bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of a CBPR-informed physical activity intervention before and during COVID-19 among women from a disadvantaged neighborhood in Sweden
Authors: Ramji Rathi , Carlson Elisabeth , Kottorp Anders , Rämgård Margareta
Published: November 2022

Background

Public health practitioners have been striving to reduce the social gradient and promote physical activity among citizens living in disadvantaged neighborhoods. The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has affected these citizens extensively, has posed a significant challenge to efforts to maintain a physically active lifestyle. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the impact of a CBPR-informed physical activity intervention before and during the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of women from a socially disadvantaged neighborhood.

Methods

A total of 34 women participated in a CBPR-informed physical activity intervention previously developed in collaboration with lay health promoters and other citizens from the same neighborhood. Focus group discussions were conducted at four time points, namely, at baseline prior to the intervention, post-intervention, 6 months after the intervention ended, and during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis following an inductive approach.

Results

In total, four themes emerged from the discussions: “Wavering between frustration and action,” “Shifting from prioritizing family needs to taking control of self,” “Between isolation and social support,” and “Restricted access to health-related knowledge vs. utilizing internalized knowledge”.

Conclusion

The results of this study reveal that building on CBPR-informed health promotion initiatives has the potential to foster individual empowerment and assist during acute situations like the COVID-19 pandemic through mobilizing communities and their resources, which leads to increased community resilience and health. This study is regarded as unique in that it involves evaluation of a CBPR intervention that was initiated ahead of the pandemic and followed even during the pandemic.
Pre-clinical evaluation of antiproteases as potential candidates for HIV-1 pre-exposure prophylaxis
Authors: Herrera Carolina , Olejniczak Natalia , Noël-Romas Laura , Plummer Frank , Burgener Adam
Published: November 2022

Previous studies on highly HIV-1-exposed, yet persistently seronegative women from the Punwami Sex Worker cohort in Kenya, have shed light on putative protective mechanisms, suggesting that mucosal immunological factors, such as antiproteases, could be mediating resistance to HIV-1 transmission in the female reproductive tract. Nine protease inhibitors were selected for this study: serpin B4, serpin A1, serpin A3, serpin C1, cystatin A, cystatin B, serpin B13, serpin B1 and α-2-macroglobulin-like-protein 1. We assessed in a pilot study, the activity of these antiproteases with cellular assays and an ex vivo HIV-1 challenge model of human ecto-cervical tissue explants. Preliminary findings with both models, cellular and tissue explants, established an order of inhibitory potency for the mucosal proteins as candidates for pre-exposure prophylaxis when mimicking pre-coital use. Combination of all antiproteases considered in this study was more active than any of the individual mucosal proteins. Furthermore, the migration of cells out of ecto-cervical explants was blocked indicating potential prevention of viral dissemination following amplification of the founder population. These findings constitute the base for further development of these mucosal protease inhibitors for prevention strategies.
Gambling and financial markets a comparison from a regulatory perspective
Authors: Weidner Linus
Published: November 2022

This article discusses similarities between the finance industry and the gambling industry. It considers empirical studies from both fields and compares both industries with regard to possible substitution effects. Afterwards, the current regulatory approach to gambling and financial markets is discussed. Based on this literature review, the author points out that regulators need to acknowledge the fact that both markets possess addictive properties and attract certain risk-seeking individuals. Moreover, the regulators need to find a way to align their fundamentally different objectives to find common solutions to cross-industry problems. Finally, an increased cooperation between (state) authorities is necessary. This cooperation could help to protect traders from developing gambling-related problems, provide significant insights for industry-wide and product-specific regulation and lead to a more informed use of technology for harm prevention purposes. The most important similarities and differences of both markets and the resulting regulatory implications are briefly summarized.
Using MEPED observations to infer plasma density and chorus intensity in the radiation belts
Authors: Longley William J. , Chan Anthony A. , Jaynes Allison N. , Elkington Scot R. , Pettit Joshua M. , Ross Johnathan P. J. , Glauert Sarah A. , Horne Richard B.
Published: November 2022

