PeerJ
type: channel
link: https://peerj.com/articles/
description: Articles published in PeerJ
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
publication name: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359
items: Biodiversity assessment and environmental risk analysis of the single line transgenic pod borer resistant cowpea
items: The impact of combined application of biochar and fertilizer on the biochemical properties of soil in soybean fields
items: Bioconversion of mango peels into itaconic acid through submerged fermentation and statistical optimization of parameters through response surface methodology
items: ALKBH5 modulation of ferroptosis in recurrent miscarriage: implications in cytotrophoblast dysfunction
items: Predicting the influence of extreme temperatures on grain production in the Middle-Lower Yangtze Plains using a spatially-aware deep learning model
items: Exploring the scale effect of nonpoint source pollution risk on water quality in Lake Basins of Central Yunnan Plateau using the Minimum Cumulative Resistance model
items: The effect of multi-directional sprint training on change-of-direction speed and reactive agility of collegiate tennis players
items: A systematic review on machine learning approaches in cerebral palsy research
items: Insights into water insecurity in Indigenous communities in Canada: assessing microbial risks and innovative solutions, a multifaceted review
items: Investigating the bacterial community of gray mangroves (Avicennia marina) in coastal areas of Tabuk region

Biodiversity assessment and environmental risk analysis of the single line transgenic pod borer resistant cowpea
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background The discussion surrounding biological diversity has reached a critical point with the introduction of Nigeria’s first transgenic food crop, the pod borer-resistant (PBR) cowpea. Questions have been raised about the potential risks of the transgenic Maruca vitrata-resistant cowpea to human health and beneficial insects. Public apprehension, coupled with social activists’ calling for the removal of this crop from the nation’s food market, persists. However, there is a lack of data to counter the assertion that cultivating PBR cowpea may have adverse effects on biodiversity and the overall ecological system. This research, with its multifaceted objective of examining the environmental safety of PBR cowpea and assessing its impact on biodiversity compared to its non-transgenic counterpart, IT97KN, is of utmost importance in providing the necessary data to address these concerns. Methods Seeds for both the transgenic PBR cowpea and its isoline were obtained from the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) Zaria before planting at various farm sites (Addae et al., 2020). Throughout the experiment, local cultural practices were strictly followed to cultivate both transgenic and non-transgenic cowpeas. Elaborate taxonomic keys were used to identify arthropods and other non-targeted organisms. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to evaluate potential modifications in all ecological niches of the crops. The lmer function of the R package lme4 was used to analyze diversity indices, including Shannon, Pielou, and Simpson. The Bray–Curtis index was used to analyzed potential modifications in the dissimilarities of non-targeted organisms’ communities. Results Examination of ecological species abundance per counting week (CW) revealed no disruption in the biological properties of non-targeted species due to the cultivation of transgenic PBR cowpea. Analysis of species evenness and diversity indices indicated no significant difference between the fields of tran…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Abraham Isah
creator: Rebeccah Wusa Ndana
creator: Yoila David Malann
creator: Onyekachi Francis Nwankwo
creator: Abdulrazak Baba Ibrahim
creator: Rose Suniso Gidado
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Biodiversity
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Ecology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18094
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Isah et al.
abstract: Background The discussion surrounding biological diversity has reached a critical point with the introduction of Nigeria’s first transgenic food crop, the pod borer-resistant (PBR) cowpea. Questions have been raised about the potential risks of the transgenic Maruca vitrata-resistant cowpea to human health and beneficial insects. Public apprehension, coupled with social activists’ calling for the removal of this crop from the nation’s food market, persists. However, there is a lack of data to counter the assertion that cultivating PBR cowpea may have adverse effects on biodiversity and the overall ecological system. This research, with its multifaceted objective of examining the environmental safety of PBR cowpea and assessing its impact on biodiversity compared to its non-transgenic counterpart, IT97KN, is of utmost importance in providing the necessary data to address these concerns. Methods Seeds for both the transgenic PBR cowpea and its isoline were obtained from the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) Zaria before planting at various farm sites (Addae et al., 2020). Throughout the experiment, local cultural practices were strictly followed to cultivate both transgenic and non-transgenic cowpeas. Elaborate taxonomic keys were used to identify arthropods and other non-targeted organisms. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to evaluate potential modifications in all ecological niches of the crops. The lmer function of the R package lme4 was used to analyze diversity indices, including Shannon, Pielou, and Simpson. The Bray–Curtis index was used to analyzed potential modifications in the dissimilarities of non-targeted organisms’ communities. Results Examination of ecological species abundance per counting week (CW) revealed no disruption in the biological properties of non-targeted species due to the cultivation of transgenic PBR cowpea. Analysis of species evenness and diversity indices indicated no significant difference between the fields of tran…
bibliographic citation: Isah et al. (2024) Biodiversity assessment and environmental risk analysis of the single line transgenic pod borer resistant cowpea. PeerJ 12:e18094 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18094
date submitted: 2024-02-07
date accepted: 2024-08-23
issued: 2024-10-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Isah
  given name: Abraham
author list: Agent
  family name: Ndana
  given name: Rebeccah Wusa
author list: Agent
  family name: Malann
  given name: Yoila David
author list: Agent
  family name: Nwankwo
  given name: Onyekachi Francis
author list: Agent
  family name: Ibrahim
  given name: Abdulrazak Baba
author list: Agent
  family name: Gidado
  given name: Rose Suniso
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18094
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-18
copyright: ©2024 Isah et al.
attribution name: Isah et al.

