bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research on the decision-making of return freight insurance considering consumer behavior under the omni-channel model
Authors: Dong Xuebing , Bian Wenliang
Published: May 2021

This article considers that consumers choose offline returns under the omni-channel model to bring additional benefits to retailers, and studies the impact of different freight insurance delivery strategies on the pricing and consumer behavior of omni-channel retailers. Establish consumer utility function and corporate profit maximization model. Research has shown that consumers’ satisfaction with the three ways that companies do not provide return freight insurance for consumers’ online return, companies offer return freight insurance for consumers’ online return, and companies do not provide return freight insurance for consumers’ offline return when the price is high, free return shipping insurance can maximize the company’s online benefits, while not providing return shipping insurance services can maximize the company’s offline benefits, reducing commodity prices, and improving offline store service levels to further increase revenue; improve products Packaging quality to increase the net residual value of the product by ensuring the integrity of the product has a positive impact on increasing market share and corporate profits.
Assessment of Laboratory Safety in Universities Based on Combined Weighting Method and Unascertained Measure Theory
Authors: Shengli Kong , Yuqing Song , Pengfei Yang , Xinmei Fang , Zhen Yang , Chenlu Tang , Wei Wang
Published: May 2021

In order to avoid accidents and improve the level of laboratory safety management in universities, a laboratory safety assessment method based on entropy weight method, analytic hierarchy process and unascertained measure theory is put forward. The laboratory safety assessment index system is established by selecting eight assessment indexes such as hazardous chemicals management, instrument and equipment management and personal protective equipment management; The comprehensive weight of the assessment index is determined by combining the combination weighting method of analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and entropy weight method (EW). According to the principle of maximum membership degree, the safety grade of university laboratory is determined, and compared with the actual results. This work indicated that this innovated method can reasonably evaluate the current situation of laboratory safety, and it can provide a reference for strengthening laboratory safety management.
Research on the Transition from Ginancial Accounting to Management Accounting in the Era of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Shen Xiaowen
Published: May 2021

In the era of artificial intelligence, relying on the continuous and rapid development of big data technology can not only effectively promote the transformation of financial accounting to management accounting, but also can better play the core role of management accounting and further promote corporate strategic goals. achieve. Therefore, it is necessary for us to effectively adopt efficient information technology methods to actively and effectively promote the transformation of financial accounting to management accounting. This is conducive to better exerting the core efficiency of management accounting and further guiding the development and practice of enterprises.
Feasibility study of non-contact measurement in mechanical verification method for dissolution instrument
Authors: Zhou Wei , Yao Mi
Published: May 2021

Dissolution instrument is an effective alternative method to study and evaluate the bioavailability of drugs in vitro, and an important means to ensure and evaluate whether the production technology and quality of solid oral preparations are reasonable and stable. It is found that the mechanical properties of the instrument will affect the determination of the drug, which will lead to the deviation of the determination results. Some methods of mechanical verification of dissolution instrument are analyzed and the application of non-contact measurement method is explored in mechanical verification. Experimental results show that the proposed non-contact measurement method has good measurement accuracy and repeatability.
High precision positioning system for autopilot based on multi-sensor fusion
Authors: Luo Haoru , Liu Kechun
Published: May 2021

For autonomous vehicles, autonomous positioning is a core technology in their development. A good positioning system not only helps them efficiently complete autonomous operations, but also improves safety performance. At present, the use of global positioning system (GPS) is a more mainstream positioning method, but in indoor, serious shelter and other environments, GPS signal loss will lead to positioning failure. In order to solve this problem, this paper proposes a method of mapping before positioning, and designs a set of high precision real-time positioning system by combining the technology of multi-sensor fusion. The designed system was carried on a Wuling sightseeing bus, and the mapping and positioning tests were carried out in the Nanhu Campus of Wuhan University of Technology, the East Campus of Mafangshan Campus and the underground garage where GPS signals were lost. The test results show that the system can realize the high precision real-time positioning function of the autonomous vehicle. Therefore, the in-depth study and implementation of this system is of great significance to the promotion and application of the automatic driving industry.
Research on the infiltration of cross-cultural awareness in higher education stage in the background of globalization
Authors: Sun Xi
Published: May 2021

