical health services and mental health and substance misuse problems. Key interventions in all the priority areas are outlined. The programme is putting some of these evidence-based interventions into action nationwide in each of these three priority mental health priority areas.

Conclusion

We report an inclusive attempt to ensure that the list of mental health service priorities agrees with perceived needs on the ground and focuses on evidence-based interventions. Other fields of healthcare may also benefit from this methodological approach if they need to make rapid health-prioritisation decisions.
Exergy Analysis of a Vapour Compression Heat Pump Using Environmentally Friendly Refrigerants
Authors: Dósa János , Tomuș Ovidiu-Bogdan
Published: August 2023

The paper presents the comparative exergetic analysis of heat pumps using refrigerants with different ozone depletion potential and global warming potentials. Globally, the air conditioning of houses is seen as a major energy challenge as the economic development of countries, the majority situated in hot climates, will lead to a growing demand for chilling. Added to this is the increasingly widespread use of heat pumps in areas with a temperate climate to increase energy efficiency. As a result, the environmental impact of refrigerants from ozone depletion potential and global warming potential point of view cannot be overlooked. On the other hand, an environmental benefit of high energy efficiency is the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuel combustion for various purposes. The purpose of this approach is to highlight how the use of different types of refrigerants will impact the exergy efficiency of heat pumps.
Random Number Generator
Authors: Harangus Katalin , Kakucs András
Published: August 2023

Illustration plays an important role during education: The Galton board is a suitable tool for illustrating random processes and explaining probability distributions. We have created this tool in a virtual version, which facilitates data collection for statistical processing of experimental data and also enables the study of non-symmetrical distributions. The random processes on the device are simulated, which requires a random number generator. Since there were some doubts about the software-generated pseudo-random numbers, we created a true random number generator based on the input noise of microcontrollers.
Investigation of the Effect of a Suspended Working Machine on Traction Force
Authors: Pásztor Judit , Miklós Előd , Farmos Rudolf-László , Popa-Müller Izolda , Egyed-Faluvégi Erzsébet
Published: August 2023

It is always an aim in agricultural machine operation to understand the tractor-machine-soil relationship precisely. The working machine is often connected to the tractor with a three-point linkage system. The three-point linkage system coordinates the movement of the tractor-work machine group, increases the traction force, and also enables the adjustment of the coupled work machine. Understanding how it works is very important. In this paper, we examine the effect of the connection points of the three-point linkage system on the change in the adhesion weight force in a specific case, in the case of U532DT tractor and PP2-30 suspended plough.
Comparison of Separation Control Mechanisms for Synthetic Jet and Plasma Actuators
Authors: Abe Yoshiaki , Nonomura Taku , Sato Makoto , Aono Hikaru , Fujii Kozo
Published: August 2023

This study numerically investigated the mechanisms of separation control using a synthetic jet (SJ) and plasma actuator (PA) around an NACA0015 airfoil at the chord Reynolds number of 63,000. Both SJ and PA were installed on the leading edge with the same order of input momentum (Cμ=O(10−3–10−5)) and the same actuation frequencies in F+=1.0–30. The momentum coefficient Cμ is defined as the normalized momentum introduced from the SJ or the PA, and F+ stands for the actuation frequency normalized by the chord length and uniform velocity. A number of large-eddy simulations (LES) were conducted for the SJ and the PA, and the mechanisms were clarified in terms of the exchange of chordwise momentum with Reynolds shear stress and coherent vortex structures. First, four main differences in the induced flows of the SJ and the PA were clarified as follows: (A) wall-tangential velocity; (B) three-dimensional flow structures; (C) spatial locality; and (D) temporal fluctuation. Then, a common feature of flow control by the SJ and the PA was revealed: a lift-to-drag ratio was found to be better recovered in F+=6.0–20 than in other frequencies. Although there were differences in the induced flows, the phase decomposition of the flow fields identified common mechanisms that the turbulent component of the Reynolds shear stress mainly contributes to the exchange of the chordwise (streamwise) momentum; and the turbulent vortices are convected over the airfoil surface by the coherent spanwise vortices in the frequency of F+.
The Path to Smart Farming: Innovations and Opportunities in Precision Agriculture
Authors: Karunathilake E. M. B. M. , Le Anh Tuan , Heo Seong , Chung Yong Suk , Mansoor Sheikh
Published: August 2023

