bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gametocidal genes: from a discovery to the application in wheat breeding
Authors: Said Mahmoud , Gaál Eszter , Farkas András , Molnár István , Bartoš Jan , Doležel Jaroslav , Cabrera Adoración , Endo Takashi R.
Published: April 2024

Some species of the genus Aegilops, a wild relative of wheat, carry chromosomes that after introducing to wheat exhibit preferential transmission to progeny. Their selective retention is a result of the abortion of gametes lacking them due to induced chromosomal aberrations. These chromosomes are termed Gametocidal (Gc) and, based on their effects, they are categorized into three types: mild, intense or severe, and very strong. Gc elements within the same homoeologous chromosome groups of Aegilops (II, III, or IV) demonstrate similar Gc action. This review explores the intriguing dynamics of Gc chromosomes and encompasses comprehensive insights into their source species, behavioral aspects, mode of action, interactions, suppressions, and practical applications of the Gc system in wheat breeding. By delving into these areas, this work aims to contribute to the development of novel plant genetic resources for wheat breeding. The insights provided herein shed light on the utilization of Gc chromosomes to produce chromosomal rearrangements in wheat and its wild relatives, thereby facilitating the generation of chromosome deletions, translocations, and telosomic lines. The Gc approach has significantly advanced various aspects of wheat genetics, including the introgression of novel genes and alleles, molecular markers and gene mapping, and the exploration of homoeologous relationships within Triticeae species. The mystery lies in why gametes possessing Gc genes maintain their normality while those lacking Gc genes suffer abnormalities, highlighting an unresolved research gap necessitating deeper investigation.
Comprehensive genomic characterization and expression analysis of calreticulin gene family in tomato
Authors: Muhammad Tayeb , Yang Tao , Wang Baike , Yang Haitao , Tuerdiyusufu Diliaremu , Wang Juan , Yu Qinghui
Published: April 2024

Calreticulin (CRT) is a calcium-binding endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein that has been identified for multiple cellular processes, including protein folding, regulation of gene expression, calcium (Ca2+) storage and signaling, regeneration, and stress responses. However, the lack of information about this protein family in tomato species highlights the importance of functional characterization. In the current study, 21 CRTs were identified in four tomato species using the most recent genomic data and performed comprehensive bioinformatics and SlCRT expression in various tissues and treatments. In the bioinformatics analysis, we described the physiochemical properties, phylogeny, subcellular positions, chromosomal location, promoter analysis, gene structure, motif distribution, protein structure and protein interaction. The phylogenetic analysis classified the CRTs into three groups, consensus with the gene architecture and conserved motif analyses. Protein structure analysis revealed that the calreticulin domain is highly conserved among different tomato species and phylogenetic groups. The cis-acting elements and protein interaction analysis indicate that CRTs are involved in various developmental and stress response mechanisms. The cultivated and wild tomato species exhibited similar gene mapping on chromosomes, and synteny analysis proposed that segmental duplication plays an important role in the evolution of the CRTs family with negative selection pressure. RNA-seq data analysis showed that SlCRTs were differentially expressed in different tissues, signifying the role of calreticulin genes in tomato growth and development. qRT-PCR expression profiling showed that all SlCRTs except SlCRT5 were upregulated under PEG (polyethylene glycol) induced drought stress and abscisic acid (ABA) treatment and SlCRT2 and SlCRT3 were upregulated under salt stress. Overall, the results of the study provide information for further investigation of the functional characterization of the CRT genes in tomato.
Is it possible for sustainability? The case from the new capital city of Indonesia
Authors: Agustino Leo , Hikmawan M. Dian , Silas Jonah
Published: April 2024

The decision to relocate the nation’s capital from Jakarta is not without reason. Jakarta, the nation’s capital, is regarded as less than ideal, with numerous issues such as flooding, air pollution, poor water quality, and political and environmental sustainability. This research will be based on the framework of ecological citizenship to investigate active citizens. The lesson from other countries that relocate their capital city as a comparison. This research uses a qualitative research method with a literature study type of research. reviewing several previous studies on citizenship and academic texts on moving the nation’s capital, studies on moving the capital, and legislation on the nation’s capital. This research tries to find how the possibility of environment sustainability in the new capital project. Ecological concerns have not been on the agenda of public discussion. Moreover, this research provides more information on the opportunity of ecological citizenship community in Indonesia’s new capital city project, in the context of the sustainability agenda.
Foreign language anxiety research in System between 2004 and 2023: looking back and looking forward
Authors: Yu Qiangfu
Published: April 2024

With the deepening of the research on emotional factors, foreign language anxiety (FLA) has become the focus of researchers in the field of foreign language learning (FLL) and teaching. This paper aims to provide an overview of the historical trajectory of FLA research that has been published in System between 2004 and 2023. While examining the retrieved 49 studies, focus has been laid on the methodologies including research instruments, methods, participants, major themes and key findings of FLA research. Although almost all of the studies employed quantitative and mix-methods methodologies, questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were the most preferred research methods. FL learners from 21 countries/regions were represented, but a significant number of the studies came from China, Japan and Iran. And an overwhelming majority of the studies focused on FLA among the learners learning English as a foreign language (EFL). The review concluded with some research lacunae and possible directions for future research on FLA.
Overindebtedness, unemployment, and poor mental health – and the role of sense of control: a population-based Swiss study
Authors: Hämmig Oliver
Published: April 2024

Background

Both overindebtedness and unemployment are critical life events that can result in or lead to poor mental health. What is less known is that the two partly interrelated events frequently go along with a feeling of loss or lack of control in life, which could be the main reason why they are associated with poor mental health. This has not been examined in previous research, particularly not in this combination.

