bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biodegradation of kitchen waste into organic fertilizer using the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae
Authors: Mohod Vandana D. , Bakane P. H. , Nage Sonal M. , Soneji Indira B. , Jadhao S. M. , Undirwade D. B. , Satpute N. S. , Zatale N. D. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) larva are belived to be a potential means to degrade the organic matter such as food waste and divert the waste away from landfills. Thus the experiment on biodegradation by composting kitchen waste into organic fertilizer using the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae was conducted at AICRP on PHET of Dr P.D.K.V Akola with the objectives of the study is to investigate the decomposition efficiency of the black soldier fly larvae on kitchen waste and obtaining the organic compost. The experiment had 10 different feeding rates of BSFL were tested against a common substrate which was kitchen waste. In each container fixed quantity of kitchen waste was kept i.e. 20 kg and 6 days old larvae of BSF larvae were released in the proportion of 500 larvae to 5000 larvae as per treatments. 100 gm samples from the each treatments, waste and compost were analyzed for various parameters. The study showed that by adding 2000 larvae per 20 kg kitchen waste for 22 days in batch feeding, gives higher percent Substrate reduction (87.95%), and higher feed consumption (18.57%). The study revealed that the % organic carbon, N, P, K were observed within the range of 24.02–29.56%, 1.35–1.63%, 0.64–0.80% and 1.32–1.49% respectively. Compost obtained from T4 i.e. (2000 larvae per 20 kg kitchen waste) was recorded of best quality compost with favourable EC, ph, nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.
Impact of defibrillators on mortality in patients with quadruple guideline-directed medical therapy: a propensity score-matched study
Authors: Sahin Anil , Celik Ahmet , Ural Dilek , Colluoglu Inci Tugce , Ata Naim , Kanik Emine Arzu , Ulgu Mustafa Mahir , Birinci Suayip , Yilmaz Mehmet Birhan 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background: In the contemporary management of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), the recommended quadruple guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) consists of angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), evidence-based beta-blockers (BB), mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists(MRA), and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT-2i). This study explored the impact of adding implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) therapy to this comprehensive regimen in HFrEF patients.
Methods: Utilizing deidentified data from the National Electronic Database of the Turkish Ministry of Health, we conducted a nationwide retrospective cohort study on 5450 HFrEF patients receiving quadruple GDMT, including ARNI. Among them, 709 patients underwent additional ICD or cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT-D) implantation. Propensity score matching ensured balanced baseline characteristics between groups.
Results: In the matched cohort, all-cause mortality occurred in 108 out of 619 patients (17.4%) in the GDMT group and 101 out of 619 patients (16.3%) in the ICD group, with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.74 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 0.57 to 0.98. Subgroup analyses consistently demonstrated benefits, particularly among individuals aged 61 years and older, those with sinus rhythm, individuals not using amiodarone, and those with an estimated glomerular filtration rate lower than 61.9.
Conclusion: This study, which marked a significant milestone, suggested a complementary benefit of ICDsin reducing all-cause mortality among HFrEF patients adhering to contemporary quadruple GDMT.
Multi-scale feature fusion and lightweight decoupled Head in small object detection
Authors: Lv Guohua , Zhang Zengbin , Yuan Mao , Ding Zhenhui , Ma Guangxiao 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) equipped with high-definition cameras can quickly acquire image data and are widely applied, however, the task suffers from issues such as smaller objects, large scale transformations, dense objects, and occlusion. To address the above issues, LMS-YOLOv7 is proposed by combining multi-scale feature fusion and lightweight decoupled Head. Firstly, we propose the Skipping Fusion Efficient Layer Aggregation Network (SF-ELAN), in which a cross-layer fusion strategy is used to segment, extract and fuse the features in the channel to enhance the feature representation capability. Secondly, based on the multi-scale feature fusion approach, the Multi-scale Cross Stage Partial (MS-CSP) is proposed to fuse deep and shallow information to avoid losing features. In addition, based on our redesigned LightGSConv, the lightweight decoupled detection Head (LD-Head) is proposed, which decouples the localization information of the feature map from the classification information while keeping the detection head lightweight. Extensive experiments on VisDrone and WiderPer-son demonstrate that the proposed method exhibits higher perception of small objects, and the mAP@.5 metric of our method on the VisDrone improves by 3.6% over the baseline method, and our method achieves the highest accuracy on the WiderPerson. The code for the proposed method is publicly available at GitHub.
Cyclin-dependent kinase 8(CDK8) induced ubiquitin specific peptidase 7(USP7) expression to regulate MRN complex and facilitates DNA damage repair in lung cancer
Authors: Li yanmei , Yao Guojun , Zheng Jie , Fu Liyang , Zhang Dongsheng , Luo Bo , Chen Jie 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

