bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The status quo of short videos as a health information source of Helicobacter pylori: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lai Yongkang , Liao Foqiang , He Zixuan , Lai Weiguo , Zhu Chunping , Du Yiqi , Li Zhaoshen
Published: January 2024

Background

Health education about Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is one of the most effective methods to prevent H. pylori infection and standardize H. pylori eradication treatment. Short videos enable people to absorb and remember information more easily and are an important source of health education. This study aimed to assess the information quality of H. pylori-related videos on Chinese short video-sharing platforms.

Methods

A total of 242 H. pylori-related videos from three Chinese short video-sharing platforms with the most users, TikTok, Bilibili, and Kwai, were retrieved. The Global Quality Score (GQS) and the modified DISCERN tool were used to assess the quality and content of videos, respectively. Additionally, comparative analyzes of videos based on different sources and common H. pylori issues were also conducted.

Results

The median GQS score and DISCERN score was 2 for H. pylori-related videos analyzed in this study. Non-gastroenterologists posted the most H. pylori-related videos (136/242, 56.2%). Videos from gastroenterologists (51/242, 21.0%) had the highest GQS and DISCERN scores, with a median of 3. Few videos had content on family-based H. pylori infection control and management (5.8%), whether all H. pylori-positive patients need to undergo eradication treatment (27.7%), and the adverse effects of H. pylori eradication therapy (16.1%).

Conclusion

Generally, the content and quality of the information in H. pylori-related videos were unsatisfactory, and the quality of the video correlated with the source of the video. Videos from gastroenterologists provided more correct guidance with higher-quality information on the prevention and treatment of H. pylori infection.
Extreme fluctuations in ambient salinity select for bacteria with a hybrid “salt-in”/”salt-out” osmoregulation strategy
Authors: Ionescu Danny , Zoccarato Luca , Cabello-Yeves Pedro J. , Tikochinski Yaron
Published: January 2024

Abundant microbial biofilms inhabit underwater freshwater springs of the Dead Sea. Unlike the harsh (i.e., over 35% total dissolved salts) yet stable environment of the basin, the flow rate of the springs changes with random amplitude and duration, resulting in drastic shifts in salinity, pH, and oxygen concentrations. This requires the organisms to continuously adapt to new environmental conditions. Osmotic regulation is energetically expensive; therefore, the response of the biofilm organisms to rapid and drastic changes in salinity is interesting. For this purpose, we studied the metagenome of an enrichment culture obtained from a green biofilm-covered rock positioned in a spring. We obtained metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) of Prosthecochloris sp. (Chlorobiales), Flexistipes sp. (Deferribacterales), Izemoplasma (Izemoplasmatales), Halomonas sp. (Oceanospirillales), and Halanaerobium (Halanaerobiales). The MAGs contain genes for both the energetically cheaper “salt-in” and more expensive “salt-out” strategies. We suggest that the dynamic response of these bacteria utilizes both osmoregulation strategies, similar to halophilic archaea. We hypothesize that the frequent, abrupt, and variable-in-intensity shifts in salinity, typical of the Dead Sea spring system, select for microorganisms with scalable adaptation strategies.
Differences in characteristics and use of complementary and alternative methods for coping with endometriosis-associated acyclic pelvic pain across adolescence and adulthood
Authors: Mongiovi Jennifer M. , Wallace Britani , Goodwin McKenzie , Vitonis Allison F. , Karevicius Sarah , Shafrir Amy L. , Sasamoto Naoko , DiVasta Amy D. , Sieberg Christine B. , Terry Kathryn L. , Missmer Stacey A.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Over four million women in the US alone have been diagnosed with endometriosis. For those living with this disease, surgery and hormonal treatment reduce associated pelvic pain in some, while others continue to experience life impacting pain. Therefore, identification of accessible and cost-effective methods of pain reduction to compliment current treatment is urgently needed. Our objective was to quantify the prevalence of complementary and alternative methods used to manage acyclic pelvic pain and their reported benefit among women of different age groups living with endometriosis.

Methods

We used baseline questionnaire data from laparoscopically-confirmed endometriosis cases who completed a WERF EPHect compliant questionnaire in the longitudinal cohort of The Women's Health Study: From Adolescence to Adulthood (A2A). Participants with acyclic pelvic pain were asked to indicate specific methods or activities that either helped or worsened their pelvic/lower abdominal pain. Differences among age groups [adolescent (<18 years), young adult (18–25 years), and adult (>25 years)] were assessed using Fisher's exact test.

Results

Of the 357 participants included in analysis, sleep for coping was reported more frequently among adolescents (n = 59, 57.3%) compared to young adults (n = 40, 44.0%) and adults (n = 19, 31.1%; p = 0.004). Adolescents also reported more frequent use of music (n = 29, 21.2%) than young adults (n = 10, 7.0%) and adults (n = 7, 9.1%; p = 0.001). Exercise worsened pain most commonly among adolescents (n = 82, 59.9%), followed by younger adults (n = 67, 46.9%), and adults (n = 27, 35.1%; p = 0.002).

