bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How does the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic affect the interactions between the stock, oil, gold, currency, and cryptocurrency markets?
Authors: Su Jung-Bin , Kao Yu-Sheng
Published: November 2022

This study examines how the COVID-19 pandemic crisis affects the interactions between the stock, oil, gold, currency, and cryptocurrency markets. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic crisis on the optimal asset allocation and optimal hedged strategy are also discussed. Empirical results show that the volatility spillover significantly exists in most of the ten paired markets whereas the return spillover and correlation are significant only for the few paired markets. Moreover, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the return spillover is the greatest followed by the correlation whereas the volatility spillover is not affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the Quantitative easing (QE) implemented after the COVID-19 pandemic crisis increases the risk-adjusted return for each asset and minimum variance portfolio (MVP) and raises the correlation between two assets. In addition, most of the pairs of assets are not suitable to hedge each other except for a few pairs of assets. Regarding these few pairs of assets, the optimal hedge asset with the fewer hedge cost is accompanied by less risk reduction and vice versa. Finally, the investors should choose the euro to construct a portfolio to achieve risk diversification and to hedge gold or WTI to get the risk reduction. The above findings can help investors and fund managers make a useful investment strategy, optimal asset allocation, and effective hedged strategy. For example, the investors can use the volatility of one market to predict the volatility of another market and they can take a long position during the post-COVID-19 period but they should withdraw capital from the market when the QE tapering is executed.

JEL classification

C52; C53; G15.
Investigating implementation of school health policies through a health equity lens: A measures development study protocol
Authors: McLoughlin Gabriella M. , Walsh-Bailey Callie , Singleton Chelsea R. , Turner Lindsey
Published: November 2022

Background

School-based policies that ensure provision of nutrition, physical activity, and other health-promoting resources and opportunities are essential in mitigating health disparities among underserved populations. Measuring the implementation of such policies is imperative to bridge the gap between policy and practice. Unfortunately, limited practical, psychometrically strong measures of school policy implementation exist. Few available explicitly focus on the issues of equity and social justice as a key component of implementation, which may result in underassessment of the equity implications of policy implementation. The purpose of this study is to develop equity-focused measures in collaboration with practitioners, researchers, and other key implementation partners that will facilitate evaluation of policy implementation determinants (i.e., barriers and facilitators), processes, and outcomes.

Methods

We will actively seek engagement from practitioners, researchers, and advocacy partners (i.e., stakeholders) who have expertise in school health policy throughout each phase of this project. We propose a multi-phase, 1-year project comprising the following steps: (1) selection of relevant constructs from guiding frameworks related to health equity and implementation science; (2) initial measure development, including expert feedback on draft items; (3) pilot cognitive testing with representatives from key target populations (i.e., school administrators, teachers, food service staff, and students and parents/guardians); and (4) measure refinement based on testing and assessment of pragmatic properties. These steps will allow us to establish initial face and content validity of a set of instruments that can undergo psychometric testing in future studies to assess their reliability and validity.

Discussion

Completion of this project will result in several school policy implementation measurement tools which can be readily used by practitioners and researchers to evaluate policy implementation through a health equity lens. This will provide opportunities for better assessment and accountability of policies that aim to advance health equity among school-aged children and their families.

Trial registration

Open Science Framework Registration doi:10.17605/OSF.IO/736ZU.
STOP COVID-19 CA: Community engagement to address the disparate impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic in California
Authors: Casillas Alejandra , Rosas Lisa G. , Carson Savanna L. , Orechwa Allison , North Gemma , AuYoung Mona , Kim Gloria , Guereca Jesus A. , Ramers Christian B. , Burke Nancy J. , Corchado Claudia G. , Aguilar-Gaxiola Sergio , Cheney Ann , Rabin Borsika A. , Stadnick Nicole A. , Oswald William , Cabrera Abby , Sorkin Dara H. , Zaldivar Frank , Wong Wennie , Yerraguntala Anusha S. , Vassar Stefanie D. , Wright Aziza Lucas , Washington Donna L. , Norris Keith C. , Brown Arleen F.
Published: November 2022

Objective

To describe the early activities and lessons of the Share, Trust, Organize, Partner COVID-19 California Alliance (STOP COVID-19 CA), the California awardee of the NIH-funded multi-state Community Engagement Alliance (CEAL) against COVID-19. The Alliance was established to ensure equity in Coronavirus-19 disease (COVID-19) research, clinical practice, and public health for communities most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Study setting

The STOP COVID-19 CA Alliance network of 11 universities and affiliated partner community-based organizations (CBOs) across California.

Study design

Mixed methods evaluation consisting of an analysis of activity (August 2020 to December 2021) detailed in reports submitted by community-academic teams and a survey (August 2021) of academic investigators and affiliated community-based organization (CBO) partners.

Data collection

We summarized activities from the 11 community-academic teams' progress reports and described results from an online survey of academic investigators and CBO partners in the California Alliance.