CDK8 plays a critical role in the regulation of various functions in the cell process, including DNA damage and repair. However, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. In this study, we found that CDK8 was frequently overexpressed, and high level predicted poor prognosis in lung cancer patients. Furthermore, we observed that downregulation of CDK8 in NSCLC cells exhibited enhanced irradiation-induced and cisplatin-induced DNA damage. Mechanically, CDK8 promoted the transcription activity of USP7, and then regulated the phosphorylation of MRN complex after irradiation. Our results figured out a brand-new CDK8/USP7/MRN complex axis as well as its critical regulation of irradiation-induced and cisplatin-induced DNA damage in NSCLC, which might be a promising new strategy for radiotherapy and chemotherapy resistance.
Wild divergence: how adaptable are the Molina's hog-nosed skunk and the South American coati to landscape changes in the highly neglected Uruguayan Savannah?
Authors: Dutra Jordani , Pereira Maria João Ramos , Tirelli Flávia 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Understanding how species respond to changes in their environment is crucial for effective conservation efforts, particularly in vulnerable ecoregions like the Uruguayan Savannah in Brazil and Uruguay. Here, we focused on two often overlooked species, the South American coati (Nasua nasua) and Molina's hog-nosed skunk (Conepaptus chinga), deploying 79 cameras across 15 areas in both the Brazilian and Uruguayan sectors of the ecoregion. Using occupancy models, we investigated the influence of different land cover types (forests, grasslands, farmland, and silviculture) and human density on the presence of these species. We tested the activity pattern uniformity for each species. We looked at the landscape transition history. Furthermore, we also generated innovative occupancy maps to better understand and guide policies and actions for these species. The coati occupancy exhibited a positive relation with forest areas but a negative correlation with grasslands and crop farming areas (p<0.05). The skunk presented a positive response to grassland and crop farming areas but a negative response to forest areas (p<0.05). The South American coati occupancy was estimated at approximately 0.141 (0.041 – 0.420), while for Molina’s hog-nosed skunks, it was 0.377 (0.200 – 0.610). Despite the coati's use of open areas, it demonstrated a stronger association with natural forests than altered landscapes. In contrast, Molina's hog-nosed skunk displayed adaptability, persisting in altered environments. In conclusion, our findings underscore the urgency of prioritizing conservation efforts for coatis, while highlighting the skunk's resilience to landscape alterations. This knowledge can guide targeted conservation plans for these species in threatened ecoregions.
KiAtt Fusion: Remote Sensing-Based Water Bodies Segmentation for Environmental Monitoring
Authors: Sikander Saad , Rehman Hamood Ur , Perwaiz Nazia , Aslam Waqar , Abbas Fakhr 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Monitoring the environment and managing water bodies are crucial for preserving ecosystems and ensuring sustainable resource utilization. This study aims to propose a robust approach for segmenting water bodies by combining various complementary attributes extracted from deep learning techniques. By leveraging deep contextual features learned from attention regions and enhanced edge detection, our method significantly improves the accuracy of detecting water bodies in low-resolution satellite imagery. Utilizing S1 and S2 Sentinel imagery data and exploring multi-band features, we enhance key attributes through advanced UNet architectures—specifically, Ki-UNet and Attention UNet—and integrate complementary features for downstream tasks. Additionally, we assembled a local dataset from the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) region of Pakistan, facilitating precise water body segmentation from satellite or aerial views. Our ensemble model achieved remarkable accuracy and Intersection over Union (IoU) scores, reaching up to 99.01% and 96.2%, respectively, surpassing state-of-the-art models. This research provides automated, accurate segmentation techniques essential for environmental management and resource assessment, offering a promising solution for delineating water bodies. github link : (https://github.com/SaadBaloch96/Dataset/blob/main/README.md)
IN VITRO SHOOT PROLIFERATION Of MUSSAENDA `DOÑA LUZ'
Authors: Cramer Christopher S. , Bridgen Mark P. 
Published: April 2024

