bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Candidate pathogenicity factor/effector proteins of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma solani’ modulate plant carbohydrate metabolism, accelerate the ascorbate–glutathione cycle, and induce autophagosomes
Authors: Dermastia Marina , Tomaž Špela , Strah Rebeka , Lukan Tjaša , Coll Anna , Dušak Barbara , Anžič Barbara , Čepin Timotej , Wienkoop Stefanie , Kladnik Aleš , Zagorščak Maja , Riedle-Bauer Monika , Schönhuber Christina , Weckwerth Wolfram , Gruden Kristina , Roitsch Thomas , Pompe Novak Maruša , Brader Günter
Published: August 2023

The pathogenicity of intracellular plant pathogenic bacteria is associated with the action of pathogenicity factors/effectors, but their physiological roles for most phytoplasma species, including ‘Candidiatus Phytoplasma solani’ are unknown. Six putative pathogenicity factors/effectors from six different strains of ‘Ca. P. solani’ were selected by bioinformatic analysis. The way in which they manipulate the host cellular machinery was elucidated by analyzing Nicotiana benthamiana leaves after Agrobacterium-mediated transient transformation with the pathogenicity factor/effector constructs using confocal microscopy, pull-down, and co-immunoprecipitation, and enzyme assays. Candidate pathogenicity factors/effectors were shown to modulate plant carbohydrate metabolism and the ascorbate–glutathione cycle and to induce autophagosomes. PoStoSP06, PoStoSP13, and PoStoSP28 were localized in the nucleus and cytosol. The most active effector in the processes studied was PoStoSP06. PoStoSP18 was associated with an increase in phosphoglucomutase activity, whereas PoStoSP28, previously annotated as an antigenic membrane protein StAMP, specifically interacted with phosphoglucomutase. PoStoSP04 induced only the ascorbate–glutathione cycle along with other pathogenicity factors/effectors. Candidate pathogenicity factors/effectors were involved in reprogramming host carbohydrate metabolism in favor of phytoplasma own growth and infection. They were specifically associated with three distinct metabolic pathways leading to fructose-6-phosphate as an input substrate for glycolysis. The possible significance of autophagosome induction by PoStoSP28 is discussed.
You and me versus the rest of the world: the effects of affiliative motivation and ingroup partner status on social tuning
Authors: Skorinko Jeanine Lee McHugh , John Melissa-Sue , Doyle Aidan , Carvajal Erker Natalia , Figueroa Matthew , Harnois Jeffrey , Gately Grace , Spear Sarah , Marotta Satia , McKenna Casey , Rossi Lisa , Heather Kenedi , Jaskoviak Tyler , Vega Daniel , Vimal Avik , Kobeissi Mariam , Selkow Maia , Rondina Katherine , Ho Karen , Iannacchione Alisionna , Sanchez Marisol , Heyer Keely , Pittelli Catherine , Bendremer Emily
Published: August 2023

Bandura argues that individuals are more likely to engage in social learning when they identify with a social model and when they are motivated or rewarded. Therefore, in the present work, we investigate how these two key factors, perceived similarity and affiliative motivation, influence the extent to which individuals engage in social tuning or align their views with an interaction partner—especially if their partner’s attitudes differ from the larger social group. Experiment 1 (170 participants) explored the role of perceived similarity through group membership when needing to work collaboratively with a collaboration partner whose climate change beliefs differed from a larger social group. Experiment 2 (115 participants) directly manipulated affiliative motivation (i.e., length of interaction time) along with perceived similarity (i.e., Greek Life membership) to explore if these factors influenced social tuning of drinking attitudes and behaviors. Experiments 3 (69 participants) and 4 (93 participants) replicated Experiment 2 and examined whether tuning occurred for explicit and implicit attitudes towards weight (negative views Experiment 3 and positive views Experiment 4). Results indicate that when individuals experience high affiliative motivation, they are more likely to engage in social tuning of explicit and implicit attitudes when their interaction partner belongs to their ingroup rather than their outgroup. These findings are consistent with the tenets of Social Learning Theory, Shared Reality Theory, and the affiliative social tuning hypothesis.
Factors influencing special education teachers’ self-efficacy to provide transitional services for students with disabilities
Authors: Binammar Sara , Alqahtani Aljazi , Alnahdi Ghaleb Hamad
Published: August 2023

This study examined factors that may influence the self-efficacy level of special education teachers in delivering transition services to students with disabilities. Five independent variables were examined: attitudes, preparation level, teaching experiences, academic degree level, and level of available resources. The current study sample comprised 231 intermediate and secondary special education teachers in the city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The results showed that attitudes are the best predictor of teachers’ self-efficacy to provide transitional services for students with disabilities. Teacher preparation for transition services was the second most important variable that was positively associated with teachers’ self-efficacy.
Perceptual organization and visual awareness: the case of amodal completion
Authors: Kimchi Ruth , Devyatko Dina , Sabary Shahar
Published: August 2023