Efforts to model and predict energetic electron fluxes in the radiation belts are highly sensitive to local wave-particle interactions. In this study, we use multi-point measurements of precipitating and trapped electron fluxes to investigate the dynamic variation of chorus wave-particle interactions during the 17 March 2013 storm. Quasilinear theory characterizes the chorus wave-particle interaction as a diffusive process, with the diffusion coefficients depending on the particle energy and pitch angle, as well as the background plasma parameters such as the wave intensity and plasma density. These plasma parameters in the radiation belts are spatially localized and time-varying, so we construct event-specific diffusion coefficients using MEPED (onboard POES/MetOp) measurements of electron fluxes at low Earth orbit. This new method provides realistic diffusion coefficients for chorus waves that account for changes in the wave intensity, the plasma density, and the magnetic field strength in the outer radiation belt. We show that the inferred chorus intensity is significantly lower than previous estimates that use MEPED observations since the same amount of increased precipitation by 30–300 keV electrons can be explained by a change in the plasma density. This technique therefore allows for us to create time varying, global maps of the plasma-gyrofrequency ratio (fpe/fce), and therefore plasma density, in the outer radiation belts using the MEPED measurements. The global density estimates compare reasonably well to in situ density measurements from RBSP-B.
Diversification of crops: Assessment of managerial flexibility and economic impact on sugarcane medium-sized farms
Authors: Santos David Ferreira Lopes , Gomes Samara Marques
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study is to assess the economic viability of a medium-sized sugarcane farm applying a diversification strategy, including the possibility of managerial flexibility in changing its portfolio over time. There is a theoretical gap in the economic evaluation of diversified production systems in farm space. We assessed one diversified structure for the sugarcane agricultural farm that included land areas dedicated to the rotational cultivation of soybean/corn, corn/peanut, and corn/green manure. We considered the managerial flexibility when replacing sugarcane culture. Primary and secondary data were used based on the agricultural context of São Paulo State, Brazil, where the modal profile of medium-sized producers in the region was defined with the support of technicians from the leading agricultural cooperative and sugarcane suppliers association. The results indicate that the diversification strategy for the investigated context generates: lower financial risk for the farm, higher potential return on investment, and higher economic value added.
A single dose of Astragalus saponins adjuvanted inactivated vaccine for pseudorabies virus protected mice against lethal challenge
Authors: Chang Chen , Wang Haiyan , Hua Tao , Zhang Daohua , Hong Weibin , Deng Bihua , Tang Bo
Published: November 2022

Pseudorabies (PR) is an important infectious disease of swine that causes enormous economic losses to the swine industry in China. Immunization with vaccines is a routine practice to control this disease. PRV inactivated vaccines usually require a booster vaccination to provide complete immune protection. Therefore, Astragalus saponins (AST) have been added as an immunopotentiator to improve the immune efficacy and reduce the immunization times for the PRV inactivated vaccine. The results in mice have shown that a single dose of AST-adjuvanted PRV inactivated vaccine promoted higher production of gB-specific IgG, IgG1, and IgG2a and neutralizing antibody, secretion of Th1-type (IFN-γ) and Th2-type (IL-4) cytokines, and lymphocyte proliferation than mice immunized without AST. Compared to mice immunized without AST, a single dose of the AST-adjuvanted PRV inactivated vaccine improved the survival percentage of mice and reduced the PRV viral loads in the lungs and brains after lethal challenge. In summary, AST was an effective immunopotentiator to improve the immune efficacy of a single dose PRV inactivated vaccine.
PSO-Based Variable Parameter Linear Quadratic Regulator for Articulated Vehicles Snaking Oscillation Yaw Motion Control
Authors: Lei Tianlong , Gu Xiaochao , Zhang Kanghua , Li Xiang , Wang Jixin
Published: November 2022

In this paper, the seven degrees of freedom (DOF) nonlinear system model of articulated vehicles, including the vehicle dynamics model, tire and hydraulic steering system model, and the linearized ideal reference model, is constructed. A layered stability controller for the articulated vehicle is built. The particle swarm optimization (PSO)-based variable parameter linear quadratic regulator (LQR) for the upper-level yaw torque controller and the lower-level torque distributor based on the principle of the minimum tire utilization are established. The effectiveness of the LQR upper-level yaw torque controller for an articulated vehicle at different speeds and control references are compared and analyzed through feedforward and feedback control. We optimize the parameters in the LQR controller using PSO and verify the improvement in the controller’s performance with optimized parameters. Overall, the effect of front and rear-integrated control is best, followed by rear-based and front-based control. The PSO algorithm to optimize the LQR controller parameters for snaking oscillation control is effective.
Range-Based Reactive Deployment of a Flying Robot for Target Coverage
Authors: Lyu Mingyang , Zhao Yibo , Huang Hailong
Published: November 2022

Flying robots, also known as drones and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), have found numerous applications in civilian domains thanks to their excellent mobility and reduced cost. In this paper, we focus on a scenario of a flying robot monitoring a set of targets, which are assumed to be moving as a group, to which the sparse distribution of the targets is not applicable. In particular, the problem of finding the optimal position for the flying robot such that all the targets can be monitored by the on-board ground facing camera is considered. The studied problem can be formulated as the conventional smallest circle problem if all the targets’ locations are given. Because it may be difficult to obtain the locations in practice, such as in Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) dined environments, a range-based navigation algorithm based on the sliding mode control method is proposed. This algorithm navigates the flying robot toward the farthest target dynamically, using the estimated robot–target distances from the received signal strength, until the maximum robot–target distance cannot be further reduced. It is light computation and easily implementable, and both features help to improve the energy efficiency of the flying robot because no heavy computation is required and no special sensing device needs to be installed on the flying robot. The presented solution does not directly solve the smallest circle problem. Instead, our proposed method dynamically navigates the flying robot to the center of the group of targets using the extracted distance information only. Simulations in Matlab and Gazebo have been conducted for both stationery and mobile targets to verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Numerical Simulation of Seed-Movement Characteristics in New Maize Delivery Device
Authors: Liu Rui , Liu Lijing , Li Yanjun , Liu Zhongjun , Zhao Jinhui , Liu Yunqiang , Zhang Xuedong
Published: November 2022

