bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicting VR cybersickness and its impact on visuomotor performance using head rotations and field (in)dependence
Authors: Maneuvrier Arthur , Nguyen Ngoc-Doan-Trang , Renaud Patrice
Published: November 2023

Introduction: This exploratory study aims to participate in the development of the VR framework by focusing on the issue of cybersickness. The main objective is to explore the possibilities of predicting cybersickness using i) field dependence-independence measures and ii) head rotations data through automatic analyses. The second objective is to assess the impact of cybersickness on visuomotor performance.

Methods: 40 participants completed a 13.5-min VR immersion in a first-person shooter game. Head rotations were analyzed in both their spatial (coefficients of variations) and temporal dimensions (detrended fluctuations analyses). Exploratory correlations, linear regressions and clusters comparison (unsupervised machine learning) analyses were performed to explain cybersickness and visuomotor performance. Traditional VR human factors (sense of presence, state of flow, video game experience, age) were also integrated.

Results: Results suggest that field dependence-independence measured before exposure to VR explain ¼ of the variance of cybersickness, while the Disorientation scale of the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire predicts 16.3% of the visuomotor performance. In addition, automatic analyses of head rotations during immersion revealed two different clusters of participants, one of them reporting more cybersickness than the other.

Discussion: These results are discussed in terms of sensory integration and a diminution of head rotations as an avoidance behavior of negative symptoms. This study suggests that measuring field dependence-independence using the (Virtual) Rod and Frame Test before immersion and tracking head rotations using internal sensors during immersion might serve as powerful tools for VR actors.
Good organizational practices to encourage women high-performance coaches in sports
Authors: Taylor Damien , Hanlon Clare , Dawson Andrew
Published: November 2023

Women play a vital role in professional sport on and off the field. Globally, the dearth of women high-performance coaches in sport is a concern. For example, in Australia women represent 15% of high-performance coaches. One reason could be due to the lack of knowledge on good organizational practices that encourage women in this role and the overwhelming knowledge of practices focused on barriers for women high-performance coaches. The purpose of our research was to determine what good organizational practices exist to attract, develop, and retain women as high-performance coaches in Australia. Using a qualitative research design, semi-structured interviews were conducted with two study groups that comprised 16 women high-performance coaches and 13 senior managers from five National Sport Organizations (NSOs) in Australia. Data analysis was guided by practices that influenced the attraction, development, and retention of women high-performance coaches. Practically, findings revealed 12 good organizational practices and 31 associated recommendations to assist senior managers from NSOs in their quest to encourage women high-performance coaches in their sport. Theoretically, our research “reverses the lens” of the Ecological Intersectional Model (EIM) at the organizational level whereby the focus turns to good organizational practices rather than barriers for women high-performance coaches.
Studying a gender responsive vaccine system: retrospective analysis of best methods
Authors: McKune S. , Galiè A. , Miller B. A. , Bukachi S. A. , Bikaako W. , Pyburn R.
Published: November 2023

This methodological paper introduces four projects, all of which aimed to increase women’s engagement in and benefit from the livestock vaccine value chains of small ruminants and poultry by improving women’s empowerment and supporting women’s access to animal health services. All four projects used a mix of qualitative and quantitative research methods to understand the livestock vaccine system. Despite these shared aims, selected value chains, and research methods, the projects took different approaches to understanding the technical barriers for women’s engagement and benefit, women’s empowerment in the areas where they work, the policy landscape and implications, and gender norms of the societies where they work. The goal of this paper is to introduce the four projects, describe each project’s distinct research approach, and compare across projects how various qualitative and quantitative research methods contributed to understanding four elements which we identified as necessary for a fully functioning, gender responsive vaccine system: technical aspects (acumen/flow/effectiveness), women’s empowerment, policy environment, and gender norms.
Effect of CTSS non-synonymous mutations on litter size in Qianbei Ma goats
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Chen Xiang , Ruan Yong , Guo Wei , Chen Jiajing , Tang Wen , Ji Quan , Fu Kaibin
Published: November 2023

Cathepsin S (CTSS) is a member of the cysteine protease family closely related to reproductive regulation in goats. However, its effect on litter size in goats remains unclear. In this study, the relationship between CTSS gene polymorphisms and litter size was revealed by analyzing the DNA sequence and mRNA expression of CTSS in the gonadal axis of Qianbei Ma goats. In addition, bioinformatics methods were used to evaluate the effect of non-synonymous mutations on CTSS protein structure and function. CTSS was expressed in all parts of the gonadal axis of Qianbei Ma goats, with the highest expression in the uterus in the multi-lamb group and in the fallopian tube in the single-lamb group. The sequencing results showed that four SNPs in CTSS, including g.7413C → T, g.8816A → T, g.9191 T → G and g.10193G → A, were significantly correlated with litter size (p < 0.05). All four analyzed mutation sites were in strong linkage disequilibrium (r2 > 0.33, D′ > 0.70). Additionally, the haplotype Hap1/2 had a significantly higher frequency than the other haplotypes (p < 0.05). g.7413C → T and g.8816A → T were non-synonymous mutations. The g.7413C → T mutation resulted in the substitution of serine 161 of the CTSS protein with phenylalanine (p.S161F), and the g.8816A → T mutation resulted in the substitution of aspartate 219 with tyrosine (p.N219Y). p.S161F was highly conserved across 13 species and that p.N219Y was relatively conserved in cloven-hoofed species. Mutations at two sites changed the local conformation of the CTSS protein, reduced its stability, and affected its function and goat breed evolution. These findings confirm that CTSS affects the lambing traits of goats and provide a theoretical basis for the regulatory mechanism of CTSS in affecting litter size.
A Multi-Class Deep Learning Approach for Early Detection of Depressive and Anxiety Disorders Using Twitter Data
Authors: Bendebane Lamia , Laboudi Zakaria , Saighi Asma , Al-Tarawneh Hassan , Ouannas Adel , Grassi Giuseppe
Published: November 2023