Principal findings

A review of progress reports (n = 256) showed that teams fielded surveys to 11,000 Californians, conducted 133 focus groups, partnered with 29 vaccine/therapeutics clinical trials, and led more than 300 town halls and vaccine events that reached Californians from communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Survey responses from academic investigators and CBO partners emphasized the importance of learning from the successes and challenges of the California Alliance teams' COVID-19 initiatives. Both academic and CBO respondents highlighted the need for streamlined federal and institutional administrative policies, and fiscal practices to promote more effective and timely operations of teams in their efforts to address the numerous underlying health and social disparities that predispose their communities to higher rates of, and poor outcomes from, COVID-19.

Conclusions

STOP COVID-19 CA represents a new and potentially sustainable statewide community engagement model for addressing health disparities in multiethnic/multicultural and geographically dispersed communities.
Textiles in a circular economy: An assessment of the current landscape, challenges, and opportunities in the United States
Authors: Schumacher Kelsea A. , Forster Amanda L.
Published: November 2022

The production and consumption of textile products traditionally follows a largely linear (take, make, use, discard) economic model. Textiles are currently being produced in greater volumes than ever before, even after accounting for population growth, and unwanted products are discarded in mass quantities, most of which ends up in landfills or incinerated. This model causes serious social and environmental impacts and, thus, a transition to a more circular economic model – where materials and products are kept within the economy through reuse, repair, and recycling – is necessary. However, many challenges face a circular economy (CE) for textiles. Herein we discuss challenges and opportunities with the current textiles recovery system in the United States and outline activities and resources necessary to facilitate the transition to a CE in the U.S. Specifically, we describe the overarching need for collaboration, system harmonization, and data and information exchange. We further outline necessary actions in terms of standards development, labeling advancements, design characteristics, alternative business models for brands and retailers, end market development for recyclers, community engagement and educational programs, research and development, and the role of policy and regulation.
Rome Precision Solar Photometric Telescope: precision solar full-disk photometry during solar cycles 23–25
Authors: Ermolli Ilaria , Giorgi Fabrizio , Chatzistergos Theodosios
Published: November 2022

The Rome Precision Solar Photometric Telescope (Rome/PSPT) is a ground-based telescope engaged in precision solar photometry. It has a 27-year database of full-disk images of the photosphere and chromosphere beginning in 1996 and continuing to 2022. The solar images have been obtained daily, weather permitting, with approximately 2 arcsec/pixel scale in Ca II K line at 393.3 nm, G-band at 430.6 nm, and continuum in the blue and red parts of the spectrum at 409.4 nm and 607.2 nm, respectively. Regular observations were also performed at the green continuum at 535.7 nm for a period of about 18 months. Since the first-light, Rome/PSPT operations have been directed at understanding the source of short-and long-term solar irradiance changes, spanning from 1 min to several months, and from 1 year to a few solar cycles, respectively. However, Rome/PSPT data have also served to study a variety of other topics, including the photometric properties of solar disk features and of the supergranulation manifested by the chromospheric network. Moreover, they have been unique in allowing to connect series of historical and modern full-disk solar observations, especially the Ca II K line data. Here, we provide an overview of the Rome/PSPT telescope and of the solar monitoring carried out with it from its first light to the present, across solar cycles 23–25. We also briefly describe the main results achieved with Rome/PSPT data, and give an overview of new results being derived with the whole time series of observations covering the period 1996–2022.
Effects of pre-partum dietary crude protein level on colostrum fat globule membrane proteins and the performance of Hu ewes and their offspring
Authors: Wang Zhongyu , Zhang Nana , Li Fadi , Yue Xiangpeng
Published: November 2022

Dietary proteins play important roles in the growth and reproduction of sheep, and the ewe's demand for proteins increases dramatically during late pregnancy. This research aimed to investigate the effect of dietary crude protein (CP) levels during late pregnancy on colostrum fat globule membrane (MFGM) protein and the growth performance of Hu sheep and their offspring, and provide a reference for the protein intake of ewes during late pregnancy. A total of 108 multiparous Hu sheep (45.6 ± 1.18 kg) were selected for this study, then 60 pregnant ewes confirmed by B-scan ultrasonography were randomly divided into three treatments (20 ewes/treatment) and fed by total mixed ration pellet with CP levels at 9.00% (LP), 12.0% (MP), and 15.0% (HP) during late pregnancy, respectively. The weight and dry matter intake of ewes during late pregnancy were recorded to calculate the average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Twin lambs were weighed on days 0, 7, 14, 30, 60, and 180 after birth to calculate ADG. Meanwhile, the colostrum of ewes was collected within 12 h after delivery. The colostrum MFGM proteins were identified and quantified by the isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry methods. In addition, biological functions of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were annotated by Gene Ontology annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analysis. The results revealed that a 15.0% CP level had significant effects on the BW of lambs on days 0, 7, and 30 (P < 0.05). Notably, a total of 1,529 MFGM proteins were identified and 286 DEPs were found among three treatments. Functional analysis showed that DEPs were mainly involved in cell growth, differentiation, and tissue repair, and involved in metabolic pathways, such as the porphyrin and chlorophyll metabolism pathways. In this study, lambs in HP treatment had better growth performance; moreover, dietary 15.0% CP level also affected the colostrum MFGM proteins composition of Hu ewes. These observations can facilitate future studies on the feeding regimen of ewes during late pregnancy.
A Novel Self-Adaptive Cooperative Coevolution Algorithm for Solving Continuous Large-Scale Global Optimization Problems
Authors: Vakhnin Aleksei , Sopov Evgenii
Published: November 2022