Precision agriculture employs cutting-edge technologies to increase agricultural productivity while reducing adverse impacts on the environment. Precision agriculture is a farming approach that uses advanced technology and data analysis to maximize crop yields, cut waste, and increase productivity. It is a potential strategy for tackling some of the major issues confronting contemporary agriculture, such as feeding a growing world population while reducing environmental effects. This review article examines some of the latest recent advances in precision agriculture, including the Internet of Things (IoT) and how to make use of big data. This review article aims to provide an overview of the recent innovations, challenges, and future prospects of precision agriculture and smart farming. It presents an analysis of the current state of precision agriculture, including the most recent innovations in technology, such as drones, sensors, and machine learning. The article also discusses some of the main challenges faced by precision agriculture, including data management, technology adoption, and cost-effectiveness.
Fast Determination of Amylose Content in Lotus Seeds Based on Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Wei Xuan , Huang Liang , Li Siyi , Gao Sheng , Jie Dengfei , Guo Zebin , Zheng Baodong
Published: August 2023

Different varieties of fresh lotus seeds have varying levels of amylose content. It has a direct impact on the following processing and final product quality, so the non-destructive detection of amylose content is meaningful before lotus seed production. This study proposed a non-destructive method to detect the amylose content of fresh lotus seeds. Hyperspectral images of 120 fresh lotus seeds of three different varieties were obtained, and different pretreatments were applied to the average spectra obtained from the region of interest (ROI). The calibration and prediction set were divided by the sample set joint x–y distances algorithm (SPXY). Then, the partial lease square regression (PLSR) method was established for modeling, with Savitzky–Golay pretreatment-based PLSR showing the best results. To further improve the stability of the predictive model, different methods of feature variables selection were compared. The results showed that the best PLSR model was established with the inputs of 15 feature bands selected from 472 bands by the successive projection algorithm (SPA). The correlation coefficient of the prediction set (Rp), root mean square error of the prediction set (RMSEP), and residual predictive deviation (RPD) were 0.890, 15.154 mg g−1, and 2.193, respectively. Meanwhile, this study visualized the amylose content distribution maps from which it could estimate the content level directly. This study could provide a reference for further development of portable detection equipment for the amylose content of fresh lotus seeds.
Stress Memories for Better Tolerance in Plants—A Potential Strategy for Crop Breeding
Authors: Zhang Peng , Yang Haoran , Liu Fulai , Li Xiangnan
Published: August 2023

Extreme weather events such as severe drought, high temperature, and waterlogging are important barriers limiting crop growth and productivity [...]
A Lightweight Cherry Tomato Maturity Real-Time Detection Algorithm Based on Improved YOLOV5n
Authors: Wang Congyue , Wang Chaofeng , Wang Lele , Wang Jing , Liao Jiapeng , Li Yuanhong , Lan Yubin
Published: August 2023

