bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The roles of plant proteases and protease inhibitors in drought response: a review
Authors: Moloi Sellwane Jeanette , Ngara Rudo
Published: April 2023

Upon exposure to drought, plants undergo complex signal transduction events with concomitant changes in the expression of genes, proteins and metabolites. For example, proteomics studies continue to identify multitudes of drought-responsive proteins with diverse roles in drought adaptation. Among these are protein degradation processes that activate enzymes and signalling peptides, recycle nitrogen sources, and maintain protein turnover and homeostasis under stressful environments. Here, we review the differential expression and functional activities of plant protease and protease inhibitor proteins under drought stress, mainly focusing on comparative studies involving genotypes of contrasting drought phenotypes. We further explore studies of transgenic plants either overexpressing or repressing proteases or their inhibitors under drought conditions and discuss the potential roles of these transgenes in drought response. Overall, the review highlights the integral role of protein degradation during plant survival under water deficits, irrespective of the genotypes’ level of drought resilience. However, drought-sensitive genotypes exhibit higher proteolytic activities, while drought-tolerant genotypes tend to protect proteins from degradation by expressing more protease inhibitors. In addition, transgenic plant biology studies implicate proteases and protease inhibitors in various other physiological functions under drought stress. These include the regulation of stomatal closure, maintenance of relative water content, phytohormonal signalling systems including abscisic acid (ABA) signalling, and the induction of ABA-related stress genes, all of which are essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis under water deficits. Therefore, more validation studies are required to explore the various functions of proteases and their inhibitors under water limitation and their contributions towards drought adaptation.
Tracking perceived stress, anxiety, and depression in daily life: a double-downward spiral process
Authors: Feng Guo , Xu Xiaxia , Lei Jiawei
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Previous studies using retrospective questionnaires have suggested a complex relationship between perceived stress and related negative emotions and emphasized their importance in mental health. However, how daily perceived stress, anxiety, and depression interact dynamically in a natural context remains largely unexplored.

Methods

This study conducted a longitudinal survey that applied experience sampling methodology to data from 141 Chinese college students (58% women, mean age = 20.1 ± 1.63 years).

Results

The hierarchical linear models confirmed that daily perceived stress and negative emotions (i.e., perceived depression and anxiety) could reciprocally reinforce one another with the characteristic dynamics of a cognitive–emotional downward spiral. Additionally, anxiety and depression could further circularly aggravate each other imminently. These two intertwined downward-spiral processes constitute a double-downward-spiral model.

Discussion

The findings contribute to a better understanding of the interactive mechanisms underlying perceived stress and its related negative emotions in everyday life and highlight the significance of early emotion regulation and stress relief in healthy people.
Association between maternal parenting styles and behavioral problems in children with ASD: Moderating effect of maternal autistic traits
Authors: Lin Xiujin , Su Xi , Huang Saijun , Liu Zhilin , Yu Hong , Wang Xin , Lin Lizi , Cao Muqing , Li Xiuhong , Jing Jin
Published: April 2023

Background

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at high risk of experiencing externalizing and internalizing problems. This study aimed to reveal how maternal parenting styles and autistic traits influence behavioral problems in children with ASD.

Methods

This study recruited 70 2–5 years children with ASD and 98 typically developing (TD) children. The Parental Behavior Inventory (PBI) and Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ) were used to collect the maternal parenting styles and autistic traits, respectively. The children’s behavioral problems were reported by the mothers using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Hierarchical moderated regression analyses were used to determine whether maternal autistic traits moderated the association between parenting style and behavioral problems in the children.

Results

Compared to TD children, children with ASD exhibited more severe externalizing and internalizing problems (t = 4.85, p < 0.01). The ASD group scored lower in the maternal supportive/engaged parenting style than the TD group (t = 3.20, p < 0.01). In the TD group, the maternal AQ attention switching domain was positively correlated with internalizing problems in the children (β = 0.30, p = 0.03). In the ASD group, hostile/coercive parenting style was significantly correlated with externalizing problems in the children (β = 0.30, p = 0.02), whereas maternal AQ attention switching domain was negatively correlated with externalizing problems (β = −0.35, p = 0.02). Moreover, the maternal AQ attention switching domain moderated the association between hostile/coercive parenting style and children’s externalizing problems (β = 0.33, p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Among ASD children, a hostile/coercive parenting style can increase the risks of children’s externalizing problems, especially in the context of high levels of maternal attention-switching problems. Hence, the current study has important implications for the clinical practice of early family-level interventions for children with ASD.
Physical fitness mediates and predicts for high blood pressure among children in relation to weight status
Authors: Chuang Hai-Hua , Cherng Wen-Jin , Lin Chih-Hung , Lee Li-Ang , Hsu Kuang-Hung , Lin Rong-Ho
Published: April 2023

Background

Pediatric hypertension contributes to adulthood hypertension and target organ damage. Obesity is a well-known predictor for pediatric hypertension; however, the relationship between physical fitness and blood pressure (BP) is unclear among children. This study aimed to compare the differences in demographics, anthropometrics, and physical fitness across BP subgroups and investigate whether physical fitness was related to pediatric hypertension independent of weight status.