At the university level, the penetration of cross-cultural awareness is of great significance to talent training. This article uses empirical research to study the cross-cultural adaptability of international students, and on this basis, puts forward four suggestions for the penetration of cross-cultural awareness among university students. This is of great significance for strengthening the penetration of cross-cultural awareness during colleges and universities, cultivating and enhancing the cross-cultural communication skills of college students, and adapting to the trend of global international communication.
Agricultural Supply Chain Risk Management in the Post-epidemic Era
Authors: Zeng Shihua
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 has spread in more than 200 countries and regions around the world. China, as the first country to fight the epidemic, took measures such as social isolation, regional blockade, and traffic control, which had a positive effect on preventing the spread of the epidemic, but the agricultural supply chain in the control area received a great impact; in terms of international epidemic prevention, all countries are strengthening their border blockade, safeguarding their own food demand, and strict import and export quarantine measures [1 ], which has a huge impact on the global flow of agricultural products, and the lack of imported agricultural products to supplement the supply security of China’s agricultural products is under certain threat. In this paper, by sorting out the paths of the epidemic affecting the supply chain of agricultural products and the characteristics of China’s agricultural supply chain, we deeply analyze the sources of risks in China’s agricultural supply chain under the epidemic, and put forward suggestions such as strengthening the collaborative management of the agricultural supply chain, building a response mechanism and prevention mechanism for the quality and safety of agricultural products, constructing a logistics network suitable for the storage and transportation requirements of agricultural products, and accelerating the construction of a big data platform for the agricultural supply chain.
Discussion on the Integration and Optimization Plan of Natural Reserve-Take Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture as an example
Authors: Zhai Boqiang , Yuan Xitun
Published: May 2021

The integration and optimization of nature reserves is an important part of the new round of land and space planning, and it is also an important part of building a system of nature reserves with national parks as the main body. This article takes Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, which has many nature reserves and relatively complex conditions as an example, to summarize and study the technical and operational issues involved in the integration and optimization of 30 different types of nature reserves, natural parks and scenic spots in the region. We propose an integration and optimization plan that fits the region, focusing on the treatment of the overlapping and distributed residential land, basic farmland, and major construction projects of each protected area, and provide reasonable suggestions for the integration and optimization of the construction of natural reserves with Chinese characteristics.
Hazards and Improvement Measures of Microplastic Pollution: A Review
Authors: Gan Quan , Tian Jinxiao , Li Zhixin , Mi Shiyu , Wang Wenmin
Published: May 2021

Microplastics is one category of plastics with relatively small diameter and is considered as the common ingredient of waste accumulation zone in oceans. However, since countless plastic products are emitted into oceans annually as waste all around the world, pollution caused by them is severe and the resulting problems have attracted attention globally, while current policies and cooperation around the globe for tackling microplastics pollution still need to be improved. To deal with microplatics-related problems in the ocean, our review first discussed the toxicity of microplastics based on previous research related to marine microplastics, which was caused by the plastics themselves and their leaching substances with impacts on marine creatures and human body along the food chain. After summarizing some measures that have been already performed, we suggested that the authority should take more actions to mitigate those problems resulted from microplastics, pay more attention on researching, and encourage citizens to offer their proposals. By finally analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of different handling methods, as well as physical, chemical, and biological treatment technologies on oceanic microplastic issues, our work provided experience on disposing microplastics waste under various actual situations with an example for more holistic waste treatment.
Study on Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Industrial Pollution Sources in 2008
Authors: Peng Kecheng , Cao Xiaoqun , Tian Wenlong
Published: May 2021

With the continuous development of China’s economy, the problems of pollutant emissions and environmental governance are gradually emerging. Based on the monthly data of man-made emission sources in Asia from the 2008 East Asia MIX emission inventory, this study analyzed the temporal and spatial distribution characteristics of air pollutants including PM2.5, PM10, CO, CO2, NOx, OC, etc., and explored the difference and variation law of material concentration distribution between designated special regions, as well as the possible impact of various atmospheric systems on them. Firstly, in most areas of China, the distribution of pollutants has obvious temporal and spatial differences, and the overall trend of pollutant concentration is higher in the north than in the south. The results show that the monthly variation trend of pollutants in India is significantly correlated with that in China. However, compared with the monthly trend in northern China, it is not particularly obvious.
Effect and influencing factors of modified biochar adsorption for the removal of nitrate nitrogen from water bodies
Authors: Hui Yang , Yujie yan , Jiaqi zhang
Published: May 2021