Unconstrained continuous large-scale global optimization (LSGO) is still a challenging task for a wide range of modern metaheuristic approaches. A cooperative coevolution approach is a good tool for increasing the performance of an evolutionary algorithm in solving high-dimensional optimization problems. However, the performance of cooperative coevolution approaches for LSGO depends significantly on the problem decomposition, namely, on the number of subcomponents and on how variables are grouped in these subcomponents. Also, the choice of the population size is still an open question for population-based algorithms. This paper discusses a method for selecting the number of subcomponents and the population size during the optimization process (“on fly”) from a predefined pool of parameters. The selection of the parameters is based on their performance in the previous optimization steps. The main goal of the study is the improvement of coevolutionary decomposition-based algorithms for solving LSGO problems. In this paper, we propose a novel self-adapt evolutionary algorithm for solving continuous LSGO problems. We have tested this algorithm on 15 optimization problems from the IEEE LSGO CEC’2013 benchmark suite. The proposed approach, on average, outperforms cooperative coevolution algorithms with a static number of subcomponents and a static number of individuals.
Special Issue “Model Predictive Control: Algorithms and Applications”: Foreword by the Guest Editor
Authors: Ławryńczuk Maciej
Published: November 2022

Model Predictive Control (MPC) is an advanced control method that makes it possible to effectively control Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) processes subject to different types of constraints [...]
Genetic and Genomics Resources of Cross-Species Vigna Gene Pools for Improving Biotic Stress Resistance in Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek)
Authors: Singh Poornima , Pandey Brijesh , Pratap Aditya , Gyaneshwari Upagya , Nair Ramakrishnan M. , Mishra Awdhesh Kumar , Singh Chandra Mohan
Published: November 2022

Mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) is an important short-duration grain legume of the genus Vigna that has wider adaptability across agro-climatic regions and soil types. Significant strides have been made towards the development of superior, high-yielding, and climate resilient cultivars in mungbean. A number of donors for various traits to have been deployed in introgression breeding. However, the use of common sources of resistance to different biotic stresses may lead to boom and bust cycles due to the appearance of new races or biotypes. Therefore, broadening the genetic base using wild and exotic plant genetic resources may offer a better quality of durable resistance. Many crop wild relatives (CWRs) confer a high degree of resistance against multiple diseases. Recently, several agronomically important genes have been mapped using inter-specific populations, which are being deployed for the improvement of mungbean. In such a situation, tagging, mapping, and exploiting genes of interest from cross-species donors for stress tolerance will offer novel genetic variations. This will also provide increased opportunities for the selection of desirable types. Advances in genomics and transcriptomics have further made it easy to tag the cross-compatible resistance loci and study their expression for delineating the mechanism of resistance. The comparative analysis of omics technology also helps in understanding the evolution and offers a scope for using cross-specific target genes for mungbean improvement. This review focuses on the effective utilization of cross-species cultivated and wild relatives as well as their omics resources for breeding multiple disease-resistant mungbean cultivars.
Potted-Seedling Machine Transplantation Simultaneously Promotes Rice Yield, Grain Quality, and Lodging Resistance in China: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liao Ping , Meng Yi , Chen Yuqiong , Weng Wenan , Chen Le , Xing Zhipeng , Guo Baowei , Wei Haiyan , Gao Hui , Zhang Hongcheng
Published: November 2022

Potted-seedling machine transplantation (PSMT) is an innovative method of mechanical rice transplanting to improve seedling quality and reduce mechanical injury relative to blanket-seedling machine transplantation (BSMT). However, the responses of yield, grain quality, and risk of lodging in rice to PSMT have not yet been comprehensively defined. Here, we present a meta-analysis of 67 peer-reviewed studies with 382 field observations to investigate the impacts of PSMT on rice yield, grain quality, and lodging resistance in mainland China. The results indicated that compared to BSMT, PSMT increased grain yield, aboveground biomass, and nitrogen uptake by an average of 8.4%, 6.2%, and 7.2%, respectively. PSMT boosted grain yield with hybrid rice (+10.2%) more strongly than with inbred rice (+6.9%). PSMT improved the brown rice rate (+0.74%), milled rice rate (+1.1%), head rice rate (+2.3%), and gel consistency (+4.4%) while reducing the amylose content by 3.7% with no significant effects on the chalky grain rate, chalkiness, length/width ratio, or protein content. The increase in the milled rice rate under PSMT was greater with hybrid rice than with inbred rice. PSMT reduced the lodging index at the first (−5.1%), second (−9.4%), and third (−8.0%) internodes. In conclusion, PSMT is a promising practice for simultaneously improving rice yield, milling quality, cooking and eating quality, and lodging resistance in paddies. In addition, the grain yield and milling quality of hybrid rice under PSMT are higher than those of inbred rice.
Effect of Chemical Fertilizer Application on Maize Production in China over the Past 15 Years: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kong Fanlei , Wu Yawei , Cui Shilei , Wang Xinglong , Wei Gui , Liu Qinlin , Lan Tianqiong , Liu Fan , Zhao Bo , Feng Dongju , Yuan Jichao
Published: November 2022