We investigated the involvement of visual awareness in amodal completion, and specifically, whether visual awareness plays a differential role in local versus global completion, using a primed shape discrimination paradigm and the color-opponent flicker technique to render the prime invisible. In four experiments, participants discriminated the shape of a target preceded by a partly occluded or a neutral prime. All primes were divergent occlusion patterns in which the local completion is based on good continuation of the contours at the point of occlusion and the global completion is based on maximum symmetry. The target corresponded to the shape that could arise as a result of local or global completion of the occluded prime. For each experiment with an invisible prime we conducted a version with a visible prime. Our results suggest that local completion, but not global completion, of a partly occluded shape can take place in the absence of visual awareness, but apparently only when the visible occluded shape generates a single, local completion. No completion, either local or global, appears to take place in the absence of visual awareness when the visible occluded shape generates multiple completions. The implications of these results to the differential role of visual awareness in local and global completions and to the relationship between multiple completions and unconscious amodal completions are discussed.
The association between social media use and body dysmorphic symptoms in young people
Authors: Gupta Monica , Jassi Amita , Krebs Georgina
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Social media use (SMU) is highly prevalent amongst young people and previous research suggests an association with mental health problems, including poor body image. However, the potential relationship between SMU and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) has received little attention. Furthermore, little is known about the factors that moderate the potential association between SMU and body dysmorphic symptoms. The current study tested the associations between three facets of SMU and body dysmorphic symptoms and explored perfectionism as a moderator in a non-clinical sample.

Method

Two-hundred and nine 16-18-year-olds (mean age = 16.5 years, 37% male) recruited from schools in London completed an online survey measuring aspects of SMU, including: frequency of image-and text-based SMU; motivations for SMU (appearance, popularity, connection or values and interests); and active and passive SMU. Participants additionally completed validated measures of body dysmorphic symptoms, perfectionism, and anxiety/depressive symptoms. Linear regression models tested the association of body dysmorphic symptoms with different facets of SMU, with and without adjustment for age, sex and anxiety/depressive symptoms.

Results

Frequency of use of image-based, but not text-based, platforms was significantly and positively associated with body dysmorphic symptoms, and this association remained significant in the adjusted models. Appearance-based motivation for SMU was the only motivator uniquely associated with body dysmorphic symptoms across the unadjusted and adjusted models. Passive, not active, SMU was associated with body dysmorphic symptoms in unadjusted models, but this association became non-significant in the adjusted models. Self-oriented perfectionism moderated the association between frequency of image-based SMU and body dysmorphic symptoms.

Discussion

Image-based SMU, and appearance-based motivations for SMU, are positively associated with body dysmorphic symptoms. Self-oriented perfectionism may amplify the relationship between SMU and body dysmorphic symptoms. Our findings highlight the importance of a nuanced approach to examining SMU, and the need for further research to determine whether specific facets of SMU contribute to the development and/or maintenance of body dysmorphic symptoms.
How did Latinxs near the U.S.-Mexico border fare during the COVID-19 pandemic? A snapshot of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress symptoms
Authors: Villalobos Bianca T. , Hernandez Rodriguez Juventino
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The current study documented levels of anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, and COVID-19 fears and impacts among Latinxs living near the U.S.-Mexico border during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Participants of this cross-sectional study were 305 Latinx adults living in the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) who completed an online survey between June and November 2020.

Results

About half of participants scored above the cut-off for anxiety (50.2%; GAD-7 scores ≥10) and depression (48.8%; PHQ-9 scores ≥10), and more than a quarter of participants showed clinical levels of posttraumatic stress (27.3%; PCL-5 scores ≥31). Latinxs reported on average 22 types of negative pandemic life impacts on the Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory. Endorsement of mental health symptoms, severity of COVID-19 fears, and COVID-related life impacts varied based on several demographic characteristics including gender, marital status, educational attainment, employment, income, insurance coverage, vulnerability to COVID-19, and essential worker status.

Discussion

Overall, the cross-sectional results of this study revealed that RGV Latinx residents experienced high levels of psychological distress during the pandemic. Results suggest that Latinx women were most affected by the psychological consequences of the pandemic. More research is needed with communities living near the U.S.-Mexico border as they may be particularly vulnerable to mental health problems during the pandemic.
Autistic clinical profiles, age at first concern, and diagnosis among children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Chen Wen-Xiong , Liu Xian , Huang Zhifang , Guo Cheng , Feng Fangmei , Zhang Yani , Gao Yuanyuan , Zheng Kelu , Huang Jingyu , Yu Jing , Wei Wenqing , Liang Simin
Published: August 2023

Background

To explore the relationship between autistic clinical profiles and age at first concern and diagnosis among children with autism spectrum disorder. The clinical profiles included the severity of autism, cognition, adaptability, language development, and regression.

Methods

The multivariate linear regression model was used to examine the association of diagnostic age and first-concern age with autistic clinical profiles and with further stratification analysis.