Discussion

Our analysis of participants in the A2A cohort showed that the prevalence of complementary and alternative methods used for coping with endometriosis-associated acyclic pelvic pain varied by age group. Future studies should aim to provide information that will further inform decisions in making care plans for managing endometriosis-associated pain that is effective, accessible, and tailored to the preferences of the patient.
Avatar embodiment prior to motor imagery training in VR does not affect the induced event-related desynchronization: a pilot study
Authors: Vagaja Katarina , Linkenkaer-Hansen Klaus , Vourvopoulos Athanasios
Published: January 2024

Motor-imagery brain-computer interfaces (MI-BCIs) have the potential to improve motor function in individuals with neurological disorders. Their effectiveness relies on patients’ ability to generate reliable MI-related electroencephalography (EEG) patterns, which can be influenced by the quality of neurofeedback. Virtual Reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool for enhancing proprioceptive feedback due to its ability to induce a sense of embodiment (SoE), where individuals perceive a virtual body as their own. Although prior research has highlighted the importance of SoE in enhancing MI skills and BCI performance, to date, no study has successfully isolated nor manipulated the SoE in VR before MI training, creating a gap in our understanding of the precise role of the priming effect of embodiment in MI-BCIs. In this study, we aimed to examine whether the virtual SoE when induced, as priming of avatar embodiment, and assessed before MI training, could enhance MI-induced EEG patterns. To achieve this, we divided 26 healthy participants into two groups: the embodied group, which experienced SoE with an avatar before undergoing VR-based MI training, and the non-embodied group, which underwent the same MI training without a prior embodiment phase, serving as a control. We analyzed subjective measures of embodiment, the event-related desynchronization (ERD) power of the sensorimotor rhythms, lateralization of ERD, and offline classification BCI accuracy. Although the embodiment phase effectively induced SoE in the embodied group, both groups exhibited similar MI-induced ERD patterns and BCI classification accuracy. This suggests that the induction of SoE prior to MI training may not significantly influence the training outcomes. Instead, it appears that the integration of embodied VR feedback during MI training itself is sufficient to induce appropriate ERD, as evidenced by previous research.
The co-construction and emotion management of hope within psychosis services
Authors: Brown Patrick , Scrivener Amanda , Calnan Michael
Published: January 2024

Introduction

There is a growing acknowledgement of the salience of hope for mental health service-users, in influencing care outcomes and recovery. Understandings of the processes through which hopes are co-constructed, alongside specific conceptualisations of experiences of hoping, remain limited however.

Methods

This qualitative study explored how a range of stakeholders experienced and dealt with uncertainty within three purposively selected psychosis services in southern England. In this article we focus particularly on the co-construction of hope within participants' narratives and how this emotion work shaped experiences of hoping. In-depth interviews (n = 23) with service-users, professionals, managers and other stakeholders were analysed following a phenomenological approach.

Findings

Hope was spontaneously identified by participants as a fundamental mechanism through which service-users and professionals managed uncertainty when vulnerable. Professionals were influential in shaping users' hopes, both intentionally and unwittingly, while some professionals also referred to managing their own hopes and those of colleagues. Such management of expectations and emotions enabled motivation and coping amidst uncertainty, for users and professionals, but also entailed difficulties where hope was undermined, exaggerated, or involved tensions between desires and expectations.

Discussion

Whereas, hope is usually reflected in the caring studies literature as distinctly positive, our findings point to a more ambivalent understanding of hope, as reflected in the accounts of both service-users and professionals where elevated hopes were described as unrealistic and harmful, to the well-being of professionals as well as of service-users. It is concluded that a greater awareness within care contexts of how hopes are co-constructed by professionals and service-users, explicitly and implicitly, can assist in improving health care and healthcare outcomes.
Enhancing smallholder maize shelling mechanization through the collective business model: the case of Northern Ghana
Authors: Ansah Isaac Gershon K. , Kotu Bekele Hundie , Boyubie Benedict Ebito , Bonney Joseph Ekow
Published: January 2024

This paper assessed the conditions contributing to the success of smallholder farmer groups in northern Ghana using mechanical maize shellers (MMS) based on a collective business model. A sample of 156 farmers from 18 intervention communities was analyzed using qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) to examine the conditions necessary to increase usage of MMS. The results revealed a single configuration for achieving high group MMS usage, observed in about 24 percent of the cases. This configuration comprises five sufficient conditions: high cooperation, good relationships among members, payment of financial contributions, provision of prior notice for group meetings, and obedience to group rules. Additionally, two necessary conditions identified were low conflict and reduced use of manual maize shelling. When these core conditions coexist within the farmer groups, the MMS is more likely to be highly utilized. These findings suggest that group leaders and members should encourage mutual understanding, respect individual differences, value diverse opinions, and share responsibilities to improve cooperation, foster better relationships, and reduce conflicts among members. This approach can encourage both existing and new members to utilize the services of mechanical sheller groups, ensuring sustainability. Future research should utilize alternative econometric procedures to evaluate the configurations identified by the QCA analysis, aiming to enhance the reliability and confidence of empirical findings.
Adapting to urban gardening in China: how will policymaking help migrant and native gardeners?
Authors: Xie Yusi , Xing Zhong
Published: January 2024