Methods

This study used and merged two cross-sectional data sets. Data collected in 2019 on 219 overindebted clients of the four official debt advisory centers in the Canton of Zurich were linked with a comparable subsample of 1,997 respondents from the Swiss Health Survey of 2017. The entire study population covered 2,216 adult individuals living in the Canton of Zurich.

Results

The prevalence of no or low sense of control, medium to high psychological distress, and moderate to major depression was much higher among the 44 solely unemployed (36/30/12%), the 189 solely overindebted (73/83/53%), and particularly among the 30 unemployed and overindebted (93/97/60%) than among all 1,953 other survey participants (21/13/7%). Unemployment, overindebtedness, and a (resulting) lack or loss of control were all found to be strong risk factors for the two mental health outcomes under study. Associations, or rather negative health effects, were partly but not fully mediated by the sense of control. Overindebtedness much more strongly predicted psychological distress (ß = −0.37) and depression (ß = 0.17) than unemployment (ß = −0.05/0.01). The sense of control turned out to be an independent explanatory factor for poor mental health and even the strongest of all (ß = 0.49/−0.59).

Conclusion

Improving a person’s control beliefs could be a promising measure for preventing mental health disorders in general and in people who are unemployed and/or overindebted in particular.
Case report: The first description of a thyroglossal duct cyst in a hen (Gallus gallus domesticus)
Authors: Pop Romelia , Oren Stephanie , Negoescu Andrada , Cătoi Cornel , Tăbăran Alexandru-Flaviu
Published: April 2024

Thyroglossal duct cyst represents a congenital anomaly of the cervical region, rarely documented in animals. Although previously reported in dogs, cats, horses, goats, pigs, and calves, never in birds. This report describes a rare case of thyroglossal duct cyst in a hen. A necropsy of a Transylvanian Naked Neck hen carried following diphtheroid mucocutaneous lesions. The necropsy revealed a large, cyst-like structure measuring 0.5 cm at the level of the caudal edge of the left thyroid gland. Histologically, the cystic mass, bordered by 1–2 lines of well-differentiated ciliated cuboidal cells, presented nuclear immunoreactivity for Thyroid transcription factor 1. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, there are no previous records of thyroglossal duct cysts in avians. Moreover, this is the first case describing a thyroglossal duct cyst in a hen.
Exploring Sex Differences in Risk Factors and Quality of Life Among Tuberculosis Patients in Herat, Afghanistan: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Shayan Nasar Ahmad , Rahimi Ali , Stranges Saverio , Thind Amardeep
Published: April 2024

Objectives: Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant public health concern in Afghanistan, with a high burden of disease in the western province of Herat. This study explored the risk factors of TB and TB’s impact on the quality of life of patients in Herat.

Methods: A total of 422 TB patients and 514 controls were recruited at Herat Regional Hospital and relevant TB laboratories between October 2020 and February 2021. Data was collected through interviews using a structured questionnaire and the SF-36 questionnaire. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, Multivariate General Linear Model, and logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the data.

Results: The results showed that male sex (p = 0.023), chronic disease (p = 0.038), lower education levels (p < 0.001), and worse health status (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with higher odds of TB infection. The study also found that TB patients had significantly lower quality of life scores in almost all components (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: This study provides important insights into the specific ways in which TB affects the wellbeing of patients in Afghanistan. The findings highlight the importance of addressing the psychological and social dimensions of TB.
The Social Construction of Aging Among a Clinic-Based Population and Their Healthcare Workers in Zambia
Authors: Sharma Anjali , Mwamba Chanda , St Clair-Sullivan Natalie , Chihota Belinda V. , Pry Jake M. , Bolton-Moore Carolyn , Vinikoor Michael J. , Muula Guy K. , Daultrey Harriet , Gittelsohn Joel , Mulenga Lloyd. B. , Siyumbwa Namasiku , Wandeler Gilles , Vera Jaime H.
Published: April 2024

Objectives:

We sought to understand the social construction of aging in a clinic-based population, with and without HIV, to address gaps in care for older individuals living with HIV in Zambia.

Methods:

Our exploratory qualitative study included 36 in-depth interviews with clinic clients and four focus group discussions with 36 professional and lay healthcare workers providing services to the clients. We identified themes based on social construction theory.

Results:

At the individual level, aging was multidimensional, perceived both as an achievement in the HIV era and as a period of cognitive, physical, and economic decline. In social interactions, older individuals were often stereotyped and treated as helpless, poor, and “witches.” Those living with HIV faced the additional stigma of being labeled as promiscuous. Some of the participants living without HIV refused to take daily medication for non-communicable diseases to avoid being mistaken for taking antiretroviral therapy for HIV. Older individuals wanted quality healthcare and family support to address the intersectional stigma of aging, poverty, and chronic illness.