Although there are many new types of environmentally friendly fertilizers that can improve maize yield, chemical fertilizers are the most widespread type of fertilizer used in the agricultural sector of China due to their low cost and ease of application. However, the misuse of chemical fertilizers could lead to environmental problems, such as the massive emission of greenhouse gases (GHG). Therefore, it is important to determine how fertilizer-use efficiency (FUE) could be improved to stabilize or increase maize yield while reducing GHG emissions. In this study, we collected 6618 date records which include three datasets (for N, P, and K) from five maize-growing regions in China from 2005 to 2018, and performed a meta-analysis on the effects of N, K, and P fertilization levels on maize yield, partial factor productivity (PFP), agronomic efficiency (AE), and the carbon footprint of maize production. Additionally, scenario analyses were performed to estimate optimal fertilizer application rates for stabilizing or increasing maize yield while reducing GHG emissions. It was shown that FUE and maize yield responses to fertilization level varied in different regions. Compared to the past, the maize production of China has improved significantly in terms of FUE and its carbon footprint in recent years. Because of improvements in maize cultivars and cultivation technologies, it is possible to decrease N, P, and K application rates and reduce per unit area carbon footprint of maize, without compromising yield. In the future, N fertilization should be reduced by 10% from current levels, and the application of P and K fertilizers should be increased or decreased depending on the conditions of each maize-growing region. Thus, it should be possible to stabilize or even increase yields and reduce GHG emissions of maize production, thereby achieving green and efficient development.
Preliminary Studies on How to Reduce the Effects of Salinity
Authors: Guo Yaru , Liu Hongguang , Gong Ping , Li Pengfei , Tian Rumeng , Zhang Yao , Xu Yibin , Xue Bao
Published: November 2022

Soil salinization is an important factor contributing to the deterioration of soil environment and low crop yield in arable land. In this study, the effects of five fulvic acid applications (0 (CK), 150 (T1), 300 (T2), 450 (T3), and 600 (T4) kg·ha−1) on soil physicochemical properties, humus content of each component, and cotton (Xinluzao No. 82) growth were investigated. It was confirmed that fulvic acid improved soil water-stable macroaggregates, moisture distribution, and desalinization. 0–20 cm soil relative desalinization rate was significantly increased by 2–11.75%. The pH value decreased by 0.09–0.21. The soil organic matter content was significantly increased compared to CK (p < 0.05), with 7.5–26.93% increase in organic matter content in 0–20 cm soil layer. Soil humification was increased to different degrees, with the most significant increase in humic carbon content in T3 treatment (p < 0.05). There was a significant increase in leaf area index (LAI), stem diameter, and plant height of cotton (p < 0.05). Cotton yield increased by 3.64–8.36% compared to CK (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that cotton yield was significantly correlated with the soil textures of saline soils. The best improvement was achieved with 450 kg·ha−1 fulvic acid. The results of this study can provide a theoretical basis for the improvement of saline soils in arid zones to enhance crop growth and yield.
Ultraviolet-B Irradiation Induces Resistance against Powdery Mildew in Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) through a Different Mechanism Than That of Heat Shock-Induced Resistance
Authors: Fardhani Dinar Mindrati , Kharisma Agung Dian , Kobayashi Tomoyuki , Arofatullah Nur Akbar , Yamada Makoto , Tanabata Sayuri , Yokoda Yumi , Widiastuti Ani , Sato Tatsuo
Published: November 2022

Heat shock treatment (HST) and UV-B irradiation can reduce pathogen infection in crops. However, information on the mechanism of UV-B action is limited. Here, we investigated the mechanism of UV-B-induced resistance against powdery mildew in cucumber and compared it to that of heat-shock-induced resistance. We measured the percentage of leaf area showing disease symptoms and examined the expression levels of defense- and heat-shock-related genes across treatment groups. UV-B irradiation (intensity, 5 µW/cm2) for 4 h/d followed by pathogen inoculation reduced the appearance of powdery mildew by 21.17% compared with the control group. Unlike HST—which induces systemic resistance—UV-B irradiation induced local resistance in cucumber, as indicated by local changes in gene expression (Chi2 and ETR2). UV-B-treated plants inoculated with powdery mildew showed higher expression levels of Chi2, ETR2, and LOX6 than plants that were either treated with UV-B or inoculated. UV-B had no major effects on systemic acquired resistance or heat shock transcription factors, which are known to be affected by HST. Combined HST and UV-B had a strong synergistic effect in reducing powdery mildew in cucumber. Our results indicate that UV-B treatment likely operates through a different mechanism than HST in triggering cucumber resistance against powdery mildew infection.
Extracellular Enzyme Patterns Provide New Insights Regarding Nitrogen Transformation Induced by Alkaline Amendment of Acidic Soil
Authors: Yin Junhui , Bai Xin , Fenton Owen , Tang Bingbing , Chen Shuo , Ma Yan , Zhang Shuai , Cao Wenchao , Ding Shuai , Liu Rui , Chen Qing
Published: November 2022