Social media occupies an important place in people’s daily lives where users share various contents and topics such as thoughts, experiences, events and feelings. The massive use of social media has led to the generation of huge volumes of data. These data constitute a treasure trove, allowing the extraction of high volumes of relevant information particularly by involving deep learning techniques. Based on this context, various research studies have been carried out with the aim of studying the detection of mental disorders, notably depression and anxiety, through the analysis of data extracted from the Twitter platform. However, although these studies were able to achieve very satisfactory results, they nevertheless relied mainly on binary classification models by treating each mental disorder separately. Indeed, it would be better if we managed to develop systems capable of dealing with several mental disorders at the same time. To address this point, we propose a well-defined methodology involving the use of deep learning to develop effective multi-class models for detecting both depression and anxiety disorders through the analysis of tweets. The idea consists in testing a large number of deep learning models ranging from simple to hybrid variants to examine their strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, we involve the grid search technique to help find suitable values for the learning rate hyper-parameter due to its importance in training models. Our work is validated through several experiments and comparisons by considering various datasets and other binary classification models. The aim is to show the effectiveness of both the assumptions used to collect the data and the use of multi-class models rather than binary class models. Overall, the results obtained are satisfactory and very competitive compared to related works.
Addressing the Dark Side of Leadership in the University System Using Community of Practice (CoP) Approach
Authors: Omodan Bunmi Isaiah
Published: November 2023

University systems are increasingly facing the consequences of the dark side of leadership. The dark side of leadership in educational organisations is a worldwide phenomenon affecting universities, academies, and college campuses. To respond to this, this paper explores the potential of community practice as an approach to respond to the dark side of leadership in the university system. The paper is a conceptual argument and derives knowledge from argumentative and logical reasoning, located within an interpretive worldview and analysed using conceptual analysis as a tool to make sense of the arguments. The paper argues that shared commonality, collective problem solving, mutual participation, and social interactions are dimensions of remedy that can ameliorate the dark side of leadership. Based on this argument, the paper concludes that effective dimensions of remedy that could ameliorate the dark side of leadership in university contexts are shared commonality, collective problem solving, mutual participation, and social interactions, with a recommendation that they must be incorporated in university leadership dispositions.
Absorptive Capacity and Supply Chain Integration and Their Impact on Hotel Service Performance
Authors: Espino-Rodríguez Tomas F. , Gebril Taha Mahmoud
Published: November 2023

This paper aims to examine how absorptive capacity affects supply chain integration (SCI) and service performance. The association between SCI and service performance was also studied. Data were collected from four-star and five-star hotels in Egypt. A total of 114 responses were obtained. The PLS-SEM technique and SmartPLS 4.0 software were employed for analysis. The study revealed that absorptive capacity has an impact on SCI and service performance. There is also a positive relationship between SCI and service performance. Specifically, a positive influence of internal integration and customer integration on service performance was found. However, supplier integration shows no significant relationship with service performance. This suggests that enhancing awareness of customer needs and internal coordination improves service performance. From a practical viewpoint, managers must promote a learning culture, foster innovation, and encourage internal and external collaboration. These factors were identified as key components that can improve service performance and lead to the development of competitive advantage, as shown in this paper. In addition, supply chain vitality was found to enhance quality and service, particularly when there is coordination between departments and consideration of customer needs. This study is among the earliest to examine how absorptive capacity affects both supply chain integration and service performance in the hotel industry. The research contributes at a theoretical level by shedding light on the role of absorptive capacity in the development of competitive advantage.
Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Colonization of Jatropha curcas Roots and Its Impact on Growth and Survival under Greenhouse-Induced Hydric Stress
Authors: Solís-Ramos Laura Yesenia , Andrade-Torres Antonio , Polo-Marcial Martin Hassan , Romero-Ceciliano Marysol , Coto López Cristofer , Ávila-Arias Carlos , Rojas-Jiménez Keilor
Published: November 2023