The impact of combined application of biochar and fertilizer on the biochemical properties of soil in soybean fields
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background Heilongjiang Province is a major soybean production area in China. To improve soil structure and increase soybean yield, this study examined the effects of combined biochar and chemical fertilizer application on the biochemical properties of soil in a maize-soybean rotation system. Methods The research were conducted from 2021 to 2022 at Heshan Farm Science Park in Heilongjiang Province, this field plot experiment utilized two soybean varieties, Heihe 43 (a high-protein variety) and Keshan 1 (a high-oil variety). In 2021, two plots with similar fertility levels were selected for planting soybeans and maize. In 2022, a maize-soybean rotation was implemented with five treatments: conventional fertilization (CK), increased biochar+reduced fertilizer 1 (F1+B), reduced fertilizer 1 (F1), increased biochar+reduced fertilizer 2 (F2+B), and reduced fertilizer 2 (F2). The study systematically analyzed the effects of combined biochar and chemical fertilizer application on soil chemical properties and microbial characteristics. Results Over 2 years, results showed that combined application effectively improved soil chemical traits. Compared to conventional fertilization (CK) and reduced fertilization (F1, F2), t he combined application of biochar and chemical fertilizer (F1+B, F2+B) increased soil pH, EC and the absolute value of zeta potential of soil surface, the CEC of soil significantly increased by 15.6–44.3%, the soil surface charge density and the soil surface charge quantity significantly increased by 16.4–73.5%. The combined application of biochar and chemical fertilizer also effectively enhanced the abundance and diversity of soil microbes. Dominant bacterial groups in soybean field soils under different treatments included Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Proteobacteria; while dominant fungal groups were Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mortierellomycota. Alpha and Beta diversity analyses revealed that the F1+B treatment significantly enhance…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Mingcong Zhang
creator: Wei Xie
creator: Xingjie Zhong
creator: Yuqing Wang
creator: Siyan Li
creator: Yanhong Zhou
creator: Chen Wang
subject: Ecology
subject: Microbiology
subject: Plant Science
subject: Soil Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18172
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Zhang et al.
abstract: Background Heilongjiang Province is a major soybean production area in China. To improve soil structure and increase soybean yield, this study examined the effects of combined biochar and chemical fertilizer application on the biochemical properties of soil in a maize-soybean rotation system. Methods The research were conducted from 2021 to 2022 at Heshan Farm Science Park in Heilongjiang Province, this field plot experiment utilized two soybean varieties, Heihe 43 (a high-protein variety) and Keshan 1 (a high-oil variety). In 2021, two plots with similar fertility levels were selected for planting soybeans and maize. In 2022, a maize-soybean rotation was implemented with five treatments: conventional fertilization (CK), increased biochar+reduced fertilizer 1 (F1+B), reduced fertilizer 1 (F1), increased biochar+reduced fertilizer 2 (F2+B), and reduced fertilizer 2 (F2). The study systematically analyzed the effects of combined biochar and chemical fertilizer application on soil chemical properties and microbial characteristics. Results Over 2 years, results showed that combined application effectively improved soil chemical traits. Compared to conventional fertilization (CK) and reduced fertilization (F1, F2), t he combined application of biochar and chemical fertilizer (F1+B, F2+B) increased soil pH, EC and the absolute value of zeta potential of soil surface, the CEC of soil significantly increased by 15.6–44.3%, the soil surface charge density and the soil surface charge quantity significantly increased by 16.4–73.5%. The combined application of biochar and chemical fertilizer also effectively enhanced the abundance and diversity of soil microbes. Dominant bacterial groups in soybean field soils under different treatments included Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, and Proteobacteria; while dominant fungal groups were Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mortierellomycota. Alpha and Beta diversity analyses revealed that the F1+B treatment significantly enhance…
bibliographic citation: Zhang et al. (2024) The impact of combined application of biochar and fertilizer on the biochemical properties of soil in soybean fields. PeerJ 12:e18172 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18172
date submitted: 2024-06-06
date accepted: 2024-09-03
issued: 2024-10-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Mingcong
author list: Agent
  family name: Xie
  given name: Wei
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhong
  given name: Xingjie
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Yuqing
author list: Agent
  family name: Li
  given name: Siyan
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Yanhong
author list: Agent
  family name: Wang
  given name: Chen
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18172
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-18
copyright: © 2024 Zhang et al.
attribution name: Zhang et al.

Bioconversion of mango peels into itaconic acid through submerged fermentation and statistical optimization of parameters through response surface methodology
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Itaconic acid is an industrially crucial organic acid due to its broad range of applications. The main hurdle in itaconic acid production is the high cost of the substrate, i.e., pure glucose, required for the fermentation process. Pakistan annually produces about 1.7 to 1.8 million metric tonnes of mango fruit. Keeping this in view, the potential of a sugar-rich fruit by-product, i.e., mango peels, was analyzed to be used as a substrate for the biosynthesis of itaconic acid using Aspergillus niger by submerged fermentation. Different physicochemical parameters (incubation period, temperature, agitation rate, inoculum size, and pH) were optimized using the central composite design (CCD) design of response surface methodology (RSM). The maximum production of itaconic acid, i.e., 4.6 g/L, was analyzed using 10% mango peels w/v (water hydrolysate), 3 mL inoculum volume after 5 days of fermentation period at pH 3, and a temperature of 32 °C when the media was kept at a 200-rpm agitation speed. The itaconic acid extraction from mango peels was done using the solvent extraction method using n-butanol. The identification and quantification of itaconic acid produced in the study were done using the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum and the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. According to HPLC analysis, 98.74% purity of itaconic acid was obtained in the research. Hence, it is concluded from the results that sugar-rich mango peels can act as a promising substrate for the biosynthesis of itaconic acid. Further conditions can be optimized at the bioreactor level to meet industrial requirements.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Shagufta Saeed
creator: Sibtain Ahmed
creator: Fatima Qureshi
creator: Muhammad Sheraz Yasin
creator: Rida Waseem
creator: Tahir Mehmood
subject: Biochemistry
subject: Biotechnology
subject: Mycology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18188
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Saeed et al.