The delivery device is one of the key components in ensuring uniform grain spacing and achieving high-speed precision seeding. In this paper, a new type of high-speed airflow-assisted delivery device for maize is presented. The gas–solid flow in the delivery device was numerically studied by the coupling method of CFD and DEM. The influence of the structural parameters of the delivery device on the movement of the seeds and the airflow field was analyzed in detail. The matching relationship between the inlet-airflow velocity and the operating speed of the seeder was explored. The results show that the position of the intake seed chamber mainly affects the negative pressure in the distribution area of the mixing chamber. The increase in the shrinkage angle results in the decrease in pressure loss and the decrease in airflow velocity in the delivery chamber. As the diffusion angle increases, the airflow forms a stable straight jet flow and the airflow velocity in the delivery chamber increases. As the ejection angle increases, the bouncing degree of the seed decreases, thereby ensuring the consistency of the seed-ejection direction. The research results show that, when the intake seed chamber is located in the middle, the shrinkage angle is 70°, the diffusion angle is 30°, and the exit angle is 60°, the air-assisted delivery device has better performance. With the increase in inlet wind speed, the seed-ejection speed can also be increased according to a certain proportion, which can meet the requirements of zero-speed seeding and ensure the uniformity of seed spacing, providing a new seed delivery scheme. In the future, if invasive damage to the seed shell is guaranteed to be minimized in high-speed airflow, the new delivery device can meet the requirements of precision seeding under high-speed conditions.
Design of 6-DOF Tomato Picking Lifting Platform
Authors: Cao Pei , Wang Tianchi , Zhai Liang , Niu Shi’ao , Liu Li , Shi Yinggang
Published: November 2022

The tomato picking lifting platform is the carrier for the installation of the picking manipulator, which directly affects the operating range, speed, and picking effect of the picking manipulator. Based on the six degree of freedom motion platform, this paper designs a tomato lifting platform with automatic lifting and automatic leveling functions, which can accurately dock at the designated height to complete the picking operation, and verifies the validity of its parameters and the rationality of the operation movement. First, we analyzed the tomato planting mode and growth characteristics of greenhouse; determined the predetermined trajectory, mechanism travel, and motion form of the lifting platform to complete the lifting process during tomato picking; and determined the basic design parameters of the platform; Secondly, we used SolidWorks to build the three-dimensional model of the lifting platform, and imported it into ADAMS. We used the driving function to complete the dynamic simulation of the virtual prototype of the lifting platform, and obtained the force curve of the electric cylinder and hinge. We analyzed the force on the electric cylinder and hinge of the lifting platform to determine the rationality of the device design. Finally, according to the design requirements and simulation data, we made the prototype of the lifting platform, constructed the motion control system, and carried out relevant experiments. The experimental results show that the maximum rotation angle around the x, y, and z axis is ±10°, the maximum lifting distance is 15 cm, and the maximum load is 50 kg; meanwhile, the average time for the system to reach steady state is 0.309 s, the in-tilt error increases with the increase in biaxial tilt angle, with the maximum error of 1.09°, and the maximum mean square root error of 0.119°, which can meet the automatic operation requirements of the tomato picking manipulator.
Nitrate Increases Aluminum Toxicity and Accumulation in Root of Wheat
Authors: Ma Yan , Bai Caihong , Zhang Xincheng , Ding Yanfeng
Published: November 2022

Aluminum (Al) toxicity inhibits root growth, while nitrogen is an essential nutrient for plant growth and development. To explore the effects of nitrate (N) on Al toxicity and accumulation in root of wheat, two wheat genotypes, Shengxuan 6 hao (SX6, Al-tolerant genotype) and Zhenmai 168 (ZM168, Al-sensitive genotype), were used in a hydroponic experiment with four treatments (control without N or Al, N, Al, and Al+N, respectively). The results showed that N increased the inhibition of root elongation and aluminum accumulation in root. The Al-sensitive genotype suffered more serious Al toxicity than the Al-tolerant genotype. Histochemical observation clearly showed that Al prefers binding on the root apex 7–10 mm zones, and the Al-sensitive genotype accumulated more Al in these zones. Compared with other treatments, the Al+N treatment had significantly higher O2−, superoxides dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD) activities, H2O2, Evans blue uptake, malondialdehyde (MDA), ascorbic acid (AsA), pectin, and hemicellulose 1 (HC1) contents in both genotypes. Under Al+N treatment, O2− activity, Evans blue uptake, MDA, and HC1 contents of SX6 were significantly lower than those of ZM168, but SOD, CAT, and POD activities and AsA content exhibited an opposite trend. Therefore, aluminum toxicity and accumulation in root of wheat seedlings were aggravated by nitrate.
Aquaculture Sustainability Assessed by Emergy Synthesis: The Importance of Water Accounting
Authors: da Silva Morales Úrsula , Rotta Marco Aurélio , Fornari Darci Carlos , Streit Danilo Pedro
Published: November 2022