Mussaenda, a floriferous woody ornamental from the Philippines, is being investigated as a novel flowering potted crop in the United States. One drawback to the development of Mussaenda has been the poor asexual propagation during the winter months. Micropropegation offers an alternative to asexual propagation and allows a constant supply of clonal cuttings throughout the year.Cultures of the cultivar, 'Doña Luz', were established in vitro on a Murashige and Skoog salts media with 100mg myo-inositol/L, 0.4mg thimaine KCl/L, 30g sucrose/L, and 7g agar/L at pH 5.8. Individual aseptic shoot tips were transferred to proliferation media to determine the optimum micropropagation medium. The proliferation media had the same basic medium components as previously described with six levels of 6-benzylaminopurine (BAP), two levels of napthelene acetic acid (NAA), and two levels of adenine sulphate. The levels of BAP were 0, 2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0, and 40.0 μM. NAA was used at 0 and 1.0 μM while the levels of adenine sulphate were 0 and 217 μM.Excellent shoot proliferation was noticed with preliminary experiments using the medium containing 10 μM BAP and 217 μM adenine sulphate. In addition, root production was observed in preliminary studies with a basal MS medium. Further results from the factorial experiments described will be discussed.
OPTIMIZING SUNLIGHT INTERCEPTION IN PECAN ORCHARDS
Authors: Wood Bruce W. , Burcaw Jeffrey W. , Poole Michael W. , Burnette Mark T. 
Published: April 2024

The relative intolerance of pecan trees to low light environments suggests a need for the development of sunlight management strategies that optimize orchard productivity. Current strategies exhibit little emphasis on integrating sunlight interception, tree growth, and orchard design within this context. Therefore, there is a myriad of geometrical variation among commercial orchards and an associated difference in productivity.We have developed a mathematical model incorporating computer simulations of pecan tree growth in a wide variety of orchard situations. Variables include tree shape, intertree spacings, geometrical pattern within the orchard, geographical coordinates, and time and day of year. This model predicts the extent of shading during the daily interval of maximum photosynthesis for any combination of these variables. It can also be used by the orchardist to establish orchards in which trees receive maximum levels of sunlight within specific windows of time; for example, during the period of nut filling or during the accumulation of dormant season assimilate reserves.
BRIDGE SPECIES FOR INTROGRESSION OF WILD GERMPLASM IN SWEET POTATO BREEDING.
Authors: Gisella Orjeda , Carey E. , Lawrence M. 
Published: April 2024

The species of section Batatas represent the primary potential source of wild germplasm for sweet potato breeding. Their wide distribution and adaptation make their use desirable, but their direct use is constrained by their ploidy level (2x, and 4x, in contrast with cultivated I. batatas which is 6x) and lack of storage root production.We investigated 4x clones of interspecific origin (6x I. batatas 2x I. trifida) as bridges to introgress genes from several wild species of the section Batatas to I. batatas. Six 2x wild species from different origins were reciprocally crossed to the 4x clones. The crosses were successful only when the diploid wild species were used as females (2x × 4x) indicating unilateral interspecific incompatibility. The unsuccessful types of crosses (4x × 2x) were repeated using wild hybrid males containing I. trifida in their parentage. This time only those crosses involving a hybrid having I. trifida as its female parent produced seeds. Progenies from the successful 2x × 4x crosses were diploid instead of the expected triploid. Triploid progenies were obtained only in the 4x × (2x hybrid) crosses. Some triploid progenies produced 2n pollen in varying frequencies. These results show different levels of crossing barriers among Ipomoea species and give us alternative pathways for overcoming them. I. trifida was identified as a possible bridge species.
VARIATION IN YIELD AND RAPD MARKERS AMONG IPOMOEA BATATAS cv. JEWEL CLONES
Authors: Villordon Arthur O. , LaBonte Don R. 
Published: April 2024