abstract: Itaconic acid is an industrially crucial organic acid due to its broad range of applications. The main hurdle in itaconic acid production is the high cost of the substrate, i.e., pure glucose, required for the fermentation process. Pakistan annually produces about 1.7 to 1.8 million metric tonnes of mango fruit. Keeping this in view, the potential of a sugar-rich fruit by-product, i.e., mango peels, was analyzed to be used as a substrate for the biosynthesis of itaconic acid using Aspergillus niger by submerged fermentation. Different physicochemical parameters (incubation period, temperature, agitation rate, inoculum size, and pH) were optimized using the central composite design (CCD) design of response surface methodology (RSM). The maximum production of itaconic acid, i.e., 4.6 g/L, was analyzed using 10% mango peels w/v (water hydrolysate), 3 mL inoculum volume after 5 days of fermentation period at pH 3, and a temperature of 32 °C when the media was kept at a 200-rpm agitation speed. The itaconic acid extraction from mango peels was done using the solvent extraction method using n-butanol. The identification and quantification of itaconic acid produced in the study were done using the Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) spectrum and the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method. According to HPLC analysis, 98.74% purity of itaconic acid was obtained in the research. Hence, it is concluded from the results that sugar-rich mango peels can act as a promising substrate for the biosynthesis of itaconic acid. Further conditions can be optimized at the bioreactor level to meet industrial requirements.
bibliographic citation: Saeed et al. (2024) Bioconversion of mango peels into itaconic acid through submerged fermentation and statistical optimization of parameters through response surface methodology. PeerJ 12:e18188 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18188
date submitted: 2024-05-29
date accepted: 2024-09-06
issued: 2024-10-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Saeed
  given name: Shagufta
author list: Agent
  family name: Ahmed
  given name: Sibtain
author list: Agent
  family name: Qureshi
  given name: Fatima
author list: Agent
  family name: Yasin
  given name: Muhammad Sheraz
author list: Agent
  family name: Waseem
  given name: Rida
author list: Agent
  family name: Mehmood
  given name: Tahir
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18188
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-18
copyright: © 2024 Saeed et al.
attribution name: Saeed et al.

ALKBH5 modulation of ferroptosis in recurrent miscarriage: implications in cytotrophoblast dysfunction
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background As one of the most common and abundant internal modifications of eukaryotic mRNA, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications are closely related to placental development. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered form of programmed cell death. During placental development, placental trophoblasts are susceptible to ferroptosis. However, the interactions of m6A and ferroptosis in trophoblast physiology and injury are unclear. Methods Recurrent miscarriage (RM) was selected as the main gestational disease in this study. Published data (GSE76862) were used to analyze the gene expression profiles in patients with RM. The extent of m6A modification in total RNA of villous tissues between patients with RM and healthy controls (HC) was compared. ALKBH5 (encoding AlkB homolog 5, RNA demethylase) was selected as the candidate gene for further research. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) confirmed the elevated expression of ALKBH5 in the cytotrophoblasts of patients with RM. Then, cell counting kit-8 assays, glutathione disulfide/glutathione quantification, 2′,7′-dichlorfluorescein-diacetate staining, and malonaldehyde assays were used to explore the alterations of ferroptosis-related characteristics following RAS-selective lethal (RSL3) stimulation after overexpression of ALKBH5. Thereafter, we re-analyzed the published RNA sequencing data upon knockdown of ALKBH5, combined with published tissue RNA-seq data, and FTL (encoding ferritin light chain) was identified as the ferroptosis-related gene in cytotrophoblasts of patients with RM that is regulated by ALKBH5. Finally, western blotting and IHC confirmed the increased expression of FTL in the cytotrophoblasts from patients with RM. Results Total m6A levels were decreased in patients with RM. The most significant differentially m6A-related gene was ALKBH5, which was increased in patients with RM. In vitro cell experiments showed that treatment with RSL3 resulted i…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Chuanmei Qin
creator: Jiayi Wu
creator: Xiaowei Wei
creator: Xueqing Liu
creator: Yi Lin
subject: Cell Biology
subject: Developmental Biology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Gynecology and Obstetrics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18227
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Qin et al.
