bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of different tillage systems and mowing time on nutrient accumulation and forage nutritive value of Cyperus esculentus
Authors: Du Yi , Zhang Yulin , Chai Xutian , Li Xiangyi , Ullah Abd , Islam Waqar , Zhang Zhihao , Zeng Fanjiang
Published: April 2023

Revealing the complex relationships between management practices, crop growth, forage nutritive value and soil quality will facilitate the development of more sustainable agricultural and livestock production systems. Cyperus esculentus is known as the king of oil crops and high-quality forage. However, there is little information about the effects of different planting modes {continuous cropping (CC)/rotation cropping (RC)} and initial mowing time on the plant nutrient accumulation and forage nutritive value. Here, in a field experiment, we designed two planting patterns, C. esculentus CC and C. esculentus - wheat RC. The leaves, tubers, roots, and soil samples were collected at three mowing time (on the 78th, 101th, and 124th days after seed sowing). Results revealed that RC significantly increased the total nitrogen (TN) and potassium (TK) content of the tuber (p<0.05), while significantly decreased the TN, total phosphorus (TP), crude protein (CP), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) contents of the leaves. Under the CC pattern, the TN, TP, and TK content of roots increased significantly on the 78th days after seed sowing, and the TK content of tubers increased significantly. Under the RC pattern, the ether extract (EE) content of tubers increased significantly on the 124th days after seed sowing, while the CP and TN content of leaves decreased significantly. Correlation analysis showed that soil pH was negatively correlated with TN content in leaves, tubers, and roots. The structural equation model showed that the soil pH directly affected the plant nutrient accumulation and forage nutritive value (β=0.68) via regulating these properties by changing soil available nutrients, anions, cations, and total nutrients. Overall, we propose that RC for C. esculentus-wheat is should not be recommended to maximize tubers and forage yield.
OsMYB7 determines leaf angle at the late developmental stage of lamina joints in rice
Authors: Kim Suk-Hwan , Yoon Jungwon , Kim Hanna , Lee Sang-Ji , Kim Taehoon , Kang Kiyoon , Paek Nam-Chon
Published: April 2023

Leaf angle shapes plant architecture, allowing for optimal light interception to maximize photosynthesis and yield, and therefore is a crucial agronomic trait. Here, we show that the rice (Oryza sativa L.) R2R3-type MYB transcription factor OsMYB7 determines leaf angle in a developmental stage-specific manner. OsMYB7-overexpressing lines produced wide-angled leaves and osmyb7 knockout mutants exhibited erect leaves. This phenotype was restricted to the lamina joints at the late developmental stage. In agreement with these observations, OsMYB7 was preferentially expressed in the lamina joints of post-mature leaves. Since OsMYB7 homologs are transcriptional repressors of lignin biosynthesis, we examined whether OsMYB7 might inhibit thickening of secondary cell walls. Although OsMYB7 repressed lignin biosynthesis, it enhanced thickening of sclerenchyma cell walls by elevating cellulose contents at the lamina joints. Furthermore, we found that OsMYB7 affects endogenous auxin levels in lamina joints, and the adaxial cells of lamina joints in OsMYB7-overexpressing lines and osmyb7 knockout mutants exhibited enhanced and reduced elongation, respectively, compared to the wild type. These results suggest that OsMYB7 promotes leaf inclination partially through decreasing free auxin levels and promoting cell elongation at the adaxial side of lamina joints.
Genome-wide association mapping and gene expression analysis reveal candidate genes for grain chalkiness in rice
Authors: Huo Xing , Wang Jian , Chen Luo , Fu Hua , Yang Tifeng , Dong Jingfang , Ma Yamei , Zhou Lian , Chen Jiansong , Liu Dilin , Liu Bin , Zhao Junliang , Zhang Shaohong , Yang Wu
Published: April 2023

Grain chalkiness is the main factor determining the market value of rice. Reducing chalkiness is an important breeding goal for genetic improvement of high quality rice. Identification of QTLs or genes controlling chalkiness is the prerequisite for molecular breeding in rice. Here, we conducted a genome-wide association study to identify QTLs associated with grain chalkiness including percentage of grains with chalkiness (PGWC) and degree of endosperm chalkiness (DEC) in 450 rice accessions consisting of 300 indica and 150 japonica rice in two environments. A total of 34 QTLs were identified, including 14 QTLs for PGWC and 20 QTLs for DEC. Among them, seven QTLs were commonly identified in two environments, and eight QTLs were simultaneously related to two traits. Based on the haplotype analysis, LD decay analysis, RNA-sequencing, qRT-PCR confirmation and haplotype comparisons, four genes (LOC_Os10g36170, LOC_Os10g36260, LOC_Os10g36340 and LOC_Os10g36610) were considered as the candidate genes for qDEC-10c1w,2wj, which could be identified in both environments and had the most significant p-value among the newly identified QTLs. These results provided new insight into the genetic basis of grain chalkiness and gene resources for improving quality by molecular breeding in rice.
Exploring the long-term sequelae of childhood sexual abuse on risky sexual behavior among Chinese transgender women
Authors: Chen Yingjie , Chang Ruijie , Hu Fan , Xu Chen , Yu Xiaoyue , Liu Shangbin , Xia Danni , Chen Hui , Wang Rongxi , Liu Yujie , Ge Xin , Ma Tiecheng , Wang Ying , Cai Yong
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Childhood sexual abuse (CSA) is a hidden but serious public health issue that can lead to a series of behavioral consequences and health problems in adulthood. It has been well documented that transgender women (TGW) have a high prevalence of CSA victimization. Moreover, risky sexual behaviors are also widespread among TGW; nevertheless, research investigating the associations between CSA victimization and risky sexual behaviors in TGW represents a gap in the literature.