Sweetpotato clonal propagation is achieved through sprouts obtained from roots saved from the previous crop. Recommended cultural practices dictate replacing seedstock with foundation seed on a continual basis to maintain the original attributes of the variety. Theoretically, cultivar purity is maintained within and among foundation programs. However, mutations are common in sweetpotato and not all of these off-types may be detected through visual selection. The existence of genetic variation in quantifiable traits, i.e., yield, among foundation stocks may indicate that current maintenance practices need to be improved.Yield tests and RAPD analysis were conducted among Jewel clones obtained from eight sources. Significant differences in yield among clones were observed during the 1992 season. The yield tests were conducted in two locations in Louisiana. Concomitantly, genomic DNA was isolated from each clone using a modified cTAB procedure and assayed against twenty primers. Eight primers which produced distinct, reproducible bands were identified and used for polymorphism analysis. At least one primer (OPA-06) demonstrated putative RAPD marker variation. Two-primer assays also revealed differences in RAPD markers. The results indicate the potential usefulness of RAPD markers in sweetpotato breeding, particularly in cultivar maintenance.
EFFECTS OF BRASSICA RESIDUES ON ASPARAGUS DECLINE SYNDROME AND PLANT GROWTH
Authors: Elson Marshall K. , Kelly John F. , Price Hugh C. 
Published: April 2024

Asparagus Decline Syndrome is caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. asparagi (FOA) and Fusarium moniliforme (FM). Resistant asparagus varieties have not been found and chemicals are often ineffective against Fusarium spp. Cabbage (Brassica oleracea) residue has been shown to reduce Fusarium infection in cabbage. However, canola (Brassica napus) also reduces yields in wheat.Seven Brassicas were selected for testing in the greenhouse and field (Kale, Turnip, Glacier Canola, Global Canola, Yellow Mustard, Dwarf Essex Canola, Humus Canola). Brassica residue added to soil reduced root growth of asparagus, wheat, cress, cucumber, and cabbage seedlings upto 4 weeks. Brassicas grown in the field reduced FOA populations and the incidence of Fusarium infection, but did not inhibit plant growth. Extraction of Brassica residue did not yield any non-volatile Fusarium-inhibitory compounds.
NITROGEN NUTRITION AND GROWTH ANALYSIS OF POINSETTIA
Authors: Rose Mary Ann , White John 
Published: April 2024

Objectives of several experiments were 1) to characterize shoot N uptake and recovery efficiency in relation to the growth and development of `Celebrate 2' and `Lilo' poinsettias, and 2) to minimize N use in crop production by manipulating the concentration and timing of N application. `Lilo' had significantly greater shoot N uptake and recovery efficiency than `Celebrate 2', but the pattern of uptake over the production cycle was similar between cultivars. In the first several weeks after potting, N uptake and recovery efficiency were low. Maximum uptake and recovery efficiency occurred between 6 and 8 weeks after potting. After 8 weeks, and throughout bract development, N uptake decreased`Celebrate 2' poinsettias were supplied with either a constant 200 mg·N·l-1 (control), or a variable concentration of N that increased or decreased corresponding to N uptake patterns observed in previous experiments. The N uptake curves for these two treatments were similar, and at final harvest (anthesis), there were no significant dry weight, leaf area, or quality differences. By matching the N supply to the N uptake curve, N recovery efficiency increased from 38% to 58%, and 41% less total N was applied compared to the control. The allocation of N and dry weight to leaf, stem, and bract tissue was also similar between treatments.
ESTIMATION OF STRAWBERRY LEAF CHLOROPHYLL CONTENT AND PHOTOSYNTHETIC ACTIVITY USING REFLECTANCE AND FLUORESCENCE MEASUREMENTS IN THE FIELD
Authors: Chen Chuhe , Cameron J. Scott , Klauer Stephen F. , Foote Paul W. 
Published: April 2024