Methods

This quantitative, cross-sectional study investigated demographic, anthropometric, physical fitness, and BP measures among 360 healthy school-aged children. Continuous variables were compared across BP subgroups with the one-way analysis of variance. Mediation and moderation analyses were used to explore the mechanism. Multivariable regression models were used to assess independent associations for hypertension.

Results

There were 177 (49.2%), 37 (10.3%), and 146 (40.6%) children in the normotensive, elevated BP, and hypertensive subgroups, respectively. The hypertensive subgroup had higher body mass index (BMI) and waist/height ratio percentiles and performed worse in 800-m run, standing long jump (SLJ), and 1-min sit-ups than the normotensive subgroup. Furthermore, the 800-m run percentile (total effect: β = 0.308, standard error = 0.044, p < 0.001) and sit and reach percentile (total effect: β = 0.308, standard error = 0.044, p < 0.001) mediated the relationship between the BMI percentile and systolic BP percentile; the SLJ percentile was directly associated with the diastolic BP percentile (β,−0.197, 95% confidence interval,−0.298−0.097; p < 0.001). The parsimonious model of multivariable regression models revealed that the SLJ percentile (adjusted exp (β), 0.992, 95% confidence interval, 0.985–0.999; p = 0.042) and BMI percentile (adjusted exp (β), 1.024, 95% confidence interval, 1.016–1.032; p < 0.001) were two independent predictors for pediatric hypertension.

Conclusion

Physical fitness mediates the relationship between anthropometric and BP measures. The SLJ percentile is associated with pediatric hypertension independent of the BMI percentile. Proactive screening and health promotion for not only healthy weight status but also good physical fitness may be beneficial for BP control among school-aged students.
Impact of community care services on the health of older adults: evidence from China
Authors: Ma Wenjing , Shen Zheng
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The rapid growth in the population of older adults has put tremendous pressure on medical and social services in countries including China. Community care services are a feasible solution for promoting healthy aging in developing countries. This study investigated the association between community care services and the health of older adults in China.

Method

Using nationally representative survey data from China, consisting of four waves conducted in 2005, 2008, 2011, and 2014, a balanced panel dataset was constructed using a sample of 4,700 older adults (33.1% aged 80 years or older, 51.0% residing in rural areas, and 48.8% women). We employed linear regression models with time-fixed effects and instrumental variable approaches to estimate the effect of community care services on the health of older adults, as well as the differences in these effects across subgroups.

Results

The results showed that community care services lead to a significant improvement in both the objective and subjective health and wellbeing of older adults. Among the various service offerings, spiritual recreation services led to a significant increase in both objective and subjective health scores, while medical care services significantly improved wellbeing. This suggests a varied effect of subdivided service types. Further evidence suggests that spiritual recreation services have a significant health-enhancing effect on multiple groups of older adults, and the effect of medical care services is more effective for those living in rural areas, women, and those who are older than 80 years (all p < 0.05).

Discussion

Few studies have examined the impact of community care services on the health of older adults in developing countries. The findings present important implications for improving the health status of older adults and provide suggestions for establishing a socialized aged care system in China.
Severe Chagas disease in Ecuador: a countrywide geodemographic epidemiological analysis from 2011 to 2021
Authors: Vásconez-González Jorge , Izquierdo-Condoy Juan S. , Fernandez-Naranjo Raul , Gamez-Rivera Esteban , Tello-De-la-Torre Andrea , Guerrero-Castillo Galo S. , Ruiz-Sosa Carlos , Ortiz-Prado Esteban
Published: April 2023

Background

Chagas disease is a neglected and often forgotten tropical disease caused by the Trypanosoma cruzi. This parasite can be transmitted through the direct contact of human skin with feces and urine of the triatomine insect. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 6–7 million people are infected worldwide, killing at least 14,000 every year. The disease has been reported in 20 of the 24 provinces of Ecuador, with El Oro, Guayas, and Loja being the most affected.

Methodology

We analyzed the morbidity and mortality rates of severe Chagas disease in Ecuador on a nationwide, population-based level. Hospitalization cases and deaths were also examined based on altitude, including low (< 2,500 m) and high (> 2,500 m) altitudes, according to the International Society. Data was retrieved from the National Institute of Statistics and Census hospital admissions and in-hospital mortality databases from 2011 to 2021.

Results

A total of 118 patients have been hospitalized in Ecuador since 2011 due to Chagas disease. The overall in-hospital mortality rate was 69.4% (N = 82). Men have a higher incidence rate (4.8/1,000,000) than women, although women have a significantly higher mortality rate than men (6.9/1,000,000).