Aquaculture is one of the protein production activities with the most significant potential for global development. It is one of the fastest growing in recent years, mainly because of its efficiency in transforming feed into meat. However, the increase in aquaculture production raises some concerns, especially regarding the proper use of natural resources such as water, which is fundamental in aquaculture production systems. On the other hand, numerous systems, models, and production techniques have been developed and used to manage resources and reduce the negative impacts of the activity. However, it is not known which production systems and management practices are more sustainable, although the development and application of these technologies are crucial and profoundly influence this aspect of production. Emergy is a method that considers the contribution of nature and economy in the creation of the product and service, excluding the strictly monetary character present in conventional economic evaluations, being a model used to measure the level of sustainability in productive systems. In this sense, this study characterized the use of emergy analysis in aquaculture systems and discussed the main applications and potential uses, in addition to identifying the importance of water in the production and better destination of this resource for the economic and sustainable development of aquaculture. The systematic review methodology identified 17 articles using emergy analysis to assess environmental, economic, and social sustainability. The production systems evaluated vary between monocultures and polycultures at different production levels (intensive, semi-intensive, extensive). When all these particularities are transformed into the same unit (emjoule or solar joule), it is possible to compare different scenarios. As a primary resource of nature, water deserves more attention in the emergy accounting of aquaculture systems. It was shown the importance of a more detailed water analysis considering its effective use, impact (alteration or variation in its quality), and flow for a correct emergy analysis as a tool to promote the maintenance of the aquaculture activity over the years, which has in the water its most significant wealth.
Manure Application Timing and Incorporation Effects on Ammonia and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Corn
Authors: Sherman Jessica , Young Eric , Jokela William , Kieke Burney
Published: November 2022

Manure application influences ammonia (NH3) and greenhouse gas emissions; however, few studies have quantified the effects of manure application methods and timing on NH3, nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) fluxes simultaneously. We evaluated surface-applied liquid manure application with disk incorporation versus injection on NH3, N2O, CO2, and CH4 fluxes in central Wisconsin corn silage (Zea mays L.) plots during pre-plant (PP) and sidedress (SD) application windows from 2009 to 2011. Manure treatments were PP injection (PP-Inject) and injection at sidedress time (SD-Inject) to growing corn, along with two incorporation times for PP surface application (within 24 h—PP-1-hr; within 3 days—PP-3-day). Mean NH3 emissions were 95% lower for injected treatments compared to surface application in both years, with larger losses for PP-3-day and SD-Surf. While N2O fluxes were generally low, larger increases after manure application were associated with injection and triggered by soil moisture/temperature changes. Mean CO2 and CH4 were unaffected by manure treatments and influenced more by weather. Overall, injection conserved more available soil N while contributing to modest N2O emission, suggesting manure injection may offer greater agri-environmental benefits on the whole over surface application.
Design of and Experiment on Reciprocating Inter-Row Weeding Machine for Strip-Seeded Rice
Authors: Wang Yu , Xi Xiaobo , Chen Meng , Shi Yangjie , Zhang Yifu , Zhang Baofeng , Qu Jiwei , Zhang Ruihong
Published: November 2022

To solve the problems of high labor costs, a low weeding rate and a high seedling injury rate in the direct seeding of rice fields, this paper presents a reciprocating inter-row weeding machine for strip-seeded rice. The machine uses a combination of weeding wheels and weeding shovels to improve the efficiency of weeding between rice rows. Its reciprocating mechanism was designed and optimized. The simulation model of weeding teeth–paddy soil interaction was established in EDEM. The structural parameters of the weeding teeth were optimized, and the bending angle of the optimized weeding teeth was 55°. A prototype trial production and field tests were carried out. The results showed that the prototype’s inter-row weeding rate was between 80.2% and 85.3% and the seedling injury rate was between 3.5% and 5.1% when the prototype’s working speed was 1~3 km h−1. The faster the speed of the prototype, the lower the inter-row weeding rate and the higher the seedling injury rate.
Research on Design and Analysis Method of the Double Planetary HMCVT Based on High Efficiency Transmission
Authors: Li Jiang , Zhao Yirong , Zhai Zhiqiang , Han Bing , Du Yuefeng , Wang Lin , Zhu Zhongxiang
Published: November 2022

The hydro-mechanical continuously variable transmission (HMCVT) is the critical component in the transmission system of the high-horsepower tractor. However, different structural layouts have a significant influence on transmission efficiency, especially for the HMCVT with multiple planetary rows. Therefore, the double planetary HMCVT, which, based on efficiency characteristics, was designed in this study, as well as the efficiency distribution area under different loads, were analysed. First, the method of the single planetary row in structure layout is constructed and redefined, revealing the transformation law of transmission in different layouts. Moreover, the different layout efficiencies and output transmission ratios were derived as the theoretical basis for selection. Then, the obtained transmission and efficiency characteristics were selected as the best combination to design the double planetary HMCVT. The theoretical efficiency and hydraulic power shunt characteristics were analysed with the circulating power, and the influence of circulating power on operational efficiency was determined. Finally, the hardware-in-the-loop system of HMCVT was designed. Herein, a new type of variable load efficiency characteristic analysis method is proposed, which treats the engine and transmission as an efficient whole. The variational performance of the efficiency field in hydro-mechanical stages are discussed under full load and variable load. This research provides theoretical support for efficiency improvements in design and analysis of the multi-planetary HMCVT tractor.
Tyre Configuration and Axle Load of Front-Wheel Assist and Four-Wheel Drive Tractors Effects on Soil Compaction and Rolling Resistance under No-Tillage
Authors: Rivero David , Botta Guido F. , Antille Diogenes L. , Ezquerra-Canalejo Alejandra , Bienvenido Fernando , Ucgul Mustafa
Published: November 2022