Conclusion:

Multifaceted interventions are required to combat age-related prejudice, intersectional stigma, and discriminatory practices, particularly for people living with HIV.
Security and Ownership in User-Defined Data Meshes
Authors: Pingos Michalis , Christodoulou Panayiotis , Andreou Andreas S.
Published: April 2024

Data meshes are an approach to data architecture and organization that treats data as a product and focuses on decentralizing data ownership and access. It has recently emerged as a field that presents quite a few challenges related to data ownership, governance, security, monitoring, and observability. To address these challenges, this paper introduces an innovative algorithmic framework leveraging data blueprints to enable the dynamic creation of data meshes and data products in response to user requests, ensuring that stakeholders have access to specific portions of the data mesh as needed. Ownership and governance concerns are addressed through a unique mechanism involving Blockchain and Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs). This facilitates the secure and transparent transfer of data ownership, with the ability to mint time-based NFTs. By combining these advancements with the fundamental tenets of data meshes, this research offers a comprehensive solution to the challenges surrounding data ownership and governance. It empowers stakeholders to navigate the complexities of data management within a decentralized architecture, ensuring a secure, efficient, and user-centric approach to data utilization. The proposed framework is demonstrated using real-world data from a poultry meat production factory.
A Multi-Stage Method for Logo Detection in Scanned Official Documents Based on Image Processing
Authors: Guijarro María , Bayon Juan , Martín-Carabias Daniel , Recas Joaquín
Published: April 2024

A logotype is a rectangular region defined by a set of characteristics, which come from the pixel information and region shape, that differ from those of the text. In this paper, a new method for automatic logo detection is proposed and tested using the public Tobacco800 database. Our method outputs a set of regions from an official document with a high probability to contain a logo using a new approach based on the variation of the feature rectangles method available in the literature. Candidate regions were computed using the longest increasing run algorithm over the document blank lines’ indices. Those regions were further refined by using a feature-rectangle-expansion method with forward checking, where the rectangle expansion can occur in parallel in each region. Finally, a C4.5 decision tree was trained and tested against a set of 1291 official documents to evaluate its performance. The strategic combination of the three previous steps offers a precision and recall for logo detention of 98.9% and 89.9%, respectively, being also resistant to noise and low-quality documents. The method is also able to reduce the processing area of the document while maintaining a low percentage of false negatives.
Research on Solving the Structural Instability of Composite Propellants by Using Non-Ablative Cladding Layers
Authors: Zhang Gang , Zhan Mingming , Feng Wen , Tan Youwen , Liu Yang , Hui Weihua
Published: April 2024

In a high-temperature test of the gas generator with a free-loading composite propellant, an abnormal jitter appeared in the latter part of the internal ballistic curve, whereas no such abnormality was observed in the low-temperature and normal-temperature tests. To investigate the cause, quasi-steady-state simulations of the internal flow field, as well as strength and buckling simulations of the grain, were conducted. The strength simulation revealed that the maximum stress experienced by the composite propellant during operation at 323 K is 0.7 MPa, which is lower than the ultimate stress of the grain (1.01 MPa), indicating no stress failure. The buckling simulation demonstrated that the instability arises from an imbalance of pressure on the inner and outer surfaces of the grain. In the original structure, the ventilation effect on each surface of the grain varied with the regression of the burning surface, leading to a pressure imbalance on the inner and outer surfaces of the composite propellant. Consequently, a non-ablative cladding layer was applied to ensure that the ventilation effect of each channel remains constant. The simulation demonstrated that the pressure on the surfaces of the composite propellant gradually balanced with the operation of the gas generator. Upon retesting at high temperatures, no abnormal jitter was observed in the internal ballistic curve. This indicates that maintaining a constant ventilation area for the combustion chamber and preventing changes in the ventilation effect can ensure the structural integrity of the composite propellant during operation. The working state of the composite propellant with this non-ablative cladding layer is not affected by variations in the design of the solid rocket motor. This approach enhances the adaptability and reliability of the free-loading composite propellant under different motor structures.
Vegetable Production in PFALs: Control of Micro-Environmental Factors, Principal Components and Automated Systems
Authors: Bantis Filippos , Chatzigeorgiou Ioanna , Sismanis Michail , Ntinas Georgios K. , Koukounaras Athanasios
Published: April 2024

Plant factories with artificial lighting (PFALs) are indoor crop production systems aiming at the growth of high-value products in terms of yield and quality, while maximizing resource use efficiency. The emergence of PFALs opened a new world for crop production and offered an option to tackle problems related to climate change, land availability, and urban/peri-urban farming. This was made possible upon major technological advancements and extensive research in the field of controlled environment agriculture, which paved the way for the establishment of such cost-efficient and climate-unaffected modules of vegetable and other crops’ production. In the present review, we have examined the recent research achievements regarding the micro-environmental factors, the principal components, as well as the automated systems used for plant production in PFALs. Ultimately, we provide the reader with a number of future perspectives that can be considered for indoors cultivation in the following years.
Challenges in Sustainable Agriculture—The Role of Organic Amendments
Authors: Matisic Manuel , Dugan Ivan , Bogunovic Igor
Published: April 2024