abstract: Background As one of the most common and abundant internal modifications of eukaryotic mRNA, N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modifications are closely related to placental development. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered form of programmed cell death. During placental development, placental trophoblasts are susceptible to ferroptosis. However, the interactions of m6A and ferroptosis in trophoblast physiology and injury are unclear. Methods Recurrent miscarriage (RM) was selected as the main gestational disease in this study. Published data (GSE76862) were used to analyze the gene expression profiles in patients with RM. The extent of m6A modification in total RNA of villous tissues between patients with RM and healthy controls (HC) was compared. ALKBH5 (encoding AlkB homolog 5, RNA demethylase) was selected as the candidate gene for further research. Quantitative real-time reverse transcription PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) confirmed the elevated expression of ALKBH5 in the cytotrophoblasts of patients with RM. Then, cell counting kit-8 assays, glutathione disulfide/glutathione quantification, 2′,7′-dichlorfluorescein-diacetate staining, and malonaldehyde assays were used to explore the alterations of ferroptosis-related characteristics following RAS-selective lethal (RSL3) stimulation after overexpression of ALKBH5. Thereafter, we re-analyzed the published RNA sequencing data upon knockdown of ALKBH5, combined with published tissue RNA-seq data, and FTL (encoding ferritin light chain) was identified as the ferroptosis-related gene in cytotrophoblasts of patients with RM that is regulated by ALKBH5. Finally, western blotting and IHC confirmed the increased expression of FTL in the cytotrophoblasts from patients with RM. Results Total m6A levels were decreased in patients with RM. The most significant differentially m6A-related gene was ALKBH5, which was increased in patients with RM. In vitro cell experiments showed that treatment with RSL3 resulted i…
bibliographic citation: Qin et al. (2024) ALKBH5 modulation of ferroptosis in recurrent miscarriage: implications in cytotrophoblast dysfunction. PeerJ 12:e18227 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18227
date submitted: 2024-01-10
date accepted: 2024-09-13
issued: 2024-10-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Qin
  given name: Chuanmei
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Jiayi
author list: Agent
  family name: Wei
  given name: Xiaowei
author list: Agent
  family name: Liu
  given name: Xueqing
author list: Agent
  family name: Lin
  given name: Yi
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18227
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-18
copyright: ©2024 Qin et al.
attribution name: Qin et al.

Predicting the influence of extreme temperatures on grain production in the Middle-Lower Yangtze Plains using a spatially-aware deep learning model
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Grain crops are vulnerable to anthropogenic climate change and extreme temperature events. Despite this, previous studies have often neglected the impact of the spatio-temporal distribution of extreme temperature events on regional grain outputs. This research focuses on the Middle-Lower Yangtze Plains and aims to address this gap as well as to provide a renewed projection of climate-induced grain production variability for the rest of the century. The proposed model performs significantly superior to the benchmark multilinear grain production model. By 2100, grain production in the MLYP is projected to decrease by over 100 tons for the low-radiative-forcing/sustainable development scenario (SSP126) and the medium-radiative-forcing scenario (SSP245), and about 270 tons for the high-radiative-forcing/fossil-fueled development scenario (SSP585). Grain production may experience less decline than previously projected by studies using Representative Concentration Pathways. This difference is likely due to a decrease in coldwave frequency, which can offset the effects of more frequent heatwaves on grain production, combined with alterations in supply-side policies. Notably, the frequency of encoded heatwaves and coldwaves has a stronger impact on grain production compared to precipitation and labor indicators; higher levels of projected heatwaves frequency correspond with increased output variability over time. This study emphasizes the need for developing crop-specific mitigation/adaptation strategies against heat and cold stress amidst global warming.
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Zijun Mu
creator: Junfei Xia
subject: Agricultural Science
subject: Ecosystem Science
subject: Data Mining and Machine Learning
subject: Climate Change Biology
subject: Environmental Impacts
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18234
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Mu and Xia
abstract: Grain crops are vulnerable to anthropogenic climate change and extreme temperature events. Despite this, previous studies have often neglected the impact of the spatio-temporal distribution of extreme temperature events on regional grain outputs. This research focuses on the Middle-Lower Yangtze Plains and aims to address this gap as well as to provide a renewed projection of climate-induced grain production variability for the rest of the century. The proposed model performs significantly superior to the benchmark multilinear grain production model. By 2100, grain production in the MLYP is projected to decrease by over 100 tons for the low-radiative-forcing/sustainable development scenario (SSP126) and the medium-radiative-forcing scenario (SSP245), and about 270 tons for the high-radiative-forcing/fossil-fueled development scenario (SSP585). Grain production may experience less decline than previously projected by studies using Representative Concentration Pathways. This difference is likely due to a decrease in coldwave frequency, which can offset the effects of more frequent heatwaves on grain production, combined with alterations in supply-side policies. Notably, the frequency of encoded heatwaves and coldwaves has a stronger impact on grain production compared to precipitation and labor indicators; higher levels of projected heatwaves frequency correspond with increased output variability over time. This study emphasizes the need for developing crop-specific mitigation/adaptation strategies against heat and cold stress amidst global warming.
