bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interoceptive brain network mechanisms of mindfulness-based training in healthy adolescents
Authors: Tymofiyeva Olga , Sipes Benjamin S. , Luks Tracy , Hamlat Elissa J. , Samson Tara E. , Hoffmann Thomas J. , Glidden David V. , Jakary Angela , Li Yi , Ngan Tiffany , Henje Eva , Yang Tony T.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

This study evaluated changes in the white matter of the brain and psychological health variables, resulting from a neuroscience-based mindfulness intervention, the Training for Awareness, Resilience, and Action (TARA), in a population of healthy adolescents.

Methods

A total of 100 healthy adolescents (57 female, age ranges 14–18 years) were randomized into the 12-week TARA intervention or a waitlist-control group. All participants were imaged with diffusion MRI to quantify white matter connectivity between brain regions. Imaging occurred at baseline/randomization and after 12 weeks of baseline (pre- and post-intervention in the TARA group). We hypothesized that structural connectivity in the striatum and interoceptive networks would increase following the TARA intervention, and that, this increased connectivity would relate to psychological health metrics from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). The TARA intervention and all assessments, except for the MRIs, were fully remotely delivered using secure telehealth platforms and online electronic data capture systems.

Results

The TARA intervention showed high consistency, tolerability, safety, recruitment, fidelity, adherence, and retention. After 12 weeks, the TARA group, but not controls, also demonstrated significantly improved sleep quality (p = 0.02), and changes in the right putamen node strength were related to this improved sleep quality (r = −0.42, p = 0.006). Similarly, the TARA group, but not controls, had significantly increased right insula node strength related to improved emotional well-being (r = −0.31, p = 0.04). Finally, we used the network-based statistics to identify a white matter interoception network that strengthened following TARA (p = 0.009).

Discussion

These results suggest that the TARA mindfulness-based intervention in healthy adolescents is feasible and safe, and it may act to increase structural connectivity strength in interoceptive brain regions. Furthermore, these white matter changes are associated with improved adolescent sleep quality and emotional well-being. Our results suggest that TARA could be a promising fully remotely delivered intervention for improving psychological well-being in adolescents. As our findings suggest that TARA affects brain regions in healthy adolescents, which are also known to be altered during depression in adolescents, future studies will examine the effects of TARA on depressed adolescents.

Clinical trial registration

https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04254796.
Cross-lagged analysis of social support, physical activity behavior, and family relationships among university students
Authors: Zhou Xielin , Zhang Mu , Li Bo , Ma Shasha
Published: August 2024

Objective

To explore the causal relationship between social support, physical activity behavior, and family relationships among university students.

Methods

Using the Social Support Rating Scale, the Physical Activity Behavior Self-Assessment Scale, and the Family Relationships Scale, a longitudinal follow-up survey was conducted on 412 college students in Sichuan Province at 2-month intervals in March 2024 (T1) and May 2024 (T2), to analyze the interaction mechanisms between college students' social support, physical activity behaviors, and family relationships through cross-lagging.

Results

(1) There are significant gender differences in social support, physical activity behavior, and family relationships among college students. Among the cross-lagged paths found, except for the path from T1 social support to T2 family relationships (β: 0.40 > 0.21), all other cross-lagged paths are smaller for female college students compared to male college students; (2) T1 social support was able to positively predict T2 physical activity behaviors (β = 0.50, p < 0.001), and T1 physical activity behavior can also positively predict T2 social support (β = 0.18, p < 0.01), but the path value T1 social support → T2 physical activity behavior is larger than T1 physical activity behavior → T2 social support. Therefore, social support is a causal variable for physical activity behavior; (3) T1 social support positively predicts T2 family relationships (β = 0.26, p < 0.001); (4) T1 family relationships positively predict T2 physical activity behavior (β = 0.30, p < 0.001). (5) Physical activity behavior is a mediating variable between family relationships and social support, with a mediating effect size of 0.054.

Conclusion

There are gender differences in social support, physical activity behavior, and family relationships among college students; there is a longitudinal causal relationship between social support, physical activity behavior, and family relationships; social support is a causal variable of physical activity behavior, and social support is also a causal variable of family relationships, and family relationships are the Social support is a causal variable for physical activity behavior, social support is also a causal variable for family relations, and family relations are a causal variable for physical activity behavior, which has a partially mediating role in family relations and social support.
Exploring the challenges of social participation during COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia through an occupational therapy lens
Authors: Meny Areej
Published: August 2024

Aim

To measure the social participation of people in Saudi Arabia during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Subject and methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among people in Saudi Arabia to measure their participation in social activities during the COVID-19 pandemic. A validated questionnaire of Social Participation Scale was used to collect data from five main regions in Saudi Arabia through social media platforms. Means, frequencies, and percentages were calculated through descriptive analysis. Mean scores and standard deviation of social participation of participants were also presented.