Soil degradation threatens global food security and environmental sustainability, necessitating effective soil management strategies. This review comprehensively examines the impact of organic soil amendments on soil quality and productivity across various soil types and climatic conditions. A review of significant research related to organic amendments was performed using encompassed data from online search engines for studies published up until 31 December 2023. Despite their heterogeneity and use of varying methodologies, the data were narratively synthesized, providing a comprehensive understanding of amendment-induced changes in the chemical and physical properties of soil and the effectiveness of restoration on soil degradation. Organic amendments, including compost, vermicompost, biochar, and pomace, are pivotal in enhancing soil quality by increasing soil organic matter content, fostering aggregate formation, and improving soil structure in the short term. They positively influence water retention capacity, pH levels, nutrient availability, and carbon sequestration. In several studies, amendment-induced changes were absent, indicating that the effects of amendments vary depending on soil texture, application rates, and cropping systems, which emphasizes the need for tailored, sustainable soil management practices. This study concludes that organic amendments are a promising option for structure improvement and organic matter accumulation. It further suggests that an approach that integrates various methods is essential in order to meet desirable soil quality and retain agricultural productivity and offers valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers. Organic amendments can improve soil ecosystem services and contribute to climate change adaptation. In the future, more attention should be directed to tillage management and soil amendment interaction, as well as their effectiveness over specific periods of time.
Walnut Recognition Method for UAV Remote Sensing Images
Authors: Wu Mingjie , Yun Lijun , Xue Chen , Chen Zaiqing , Xia Yuelong
Published: April 2024

During the process of walnut identification and counting using UAVs in hilly areas, the complex lighting conditions on the surface of walnuts somewhat affect the detection effectiveness of deep learning models. To address this issue, we proposed a lightweight walnut small object recognition method called w-YOLO. We reconstructed the feature extraction network and feature fusion network of the model to reduce the volume and complexity of the model. Additionally, to improve the recognition accuracy of walnut objects under complex lighting conditions, we adopted an attention mechanism detection layer and redesigned a set of detection heads more suitable for walnut small objects. A series of experiments showed that when identifying walnut objects in UAV remote sensing images, w-YOLO outperforms other mainstream object detection models, achieving a mean Average Precision (mAP0.5) of 97% and an F1-score of 92%, with parameters reduced by 52.3% compared to the YOLOv8s model. Effectively addressed the identification of walnut targets in Yunnan, China, under the influence of complex lighting conditions.
A Study of the Relationship between Initial Grape Yield and Soil Properties Based on Organic Fertilization
Authors: Wu Yuxia , Luo Zhengcheng , Qi Liang , Zhang Rui , Wang Yanxiu
Published: April 2024

Increasing the use of organic fertilizers is an effective measure to improve, increase soil fertility and maintain crop yields. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of different types of organic fertilizers on the early yield of grapes and soil parameters, as well as the relationship between soil parameters and grape yield under fertilization conditions. The ‘Shine Muscat’ grape was used as the material, with early maturing cultivation in the solar greenhouse. From the time of grape planting, three-year continuous fertilization management was carried out using five types of base fertilizers: chemical fertilizer (CK), fermented corn stalk residue (A1), mature sheep manure (A2) and two types of commercial organic fertilizers (B1 and B2). In the third year, berry and soil samples were collected to determine grape yield and evaluate soil physicochemical properties, nutrient status and changes in enzyme activity, studying the relationship between grape yield and soil indicators. The results show that compared to CK, the grape yields with B1 and B2 increased by 19.04% and 16.26%, respectively, while A1 and A2 decreased by 24.09% and 18.97%. Organic fertilizer application reduced soil bulk density, increased soil porosity, enhanced soil organic matter content and effectively buffered soil pH levels. Two types of commercial fertilizers (B1 and B2) improved soil total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, available nitrogen and available phosphorus content to varying degrees. All organic fertilizer treatments effectively increased soil enzyme activity, except for soil sucrase activity. Through correlation and regression analyses, it was found that in this study, the levels of available nitrogen, available potassium and soil saccharase activity were most closely related to early grape yield. Their influence on grape yield was in the order of available nitrogen > soil saccharase activity > available potassium. Therefore, with a combined organic and inorganic basal fertilization system, the fertilizer nutrients are more comprehensive and help to increase the productivity of grapes at the beginning of the fruiting period. Nitrogen and phosphorus are very important in the maintaining of grape yields and improving sucrose activity in the soil through the application of organic fertilizers cannot be ignored when increasing yields.
An Advancing GCT-Inception-ResNet-V3 Model for Arboreal Pest Identification
Authors: Li Cheng , Tian Yunxiang , Tian Xiaolin , Zhai Yikui , Cui Hanwen , Song Mengjie
Published: April 2024