bibliographic citation: Mu et al. (2024) Predicting the influence of extreme temperatures on grain production in the Middle-Lower Yangtze Plains using a spatially-aware deep learning model. PeerJ 12:e18234 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18234
date submitted: 2024-05-24
date accepted: 2024-09-13
issued: 2024-10-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Mu
  given name: Zijun
author list: Agent
  family name: Xia
  given name: Junfei
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18234
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-18
copyright: ©2024 Mu and Xia
attribution name: Mu and Xia

Exploring the scale effect of nonpoint source pollution risk on water quality in Lake Basins of Central Yunnan Plateau using the Minimum Cumulative Resistance model
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution has emerged as the predominant water environment issue confronting plateau lakes in central Yunnan. Quantitative analysis of the impact of NPS pollution on water quality constitutes the key to preventing and controlling water pollution. However, currently, there is a dearth of research on identifying NPS pollution risks and exploring their relationship with water quality based on the Minimum Cumulative Resistance (MCR) model in the plateau lake basins of central Yunnan. Particularly, studies on the spatial heterogeneity of the impact of NPS pollution on water quality from a multi-scale perspective are scarce. Therefore, this study focuses on three typical lake basins in the Central Yunnan Plateau–Fuxian Lake, Xingyun Lake, and Qilu Lake (the Three Lakes). Utilizing the MCR model to identify NPS pollution risks, the study analyzes seven different scales, including sub-basins, riparian buffer zones (100 m, 300 m, 500 m, 700 m, and 1,000 m) and lakeshore zones, to reveal the multi-scale effects of NPS pollution on water quality through correlation analysis. The results indicate that: (1) Over 60% of the areas in the Three Lakes Basin are at high or extremely high risk, mainly concentrated in flat terrain and around inflow rivers; (2) The area of NPS pollution from paddy field source landscape (PFSL) is greater than that from construction land source landscape (CLSL), and the high-risk areas of NPS pollution are also larger for PFSL compared to CLSL; (3) The mean resistance values of PFSL and CLSL show a significant negative correlation with monthly mean values of water quality indexes (NH3-N, TP, CODCr), with the 1,000 m riparian buffer zone scale showing the greatest correlation with most water quality indexes, especially NH3-N; (4) The correlation between the mean resistance value of CLSL and the monthly mean values of water quality indexes is significantly higher than that of PFSL, indicating a greater impact of CLSL on water quality …
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Li Fu
creator: Xiaoliang Ma
creator: Shuangyun Peng
creator: Luping Gong
creator: Rui Zhang
creator: Bangmei Huang
subject: Ecology
subject: Ecosystem Science
subject: Environmental Contamination and Remediation
subject: Spatial and Geographic Information Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18247
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Fu et al.
abstract: Nonpoint source (NPS) pollution has emerged as the predominant water environment issue confronting plateau lakes in central Yunnan. Quantitative analysis of the impact of NPS pollution on water quality constitutes the key to preventing and controlling water pollution. However, currently, there is a dearth of research on identifying NPS pollution risks and exploring their relationship with water quality based on the Minimum Cumulative Resistance (MCR) model in the plateau lake basins of central Yunnan. Particularly, studies on the spatial heterogeneity of the impact of NPS pollution on water quality from a multi-scale perspective are scarce. Therefore, this study focuses on three typical lake basins in the Central Yunnan Plateau–Fuxian Lake, Xingyun Lake, and Qilu Lake (the Three Lakes). Utilizing the MCR model to identify NPS pollution risks, the study analyzes seven different scales, including sub-basins, riparian buffer zones (100 m, 300 m, 500 m, 700 m, and 1,000 m) and lakeshore zones, to reveal the multi-scale effects of NPS pollution on water quality through correlation analysis. The results indicate that: (1) Over 60% of the areas in the Three Lakes Basin are at high or extremely high risk, mainly concentrated in flat terrain and around inflow rivers; (2) The area of NPS pollution from paddy field source landscape (PFSL) is greater than that from construction land source landscape (CLSL), and the high-risk areas of NPS pollution are also larger for PFSL compared to CLSL; (3) The mean resistance values of PFSL and CLSL show a significant negative correlation with monthly mean values of water quality indexes (NH3-N, TP, CODCr), with the 1,000 m riparian buffer zone scale showing the greatest correlation with most water quality indexes, especially NH3-N; (4) The correlation between the mean resistance value of CLSL and the monthly mean values of water quality indexes is significantly higher than that of PFSL, indicating a greater impact of CLSL on water quality …
bibliographic citation: Fu et al. (2024) Exploring the scale effect of nonpoint source pollution risk on water quality in Lake Basins of Central Yunnan Plateau using the Minimum Cumulative Resistance model. PeerJ 12:e18247 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18247
date submitted: 2024-06-17
date accepted: 2024-09-16
issued: 2024-10-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Fu
  given name: Li
author list: Agent
  family name: Ma
  given name: Xiaoliang
author list: Agent
  family name: Peng
  given name: Shuangyun
author list: Agent
  family name: Gong
  given name: Luping
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhang
  given name: Rui
author list: Agent
  family name: Huang
  given name: Bangmei
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18247
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-18
copyright: ©2024 Fu et al.
attribution name: Fu et al.

The effect of multi-directional sprint training on change-of-direction speed and reactive agility of collegiate tennis players
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of random route multi-directional sprint training (MDST) compared to fixed route MDST on change-of-direction speed (CODS) and reactive agility (RA), and to investigate the correlation between CODS, RA and short-distance straight sprint speed (SDSS). Method A total of 19 collegiate tennis players from Beijing Sport University were randomly assigned to either the random route MDST group (RR group, N = 9, age: 22.22 ± 2.22 years) or the fixed route MDST group (FR group, N = 10, age: 21.90 ± 1.66 years). Both groups completed a progressive load intervention training for 3 weeks, three times a week. The RR group’s random route, mirroring the distance and number of change-of-direction (COD) in the FR group’s fixed route, was specifically designed. The spider run, T-drill, RA test and 5-m straight line sprint test were performed before and after the intervention. Results Both groups showed improved performance in the spider run (p < 0.05), T-drill (p < 0.01) and 5-m straight (p < 0.001) line sprint test after the intervention. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the improvement of CODS and SDSS between the two groups (p > 0.05). The RA of the RR and FR groups after the intervention was significantly higher than before intervention (p < 0.001), and RR group showed greater improvement in RA compared to the FR group. There was a moderate correlation between spider run and T-drill (r = 0.523), RA (r = 0.388), and no significant correlation between spider run and 5-m straight sprint (p > 0.05). T-drill was moderately correlated with RA (r = 0.347) and 5-m straight sprint (r = 0.321). RA was moderately correlated with 5-m straight sprint (r = 0.551). Conclusion Three-week multi-directional sprint training can effectively improve the change-of-direction speed, reactive agility and short-distance straight sprint speed of collegiate tennis players. And random route multi-directional sprint training has bett…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Zhihui Zhou
creator: Chenxi Xin
creator: Yue Zhao
creator: Haijun Wu
subject: Anatomy and Physiology
subject: Kinesiology
subject: Public Health
subject: Sports Injury
subject: Sports Medicine
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18263
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Zhou et al.