China’s current urban gardening promotion policies mainly focus on community gardens and lack in-depth research on the differentiated needs of different urban gardeners. To meet the diverse needs of China’s gardeners, this study proposes a typology that classifies gardeners into urban native and migrant ones based on their urban and rural living experiences in China. A questionnaire survey conducted in the core area of Chongqing city revealed significant differences and some similarities in gardening motivations and behaviors between urban native and migrant gardeners: (1) Although most of the gardeners approved of the value of food production and green scenery creation that Chinese urban gardening has, and disapproved of its value for family income generation, the urban native gardeners’ disapproving attitude towards family income generation, and their approval of green scenery creation were more assertive, while on the contrary, the urban migrant gardeners had a more robust approval attitude towards food production. (2) The urban native gardeners preferred proximity and small private spaces for a combination of ornamental vegetation and edible vegetables. In contrast, the urban migrated gardeners preferred larger areas for gardening in non-community spaces and leaned towards edible vegetables. (3) Both have shared motivations related to the recreation and ecological conservation values of urban gardening. Given the above differences and similarities, this paper proposes an urban gardening development strategy that meets the needs of the two types of gardeners in China, including space planning and design, operation, and management of gardening spaces, and organization of activities.
SDG 2 – ending hunger: the effect of Nigeria’s land titling on production output and food security of farming households
Authors: Adeyemo Temitayo Adenike , Adeagbo Adeola Oluwabunmi
Published: January 2024

Achieving zero hunger is intricately linked to sustainable agricultural production and the workings of a farming system. With land being the most important resource in smallholder agriculture in developing countries; including Nigeria; the effect of legal land ownership is a sine qua non for the process of achieving zero hunger in Nigeria. This study examined Nigeria’s attempt at making agricultural land both accessible and utilizable for smallholders in Nigeria through the Presidential Technical Steering Committee on Land Reforms in 2009. The aim was to explore the extent to which land ownership had become legalized; so that it had positive investment incentives for smallholder farmers to improve their investment portfolio on their holdings. A secondary dataset of 4,032 respondents obtained from the Living Standard Survey Integrated Survey on Agriculture (LSMS/ISA) of the 2018/2019 season, was used for the study. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and a 2-stage least square model. The apriori being that legal land ownership provided a perception of security that would enhance farm-level investment; which would therefore increase production output and hence food security. The findings revealed that although land titling was low (~12%) within the agricultural system; its return on production output was highly significant (5.3; p < 0.05). The possession of land title would also increase per capita food consumption expenditure (0.35; p < 0.05) among the farming households. On average, households with access to land titles had a significantly higher (at p < 0.01) food expenditure (N9, 868.00) than those without land titles (N6171.72). Other farm-level investment variables such as credit use, and mechanization through tractor use were significant in improving food security amidst the security presented by possession of land title. Thus, expediting the implementation and coverage of formal land registration and titling may be a first step to contributing meaningfully to the food security drive of the SDGs in Nigeria.
Astrocyte DNA damage and response upon acute exposure to ethanol and corticosterone
Authors: Reyes-Ábalos Ana Laura , Álvarez-Zabaleta Magdalena , Olivera-Bravo Silvia , Di Tomaso María Vittoria
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Astrocytes are the glial cells responsible for brain homeostasis, but if injured, they could damage neural cells even deadly. Genetic damage, DNA damage response (DDR), and its downstream cascades are dramatic events poorly studied in astrocytes.

Hypothesis and methods: We propose that 1 h of 400 mmol/L ethanol and/or 1 μmol/L corticosterone exposure of cultured hippocampal astrocytes damages DNA, activating the DDR and eliciting functional changes. Immunolabeling against γH2AX (chromatin DNA damage sites), cyclin D1 (cell cycle control), nuclear (base excision repair, BER), and cytoplasmic (anti-inflammatory functions) APE1, ribosomal nucleolus proteins together with GFAP and S100β plus scanning electron microscopy studies of the astrocyte surface were carried out.

Results: Data obtained indicate significant DNA damage, immediate cell cycle arrest, and BER activation. Changes in the cytoplasmic signals of cyclin D1 and APE1, nucleolus number, and membrane-attached vesicles strongly suggest a reactivity like astrocyte response without significant morphological changes.

Discussion: Obtained results uncover astrocyte genome immediate vulnerability and DDR activation, plus a functional response that might in part, be signaled through extracellular vesicles, evidencing the complex influence that astrocytes may have on the CNS even upon short-term aggressions.
Feasibility of in-home electroencephalographic and actigraphy recordings in dogs
Authors: Folkard Emily , McKenna Charly , Monteith Gabrielle , Niel Lee , Gaitero Luis , James Fiona May Keir
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Idiopathic epilepsy is a prevalent neurological disease in dogs. Dogs with epilepsy often present with behavioral comorbidities such as aggression, anxiety, and fear. These behaviors are consistent with pre, post, or interictal behaviors, prodromal changes, seizure-precipitating factors, or absence and focal seizures. The overlap in behavior presentations and lack of objective research methods for quantifying and classifying canine behavior makes determining the cause difficult. Behavioral comorbidities in addition to the task of caring for an epileptic animal have a significant negative impact on dog and caregiver quality of life.