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) provide benefits to host plants by enhancing nutrition and overall fitness. In this study, AMF species were isolated from the soil rhizosphere of Jatropha curcas and were identified and evaluated for their potential in fostering the development of Jatropha seedlings within a controlled greenhouse environment. The first experiment assessed the interplay between hydric stress and AMF inoculation on mycorrhizal colonization. The next experiment examined the impact of quercetin on mycorrhizal colonization. Out of 204 glomerospores corresponding to 28 species spanning 10 genera, Acaulospora (14) and Scutellospora (5) were the most abundant taxa. Six new records of AMF for Costa Rica are reported. Mycorrhizal colonization was observed in 43.2% of Jatropha plants (34.7% by AMF typical hyphae; arbuscules 8.9%; coils 5.6%; and vesicles 5.4%). Significant survival effects due to AMF inoculation under hydric stress were observed. On day 85, non-mycorrhizal plants subjected to hydric stress showed a mere 30% survival rate, whereas their mycorrhizal counterparts under hydric stress exhibited survival rates of 80% and 100% with and without irrigation, respectively. Furthermore, plants with irrigation and mycorrhizas showed greater hydric stress tolerance and superior growth. The inoculated plants, irrespective of irrigation, demonstrated mycorrhizal colonization rates of 63% and 72%, respectively. Quercetin did not affect Jatropha’s growth, but there were differences in AMF root colonization. In summary, these findings accentuate the viability of a native consortium in augmenting Jatropha survival, warranting consideration as a potent biofertilizer within greenhouse settings. The AMF described can be used for Jatropha propagation programs.
Preharvest Application of Melatonin Affects the Color, Strength, and Antioxidant Capacity of Pear Peels by Regulating Phenylpropane Metabolism
Authors: Yan Shuai , Zhao Liangliang , Wang Yufei , Zhao Deying , Xu Gongxun , Cheng Cungang , Zhou Zhiqin
Published: November 2023

Melatonin is an important regulator of fruit growth and development. To explore the physiological mechanism whereby preharvest melatonin application regulates the polyphenol content of ‘Yuluxiang’ pear peel, we sprayed 0.1 mM melatonin during the first fruit expansion and early color change periods, and the control group were sprinkled with fresh water. Then, we measured the contents of anthocyanin, lignin, and major monomeric phenolics and the activities of key enzymes associated with phenolic metabolism. The results showed that melatonin application significantly increased the content of total phenolics, total flavonoids, total anthocyanins, and lignin in the peel from the color change to mature development stages. Near maturity, the activities of all key enzymes, except dihydroflavonol-4-reductase, were higher than those in the control samples, but significant differences in enzyme activity occurred at different time points. Compared with the control group, the fruit peels of the melatonin-treated plants exhibited a higher antioxidant activity and accumulated more flavonols. Thus, preharvest spraying of melatonin can alter the activity of key enzymes associated with phenolic metabolism, increasing the total phenol, flavonoid, anthocyanin, and lignin contents, which in turn, affects the color, strength, and antioxidant capacity of pear peels.
Alternative Starter Fertilization Strategies in Maize (Zea mays L.) Cultivation: Agronomic Potential of Microgranular Fertilizer and Plant Growth-Promoting Microorganisms and Their Impact on the Soil Native Microbial Community
Authors: Geist Lena , Wolfer Renate , Thiem Richard , Thielicke Matthias , Eichler-Löbermann Bettina , Eulenstein Frank , Müller Marina E. H.
Published: November 2023

Phosphorous (P) starter fertilization can increase maize (Zea mays L.) yield. Widespread application in soils with sufficient P availability leads to environmental risks. Subsequently, alternative strategies to support the maize plant’s early development are needed to lower P surpluses. Here, we conducted field experiments comparing standard starter fertilizer diammonium phosphate (DAP) (20.1 kg P ha−1) to microgranular fertilizer (MG) (2.4 kg P ha−1) and combined in-furrow inoculation with Bacillus atrophaeus and mycorrhizal fungi (Rhizoglomus irregulare, Funneliformis mosseae, and Funneliformis caledonium), alone and in combination. The soil microbial community inside and between the maize rows was monitored by quantitative PCR (qPCR)-based quantification of eight fungal and bacterial groups. The yield did not vary between fertilization with DAP or MG and no fertilizer control. The combined microorganism inoculum (MO), however, enhanced the yield by 4.2%. The soil microbial community composition was not affected by the MO application. However, on one field site and inside the rows, it leads to a significant increase in overall microbial gene copy numbers by 9.3% and a significant decrease in the relative abundance of the bacterial phylum of Bacillota (Firmicutes) by 18%. The in-furrow MO application is thus a promising option for starter fertilizer replacement.
Effect of Chloride Salicylic Acid Ionic Liquids on Cotton Topping and High-Temperature Resistance
Authors: Ji Yuxi , Liu Jie , Hao Bin , Xu Ruichuan , Zhang Jianwei , Xiao Haibing , Wan Sumei , Chen Guodong , Dong Hongqiang
Published: November 2023