Methods

Our research was carried out mainly in Shenyang of China from November 2018 to January 2019. Sociodemographic characteristics, as well as information on participants’ HIV awareness and sexual behaviors, were collected through face-to-face interviews. The impact of CSA was examined through hierarchical logistic regression, adjusted for sociodemographic factors and HIV awareness.

Results

In the sample of 247 adult TGW, 14.2% of them had a CSA history. In the previous 6 months, 30.8% of the participants reported condomless anal intercourse (CAI) and 38.5% of them had multiple sexual partners (MSP). The findings demonstrated that TGW with CSA history were more likely to take part in CAI (p = 0.001, OR = 4.252) or have MSP (p = 0.004, OR = 3.260) in adulthood. Furthermore, HIV knowledge was not a predictor of CAI or MSP, but higher HIV risk perception was associated with a greater probability of CAI.

Conclusion

Transgender women with a history of CSA were more prone to engage in CAI and have MSP in China.
Exposure, perceived risk, and psychological distress among general population during the COVID-19 lockdown in Wuhan, China
Authors: Liu Yujun , Liu Linping , Shi Zhilei
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic that has been going on since the end of 2019 impacts people on both the physical and psychological levels. However, the psychological status, especially its underlying psychosocial mechanisms among the general population in Wuhan, the earliest epicenter and hardest-hit city in China during the pandemic, has not been well investigated. This study aimed to examine the relationships between exposures, perceived risk, and psychological distress among the general population in Wuhan during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Methods

Data were from a cross-sectional online survey conducted from 20 February to 4 March 2020. Final analyses included 4,234 Wuhan respondents. A 5-item Hopkins Symptom Checklist was adopted to assess respondents’ psychological distress.

Results

It was found that nervousness, fear, and worry were the most common symptoms among Wuhan residents during the lockdown. Exposure within a close physical distance, exposure within the social network, and perceived risk are significantly positively related to respondents’ psychological distress. Moreover, perceived risk mediated the effects of exposures on respondents’ psychological condition.

Discussion

These findings conduce to identify the populations at higher risk of suffering psychological disturbance during the pandemic and are expected to inform the policymakers and mental health professionals to monitor and improve the perception of risk among the target population by appropriate interventions.
Personality traits as mediators in the association between SIRT1 rs12415800 polymorphism and depressive symptoms among Chinese college students
Authors: Wang Chenliu , Ji Lei , Ren Decheng , Yuan Fan , Liu Liangjie , Bi Yan , Guo Zhenming , Yang Fengping , Xu Yifeng , Yu Shunying , Yi Zhenghui , He Lin , Liu Chuanxin , He Guang , Yu Tao
Published: April 2023

Background

Previous research has linked polymorphisms in the SIRT1 gene to depressive symptoms, particularly in Chinese individuals. However, it is not clear how personality traits may contribute to this association.

Methods

To explore the potential mediating effect of personality traits, we utilized a mediation model to examine the relationship between the SIRT1 rs12415800 polymorphism and depressive symptoms in 787 Chinese college students. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale, while personality traits were measured using the Big Five Inventory (BFI).

Results

Our analysis indicated a significant association between the SIRT1 rs12415800 polymorphism and depressive symptoms, with this relationship partially mediated by the personality traits of neuroticism and conscientiousness. Specifically, individuals who were heterozygous for the rs12415800 polymorphism and had higher levels of conscientiousness were less likely to experience depressive symptoms. Conversely, those who were homozygous for the rs12415800 polymorphism and had higher levels of neuroticism were more likely to experience depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that personality traits, particularly neuroticism and conscientiousness, may play a critical role in the association between the SIRT1 rs12415800 polymorphism and depressive symptoms among Chinese college students. These findings highlight the importance of considering both genetic factors and personality traits when exploring the etiology of depressive symptoms in this population.
Corporate financialization, financing constraints, and innovation efficiency—Empirical evidence based on listed Chinese pharmaceutical companies
Authors: Zhu Jialin , Tang Yaning , Wei Yanyi , Wang Su , Chen Yuwen
Published: April 2023