abstract: Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of random route multi-directional sprint training (MDST) compared to fixed route MDST on change-of-direction speed (CODS) and reactive agility (RA), and to investigate the correlation between CODS, RA and short-distance straight sprint speed (SDSS). Method A total of 19 collegiate tennis players from Beijing Sport University were randomly assigned to either the random route MDST group (RR group, N = 9, age: 22.22 ± 2.22 years) or the fixed route MDST group (FR group, N = 10, age: 21.90 ± 1.66 years). Both groups completed a progressive load intervention training for 3 weeks, three times a week. The RR group’s random route, mirroring the distance and number of change-of-direction (COD) in the FR group’s fixed route, was specifically designed. The spider run, T-drill, RA test and 5-m straight line sprint test were performed before and after the intervention. Results Both groups showed improved performance in the spider run (p < 0.05), T-drill (p < 0.01) and 5-m straight (p < 0.001) line sprint test after the intervention. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the improvement of CODS and SDSS between the two groups (p > 0.05). The RA of the RR and FR groups after the intervention was significantly higher than before intervention (p < 0.001), and RR group showed greater improvement in RA compared to the FR group. There was a moderate correlation between spider run and T-drill (r = 0.523), RA (r = 0.388), and no significant correlation between spider run and 5-m straight sprint (p > 0.05). T-drill was moderately correlated with RA (r = 0.347) and 5-m straight sprint (r = 0.321). RA was moderately correlated with 5-m straight sprint (r = 0.551). Conclusion Three-week multi-directional sprint training can effectively improve the change-of-direction speed, reactive agility and short-distance straight sprint speed of collegiate tennis players. And random route multi-directional sprint training has bett…
bibliographic citation: Zhou et al. (2024) The effect of multi-directional sprint training on change-of-direction speed and reactive agility of collegiate tennis players. PeerJ 12:e18263 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18263
date submitted: 2024-06-18
date accepted: 2024-09-17
issued: 2024-10-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhou
  given name: Zhihui
author list: Agent
  family name: Xin
  given name: Chenxi
author list: Agent
  family name: Zhao
  given name: Yue
author list: Agent
  family name: Wu
  given name: Haijun
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18263
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-18
copyright: © 2024 Zhou et al.
attribution name: Zhou et al.

A systematic review on machine learning approaches in cerebral palsy research
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Background This review aims to explore advances in the field of cerebral palsy (CP) focusing on machine learning (ML) models. The objectives of this study is to analyze the advances in the application of ML models in the field of CP and to compare the performance of different ML algorithms in terms of their effectiveness in CP identification, classifying CP into its subtypes, prediction of abnormalities in CP, and its management. These objectives guide the review in examining how ML techniques are applied to CP and their potential impact on improving outcomes in CP research and treatment. Methodology A total of 20 studies were identified on ML for CP from 2013 to 2023. Search Engines used during the review included electronic databases like PubMed for accessing biomedical and life sciences, IEEE Xplore for technical literature in computer, Google Scholar for a broad range of academic publications, Scopus and Web of Science for multidisciplinary high impact journals. Inclusion criteria included articles containing keywords such as cerebral palsy, machine learning approaches, outcome response, identification, classification, diagnosis, and treatment prediction. Studies were included if they reported the application of ML techniques for CP patients. Peer reviewed articles from 2013 to 2023 were only included for the review. We selected full-text articles, clinical trials, randomized control trial, systematic reviews, narrative reviews, and meta-analyses published in English. Exclusion criteria for the review included studies not directly related to CP. Editorials, opinion pieces, and non-peer-reviewed articles were also excluded. To ensure the validity and reliability of the findings in this review, we thoroughly examined the study designs, focusing on the appropriateness of their methodologies and sample sizes. To synthesize and present the results, data were extracted and organized into tables for easy comparison. The results were presented through a combination of t…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Anjuman Nahar
creator: Sudip Paul
creator: Manob Jyoti Saikia
subject: Bioengineering
subject: Cognitive Disorders
subject: Neurology
subject: Biomechanics
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18270
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Nahar et al.