Conclusion

Chagas disease is a severe parasitic condition that primarily affects rural and poorer areas of Ecuador. Men are more likely to be infected due to differences in work and sociocultural activities. Using average elevation data, we conducted a geodemographic analysis to assess incidence rates by altitude. Our findings indicate that the disease is more common at low and moderate altitudes, but recent increases in cases at higher altitudes suggest that environmental changes, such as global warming, could be driving the proliferation of disease-carrying vectors in previously unaffected areas.
Endourological treatment of upper tract urinary disease in children
Authors: Ha Darren , Harris Kelly T. , Rove Kyle O.
Published: April 2023

With advances in therapeutic interventions, endourology has become standard of care for the treatment of numerous diseases in the field of pediatric urology. However, there remains a lack of agreement and evidence on the optimal approaches and associated complications of endourological treatment of upper urinary tract conditions in children, namely ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction, primary obstructive megaureter, and nephrolithiasis. While pyeloplasty remains the first-line surgical treatment for pediatric UPJ obstruction, endoscopic retrograde balloon dilatation (ERBD) and endopyelotomy continue to gain traction as less invasive means of treating obstruction, particularly for failed repairs. Studies report success rates ranging from 76–100% although re-stenosis or need for revision surgery is not uncommon. Endourological options for the surgical management of primary obstructive megaureter include ERBD or endoureterotomy, rather than the open option of ureteroneocystotomy with or without tapering. Both have shown long-term success rates ranging from 70–90%, however, there is emerging evidence that these therapies may be associated with a risk of postoperative vesicoureteral reflux. Meanwhile, for stone disease, shock wave lithotripsy (SWL), flexible ureteroscopy (URS), and percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) are mainstays in the pediatric urologist’s armamentarium. Studies have shown that URS and PCNL have comparable stone-free rates, although PCNL can be associated with increased morbidity. Advancements in technology have led to the use of smaller access sheaths without compromising stone-free rates or increasing long-term complications. The use of mini-PCNL in the adult population holds great potential for use in our pediatric patients. The rise of endourology expertise and improved technology makes it an attractive option that could even be considered as a first-line option for the treatment of various urinary tract conditions. Nevertheless, there is a paucity of evidence on outcomes and complications following its use for treatment of upper urinary tract diseases in children. This review aims to summarize and present results of endourological treatments for pediatric UPJ obstruction, primary obstructive megaureter, and nephrolithiasis, as well as highlight advancements in the field of endourology that may increase its utilization in pediatric urology in the future.
Molecular detection and assemblage analysis of the intestinal protozoan Giardia duodenalis in wild boars in Korea
Authors: Lee Haeseung , Kwak Dongmi
Published: April 2023

Giardia duodenalis (syn. G. intestinalis, G. lamblia) is the only Giardia species that infects humans and most other mammals. Wild boars are a reservoir of many viruses, bacteria, and parasites that can be transmitted to livestock and humans. This study examined the infection rate of G. duodenalis in wild boars and confirmed its specificity by comparing assemblages through PCR amplification of the 18S rRNA, gdh, and β-giardin genes. Fecal samples were collected from roadkilled or trapped wild boars from April 2016 to December 2021 in Korea. DNA was extracted directly from 612 wild boar fecal specimens using a commercial kit. PCR was performed targeting the 18S rRNA region, β-giardin, and glutamate dehydrogenase genes of G. duodenalis. Some PCR-positive samples were selected for sequencing analysis. The obtained sequences were subsequently used for phylogenetic tree construction. Of the 612 samples tested, 125 (20.4%) were positive for G. duodenalis. The highest infection rate was detected in the central region (12.0%) and in autumn (12.7%). Among the risk factors, the seasonal factor was statistically significant (p = 0.012). Phylogenetic analysis revealed three genetic assemblages: A, B, and E. Assemblages A and B exhibited 100% identity with Giardia sequences isolated from human and farmed pigs in Korea and Japan. This result cannot be ignored because it indicates the possibility of zoonotic transmission. Therefore, continuous management and monitoring of this pathogen are necessary to prevent transmission and protect animal and human health.
Low-protein diets supplemented with glycine improves pig growth performance and meat quality: An untargeted metabolomic analysis
Authors: Jiang Shengwang , Quan Wei , Luo Jie , Lou Aihua , Zhou Xihong , Li Fengna , Shen Qingwu W.
Published: April 2023

For the purpose to improve meat quality, pigs were fed a normal diet (ND), a low protein diet (LPD) and a LPD supplemented with glycine (LPDG). Chemical and metabolomic analyses showed that LPD increased IMF deposition and the activities of GPa and PK, but decreased glycogen content, the activities of CS and CcO, and the abundance of acetyl-CoA, tyrosine and its metabolites in muscle. LPDG promoted muscle fiber transition from type II to type I, increased the synthesis of multiple nonessential amino acids, and pantothenic acid in muscle, which should contributed to the improved meat quality and growth rate. This study provides some new insight into the mechanism of diet induced alteration of animal growth performance and meat quality. In addition, the study shows that dietary supplementation of glycine to LPD could be used to improved meat quality without impairment of animal growth.
Implementing real-time immunometabolic assays and immune cell profiling to evaluate systemic immune response variations to Eimeria challenge in three novel layer genetic lines
Authors: Fries-Craft Krysten , Lamont Susan J. , Bobeck Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Evaluating differences in immune responses to Eimeria spp. between poultry genetic lines could be valuable for understanding favorable traits to address coccidiosis, a costly poultry disease. The objective was to compare peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) immunometabolism and composition during Eimeria challenge in three distinct and highly inbred genetic lines; Leghorn Ghs6, Leghorn Ghs13, and Fayoumi M5.1.