Results

The total number of participants was 1,560 including Saudi (87.3%) and non-Saudi (12.7%) nationals. Most participants (60.2%) were female. The age of participants ranged between 16 and 24 years old. Around 62.1% of participants were married, 63.2% were educated, 48.4 were employed and 82% were from the Eastern region. Around 72% of participants earned <10,000 riyals per month compared to those (27.3%) who earned <5,000 riyals per month. A total 72.7% of the participants have been diagnosed by COVID-19. The mean score of social participation was 47.81 (SD = 0.27). Most participants (62.7%) reported that social participation was severely restricted. Around 68.2% of the participants were quarantined at the facilities.

Conclusion

The social participation of people in Saudi Arabia had been severely restricted during the COVID-19 pandemic. An early assessment of people’s social participation would help to identify their problems and needs, to help them improve their participation in social activities and thus increase their overall quality of life.
The impact of perceived environmental competitiveness on employee mental health: a moderated mediation model of job crafting and work–family conflict
Authors: Cheng Sheng , Wang Yumei
Published: August 2024

Drawing from the conservation of resources theory, this study proposes that individuals who perceive environmental competitiveness may improve their mental health through their job crafting behaviors at work. Data were collected from 450 full-time Chinese employees using a three-wave time-lagged approach. The results showed that perceived environmental competitiveness is positively correlated with job crafting, and job crafting has a positive relationship with mental health. Moreover, the results indicated that job crafting mediates the relationship between perceived environmental competitiveness and mental health. Additionally, the present study found that work–family conflict plays a moderating role in the relationships among environmental competitiveness, job crafting and mental health. A moderated mediation model was proposed in this study. Finally, theoretical and practical implications of this study are also discussed.
The relationship between extracurricular sports participation and subjective well-being in junior high school students: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Li Feifei , Li Liqiang , Du Xiaomin , Wang Xiaozan
Published: August 2024

Objective

To investigate the direct effect of extracurricular sports participation on subjective well-being among junior high school students, and the mediating role of emotion regulation and moderating role of physical education (PE) class participation.

Methods

Using data from the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), we analyzed the extracurricular sports participation, emotion regulation, subjective well-being, and PE class participation of 113,203 junior high school students.

Results

After controlling for country, gender, and health status, extracurricular sports participation significantly predicts subjective well-being. Emotion regulation mediates the relationship between extracurricular sports participation and subjective well-being. Both the direct effect of extracurricular sports participation on subjective well-being and the mediating effect of emotion regulation are moderated by PE class participation. The effect is stronger among students with high PE class participation compared to those with low participation.

Conclusion

There is a moderated mediation effect between extracurricular sports participation and subjective well-being among junior high school students. Emotion regulation mediates this relationship, while PE class participation enhances the impact of emotion regulation on subjective well-being.
Deep learning models for the early detection of maize streak virus and maize lethal necrosis diseases in Tanzania
Authors: Mayo Flavia , Maina Ciira , Mgala Mvurya , Mduma Neema
Published: August 2024

Agriculture is considered the backbone of Tanzania’s economy, with more than 60% of the residents depending on it for survival. Maize is the country’s dominant and primary food crop, accounting for 45% of all farmland production. However, its productivity is challenged by the limitation to detect maize diseases early enough. Maize streak virus (MSV) and maize lethal necrosis virus (MLN) are common diseases often detected too late by farmers. This has led to the need to develop a method for the early detection of these diseases so that they can be treated on time. This study investigated the potential of developing deep-learning models for the early detection of maize diseases in Tanzania. The regions where data was collected are Arusha, Kilimanjaro, and Manyara. Data was collected through observation by a plant. The study proposed convolutional neural network (CNN) and vision transformer (ViT) models. Four classes of imagery data were used to train both models: MLN, Healthy, MSV, and WRONG. The results revealed that the ViT model surpassed the CNN model, with 93.1 and 90.96% accuracies, respectively. Further studies should focus on mobile app development and deployment of the model with greater precision for early detection of the diseases mentioned above in real life.
Person-based design and evaluation of MIA, a digital medical interview assistant for radiology
Authors: Denecke Kerstin , Reichenpfader Daniel , Willi Dominic , Kennel Karin , Bonel Harald , Nairz Knud , Cihoric Nikola , Papaux Damien , von Tengg-Kobligk Hendrik
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Radiologists frequently lack direct patient contact due to time constraints. Digital medical interview assistants aim to facilitate the collection of health information. In this paper, we propose leveraging conversational agents to realize a medical interview assistant to facilitate medical history taking, while at the same time offering patients the opportunity to ask questions on the examination.

Methods

MIA, the digital medical interview assistant, was developed using a person-based design approach, involving patient opinions and expert knowledge during the design and development with a specific use case in collecting information before a mammography examination. MIA consists of two modules: the interview module and the question answering module (Q&A). To ensure interoperability with clinical information systems, we use HL7 FHIR to store and exchange the results collected by MIA during the patient interaction. The system was evaluated according to an existing evaluation framework that covers a broad range of aspects related to the technical quality of a conversational agent including usability, but also accessibility and security.