Nitrogen (N) availability is generally a limiting factor in highly acidic soil, which could be improved by amending these soils with alkaline materials. Soil extracellular enzyme activity (EEA) plays an important role in N transformation; a current knowledge gap is how this occurs in acidic soils amended with alkaline material. The present 45-day incubation experiment was designed to examine the effects of different amounts of alkaline materials (urea and/or calcium–silicon–magnesium–potassium fertilizer (CSMP)) on N transformation. The results show that soil pH significantly increased after the CSMP amendment (1.2 units) and increased soil net N mineralization (Rmin), net nitrification (Rnit) rates, and net ammonification (Ramo) rates. CSMP amendment changed the different soil EEA but with differing or opposing effects, e.g., Rnit was positively correlated with the activities of L-leucine aminopeptidase, β-xylosidase, α-glucosidase, and N-acetyl-β-glucosaminidase but negatively correlated with β-1, 4-glucosidase and β-cellobiosidase. A machine learning analysis indicated that the best predictor for Rmin and Ramo was soil pH, and for Rnit, it was nitrate. The results of the present study improve our understanding of N availability in acidic soils amended with materials to control soil pH. Such knowledge could lead to more bespoke nutrient management planning at the field scale, leading to better agronomic and environmental outcomes.
Mechanochemical Preparation of a Novel Slow-Release Fertilizer Based on K2SO4-kaolinite
Authors: AlShamaileh Ehab , Alrbaihat Mohammad , Moosa Iessa , Abu-Afifeh Qusay , Al-Fayyad Hebah , Hamadneh Imad , Al-Rawajfeh Aiman
Published: November 2022

In this study, a novel slow-release fertilizer (SRF) consisting of kaolinite and K2SO4 was prepared, employing the process of mechanochemical milling in a planetary ball mill. To obtain the optimum milling time and speed, several samples were made at fixed mass ratios of kaolinite: K2SO4 (3:1). The milling rotational speed ranged from 200 to 700 rpm for 120 min. Different milling times ranging from 60 to 180 min at fixed 600 rpm milling speed were also investigated to evaluate the incorporation of K2SO4 and to measure the liberation of K+ and SO42− ions into solution. The properties of the studied samples were analyzed by Fourier transformation infrared spectrometry (FTIR), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), and ion chromatography (IC). The mechanochemical process is a green chemistry procedure that is successfully applied to incorporate K2SO4 into the amorphous kaolinite structure. The slow-release performance was evaluated by determining the K+ and SO42− content in the aqueous solution upon leaching. The optimum released amount of K+ after 24 h was 32 mg L−1 for the milling conditions of 180 min and 700 rpm, indicating that K2SO4-kaolinite has good slow-release properties. The novel SRF is cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and improves the fertilizer’s efficiency in many agricultural applications.
The Chickpea Pod Borer, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner): Yield Loss Estimation and Biorational Insecticide Assessment in Morocco
Authors: El Fakhouri Karim , Boulamtat Rachid , Sabraoui Abdelhadi , El Bouhssini Mustapha
Published: November 2022

Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) is considered one of the most destructive insect pests of chickpea crops in Morocco; however, the extent of the yield loss it causes in Morocco is unknown. This study assessed the yield losses and pod damage caused by the chickpea pod borer H. armigera on four improved Kabuli varieties with insecticide treatment at two different locations. The second part of this study investigated the contact and systemic toxicity of different biological and selective insecticides in the control of the larvae of H. armigera under controlled laboratory and field conditions. The results demonstrated that the yield losses due to H. armigera infestation were in the range of 14.3–31.2%. Chickpea pod borer infestation resulted in losses in the total seed weight for all the chickpea varieties, with the highest yield losses for Zahor (F84-145C) being 31.18% at Allal Tazi followed by Farihane (F84-79C) with 27.38% at the Marchouch station. Emamectin benzoate at 250 g/ha showed a high level of larvicidal and systemic activity, with 100% mortality 24 h after application. Indoxacarb at 25 mL/100 L water, recorded 100% and 92% larval mortality in larvicidal and systemic activity, 48 h after application, respectively. The bioinsecticide spinosad in 30 mL/100 L water resulted in 88% and 92% larval mortality in contact and systemic activity, 48 h after application, respectively. Under field conditions, the two insecticides emamectin benzoate and indoxacarb were found to be highly effective in reducing the H. armigera larval population and pod damage after two sprays. Both insecticide treatments significantly increased grain yields compared with the untreated plots, with 25.8% and 24.5%, respectively. These findings showed that two applications of the selective chemical insecticides emamectin benzoate or indoxacarb with a week interval starting from the pod setting could be incorporated into the management strategies for the control of H. armigera.
Distribution of Heavy Metals and Organic Compounds: Contamination and Associated Risk Assessment in the Han River Watershed, South Korea
Authors: Im Jong Kwon , Noh Hye Ran , Kang Taegu , Kim Sang Hun
Published: November 2022