The relationship between financialization and innovation has become a common focus of academic attention. This paper analyzes the influence of corporate financialization on innovation efficiency based on balanced panel data of listed Chinese pharmaceutical companies from 2015 to 2020. Also, it examines the relationship between corporate financialization and innovation efficiency under different levels of financing constraints and the moderating mechanisms that exist. The results of the study show that corporate financialization negatively affects innovation efficiency and that this effect has a lag; corporate financialization hurts innovation efficiency across the different regions and firm nature, with a less inhibiting effect for eastern firms and non-state-owned firms; further tests of the mechanism of action show that there is a non-linear negative relationship between corporate financialization and innovation efficiency. And the inhibition of corporate financialization on innovation efficiency decreases as the level of financing constraints rises. Based on the above findings, this study provides warnings and recommendations for pharmaceutical companies to finance their innovative activities through financialization.
Association of social capital with self-perceived eHealth literacy among community-dwelling older people: Age and gender differences
Authors: Cao Chenglin , Cao Wenwen , Zheng Xin , Ji Kai , Wu Yunwei , Hu Zhi , Chen Ruoling , Bai Zhongliang
Published: April 2023

Background

Studies have confirmed that social factors, including social capital and eHealth literacy, are important in later life. Currently, few studies are available for determining the relationship between social capital and eHealth literacy, and whether such a relationship exists among older people and there are age and gender differences in the relationship remain unclear. Consequently, this study aimed to investigate the association between social capital and eHealth literacy, specifically examing its variations in age and gender.

Methods

A cross-sectional study of 4,257 residents aged ≥ 60 years and dwelling in the community was conducted across four cities in China. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data on general characteristics, socioeconomic status, social capital, and eHealth literacy. Generalized linear models were employed to assess these associations.

Results

There were 4,218 respondents (age 71.9 ± 7.2 years; 64.8% women). Overall, social participation, social connection, trust, cohesion, and reciprocity were all statistically associated with eHealth literacy (p < 0.05), while such an association was not observed for social support (p > 0.05). Specifically, a higher level of social participation was associated with better eHealth literacy scores among participants aged 70–79 years (p < 0.001), and a higher level of social connection was associated with better eHealth literacy scores for those aged 60–69 and 70–79 years (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, no gender differences in the associations were found.

Conclusion

There is an association between social capital and eHealth literacy in older men and women. The association varis with age. The findings provide a reference for developing targeted measures to improve self-perceived eHealth literacy among older people. It is essential for achieving active and healthy aging and developing the knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, and evidence within the field of health and social capital.
The associations between working conditions and subjective sleep quality among female migrant care workers
Authors: Chen I-Ming , Lin Tzu-Yun , Chien Yi-Ling , Chen Jennifer Yi-Ying , Chan Jen-Hui , Liao Shih-Cheng , Kuo Po-Hsiu , Chen Hsi-Chung
Published: April 2023

Background

Subjective sleep quality may reflect the mental well-being of migrant care workers; however, the related occupational factors remain unclear. This study examines the association between the characteristics of care labor and the subjective sleep quality of female migrants.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, Southeast Asian migrant care workers in Taiwan were recruited using convenience sampling. Data on working conditions, including workplace setting, wage, working hours, psychiatric symptoms of care recipients, and sleep quality measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), were collected through computer-assisted personal interviews. Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to determine the independent relationship between working conditions and the PSQI global score.

Results

There were 220 institution-(47.7%) and home-based (52.3%) care workers, and 47.7% had a PSQI score higher than 5. After controlling for covariates, the lowest tertile of wages and daily working hours (> 8 h) were independently correlated with poor sleep quality. Moreover, in the stepwise regression model, wage and working hours remained the most explainable correlates of poor sleep quality.

Conclusion

This study lent support to the notion that low wages and long working hours are significant occupational factors that negatively impact the subjective sleep quality of female Southeast Asian migrant care workers in Taiwan.
Gender differences in family meal frequency and their association with substance use and mental health among middle and high school students
Authors: Luo Ting , Cummins Sharon E. , Zhu Shu-Hong
Published: April 2023

Background

Family meals are associated with adolescent health outcomes. Studies have reported that girls are less likely than boys to have dinner with their families.

Purpose

This study examined gender differences in family meal frequency and the relationship between meal frequency and other health measures, using a large and representative sample of California middle and high school students.

Methods

This study analyzed data from the 2019–2020 California Student Tobacco Survey (159,904 students in grades 8, 10, and 12). Dinner with the family 5–7 times per week was defined as high frequency. Students reported substance use (of tobacco, marijuana, and alcohol) and rated their mental health and happiness in their home life. All analyses were weighted to reflect the California student population.