Methods

At hatch, 180 chicks (60/ line) were placed in wire-floor cages (10 chicks/cage) and fed a commercial diet. Baseline PBMC were isolated on d21 (10 chicks/line) and 25 chicks/line were inoculated with 10X Merck CocciVac®-B52 (Kenilworth, NJ), creating 6 genetic line × Eimeria groups total. Chicks were euthanized on 1, 3, 7, and 10d post-inoculation (pi; 5 chicks/ line × Eimeria group) for PBMC isolation with body weight and feed intake recorded throughout. Immunometabolic assays to determine PBMC ATP production profiles and glycolytic activity were implemented along with flow cytometric immune cell profiling. Genetic line × Eimeria challenge, and line´challenge fixed effects were analyzed using the MIXED procedure (SAS 9.4; P ≤ 0.05).

Results and Discussion

Before inoculation, M5.1 chicks had 14.4-25.4% greater average daily gain (ADG) with 19.0-63.6% increased monocyte/macrophage+, Bu-1+ B cell, and CD3+ T cell populations compared to both Ghs lines (P < 0.0001) but similar immunometabolic phenotype. The Eimeria main effect reduced ADG by 61.3% from 3–7dpi (P = 0.009) except in M5.1 chicks, where no ADG difference due to challenge was found. At 3dpi, Eimeria-challenged M5.1 chicks had 28.9 and 33.2% reduced PBMC CD3+ T cells and CD3+CD8α+ cytotoxic T cells than unchallenged chicks, suggesting early and preferential recruitment from systemic circulation to tissues local to Eimeria challenge (i.e., intestine; P ≤ 0.01). Both Ghs lines displayed 46.4–49.8% T cell reductions at 10dpi with 16.5–58.9% recruitment favoring underlying CD3+CD4+ helper T cells. Immunometabolic responses in Eimeria-challenged Ghs6 and Ghs13 chicks were characterized by a 24.0–31.8% greater proportion of ATP from glycolysis compared to unchallenged counterparts at 10dpi (P = 0.04). These results suggest that variable T cell subtype recruitment timelines in addition to altered systemic immunometabolic requirements may work synergistically to determine favorable immune responses to Eimeria challenge.
Isolation of Glyphosate-Resistant Bacterial Strains to Improve the Growth of Maize and Degrade Glyphosate under Axenic Condition
Authors: Mohy-Ud-Din Waqas , Akhtar Muhammad Javed , Bashir Safdar , Asghar Hafiz Naeem , Nawaz Muhammad Farrakh , Chen Feng
Published: April 2023

Glyphosate is a non-selective herbicide that is used to control perennial weeds in agriculture. However, its vast application may result in glyphosate residues in the food chain. Due to its toxicity to non-target organisms, glyphosate-contaminated soils needed to be remediated, and bioremediation is a conventional remedial method. The success of this depends on the isolation of bacteria with the ability to degrade glyphosate. The goal of this study was to isolate glyphosate-degrading bacteria from the rhizosphere of maize and wheat with a repeated application history of glyphosate for 5–10 years and test their roles in promoting the growth of maize (Zea mays) and glyphosate degradation in vitro. Eleven isolated bacteria were inoculated, and their role in plant growth was compared at different levels (100 and 200 mg/kg) of glyphosate. The results revealed that E. ludwigii improved the highest shoot length by 26% and the root length by 34% compared to the control at 100 mg/kg. The relative water contents in leaves significantly improved by 58% using P. aeruginosa at 100 mg/kg. The maximum electrolyte leakage from leaves significantly reduced by 73% using E. ludwigii at 100 mg/kg compared to the control (uninoculated). A high-pressure liquid chromatography instrument was used to assess the glyphosate concentrations. The highest degradation of glyphosate was observed in treatments inoculated with E. ludwigii (99 and 40%), P. aeruginosa (95 and 39%), K. variicola, (91 and 38%) E. cloacae (92 and 38%), and S. liquefaciens (87 and 36%), respectively, at 100 and 200 mg/kg within 28 days. These five strains demonstrated a great potential for degrading glyphosate and promoting the growth of maize in vitro, and they will be further exploited for the biodegradation of glyphosate and the growth promotion of broader crop species in situ in the near future.
Artificial Neural Network-Based Seedling Phenotypic Information Acquisition of Plant Factory
Authors: Chen Kaikang , Zhao Bo , Zhou Liming , Zheng Yongjun
Published: April 2023

This work aims to construct an artificial neural network (ANN) ant colony algorithm (ACA)-based fine recognition system for plant factory seedling phenotypes. To address the problems of complexity and high delay of the plant recognition system in plant factories, first, multiple cameras at different positions are employed to collect images of seedlings and construct 3D images. Then, the mask region convolutional neural networks (MRCNN) algorithm is adopted to analyze plant phenotypes. Finally, the optimized ACA is employed to optimize the process timing in the plant factory, thereby constructing a plant factory seedling phenotype fine identification system via ANN combined with ACA. Moreover, the model performance is analyzed. The results show that plants have four stages of phenotypes, namely, the germination stage, seedling stage, rosette stage, and heading stage. The accuracy of the germination stage reaches 97.01%, and the required test time is 5.64 s. Additionally, the optimization accuracy of the process timing sequence of the proposed model algorithm is maintained at 90.26%, and the delay and energy consumption are stabilized at 20.17 ms and 17.71, respectively, when the data volume is 6000 Mb. However, the problem of image acquisition occlusion in the process of 3D image construction still needs further study. Therefore, the constructed ANN-ACA-based fine recognition system for plant seedling phenotypes can optimize the process timing in a more real-time and lower energy consumption way and provide a reference for the integrated progression of unmanned intelligent recognition systems and complete sets of equipment for plant plants in the later stage.
An Intelligent and Precise Agriculture Model in Sustainable Cities Based on Visualized Symptoms
Authors: Igried Bashar , AlZu’bi Shadi , Aqel Darah , Mughaid Ala , Ghaith Iyad , Abualigah Laith
Published: April 2023