Results

A total of 801 autistic children were included. Language delay and regression were associated with earlier diagnostic age (language delay: crudeβ: −0.80, 95%CI%: −0.92–−0.68; regression: crudeβ: −0.21, 95%CI%: −0.43–−0.00) and the age of first concern of autistic children (language delay: crudeβ: −0.55, 95%CI%: −0.65–−0.45; regression: crudeβ: −0.17, 95%CI%: −0.34–−0.00). After stratification by sex, language delay tended to be more associated with the earlier diagnostic age among boys (crudeβ: −0.85, 95%CI%: −0.98–−0.72) than among girls (crudeβ: −0.46, 95%CI%: −0.77–−0.16). After stratification by maternal education level or family income level, language delay was most associated with the earlier diagnostic age in autistic children from families with higher socioeconomic levels.

Conclusion

Language delay, rather than other symptoms, promoted an earlier diagnostic age. Among male autistic children or children from families with higher socioeconomic levels, language delay was most significantly associated with an earlier age of diagnosis. Cognitive delay, or adaptive delay, was associated with a later age at diagnosis and presented only in autistic children from families with lower socioeconomic levels. There may be sex or socioeconomic inequality in the diagnostic age for autistic children. More publicity and public education about the diversity of autistic symptoms are urgently needed in the future, especially for low-socioeconomic families.
Lipids in major depressive disorder: new kids on the block or old friends revisited?
Authors: van der Heijden Anna Rosa , Houben Tom
Published: August 2023

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a psychiatric mood disorder that results in substantial functional impairment and is characterized by symptoms such as depressed mood, diminished interest, impaired cognitive function, and vegetative symptoms such as disturbed sleep. Although the exact etiology of MDD is unclear, several underlying mechanisms (disturbances in immune response and/or stress response) have been associated with its development, with no single mechanism able to account for all aspects of the disorder. Currently, about 1 in 3 patients are resistant to current antidepressant therapies. Providing an alternative perspective on MDD could therefore pave the way for new, unexplored diagnostic and therapeutic solutions. The central nervous system harbors an enormous pool of lipids and lipid intermediates that have been linked to a plethora of its physiological functions. The aim of this review is therefore to provide an overview of the implications of lipids in MDD and highlight certain MDD-related underlying mechanisms that involve lipids and/or their intermediates. Furthermore, we will also focus on the bidirectional relationship between MDD and the lipid-related disorders obesity and type 2 diabetes.
Prevalence and associated factors of internet addiction among Chinese adolescents: association with childhood trauma
Authors: Fan Tianqing , Twayigira Mireille , Song Lintong , Luo Xuerong , Huang Chunxiang , Gao Xueping , Shen Yanmei
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Internet addiction (IA) is common among adolescents and may have severe consequences. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and factors associated with IA among middle school students of Hunan Province, China. Relevance between IA and childhood trauma was also explored.

Methods

One thousand six hundred ten students were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Data collected included demographics; internet addiction (revised-Chen internet addiction scale); childhood trauma (CTQ-SF); depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms (DASS-21); suicidal behaviors, as well as non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). Cramer’s V analysis, univariable logistic regression and multivariable logistic regression were used for associations and identifying independent relevance of IA, respectively.

Results

The prevalence of IA was 12.8%. Cramer’s V analysis showed that IA was associated with emotional abuse, emotional and physical neglect, NSSI, suicidal behaviors, stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms, physical disorder history. Regression analysis showed that IA was independently associated with emotional neglect (OR = 3.062, 95% CI: 2.083, 4.501, p < 0.001); physical neglect (OR = 2.328; 95% CI: 1.590, 3.409, p < 0.001); depressive symptoms (OR = 2.218, 95% CI: 1.467, 3.353, p < 0.001) nationality (OR = 1.888, 95% CI: 1.034, 3.447, p = 0.006) and age (OR = 1.253, 95% CI: 1.066, 1.471, p = 0.006).

Discussion

IA is common among middle school students. Attention should be paid to students with childhood trauma since they have a higher risk for IA, which may increase the risk for suicidal behaviors.
Holistic pedestrian safety assessment for average males and females
Authors: Leo Christoph , Fredriksson Anders , Grumert Ellen , Linder Astrid , Schachner Martin , Tidborg Fredrik , Klug Corina
Published: August 2023

Objective

An integrated assessment framework that enables holistic safety evaluations addressing vulnerable road users (VRU) is introduced and applied in the current study. The developed method enables consideration of both active and passive safety measures and distributions of real-world crash scenario parameters.

Methods

The likelihood of a specific virtual testing scenario occurring in real life has been derived from accident databases scaled to European level. Based on pre-crash simulations, it is determined how likely it is that scenarios could be avoided by a specific Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) system. For the unavoidable cases, probabilities for specific collision scenarios are determined, and the injury risk for these is determined, subsequently, from in-crash simulations with the VIVA+ Human Body Models combined with the created metamodel for an average male and female model. The integrated assessment framework was applied for the holistic assessment of car-related pedestrian protection using a generic car model to assess the safety benefits of a generic AEB system combined with current passive safety structures.