Results

Fewer than half (44.7%) of students reported a high frequency of family meals, with boys more likely than girls and those who identified their gender in another way the least likely to do so (48.3%, 42.2%, 34.0%, respectively). Gender differences persisted across demographics and the quality of family relationships, and were evident as early as eighth grade. Less frequent family meals were associated with poorer mental health (OR = 1.34, 95% CI: 1.29–1.40) and substance use (OR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.21–1.32), controlling for the effects of demographics and family dynamics.

Conclusion

Gender differences in family meal frequency emerge early in adolescence and persist across demographics and family relationships. Given that family meals play a protective role in an adolescent’s life, these gender differences are concerning.
Thoughts on the construction of public health informatization for community health archives grass roots management system
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhu Chaonan
Published: April 2023

With the development of social economy and the continuous improvement of people’s living standards, people expect to receive high-level medical services, and the requirements for medical care are also getting higher and higher. However, there are still objective problems such as rising medical costs, difficulty in seeking medical treatment, uneven distribution of medical resources, low efficiency of medical services, and uneven medical quality. This paper first analyzes the significance of public health informatization construction, focuses on the elements of public health informatization construction, and expounds the status quo of health informatization construction and the existing problems in community health informatization. Then, this paper expounds the construction of public health informatization based on the grass-roots management system of community health records, and discusses the construction of a health information platform centered on the health records of community residents. Afterwards, this paper proposes and studies the functions of the community medical information archives management system from three aspects: the composition of the community medical information archives management system, the problems of system management, and the development requirements of the system, and proposes an algorithm based on a decision tree model to enhance public health informology. Finally, on the basis of experiments and investigations, Internet technology and decision tree model algorithms are introduced into the public health information system construction of the community health archives system to build a new public health information system, and the satisfaction rate can be increased by 23%.
Fatigue as a key human factor in complex sociotechnical systems: Vessel Traffic Services
Authors: Crestelo Moreno Fernando , Soto-López Verónica , Menéndez-Teleña Deva , Roca-González Joaquín , Suardíaz Muro Juan , Roces Cristina , Paíno Mercedes , Fernández Imma , Díaz-Secades Luis Alfonso
Published: April 2023

Background

Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) are considered a subsystem of people, whose mission is to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of maritime transport within the maritime system. VTS operate as a control system where Vessel Traffic Services Operators (VTSOs) must cope with a complex environment to make up for safe and efficient maritime transport, so it is essential to understand how these operators maintain control through adapting to the uncertain and dynamic environment of maritime traffic. This multidisciplinary study explores how human factors within this complex sociotechnical system, means VTS, play a role in maritime safety, specifically focusing on fatigue, which is considered a key variable for VTSOs’ performance. In this context, the research has focused on the assessment of fatigue with psychological and operational instruments to highlight the importance of the human element in CSSs.

Objective

To study the intra and inter-individual differences in fatigue ratings and their relationships with other personal and environmental variables: mental workload, work shifts, reaction time, and hours of usual sleep.

Methods

The study was conducted in two of the 19 Spanish Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers (MRCCs) with a sample of 23 active VTSOs (82.14% of the staff). Both objective and standardized subjective measures were used to assess fatigue and associated sleepiness (Borg RPE, Nasa-TLX, Stanford Sleepiness Scale, and Self-Assessment Manikin Scale).

Results

A significant positive correlation between fatigue and mental workload was found, being more prevalent in the night shift, which shows a bigger variation in these variables. A significant difference was found in the increase in fatigue experienced throughout the shift depending on the hours of usual sleep, being smaller in the group of subjects reporting to sleep more.

Conclusion

The human element is key to maritime safety related to Vessel Traffic Services, so it is of paramount importance to consider certain measures to counteract the negative effects of fatigue. A proper organization of duties on/off periods, assessment of work and rest schedules, and the implementation of fatigue management programs based on sleep education are recommended.
From hazard identification to risk assessment: The role of the prevention technician in the carcinogenic risk assessment for formaldehyde
Authors: Pattavina Fabio , Wachocka Malgorzata , Tuti Federica , Boninti Federica , Santi Riccardo , Grossi Roberta , Laurenti Patrizia
Published: April 2023

The Prevention Technician in the Environment and Workplaces (PTEW) is a health professional who works in the identification, assessment, and management of risk in living and working places. The PTEW implements specific corrective actions at reducing exposure levels to chemicals such as formaldehyde. The aim of this report was to update the formaldehyde risk assessment document (RAD). The risk assessment process was divided into three steps as follows: (1) preliminary data collection, (2) an on-site visit to identify the use patterns and process, and (3) application of the algorithm to calculate the exposure levels of healthcare workers. In addition, with the introduction of closed-circuit systems, 23 devices were evaluated to identify possible airborne dispersion of formaldehyde. The algorithm was applied in 31 hospital units and the results allowed us to classify the staff in two levels of exposure for each hospital unit; healthcare workers were classified as “exposed” or “potentially exposed.” Most of the HCWs are categorized as potentially exposed, and only workers working in laboratories are considered to be exposed. The results showed that devices must be used properly according to the user manual. To increase the level of worker safety, we have proposed to introduce closed-circuit safe handling systems and keeping the duration and intensity of exposure at the lowest possible levels according to the “ALARA” principle. The assignment of the Italian PTEW is to achieve excellence in the levels of health and safety of patients and hospital workers by pursuing a shared mission: improving the quality of public health.
Language of smell: Tracing some cross-cultural insights from past and present
Authors: Sharma Chetan
Published: April 2023