To enhance the efficiency of mechanical automatic picking of cherry tomatoes in a precision agriculture environment, this study proposes an improved target detection algorithm based on YOLOv5n. The improvement steps are as follows: First, the K-means++ clustering algorithm is utilized to update the scale and aspect ratio of the anchor box, adapting it to the shape characteristics of cherry tomatoes. Secondly, the coordinate attention (CA) mechanism is introduced to expand the receptive field range and reduce interference from branches, dead leaves, and other backgrounds in the recognition of cherry tomato maturity. Next, the traditional loss function is replaced by the bounding box regression loss with dynamic focusing mechanism (WIoU) loss function. The outlier degree and dynamic nonmonotonic focusing mechanism are introduced to address the boundary box regression balance problem between high-quality and low-quality data. This research employs a self-built cherry tomato dataset to train the target detection algorithms before and after the improvements. Comparative experiments are conducted with YOLO series algorithms. The experimental results indicate that the improved model has achieved a 1.4% increase in both precision and recall compared to the previous model. It achieves an average accuracy mAP of 95.2%, an average detection time of 5.3 ms, and a weight file size of only 4.4 MB. These results demonstrate that the model fulfills the requirements for real-time detection and lightweight applications. It is highly suitable for deployment in embedded systems and mobile devices. The improved model presented in this paper enables real-time target recognition and maturity detection for cherry tomatoes. It provides rapid and accurate target recognition guidance for achieving mechanical automatic picking of cherry tomatoes.
The Impact of Data Envelopment Analysis on Effective Management of Inputs: The Case of Farms Located in the Regional Unit of Pieria
Authors: Kouriati Asimina , Tafidou Anna , Lialia Evgenia , Prentzas Angelos , Moulogianni Christina , Dimitriadou Eleni , Bournaris Thomas
Published: August 2023

Technical efficiency is considered a useful advisory tool for managers whose main goal is to maximize profit and minimize costs. Data envelopment analysis is a widely accepted methodology for technical efficiency estimation in the sector of agriculture. For that reason and with the view to extract useful conclusions regarding farmers’ effective management of inputs, this study aims to present the DEA method through its implementation in a set of farms located in the regional unit of Pieria. To conduct this analysis, relevant data were collected through a survey in which 40 farms participated. The output variable was chosen to be each farm’s total amount of sales, while the inputs were selected in a way to represent the main factors of production, such as (1) land in acres, (2) labor in hours, and (3) variable costs in EUR. The results showed that the examined farms need to reduce the inputs used by 34.6% to operate more efficiently from the point of view of the CRS model. Therefore, farmers should be motivated to reduce the inputs used, something that can be done through the provision of specialized advisory services. This will, of course, be helped by both the local authorities and the policies of the country in which the rational use of inputs seems to be necessary. This study may contribute to the relevant literature, agriculture, and the area since management suggestions are formulated for the farmers of Pieria’s regional unit.
Enhancing Soil Nitrogen Retention Capacity by Biochar Incorporation in the Acidic Soil of Pomelo Orchards: The Crucial Role of pH
Authors: Qian Xiaojie , Li Qinghua , Chen Hongmei , Zhao Lin , Wang Fei , Zhang Yushu , Zhang Jinbo , Müller Christoph , Yi Zhigang
Published: August 2023

Biochar is commonly used to improve acidic soil and reduce nitrogen loss. However, the impact of biochar on soil nitrogen retention, especially at varying pH levels, is not fully understood. Soil samples were obtained from an acidic red soil citrus orchard. The soil pH was adjusted using CaO, with five levels (4.0, 5.1, 5.8, 6.6, and 7.2), and two biochar doses (0% and 1%) were applied. The study used 15N-Tracer and Ntrace to investigate biochar’s influence on soil nitrogen retention at different pH levels. The results showed that soil amendment with biochar improved gross mineralization rates (TM) and gross NH4+ immobilization rates (TI), except at pH 4.0 for TI. Biochar enhanced heterotrophic nitrification (ONrec) within pH 4.0–7.4, with a threshold for autotrophic nitrification (ONH4) at pH 6.4. The findings revealed biochar’s positive effect on soil nitrogen retention within pH 4.5–6.4. Biochar had a greater impact on TI than TM and inhibited ONH4, potentially enhancing nitrogen retention in this pH range. These results highlight the significance of considering biochar incorporation for improving nitrogen use efficiency and reducing NO3−-N loss in subtropical pomelo orchards.
The Preliminary Research on Shifts in Maize Rhizosphere Soil Microbial Communities and Symbiotic Networks under Different Fertilizer Sources
Authors: Ji Lidong , Xu Xing , Zhang Fengju , Si Haili , Li Lei , Mao Guilian
Published: August 2023