Results

In total, 61,914 virtual testing scenarios have been derived from the different car-pedestrian cases based on real-world crash scenario parameters. Considering the occurrence probability of the virtual testing scenarios, by implementing an AEB, a total crash risk reduction of 81.70% was achieved based on pre-crash simulations. It was shown that 50 in-crash simulations per load case are sufficient to create a metamodel for injury prediction. For the in-crash simulations with the generic vehicle, it was also shown that the injury risk can be reduced by implementing an AEB, as compared to the baseline scenarios. Moreover, as seen in the unavoidable cases, the injury risk for the average male and female is the same for brain injuries and femoral shaft fractures. The average male has a higher risk of skull fractures and fractures of more than three ribs compared to the average female. The average female has a higher risk of proximal femoral fractures than the average male.

Conclusions

A novel methodology was developed which allows for movement away from the exclusive use of standard-load case assessments, thus helping to bridge the gap between active and passive safety evaluations.
Bidirectional association between handgrip strength and ADLs disability: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Dai Senjie , Wang Shihui , Jiang Siya , Wang Dongying , Dai Chenglong
Published: August 2023

Background

Decreased handgrip strength (HGS) and activities of daily living (ADL) disability are common in aging populations. No studies have evaluated the bidirectional associations between HGS and ADL disability. This study aimed to explore the bidirectional effects of HGS and ADL disability.

Methods

This study analyzed data from two waves (2011 and 2015) of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS). Low HGS is defined by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria. Meanwhile, disability was assessed by ADLs scale. The prospective bidirectional association between HGS and ADL disability was examined using binary logistic regression. Subgroup analysis were performed according to age and gender.

Results

A total of 4,902 and 5,243 participants were included in the Stage I and Stage II analyses, respectively. On the one hand, low HGS was significantly associated with subsequent ADL disability. The odds ratio (OR) value of developing BADL disability and IADL disability were 1.60 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.23–2.08) and 1.40 (95% CI: 1.15–1.70), respectively, in participants with low HGS. On the other hand, baseline ADL disability was associated with an increased risk of developing low HGS. The OR value of developing low HGS were 1.84 (95% CI: 1.34–2.51) and 1.46 (95% CI: 1.19–1.79) for participants with BADL disability and participants with IADL disability, respectively. Lastly, the strength of the bidirectional associations varied among subgroups.

Conclusions

A significant bidirectional associations were identified between HGS and ADL disability. Interventions should be developed to prevent the development or progression of both low HGS and ADL disability.
A method for validating a non-hazardous canine training aid
Authors: Simon Alison G. , Lazarowski Lucia , Krichbaum Sarah , Singletary Melissa , Angle Craig , Waggoner Paul , Van Arsdale Kelly , Barrow Jason
Published: August 2023

Detection dogs are trained to locate a variety of substances to provide security and protection for the public and the environment, but access to substances for training is often limited. Various training aids have been created to deliver target odors as safer or more accessible alternatives to using the actual substance material, many of which are commercially available. However, the methods used to create and validate the effectiveness of these training aids are rarely reported or available to consumers, leading to uncertainty regarding their use. There has been a recent drive in the detection canine community to create standards by which to measure the manufacture and utility of canine training aids, but little progress has been made in determining how a reliable canine training aid should be developed and which analytical measurements should be utilized. While the interest in and need for an independently evaluated training aid is clear, developers typically do not release the necessary information, whether for proprietary or other reasons. Transparent analysis and procedures would allow for direct examination of training aids using objective measures, which in turn would allow canine teams to select the best tool to achieve their mission. To this end, the current manuscript provides a stepwise method for the development and validation of a novel canine training aid, using triacetone triperoxide as an example target. This method can be applied to the creation of training aids of many different target odors, such as explosives, narcotics, chemical warfare agents, or biological diseases and viruses.
From the laboratory to the interstellar medium: a strategy to search for exotic molecules in space
Authors: Puzzarini Cristina , Alessandrini Silvia , Bizzocchi Luca , Melosso Mattia , Rivilla Víctor M.
Published: August 2023

The chemistry of the interstellar medium occurs under extreme conditions and can lead to the formation of exotic molecules. These are species that on Earth are unstable and/or highly reactive. Their discovery in space is usually based on the astronomical observation of their rotational fingerprints, which requires an accurate laboratory investigation. This is based on a strategy that starts from the interplay of experiment and theory. State-of-the-art quantum-chemical calculations are used to predict the relevant spectroscopic information required to guide the spectral recording, analysis and assignment. Rotational spectra measurements are then performed in the centimeter-/millimeter-/submillimeter-wave region, thereby exploiting efficient on-the-fly production protocols for exotic molecules. Subsequently, the spectral analysis leads to accurate spectroscopic parameters, which are then used for setting up accurate line catalogs for astronomical searches and detections. This review is based on the strategy developed and the results obtained at the ROT&Comp Lab of the University of Bologna.
New insights into phenotype and genotype relationships in Neospora caninum
Authors: Cabrera Andres , Berná Luisa , López Lucía , Faral-Tello Paula , Arevalo Ana Paula , Crispo Martina , Francia Maria E. , Robello Carlos
Published: August 2023