It is assumed that the human sense of smell is inferior to vision. This framework of underdeveloped human olfaction can be mainly attributed previously to its historical demotion of it by the Western, quasi-scientific ideas, and evolutionary narratives or differences in reference to other animals, such as rats or mice. However, this notion of a comparatively poor sense of smell may have derived from the narrowly focused pseudoscientific practices of the past and needs to be revisited under more recent findings. Similarly, the generalization of language as poorly connected with the olfactory system needs more cross-cultural references to support or abolish this hypothesis. Humans’ olfactory system is not inferior, but certainly different from other species and humans have excellent olfactory abilities. Humans are exceptional in detection and discrimination; in fact, they are more sensitive than rodents and dogs to some odors. Language does not constrain the naming of odors due to cognitive architecture, and the mapping of language on the senses is culturally related. Jahai hunter-gatherers were found naming odors as easy as colors. Plasticity and culture were found to have a huge influence on odor naming. No universal hierarchy of senses, such as if vision is more codable than odor, was found imposing on languages.
Shelf-life extension of traditional licorice root “sherbet” with a novel pulsed electric field processing
Authors: Akdemir Evrendilek Gulsun , Tanriverdi Hakan , Demir Irem , Uzuner Sibel
Published: April 2023

Pulsed electric field (PEF) processing of licorice root “sherbet” (LRS) by various electric field strengths (7.00, 15.50, and 24.10 kV/cm), treatment times (108, 432, and 756 µsec), and processing temperatures (6, 18, and 30°C) according to the Box–Behnken design were performed. The samples were analyzed for pH, titratable acidity, conductivity, turbidity, total reducing sugar, color (L*, a*, and b*), hue, chroma, total color difference, color intensity, color tone (yellow, red, and blue color tones), total antioxidant capacity, total phenolic substance content, and sensory properties. Results revealed that PEF processing did not adversely affect most of the physical, chemical, and sensory properties of LRS, with a maximum of 2.48, 4.04, 1.78, and 1.20 log reductions on the initial total mesophilic aerobic bacteria, total mold and yeast, Bacillus circulans, and Candida tropicalis. The response variable modeled for the PEF was found to be conductivity, with the optimum processing conditions of 6.90 kV/cm, 756.00 µs, and 7.48°C. After that, the samples were stored at 4°C and 22°C for shelf-life studies. Control samples at 4°C and 22°C were spoiled on the fifth and second days, whereas PEF-treated samples stored at 4°C began to deteriorate after the 40th day and the samples stored at 22°C after the 30th day, respectively. It was revealed that PEF is a suitable process to extend the shelf-life of licorice “sherbet” with preservation of physicochemical and sensory properties.
Contribution of pecan (Carya illinoinensis [Wangenh.| K. Koch) to Sustainable Development Goal 2 under the dual perspective of carbon storage and human nutrition
Authors: Cambareri Gustavo , Frusso Enrique Alberto , Herrera-Aguirre Esteban , Zoppolo Roberto , Leite Fernanda Figueiredo Granja Dorilêo , Beltrán Marcelo , Martins Carlos , Mendoza Carlos
Published: April 2023

This work aims to contextualize and analyze the potential contribution of pecan to SDG2 under the dual perspective of carbon storage and human nutrition. Particularly, the study focuses on the pecan agroecosystems in the Americas, representing the most important pecan-producing countries (the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru). We observed that pecan is a reliable sink for storing atmospheric C and also for quality nuts with high nutritional density. The Americas, hold a population of ca. 23 M pecan trees, with the younger tree populations and the highest C-storing potential in South America. This pecan tree population has removed 51.3 Mt CO2eq immobilizing the OC in their aboveground biomass, but if the C sequestration for the whole system is considered, the value reaches nearly 80 Mt CO2eq. From a nutritional perspective, there are different dietary needs to cover according to the country, although the common analysis output is a low proportion of nuts in the diet, which is expected to improve, given the efforts of each country to promote domestic consumption. All the mentioned countries in this study have a low pecan consumption going from 8 to 293 g per capita yr-1, which in the light of the Global Burden of Disease represents 0.08 to 3.2% of the recommended yearly dietary basis for nuts overall. The inclusion of pecan nuts in the daily diet is of utmost importance to offset the food nutrient dilution carbohydrates-based, linked to the excess of atmospheric CO2. Also, pecan orchards function as a platform to integrate sustainable systems. The global benefit of having pecan and alley crops has been proved in regions other than the Americas with interesting economic outputs leading to energizing the life of rural communities. Pecan orchards and pecan agroforestry may lead to sustainable agri-food systems, with global gains in SOC and nutritional richness and diversity. Therefore, more in-depth studies are needed not only to fully understand the functioning of the systems at a productive level but also to design and plan sustainable landscapes in rural land.
Influence of farmers’ socio-economic characteristics on nutrient flow and implications for system sustainability in smallholdings: a review
Authors: Mhoro Lydia , Meya Akida Ignas , Amuri Nyambilila Abdallah , Ndakidemi Patrick Alois , Mtei Kelvin Marck , Njau Karoli Nicholas
Published: April 2023