Methods

This pilot study aimed to assess the feasibility of a novel technology combination for behavior classification and epileptic seizure detection for a minimum 24-h recording in the dog's home environment. It was expected that combining electroencephalography (EEG), actigraphy, and questionnaires would be feasible in the majority of trials. A convenience sample of 10 community-owned dogs was instrumented with wireless video-EEG and actigraphy for up to 48 h of recording at their caregiver's home. Three questionnaires (maximum 137 questions) were completed over the recording period by caregivers to describe their dog's everyday behavior and habits.

Results

Six of the 10 included dogs had combined EEG and actigraphy recordings for a minimum of 24 h.

Discussion

This shows that in-home EEG and actigraphy recordings are possible in community-owned dogs and provides a basis for a prospective study examining the same technology combination in a larger sample size.
Clinical and pathological observation of conversion therapy for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Deng Minying , Zhang Xinyi , Xu Chen , Luo Rongkui , Chen Lingli , Zhou Yuhong , Hou Yingyong
Published: January 2024

Background: Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a tumor originating from the pleura, peritoneum, or pericardial cavity. It is divided into diffuse and localized malignant mesothelioma, with four subtypes in diffuse MM: epithelioid, sarcomatoid, desmoplastic, and biphasic, with biphasic being less common. The onset of this tumor is insidious, and the prognosis is extremely poor in some cases, with a median survival of 6–18 months and no standard treatment options in the past.

Aims: We report a case of peritoneal malignant mesothelioma that was successfully treated with transformative therapy. We also review the literature in the hope of providing reference for the treatment and pathological diagnosis of such patients.

Methods: The case of the peritoneal malignant mesothelioma was processed and reported in the routine manner for biopsy specimens at different stages.

Results and conclusion: We report a case of a malignant tumor originating in the hepatorenal recess, which was diagnosed as biphasic malignant mesothelioma through a biopsy. Immunohistochemical testing showed PD-L1 expression. After multidisciplinary discussion, the patient received transformative treatment, including a trial of combined immunotherapy. The tumor significantly shrank, and the patient obtained a chance for curative surgical resection. Microscopic examination showed significant collagenization in the lesion area, with almost no residual tumor. After 19 months of comprehensive treatment, the patient developed multiple fluffy opacities under the pleura of both lungs. Transthoracic core needle biopsy under CT guidance, the pathology showed organizing pneumonia, considering it as delayed interstitial pneumonitis due to immunotherapy based on previous treatment history. Successful comprehensive treatment was achieved for this case of peritoneal malignant mesothelioma, and the patient has been alive without evidence of disease for 33 months, with long-term follow-up. In this process, the pathologist had three opportunities for pathological diagnosis, which required understanding the patient’s medical history, being attentive to the clinical purpose of the specimen, and providing accurate responses to morphological changes at different stages, along with corresponding descriptions and diagnoses to provide effective information for clinical treatment.
Design and Research of Series Actuator Structure and Control System Based on Lower Limb Exoskeleton Rehabilitation Robot
Authors: Zhao Chenglong , Liu Zhen , Zhu Liucun , Wang Yuefei
Published: January 2024

Lower limb exoskeleton rehabilitation robots have become an important direction for development in today’s society. These robots can provide support and power to assist patients in walking and movement. In order to achieve better interaction between humans and machines and achieve the goal of flexible driving, this paper addresses the shortcomings of traditional elastic actuators and designs a series elastic–damping actuator (SEDA). The SEDA combines elastic and damping components in parallel, and the feasibility of the design and material selection is demonstrated through finite element static analysis. By modeling the dynamics of the SEDA, using the Bode plot and Nyquist plot, open-loop and closed-loop frequency domain comparisons and analyses were carried out, respectively, to verify the effect of damping coefficients on the stability of the system, and the stiffness coefficient ks = 25.48 N/mm was selected as the elastic element and the damping coefficient cs = 1 Ns/mm was selected as the damping element. A particle swarm optimization (PSO)-based algorithm was proposed to introduce the fuzzy controller into the PID control system, and five parameters, namely the the fuzzy controller’s fuzzy factor (ke, kec) and de-fuzzy factor (kp1, ki1, kd1), are taken as the object of the algorithm optimization to obtain the optimal fuzzy controller parameters of ke = 0.8, kec = 0.2, kp1 = 0.5, ki1 = 8, kd1 = −0.1. The joint torque output with and without external interference is simulated, and the simulation model is established in the MATLAB/Simulink environment The results show that when fuzzy PID control is used, the amount of overshooting in the system is 14.6%, and the regulation time is 0.66 s. This has the following advantages: small overshooting amount, short rise time, fast response speed, short regulation time, good stability performance, and strong anti-interference ability. The SEDA design structure and control method breaks through limitations of the traditional series elastic actuator (SEA) such as its lack of flexibility and stability, which is very helpful to improve the output effect of flexible joints.
Multi-Objective Optimization for Forming Quality of Laser and CMT-P Arc Hybrid Additive Manufacturing Aluminum Alloy Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: He Shiwei , Zhang Zhiqiang , Li Hanxi , Zhang Tiangang , Lu Xuecheng , Kang Jiajie
Published: January 2024