Chemical topping involves using plant growth regulators to facilitate the rapid transition of cotton into reproductive growth, similar to manual topping (MT), thereby enhancing cotton yield. Despite its benefits, high-temperature stress following cotton topping often reduces cotton yield. Therefore, developing an effective formula capable of not only inhibiting cotton top growth but also alleviating high-temperature stress is of critical importance. In this study, chlormequat chloride salicylic acid ionic liquids (CSILs) were synthesized via the acid–base neutralization of salicylic acid (SA) and 2-chloro-N,N,N-trimethyl ethanaminium hydroxide, obtained from the reaction between potassium hydroxide and chlormequat chloride (CCC). The resulting CSILs were characterized using various techniques, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and ultraviolet-visible light (UV-vis) spectroscopy. The characterization results confirmed the successful synthesis of CSILs as a novel water-soluble cotton-topping agent. Notably, compared with CCC treatment, CSILs at the same concentration exhibited a more sustainable and stable inhibition effect on cotton tip growth, resulting in an 11% increase in cotton yield. These findings suggest that CSILs have a greater potential for use in cotton chemical topping compared with CCC. Furthermore, compared with MT, the MDA content of cotton leaves treated with CSILs was reduced, and the activities of POD and SOD were increased under high-temperature stress. Moreover, these effects became more pronounced with an increasing CSIL concentration, highlighting the positive impact of CSILs in alleviating high-temperature stress on cotton. Notably, no significant difference in cotton yield was observed between the CSIL treatment at 120 g AI ha−1 and the MT treatment. Thus, this study underscores the significant potential of CSILs in both cotton topping and enhancing resistance to high-temperature stress.
Lentil Landrace Seed Origin and Genotype Affects Rhizosphere Microbiome
Authors: Gleridou Anthoula , Giannopoulos Georgios , Polidoros Alexios N. , Mylona Photini V.
Published: November 2023

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is an essential legume crop providing healthy and nutritious food for people in low- to middle-income countries, worldwide. Lentil roots support symbiotic interactions with soil rhizobia species fostering nitrogen fixation; however, assemblage and diversity of the complete microbial rhizosphere community and the effect of seed genotype and origin remain largely unexplored. In this study we examined, via metagenomic analysis, the effects of seed origin on the rhizosphere’s communities in samples of the famous Greek lentil landrace, Eglouvis, derived from different local farmers and farming systems (including a Gene Bank sample), in comparison to a commercial variety. The landrace exhibited higher rhizosphere microbiome diversity compared to the commercial variety for all indexes. A core microbiome comprised of 158 taxa was present in all samples, while a greater number of unique bacterial taxa was recorded in the landrace samples compared to the commercial cultivar. Notably, landrace samples originated from organic farming had more than double the number of unique taxa compared to conventional counterparts. The study revealed a higher diversity of N2 fixers and archaea, Crenarchaeota and Thaumarchaeota, in landrace samples and particularly in those derived from organic farming, underpinning the distinct recruiting efficiency of beneficial soil microbes by the landrace.
The Agropyron mongolicum bHLH Gene AmbHLH148 Positively Involved in Transgenic Nicotiana benthamiana Adaptive Response to Drought Stress
Authors: Zhang Xuefeng , Ma Yanhong , Fan Bobo , Sun Fengcheng , Zhai Yongqing , Zhao Yan , Nie Lizhen , Fang Yongyu , Yu Zhuo , Qi Bingjie
Published: November 2023

While bHLH transcription factors have been linked to the regulation of various abiotic stressors, research on drought-related bHLH proteins and their molecular processes in Agropyron mongolicum has remained limited. In this study, a bHLH gene from A. mongolicum, designated as AmbHLH148, was successfully cloned and isolated. AmbHLH148 was exclusively localized within the nucleus. Additionally, qRT-PCR analysis demonstrated a significant upregulation of AmbHLH148 in response to drought stress. When transferred into tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana), the heterologous expression of AmbHLH148 led to enhanced drought tolerance. Under drought stress conditions, AmbHLH148-OE transgenic tobacco plants exhibited increased activities of antioxidant defense enzymes, such as SOD (superoxide dismutase), POD (peroxidase), and CAT (catalase). These enzymes efficiently mitigated the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to wild-type plants. Furthermore, AmbHLH148-OE transgenic tobacco showed elevated levels of PRO (proline) and reduced MDA (malondialdehyde) content, contributing to enhanced stability in the plant’s cell membrane system during drought stress. In summary, this study underscores that the overexpression of AmbHLH148 in transgenic tobacco acts as a positive regulator under drought stress by enhancing the plant’s antioxidant capacity. These findings shed light on the molecular mechanisms involved in bHLH transcription factors’ role in drought resistance, contributing to the discovery and utilization of drought-resistant genes in A. mongolicum for enhancing crop drought resistance.
Effects of Copy Number Variations in the Plectin (PLEC) Gene on the Growth Traits and Meat Quality of Leizhou Black Goats
Authors: Wang Ke , Zhang Yuelang , Han Xiaotao , Wu Qun , Liu Hu , Han Jiancheng , Zhou Hanlin
Published: November 2023