Nitrate-nitrogen pollution in water is a global problem. The research on the remediation technology of NO3--N polluted water has become a hot research direction in recent years. Biochar has a good adsorption effect on nitrate nitrogen because of its unique surface structure and rich surface properties. In this paper, the basic properties of biochar are introduced, and the research progress on the adsorption effect of modified biochar for nitrate nitrogen removal and the influencing factors are summarized. The problems and shortcomings in the current technology field were analyzed, and the research prospect and direction of using biochar to remove nitrate nitrogen were pointed out.
Study on the decolourisation conditions of methylene blue by Irpex Lacteus
Authors: Bu Hongshi , Wang Huan , Zhang Bo , Dong Xin , Wang Jia , Zhao Tianyi , Wang Shumin
Published: May 2021

The fungus Irpex Lacteus is effective in decolourising methylene blue, a common dye in printing and dyeing wastewater, and it is of clear significance to investigate its optimal decolourisation process through liquid fermentation. The medium mixed with methylene blue dye was incubated with Irpex Lacteus in a constant temperature shaking flask liquid fermentation equipment, and single factors such as incubation time, temperature, shaking bed speed, dye concentration, pH, carbon and nitrogen sources were screened, and key factors were targeted orthogonal tests were carried out to optimise the best decolourisation process for Irpex Lacteus against methylene blue. The single-factor test revealed that carbon, nitrogen, pH and inoculum were the main factors influencing the decolourisation of methylene blue by Irpex Lacteus. The results of the orthogonal test showed that the decolourisation effect was best when the carbon source was sucrose, the nitrogen source was peptone, pH=3.5, the inoculum level was 7% and the incubation time was 10 days. Irpex Lacteus showed good decolourisation effect on methylene blue and the optimised process conditions provided a new direction for the treatment of printing and dyeing wastewater.
Research on Augmented Reality Experience Design of Tujia Brocade Products Based on Emotion Cognition
Authors: Yun Ning
Published: May 2021

Augmented reality technology is an extension of virtual reality. Voice input and output devices, image input and image display devices, touch-tap gesture action input and visual tracking devices are used in various computer systems to improve computer efficiency and human-computer interaction accuracy, which can improve the interactivity and user experience of augmented reality systems. Augmented reality technology superimposes the virtual world and the real world, and its final interactive operation has an enhanced effect on the senses of the participants. Augmented reality has been able to be used more maturely in many fields, and its use in the art field has become a new direction for designers to explore art and practice. This study explores the user’s emotional perception process of Tujia brocade products from the theoretical level, constructs an augmented reality experience model applied to Tujia brocade, and proposes a design process for the implementation of augmented reality.
Discussions on PV power Parity
Authors: Yuan Q.h.
Published: May 2021

China is the biggest coal country. However, China's power industry relies heavily on fossil energy, which seriously threatens China's energy security. It is unreasonable to use the current coal power price as a benchmark for parity. At present coal power price has not accounted for various emissions tax and the resource tax. so authentic parity must be fully included in resource costs and environmental costs. Fair pricing is the primary prerequisite for parity. Nowadays the biggest obstacle for the PV industry today is not technology, but the unreasonable price mechanism. The explore of photovoltaic electricity price as the benchmark electricity price can accelerate the development of the photovoltaic industry, can accelerate the green revolution of energy production, can also accelerate the construction of ecological civilization. Therefore, it is imperative to adopt PV power prices as a benchmark for parity in China as soon as possible.
Globalising and localising translation strategies from rhetorical perspective: Rendering English headlines into Ukrainian
Authors: Potapenko Serhiy
Published: May 2021