The significance of environmental considerations has been highlighted by the substantial impact of plant pests on ecosystems. Addressing the urgent demand for sophisticated pest management solutions in arboreal environments, this study leverages advanced deep learning technologies to accurately detect and classify common tree pests, such as “mole cricket”, “aphids”, and “Therioaphis maculata (Buckton)”. Through comparative analysis with the baseline model ResNet-18 model, this research not only enhances the SE-RegNetY and SE-RegNet models but also introduces innovative frameworks, including GCT-Inception-ResNet-V3, SE-Inception-ResNet-V3, and SE-Inception-RegNetY-V3 models. Notably, the GCT-Inception-ResNet-V3 model demonstrates exceptional performance, achieving a remarkable average overall accuracy of 94.59%, average kappa coefficient of 91.90%, average mAcc of 94.60%, and average mIoU of 89.80%. These results signify substantial progress over conventional methods, outperforming the baseline model’s results by margins of 9.1%, nearly 13.7%, 9.1%, and almost 15% in overall accuracy, kappa coefficient, mAcc, and mIoU, respectively. This study signifies a considerable step forward in blending sustainable agricultural practices with environmental conservation, setting new benchmarks in agricultural pest management. By enhancing the accuracy of pest identification and classification in agriculture, it lays the groundwork for more sustainable and eco-friendly pest control approaches, offering valuable contributions to the future of agricultural protection.
Effects of Different Organic Fertilizer Substitutions for Chemical Nitrogen Fertilizer on Soil Fertility and Nitrogen Use Efficiency of Foxtail Millet
Authors: Wang Jiang , Han Genlan , Duan Yanyan , Han Ruihua , Shen Xiao , Wang Chenyang , Zhao Lijie , Nie Mengen , Du Huiling , Yuan Xiangyang , Dong Shuqi
Published: April 2024

Conventional fertilizer management can destroy the structure of soil. Replacing chemical fertilizers with organic fertilizers can improve soil quality and nitrogen use efficiency. We aimed to study the effects of organic fertilizer substitutions for chemical nitrogen fertilizer on soil fertility and nitrogen use efficiency in order to clarify the effectiveness of the available nutrient management measures in improving soil quality and increasing foxtail millet yield. A field experiment was carried out over two consecutive years, and a total of six treatments were set up: no fertilizer (CK), chemical nitrogen fertilizer alone (N), the substitution of 25% of chemical nitrogen fertilizer with bio-organic fertilizer (N25A1), the substitution of 25% of chemical nitrogen fertilizer with fermented mealworm manure (N25B1), the substitution of 50% of chemical nitrogen fertilizer with bio-organic fertilizer (N50A2), and the substitution of 50% of chemical nitrogen fertilizer with fermented mealworm manure (N50B2). The results of this study show the following: (1) Compared with chemical nitrogen fertilizer, the substitution of organic fertilizer for nitrogen fertilizer reduced the bulk density and solid phase of the soil, and it increased the total porosity, water content, liquid phase, and gas phase of the soil. (2) Compared with nitrogen fertilizer, the use of an organic fertilizer increased the contents of nitrate nitrogen, ammonium nitrogen, and total nitrogen in the soil by 13.59~52.56%, 4.47~18.27%, and 4.40~12.09%, respectively. The content of alkaline nitrogen increased by 1.70~32.37%, and the contents of soil available potassium, available phosphorus, and organic matter also increased. (3) The activities of sucrase, urease, glutaminase, and asparaginase were improved by replacing chemical nitrogen fertilizer with organic fertilizer. The N25 treatments performed better than the N50 treatments, and fermented mealworm manure performed better than biological organic fertilizer. (4) A moderate application of organic fertilizer (N25) can increase the grain yield, ear weight, grain weight, and 1000-grain weight of foxtail millet, whereas excessive application of organic fertilizer (N50) can reduce foxtail millet yield. (5) Replacing chemical nitrogen fertilizer with organic fertilizer can improve the agronomic use efficiency, physiological efficiency, biased productivity, harvest index, and apparent use efficiency of nitrogen fertilizer. In this study, the substitution of 25% of chemical nitrogen fertilizer with fermented mealworm manure was the best combination for restoring crop productivity and soil quality.
Long-Term Effects of Different Tillage Systems and Their Impact on Soil Properties and Crop Yields
Authors: Steponavičienė Vaida , Žiūraitis Giedrius , Rudinskienė Aušra , Jackevičienė Karolina , Bogužas Vaclovas
Published: April 2024