The rise in global human population, coupled with the effects of climate change, has increased the demand for arable land. Soil fertility has been the most affected, among other things. Many approaches to soil fertility management have been proposed by studies in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA); however, the question of sustainability remains. Nutrient monitoring (NUTMON), which combines biophysical and socio-economic features for soil fertility management, gives an in-situ soil fertility status of a given land use system, which ultimately provides guidance in proposing appropriate soil management techniques in a given land use system. In this review, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) approach was deployed for a systematic search of the literature materials. The review evaluated various studies on nutrient monitoring in SSA soils in order to understand the socioeconomic attributes and their influence on farming systems, as well as nutrient flow and balances. The review identified two dominant smallholder farming systems in SSA: mixed crop-livestock and mixed crop farming systems. Also, this review revealed that most nutrient balance studies in SSA have been done in mixed crop and livestock farming systems. However, regardless of the farming systems, the overall mean nutrient balances in all studies, particularly those of nitrogen (N) and potassium (K), were negative, indicating significant nutrient mining. The review further revealed a vast range of biophysical soil fertility management technologies; however, their adoption has been limited by socio-economic aspects including land ownership, gender, financial position, literacy level, and access to inputs. Therefore, in view of this situation, integrating biophysical and socioeconomic disciplines could address the problem of soil nutrient depletion holistically, thus decreasing the existing negative nutrient balances in the SSA region.
Promoting dietary changes for achieving health and sustainability targets
Authors: Bellamy Angelina Sanderson , Furness Ella , Mills Susanna , Clear Adrian , Finnigan Samantha Mitchell , Meador Elliot , Milne Alice E. , Sharp Ryan T.
Published: April 2023

Globally, about 21–37% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are attributable to food systems. Dietary-related non-communicable diseases have increased significantly from 1990–2019 at a global scale. To achieve carbon emissions targets, increase resilience, and improve health there is a need to increase the sustainability of agricultural practises and change dietary habits. By considering these challenges together and focusing on a closer connection between consumers and sustainable production, we can benefit from a positive interaction between them. Using the 2019 EAT Lancet Commission dietary guidelines, this study analysed interview data and food diaries collected from members of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) schemes and the wider UK population. By comparing the environmental sustainability and nutritional quality of their respective diets, we found that CSA members consumed diets closer to the EAT Lancet recommendations than controls. We identified significant differences in daily intakes of meat; dairy; vegetables; legumes; and sugar, and the diets of CSA members emitted on average 28% less CO2 compared to controls. We propose that agricultural and wider social and economic policies that increase the accessibility of CSAs for a more diverse demographic could support achieving health, biodiversity, and zero-emission policy targets.
Hydrogen production using advanced reactors by steam methane reforming: A review
Authors: Ganguli Arijit , Bhatt Viraj
Published: April 2023

The present review focuses on the current progress on harnessing the potential of hydrogen production by Methane Steam Reforming (MSR). First, based on the prominent literature in last few years, the overall research efforts of hydrogen production using different feed stocks like ethanol, ammonia, glycerol, methanol and methane is presented. The presented data is based on reactor type, reactor operating conditions, catalyst used and yield of hydrogen to provide a general overview. Then, the most widely used process [steam methane reforming (SMR)/methane steam reforming (MSR)] are discussed. Major advanced reactors, the membrane reactors, Sorption Enhanced methane steam reforming reactors and micro-reactors are evaluated. The evaluation has been done based on parameters like residence time, surface area, scale-up, coke formation, conversion, space velocity and yield of hydrogen. The kinetic models available in recently published literature for each of these reactors have been presented with the rate constants and other parameters. The mechanism of coke formation and the rate expressions for the same have also been presented. While membrane reactors and sorption enhanced reactors have lot of advantages in terms of process intensification scale-up to industrial scale is still a challenge due to factors like membrane stability and fouling (in membrane reactors), decrease in yield with increasing WHSV (in case of Sorption Enhanced Reactors). Micro-reactors pose a higher potential in terms of higher yield and very low residence time in seconds though the volumes might be substantially lower than present industrial scale conventional reactors.
Flow-controlled expiration reduces positive end-expiratory pressure requirement in dorsally recumbent, anesthetized horses
Authors: Brandly Jerrianne E. , Midon Monica , Douglas Hope F. , Hopster Klaus
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Equine peri-anesthetic mortality is higher than that for other commonly anesthetized veterinary species. Unique equine pulmonary pathophysiologic aspects are believed to contribute to this mortality due to impairment of gas exchange and subsequent hypoxemia. No consistently reliable solution for the treatment of peri-anesthetic gas exchange impairment is available. Flow-controlled expiration (FLEX) is a ventilatory mode that linearizes gas flow throughout the expiratory phase, reducing the rate of lung emptying and alveolar collapse. FLEX has been shown to improve gas exchange and pulmonary mechanics in anesthetized horses. This study further evaluated FLEX ventilation in anesthetized horses positioned in dorsal recumbency, hypothesizing that after alveolar recruitment, horses ventilated using FLEX would require a lower positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) to prevent alveolar closure than horses conventionally ventilated.