Plant diseases represent one of the critical issues which lead to a major decrease in the quantity and quality of crops. Therefore, the early detection of plant diseases can avoid any losses or damage to these crops. This paper presents an image processing and a deep learning-based automatic approach that classifies the diseases that strike the apple leaves. The proposed system has been tested using over 18,000 images from the Apple Diseases Dataset by PlantVillage, including images of healthy and affected apple leaves. We applied the VGG-16 architecture to a pre-trained unlabeled dataset of plant leave images. Then, we used some other deep learning pre-trained architectures, including Inception-V3, ResNet-50, and VGG-19, to solve the visualization-related problems in computer vision, including object classification. These networks can train the images dataset and compare the achieved results, including accuracy and error rate between those architectures. The preliminary results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed Inception V3 and VGG-16 approaches. The obtained results demonstrate that Inception V3 achieves an accuracy of 92.42% with an error rate of 0.3037%, while the VGG-16 network achieves an accuracy of 91.53% with an error rate of 0.4785%. The experiments show that these two deep learning networks can achieve satisfying results under various conditions, including lighting, background scene, camera resolution, size, viewpoint, and scene direction.
Effect of Phosphorus-Containing Polymers on the Shoot Dry Weight Yield and Nutritive Value of Mavuno Grass
Authors: Prudencio Marcelo Falaci , de Almeida Lucas José de Carvalho , Moreira Adônis , Freitas Gabriela da Silva , Heinrichs Reges , Soares Filho Cecílio Viega
Published: April 2023

In an effort to improve fertility, recover degraded areas and increase support for the capacity of livestock on pasture, new forms of fertilizer are being developed. Polymer-coated monoammonium phosphate (MAP) is an innovative source of phosphorus (P) for maintaining forage grass productivity. The aim this study was to evaluate the agronomic efficiency of P rates with the presence and absence of the polymer on the productivity, development and nutritional value of hybrid signalgrass (Urochloa spp.) cv. Mavuno. The field research was conducted on a dystrophic Ultisol. The experiment was arranged in a randomized complete block design with four replications and treatments applied in a factorial scheme (2 × 4) + 1. The treatments included two P sources (uncoated MAP and polymers-coated MAP) at four rates (20, 40, 80 and 160 kg ha−1 of P2O5), and the control received no P fertilization. The measured variables showed no differences between sources with or without polymer. The maximum production of accumulated shoot dry weight yield (SDWY) of the ‘Mavuno’ grass was 20.2 Mg ha−1 with the dose of 114 kg ha−1 of P2O5. The value of crude protein and in vitro dry matter digestibility showed a quadratic response with maximum production of 76.5% and 15.9% for the P2O5 rates of 37.2 and 91.1 kg ha−1, respectively, while the acid detergent insoluble fiber showed a linear increase up to the rate of 80 kg ha−1 of P2O5. No differences were observed in plant height, number of tillers, or the relative chlorophyll content between treatments.
Compost Improving Morphophysiological and Biochemical Traits, Seed Yield, and Oil Quality of Nigella sativa under Drought Stress
Authors: Abdou Nasr M. , Roby Mohamed H. H. , AL-Huqail Arwa Abdulkreem , Elkelish Amr , Sayed Ali A. S. , Alharbi Basmah M. , Mahdy Hayam A. A. , Abou-Sreea Alaa Idris Badawy
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to determine the effects of compost amendment on the soil properties, as well as the morphophysiological responses, seed yield, oil content, and fatty-acid profile. of Nigella sativa plants under drought stress conditions. In a split-plot design, the field experiment was carried out during two seasons (2020/2021 and 2021/2022), involving three irrigation regimes (named I100, I75, and I50 of crop evapotranspiration) with three levels of compost application (C0, C15, and C30). Soil porosity, permeability, pore geometry, water-holding capacity, organic content, and soil cation exchangeable capacity were improved in response to applied compost levels. The growth, physiology, biochemistry, and yield characteristics of Nigella sativa plants were positively affected by compost addition but negatively affected by increasing water stress severity. Deficit irrigation regimes increased osmoprotectant substances (i.e., proline, total free amino acids, carbohydrates, and total soluble sugar). Compared to the control (I100), deficit irrigation (I50) reduced fixed and essential oil by 16.64% and 39.57% over two seasons. Water stress increased the content of saturated fatty acids, while unsaturated fatty acids decreased. Compost application of (C30) resulted in a significant increase in seed yield, fixed oil, and essential oil of Nigella sativa plants by 34.72%, 46.55%, and 58.11% respectively, compared to the control (C0). Therefore, this study concluded that compost amendment improved soil properties and significantly mitigated the detrimental effects of drought on Nigella sativa plants, resulting in a considerable increase in seed yield and its oil content, particularly polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are distinguished by their beneficial effects on human health.
A Pig Mass Estimation Model Based on Deep Learning without Constraint
Authors: Liu Junbin , Xiao Deqin , Liu Youfu , Huang Yigui
Published: April 2023