Portable spectroscopy and fluorescence instruments were used to establish a nondestructive method for estimating chlorophyll (Chl) content and photosynthetic activity in strawberry leaves. 25 genotypes of Fragaria chiloensis were selected as experimental material from a large, replicated field collection. Gas exchange, Chl content, leaf reflectance spectra and induction kinetics of fluorescence from dark-adapted leaves were measured in newly expanded mature leaves.Negative correlation coefficients between reflectance measurements at 510-650 nm and 690-700 nm and Chl a, b and total Chl were highly significant and reached their peak values around 570 nm (r = -0.80**, total Chl). Multiple regression analysis showed that combining the reflectance measurements at 520 nm with 570 nm significantly improved the model's correlation coefficient (r = 0.86***, total Chl). Reflectance at 520 and 570 seems to represent signals from different components in the photosynthetic apparatus. Combining certain fluorescence parameters with reflectance measurements significantly improved the correlation with Chl a, b and total Chl (r = 0.91***, total Chl). The regression model combining reflectance and fluorescence measurements offers a useful, nondestructive method to simultaneously assess leaf Chl content and induction kinetics of fluorescence using portable spectroscopy and fluorescence instruments. Fluorescence parameters Fv/Fm and Ft combined to show a moderate relationship (r = 0.66**) with CO2 assimilation rate.
OPTIMAL SPACIAL ORIENTATION OF TREE CROPS BASED ON MAXIMIZING SUNLIGHT INTERCEPTION DURING CRITICAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENTAL WINDOWS
Authors: Wood Bruce W. , Burcaw Jeffrey , Poole Michael W. , Burnette Mark T. 
Published: April 2024

Tree crops are often planted at particular geometrical and spacing patterns with little or no quantitatively based data on how the arrangements influence sunlight interception and productivity.We have developed a mathematical model describing intertree shading derived from computer simulations of tree growth and light extinction through the canopy. Variables include tree shape, intertree spacings, orchard geometry, geographical coordinates, season, and time of day. This model predicts the extent of intertree shading during the daily interval of maximum photosynthesis for any combination of these conditions and indicates that optimal orchard design is unique for each latitude and tree crop. It can be used by the orchardist to establish orchards in which trees receive maximum levels of sunlight within specific windows of time; for example, during the period of fruit development or during the accumulation of dormant season assimilate reserves.
IMPORTANCE OF HORTICULTURE INSTRUCTION IN SECONDARY AGRICULTURAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS IN NEBRASKA
Authors: Frederick Craig , Fitzgerald Jay B. , Blezek Allen G. , Dillon Roy D. 
Published: April 2024

A survey was used to identify specific elements of the horticulture curriculum included in Nebraska Secondary Agricultural Education programs as perceived by nurserymen, garden center operators, and Nebraska secondary agricultural education teachers. A comparison of Nebraska nurserymen's and Nebraska secondary agricultural education teachers' rating of horticulture curriculum content was determined and specific skill areas were identified which are important for employment in the horticulture field.The statistical comparisons of Nebraska Association of Nurserymen members' and Nebraska secondary agricultural education teachers' rating of skill areas and curriculum content for employment in the horticulture field in Nebraska will be discussed.
INTERIOR PLANTS IN A CLASSROOM IMPROVE AIR QUALITY AND THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
Authors: Goodwin Georgia K. , Lohr Virginia I. 
Published: April 2024

Plants were added to a college computer lab to determine their effect on air quality and their influence on human psychological and physiological responses. Sixteen plants of varying size and color were added to a stark computer room that measured approximately 8 m × 13 m. Temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, particulate matter, and human response were monitored in the presence and absence of plants.The addition of plants enhanced the learning environment physically and psychologically. Relative humidity was slightly, but significantly, higher when plants were in the room than when they were absent. Particulate matter accumulation was found to be less than half as much in the presence of plants compared to accumulation in the absence of plants.
FREEZE DAMAGE, PRUNING, AND YIELD RECOVERY OF RIO RED GRAPEFRUIT IN TEXAS
Authors: Fucik John E. 
Published: April 2024

Following the 1989 Christmas freeze, 4 year-old Rio Red grapefruit trees were rated for freeze damage and given 9 planing treatments, ranging from the non-pruned controls to removing the canopy and most of the trunk. Wound dressing with and without a fungicide was used with some treatments. One set of trees was pruned in March, and a second in May, 1990. Each treatment had 6 single-tree reps. The pruning treatments were evaluated with respect to the fruit harvested, by canopy location, in 1992-93 and the severity of freeze damage.Severe pruning resulted in smaller fruit than the controls, which was most likely due to the inverse relationship of size to number of per unit of canopy. Fruit size from may-pruned trees was consistently smaller than that from trees pruned in March. The wound dressings and fungicides had no effect on yields or fruit size. Except for the trees which died, the severity of freeze damage was not a good predictor of yield recovery.