A thin-walled structure of high-strength aluminum alloy 2024 (AA2024) was fabricated using novel laser and cold metal transfer and pulse (CMT-P) arc hybrid additive manufacturing (LCAHAM) technology. The influence of the wire feeding speed, scanning speed, and laser power on the forming quality was systematically studied by the response surface methodology, probability statistical theory, and multi-objective optimization algorithm. The result showed that the forming accuracy was significantly more affected by the laser power than by the wire feeding speed and scanning speed. Specifically, there was an obvious correlation between the interaction of the laser power and wire feeding speed and the resulting formation accuracy of LCAHAM AA2024. Moreover, the laser power, wire feeding speed, and scanning speed all had noticeable effects on the spattering degree during the LCAHAM AA2024 process, with the influence of the laser power surpassing that of the other two factors. Importantly, these three factors demonstrated minimal mutual interaction on spattering. Furthermore, the scanning speed emerged as the most significant factor influencing porosity compared to the wire feeding speed and laser power. It was crucial to highlight that the combined effects of the wire feed speed and laser power played an obvious role in reducing porosity. Considering the forming accuracy, spattering degree, and porosity collectively, the recommended process parameters were as follows: a wire feeding speed ranging from 4.2 to 4.3 m/min, a scanning speed between 15 and 17 mm/s, and a laser power set at approximately 2000 W, where the forming accuracy was 84–85%, the spattering degree fell within 1.0–1.2%, and the porosity was 0.7–0.9%.
Coupled Aerodynamics–Structure Analysis and Wind Tunnel Experiments on Passive Hinge Oscillation of Wing-Tip-Chained Airplanes
Authors: Suenaga Yoichi , Suzuki Kojiro
Published: January 2024

This study examines the wing hinge oscillations in an aircraft concept that employs multiple wings, or small aircraft, chained at the wing tips through freely rotatable hinges with minimal structural damping and no mechanical position-locking system. This creates a single pseudo long-span aircraft that resembles a flying chain oriented perpendicular to the flight direction. Numerical calculations were conducted using the vortex lattice method and modified equations for a multi-link rigid body pendulum. The calculations demonstrated good agreement with small-scale wind tunnel experiments, where the motion of the chained wings was tracked through color tracking, and the forces were measured using six-axis force sensors. The total CL/CD increased for the chained wings, even in the presence of hinge joint oscillations. Furthermore, numerical simulations assuming an unmanned airplane size corroborated the theoretical attainment of passive stability with high chained numbers (≥9 wings), without any structural damping and relying solely on aerodynamic forces. Guidelines for appropriate hinge axis angle δ and angle-of-attack regions for different chained wing numbers to maximize passive oscillation stability were obtained. The results showed that wing-tip-chained airplanes could successfully provide substantially large wing spans while retaining flexibility, light weight and CL/CD, without requiring active hinge rotation control.
A Method for Calculating the Leaf Area of Pak Choi Based on an Improved Mask R-CNN
Authors: Huang Fei , Li Yanming , Liu Zixiang , Gong Liang , Liu Chengliang
Published: January 2024

The leaf area of pak choi is a critical indicator of growth rate, nutrient absorption, and photosynthetic efficiency, and it is required to be precisely measured for an optimal agricultural output. Traditional methods often fail to deliver the necessary accuracy and efficiency. We propose a method for calculating the leaf area of pak choi based on an improved Mask R-CNN. We have enhanced Mask R-CNN by integrating an advanced attention mechanism and a two-layer fully convolutional network (FCN) into its segmentation branch. This integration significantly improves the model’s ability to detect and segment leaf edges with increased precision. By extracting the contours of reference objects, the conversion coefficient between the pixel area and the actual area is calculated. Using the mask segmentation output from the model, the area of each leaf is calculated. Experimental results demonstrate that the improved model achieves mean average precision (mAP) scores of 0.9136 and 0.9132 in detection and segmentation tasks, respectively, representing improvements of 1.01% and 1.02% over the original Mask R-CNN. The model demonstrates excellent recognition and segmentation capabilities for pak choi leaves. The error between the calculation result of the segmented leaf area and the actual measured area is less than 4.47%. These results indicate that the proposed method provides a reliable segmentation and prediction performance. It eliminates the need for detached leaf measurements, making it suitable for real-life leaf area measurement scenarios and providing valuable support for automated production technologies in plant factories.
A New Picking Pattern of a Flexible Three-Fingered End-Effector for Apple Harvesting Robot
Authors: Ji Wei , He Guozhi , Xu Bo , Zhang Hongwei , Yu Xiaowei
Published: January 2024