The use of chemical fertilizer along with organic fertilizer is an important agricultural practice that improves crop yield but also affects soil biogeochemical cycles. In this study, a maize field experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of NPK fertilizer (NPK), organic fertilizer (OF), and their combination (NPK+OF) on soil chemical properties, bacterial and fungal community structures, and diversity compared the control (CK, without any fertilizer). The results showed that the application of OF and NPK-combined OF increased soil organic matter (OM), total N, total P, available N, available P, and available K levels. For alpha diversity analyses, the application of fertilizers led to decreases in soil bacterial and fungal Shannon indices (except for NPK in fungi). Compared with CK, NPK, OF, and NPK+OF fertilization treatments significantly increased the abundances of Acidobacteriota, Gemmatimonadota, and Basidiomycota. Network analysis showed that fertilization produced fewer connections among microbial taxa, especially in the combination of NPK and OF. A redundancy analysis combined with Mantel test further found that the soil OM, available N and P were the main soil-fertility factors driving microbial community variations. Therefore, using organic fertilizer or biological fertilizer combined with chemical fertilizer to improve the status of soil C, N, and P is a promising method to maintain the balance of soil microorganisms in maize field.
Cyberpsychology: A Longitudinal Analysis of Cyber Adversarial Tactics and Techniques
Authors: Rich Marshall S.
Published: August 2023

The rapid proliferation of cyberthreats necessitates a robust understanding of their evolution and associated tactics, as found in this study. A longitudinal analysis of these threats was conducted, utilizing a six-year data set obtained from a deception network, which emphasized its significance in the study’s primary aim: the exhaustive exploration of the tactics and strategies utilized by cybercriminals and how these tactics and techniques evolved in sophistication and target specificity over time. Different cyberattack instances were dissected and interpreted, with the patterns behind target selection shown. The focus was on unveiling patterns behind target selection and highlighting recurring techniques and emerging trends. The study’s methodological design incorporated data preprocessing, exploratory data analysis, clustering and anomaly detection, temporal analysis, and cross-referencing. The validation process underscored the reliability and robustness of the findings, providing evidence of increasingly sophisticated, targeted cyberattacks. The work identified three distinct network traffic behavior clusters and temporal attack patterns. A validated scoring mechanism provided a benchmark for network anomalies, applicable for predictive analysis and facilitating comparative study of network behaviors. This benchmarking aids organizations in proactively identifying and responding to potential threats. The study significantly contributed to the cybersecurity discourse, offering insights that could guide the development of more effective defense strategies. The need for further investigation into the nature of detected anomalies was acknowledged, advocating for continuous research and proactive defense strategies in the face of the constantly evolving landscape of cyberthreats.
Effects of the Incubation Period of Pleurotus ostreatus on the Chemical Composition and Nutrient Availability of Solid-State-Fermented Corn Stover
Authors: Olagunju Lydia K. , Isikhuemhen Omoanghe S. , Dele Peter A. , Anike Felicia N. , Ike Kelechi A. , Shaw Yasmine , Brice Rosetta M. , Orimaye Oluteru E. , Wuaku Michael , Essick Brandon G. , Holt Nathan , Udombang Nkese S. , Enemudo Judith O. , Subedi Kiran , Anele Uchenna Y.
Published: August 2023