The plectin (PLEC) gene is crucial in regulating muscle development and maintaining the cytoskeleton. An abnormal expression of PLEC can lead to muscle atrophy and muscular dystrophy. In a previous study, we found that Leizhou black goats exhibit abundant structural variations in the PLEC gene. However, the genetic effects of these variations on growth traits and meat quality in goats are not fully understood. In this study, three PLEC copy number variations (CNVs) were identified in a population of 417 Leizhou black goats, using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) technology. Population distribution analysis revealed a high abundance of various types of these three CNVs. PLEC mRNA was found to be highly expressed in muscle tissue and remained consistently high from 1 month to 24 months after birth. Specifically, the gain type of CNV-1 (chr14: 81056401-81064800) showed a significant association with PLEC mRNA expression in muscle tissue (p < 0.01). The sequence of CNV-1 in PLEC shares similarities with three domain superfamilies associated with muscle development and skin disease. Furthermore, there were significant differences in chest circumference, body weight, carcass weight, the cross-sectional area of the longissimus dorsi lumbar muscle, and shear stress between different types of CNV-1 (p < 0.05). Notably, goats with the CNV-1 gain type demonstrated better phenotypic values compared to those with loss and normal types. These findings suggest that PLEC CNV-1 could play a crucial role in the growth and muscle development of Leizhou black goats, making it a potential marker for assisted selection in goat breeding.
Age Structure and Body Size of the Plateau Brown Frog (Rana kukunoris) in the Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve and Potential Climatic Impacts on Its Life History Variations
Authors: Zhang Meihua , Li Cheng , Yan Peng , Dong Bingjun , Jiang Jianping
Published: November 2023

Jiuzhaigou National Nature Reserve (JNNR) is a renowned World Biosphere Reserve and UNESCO-designated World Nature Heritage Site. The age structure and body size of a population are crucial for assessing the quality of habitats in which a population lives and are essential for the vertebrate conservation and management, especially for amphibians. Unfortunately, information about the life history traits of amphibians is currently unavailable in JNNR. Herein, we first estimated the age structure and body size of Rana kukunoris, which is endemic to the Eastern Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. Then, we compared our data with 28 reported populations along an elevation gradient (1797–3450 m) and investigated how life history traits respond to climatic variations. Our results indicated the following: (1) For individuals from JNNR, the maximum longevity is 8 years, age at sexual maturity (ASM) is 2 years, suggesting a favorable ecological environment in JNNR. Notably, females are significantly larger than males due to the age factor. (2) The average age and ASM show a positive correlation with elevation. However, when the elevation exceeds 3000 m, the average SVL initially increases and then decreases due to the harsh environmental conditions at higher elevation. (3) Temperature and/or UV-B have a significant impact on the average age, ASM, and average SVL variations of R. kukunoris, suggesting adaptive potential of this species via life history variations in light of environmental changes. These accounts provide antecedent information about the life history traits of amphibians in JNNR, and provide insights into the driving factors of the life history variations of the plateau brown frog.
Study of the Feasibility of Proposed Measures to Assess Animal Welfare for Zebu Beef Farms within Pasture-Based Systems under Tropical Conditions
Authors: Romero Marlyn H. , Barrero-Melendro Jhoan , Sanchez Jorge A.
Published: November 2023

Pasture-based production systems are predominant in major beef-producing countries; however, these systems lack validated protocols to assess animal welfare under commercial conditions. The objective of this study was to test the feasibility of the proposed measures and methodology for the evaluation of animal welfare in fattening cattle under pasture conditions. The initial methodology was developed with the participation of producers, professionals, the general public, and the Colombian health authority, through workshops with a participatory approach and collaborative knowledge management. The study was carried out in 24 pasture-based commercial Zebu cattle farms in the middle Magdalena region of Colombia. Visits were made with an average duration of 2.5 h, which included the evaluation of 788 fattening cattle. The methodology evaluated animal-based, resource-based, and management-based indicators through a questionnaire-guided interview to evaluate cattle handling and health, animal-based measurements, and documentation management. A protocol validation process was carried out by selecting indicators that remained unchanged, adjusting those that were feasible to implement, and removing inadequate indicators. The application of the methodology demonstrated that there are feasible measures to include in the evaluation protocols of pasture-based fattening systems. Likewise, the active participation of producers is crucial to achieving a greater commitment to the implementation of this methodology for the assessment of animal welfare in cattle under pasture conditions.
Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) Infection Alters the Metabolic Processes and Induces Oxidative Stress in Penaeus vannamei
Authors: Cao Zheng , Chen Caiyi , Wang Cuixia , Li Ting , Chang Linrui , Si Lingjun , Yan Dongchun
Published: November 2023