Given water pollution increases in aquatic ecosystems resulting from industrialization and rapid urbanization, appropriate treatment strategies to alleviate water pollution are crucial. The spatiotemporal distribution, sources, and potential risk of heavy metals and organic compounds were determined in surface water from the Han River watershed (n = 100) in wet and dry seasons. The inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (Cr and As), mercury analyzer (Hg), and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometer (organic compounds) were used to analyze the target compounds. Total concentration and detection frequency were in the order: Cr (2.375 µg/L, 100%) > As (1.339 µg/L, 100%) > Hg (0.007 µg/L, 100%) for heavy metals, and carbofuran (0.051 µg/L, 75%) > bisphenol A (0.040 µg/L, 47%) > quinoline (0.020 µg/L, 32%) for organic compounds. The target compounds showed the highest concentration in the area near industrial facilities. High concentrations and risk levels of all target compounds, except quinoline, were observed during the wet season. Principal component analysis indicated anthropogenic activities were the primary source of pollution. Cr showed the most prominent environmental impact in the wet season, suggesting its ecological risk. Additional monitoring is required for clear risk pollutant assessments in aquatic ecosystems to aid policy implementation.
Management and Productivity of Key Integrated Crop–Livestock Systems in Uruguay: The Palo a Pique Long-Term Experiment’s Third Phase
Authors: Pereyra-Goday Fabiana , Rovira Pablo , Ayala Walter , Rivero M. Jordana
Published: November 2022

Integrated Crop Livestock Systems (ICLSs) use productive diversification as a strategy to improve productivity and land use efficiency. Pasture Crop Rotations are a part of ICLSs and imply a pasture phase included in the sequence of crops. The main reasons to include pastures in crop systems are low productivity of natural grasslands and increased crop yield after a pasture phase. Our objective was to analyze the productivity indicators and management of four ICLSs that combine crop and livestock production, with data collected over a 3 y period (2019–2022). The experimental site was The Palo a Pique (Treinta y Tres, Uruguay) long-term experiment installed in 1995, located in the subtropical climate zone and on Oxyaquic Argiudolls soils (3% average slope). Systems evaluated were CC (continuous cropping), SR (two years idem CC, two years of pastures), LR (two years idem CC, four years of pastures) and FR (continuous pasture with Tall Fescue). Liveweight (LW) production, grain production and dry matter (DM) production were evaluated. Liveweight production was higher in CC and SR (426 and 418 kg LW/ha) than in LR (369 kg LW/ha) and FR (310 kg LW/ha). DM production was higher in FR and SR (6867 and 5763 kg DM/ha/year) than in LR (5399 kg DM/ha/year) and CC (5206 kg DM/ha/year). Grain production was 10%, 16% and 9% lower in soybean, wheat and sorghum in CC.
Weed Control, Rice Safety, and Mechanism of the Novel Paddy Field Herbicide Glyamifop
Authors: Gao Haitao , Zheng Haowen , Zhang Pu , Yu Jiaxing , Li Jun , Dong Liyao
Published: November 2022

Glyamifop (R&D code: FG001), (R)-(2-(4-(6-chlorobenzoxazol-2-oxy) phenoxy) propionyl) glycine ethyl ester is a newly developed aryloxyphenoxypropionate (HRAC Group 1) herbicide for weed control in paddy fields. This work determined the effect of Glyamifop on weeds and its safety for rice in the glasshouse. Glyamifop controlled the common gramineous weeds in paddy fields at 100 g a.i. ha−1: the fresh weight inhibition rates of Echinochloa crus-galli, Leptochloa chinensis, Setaria viridis, Eragrostis japonica, Digitaria sanguinalis and Panicum bisulcatum were all above 90%. It has almost no inhibitory effect on broad-leaved and cyperaceae weeds, such as Eclipta prostrata and Cyperus iria. Glyamifop inhibited cyhalofop-butyl-resistant L. chinensis, penoxsulam-resistant E. crus-galli and quinclorac-resistant E. crusgalli var. zelayensis by 100%, 99.98% and 96.37%, respectively, at 100 g a.i. ha−1, based on the fresh weight. The selectivity index of Glyamifop foliage treatment in the rice varieties japonica ‘Huaidao 5’, indica ‘Xiangliangyou 900’ and glutinous ‘Zhennuo 29’ was 5.93, 6.81 and 4.91, respectively; therefore, Glyamifop is safe for the 3 different rice varieties. Fresh weight rice inhibition rates were 7.18%, 2.99% and 7.93% at the 2.5-, 3.5- and 5.5-leaf stage, respectively, and the selectivity index was 5.18, 6.04 and 7.93, respectively, indicating that Glyamifop was safe for rice at these leaf stages. L. chinensis ACCase activity decreased with increasing Glyamifop concentration, and the inhibitory effect was similar to that of cyhalofop acid; this confirmed that Glyamifop is an ACCase inhibitor. In conclusion, Glyamifop has potential for the management of gramineous weeds as it has good activity against weeds that are resistant to common herbicides in paddy fields.
Agro-Morphological, Yield and Biochemical Responses of Selected Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Genotypes to Salt Stress
Authors: Sen Arpita , Islam Md. Moshiul , Zaman Erin , Ghosh Uttam Kumar , Momtaz Milia Bente , Islam Md. Ariful , Urmi Tahmina Akter , Mamun Md. Abdullah Al , Rahman Md. Mamunur , Kamal Mohammed Zia Uddin , Rahman G. K. M. Mustafizur , Haque M. Moynul , Murata Yoshiyuki
Published: November 2022