The current study aimed to optimize and improve the feeding value of Pleurotus ostreatus-fermented corn stover by evaluating the effects of five solid-state fermentation times and three in vitro fermentation periods on the chemical composition, dry matter disappearance (DMD), microbial mass and volatile fatty acid (VFA) production of treated and untreated corn stover. The study utilized a 3 × 5 factorial design, with eight replicates per treatment. Dry matter, crude protein (CP), ash and non-fiber carbohydrate (NFC) contents increased quadratically (p < 0.05) with increases in the solid-state fermentation time. Increases of 44.4–59.1%, 20.6–78.6% and 40.5–121% were noted for the CP, ash and NFC contents, respectively. Organic matter, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber and hemicellulose contents decreased quadratically (p < 0.05) across the treatments. Similar trends were noted for DM and fiber disappearance in the treatments. The total gas production and in vitro true dry matter digestibility (IVTDMD) increased quadratically, while microbial mass and in vitro apparent DMD increased in a linear manner. The total VFA, propionate and butyrate contents increased linearly. Both the acetate content and the A:P ratio decreased in a linear manner. The results show that the rumen fermentation pathway favors the production of propionate, with increases in propionate production of 7.46 and 8.30% after 2 and 4 wk, respectively. The study showed that a 2 wk period of solid-state fermentation is sufficient to provide a bio-transformed cow–calf feed resource from P. ostreatus-treated corn stover.
The Detection of Salmonella Enteritidis on German Layer Farms after Cleaning and Disinfection
Authors: Münster Pia , Pöppel Lars , Antakli Ali , Müller-Doblies Doris , Radko Dmytro , Kemper Nicole
Published: August 2023

The presence of Salmonella Enteritidis in poultry houses after cleaning and disinfection can pose a potential risk to public health, as Salmonella remains one of the most important causes of foodborne diseases. This study focused on ten German layer farms (including floor-reared and free-range systems) with a recent history of Salmonella Enteritidis, and samples were collected from July 2018 to March 2021 after the cleaning and disinfection process. A total of 244 swab samples were tested for the presence of Salmonella using real-time PCR, followed by a culture of positive samples. Results revealed that 61 out of the 244 swab samples tested positive for Salmonella, indicating a prevalence of 25% in the samples examined. Among the Salmonella-positive swab samples identified with the PCR assay, 65.6% (40 out of 61) were confirmed by the culture. Of the 40 isolates obtained from the culture, 36 were identified as Salmonella Enteritidis, while 4 were categorized as rough Salmonella strains. This study emphasizes the importance of both the surrounding area of the poultry houses in terms of infection carry-over and the meticulous implementation of cleaning and disinfection procedures to eliminate any remaining infection within the houses. To mitigate the risk of further Salmonella spread on layer farms, additional investigations are recommended to focus on the existing transmission pathways of Salmonella and their genetic diversity.
Forage:Concentrate Ratio Effects on In Vivo Digestibility and In Vitro Degradability of Horse’s Diet
Authors: Zicarelli Fabio , Tudisco Raffaella , Lotito Daria , Musco Nadia , Iommelli Piera , Ferrara Maria , Calabrò Serena , Infascelli Federico , Lombardi Pietro
Published: August 2023

Determination of digestibility represents the first step for the evaluation of the net energy content of feed for livestock animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vivo digestibility and in vitro degradability of five diets characterized by different forage/concentrate ratios (F:C) in horses. The in vitro degradability was determined by the Gas Production Technique (GPT), using as an inoculum source the feces of the same subjects used for the in vivo test. Five diets consisting of poliphyte hay, straw and grains of barley and oats with a different F:C ratio [90/10 (Diet 1); 78/22 (Diet 2); 68/32 (Diet 3); 60/40 (Diet 4); 50/50 (Diet 5) were formulated and administered in succession, starting with Diet 1. In the in vivo results, no significant differences emerged, despite the different F:C content. In in vitro fermentation, four diets out of the five (2, 3, 4, 5) presented a similar trend of the curve of gas production, showing good activity of the fecal micro population during the first hours of incubation. An important correlation between gas and Volatile Fatty Acid (VFA) were found, suggesting that the processes linked to the micro population deriving from the horse’s caecum follow metabolic pathways whose products can be modeled in the same way as for the rumen. The GPT could represent the correct method for studying the nutritional characteristics of feed for horses, using feces as the source of inoculum, even if further investigations must be performed to improve the technique.
Genetic Diversity and Antimicrobial Resistance of Extraintestinal E. coli Populations Pre- and Post-Antimicrobial Therapy on Broilers Affected by Colisepticemia
Authors: Pasquali Frédérique , Crippa Cecilia , Parisi Antonio , Lucchi Alex , Gambi Lucia , Merlotti Alessandra , Remondini Daniel , Stonfer Maurizio , Manfreda Gerardo
Published: August 2023