During the picking process of the apple harvesting robot, the attitude of the end effector holding the apple and the movement method of separating the apple directly affect the success rate of picking. In order to improve the stability of the picking process, reduce the gripping force, and avoid apple dislodgement and damage, this work studies the new apple-picking pattern of the flexible three-fingered end-effector based on the analysis of the existing apple-picking pattern. First, two new three-finger grasping postures for wrapping the apple horizontally and vertically on the inside of the fingers are proposed, and a new method of separating the stem with a circular-pull-down motion of the end-effector picking the apple is designed. Then, the pressure on the apple under different picking patterns was analyzed, and a branch–stem–apple simulation model was established. Combining the constraint conditions such as the angle between the apple stem and the vertical direction, the movement speed, the root impulse, and so on, the optimal angle of apple circular movement and the force required to realize the movement are obtained through dynamic simulation experiments. Finally, the experiments of apple picking patterns were carried out with the flexible three-fingered end-effector. The experiment shows that the best angle for apple picking is 15°~20° using the circular-pull-down movement separation method. In terms of average grasping force peaks and pressures, the combination of the vertical holding posture of the inner finger and the circular-pull-down movement separation method is the best picking pattern. In this pattern, the average peak exerts force on the inner side of a single finger is about 8.52 N, and the pressure is about 20.9 KPa.
The Importance of Lentils: An Overview
Authors: Montejano-Ramírez Vicente , Valencia-Cantero Eduardo
Published: January 2024

The legume family includes approximately 19,300 species across three large subfamilies, of which Papilionoideae stands out with 13,800 species. Lentils were one of the first crops to be domesticated by humans, approximately 11,000 BP. They are diploid legumes that belong to the Papilionoidea subfamily and are of agricultural importance because of their resistance to drought and the fact that they grow in soil with a pH range of 5.5–9; therefore, they are cultivated in various types of soil, and so they have an important role in sustainable food and feed systems in many countries. In addition to their agricultural importance, lentils are a rich source of protein, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They are key to human nutrition since they are an alternative to animal proteins, decreasing meat consumption. Another characteristic of legumes, including lentils, is their ability to form nodules, which gives them a growth advantage in nitrogen-deficient soils because they enable the plant to fix atmospheric nitrogen, thus contributing nitrogen to the soil and facilitating the nutrition of other plants during intercropping. Lentils have also been applied for protection against various human diseases, as well as for phytoremediation, and they also have been applied as environmental bioindicators to identify cytotoxicity. This review addresses the importance of lentils in agriculture and human health.
Preface to the Special Issue “Agricultural Environmental Pollution, Risk Assessment, and Control”
Authors: Kumar Pankaj , Kumar Vinod
Published: January 2024

Recent developments in agriculture have played a key role in meeting the food needs of 8 [...]
Design and Experiment of Adaptive Profiling Header Based on Multi-Body Dynamics–Discrete Element Method Coupling
Authors: Liu Weijian , Zeng Shan , Chen Xuegeng
Published: January 2024

To promote the germination of rice panicles during the regeneration season, it is necessary to ensure a stubble height of 300–450 mm when mechanically harvesting the first-season rice. However, due to variations in the depth of the paddy soil and fluctuations in the height of the header during harvesting, maintaining the desired stubble height becomes challenging, resulting in a significant impact on the yield during the regeneration season. This study presents the design of an adaptive profiling header capable of adjusting the height and level of the header adaptively. Based on the theoretical analysis of the profiling mechanism, a quadratic regression orthogonal rotation combination experiment is designed. Considering the actual field conditions, the range of each factor is determined, and simulation experiments are conducted based on the MBD-DEM coupling to establish a mathematical regression model between each factor and indicator. In the case of the profiling wheel linkage length of 562 mm, profiling wheel width of 20 mm, and profiling wheel mass of 3.6 kg, the supporting force of the header on the profiling wheel would be greater than zero, the supporting force of soil on the profiling wheel and the depth of soil subsidence represent the smallest values, and the highest sensitivity and accuracy of the profiling wheel are achieved. Bench tests demonstrated that the header exerts a force on the profiling wheel, confirming the normal functioning of the profiling. The average magnitudes of forces exerted by the soil on the profiling wheel are obtained to be 31.98 N, 31.63 N, and 30.86 N, whereas the corresponding average soil subsidence depths are obtained as 3.4 mm, 5.6 mm, and 8.3 mm, aligning closely with the simulation values. The results indicate that the profiling mechanism achieves high accuracy in ground profiling and that the structural design is reasonable. By employing fuzzy PID control to adjust the height of the header, the average error in adjustment is obtained as 6.75 mm, while the average error in the horizontal adjustment is derived as 0.64°. The header adjustment is fast, offering high positioning accuracy, thereby meeting the harvesting requirements of the first season of ratooning rice.
Super-Resolution Semantic Segmentation of Droplet Deposition Image for Low-Cost Spraying Measurement
Authors: Liu Jian , Yu Shihui , Liu Xuemei , Lu Guohang , Xin Zhenbo , Yuan Jin
Published: January 2024