abstract: Background This review aims to explore advances in the field of cerebral palsy (CP) focusing on machine learning (ML) models. The objectives of this study is to analyze the advances in the application of ML models in the field of CP and to compare the performance of different ML algorithms in terms of their effectiveness in CP identification, classifying CP into its subtypes, prediction of abnormalities in CP, and its management. These objectives guide the review in examining how ML techniques are applied to CP and their potential impact on improving outcomes in CP research and treatment. Methodology A total of 20 studies were identified on ML for CP from 2013 to 2023. Search Engines used during the review included electronic databases like PubMed for accessing biomedical and life sciences, IEEE Xplore for technical literature in computer, Google Scholar for a broad range of academic publications, Scopus and Web of Science for multidisciplinary high impact journals. Inclusion criteria included articles containing keywords such as cerebral palsy, machine learning approaches, outcome response, identification, classification, diagnosis, and treatment prediction. Studies were included if they reported the application of ML techniques for CP patients. Peer reviewed articles from 2013 to 2023 were only included for the review. We selected full-text articles, clinical trials, randomized control trial, systematic reviews, narrative reviews, and meta-analyses published in English. Exclusion criteria for the review included studies not directly related to CP. Editorials, opinion pieces, and non-peer-reviewed articles were also excluded. To ensure the validity and reliability of the findings in this review, we thoroughly examined the study designs, focusing on the appropriateness of their methodologies and sample sizes. To synthesize and present the results, data were extracted and organized into tables for easy comparison. The results were presented through a combination of t…
bibliographic citation: Nahar et al. (2024) A systematic review on machine learning approaches in cerebral palsy research. PeerJ 12:e18270 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18270
date submitted: 2024-06-11
date accepted: 2024-09-17
issued: 2024-10-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Nahar
  given name: Anjuman
author list: Agent
  family name: Paul
  given name: Sudip
author list: Agent
  family name: Saikia
  given name: Manob Jyoti
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18270
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-18
copyright: © 2024 Nahar et al.
attribution name: Nahar et al.

Insights into water insecurity in Indigenous communities in Canada: assessing microbial risks and innovative solutions, a multifaceted review
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Canada is considered a freshwater-rich country, despite this, several Indigenous reserves struggle with household water insecurity. In fact, some of these communities have lacked access to safe water for almost 30 years. Water quality in Canadian Indigenous reserves is influenced by several factors including source water quality, drinking water treatments applied, water distribution systems, and water storage tanks when piped water is unavailable. The objective of this multifaceted review is to spot the challenges and consequences of inadequate drinking water systems (DWS) and the available technical and microbiological alternatives to address water sanitation coverage in Indigenous reserves of Canada, North America (also known as Turtle Island). A comprehensive literature review was conducted using national web portals from both federal and provincial governments, as well as academic databases to identify the following topics: The status of water insecurity in Indigenous communities across Canada; Microbiological, chemical, and natural causes contributing to water insecurity; Limitations of applying urban-style drinking water systems in Indigenous reserves in Canada and the management of DWS for Indigenous communities in other high-income countries; and the importance of determining the microbiome inhabiting drinking water systems along with the cutting-edge technology available for its analysis. A total of 169 scientific articles matched the inclusion criteria. The major themes discussed include: The status of water insecurity and water advisories in Canada; the risks of pathogenic microorganisms (i.e., Escherichia coli and total coliforms) and other chemicals (i.e., disinfection by-products) found in water storage tanks; the most common technologies available for water treatment including coagulation, high- and low-pressure membrane filtration procedures, ozone, ion exchange, and biological ion exchange and their limitations when applying them in remote Indigenou…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Jocelyn I. Zambrano-Alvarado
creator: Miguel I. Uyaguari-Diaz
subject: Microbiology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Health Policy
subject: Environmental Impacts
subject: Environmental Health
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18277
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Zambrano-Alvarado and Uyaguari-Diaz
abstract: Canada is considered a freshwater-rich country, despite this, several Indigenous reserves struggle with household water insecurity. In fact, some of these communities have lacked access to safe water for almost 30 years. Water quality in Canadian Indigenous reserves is influenced by several factors including source water quality, drinking water treatments applied, water distribution systems, and water storage tanks when piped water is unavailable. The objective of this multifaceted review is to spot the challenges and consequences of inadequate drinking water systems (DWS) and the available technical and microbiological alternatives to address water sanitation coverage in Indigenous reserves of Canada, North America (also known as Turtle Island). A comprehensive literature review was conducted using national web portals from both federal and provincial governments, as well as academic databases to identify the following topics: The status of water insecurity in Indigenous communities across Canada; Microbiological, chemical, and natural causes contributing to water insecurity; Limitations of applying urban-style drinking water systems in Indigenous reserves in Canada and the management of DWS for Indigenous communities in other high-income countries; and the importance of determining the microbiome inhabiting drinking water systems along with the cutting-edge technology available for its analysis. A total of 169 scientific articles matched the inclusion criteria. The major themes discussed include: The status of water insecurity and water advisories in Canada; the risks of pathogenic microorganisms (i.e., Escherichia coli and total coliforms) and other chemicals (i.e., disinfection by-products) found in water storage tanks; the most common technologies available for water treatment including coagulation, high- and low-pressure membrane filtration procedures, ozone, ion exchange, and biological ion exchange and their limitations when applying them in remote Indigenou…
bibliographic citation: Zambrano-Alvarado et al. (2024) Insights into water insecurity in Indigenous communities in Canada: assessing microbial risks and innovative solutions, a multifaceted review. PeerJ 12:e18277 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18277
date submitted: 2024-04-25
date accepted: 2024-09-18
issued: 2024-10-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Zambrano-Alvarado
  given name: Jocelyn I.
author list: Agent
  family name: Uyaguari-Diaz
  given name: Miguel I.