The scientific aim of this article is to elucidate the effects of various tillage practices on soil properties and crop yields; additionally, it seeks to highlight the significant potential of specific farming systems in enhancing soil organic carbon, thereby positively influencing CO2 emissions from soil. In the experimental station of Vytautas Magnus University, Kaunas District, Lithuania (54°52′50″ N and 23°49′41″ E), a long-term field experiment has been established since 1999, and studies have been conducted since 2003. The soil of the experimental site is classified as Epieutric Endocalcaric Planosol (Endoclayic, Episiltic, Aric, Drainic, Endoraptic, Uterquic), according to the World Reference Base (WRB, 2022). Two primary factors were assessed. Factor A incorporated practices of straw removal versus straw chopping and spreading, while Factor B evaluated a spectrum of tillage techniques: conventional deep plowing and two no-tillage practices, one of which involved cover crops. The findings from this long-term study highlight a significant increase in SOC stocks across all treatments over the 20-year period. Notably, the no-tillage practices, coupled with the spreading of chopped straw, demonstrated the most substantial growth in SOC levels, particularly in the top 0–10 cm soil layer. This trend underscores the effectiveness of minimizing soil disturbance and incorporating organic matter in boosting SOC stocks. The different tillage systems influence CO2 emissions from soil. Initially, direct sowing into uncultivated land, both with and without cover crops, led to a notable reduction in CO2 emissions compared to conventional plowing. However, this effect was found to vary over the growth cycle of the plant, highlighting the dynamic interaction between tillage practices, soil properties, and environmental conditions. Collaborative research efforts that involve farmers, scientists, policymakers, and other stakeholders are crucial for the development of holistic, practical, scalable solutions that enhance the sustainability and productivity of agricultural systems. This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge on sustainable agriculture, providing insights for farmers, agronomists, and policymakers in their quest to promote environmentally sound and productive agricultural systems.
Design and Optimization of Air Inlet in Cuttings Incubator
Authors: Gu Haoyuan , Qian Ji , Li Shaobo , Jiang Zunhao , Wang Xu , Li Jianping , Yang Xin
Published: April 2024

The microclimate environment can be conveniently controlled with accuracy by plant incubators, in which the cuttings propagation method can efficiently enhance seedling production. To ensure air flow evenly throughout the incubator, the scientific design of the air inlet is crucial. This study utilized a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model to simulate the airflow patterns in a culture layer under different air inlet conditions. Furthermore, the optimal design parameters were determined by way of response surface methodology (RSM) and the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II (NSGA-II). Adopting the optimal parameters, a prototype was manufactured, and a cuttings experiment was carried out with apple cuttings in the incubator. The results showed that the optimal air inlet radius is 90 mm, the optimal air inlet height is 188 mm, and the optimal uniform flow plate hole diameter is 13 mm. Meanwhile, the apple cuttings were able to root. Therefore, this incubator with optimal parameters can be used for cuttings. The study provides a methodological and theoretical basis for the future optimizing of air inlet parameters and promoting cuttings rooting.
Influence of Cropping Sequence and Tillage System on Plant-Parasitic Nematodes and Peanut (Arachis hypogaea) Response to Fluopyram Applied at Planting
Authors: Foote Ethan , Jordan David , Gorny Adrienne , Dunne Jeffrey , Lux LeAnn , Ahumada Daisy , Shew Barbara , Brandenburg Rick , Ye Weimin
Published: April 2024

Crop sequence and tillage can affect the yield of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) and other crops. Research was conducted from 2006 through 2022 to determine the response of peanut to previous crop sequences including corn (Zea mays L.) and cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) planted in continuous conventional tillage (e.g., disking, field cultivating, and bedding with in-row sub-soiling) or strip tillage (e.g., tilling a 45 cm section on rows spaced 91 cm apart using fluted coulters, rolling baskets, and in-row sub-soiling). In 2013, 2019, and 2022, the entire test area was planted with peanut. In 2019 and 2022, peanut was planted without or with fluopyram applied in the seed furrow at planting. Decreasing the number of years between peanut planting resulted in lower peanut yields compared with fewer years of peanut planting in the rotation sequence. Continuous conventional tillage and strip tillage resulted in similar peanut yields at one location, while the yield was lower at a second location when peanut was planted in continuous strip tillage. Fluopyram did not affect peanut yield regardless of previous crop rotation sequence, the number of years separating peanut plantings, or the tillage system. However, minor differences in the populations of plant-parasitic nematodes in soil were noted when comparing fluopyram treatment. The results from these experiments indicate that while fluopyram can reduce the populations of some plant-parasitic nematodes in soil, the magnitude of reduction does not translate into increases in peanut yield.
Early Ontogeny of Cichlids Using Selected Species as Examples
Authors: Piesiewicz Radosław , Krzystolik Jan , Korzelecka-Orkisz Agata , Tański Adam , Formicki Krzysztof
Published: April 2024

The purpose of this study was to characterize in detail the reproductive strategy, course of embryogenesis, and development of larvae in three species of fishes of the genus Cichlasoma: the green terror (Andinoacara rivulatus), the red discus (Symphysodon discus), and the jaguar cichlid (Parachromis managuensis). Eggs for the study were obtained from five pairs of each species (300 eggs from each female) and incubated at 26 °C. The developing eggs were observed under a microscope (Carl Zeiss Stereo Discovery. V12 and Nikon 2000SE software (NIS-Elements F 4.30.01 64-bit) from fertilization to larval hatching until complete yolk-sac resorption. The largest average number of eggs per female was found in the jaguar cichlid (x¯ = 2991 eggs), a smaller average number of eggs was shown in the green terror (x¯ = 922 eggs), and the red discus showed the smallest average number of eggs (x¯ = 300 eggs). There were significant differences in the sizes of the eggs of the studied species: jaguar cichlid eggs were the smallest (1.060 ± 0.05 mm3), red discus eggs were larger (1.070 ± 0.07 mm3), and green terror eggs were the largest (1.365 ± 0.16 mm3). The embryogenesis time in the red discus was 2132 °H (82 Hpf), in the green terror it was 2158 °H (83 Hpf), and the longest in the jaguar cichlid was 2470 °H (87 Hpf). At the end of embryogenesis, the average size of the larvae after hatching was measured (red discus x¯ = 4.346 mm, green terror x¯ = 5.203 mm, and jaguar cichlid x¯ = 5.301 mm) and the time of yolk-sac resorption from the moment of hatching to the transition from endogenous to exogenous feeding was determined (jaguar cichlid 5 days, green terror 6 days, and red discus 3 days). The results of this study may contribute to the development of reproductive biotechnology for the studied fishes that could be used in aquaculture and, thus, help protect them in their natural habitats.
Patterns of Tadpole β Diversity in Temperate Montane Streams
Authors: Kang Da , Sun Zijian , Tao Jiacheng , Huang Yan , Zhao Tian
Published: April 2024