Enterocytozoon hepatopenaei (EHP) is highly contagious and can cause hepatopancreatic microsporidiosis (HPM), which is typically characterized by the slow growth of shrimp. In this study, the differences in histology, metabolism, oxidative stress and growth between healthy and EHP-infected Penaeus vannamei were analyzed using an EHP challenge experiment. Histology showed that EHP caused lesions in the hepatic tubules of P. vannamei, such as hepatic tubular atrophy and epithelial cell shedding, with mature spores. Meanwhile, white feces may appear when the infection is severe. Furthermore, the content of total protein, glycogen, ATP and glucose in the EHP challenge group was significantly reduced. The qPCR results showed that EHP infection changed the expression of key genes in glucose metabolism, among which hexokinase (HK), phosphofructokinase (PFK), pyruvatekinase (PK), citrate synthase (CS) and isocitric dehydrogenase (IDH) were significantly down-regulated, while phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), fructose bisphosphatase (FBP) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6P) were significantly up-regulated. Obviously, the expression of growth-related genes was disordered. Simultaneously, the antioxidant genes manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), glutathione-S-transferases (GST) and nuclear factor E2-related factor2 (Nrf2) were up-regulated to varying degrees in the EHP challenge group, and EHP infection induced significant increases in the oxidative damage products lipid peroxide (LPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Ultimately, the shrimp weight of the challenge group was 6.85 ± 0.86 g, which was significantly lower than that of the control group (8.95 ± 0.75 g). Taken together, we speculate that EHP changes the substance metabolism and growth process by causing oxidative damage to the hepatopancreas, which may lead to the growth retardation of P. vannamei.
Buffering Capacity of Various Commercial and Homemade Foods in the Context of Gastric Canine Digestion
Authors: Stefani Verena , Lucke Annegret , Zebeli Qendrim
Published: November 2023

The buffering capacity (BC) of food may act as a key regulatory parameter of canine gastric digestion by influencing the activity of gastric enzymes, the solubility of dietary ingredients, the gastric breakdown of food nutrients, and, subsequently, the absorption of nutrients. To analyse a possible effect of food on gastric pH, the BC of wet, dry, and homemade dog food was quantified via an acid titration method until a pH under 2 was achieved. Wet food had the highest BC; between dry and homemade food, there was no significant difference. Using multiple regression analyses, we were able to establish associations between the nutrient composition and the BC of the dog food. Crude protein content was the most important factor that influenced the BC and HCl use per gram of dry matter (DM) (p < 0.001), whereas the initial pH only tended to have an influence. The ash content also tended to affect the used HCl per gram of DM, and the DM content had a significant (p < 0.05) influence on the BC per gram of DM. The excessively high ash content found in wet food could be a risk factor for gastric dilatation–volvulus syndrome because it could lead to an insufficient pH drop in the stomach. Our data indicate large differences in the BC of typical dog food; so, estimating the BC using the equations developed herein could help to design individualized dog diets, in particular for dogs with health problems such as gastric hypoacidity, gastric reflux, or gastritis. However, more research about the influence of dog-food BC on gastric pH in vivo is needed.
Therapy and Prevention of Noise Fears in Dogs—A Review of the Current Evidence for Practitioners
Authors: Riemer Stefanie
Published: November 2023

Noise fears represent the most common behavioural problem in dogs. This manuscript provides an overview of diverse approaches for alleviating fear of noises in dogs and the supporting evidence. In the treatment of noise fears, both short-term solutions to prevent trauma or the deterioration of fear during unavoidable noise events and longer-term training need to be considered. Environmental management, the provision of incentives (food/play) during noise exposure, and, when indicated, anxiolytic medication, can safeguard dogs’ welfare during noise events. Most “alternative” products (such as nutraceuticals, herbal remedies, pheromones, homeopathy, Bach flowers, and essential oils) are unlikely to be sufficient as monotherapy for noise fears, whereas there is good evidence for the efficacy of several anxiolytic medications. In the longer term, counterconditioning to real-life noises, relaxation training, and desensitisation/counterconditioning using noise recordings have been shown to improve fear of noises in dogs. Preventative training appears to be highly effective in preventing the development of noise fears in puppies and adult dogs.
The Infection Properties of Trionyx sinensis Hemorrhagic Syndrome Virus and the Antiviral Effect of Curcumin In Vivo
Authors: Jiao Jinbiao , Yao Jiayun , Lin Feng , Yuan Xuemei , Huang Lei , Chen Jing , Peng Xianqi , Zhang Haiqi , Su Shengqi
Published: November 2023

Trionyx sinensis hemorrhagic syndrome virus (TSHSV) is an aquatic arterivirus causing a high mortality rate for T. sinensis (Chinese soft-shelled turtle), but the detailed infection properties of TSHSV are unclear, and no effective treatment is available. In this study, cell culture and histopathology were performed to elucidate the infection properties of TSHSV. Furthermore, the anti-TSHSV and immune-enhancing effects of curcumin were evaluated using survival statistics, qPCR, and tissue immunofluorescence. The results demonstrated that TSHSV could proliferate in the spleen cell line of T. sinensis, leading to cytopathic effects. TSHSV damaged the livers, kidneys, and lungs, characterized by cell disintegration and hyperemia. Curcumin at 250 mg/kg improved the survival of T. sinensis, and significantly reduced the viral load in the spleens, kidneys, and lungs. Moreover, curcumin inhibited the mRNA expression of immune-related genes, RSAD2, IFN-γ, and TNF-α (p < 0.05). In conclusion, these results imply that TSHSV is pathogenic to the spleen cell line, liver, spleen, kidney, and lung of T. sinensis. Curcumin effectively inhibits TSHSV and modulates the immune function of T. sinensis, so it holds promise as a means to prevent TSHSV.
Salmonella and Salmonellosis: An Update on Public Health Implications and Control Strategies
Authors: Galán-Relaño Ángela , Valero Díaz Antonio , Huerta Lorenzo Belén , Gómez-Gascón Lidia , Mena Rodríguez M.ª Ángeles , Carrasco Jiménez Elena , Pérez Rodríguez Fernando , Astorga Márquez Rafael J.
Published: November 2023