The successful isolation of four newNeospora caninumstrains from different regions and with different backgrounds (obtained from an abortion storm or congenitally infected and asymptomatic calves) allowed us previously to characterize natural isolates, finding differences in phenotype and microsatellites. Given the variability observed, we wondered in this work whether these differences had consequences in virulence, invasion and vertical transmission using cell cultures and murine neosporosis models. In addition, we performed the genomic analysis and SNP comparative studies of the NcURU isolates. The results obtained in this work allowed us to establish that NcURU isolates are of low virulence and have unique phenotypic characteristics. Likewise, sequencing their genomes has allowed us to delve into the genetic singularities underlying these phenotypes, as well as the common mutated genes. This work opens a new perspective for diagnostic purposes and formulating possible vaccines based on attenuated strains.
Optimal Design of and Experiment on a Dual-Spiral Ditcher for Orchards
Authors: Liu Jianfei , Jiang Ping , Chen Jun , Zhang Xiaocong , Xu Minzi , Huang Defan , Shi Yixin
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to design a counter-rotating dual-axis spiral ditcher to address the problems of the lack of ditching models, low ditching quality, and high power consumption in ditching operations in hilly and mountainous orchards. By establishing a discrete element simulation model of the interaction between the dual-spiral cutter and the soil, we analyzed the effects of different operating parameters on the ditching performance and power consumption to explore the mechanism of the interaction between the soil-engaging components and the soil; meanwhile, according to the simulation data, we took the forward speed, cutter speed, and ditching depth as the experimental influencing factors, and we took the ditching qualification rate and power consumption as the experimental indicators. Then, through a three-factor and three-level orthogonal experimental analysis, we obtained the optimal parameter combination. Based on the optimized simulation results, a prototype ditcher was fabricated, and the results of a soil trough test showed that the ditcher had a stable ditching performance, an average ditching qualification rate of 91.4%, an average soil crushing rate of 72%, and a ditching adjustment structure that could adjust the ditching depth and width within the ranges of 15–25 cm and 10–20 cm, respectively. The optimized ditcher had high efficiency, stability, and energy savings during its operation, and it was able to meet the agronomic requirements for ditching operations. This study provides a design basis and technical support for dual-spiral trial ditching operations.
Synthetic Fertilizer Application Coupled with Bioslurry Optimizes Potato (Solanum tuberosum) Growth and Yield
Authors: Shao Zeqiang , Mwakidoshi Emmanuel R. , Muindi Esther M. , Soratto Rogério P. , Ranjan Shivani , Padhan Smruti Ranjan , Wamukota Andrew W. , Sow Sumit , Wasonga Daniel O. , Nasar Jamal , Seleiman Mahmoud F. , Gitari Harun I.
Published: August 2023

Biogas bioslurry, which is normally a bio-digestion product from livestock refuse, can be utilized as an inorganic fertilizer, thus boosting not only soil fertility but also crop growth and yield. Its use can mitigate climate change by reducing methane gas emissions, which are associated with the direct application of fresh animal manure. The current study was carried out on farmer’s fields based at Wusi-Kishamba and Werugha wards in Taita Taveta County, Kenya, and it aimed at investigating the effect of bioslurry coupled with synthetic fertilizer on potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) growth and yield. There were four treatments: sole bioslurry, sole fertilizer (DAP), bioslurry + DAP, and control, which were replicated five times in a randomized, complete block-designed layout. Data were collected on plant growth (plant height and leaf length) and yield (marketable and unmarketable tubers and the number of tubers plant−1). The results indicated a general increase in plant height from week one to week seven, where peak values were noted with sole slurry, sole fertilizer, and bioslurry + DAP treatments, which recorded 9, 18, and 43% taller plants, respectively, relative to control. Further, the combined application of bioslurry and DAP fertilizer significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved potato growth and yield. For instance, there was a higher (23.3 t ha−1) yield in bioslurry + DAP treatment compared to the respective least record of 14.2 t ha−1 in control. Therefore, the study recommends a synergistic application of synthetic fertilizer (DAP) and bioslurry to potato crops for optimal crop growth and production.
Effects of Organic Materials and Their Incorporation Depths on Humus Substances Structure and Soil Microbial Communities’ Characteristics in a Chinese Mollisol
Authors: Gan Jiawei , Zou Wenxiu , Han Xiaozeng , Chen Xu , Yan Jun , Lu Xinchun
Published: August 2023