Results

Thirty-six patients recruited from two Swiss hospitals (Lindenhof group and Inselspital, Bern) and two patient organizations conducted the usability test. MIA was favorably received by the participants, who particularly noted the clarity of communication. However, there is room for improvement in the perceived quality of the conversation, the information provided, and the protection of privacy. The Q&A module achieved a precision of 0.51, a recall of 0.87 and an F-Score of 0.64 based on 114 questions asked by the participants. Security and accessibility also require improvements.

Conclusion

The applied person-based process described in this paper can provide best practices for future development of medical interview assistants. The application of a standardized evaluation framework helped in saving time and ensures comparability of results.
The high-energy tail of energetic electron precipitation: case studies
Authors: Nesse Hilde , Salice Josephine
Published: August 2024

Precipitating plasma sheet, ring current, and radiation belt electrons will affect the ionization level and composition of the neutral atmosphere. Knowledge gaps remain regarding the frequency, intensity, and energy spectrum of the Medium Energy Electron precipitation (≳30 keV). In particular, the understanding and predictive capabilities of the high-energy tail (≳300 keV) are, in general, poor. This study builds on a recently published statistical analysis based on loss cone electron flux estimates on MEPED observations on board the POES/Metop satellites over a full solar cycle from 2004–2014. Data from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres (55–70°N/S) were combined in daily flux estimates. Flux peaks above the 90th percentile of the >43 kev flux were identified. The 33% highest and lowest associated responses in the >292 keV fluxes were labeled “E3 events” and “E1 events”, respectively, resulting in 55 events of each type. It was evident that high geomagnetic activity increases the probability of E3 events. While no single solar wind parameter nor geomagnetic index was able to identify the type of event, Kp and Dst possessed the best predictive capabilities. By detailed examination of the 55 E1 and 55 E3 events, this follow-up study shows that the Kp-index partly classifies a different subset of E1 and E3 events compared to the Dst-index. This makes a combined determination of the limits Dst ≥ −26 and ≤ −48 nT and Kp*10 ≤ 33 and ≥ 40, highly effective. Knowing the solar wind driver modifies the combined Kp and Dst limits slightly and correctly labels 85% of events. Despite their differences, common features become apparent for the ambiguous events: a persistent southward Bz alongside sustained substorm onset activity will generate high-energy tail electron precipitation. The concurrent criteria provide insight into when and why high-energy tail electron precipitation occurs.
Geospatial analysis of California strawberry fields reveals regional differences in crop rotation patterns and the potential for lengthened rotations at current levels of production
Authors: Ramos Gerardo , Goldman Polly , Sharrett Jason , Sacher Gabriel O. , Pennerman Kayla K. , Dilla-Ermita Christine Jade , Jaime Jose H. , Steele Mary E. , Hewavitharana Shashika S. , Holmes Gerald J. , Waterhouse Hannah , Dundore-Arias José Pablo , Henry Peter
Published: August 2024

Strawberries in California are grown in specific coastal areas where land is scarce and climate change threatens future production. Strawberry growers are under pressure to adopt sustainable production strategies such as crop rotation, but this practice requires more land than back-to-back planting. The objectives of this research were to quantify the rate of crop rotation across the three main strawberry producing regions in California (Ventura, Santa Maria, and Monterey Bay), and evaluate geographic and edaphic influences on crop rotation. All strawberry fields in the main strawberry producing regions of California were identified by satellite imagery and manual inspection for the years 2017 through 2022. ArcGIS Pro was used to outline each strawberry field and compare among years to determine the period between successive strawberry plantings. Edaphic characteristics and shapefiles for surrounding fields were retrieved from public datasets. The three regions significantly differed in their rates of crop rotation. On average, 95, 52, and 25% of strawberry hectares were rotated each year in the Monterey Bay, Santa Maria, and Ventura regions, respectively. Shorter rotation lengths were associated with reduced distance from the ocean and soil with a higher percentage of sand. Based on 2 years of disease surveys, fields infested with Macrophomina phaseolina tended to be further inland than fields infested with Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae in the Monterey Bay region. This study determined that distance from the ocean and soil texture are associated with crop rotation lengths in California strawberry production. Enough land may be available in the Santa Maria and Monterey Bay regions for growers to lengthen crop rotations, but water quality, social networks, and financial considerations that were outside the scope of this study are likely to limit the ability for strawberry growers to maximize the duration of crop rotations.
Silicone tags as an effective method of monitoring environmental contaminant exposures in a geographically diverse sample of dogs from the Dog Aging Project
Authors: Matheson Rylee , Sexton Courtney L. , Wise Catherine F. , O’Brien Janice , Keyser Amber J. , Kauffman Mandy , Dunbar Matthew D. ,   DAP Consortium
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Companion animals offer a unique opportunity to investigate risk factors and exposures in our shared environment. Passive sampling techniques have proven effective in capturing environmental exposures in dogs and humans.

Methods

In a pilot study, we deployed silicone monitoring devices (tags) on the collars of a sample of 15 dogs from the Dog Aging Project Pack cohort for a period of 120 h (5 days). We extracted and analyzed the tags via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for 119 chemical compounds in and around participants’ homes.