Selecting the appropriate tyre configuration and settings for heavy farm vehicles is important to ensure that soil compaction and power loss in rolling resistance are minimised and traction is optimised. This study investigated the effect of front-wheel assist (FWA, ≈75 kN) and four-wheel drive (4 WD, ≈100 kN) tractors fitted with different tyre configurations (single, dual), tyre sizes and inflation pressures on soil strength (a proxy for soil compaction), and rolling resistance. Single-pass tests were performed on a Typic Argiudoll (≈23% clay, bulk density: 1305 kg m−3) managed under permanent no-tillage. Results showed that average power losses in rolling resistance were 7.5 kN and 5 kN for the 4 WD and FWA tractors, respectively. The average rut depth increased by approximately 1.4 times after a pass of the 4 WD compared with the FWA tractor. The soil cone index (0–600 mm depth) increased from 2023 kPa (before traffic) to 2188 and 2435 kPa after single passes of the FWA and 4WD tractors, respectively (p < 0.05). At the centreline of the tyre rut, dual tyres reduced the soil cone index a little compared with single tyres, but they significantly increased the volume of soil over which soil strength, and therefore soil compaction, was increased. For both tractors (regardless of tyre configuration or settings), soil strength increased to the full measured depth (600 mm), but relative changes before vs. after traffic became progressively smaller with increased soil depth. The power loss in rolling resistance was consistently greater with the heavier tractor, and rut depth was directly related to tyre inflation pressure.
Developing a Spatial Emission Inventory of Agricultural Machinery in Croatia by Using Large-Scale Survey Data
Authors: Lončarević Šimun , Ilinčić Petar , Lulić Zoran , Kozarac Darko
Published: November 2022

Agricultural machinery has an essential impact on climate change. However, its emission data are often missing, which makes it harder to develop policies which could lower its emissions. An emission inventory should first be developed to understand the impact of agricultural machinery on climate change. This article presents a spatial variation of emissions from agricultural machinery in Croatia. Data on agricultural machinery for 2016 was collected via a large-scale survey with 8895 respondents and included machinery type, location data, and fuel consumption by fuel type. Data processing was conducted to optimize the survey results, and the emissions were calculated using the “EEA/EMEP Emission Inventory Guidebook” Tier 1 method. The research shows that two-axle tractors with engine power 61–100 kW had the most significant energy consumption and were responsible for most of the emissions. The highest total emissions were in counties in the Slavonia region, while counties in the Dalmatia region had the highest emissions per hectare of arable land. Results obtained this way enable policies to be developed that will target specific spatial areas and machinery types. Furthermore, this approach could allow precise spatial and temporal emission tracking. A designated institution which could conduct annual surveys and update the agricultural machinery emission data would ensure emission data continuity.
Vibration Characteristics of Corn Combine Harvester with the Time-Varying Mass System under Non-Stationary Random Vibration
Authors: Yao Yanchun , Li Xiaoke , Yang Zihan , Li Liang , Geng Duanyang , Huang Peng , Li Yongsheng , Song Zhenghe
Published: November 2022

In field harvesting conditions, the non-stationary random vibration characteristics of the harvester are rarely considered, and the results of vibration frequency calculated by different time–frequency transformation methods are different. In this paper, the harvester’s vibration characteristics under the time-varying mass were studied, and the correlation between vibration frequency and modal frequency was analyzed. Firstly, under the conditions of time-varying mass (field harvesting conditions) and non-time-varying mass (empty running condition), the non-stationarity characteristics of vibration signals at 16 measurement points of a combined corn harvester frame were studied. Then, fast Fourier transform (FFT), short-time Fourier transform (STFT), and continuous wavelet transform (CWT) were used to calculate the vibration frequency distribution characteristics of the corn harvester. Finally, based on the EFDD (enhanced frequency domain decomposition) algorithm, the correlation between the primary vibration frequency and the operating mode frequency is studied. The results show that the mean, variance, and maximum difference of the vibration amplitude under harvesting conditions (mass time-varying system) are 0.10, 26.5, and 1.0, respectively, at different harvesting periods (0~10 s, 10~20 s, 20~30 s). The harvesting conditions’ vibration signals conform to the characteristics of non-stationary randomness. The FFT algorithm is used to obtain more dense vibration frequencies, while the frequencies based on STFT and CWT algorithms are sparse. The correlation between the FFT method and the EFDD algorithm is 0.98, and the correlation between the STFT, CWT, and the EFDD algorithm is 0.99 and 0.98. Therefore, the primary frequency of the STFT methods is closer to the modal frequency. Our research laid the foundation for further study and application of mass time-varying combined harvester system non-stationary random vibration modal frequency identification and vibration control.
Plant Disease Detection Strategy Based on Image Texture and Bayesian Optimization with Small Neural Networks
Authors: Restrepo-Arias Juan Felipe , Branch-Bedoya John W. , Awad Gabriel
Published: November 2022