Methods

Twelve adult horses were used in this prospective, randomized study. Horses were assigned either to conventional volume-controlled ventilation (VCV) or to FLEX. Following induction of general anesthesia, horses were placed in dorsal recumbency mechanically ventilated for a total of approximately 6.5 hours. Thirty-minutes after starting ventilation with VCV or FLEX, a PEEP-titration alveolar recruitment maneuver was performed at the end of which the PEEP was reduced in decrements of 3 cmH2O until the alveolar closure pressure was determined. The PEEP was then increased to the previous level and maintained for additional three hours. During this time, the mean arterial blood pressure, pulmonary arterial pressure, central venous blood pressure, cardiac output (CO), dynamic respiratory system compliance and arterial blood gas values were measured.

Results

The alveolar closure pressure was significantly lower (6.5 ± 1.2 vs 11.0 ± 1.5 cmH2O) and significantly less PEEP was required to prevent alveolar closure (9.5 ± 1.2 vs 14.0 ± 1.5 cmH2O) for horses ventilated using FLEX compared with VCV. The CO was significantly higher in the horses ventilated with FLEX (37.5 ± 4 vs 30 ± 6 l/min).

Discussion

We concluded that FLEX ventilation was associated with a lower PEEP requirement due to a more homogenous distribution of ventilation in the lungs during expiration. This lower PEEP requirement led to more stable and improved cardiovascular conditions in horses ventilated with FLEX.
Women Entrepreneurship: Challenges and Perspectives of an Emerging Economy
Authors: Ahmetaj Bardhyl , Kruja Alba Demneri , Hysa Eglantina
Published: April 2023

Women entrepreneurship is considered by many researchers as an imminent phenomenon of the 21st century, especially for developing countries. Due to its contribution to the economy and society, recent studies have focused on investigating its motivational factors, as well as achievements. Moreover, researchers have come up with different entrepreneurial perspectives in different societies and cultures and have called for further analysis. In this context, the main purpose of this research was to assess the driving factors, challenges, and perspectives of woman entrepreneurship in a post-communist country context. As part of the data collection process, a survey was conducted with 36 female entrepreneurs operating in the capital city of Albania, Tirana. The study results reveal that, even though there are no significant differences between the percentage of women who feel that they are being discriminated against and percentage of female entrepreneurs who perceive that their gender has positively affected the business growth, there is a positive significant difference regarding the percentages of women entrepreneurs who have been supported by their families and partners and those who have received heritage from their families. Special attention is addressed to the different factors that women experience in terms of entrepreneurial development. Another aim of this research is to provide different recommendations to be taken into consideration by the policymakers to improve the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Albania.
Numerical Study of Nonadiabatic Wall Effects on Aerodynamic Characteristics of CHN-T1 Standard Model
Authors: Wang Xiaobing , Wu Junqiang , Chen Jianzhong , Li Yuping , Zhao Zhongliang , Liu Guangyuan , Tao Yang , Xiong Neng
Published: April 2023

Cryogenic wind tunnels provide the for possibility aerodynamic tests to take place over high Reynolds numbers by operating at a low gas temperature to meet the real flight simulation requirements, especially for state-of-the-art large transport aircrafts. However, undesirable temperature gradients between the test model and the surroundings will be caused by the thermal non-equilibrium, changing the boundary layer characteristics and resulting in test errors. To study the nonadiabatic wall effects on the aerodynamic characteristics of the model in cryogenic wind tunnels, a numerical study was carried out for the CHN-T1 standard model under different wall temperature gradients. A code with a finite volume method and γ-Reθt transition model were used. The analysis concluded that the change in wall temperature significantly affects the surface pressure distribution, transition position and skin-friction coefficient of the model, thus varying the lift and drag coefficients of the aircraft. The influences on the flow characteristics of both laminar and turbulent boundary layers by the wall temperature gradient were also investigated.
Effects of a Preparation Containing Amino Acids on Pakchoi Nutrient Absorption, Yield, and Quality When Grown in Saline-Alkali Soil
Authors: Xu Meng , Yuan Liang , Zhang Shuiqin , Li Yanting , Zhao Bingqiang
Published: April 2023