Organic material incorporation are important agricultural practices, which can influence soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration and stabilization. However, the response of interaction between SOC structure and soil microbial to organic material incorporation management are still poorly understood. In 2021, we conducted a three years field experiment in Guangrong country, northeastern China. Five treatments were established: conventional tillage (CK), conventional tillage with straw incorporation (T1); subsoil tillage with straw incorporation (T2); subsoil tillage with straw and organic manure incorporation (T3) and subsoiling tillage with organic manure incorporation (T4). Fulvic–like and protein–like components were found in fulvic acid (FA) in a 0–15 cm soil layer, while fulvic–like components in humic acid (HA) were found in 0–15 cm and 15–35 cm soil layers. In the 15–35 cm soil layer, the bacterial, fungal and total phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) contents were significantly higher by 159.62%, 687.00%, and 139.02% in T3 than CK, respectively. The fungal to bacterial PLFA ratios (F/B) were significantly higher by 97.46% and the Gram–positive bacteria to Gram–negative bacteria PLFA ratios (G+/G−) were lower by 20.99% in T3 than CK in the 15–35 cm soil layer. Therefore, subsoil tillage with straw and organic manure incorporation could be recommended to improve soil quality in Mollisol.
Characterization of Bioactive Phenolic Compounds in Seeds of Chilean Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Germplasm
Authors: Pandya Archis , Thiele Björn , Köppchen Stephan , Zurita-Silva Andres , Usadel Björn , Fiorani Fabio
Published: August 2023

In recent years, quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.), an ancient Andean region crop, has received increased research attention because it is an excellent source of nutrients and also of bioactive phenolic compounds, which are potentially beneficial for human health. However, variation in the content and type of these metabolites in quinoa genetic resources remains, to a large extent, unexplored. We evaluated the composition of free and bound phenolic forms in the seeds of 111 Chilean quinoa accessions by using LC-DAD-MS/MS. The relative phenolic content ranged from 35.51 mg/100 g to 93.23 mg/100 g of seed dry weight. The free phenolic fraction accounted for 72% of the total phenolic content, while the bound fraction represented the remaining 28% of the total phenolic content. Our study also revealed a significant degree of variation in terms of individual phenolic compounds such as rutin, vanillic acid, quercetin, and their derivatives, which can have important implications for quinoa’s nutritional and functional properties. We conclude that our data reveal a significant phenotypic variation of bioactive phenolic content in the examined germplasm, which could be exploited in current and future genetic improvement programs in quinoa.
Illegal Trade in Protected Sharks: The Case of Artisanal Whale Shark Meat Fisheries in Java, Indonesia
Authors: Nijman Vincent
Published: August 2023

Illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, including that of sharks, poses a significant threat to marine ecosystems and individual species. I use data from the media, tourists, and artisan fishermen to gain insight into the trade in the world’s largest fish, the whale shark (Rhincodon typus). I focus on the Indonesian island of Java where, along its south coast, whale sharks are landed and butchered on the beach in view of hundreds of people and local media. Whale sharks are typically caught in fishing nets and dragged alongside boats to the shallows, where they are butchered. The meat and oil (valued at ~USD 2000 per shark) are sold and distributed within the community. I document 58 landings of mainly immature whale sharks (2002–2022). Artisanal fishermen see the landing of whale sharks as a fortuitous event, but the species is protected, and Indonesia is a signatory to various international agreements that preclude the fishing of whale sharks. It is imperative for the conservation of whale sharks that the various parties in Indonesia adhere better to their own rules and regulations protecting this species.
An International Investigation of the Prevalence of Negative Visitor Behaviour in the Zoo
Authors: Collins Courtney , Barr Yotam , McKeown Sean , Scheun Juan , Tay Claudia , O’Riordan Ruth
Published: August 2023

Negative visitor behaviour is an understudied area of zoo research, even though negative actions can have serious implications for animal welfare. This research project investigated the prevalence of negative visitor behaviours at four different zoos. It included observations of visitors at seven different taxa exhibits and three different types of enclosures. A modified version of behaviour sampling was used to record visitor behaviour and the activity of the animals, while a negative binomial regression was conducted to test the significance of several predictor variables against the number of negative behaviours observed. Negative visitor behaviour was relatively common, occurring in 57% of observations. Banging was the most commonly observed negative action. Negative behaviours were influenced by zoo (p < 0.001), species (p < 0.001) and the number of visitors present (p < 0.001). The charismatic species were the most harassed animals included in the study, while children were the most likely to engage in negative behaviour. Negative visitor behaviours occurred more frequently when animals were active and in close proximity to visitors. It is imperative for zoos to understand visitors’ behaviour so that they can effectively communicate with their visitors to minimise negative actions and promote better animal welfare.
Research Progress of Biological Feed in Beef Cattle
Authors: Ma Longteng , Wang Lifen , Zhang Zixi , Xiao Dingfu
Published: August 2023

Biological feed is a feed product developed through bioengineering technologies such as fermentation engineering, enzyme engineering, protein engineering, and genetic engineering. It possesses functional characteristics of high nutritional value and good palatability that can improve feed utilization, replace antibiotics, enhance the health level of livestock and poultry, improve the quality of livestock products, and promote a better breeding environment. A comprehensive review is provided on the types of biological feed, their mechanism of action, fermenting strains, fermenting raw material resources, and their current status in animal production to facilitate in-depth research and development of applications.
Morphometrical and Immunohistochemical Evaluation of Kidney as an Indirect Parameter to Estimate Age in Puppies in Veterinary Forensic Pathology
Authors: d’Aquino Ilaria , Piegari Giuseppe , Miletti Gianluca , Sannino Emanuela , Costanza Dario , Meomartino Leonardo , Fico Rosario , Riccio Lorenzo , Vaccaro Emanuela , De Biase Davide , Paciello Orlando
Published: August 2023