A novel method of disease diagnosis, based on images that capture every part of a diseased plant, such as the leaf, the fruit, the root, etc., is presented in this paper. As is well known, the plant genotypic and phenotypic characteristics can significantly impact how plants are affected by viruses, bacteria, or fungi that cause disease. Assume that these data are unknown at the outset and that the appropriate precautions are not taken to prevent classifications skewed toward uninteresting traits. An approach to avoid categorization bias brought on by the morphology of leaves is suggested in this study. The basis of this approach is the extraction of textural features. Additionally, Bayesian Optimization is suggested to obtain training hyperparameters that enable the creation of better-trained artificial neural networks. First, we initially pre-processed the images from the PlantVillage dataset to remove background noise. Then, tiles from images were used to reduce any potential bias from leaf form. Finally, several cutting-edge tiny convolutional neural networks (CNNs), created for contexts with little processing power, were trained on a new dataset of 85 × 85 × 3 px images. MobileNet, which had a 96.31% accuracy rate, and SqueezeNet, which had a 95.05% accuracy rate, were the models that predicted the best performance. The results were then examined using Precision and Recall measures, which are important for identifying plant diseases.
Influence of Planting Date on Winter Rye Performance in Kentucky
Authors: Szuleta Elżbieta , Phillips Timothy , Knott Carrie A. , Lee Chad D. , Van Sanford David A.
Published: November 2022

Winter rye (Secale cereale L.) is a grain crop well known for its outstanding tolerance to unfavorable weather and soil conditions. Because of rye’s wide range of possible uses (e.g., cover crop, feed for livestock, bread, cookies, distilled and brewed beverages), its pro-health properties and unique flavor, interest in this crop is increasing in the United States. In 2018/2019 and 2019/2020 we tested 24 winter rye varieties that were available in the US at 3 planting dates: early, intermediate, and late. The aims of this study were to (1) identify conventional and hybrid varieties suitable for the US mid-south environment; (2) establish an optimal planting date of winter rye and (3) quantify genotype x planting date interaction. At both locations and in both growing seasons the best yielding, and most resistant to disease and lodging entries were European hybrids (KWS Serafino, KWS Daniello, KWS Bono and KWS Brasetto), and the best yielding conventional varieties were AC Hazlet and ND Dylan. There were statistically significant (p < 0.01 in 2019 and p < 0.0001 in 2020) differences in yield between planting dates both seasons. The response to planting date differed between varieties. In the 2018/2019 growing season we observed that, on average, rye performed better when planted early, but in 2019/2020, a severe May freeze caused extensive damage in early planted rye, and the best planting date was the late one. Overall, the majority of varieties analyzed individually performed the best at intermediate and late planting dates.
Light Interception and Radiation Use Efficiency of Three Cassava Genotypes with Different Plant Types and Seasonal Variations
Authors: Mahakosee Supattra , Jogloy Sanun , Vorasoot Nimitr , Theerakulpisut Piyada , Toomsan Banyong , Holbrook Carl Corley , Kvien Craig K. , Banterng Poramate
Published: November 2022

The yield potential of cassava might be increased by enhancing light interception and the ability to convert energy into biomass and yield, which is described as radiation use efficiency (RUE). The objective of this study was to determine light interception, extinction coefficient (k), and RUE of three cassava genotypes (Kasetsart 50 (KU50), Rayong 11 (RY11), and CMR38-125-77) under seasonal variations. The field experiments were conducted in a randomized complete block design with four replications, using two planting dates for 2 years at Khon Kaen, Thailand. Data were recorded for weather conditions, light interception, leaf area index (LAI), and biomass. Solar radiation interception, RUE, and k were calculated. Light interception of the crop planted in May sharply increased in the early growth stage, whereas the crop planted in November slowly increased and could maintain higher light interception from the mid–late growth stages. Light interception and LAI had a moderate to high coefficient of determination (R2 = 0.61–0.89) for three cassava genotypes and all planting dates. The k values ranged from 0.59 to 0.94, varying by genotypes and planting dates, indicating that the leaf orientation of the three cassava genotypes was horizontally oriented. The relationship between biomass accumulation and cumulative solar radiation produced a high value of R2 (0.86–0.99). The RUE for biomass (RUEbi) varied by genotype and planting date, ranging from 0.66 g MJ−1 to 0.97 g MJ−1. However, the RUE for storage root dry weight (RUEsr) ranged from 0.29 g MJ−1 to 0.66 g MJ−1. The RUEbi and RUEsr in each genotype on each planting date were significantly different. The highest RUEbi and RUEsr were found at 4–6 and 7–9 MAP for almost all genotypes and planting dates, except for the crop planted in November 2015, when both RY11 and CMR38-125-77 had the highest RUEbi at 10–12 MAP. RY11 had a lower LAI compared to other genotypes, which contributed to lower light disruption and lower RUEbi and RUEsr. KU50 and CMR38-125-77 could maintain canopy light interception during canopy development and storage root accumulation stages and had high RUEbi and RUEsr, resulting in high biomass and crop yield.
Effects of Plant Growth Regulators and Nitrogen Management on Root Lodging Resistance and Grain Yield under High-Density Maize Crops
Authors: Sun Ning , Chen Xifeng , Zhao Hongxiang , Meng Xiangmeng , Bian Shaofeng
Published: November 2022