Saline-alkali stress adversely affects crop growth and nutrient absorption, thereby reducing crop yield and quality. Exogenous amino acids have multiple synergistic effects; however, whether a preparation containing amino acids increases the resistance of pakchoi to saline-alkali soil remains unclear. This study investigated the effects of a patented “preparation” containing amino acids on crop growth, nutrient absorption, and tolerance to saline-alkali stress in pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.), using a pot culture experiment with three successive plantings. The preparation was made using tail liquor generated during the production of monosodium glutamate. Topdressing with the preparation had little effect on pakchoi growth, yield, quality, or nutrient accumulation, compared with no topdressing treatment. However, the addition of the preparation to water-soluble fertiliser increased crop yield by 11.9–17.6%, with a 15.4% cumulative increase over the three crops. The concentrations of vitamin C, soluble sugar, and soluble protein increased by 10.2–12.4%, 11.9–22.3%, and 3.0–14.3%, respectively. The fertiliser utilisation ratio for the three crops increased by 30.5%, while the nitrate content decreased by 8.5–20.4%. The fresh weight significantly decreased when the dosage of water-soluble fertiliser was reduced to 20%. However, the addition of the preparation to the reduced-dosage water-soluble fertiliser compensated for this reduction, especially in the third crop. Our results show that the preparation improves pakchoi resistance to saline-alkali stress and restores agricultural productivity.
Use of Bioinoculants Affects Variation in Snap Bean Yield Grown under Deficit Irrigation
Authors: Rizzo Giulio Flavio , Al Achkar Nicolas , Treccarichi Simone , Malgioglio Giuseppe , Infurna Matteo Giuseppe , Nigro Sebastian , Tribulato Alessandro , Branca Ferdinando
Published: April 2023

The use of beneficial microorganisms, such as plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) and mycorrhizal fungi, for organic farming could improve the productivity and the resilience of vegetable crops. Both PGPR and PGPF are allowed for organic farming, and they represent new important tools for regenerating poor and marginal soils in transition to environmentally friendly farming. In the experiment, the effects of PGPM-based products were evaluated on snap bean in combination with two irrigation regimes. The experimental design adopted was split-plot, with the main plot represented by the irrigation regime (reintegration of 100 and 60% of the ETc), the sub-plot by the microbial consortia, and finally the sub-sub-plot by genotype (‘Domino’ and ‘Maxi’). Seeds were sown in a cold greenhouse and the growing cycle finished after 86 days from sowing. The results showed a significant increase of the yield due to the application of PGPM compared to the control. The deficit irrigation applied (ETc 60%) affected plants growth in the two genotypes and their related production differently (in average 2.20 kg m−2 for Domino and 3.63 kg m−2 for Maxi), showing a positive effect of PGPM on yield (in average 2.47 kg m−2 without PGPM and 3.36 kg m−2 with PGPM) and product quality. Furthermore, an interesting negative correlation between the number of nodules and the yield was also observed, as a consequence of their early outcome which increased plant productivity in relation to the experimental factors.
Synchronous Retrieval of LAI and Cab from UAV Remote Sensing: Development of Optimal Estimation Inversion Framework
Authors: Zheng Fengxun , Wang Xiaofei , Ji Jiangtao , Ma Hao , Cui Hongwei , Shi Yi , Zhao Shaoshuai
Published: April 2023

UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) remote sensing provides the feasibility of high-throughput phenotype nondestructive acquisition at the field scale. However, accurate remote sensing of crop physicochemical parameters from UAV optical measurements still needs to be further studied. For this purpose, we put forward a crop phenotype inversion framework based on the optimal estimation (OE) theory in this paper, originating from UAV low-altitude hyperspectral/multispectral data. The newly developed unified linearized vector radiative transfer model (UNL-VRTM), combined with the classical PROSAIL model, is used as the forward model, and the forward model was verified by the wheat canopy reflectance data, collected using the FieldSpec Handheld in Qi County, Henan Province. To test the self-consistency of the OE-based framework, we conducted forward simulations for the UAV multispectral sensors (DJI P4 Multispectral) with different observation geometries and aerosol loadings, and a total of 801 sets of validation data were obtained. In addition, parameter sensitivity analysis and information content analysis were performed to determine the contribution of crop parameters to the UAV measurements. Results showed that: (1) the forward model has a strong coupling between vegetation canopy and atmosphere environment, and the modeling process is reasonable. (2) The OE-based inversion framework can make full use of the available radiometric spectral information and had good convergence and self-consistency. (3) The UAV multispectral observations can support the synchronous retrieval of LAI (leaf area index) and Cab (chlorophyll a and b content) based on the proposed algorithm. The proposed inversion framework is expected to be a new way for phenotypic parameter extraction of crops in field environments and had some potential and feasibility for UAV remote sensing.