Understanding the spatial variation and formation mechanism of biological diversity is a hot topic in ecological studies. Comparing with α diversity, β diversity is more accurate in reflecting community dynamics. During the past decades, β diversity studies usually focused on plants, mammals, and birds. Studies of amphibian β diversity in montane ecosystems, in particular, tadpoles, are still rare. In this study, Mount Emei, located in southwestern China, was selected as the study area. We explored the tadpole β diversity in 18 streams, based on a two-year survey (2018–2019). Our results indicated a high total β diversity in tadpole assemblages, which was determined by both turnover and nestedness processes, and the dominant component was turnover. Both the total β diversity and turnover component were significantly and positively correlated with geographical, elevational, and environmental distances, but no significant relationship was detected between these and the nestedness component. Moreover, the independent contributions of river width, current velocity, and chlorophyll α were larger than that of geographical and elevational distance. Overall, tadpole β diversity was determined by both spatial and environmental factors, while the contribution of environmental factors was larger. Future studies can focus on functional and phylogenetic structures, to better understand the tadpole assembly process.
The Impact of Excision Interval on Equine Melanoma Progression: Time Matters?
Authors: Pimenta José , Prada Justina , Pires Isabel , Cotovio Mário
Published: April 2024

Equine melanomas are a common neoplasm in gray horses. However, scientific knowledge about their progression over time is quite scarce. Some owners and veterinarians still believe that early intervention is not necessary, stating that tumors evolve very slowly and intervention could worsen the animal’s condition. This work aims to identify clinical and histological differences that may exist between equine melanomas with different excision intervals (time between tumor detection and surgical excision). A total of 42 tumors (13 benign and 29 malignant) from 34 horses were included in this study. There was a statistically significant association between excision interval and tumor size (p = 0.038), with tumors excised later being significantly larger than the ones excised sooner. The excision interval was also statistically associated with the number of tumors (p = 0.011), since the horses that carried a tumor for longer seemed to be prone to have multiple tumors. Furthermore, there was an association between excision interval and malignancy (p = 0.035), with tumor excised later being fives times more likely to be malignant. This study provides evidence of delayed excision’s effect on the progression of equine melanomas. Additionally, it reinforces the importance of the early excision of these tumors.
Growth Performance of Buffalo Calves in Response to Different Diets with and without Saccharomyces cerevisiae Supplementation
Authors: Zicarelli Fabio , Iommelli Piera , Musco Nadia , Wanapat Metha , Lotito Daria , Lombardi Pietro , Infascelli Federico , Tudisco Raffaella
Published: April 2024

The aim of the present trial was to evaluate the growth performance of buffalo calves fed on diets characterized by different forage/concentrate ratios, with or without Saccharomyces cerevisiae supplementation (CBS 493.94, Yea-Sacc®). Twenty-four male buffalo calves (mean age of 145.1 ± 16.1 days; mean weight of 108.0 ± 18.7 kg) were assigned randomly to 4 groups, homogeneous in age, that were fed four different diets: diet 1, F:C ratio 50:50; diet 2, F:C ratio 30:70; diet 3, F:C ratio 50:50 + Yea-Sacc®; and diet 4, F:C ratio 30:70 + Yea-Sacc®. Buffalo calves were individually weighted before the start of the experiment and the data were used as a covariate, being taken monthly until the end of the trial. Dry matter intake (DMI), daily weight gain (DWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were calculated. The differences in diets composition significantly (p < 0.01) affected all these parameters. In particular, the animals fed diet 1 and diet 3 showed higher values of DWG (0.91 and 0.88 g/d vs. 0.68 and 0.66 for group 2 and 4) and DMI (5.8 and 5.3 kg/d, respectively) compared to the other groups (4.3 and 4.4 kg/d for group 2 and 4), as well as a higher final body weight (370.5 and 334.1 kg for group 1 and 3 vs. 272.8 and 273.1 kg of group 2 and 4, respectively). Indeed, the supplementation with Yea-Sacc® at the dosage of 1 × 10E8 did not affect buffaloes’ growth performance.
Genomic Inbreeding and Runs of Homozygosity Analysis of Cashmere Goat
Authors: Zhao Qian , Huang Chang , Chen Qian , Su Yingxiao , Zhang Yanjun , Wang Ruijun , Su Rui , Xu Huijuan , Liu Shucai , Ma Yuehui , Zhao Qianjun , Ye Shaohui
Published: April 2024