Salmonellosis is globally recognized as one of the leading causes of acute human bacterial gastroenteritis resulting from the consumption of animal-derived products, particularly those derived from the poultry and pig industry. Salmonella spp. is generally associated with self-limiting gastrointestinal symptoms, lasting between 2 and 7 days, which can vary from mild to severe. The bacteria can also spread in the bloodstream, causing sepsis and requiring effective antimicrobial therapy; however, sepsis rarely occurs. Salmonellosis control strategies are based on two fundamental aspects: (a) the reduction of prevalence levels in animals by means of health, biosecurity, or food strategies and (b) protection against infection in humans. At the food chain level, the prevention of salmonellosis requires a comprehensive approach at farm, manufacturing, distribution, and consumer levels. Proper handling of food, avoiding cross-contamination, and thorough cooking can reduce the risk and ensure the safety of food. Efforts to reduce transmission of Salmonella by food and other routes must be implemented using a One Health approach. Therefore, in this review we provide an update on Salmonella, one of the main zoonotic pathogens, emphasizing its relationship with animal and public health. We carry out a review on different topics about Salmonella and salmonellosis, with a special emphasis on epidemiology and public health, microbial behavior along the food chain, predictive microbiology principles, antimicrobial resistance, and control strategies.
Recent Advances in the Behavioral Ecology of European Plethodontid Salamanders
Authors: Costa Andrea , Lunghi Enrico , Rosa Giacomo , Salvidio Sebastiano
Published: November 2023

There is a recent growing interest in the study of evolutionary and behavioral ecology of amphibians. Among salamanders, Plethodontidae is the most speciose family, with more than 500 species, while in Europe, there are only 8 species, all belonging to the genus Speleomantes. European plethodontids recently received increasing attention with regard to the study of their natural history, ecology and behavior; however, the lack of standardized data, especially for the latter, hampers comparative analysis with the species from the New World. We here synthetized the recent advances in Speleomantes behavioral ecology, considering as a starting point the comprehensive monography of Lanza and colleagues published in 2006. We identified the behavioral categories that were investigated the most, but we also highlighted knowledge gaps and provided directions for future studies. By reviewing the scientific literature published within the period 2006–2022, we observed a significant increase in the number of published articles on Speleomantes behavior, overall obtaining 36 articles. Behavioral studies on Speleomantes focused mainly on trophic behavior (42%), and on intraspecific behavior (33%), while studies on pheromonal communication and interspecific behavioral interactions were lacking. In addition, most of the studies were observational (83%), while the experimental method was rarely used. After providing a synthesis of the current knowledge, we suggest some relevant topics that need to be considered in future research on the behavioral ecology of European plethodontids, highlighting the importance of a more integrative approach in which both field observations and planned experiments are used.
Gut Microbial Diversity Analysis of Different Native Chickens and Screening of Chicken-Derived Probiotics
Authors: Chen Lu , Bai Xue , Wang Tao , Liu Jia , Miao Xiaomeng , Zeng Bo , Li Diyan
Published: November 2023

The gut microbiota plays a critical role in the growth, development, nutritional digestion, and overall health of chickens. Furthermore, certain probiotics isolated from poultry intestines have demonstrated the potential to enhance immune function and production performance in chickens. To investigate the differences in gut microbiota among chickens from various geographical environments and different breeds of broiler and laying hens, we conducted 16S rRNA sequencing on the fecal microbiota of 140 Chinese native chickens and ten Roman layers. In addition, we isolated and screened the potential probiotics to examine their biological characteristics, genome profiles, and functionality in animals. Our findings revealed the significant variations in gut microbiota composition and structure between Tibetan chickens (ZJ), which reside in high-altitude regions, and Meihua chickens (MH) and Xuhai chickens (XH), which inhabit low-altitude regions. Specifically, Cupriavidus and Candidatus_Bacilloplasma were identified as unique microbial communities in high and low altitudes, respectively. Notably, among regions with similar altitudes, Luning chickens (LN) exhibited the lowest α diversity, accompanied by a remarkably high relative abundance of Firmicutes and Lactobacillus. Conversely, Wugu chickens (WGs) and Yaoshan chickens (YSs) displayed similar gut microbiota profiles. Furthermore, distinctive gut microbiota patterns were observed between the different breeds of broilers and laying hens. Commercial Roman layers (LMs) exhibited significantly lower alpha diversity compared to native chickens, and broilers and laying hens predominantly harbored Firmicutes, Bacteroidota, and Proteobacteria. Of particular interest, the probiotics Lactobacillus agilis MH1 and Lactobacillus salivarius ZJ1, derived from chicken feces, exhibited favorable genomic profiles, and demonstrated anti-colitis effects and immunomodulatory functions. These findings provide a crucial theoretical foundation for native chicken research and offer insights for the future development and formulation of chicken-derived probiotics.
A Spatio-Temporal Encoding Neural Network for Semantic Segmentation of Satellite Image Time Series
Authors: Zhang Feifei , Wang Yong , Du Yawen , Zhu Yijia
Published: November 2023