Lodging is one of the main factors causing yield loss of maize under high-density planting conditions. Root lodging as an important lodging type has received little attention. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) and nitrogen fertilizer can coordinate the relationship between root lodging and yield. This two-year field experiment was conducted with two nitrogen levels of N225 (225 kg ha−1) and N300 (300 kg ha−1) at a high planting density (90,000 plants ha−1) during the maize growth season from 2019 to 2020. Plant growth regulator (Yuhuangjin, the mixture of 3% DTA-6 and 27% ethephon) was sprayed at the V8 stage. The results showed that PGRs significantly decreased plant height, improved root distribution and dry weight, enhanced photosynthetic rate and activities of photosynthetic carboxylase in ear leaves, and improved root bleeding sap and root activities after the silking stage. N225 combined with PGRs reduced the occurrence of root lodging and was conducive to photosynthate accumulation and root nutrient supply; it coordinated root regulation and morphological and physiological shoot functions, and played a crucial role in reducing root lodging and improving maize yield.
Research on Precise Fertilization Method of Rice Tillering Stage Based on UAV Hyperspectral Remote Sensing Prescription Map
Authors: Yu Fenghua , Bai Juchi , Jin Zhongyu , Zhang Honggang , Guo Zhonghui , Chen Chunling
Published: November 2022

Tillering fertilization is an important part of field management in rice production. As the first peak fertilizer requirement period of rice, tillering fertilization directly affects the number of tillers and the growth of rice in the middle and late stages. In order to investigate a method of constructing an accurate fertilizer prescription map in the tillering stage using an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) remote sensing nitrogen demand diagnosis and reduce the amount of chemical fertilizer while ensuring the rice yield, this study realized the diagnosis of the rice nitrogen nutrient demand using UAV hyperspectral remote sensing during the tilling stage fertilization window. The results showed that the fertilizer amount was determined using the characteristic waveband and remote sensing. The results showed that five rice hyperspectral variables were extracted in the range of 450–950 nm by the feature band selection and feature extraction for the inversion of rice nitrogen content, and the inversion model of rice nitrogen content constructed by the whale-optimized extreme learning machine (WOA-ELM) was better than that constructed by the whale-optimized extreme learning machine (ELM). The model coefficient of determination was 0.899 and the prescription map variable fertilizer application method based on the nitrogen content inversion results reduced the nitrogen fertilizer by 23.21%. The results of the study can provide data and a model basis for precise variable fertilizer tracking by agricultural drones in the cold rice tillering stage.
Effect of Hyacinth Treatment by Hydrogen Peroxide Stabilized with Silver and Some Fungicides on the Fungal Infection of Substrate and Bulbs and on Plant Growth and Development
Authors: Wojdyła Adam T. , Nowak Jacek S. , Bocianowski Jan , Wiśniewski Jacek , Waszkiewicz Emilia
Published: November 2022

The aim of the study was to demonstrate the feasibility of using hydrogen peroxide stabilized with silver (H2O2-Ag+) and selected fungicides for the treatment of hyacinth bulbs and to determine their effects on the development of fungi colonizing the substrate and bulbs and their impact on plant growth and development. Hydrogen peroxide stabilized with silver (H2O2-Ag+) and captan, pyraclostrobin + boscalid and methyl thiophanate + tetraconazole were used to treat hyacinth bulbs before planting, in the form of a 20 min soak. The effect of the treatment on the development of fungi on the bulbs and substrate was evaluated during rooting in the refrigerated storerooms and after placement in the greenhouse. Observations were also made on the effect of treatment on hyacinth growth and development. The study showed a significant effect of H2O2-Ag+ and fungicides used for the treatment of hyacinth on reducing the development of fungi on bulbs and substrate during the period of hyacinth rooting. It was found that H2O2-Ag+, at concentrations ranging from 2% to 10%, significantly increased the Chlorophyll Index and Nitrogen Balance Index. In some of the concentrations tested, it also increased petal width, inflorescence width, the number of flowers, leaf length, leaf width, plant quality, fresh weight without inflorescences and the dry weight of plants without inflorescences at some of the concentrations tested. It was shown that, for all fungicides used, flower diameter, inflorescence width, total height, leaf length, leaf width, plant fresh weight without inflorescence and plant dry weight without inflorescence were significantly increased compared to control plants. None of the treatments tested were phytotoxic to hyacinth.
A New Approach for Timing Post-Emergence Weed Control Measures in Crops: The Use of the Differential Form of the Emergence Model
Authors: Izquierdo Jordi , Prats Clara , Gallart Montserrat , López Daniel
Published: November 2022