Wheat is affected by various biotic and abiotic stresses, especially salinity, which reduces the growth and yield drastically. With this view, an experiment was conducted to observe genotypic differences in agro-morphological, yield, and biochemical responses to salinity. Experimental variables consisted of five salt-tolerant genotypes (G 13, G 20-1, G 9, G 22, G 20-2), one susceptible genotype (G 24) and one standard check variety (BARI ghom 25), which assigned to four levels of salinity with electrical conductivities 0, 4, 8 and 12 dS m−1. Irrespective of genotypes, salinity stress significantly decreased the yield and yield attributes. However, maximum total tillers plant−1, effective tillers plant−1, number of grains spike−1, and grain yield plant−1 was found in salt tolerant genotype G 20-2, followed by genotypes G 13, G 20-1, and the lowest was observed in salt-susceptible genotype G 24. The lowest reduction percentage of yield and yield attributes were also observed in salt tolerant genotype G 20-2 followed by genotypes G 13, G 20-2, and the maximum reduction percentage was found in salt-susceptible genotype G 24. Results showed that the highest amount of proline, glycinebetaine, soluble sugar and soluble protein content were observed in salt-tolerant genotype G 20-2, followed by genotypes G 13, G 20-1, and the minimum was found in salt-susceptible genotype G 24. On the other hand, the lowest hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and melondealdehyde (MDA) accumulation was detected in the same salt-tolerant genotype G 20-2, followed by G 13, G 20-1, and the maximum was observed in salt-susceptible genotype G 24. Therefore, higher accumulations of compatible solute in the tolerant genotypes reduce the oxidative stress, and provide the higher yield.
Plant Growth Promoting Filamentous Fungi and Their Application in the Fertilization of Pastures for Animal Consumption
Authors: Argumedo-Delira Rosalba , Gómez-Martínez Mario J. , Mora-Delgado Jairo
Published: November 2022

The diversity of fungi in different terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems has made it possible to explore their use as important tools in promoting plant growth and in managing plant diseases given their high potential to replace the use of synthetic chemical products (fertilizers and pesticides). Therefore, this review compiles information on the use of filamentous fungi in promoting plant growth, highlighting the most studied fungal genera for this purpose, such as Trichoderma, Penicillum, and Aspergillus. In addition, information is compiled on the promotion of forage grass growth using filamentous fungi, which could be a sustainable and lower-cost alternative in producing pastures to help raise animals.
Does the Implementation of an Animal Welfare Programme on a Farm Yield a Demonstrable Improvement in Fattening Pig Welfare?
Authors: Schale Patrick , Schmitt Armin O. , Dänicke Sven , Kluess Jeannette , Grümpel-Schlüter Angelika , Arkenau Engel F.
Published: November 2022

In the course of social criticism of fattening pig farming, an animal welfare programme called “Initiative Animal Welfare” (ITW) was founded to increase animal welfare in pig farming in Germany. Furthermore, there is a legal obligation to record animal welfare parameters as a self-monitoring measure. The “German Association for Technology and Structures in Agriculture” published a guideline on the applicable animal welfare criteria. This guide formed the basis of this study’s data collection. The aim was to apply the animal welfare parameters on farms by comparing the results between farms participating in ITW with those not participating. A cumulative score was calculated by evaluating the collected data. In addition, the relative risk was calculated in order to estimate the risk of finding a negative expression of a parameter. Our data show that ITW farms did not perform significantly better than the farms without ITW in terms of both the cumulative score and the relative risk. Overall, it must be considered that in both farm variants the occurrence of negative evaluations was very rare and the visited farms thus certainly can be considered to be well-managed farms. Climate parameters were recorded in each compartment and showed no significant differences in most cases.
Effects of Differences in Fibre Composition and Maturity of Forage-Based Diets on the Fluid Balance, Water-Holding Capacity and Viscosity in Equine Caecum and Colon Digesta
Authors: Muhonen Sara , Philippeau Christelle , Julliand Véronique
Published: November 2022

Horses are herbivores, and their hindgut functions as a fluid reservoir as forage fibre properties have great impact on the water content of digesta and the milieu in the ecosystem. Our objective was to compare the effect of grass fibre maturity and legume forage on the water-holding capacity (WHC) and viscosity of the equine hindgut and the body weight (BW) and fluid balance of horses. Three diets: concentrate and late harvested grass haylage (35:65 energy ratio) (C); early and late harvested grass haylage (80:20) (G); lucerne and late harvested grass haylage (80:20) (L) were fed to six caecum and colon fistulated horses for 28 days in a Latin-square design. Total water intake and BW were higher when the horses were fed Diet L, but the digesta WHC was higher when fed Diet G. Total water excretion (via faeces + urine) and the difference in total water intake—output was higher when fed Diet L. Viscosity, measured on centrifuged digesta fluid, did not differ between diets, but the individual colon data of one horse were higher. In conclusion, early harvested forage might be beneficial for the fluid balance of athletic horses providing a higher WHC of hindgut digesta without increasing BW. The importance of digesta viscosity in relation to equine diets needs further investigations.
Anaemia in Sheep Caused by Babesia and Theileria Haemoparasites
Authors: Villanueva-Saz Sergio , Borobia Marta , Fernández Antonio , Jiménez Calasanz , Yzuel Andrés , Verde María Teresa , Ramo María Ángeles , Figueras Luis , Ruíz Héctor
Published: November 2022