Estimation of age represents a central focus in the veterinary forensic pathology field. Currently, the visual examination of the dentition and the skeletal age are the main methods to estimate the age of puppies. Nevertheless, these methods are affected by a broad range of variables. In contrast, the kidney is characterized by a specific postnatal development. In human glomerulogenesis, fetal mesangial cells change their immunohistochemical phenotypes with maturation. Therefore, we hypothesized that histological and immunohistochemical examinations of the kidney can be used together as an indirect parameter for age determination in puppies’ cadavers. Forty-five puppies’ cadavers were divided into five groups defined by age (Group A= 0–15 days, Group B = 16–45 days, Group C = 46–85 days, Group D = 86–105 days, Group E= 105–365 days). For each case, kidney samples were collected and processed for histopathological (for morphometrical study of the glomerulus) and immunohistochemical (for the immunolocalization of the α-SMA protein) studies. Morphometrical study allowed us to observe statistical differences in the mean glomerulus numbers per field among assessed groups. Similarly, immunohistochemical examination showed differences in SMA expression among groups. Our findings suggest a potential use of kidney morphometrical and immunohistochemical examinations together as an indirect parameter to assess the age of illegally imported puppies.
Design and Research of Intelligent Assembly and Welding Equipment for Three-Dimensional Circuit
Authors: Wang Zihang , Du Xiaodong , Wang Changrui , Tian Wei , Deng Chao , Li Ke , Ding Yifan , Liao Wenhe
Published: August 2023

The processing of the three-dimensional circuit on the surface of conformal antennas is mainly performed via manual processing. At present, there is no automatic intelligent equipment for the processing of a similar small-sized circuit with variable curvature in China. Therefore, a high-precision, automated, full-process manufacturing method for three-dimensional circuits with flexible surfaces on conformal antennas of radar equipment has been proposed to improve processing quality and manufacturing efficiency. The processing relationship between solder paste spraying, resistor mounting, and laser welding in the flexible three-dimensional circuit manufacturing process was analyzed. The structure of the new conformal antenna three-dimensional circuit intelligent manufacturing equipment was determined, and simulation verification of the three-dimensional circuit processing was performed using Vericut. The optimal processing parameters were selected based on solid experiments. This method meets the electronic assembly requirements of radar equipment and fills the domestic gap.
Feature Engineering and Model Optimization Based Classification Method for Network Intrusion Detection
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Wang Zebin
Published: August 2023

In light of the escalating ubiquity of the Internet, the proliferation of cyber-attacks, coupled with their intricate and surreptitious nature, has significantly imperiled network security. Traditional machine learning methodologies inherently exhibit constraints in effectively detecting and classifying multifarious cyber threats. Specifically, the surge in high-dimensional network traffic data and the imbalanced distribution of classes exacerbate the predicament of ideal classification performance. Notably, the presence of redundant information within network traffic data undermines the accuracy of classifiers. To address these challenges, this study introduces a novel approach for intrusion detection classification which integrates advanced techniques of feature engineering and model optimization. The method employs a feature engineering approach that leverages mutual information maximum correlation minimum redundancy (mRMR) feature selection and synthetic minority class oversampling technique (SMOTE) to process network data. This transformation of raw data into more meaningful features effectively addresses the complexity and diversity inherent in network data, enhancing classifier accuracy by reducing feature redundancy and mitigating issues related to class imbalance and the detection of rare attacks. Furthermore, to optimize classifier performance, the paper applies the Optuna method to fine-tune the hyperparameters of the Catboost classifier, thereby determining the optimal model configuration. The study conducts binary and multi-classification experiments using publicly available datasets, including NSL_KDD, UNSW-NB15, and CICIDS-2017. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method outperforms traditional approaches regarding accuracy, recall, precision, and F-value. These findings highlight the method’s potential and performance in network intrusion detection.
Summarization of Remaining Life Prediction Methods for Special Power Plants
Authors: Liang Weige , Li Chi , Zhao Lei , Yan Xiaojia , Sun Shiyan
Published: August 2023