The body mass of pigs is an essential indicator of their growth and health. Lately, contactless pig body mass estimation methods based on computer vision technology have gained attention thanks to their potential to improve animal welfare and ensure breeders’ safety. Nonetheless, current methods require pigs to be restrained in a confinement pen, and no study has been conducted in an unconstrained environment. In this study, we develop a pig mass estimation model based on deep learning, capable of estimating body mass without constraints. Our model comprises a Mask R-CNN-based pig instance segmentation algorithm, a Keypoint R-CNN-based pig keypoint detection algorithm and an improved ResNet-based pig mass estimation algorithm that includes multi-branch convolution, depthwise convolution, and an inverted bottleneck to improve accuracy. We constructed a dataset for this study using images and body mass data from 117 pigs. Our model achieved an RMSE of 3.52 kg on the test set, which is lower than that of the pig body mass estimation algorithm with ResNet and ConvNeXt as the backbone network, and the average estimation speed was 0.339 s·frame−1 Our model can evaluate the body quality of pigs in real-time to provide data support for grading and adjusting breeding plans, and has broad application prospects.
The Intestinal Microbiome in Dogs with Chronic Enteropathies and Cobalamin Deficiency or Normocobalaminemia—A Comparative Study
Authors: Toresson Linda , Suchodolski Jan S. , Spillmann Thomas , Lopes Bruna C. , Shih Johnathan , Steiner Jörg M. , Pilla Rachel
Published: April 2023

Cobalamin deficiency is a common sequela of chronic enteropathies (CE) in dogs. Studies comparing the intestinal microbiome of CE dogs with cobalamin deficiency to those that are normocobalaminemic are lacking. Therefore, our aim was to describe the fecal microbiome in a prospective, comparative study evaluating 29 dogs with CE and cobalamin deficiency, 18 dogs with CE and normocobalaminemia, and 10 healthy control dogs. Dogs with cobalamin deficiency were also analyzed after oral or parenteral cobalamin supplementation. Overall microbiome composition (beta diversity) at baseline was significantly different in CE dogs with cobalamin deficiency when compared to those with normocobalaminemia (p = 0.001, R = 0.257) and to healthy controls (p = 0.001, R = 0.363). Abundances of Firmicutes and Actinobacteria were significantly increased (q = 0.010 and 0.049), while those of Bacteroidetes and Fusobacteria were significantly decreased (q = 0.002 and 0.014) in CE dogs with cobalamin deficiency when compared to healthy controls. Overall microbiome composition in follow-up samples remained significantly different after 3 months in both dogs receiving parenteral (R = 0.420, p = 0.013) or oral cobalamin supplementation (R = 0.251, p = 0.007). Because cobalamin supplementation, in combination with appropriate therapy, failed to restore the microbiome composition in the dogs in our study, cobalamin is unlikely to be the cause of those microbiome changes but rather an indicator of differences in underlying pathophysiology that do not influence clinical severity but result in a significant aggravation of dysbiosis.
Sustainable Feeds for Animal Nutrition in Tropical Areas
Authors: Koura Bossima Ivan , Shipandeni Maria , Cutrignelli Monica Isabella
Published: April 2023

Developing efficient feeds and sustainable feeding systems is required to meet the increasing demand for livestock and livestock products [...]
Osteocalcin and Its Potential Functions for Preventing Fatty Liver Hemorrhagic Syndrome in Poultry
Authors: Tu Wenjun , Zhang Yuhan , Jiang Kunyu , Jiang Sha
Published: April 2023

Osteocalcin (OCN) is synthesized and secreted by differentiating osteoblasts. In addition to its role in bone, OCN acts as a hormone in the pancreas, liver, muscle, fat, and other organs to regulate multiple pathophysiological processes including glucose homeostasis and adipic acid metabolism. Fat metabolic disorder, such as excessive fat buildup, is related to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in humans. Similarly, fatty liver hemorrhage syndrome (FLHS) is a metabolic disease in laying hens, resulting from lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. FLHS affects hen health with significant impact on poultry egg production. Many studies have proposed that OCN has protective function in mammalian NAFLD, but its function in chicken FLHS and related mechanism have not been completely clarified. Recently, we have revealed that OCN prevents laying hens from FLHS through regulating the JNK pathway, and some pathways related to the disease progression have been identified through both in vivo and vitro investigations. In this view, we discussed the current findings for predicting the strategy for using OCN to prevent or reduce FLHS impact on poultry production.
In Vitro and In Silico Protocols for the Assessment of Anti-Tick Compounds from Pinus roxburghii against Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus Ticks
Authors: Ayub Sana , Malak Nosheen , Cossío-Bayúgar Raquel , Nasreen Nasreen , Khan Afshan , Niaz Sadaf , Khan Adil , Alanazi Abdallah D. , Ben Said Mourad
Published: April 2023