Piroplasmoses in sheep are caused by vector-borne apicomplexan protozoa, Babesia and Theileria. Different species are responsible for the disease; some species are more pathogenic than others and have a worldwide distribution. In this sense, these causative agents can cause anaemia in flocks. In general, these vector-borne diseases infect small ruminants and cause host-mediated pathology. In the case of Babesia species, a combination of different mechanisms is involved: red blood cell lysis due to intracellular parasite multiplication, activation of biogenic amines and the coagulation system with the possibility of disseminated intravascular coagulation. By contrast, less information is available on the different immunopathogenic mechanisms involved in the development of anaemia in sheep with theileriosis. However, the mechanisms of pathogenic action in theileriosis are similar to those studied in babesiosis. Diagnosis is based on compatible clinical signs, laboratory findings, specific diagnostic tests and the presence of the tick vector. Some of these tests detect the causative agent itself, such as direct identification by light microscopy and molecular analysis. In contrast, other tests detect the sheep’s immune response to the organism by serology. Both diseases pose a significant diagnostic challenge for veterinary practitioners around the world. This review presents the most frequent clinical signs, pathogenesis and clinicopathological findings, diagnosis.
Identification and Characterization of Sex-Biased miRNAs in the Golden Pompano (Trachinotus blochii)
Authors: Shi Liping , Song Feibiao , Zhang Kaixi , Gu Yue , Hu Jinghan , Sun Junlong , Wang Zhongwei , Zhou Li , Luo Jian
Published: November 2022

The golden pompano (Trachinotus blochii) is a marine fish of considerable commercial importance in China. It shows notable sexual size dimorphism; the growth rate of females is faster than that of males. Therefore, sex-biased research is of great importance in T. blochii breeding. However, there have been few studies on sex differentiation and mechanisms underlying sex determination in T. blochii. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play crucial roles in sex differentiation and determination in animals. However, limited miRNA data are available on fish. In this study, two small RNA libraries prepared from the gonads of T. blochii were constructed and sequenced. The RNA-seq analysis yielded 1366 known and 69 novel miRNAs with 289 significantly differentially expressed miRNAs (p < 0.05). Gene ontology (GO) analysis confirmed that the TFIIA transcription factor complex (GO: 0005672) was the most significantly enriched GO term. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis showed that the differentially expressed miRNAs and target genes were mainly related to sex determination and gonadal developmental signaling pathways, specifically the Wnt signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, and steroid biosynthetic pathway. MiRNA-mRNA co-expression network analysis strongly suggested a role for sex-biased miRNAs in sex determination/differentiation and gonadal development. For example, gata4, foxo3, wt1, and sf1 genes were found to be regulated by bta-miR-2898; esr2 and foxo3 by novel_176, and ar by oar-let-7b. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of selected mRNAs and miRNAs validated the integrated analysis. This study established a set of sex-biased miRNAs that are potential regulatory factors in gonadal development in T. blochii. These results provide new insight into the function of miRNAs in sex differentiation and determination in T. blochii and highlight some key miRNAs for future studies.
Regional and Seasonal Variability of Mineral Patterns in Some Organs of Slaughtered One-Humped Camels [Camelus dromedarius] from Saudi Arabia
Authors: Abdelrahman Mutassim M. , Alhidary Ibrahim A. , Alobre Mohsen M. , Matar Abdulkareem M. , Alharthi Abdulrahman S. , Faye Bernard , Aljumaah Riyadh S.
Published: November 2022

Camel products are receiving great interest worldwide because of their high functional properties and nutritive values. Therefore, this study was focused on the variation of copper [Cu], zinc [Zn], manganese [Mn], selenium [Se], iron [Fe], iodine [I], and some heavy metals, cobalt [Co], lead [Pb], and cadmium [Cd], in the blood and tissues of slaughtered camels from five regions in Saudi Arabia [SA] during the summer and winter seasons, because environmental factors vary from region to region. Whole blood, meat, liver, rumen fluid, and rumen tissues were collected from the slaughterhouse in each region during the two seasons. Moreover, samples were prepared and analyzed for trace mineral and heavy metal concentrations using ICP-MS. The data were statistically analyzed as part of a complete randomized design and correlation analysis for season and location using SAS. The findings revealed a pattern in the minerals, with Ca being the only mineral that was unrelated to other minerals in the liver. For lead and cadmium, our mean value in liver [0.40 µg/g] was below the limit of the EU standard for cadmium [0.50 µg/g], while in meat and liver, lead contents [1.62 µg/g and 2.57 µg/g, respectively] were above the limit of the EU standard [0.10 and 0.20 µg/g, respectively]. For meat, the significantly highest positive correlations were observed between P and Mg [R2 = 0.928], Fe and Mn [R2 = 0.860], and Co and Mn [R2 = 0.821]. For rumen tissues, P and Mg were highly correlated [R2 = 0.958] as well as Zn and Mg [R2 = 0.857], Zn and P [R2 = 0.836], and Fe and Ca [R2 = 0.802]. As a result, a region and season reflect variations in mineral concentrations in SA during the summer and winter seasons. Further intensive research is needed to investigate the minerals’ biological mechanisms in camels under different environmental conditions.