The aim of the present study was to investigate the genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) of E. coli during enrofloxacin therapy in broilers affected by colisepticemia. Three unrelated farms with ongoing colibacillosis outbreaks were sampled at day 1 before treatment and at days 5, 10 and 24 post-treatment. A total of 179 E. coli isolates were collected from extraintestinal organs and submitted to serotyping, PFGE and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against enrofloxacin. PFGE clusters shifted from 3–6 at D1 to 10–16 at D5, D10 and D24, suggesting an increased population diversity after the treatment. The majority of strains belonged to NT or O78 and to ST117 or ST23. PFGE results were confirmed with SNP calling: no persistent isolates were identified. An increase in resistance to fluoroquinolones in E. coli isolates was observed along the treatment. Resistome analyses revealed qnrB19 and qnrS1 genes along with mutations in the gyrA, parC and parE genes. Interestingly, despite a fluoroquinolone selective pressure, qnr-carrying plasmids did not persist. On the contrary, two conjugative AMR plasmid clusters (AB233 and AA474) harboring AMR genes other than qnr were persistent since they were identified in both D1 and D10 genomes in two farms. Further studies should be performed in order to confirm plasmid persistence not associated (in vivo) to antimicrobial selective pressure.
Enhancement of Soybean Meal Alters Gut Microbiome and Influences Behavior of Farmed Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Leeper Alexandra , Sauphar Clara , Berlizot Benoit , Ladurée Gabrielle , Koppe Wolfgang , Knobloch Stephen , Skírnisdóttir Sigurlaug , Björnsdóttir Rannveig , Øverland Margareth , Benhaïm David
Published: August 2023

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) is one of the worlds most domesticated fish. As production volumes increase, access to high quality and sustainable protein sources for formulated feeds of this carnivorous fish is required. Soybean meal (SBM) and soy-derived proteins are the dominant protein sources in commercial aquafeeds due to their low-cost, availability and favorable amino acid profile. However, for Atlantic salmon, the inclusion of soybean meal (SBM), and soy protein concentrate (SPC) in certain combinations can impact gut health, which has consequences for immunity and welfare, limiting the use of soy products in salmonid feeds. This study sought to address this challenge by evaluating two gut health-targeted enhancements of SBM for inclusion in freshwater phase salmon diets: enzyme pre-treatment (ETS), and addition of fructose oligosaccharide (USP). These were compared with untreated soybean meal (US) and fish meal (FM). This study took a multi-disciplinary approach, investigating the effect on growth performance, gut microbiome, and behaviors relevant to welfare in aquaculture. This study suggests that both enhancements of SBM provide benefits for growth performance compared with conventional SBM. Both SBM treatments altered fish gut microbiomes and in the case of ETS, increased the presence of the lactic acid bacteria Enterococcus. For the first time, the effects of marine protein sources and plant protein sources on the coping style of salmon were demonstrated. Fish fed SBM showed a tendency for more reactive behavior compared with those fed the FM-based control. All fish had a similar low response to elicited stress, although ETS-fed fish responded more actively than US-fed fish for a single swimming measure. Furthermore, SBM-fed fish displayed lower repeatability of behavior, which may indicate diminished welfare for intensively farmed fish. The implications of these findings for commercial salmonid aquaculture are discussed.