Remote sensing image semantic segmentation plays a crucial role in various fields, such as environmental monitoring, urban planning, and agricultural land classification. However, most current research primarily focuses on utilizing the spatial and spectral information of single-temporal remote sensing images, neglecting the valuable temporal information present in historical image sequences. In fact, historical images often contain valuable phenological variations in land features, which exhibit diverse patterns and can significantly benefit from semantic segmentation tasks. This paper introduces a semantic segmentation framework for satellite image time series (SITS) based on dilated convolution and a Transformer encoder. The framework includes spatial encoding and temporal encoding. Spatial encoding, utilizing dilated convolutions exclusively, mitigates the loss of spatial accuracy and the need for up-sampling, while allowing for the extraction of rich multi-scale features through a combination of different dilation rates and dense connections. Temporal encoding leverages a Transformer encoder to extract temporal features for each pixel in the image. To better capture the annual periodic patterns of phenological phenomena in land features, position encoding is calculated based on the image’s acquisition date within the year. To assess the performance of this framework, comparative and ablation experiments were conducted using the PASTIS dataset. The experiments indicate that this framework achieves highly competitive performance with relatively low optimization parameters, resulting in an improvement of 8 percentage points in the mean Intersection over Union (mIoU).
Study on the Effect of Rock Mass Structure on CO2 Transient Fissure Excavation
Authors: Li Yong , Sui Haoyue , Hu Ruilin , Cui Fangpeng , Qiu Yidi , Gao Wei
Published: November 2023

As a new rock breaking method, CO2 transient cracking has been widely used in rock excavation projects in recent years. However, in the actual construction process, there are often situations where the fracturing effect varies due to different rock mass structures. Through theoretical analysis and on-site cracking tests, this article studies the effect of CO2 transient cracking under the control of different rock mass structures. The results show that: (1) the dynamic compressive strength of rock directly determines the number and range of dynamic impact fractures; the original fractures of rock mass and those caused by dynamic impact in the first stage jointly determine the effect of high-pressure gas expansion in the second stage. (2) The arrangement of holes along the strata is conducive to the action of high-pressure expanding gas along the soft structural plane in the rock mass, which is conducive to the fracturing of the rock mass; the amount of crack formation is small, but the influence range is large. (3) The cracking effect of carbon dioxide transient cracking applied to massive rock mass is better than that of monolithic rock mass, while the cracking effect of layered rock mass with soil interlayer is poor. The research results are of great significance for improving the effectiveness of carbon dioxide transient-induced cracking excavation and guiding actual construction.
Deep Neural Network-Based Autonomous Voltage Control for Power Distribution Networks with DGs and EVs
Authors: Musiqi Durim , Kastrati Vjosë , Bosisio Alessandro , Berizzi Alberto
Published: November 2023

This paper makes use of machine learning as a tool for voltage regulation in distribution networks that contain electric vehicles and a large production from distributed generation. The methods of voltage regulation considered in this study are electronic on-load tap changers and line voltage regulators. The analyzed study-case represents a real-life feeder which operates at 10 kV. It has 9 photovoltaic systems with various peak installed powers, 2 electric vehicle charging stations, and 41 secondary substations, each with an equivalent load. Measurement data of loads and irradiation data of photovoltaic systems were collected hourly for two years. Those data are used as inputs in the feeder’s model in DigSilent PowerFactory where Quasi-Dynamic simulations are run. That will provide the correct tap positions as outputs. These inputs and outputs will then serve to train a Deep Neural Network which later will be used to predict the correct tap positions on input data it has not seen before. Results show that ML in general and DNN specifically show usefulness and robustness in predicting correct tap positions with very small computational requirements.
Using Building Information Modeling to Enhance Supply Chain Resilience in Prefabricated Buildings: A Conceptual Framework
Authors: Hua Yuanyuan , Zhang Ying , Zhang Sujuan , Hou Fengmin , Kang Manlin
Published: November 2023

Prefabricated buildings usually involve various project participants and complicated processes of design, manufacturing, transport, assembly, and construction, which means they constantly face supply chain disruptions. As a tool to realize information integration and facilitate communication among project participants in the supply chain, building information modeling (BIM) is widely recognized as an important technology to foster supply chain resilience. However, it is unclear how BIM can facilitate supply chain resilience in prefabricated buildings. This study aims to construct a conceptual framework to better understand the influencing paths of BIM on supply chain resilience in the context of prefabricated buildings. It employs an integrative review method to identify key factors influencing the resilience of the prefabricated building supply chain and explore the effects of BIM on these factors. The role of BIM in linking these factors was verified through an empirical case. The results show that BIM resources and capabilities can enhance supply chain resilience by influencing participant factors (assembly construction capability, design capability) and partnership factors (information sharing, cooperation, coordination, and trust). This study incorporates supply chain resilience and BIM technology into a conceptual framework in the context of prefabricated buildings, providing new theoretical insights for future supply chain management.