Results

Analytes belonging to the following chemical classes were detected: brominated flame retardants (BFRs), organophosphate esters (OPEs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, phthalates, and personal care products. The types and amounts of analytes detected varied substantially among participants.

Discussion

Data from this pilot study indicate that silicone dog tags are an effective means to detect and measure chemical exposure in and around pet dogs’ households. Having created a sound methodological infrastructure, we will deploy tags to a geographically diverse and larger sample size of Dog Aging Project participants with a goal of further assessing geographic variation in exposures.
Combination of β-mannanase plus multi-carbohydrase complex in simple or complex post-weaned pig diets on nutrient metabolism and gut health
Authors: Galli Gabriela M. , Andretta Ines , Carvalho Camila L. , Stefanello Thais B. , Mendéz Maria S. C. , Mendes Ricardo E. , Horn Vitor W. , Kipper Marcos
Published: August 2024

This study was conducted to evaluate whether adding β-mannanase alone or in combination with a multi-carbohydrase complex to simple and complex diets could improve diet digestibility, nutrient and energy metabolism, and gut health in weaned pigs. Thirty pigs (7.9 kg ± 0.851 kg) weaned at 28 days were randomly split into a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, considering a simple (corn and soybean meal-based diet) or complex diet (13% point reduction in inclusion of soybean meal, 5% of whey power, and 2.5% of spray-dried plasma compared to the simple diet) and diet without any addition (control) or the addition of β-mannanase (BM; 0.300 g/kg of the diet) or β-mannanase plus a multi-carbohydrase complex blend such as xylanase, β-glucanase, and arabinofuranosidases (BM + MCC; 0.300 + 0.050 g/kg of the diet) for 17 days post-weaned. Total fecal and urine samples were collected on days 11–17. Fecal samples were collected from all pigs to identify fecal biomarkers using commercial ELISA tests. Blood samples were collected from all pigs at the end of the experimental period to assess serum concentrations of acute-phase proteins. All pigs were euthanized on day 18 for intestinal tissue collection. The simple diet had greater (p < 0.05) protein digestibility and metabolizability coefficients than the complex diet. Greater (p < 0.05) energy digestibility and energy metabolizability coefficients were observed in the BM and BM+ MCC compared to the control diet. On average, BM improved by 64 kcal/kg and BM + MCC improved by 100 kcal/kg of metabolizable energy. Furthermore, the addition of BM and BM + MCC to the diets led to lower fecal moisture and fecal output. Moreover, the BM and BM + MCC diets also reduced fecal calprotectin concentrations by 29 and 46%, respectively, compared to control pigs (p < 0.001). We conclude that simple diets are a suitable alternative to complex diets, without compromising the nutrient digestibility and gut health of post-weaned pigs. The addition of exogenous enzymes improves nutrient and energy utilization, as well as the absorption area, and decreases calprotectin concentrations.
Predictive value of left atrial volumes assessed using real-time three-dimensional echocardiography for pulmonary hypertension in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease
Authors: Woo In-Sun , Kim Jung-Hyun
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Left atrial volume (LAV) obtained using real-time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) is an independent predictor of post-capillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) in humans; however, no studies have investigated LAV obtained using RT3DE as a predictor of post-capillary PH in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the clinical applicability of LAV obtained using RT3DE compared to that obtained using two-dimensional echocardiography (2DE) in dogs with MMVD, with or without PH.

Methods

Medical records and echocardiographic images of 237 privately owned dogs with naturally occurring MMVD with or without PH were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 49 privately owned dogs with naturally occurring MMVD, with or without PH, were finally included (35 MMVD without PH, 14 MMVD with PH). The LAV and left ventricular volumes were obtained using 2DE and RT3DE. Echocardiographic parameters were analyzed to identify independent predictors of post-capillary PH.

Results

We found that the left atrial and left ventricular volumes obtained using 2DE and RT3DE indexed to body weight and several 2DE-derived variables were univariately associated with post-capillary PH. Furthermore, multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the RT3DE minimum LAV indexed to body weight (LAVi min) was the only significant independent predictor of post-capillary PH (odds ratio, 12.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.40–68.99; p = 0.003), with the highest area under the curve value of 0.86 (95% CI, 0.75–0.96; p < 0.001).