Models based on thermal or hydrothermal time are used to predict the seedling emergence pattern of weeds. These models rely on sigmoidal functions such as Gompertz, Weibull or logistic, in which daily soil temperature and moisture data are inputs and the percentage of total expected emergences is the output. The models give good predictions at local and regional scales but they lose accuracy when extrapolated to different geographic areas from where the equations were developed. They also must be validated prior to their release and have subjectivity of the date to start the accumulation of the degree-days. We propose the use of the differential form of the function rather than the integrated form. Under this approach, the starting date to accumulate degree-days is set to the week before the first weed emergence is recorded (if recorded on a weekly basis) and emergence predictions only rely on the current sigmoidal relationship between data recordings. When the weed emergence rate in the field decreases, the relationship between data recordings and time, measured either as thermal or hydrothermal degrees, starts to decrease. When the derivative of the emergence over time falls below a threshold that should be set up based on our knowledge of the economic threshold of the species, a post-emergence weed control measure should be carried out. Under this approach, weekly counts of weeds must be recorded until the derivative reaches the threshold. This approach has been checked on 39 data sets of different weeds in different crops and seasons by applying the differential form of the Gompertz function, obtaining a correlation of 0.99 between the predicted and the observed emergence. The methodology could be particularly useful when timing control measures in cropping areas with unknown or very little knowledge of the species and their emergence pattern.
Influence Evaluation of Enzyme Treatments on Aroma Profile of White Wines
Authors: Scutarașu Elena Cristina , Luchian Camelia Elena , Vlase Laurian , Nagy Katalin , Colibaba Lucia Cintia , Trinca Lucia Carmen , Cotea Valeriu V.
Published: November 2022

Improving aroma profile represents one of the principal goals in winemaking. This paper focuses to evaluate the influence of enzymes applied before alcoholic fermentation of Fetească regală and Sauvignon blanc wines, even if most studies analyze their use in different winemaking stages. Fetească regală wines are described by higher proportions (1.07–4.28%) of ethyl octanoate (exotic fruits), 3-methylbutyl acetate (pear, banana), hexanoic acid (creamy, phenolic, exotic fruits), propan-2-yl acetate (ripe fruits, banana), and ethyl decanoate (floral, fruity, woody), while Sauvignon blanc wines are distinguished by significant proportions (2.77–42.15%) of 3-methylbutan-1-ol (exotic fruits), acetic acid (vegetal, sour), 1-phenylethanol (floral, honey), and diethyl butanedioate (fruity, floral). Variables as 3-methylbutyl acetate-ethyl decanoate, ethyl decanoate-hexanoic acid (r > 0.8) showed proportional levels in Fetească regală wines. In Sauvignon blanc samples, positive correlations were observed for 2-ethyl hydroxypropanoate-diethyl butanedioate or 2,3-butanediol-ethyl 4-hydroxybutanoate (r > 0.7). Data confirmed a significant influence of enzymes on wine’s aroma profile (p < 0.05). The higher proportions of the most volatile compounds were obtained in samples treated with pectinases, for both varieties. In correlation with the sensory analysis, these variants showed the lowest intensity for negative descriptors such as phenolic sensation, the mineral or bitter taste, demonstrating that pectinases can give more acceptable results regarding the sensory perception compared to β-glycosidases.
Agro-Morphological and Biochemical Characterization of Korean Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) Landraces
Authors: Lee Sukyeung , Choi Yu-Mi , Shin Myoung-Jae , Yoon Hyemyeong , Wang Xiaohan , Lee Yoonjung , Yi Jungyoon , Desta Kebede Taye
Published: November 2022

Sorghum landraces are essential for developing cultivars with improved properties, such as disease tolerance, yield and metabolite content. In this study, 139 genotypes (136 Korean sorghum landraces and 3 control cultivars) collected from various provinces were investigated using eleven agronomical and five biochemical traits. The landraces showed little variation in their qualitative agronomical traits. In contrast, quantitative agronomical and biochemical traits differed significantly among the landraces. It was discovered that 16 landraces matured ahead of all control cultivars. Furthermore, 26 landraces had significantly higher thousand seed weights (TSWs) than two of the control cultivars, including Nampungchal (30.63 g) and Sodamchal (30.53 g), whereas only 1 landrace had a significantly higher TSW than the other control cultivar, Wheatland (37.93 g) (p < 0.05). The levels of total tannin content (TTC), total phenolic content (TPC), 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium (ABTS) radical cation scavenging activity, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were in the ranges of 0.12–428.95 mg CE/g, 1.17–10.23 mg GAE/g, 1.64–67.60 mg TE/g, 0.48–31.99 mg AAE/g and 0.63–21.56 mg AAE/g, respectively, and were all affected by collection area, seed weight and seed color. Landraces from northern provinces were discovered to have higher metabolite contents. Furthermore, large seeds had higher TTC and TPC levels as well as DPPH, ABTS and FRAP activities than medium and small seeds, except for the TTC and FRAP, which were significantly different. In terms of seed color, white seeds had significantly lower metabolite contents and antioxidant activities and were notable in principal component analysis. Correlation analysis revealed positive and significant associations between biochemical traits, as well as between panicle-related agronomic traits. In general, the landraces with superior characteristics could be ideal candidates for sorghum breeding programs.