With continuous improvements in integration, totalization and automation, remaining useful life predictions of mechanical equipment have become a key feature of technology and core element of equipment prediction and health management. The traditional method based on degradation mechanisms is not fully capable of predicting remaining useful life, especially for special power plants that use industrial transmissions, barrel launchers, etc. The expected service requirements are higher for condition monitoring and remaining service life prediction. The effective prediction of the remaining useful life of such special power plants is a major challenge and technical bottleneck in the industrial field and national defense equipment construction. This paper analyzes and expands on the research on the remaining life prediction methods for special power plants and analyzes the remaining life prediction methods of existing dynamic models, as well as data-driven and data–model fusion drives, and specific ideas for future research and development in four aspects, including remaining useful life prediction tests supplemented with soft measurements. Additionally, future research directions for the remaining life prediction of special power plants are provided.
Safety and Effectiveness of Conventional Commercial Products for Professional Tooth Bleaching: Comparative Ex Vivo Study Using AFM Microscopy and Nanoindentation
Authors: Pasquale Claudio , De Angelis Nicola , Barberis Fabrizio , Lagazzo Alberto , Dellacasa Elena , Biggio Davide , Schiaffino Matteo , Raiteri Roberto , Ceseracciu Luca , Benedicenti Stefano , Amaroli Andrea
Published: August 2023

In modern times, patients are not only seeking oral health but also aiming for a flawless smile. Despite the progress made in aesthetic dentistry, there are instances where insufficient teeth whitening results contrast with the considerable cost of professional treatments. Patient discomfort and the potential for tooth damage further compound these challenges. In this study, we conducted a comparative split-mouth ex vivo investigation to evaluate the innovative BlancOne ULTRA+ (IDS SpA) in comparison with established professional products: Opalescence Extraboost (ULTRADENT), Zoom WhiteSpeed (Philips Research Eindhoven High Tech), and Pola Office (SDI Limited). Our initial focus was on the whitening effectiveness of each product, which was measured using a spectrophotometer. Subsequently, we assessed any structural changes in enamel post-treatment using an atomic force microscope (AFM) and a nanoindentation procedure. All tested bleaching agents demonstrated teeth-brightening effects. BlancOne ULTRA+, Zoom WhiteSpeed, and Pola Office caused minor alterations in the texture of the enamel surface within nanometric limits. However, Opalescence Extraboost exhibited notably more pronounced changes, indicating significant modifications in surface roughness and potential reductions in material hardness due to consequential shifts in mechanical properties. BlancOne ULTRA+ appears to offer the most favourable cost–benefit outcome.
Multi-Objective Optimization of Micro-Milling Parameters—The Trade-Offs between Machining Quality, Efficiency, and Sustainability in the Fabrication of Thin-Walled Microstructures
Authors: Wang Peng , Bai Qingshun , Cheng Kai , Zhao Liang , Zhang Yabo
Published: August 2023

Micro-milling has found extensive applications in machining components with thin-walled microstructures, such as terahertz slow-wave structures, microfluidic chips, and micro-molds. Due to the influence of size effects, micro-milling exhibits higher specific energy consumption compared with traditional milling, implying that more energy is consumed to remove a unit volume of material, particularly in challenging-to-machine materials like Ti-6Al-4V. Historically, research on parameter optimization for micro-milling has predominantly focused on enhancing machining quality and efficiency, with limited attention given to energy efficiency. However, in the context of the “double carbon” strategy, energy conservation and emissions reduction have garnered significant attention in the manufacturing industry. Therefore, this paper proposes a micro-milling parameter-based power consumption model. Based on this, a specific energy consumption model can be obtained. Moreover, evolutionary algorithms are utilized for the optimization of micro-milling parameters, which aims to achieve comprehensive enhancements in both machinability and sustainability. The optimization objectives encompass improving surface quality, dimensional accuracy, material removal rate, and specific energy consumption during the micro-milling process for thin-walled micro-structures. Among them, NSGA-III achieves the best optimization results. Under conditions in which cutting energy consumption and processing efficiency are very close, the optimization outcomes based on NSGA-III lead to the best machining quality, including the minimum surface roughness and dimensional errors, and the largest surface fractal dimension. The optimal combination of micro-milling parameters is n = 28,800 rpm, fz = 2.6 μm/t, and ap = 62 μm.
Multi-Modal Spatio-Temporal Knowledge Graph of Ship Management
Authors: Zhang Yitao , Xu Ruiqing , Lu Wangping , Mayer Wolfgang , Ning Da , Duan Yucong , Zeng Xi , Feng Zaiwen
Published: August 2023

In modern maritime activities, the quality of ship communication directly impacts the safety, efficiency, and economic viability of ship operations. Therefore, predicting and analyzing ship communication status has become a crucial task to ensure the smooth operation of ships. Currently, ship communication status analysis heavily relies on large-scale, multi-source heterogeneous data with spatio-temporal and multi-modal features, which presents challenges for ship communication quality prediction tasks. To address this issue, this paper constructs a multi-modal spatio-temporal ontology and a multi-modal spatio-temporal knowledge graph for ship communication, guided by existing ontologies and domain knowledge. This approach effectively integrates multi-modal spatio-temporal data, providing support for subsequent efficient data analysis and applications. Taking the scenario of fishing vessel communication activities as an example, the query tasks for ship communication knowledge are successfully performed using a graph database, and we combine the spatio-temporal knowledge graph with graph convolutional neural network technology to achieve real-time communication quality prediction for fishing vessels, further validating the practical value of the multi-modal spatio-temporal knowledge graph.