Discussion

In conclusion, LAV indexed to body weight obtained using 2DE and RT3DE, can be a useful predictor of post-capillary PH in dogs with MMVD. In particular, the RT3DE LAVi min was observed to be the strongest predictor of post-capillary PH.
Measuring the Digitization Level of China’s Grain Industry Chain and Its Spatial–Temporal Evolution
Authors: Huang Qingqing , Guo Wenjing , Chen Yanchi
Published: August 2024

Digital transformation is conducive to food security. This paper constructed an index system of the digitization level of the grain industry chain based on the panel data of 30 provinces in China from 2011 to 2022. It adopted the entropy method to measure it and analyzed the law of its spatial–temporal evolution. It was found that the digitization level of China’s grain industry chain has shown a year-on-year growth trend, and, at the same time, there are spatial spillover effects and spatial heterogeneity. Analyzed by Theil’s index, there were evident differences among the four major regions and three major grain functional areas in China, and the differences mainly originated from within the region, and there was a phenomenon of “digital divide”. The digitalization level of China’s grain industry chain has shown a decreasing trend of “East-Middle-West”. In conclusion, this paper proposes practical countermeasures to facilitate the digitization level of the grain industry chain in China, thereby providing developing countries with a reference value for the digital transformation of the grain industry chain. Therefore, we should promote the construction of digital infrastructure, increase the cultivation of digital talents, coordinate regional development, and accelerate the digital transformation of the grain industry chain.
Phenotypic Evaluation of Saccharum spp. Genotypes during the Plant-Cane Crop for Biomass Production in Northcentral Mississippi
Authors: Baldwin Brian S. , Hale Anna L. , Eason Wyatt A. , Morrison Jesse I.
Published: August 2024

Saccharum is relatively new to 33° N latitude. S. spontaneum readily hybridizes with commercial sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) and lends cold tolerance and greater yield to the hybrid progeny, called energycane. Since 2007, there have been numerous new hybrid and backcross energycane genotypes developed but there is a paucity of information about them. Twenty energycane genotypes were tested in the first season of growth from cane propagules (plant cane; PC) against Ho 02-113 (a control) for two site-years in northcentral Mississippi. Grand (exponential) growth continued into October. The prevailing paradigm is that tonnage is what matters. Except for percentage cellulose, all factors tested (dry matter yield, extractable juice volume, °Brix, theoretical ethanol from fermentation, theoretical ethanol from cellulose, and total theoretical ethanol) were greater from the second site-location compared to the first. Dry matter yield (DMY) and total theoretical ethanol yield (TTEY) were moderately correlated. Over the two years of this test only Ho 14-9213 exceeded in mean DMY of Ho 02-113. Sixteen of the 19 test genotypes in this test equaled or exceeded the mean TTEY of Ho 02-113.
Optimised Design and Simulation Analysis of a Double-Row Pneumatic Injection Seeding Device
Authors: Niu Qi , Yu Wei , Yan Wenhao , Zhang Helong , Wang Lihong , Li Chengsong , Wang Chunlei
Published: August 2024

Stem mustard, the main raw material for pickled mustard tuber, is widely planted in Chongqing, China, and is an important local cash crop. Under the working conditions of sticky and wet soil in the Chongqing area, conventional furrow seeding has problems such as soil sticking to the furrow opener, poor mulching effect, etc. In this regard, this paper proposes the use of non-contact, soil-based, pneumatic shot seeding, in which seeds are shot into the soil to a predetermined depth by a high-speed air stream. The diameter of stem mustard seeds was found to be 1.33 mm, with a spherical rate of 95.32% using physical and mechanical properties. The high-speed camera test was used to determine the air pressure at the appropriate sowing depth, and the seed entry process was simulated by EDEM 2021 software, which analysed the movement process of the seed after entering the soil, and the structure of the seeder was designed based on the resulting test data. The structural parameters of the shot seeding device were analysed by a hydrodynamic simulation using Fluent 2022 R1 software and the following results were obtained: an outlet pipe diameter DC of 2 mm, mixing zone length H of 10 mm, mixing zone inlet diameter D of 15 mm, and steady-state gas flow rate of 80 m/s. Simulation seeding verification was conducted on the final determined structural parameters of the seeding device, and the simulation results showed that the seed velocity could reach 32.3 m/s. In actual experiments, it was found that when the vertical velocity of the seeds was greater than or equal to 26.59 m/s, the seeds could be completely and stably seeded into the soil. Therefore, the designed seeding device can meet the conditions of actual seeding experiments. In conclusion, this research offers a practical guideline for the rapid and precise sowing of stem mustard.
Effect of Muddy Water Characteristics on Infiltration Laws and Stratum Compactum Soil Particle Composition under Film Hole Irrigation
Authors: Peng Youliang , Fei Liangjun , Xue Renming , Shen Fangyuan , Zhen Runqiao , Wang Qian
Published: August 2024