Pinus roxburghii, also known by the name “Himalayan chir pine,” belongs to the Pinaceae family. Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus tick is one of the most significant bovine ectoparasites, making it a major vector of economically important tick-borne diseases. The researchers conducted adult immersion tests (AIT) and larval packet tests (LPT) to investigate the acaricidal effect of P. roxburghii plant extract on R. (B.) microplus and its potential modulatory function when used with cypermethrin. Eggs were also assessed for their weight, egg-laying index (IE), hatchability rate, and control rate. After exposure to essential extract concentrations ranging from 2.5 to 40 mg/mL for 48 h, adult female ticks’ oviposition inhibition and unfed R. (B.) microplus larvae’s mortality rates were analyzed. Engorged females exposed to P. roxburghii at 40 mg/mL had reduced biological activity (oviposition, IE) compared to positive and negative controls. A concentration of 40 mg/mL of P. roxburghii caused 90% mortality in R. (B.) microplus larvae, whereas cypermethrin (the positive control) caused 98.3% mortality in LPT. In AIT, cypermethrin inhibited 81% of oviposition, compared to the 40 mg/mL concentration of P. roxburghii, which inhibited 40% of the ticks’ oviposition. Moreover, this study assessed the binding capacity of selected phytocompounds with the targeted protein. Three servers (SWISS-MODEL, RoseTTAFold, and TrRosetta) recreated the target protein RmGABACl’s 3D structure. The modeled 3D structure was validated using the online servers PROCHECK, ERRAT, and Prosa. Molecular docking using Auto Dock VINA predicted the binding mechanisms of 20 drug-like compounds against the target protein. Catechin and myricetin showed significant interactions with active site residues of the target protein, with docking scores of −7.7 kcal/mol and −7.6 kcal/mol, respectively. In conclusion, this study demonstrated the acaricidal activity of P. roxburghii extract, suggesting its potential as an alternative natural acaricide for controlling R. (B.) microplus.
Evaluation of Water Inrush Hazard in Karst Tunnel Based on Improved Non-Linear Attribute Variable Weight Recognition Model
Authors: Mao Xianhui , Hu Ankui , Wu Mengkun , Zhou Shuai , Chen Xinglin , Li Yajing
Published: April 2023

Water inrush in karst tunnels will cause casualties and economic losses. Thus, it is significant to objectively assess the water inrush risk level and adopt valid preventive measures to reduce losses from this disaster. The relationship between the factors affecting water inrush in the dynamic coupling system is strong nonlinear, so the attribute recognition model, which lessens the mutation points and error and causes the evaluation results to be more reasonable and accurate, is improved nonlinearly in this paper. Firstly, the assessment system was established by selecting seven factors: formation lithology, unfavorable geological conditions, attitude of rock formation, landform and physiognomy, contact zones of dissolvable and insoluble rock, layer and interlayer fissures, and groundwater level. Secondly, the multi-factor interaction matrix, C-OWA operator, and variable weight theory are used to calculate the constant weight and variable weight of each evaluation index. In addition, the linear attribute measurement function of the attribute identification model is optimized by using the non-linear trigonometric function to distinguish the risk level of the water inrush. Finally, the proposed model was successfully used in Qiyueshan Tunnel. The evaluation results of the risk level are more accurate than other methods, and they are in agreement with the excavation results. The proposed model provides a valuable reference for the risk assessment and project management of tunnel construction.
Energy Efficiency Improvements in a Portuguese Ceramic Industry: Case Study
Authors: Carvalheira Susana , Oliveira Miguel , Robaina Margarita , Matias João C. O.
Published: April 2023

Taking into account the issues associated with climate change and reliance on external sources of energy, among others, the European Union and its commission have developed a strategy for transitioning to a climate-neutral economy by 2050. In this sense, a wide-ranging package was adopted to ensure the EU meets its climate and energy targets for the years 2020, 2030, and 2050. Hence, energy efficiency is a key principle of the European Union, as is energy saving and the development of new and renewable forms of energy. The most evident force is the European Efficiency Directive, adopted in 2012, which embraced a set of measures such as legal obligations to establish energy-saving schemes and/or alternative measures in the Member States. Concerning final energy consumption, the industrial sector is the second biggest consumer of final energy and one of the major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions. Some publications have studied the effectiveness of European policies, but they generally focus on a macro perspective. Few present case studies in specific industries, especially in intensive energy industries such as the ceramic industry. In this context, its higher consumption forces it to find solutions. From a challenge posed by the company, this paper presents a case study in the Portuguese ceramic industry. This study is motivated by the high energy consumption and associated costs. The main purposes of this study are to check the effectiveness of the applied measures resulting from the audit carried out in 2018, to improve energy efficiency, and to study the feasibility of implementing renewable energy sources. This work consisted of four phases: (i) studying the significant impacts of energy costs on the company; (ii) verifying if the energy indicator goals were achieved, using the 2018 energy audit as a reference; (iii) suggesting actions to improve energy efficiency and checking their effectiveness; and (iv) studying the feasibility of implementing renewable energy sources. The measures taken not only contributed to the achievement of the company’s goals established in the Portuguese National Energy and Climate Plan but also enabled them to meet the annual and end goals for 2024 outlined in their energy rationalization plan. This was a consequence of the mandatory energy audit conducted in 2018 under the Portuguese Intensive Energy Consumption Management System (IECMS). In this sense, this case study provides a practical demonstration of how mandatory European policies and regulations at the member state level can help enterprises improve their energy efficiency. It also highlights the importance of evaluating renewable energy constraints rather than adopting them directly as a panacea.
Facility Layout Problem with Alternative Facility Variants
Authors: Kubalík Jiří , Kurilla Lukáš , Kadera Petr
Published: April 2023