In-field in situ droplet deposition digitization is beneficial for obtaining feedback on spraying performance and precise spray control, the cost-effectiveness of the measurement system is crucial to its scalable application. However, the limitations of camera performance in low-cost imaging systems, coupled with dense spray droplets and a complex imaging environment, result in blurred and low-resolution images of the deposited droplets, which creates challenges in obtaining accurate measurements. This paper proposes a Droplet Super-Resolution Semantic Segmentation (DSRSS) model and a Multi-Adhesion Concave Segmentation (MACS) algorithm to address the accurate segmentation problem in low-quality droplet deposition images, and achieve a precise and efficient multi-parameter measurement of droplet deposition. Firstly, a droplet deposition image dataset (DDID) is constructed by capturing high-definition droplet images and using image reconstruction methods. Then, a lightweight DSRSS model combined with anti-blurring and super-resolution semantic segmentation is proposed to achieve semantic segmentation of deposited droplets and super-resolution reconstruction of segmentation masks. The weighted IoU (WIoU) loss function is used to improve the segmented independence of droplets, and a comprehensive evaluation criterion containing six sub-items is used for parameter optimization. Finally, the MACS algorithm continues to segment the remained adhesive droplets processed by the DSRSS model and corrects the bias of the individual droplet regions by regression. The experiments show that when the two weight parameters α and β in WIoU are 0.775 and 0.225, respectively, the droplet segmentation independence rate of DSRSS on the DDID reaches 0.998, and the IoU reaches 0.973. The MACS algorithm reduces the droplet adhesion rate in images with a coverage rate of more than 30% by 15.7%, and the correction function reduces the coverage error of model segmentation by 3.54%. The parameters of the DSRSS model are less than 1 M, making it possible to run it on embedded platforms. The proposed approach improves the accuracy of spray measurement using low-quality droplet deposition image and will help to scale-up of fast spray measurements in the field.
Polyphenolic Compounds and Antioxidant Capacity in Native Maize of the Sierra Gorda of Querétaro
Authors: Feregrino-Pérez Ana Angélica , Mercado-Luna Adán , Murillo-Cárdenas Carlos Alberto , González-Santos Rosalinda , Chávez-Servín Jorge Luis , Vargas-Madriz Angel Félix , Luna-Sánchez Eduardo
Published: January 2024

Maize is part of the traditional diet of Mexico and other Latin American countries. The diverse varieties of maize produced by adaptation to different regions and climates are known as creole or native maize. The characteristics and nutritional contributions of each of these native maize are relatively diverse areas of study. This work specifically analyzes the nutritional aspects of creole maize grown in the Sierra Gorda in Querétaro. For this, a proximal chemical analysis was carried out, with a quantification of polyphenolic compounds and antioxidant capacities using the ABTS (2,20-azinobis (3-ethyl-benzothiazolin,6-sulfonic acid) and DPPH (2,2-difenil-1-picrilhidrazilo) methods to examine four landraces and one commercial hybrid control. The results indicate that, in general, the landraces present similar—and, in some cases, higher—nutritional indices than the commercial hybrid. With regard to polyphenolic compounds, the Elotes Occidentales and Tuxpeño varieties present greater amounts of total phenols and antiradical activity (ARA), as well as a higher concentration of flavonoids and percentage inhibition, respectively. Condensed tannins are identified both in the creole varieties and in the commercial hybrid. Creole maize presents important nutritional characteristics and can be a good source of antioxidant compounds, which can help the population as a source of food and in the prevention of chronic diseases.
Swine Wastewater Treatment System Using Constructed Wetlands Connected in Series
Authors: García-Valero Amalia , Acosta José Alberto , Faz Ángel , Gómez-López María Dolores , Carmona Dora María , Terrero Martire Angélica , El Bied Oumaima , Martínez-Martínez Silvia
Published: January 2024

The main objective of this study was to analyze the efficiency of CWs for purifying swine wastewater in order to reduce its pollutant load. The system included a pretreatment module (raw swine wastewater tank, phase separator, and settlement tank), and three constructed wetlands connected in series and planted with Phragmites australis and Suaeda vera. Three treatment cycles were carried out with a total hydraulic retention time in the wetland of 21 days for each cycle. Pig slurry samples were collected in triplicate after each treatment module, and physical–chemical analyses were performed. The results showed that the phase separator decreased the suspended solids, turbidity, and the chemical oxygen demand in the treated swine wastewater. The system enabled considerable nitrogen reductions (Kjeldahl nitrogen, NH4+, and organic nitrogen), and the highest removal was reported in the wetlands. However, the cations and anions showed different efficiencies. In some cases (Ca, Mg, and Na), the final concentrations were increased, which could be explained by their release from the substrate; however, there were no statistical differences among the CW effluents and the raw pig slurry. Therefore, the integral pig slurry treatment system with constructed wetlands increased the quality of the treated swine wastewater and thus can be used for its sustainable agronomic valorization. This thereby enables savings in inorganic fertilizers and irrigation water.
Transcriptomic Profiles of Pectoralis major Muscles Affected by Spaghetti Meat and Woody Breast in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Che Sunoh , Pham Phuc H. , Barbut Shai , Bienzle Dorothee , Susta Leonardo
Published: January 2024