To investigate the impact of sediment on water infiltration and soil structure under muddy water irrigation conditions, indoor muddy water film hole infiltration experiments were conducted. Four different muddy water sediment concentrations (3%, 6%, 9%, 12%) and four typical sediment particle size distributions (which were quantified by the physical clay content with a particle size of less than 0.01 mm, d0.01: 9.13%, 16.46%, 27.34%, 44.02%) were employed to examine how muddy water properties affect infiltration law and the stratum compactum soil particle composition under film hole irrigation. The results showed that as the muddy water sediment concentration and physical clay content increased, the wetting front migration distance, cumulative infiltration amount, and soil water content gradually decreased simultaneously. The Kostiakov infiltration model effectively captured the changes in soil water infiltration during muddy water film hole irrigation, exhibiting a strong fit with a high coefficient of determination (R2 > 0.9). With higher muddy water sediment concentration, the deposition layer thickness increases within the same infiltration time. Conversely, higher physical clay content leads to a decrease in deposition layer thickness. The characteristics of the muddy water have a significant impact on the particle composition of the soil in the stratum compactum caused by film hole irrigation. The deposition layer has a lower relative content of fine soil particles compared to muddy water, but this content increases with higher muddy water sediment concentration and physical clay content. In the stranded layer soil, fine particles have a higher relative content than the original soil. Fine particle content increases notably with higher muddy water sediment concentration and physical clay content. The stranded layer soil particles exhibit a higher fractal dimension than the original soil, and as the infiltrated soil layer depth increases, the soil fractal dimension decreases until it matches the original soil. The fractal dimension increased with the increase in muddy water sediment concentration and physical clay content in muddy water irrigation conditions under the same soil layer depth. This research findings could serve as a theoretical foundation for understanding soil water movement under muddy water irrigation conditions.
Uptake, Translocation, and Metabolism of Pydiflumetofen in Hydroponic Cucumber and Tomato Planting Systems
Authors: Xing Yinghui , Wang Fuyun , Zhang Miaomiao , Li Li , Zhao Ercheng
Published: August 2024

As a novel succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI), pydiflumetofen (PYD) exhibits broad-spectrum bactericidal activity in various crops; however, little is yet known about its absorption, translocation, and metabolic behavior within plants. Cucumber and tomato plants were cultured in hydroponic conditions spiked at 0.5 mg/L of PYD, and samples were collected at certain intervals to investigate the residual fate of PYD within the plants. The results demonstrated that PYD was readily absorbed by the roots of both plants, with mean root concentration factors (RCFs) of 5.6–12.3 for cucumber and 5.0–12.4 for tomato. PYD exhibited higher translocation ability from stems to leaves and limited from roots to stems in cucumber, while comparably weak root-to-stem and stem-to-leaf translocation were observed in tomato. By the end of the exposure period, a mass loss of 51.55% and 56.67% was observed, and six and three metabolites were found to be generated in the cucumber and tomato systems, respectively. This study provides a foundation for comprehending the uptake and translocation of PYD and offers novel insights into its potential risks to agricultural products and food safety.
Ascorbic Acid Mitigates Salt Stress in Tomato Seedlings by Enhancing Chlorophyll Synthesis Pathways
Authors: Chen Xianjun , Jiang Yao , Cong Yundan , Liu Xiaofeng , Yang Qin , Xing Jiayi , Liu Huiying
Published: August 2024

Salt stress is a critical abiotic factor that adversely affects plant growth and productivity by impairing photosynthesis. This study explores the impact of exogenous ascorbic acid (AsA) on the photosynthetic performance of tomato seedlings (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Ligeer 87-5) under salt stress. Hydroponic experiments were conducted in a solar greenhouse, where tomato seedlings were subjected to the following five treatments: Control, NaCl, NaCl + AsA, NaCl + lycorine (LYC), and NaCl + LYC + AsA. Our findings demonstrate that salt stress significantly reduced chlorophyll and carotenoid contents, levels of chlorophyll synthesis precursors (5-aminolevulinic acid (ALA), porphobilinogen (PBG), uroporphyrinogen III (Urogen III), protoporphyrin IX (Proto IX), magnesium protoporphyrin IX (Mg-Proto IX), protochlorophyllide (Pchl)), and essential elements (Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, Mo, and P) in both roots and leaves. These reductions led to a substantial decline in net photosynthetic rate (Pn) and compromised photosystem II (PSII). In contrast, exogenous AsA application significantly enhanced the content of photosynthetic pigment precursors and essential elements, improved stomatal aperture and gas exchange efficiency, and boosted the photosynthetic performance of tomato seedlings under salt stress. Furthermore, AsA treatment mitigated the negative effects of salt stress by protecting PSII, increased light energy utilization efficiency, and alleviated both stomatal and non-stomatal limitations. The application of the AsA synthesis inhibitor LYC exacerbated the detrimental effects of salt stress, further reducing chlorophyll content and photosynthetic efficiency. In conclusion, exogenous AsA plays a vital role in enhancing the photosynthetic performance and stress tolerance of tomato seedlings under salt stress by stabilizing chlorophyll biosynthesis, facilitating essential element absorption, and optimizing stomatal function. This study provides a new approach and feasible measures for improving tomato resistance and yield, which is significant for enhancing crop productivity, managing saline soils, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Association between IGF-1 and IGFBPs in Blood and Follicular Fluid in Dairy Cows Under Field Conditions
Authors: Schiffers Christina , Serbetci Idil , Mense Kirsten , Kassens Ana , Grothmann Hanna , Sommer Matthias , Hoeflich Christine , Hoeflich Andreas , Bollwein Heinrich , Schmicke Marion
Published: August 2024

Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) regulates dairy cow reproduction, while the paracrine IGF system locally influences fertility. In both systems, IGF-1 bioactivity is regulated through binding proteins (IGFBPs) inhibiting IGF-1 binding to its receptor (IGF1R). This study aimed to investigate a possible transfer between this endocrine and paracrine system. Therefore, blood and follicular fluid (FF) from postpartum dairy cows were analysed for ß-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), IGF-1, IGFBP-2, -3, -4, -5, and an IGFBP fragment in two study parts. The mRNA expression of IGFBP-2, IGFBP-4, IGF1R, and the pregnancy-associated plasma protein A (PAPP-A) in granulosa cells was measured. The results showed correlations between plasma and FF for IGF-1 (r = 0.57, p < 0.001) and IGFBP-2 (r = −0.57, p < 0.05). Blood BHB negatively correlated with IGF-1 in blood and FF and IGFBP-3, -5 and total IGFBP in blood (IGF-1 plasma: r = −0.26, p < 0.05; FF: r = −0.35, p < 0.05; IGFBP-3: r = −0.64, p = 0.006; IGFBP-5: r = −0.49, p < 0.05; total IGFBP: r = −0.52, p < 0.05). A negative correlation was found between IGFBP-2 expression and IGF-1 concentration in FF (r = −0.97, p = 0.001), while an IGFBP fragment positively correlated with IGF1R-mRNA in FF (r = 0.82, p = 0.042). These findings suggest a transfer and local regulation between the somatotropic axis and the follicular IGF system, linking the metabolic status with local effects on dairy cow fertility.
Deciphering the Hearts: Geometric Morphometrics Reveals Shape Variation in Abatus Sea Urchins across Subantarctic and Antarctic Seas
Authors: Moya Fernando , Hernández Jordan , Suazo Manuel J. , Saucède Thomas , Brickle Paul , Poulin Elie , Benítez Hugo A.
Published: August 2024

Abatus is a genus of irregular brooding sea urchins to the Southern Ocean. Among the 11 described species, three shared morphological traits and present an infaunal lifestyle in the infralittoral from the Subantarctic province; A. cavernosus in Patagonia, A. cordatus in Kerguelen, and A. agassizii in Tierra del Fuego and South Shetlands. The systematic of Abatus, based on morphological characters and incomplete phylogenies, is complex and largely unresolved. This study evaluates the shape variation among these species using geometric morphometrics analysis (GM). For this, 72 individuals from four locations; South Shetlands, Kerguelen, Patagonia, and Falklands/Malvinas were photographed, and 37 landmarks were digitized. To evaluate the shape differences among species, a principal component analysis and a Procrustes ANOVA were performed. Our results showed a marked difference between the Falklands/Malvinas and the other localities, characterized by a narrower and more elongated shape and a significant influence of location in shape but not sex. Additionally, the effect of allometry was evaluated using a permutation test and a regression between shape and size, showing significant shape changes during growth in all groups. The possibility that the Falklands/Malvinas group shows phenotypic plasticity or represents a distinct evolutionary unit is discussed. Finally, GM proved to be a powerful tool to differentiate these species, highlighting its utility in systematic studies.
Genetic Characterization, Antibiotic Resistance, and Virulence Genes Profiling of Bacillus cereus Strains from Various Foods in Japan
Authors: Abdelaziz Marwa Nabil Sayed , Zayda Mahmoud Gamaleldin , Maung Aye Thida , El-Telbany Mohamed , Mohammadi Tahir Noor , Lwin Su Zar Chi , Linn Khin Zar , Wang Chen , Yuan Lu , Masuda Yoshimitsu , Honjoh Ken-ichi , Miyamoto Takahisa
Published: August 2024

Bacillus cereus sensu stricto is a foodborne pathogen that causes food poisoning. Their spore and biofilm-forming abilities persist in various environments and foods. This study investigated the prevalence, virulence, antibiotic resistance, and genetic diversity of B. cereus s. s. strains isolated from various food samples. Of 179 samples, 22.34% were positive for B. cereus s. s., with significantly high detection rates in milk products and raw chicken meat. Forty strains were isolated from positive samples. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization/time of flight mass spectrometry analysis revealed nine distinct clusters and multi-locus sequence typing revealed 34 sequence types including 23 novel sequences, demonstrating high genetic diversity among the isolates. PCR analysis revealed that all the strains contained at least one toxin gene, but none contained the cytK gene. Antibiotic resistance tests revealed that all isolates were classified as multidrug-resistant, with high resistance levels, particularly to β-lactam antibiotics and vancomycin, but were susceptible to gentamicin. All isolates showed variations in biofilm formation. This study highlights the significant public health risk due to B. cereus s. s. and underscores the need for stringent monitoring and control measures in food production to manage antimicrobial resistance and ensure food safety.
A Dataset and a Comparison of Classification Methods for Valve Plate Fault Prediction of Piston Pump
Authors: Rojek Marcin , Blachnik Marcin
Published: August 2024