Cashmere goats are valuable genetic resources which are famous worldwide for their high-quality fiber. Runs of homozygosity (ROHs) have been identified as an efficient tool to assess inbreeding level and identify related genes under selection. However, there is limited research on ROHs in cashmere goats. Therefore, we investigated the ROH pattern, assessed genomic inbreeding levels and examined the candidate genes associated with the cashmere trait using whole-genome resequencing data from 123 goats. Herein, the Inner Mongolia cashmere goat presented the lowest inbreeding coefficient of 0.0263. In total, we identified 57,224 ROHs. Seventy-four ROH islands containing 50 genes were detected. Certain identified genes were related to meat, fiber and milk production (FGF1, PTPRM, RERE, GRID2, RARA); fertility (BIRC6, ECE2, CDH23, PAK1); disease or cold resistance and adaptability (PDCD1LG2, SVIL, PRDM16, RFX4, SH3BP2); and body size and growth (TMEM63C, SYN3, SDC1, STRBP, SMG6). 135 consensus ROHs were identified, and we found candidate genes (FGF5, DVL3, NRAS, KIT) were associated with fiber length or color. These findings enhance our comprehension of inbreeding levels in cashmere goats and the genetic foundations of traits influenced by selective breeding. This research contributes significantly to the future breeding, reservation and use of cashmere goats and other goat breeds.
Factors Affecting the Milk Production Traits and Lactation Curve of the Indigenous River Buffalo Populations in Bangladesh
Authors: Omar Abdullah Ibne , Khan Md. Yousuf Ali , Su Xin , Dhakal Aashish , Hossain Shahed , Razu Mohsin Tarafder , Si Jingfang , Pauciullo Alfredo , Faruque Md. Omar , Zhang Yi
Published: April 2024

Household buffalo dairy farming is gaining popularity nowadays in Bangladesh because of the outstanding food value of buffalo milk as well as the lower production cost of buffalo compared to cattle. An initiative has recently been taken for the genetic improvement of indigenous dairy buffaloes. The present study was carried out to determine the influence of some environmental factors like age, parity, season of calving, calving interval, dry period on the lactation yield, and lactation curve of indigenous dairy buffaloes of Bangladesh. A total of 384 indigenous dairy buffaloes from the 3rd and 4th parity of seven herds under two different agroecological zones covering four seasons were selected and ear tagged for individual buffalo milk recording. A milk yield of 300 days (MY300d) was calculated following the International Committee for Animal Recording (ICAR) and the data were evaluated using the generalized linear model (GLM). In production traits, the mean of calculated lactation period (CLP), calculated lactation yield (CLY), and milk yield of 300 days (MY300d) of the overall population were 267.28 days, 749.36 kg, and 766.92 kg, respectively, whereas calving interval (CI) and dry period (DP) as reproductive traits were 453.06 days and 185.78 days, respectively. The season of calving, age of buffalo cows, population or herd, agroecological zone, calving interval, and dry period had significant effects on production traits (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The season of calving, level of milk production of 300 days, population, and agroecological zone significantly affected the reproduction traits (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001). Parity was found to be non-significant for both types of traits. The average peak yield of test day (TD) milk production was highest at TD4 (4.47 kg, 98th day of lactation). The average MY300d of milk production was the highest in the Lalpur buffalo population (1076.13 kg) and the lowest in the buffalo population of Bhola (592.44 kg). The correlations between milk production traits (CLP, CLY, and MY-300d) and reproduction traits (CI and DP) were highly significant (p < 0.01 to p < 0.001). Positive and high correlation was found within milk traits and reproduction traits, but correlation was negative between milk traits and reproduction traits. Therefore, these non-genetic factors should be considered in the future for any genetic improvement program for indigenous dairy buffaloes in Bangladesh.
Perceptions of Sheep Farmers and District Veterinarians towards Sheep Disease Management in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Boyd-Weetman Jessica , Alam Lauren , Dhungyel Om , Muir Wendy I.
Published: April 2024

The study objectives were to understand the practices and perceptions of sheep farmers and district veterinarians (DVs) towards sheep health management and, the impact of disease at the farm level in addition to the availability, accessibility, and use of veterinary services. Data were collected using question-based surveys, distributed online and in-person to sheep farmers (45 respondents) and DVs (25 respondents). Most farmers were male, ≥51 years old, who placed a high priority on the health and welfare of their sheep. For disease prevention most farmers vaccinated their sheep (91%) and 86.7% had a farm biosecurity plan, although its components and their application varied, e.g., the isolation of new or sick sheep. Fencing costs were most frequently identified (70.5% respondents) as a financial concern for sheep farmers. Their most common sources of information about disease control and prevention were DVs (66.7%), private veterinarians (60.0%), the internet (42.9%), rural suppliers (35.7%), and farmers/neighbours (28.6%). Fifty-eight percent of farmers reported a long distance from veterinarian services. Farmers preferred to receive information via email (77.8%), whereas 56% of DVs preferred to share information via phone call. This discrepancy presents an opportunity to align these mechanisms more closely for effective dissemination of information and increased producer engagement.