The facility layout problem is one of the fundamental production system management problems. It has a significant impact on overall system efficiency. This paper introduces a new facility layout problem that allows for choosing from multiple variants of each facility. The need for choosing the most suitable selection from the facility variants while at the same time optimizing other layout quality indicators represents a new optimization challenge. We build on our previous work where single- and multi-objective evolutionary algorithms using indirect representation were proposed to solve the facility layout problem. Here, the evolutionary algorithms are adapted for the problem of facility variants, including the new solution representation and variation operators. Additionally, a cooling schedule, whose role is to control the exploration/exploitation ratio during the course of the optimization process, is proposed. It was inspired by the cooling schedule used in the simulated annealing technique. The extended evolutionary algorithms have been experimentally evaluated on two data sets, with and without the alternative variants of facilities. The obtained results demonstrate the capability of the extended evolutionary algorithms to solve the newly formulated facility layout problem efficiently. It also shows that the cooling schedule improves the convergence of the algorithms.
Effect of Calcium Hydroxide on Compressive Strength and Microstructure of Geopolymer Containing Admixture of Kaolin, Fly Ash, and Red Mud
Authors: Cong Tien Dung , Phuong Thao , Vu Minh Thanh , Nguyen Thi Huong
Published: April 2023

The current study aims to investigate the effect of calcium hydroxide on the geopolymer derived from an admixture of the natural mineral (kaolin) and industrial by-products (fly ash, red mud). The compressive strength and microstructure were studied using compressive strength tests, X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, BET method, and scanning electron microscopy. For the investigated NaOH activator concentrations ranging from 4 M to 10 M, the compressive strength of the geopolymer first increases, then decreases with the increase of calcium hydroxide content. The optimal content of calcium hydroxide, which can give the highest compressive strength of the geopolymer prepared, is about 13% wt. of solid raw materials. The geopolymer materials produced at the 8 M NaOH activator have higher compressive strength than those prepared at 4 M, 6 M, and 10 M NaOH. There is a coexistence of geopolymerization gel and C-S-H/C-A-S-H gel in the materials prepared. Both porosity and the formation of N-A-S-H/C-S-H/C-A-S-H during the polymerization process are important for the mechanical properties of materials.
Co-Optimization of Eco-Driving and Energy Management for Connected HEV/PHEVs near Signalized Intersections: A Review
Authors: Wang Ziqing , Dridi Mahjoub , El Moudni Abdellah
Published: April 2023

Currently, road transport constitutes a considerable proportion of global fossil fuel consumption, as well as CO2 and pollutant emissions. To mitigate transportation energy consumption, two primary approaches have emerged: the large-scale adoption of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs) and Plug-In Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), as well as the implementation of eco-driving strategies, which present an immediate and low-cost solution. In this context, this paper provides a comprehensive review of these two technologies and their integration for connected HEV/PHEVs. We summarize the framework of recent approaches to incorporate fusion road information in single-vehicle and multi-vehicle scenarios, respectively, wherein we compare their advantages, their disadvantages, and their effectiveness in reducing energy consumption. Additionally, we reflect on the future development directions of cooperative optimization in EMS and eco-driving strategies from various perspectives. This comprehensive review underscores the importance and potential impact of these approaches in addressing environmental challenges in transportation systems, thereby offering useful insights for new researchers and practitioners in this area.
The Influence of Vegetation Cover on the Settlement Behavior of Permafrost Subgrade in the Greater Khingan Mountains Forest Region
Authors: Xu Zhibo , Wang Guihe , Chen Wu
Published: April 2023

The subgrade construction in the permafrost forest region will aggravate the degradation of frozen soil, which will lead to the settlement of the subgrade. Based on the road project of National Highway 332 in the Great Khingan Mountains, by means of field observation, experimental testing, and numerical simulation, a thermo-hydro-mechanical coupling numerical model of the permafrost subgrade considering vegetation cover was established to analyze the influence of vegetation cover on the settlement behavior of the permafrost subgrade. The study indicates that vegetation cover mainly influences the seasonal active layer temperature of permafrost, and its cooling effect on permafrost in the warm season is more significant compared with the warming effect in the cold season. The volumetric water content of the subgrade with vegetation cover is greater than that without vegetation cover in the cold season. The situation is just the opposite in the warm season. The damage to the subgrade is mainly reflected in the settlement caused by the thawing of frozen soil. The maximum settlement of the subgrade with and without vegetation cover is 8.3 mm and 9.5 mm at the foot of the subgrade slope. After construction, the settlement behavior of the permafrost subgrade will undergo a degradation period of 3 years, a restoration period of 2 years, and finally, tend to be stable.