The article introduces datasets representing piston pump failures along with the experimental evaluation of various machine learning classification models. It starts with a detailed description of three classification datasets consisting of three different levels of valve plate damages and signals recorded from sensors used in classical hydraulic systems (pressure, temperature, flow). The obtained datasets consist of 100k (Failure 1), 30k (Failure 2) and 30k (Failure 3) samples and eight attributes. Then a broad range of classifiers are evaluated including three ensemble models based on decision trees: Random Forest, Gradient-Boosted Trees, and Rotation Forest, as well as the kNN algorithm and a neural network. The analysis showed that neural networks achieved the highest prediction accuracy, enabling a prediction accuracy level of 89%. The kNN algorithm ranked second, and tree-based algorithms performed 4% worse than the neural network. Next, the attribute importance analysis revealed that leak flow, pressure output, pressure of the leak line, and oil temperature are the most important parameters for accurate predictions. Additionally, the research includes a sensitivity analysis of the best classifier to verify the impact of sensor measurements or other noise indicators on the prediction model performance. The analysis indicates a 5% margin of measurement quality.
Pitting Corrosion of Steel Pipes in Water Supply Systems: An Influence of Shell-like Layer
Authors: Chukhin Valentin , Andrianov Alexey , Makisha Nikolay
Published: August 2024

The research was aimed at studying pitting corrosion, which precedes the appearance of fistulas in steel and cast-iron pipelines in water supply systems and leads to significant expenditures. The process of fistula formation is accompanied by the formation of tubercles and craters on the surface of a corroding metal. The study focused on examining the qualitative and quantitative composition of the solution, which is generated inside the tubercles during their growth. It was found that, during the operation of water pipelines, the concentration of aggressive chloride ions inside the tubercles increases significantly compared to the chloride content of the source water. The increase in chloride concentration leads to an accelerated corrosion rate, potentially causing the formation of fistulas over time. As a result of the study, a mechanism for changing the mineral composition of the solution inside the tubercles has been proposed. This is due to the manifestation of selective properties by a dense layer of tubercles. The study also examined the appearance of crystalline forms of corrosion products that form after removing pipes from the water supply system. The study also reveals the conditions of corrosion products emerging. Further studies on the structure and properties of a dense layer of corrosive sediment could be used to evaluate the effectiveness of various corrosion inhibitors.
Delay Optimization for Wireless Powered Mobile Edge Computing with Computation Offloading via Deep Learning
Authors: Lei Ming , Fu Zhe , Yu Bocheng
Published: August 2024

Mobile edge computing (MEC), specifically wireless powered mobile edge computing (WPMEC), can achieve superior real-time data analysis and intelligent processing. In WPMEC, different user nodes (UNs) harvest significantly different amounts of energy, which results in longer delays for lower-energy UNs when data are offloaded to MEC servers. This study involves quantifying the delays in energy harvesting and task offloading to edge servers in WPMEC via user cooperation. In this paper, a method for transferring the tasks that need to be offloaded to edge servers as quickly as possible is investigated. The problem is formulated as an optimization model to minimize the delay, including the time required for the energy harvesting and offloading tasks. Because the problem was non-deterministic polynomial hard (NP-hard), a delay-optimal approximation algorithm (DOPA) is proposed. Finally, with the training data generated based on the DOPA, a deep learning-based online offloading (DLOO) framework is designed for predicting the transmission power of each UN. After each UN’s transmission power is obtained, the original model is converted to a linear programming problem, which substantially reduces the computational complexity of the DOPA for solving the mixed-integer linear programming problem, especially in large-scale networks. The numerical results show that compared with the non-cooperation methods for WPMEC, the proposed algorithm significantly reduces the total delay. Additionally, in the delay optimization process for a scale of six UNs, the average computation time of the DLOO is only 0.2% that of the DOPA.
A Methodology for Identifying Coastal Cultural Heritage Assets Exposed to Future Sea Level Rise Scenarios
Authors: Chalkidou Sevasti , Georgiadis Charalampos , Roustanis Themistoklis , Patias Petros
Published: August 2024

Coastal areas are currently exposed to numerous hazards exacerbated by climate change, including erosion, flooding, storm surges, and other sea level rise phenomena. Mediterranean countries, in particular, are facing a constant shrinking of coastal areas. This region also hosts significant cultural heritage assets, including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The present research demonstrates a methodological approach to assess the current and future exposure of Mediterranean coastal areas and heritage assets to Sea Level Rise using open access data regarding elevation, vertical ground motion, and Sea Level Change factors (e.g., ice sheets, glaciers, etc.). The future projections regard 2050 and 2100 and are based on RCP scenarios 2.6, 4.5 and 8.5. The datasets used include Copernicus GLO-30 DSM, the European Ground Motion Service’s dataset on Vertical Ground Motion, the Sea Level Change Projections’ Regional Dataset by NASA, and a hybrid coastline dataset created for the present research purposes to assist in delineating the study area. The research results demonstrate that Greece, Italy, and France’s mainland and cultural heritage assets already face SLR-related hazards but are expected to be further exposed in the future, always taking into consideration the high level of uncertainty regarding SLR projections and RCP scenarios’ hypotheses.