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18277
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-18
copyright: ©2024 Zambrano-Alvarado and Uyaguari-Diaz
attribution name: Zambrano-Alvarado and Uyaguari-Diaz

Investigating the bacterial community of gray mangroves (Avicennia marina) in coastal areas of Tabuk region
type: item
type: AcademicArticle
description: Mangrove vegetation, a threatened and unique inter-tidal ecosystem, harbours a complex and largely unexplored bacterial community crucial for nutrient cycling and the degradation of toxic pollutants in coastal areas. Despite its importance, the bacterial community composition of the gray mangrove (Avicennia marina) in the Red Sea coastal regions remains under-studied. This study aims to elucidate the structural and functional diversity of the microbiome in the bulk and rhizospheric soils associated with A. marina in the coastal areas of Ras Alshabaan-Umluj (Umluj) and Almunibrah-Al-Wajh (Al-Wajh) within the Tabuk region of Saudi Arabia. Amplicon sequencing targeting the 16S rRNA was performed using the metagenomic DNAs from the bulk and rhizospheric soil samples from Umluj and Al-Wajh. A total of 6,876 OTUs were recovered from all samples, of which 1,857 OTUs were common to all locations while the total number of OTUs unique to Al-wajh was higher (3,011 OTUs) than the total number of OTUs observed (1,324 OTUs) at Umluj site. Based on diversity indices, overall bacterial diversity was comparatively higher in rhizospheric soil samples of both sites. Comparing the diversity indices for the rhizosphere samples from the two sites revealed that the diversity was much higher in the rhizosphere samples from Al-Wajh as compared to those from Umluj. The most dominant genera in rhizosphere sample of Al-Wajh were Geminicoccus and Thermodesulfovibrio while the same habitat of the Umluj site was dominated by Propionibacterium, Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus. Bacterial functional potential prediction analyses showed that bacteria from two locations have almost similar patterns of functional genes including amino acids and carbohydrates metabolisms, sulfate reduction and C-1 compound metabolism and xenobiotics biodegradation. However, the rhizosphere samples of both sites harbour more genes involved in the utilization and assimilation of C-1 compounds. Our results reveal that b…
format: application/pdf
format: text/html
creator: Hanaa Ghabban
creator: Doha A. Albalawi
creator: Amenah S. Al-otaibi
creator: Dikhnah Alshehri
creator: Asma Massad Alenzi
creator: Marfat Alatawy
creator: Hanan Ali Alatawi
creator: Dalia Kamal Alnagar
creator: Ahmad Bahieldin
subject: Bioinformatics
subject: Genomics
subject: Microbiology
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Plant Science
description: doi:10.7717/peerj.18282
publisher: PeerJ Inc.
rights: © 2024 Ghabban et al.
abstract: Mangrove vegetation, a threatened and unique inter-tidal ecosystem, harbours a complex and largely unexplored bacterial community crucial for nutrient cycling and the degradation of toxic pollutants in coastal areas. Despite its importance, the bacterial community composition of the gray mangrove (Avicennia marina) in the Red Sea coastal regions remains under-studied. This study aims to elucidate the structural and functional diversity of the microbiome in the bulk and rhizospheric soils associated with A. marina in the coastal areas of Ras Alshabaan-Umluj (Umluj) and Almunibrah-Al-Wajh (Al-Wajh) within the Tabuk region of Saudi Arabia. Amplicon sequencing targeting the 16S rRNA was performed using the metagenomic DNAs from the bulk and rhizospheric soil samples from Umluj and Al-Wajh. A total of 6,876 OTUs were recovered from all samples, of which 1,857 OTUs were common to all locations while the total number of OTUs unique to Al-wajh was higher (3,011 OTUs) than the total number of OTUs observed (1,324 OTUs) at Umluj site. Based on diversity indices, overall bacterial diversity was comparatively higher in rhizospheric soil samples of both sites. Comparing the diversity indices for the rhizosphere samples from the two sites revealed that the diversity was much higher in the rhizosphere samples from Al-Wajh as compared to those from Umluj. The most dominant genera in rhizosphere sample of Al-Wajh were Geminicoccus and Thermodesulfovibrio while the same habitat of the Umluj site was dominated by Propionibacterium, Corynebacterium and Staphylococcus. Bacterial functional potential prediction analyses showed that bacteria from two locations have almost similar patterns of functional genes including amino acids and carbohydrates metabolisms, sulfate reduction and C-1 compound metabolism and xenobiotics biodegradation. However, the rhizosphere samples of both sites harbour more genes involved in the utilization and assimilation of C-1 compounds. Our results reveal that b…
bibliographic citation: Ghabban et al. (2024) Investigating the bacterial community of gray mangroves (Avicennia marina) in coastal areas of Tabuk region. PeerJ 12:e18282 https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18282
date submitted: 2024-02-28
date accepted: 2024-09-19
issued: 2024-10-18
is part of: PeerJ
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
author list: Agent
  family name: Ghabban
  given name: Hanaa
author list: Agent
  family name: Albalawi
  given name: Doha A.
author list: Agent
  family name: Al-otaibi
  given name: Amenah S.
author list: Agent
  family name: Alshehri
  given name: Dikhnah
author list: Agent
  family name: Alenzi
  given name: Asma Massad
author list: Agent
  family name: Alatawy
  given name: Marfat
author list: Agent
  family name: Alatawi
  given name: Hanan Ali
author list: Agent
  family name: Alnagar
  given name: Dalia Kamal
author list: Agent
  family name: Bahieldin
  given name: Ahmad
doi: 10.7717/peerj.18282
volume: 12
issn: 2167-8359
publication name: PeerJ
publication date: 2024-10-18
copyright: © 2024 Ghabban et al.
attribution name: Ghabban et al.

PeerJ
type: Periodical
uri: PeerJ
issn: 2167-8359