Spaghetti meat (SM) and woody breast (WB) are breast muscle myopathies of broiler chickens, characterized by separation of myofibers and by fibrosis, respectively. This study sought to investigate the transcriptomic profiles of breast muscles affected by SM and WB. Targeted sampling was conducted on a flock to obtain 10 WB, 10 SM, and 10 Normal Pectoralis major muscle samples from 37-day-old male chickens. Total RNA was extracted, cDNA was used for pair-end sequencing, and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were determined by a false discovery rate of <0.1 and a >1.5-fold change. Principal component and heatmap cluster analyses showed that the SM and WB samples clustered together. No DEGs were observed between SM and WB fillets, while a total of 4018 and 2323 DEGs were found when comparing SM and WB, respectively, against Normal samples. In both the SM and WB samples, Gene Ontology terms associated with extracellular environment and immune response were enriched. The KEGG analysis showed enrichment of cytokine–cytokine receptor interaction and extracellular matrix–receptor interaction pathways in both myopathies. Although SM and WB are macroscopically different, the similar transcriptomic profiles suggest that these conditions may share a common pathogenesis. This is the first study to compare the transcriptomes of SM and WB, and it showed that, while both myopathies had profiles different from the normal breast muscle, SM and WB were similar, with comparable enriched metabolic pathways and processes despite presenting markedly different macroscopic features.
Effects of Electrolyte Multivitamins and Neomycin on Immunity and Intestinal Barrier Function in Transported Lambs
Authors: Xia Cui , Duan Chunhui , Chen Conghui , Yang Xinyu , Zhang Yingjie , Liu Yueqin , Ma Yuzhong
Published: January 2024

Animals experience stress when they are transported. In this experiment, sixty 4-month-old lambs were randomly divided into three groups: CG (basal diet), EG (basal diet + 375 mg/d/lamb electrolytic multivitamin) and NG (basal diet + 200 mg/d/lamb neomycin). The transportation day was recorded as the 0th day. Blood, liver, spleen, jejunum and colon were collected on the 0th, 7th and 14th day. The results were as follows: In EG and NG groups, the lamb weights (p < 0.01), IgA and IgG (p < 0.05) increased significantly. The concentrations of ACTH, E, COR, IL-1β, IL-6 and IFN-γ decreased significantly (p < 0.01). The content of colonic propionate increased significantly (p < 0.05). The villus height and V/C increased, and crypt depth decreased significantly (p < 0.01). The mRNA expressions of Occludin and MUC1, and the protein expression of Occludin in the jejunal mucosa, the mRNA expressions of ZO-1 and Occludin, and the protein expression in the colonic mucosa increased significantly (p < 0.01). The mRNA expression of TRAF6 and the protein expression of TLR4 in the jejunum decreased significantly (p < 0.05), as well as the mRNA expressions of TLR4, MyD88 and NF-kB, and the protein expression of NF-kB p65 and the mRNA expressions of TRAF6, TLR4 and NF-kB in the colon (p < 0.01). In conclusion, an electrolytic multivitamin could potentially improve the immunity and intestinal barrier function, and when it was added with 375 mg/d in the basal diet for each lamb from 2 d before transportation to 7 d after transportation, it had a better effect than neomycin.
Development and Preliminary Validation of an Equine Brief Pain Inventory for Owner Assessment of Chronic Pain Due to Osteoarthritis in Horses
Authors: Howard Diane L. , Lancaster Bryony , de Grauw Janny
Published: January 2024

An owner-completed questionnaire was designed to monitor the level of chronic pain and impact on quality of life in horses with osteoarthritis (OA). A standardized approach to develop and validate subjective-state scales for clinical use was followed. Scale items were generated through literature review, focus group meetings, and expert panel evaluation. The draft tool was tested for reading level and language ambiguity and piloted in 25 owners/caregivers of horses with osteoarthritis, with factor analysis performed on responses. The resulting revised questionnaire is currently undergoing validation in a larger sample population of 60 OA and 20 sound control horses. In the pilot group, 21 people (84%) found the questionnaire easy to complete and 22 people (88%) found it useful. It could be completed within 5 min by all participants. Readability scores (Flesch Reading Ease Score, Flesch–Kincaid grade level, SMOG index) indicated an English language reading level comparable to that of 6th to 7th grade in the U.S. system (age 11–12 years). Cronbach’s alpha of all items in the tool was 0.957, indicating excellent inter-item correlation. Interim analysis for 23 OA horses from the sample population showed good test–retest reliability and higher scores compared to 5 control horses. Full validation must be completed for the instrument to be used in clinical practice.