The paper develops an idea of globalising and localising strategies of media text translation in the framework of the rhetorical canons of invention, concerning selection of arguments; disposition, dealing with their arrangement; elocution, aimed at the choice of linguistic units; performance, underlying the formation of different kinds of discourse. The globalising strategy of translation renders the international content into the target language with minor changes in disposition or elocution while the localising strategy adjusts the global content to the worldview of the local readership changing text organisation at particular rhetorical levels. The article discusses the application of the globalising and localising strategies to the translation of the BBC’s English online headlines into Ukrainian with respect to their three structural positions: attracting attention by foregrounded units, keeping it by predicative groups, nudging the reader towards the text body in the final position. It is found that Ukrainian translations of English headlines intensify the globalising strategy extending the nudging utterances which compel the reader to turn to the text while the localising strategy is implemented by the techniques of specification or perspectivation altering the disposition of the original headline by foregrounding references to the entities important for the local audience.
Functional approach to songs in film translation: Challenges and compromises
Authors: Pidhrushna Olena
Published: May 2021

Translation of songs used in films comprises a unique phenomenon since it supposes to take into account an interdependence of two multimodal systems and their components. The challenges associated with the translation of songs in films manifest themselves both on the level of an internal system of a song (interconnection of lyrics and music on prosodic, poetic and semantic levels) and external relations of a song and a film it is immersed into (visual, audial and semantic levels of interaction). The article attempts to consider translation of songs in films within the frameworks of the functional approach and states that the pragmatic function and communicative purpose of a song in a film are translation dominants. The paper suggests and discusses five levels of correspondence between the source song and target song in film translation, i.e., pragmatic, semantic, stylistic, cinematic, and aesthetic. It determines a correlation between translation technique used in the recreation of lyrics (zero translation, interlinear translation and adaptation) and potentially achievable levels of correspondence.
Eine Allergie kommt selten allein – ein Fallbericht
Authors: Stricker Silke
Published: May 2021

Die Behandlung von Hunden mit Allergien und Unverträglichkeiten auf gleich mehreren Ebenen kann in der Praxis eine echte Herausforderung sein. Es hat sich für die Autorin bewährt, die Wurzel des Geschehens zu betrachten und zu behandeln: den Zustand der Darmschleimhaut und deren veränderte Permeabilität. Ein Leaky-Gut-Syndrom kann viele, oft unklare Ursachen haben. Komplexe Krankheitsgeschehen brauchen demzufolge eine einfache, ja puristisch anmutende Behandlung.

Es sind die vielen synergistischen Effekte der Huminsäuren WH 67®, die in dem hier besprochenen Fallbeispiel – einfach ausgedrückt – dem Darm halfen, sich selbst zu helfen. Darüber hinaus waren 2 homöopathische Arzneien ausreichend, welche – zusammen mit einer hervorragenden Besitzer-Compliance – ihre heilende Wirkung entfalten konnten.
5-HTTLPR-rs25531 and Antidepressant Treatment Outcomes in
Korean Patients with Major Depression
Authors: Jang Yoo Jin , Lim Shinn-Won , Moon Young Kyung , Kim Su Yeon , Lee Hong , Kim Seonwoo , Kim Doh Kwan
Published: May 2021

Introduction Despite the ethnic differences in 5-HTTLPR (S
allele relates to better antidepressant response in Korean and Japanese people,
while L allele with better response in Caucasians), it is unclear whether
5-HTTLPR and its high expression locus rs25531 are
interactively associated with antidepressant treatment outcome. We investigated
the individual and interaction effects of these polymorphisms on antidepressant
treatment outcomes in the Korean population.

Methods A total of 464 Korean subjects with major depressive disorder
completed 6 weeks of antidepressant monotherapy. Venous blood was extracted for
genotyping 5-HTTLPR and rs25531 by polymerase chain reaction and
DNA sequencing. We used logistic regression analyses to verify the main and
interaction effects of 5-HTTLPR and rs25531 on response and
remission after antidepressant treatment.

Results After adjusting for covariates, the SS genotype of
5-HTTLPR was significantly associated with better treatment outcomes
(p<0.001, odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval
(CI)]=2.435 [1.551, 3.823] in response; p<0.001, OR [95%
CI]=2.912 [1.730, 4.903] in remission), while G-containing genotype
(AG+GG) of rs25531 was only associated with remission
(p=0.034, OR [95% CI]=2.104 [1.058, 4.181]). The
interaction effect of 5-HTTLPR and rs25531 on response and
remission was insignificant (all p>0.05).

Discussion Our findings suggest variations in allelic frequency and
functionality of 5-HTTLPR and rs25531 among the different
ethnicities. We found a minor advantage of rs25531 in achieving
remission. However, there was no interaction effect with 5-HTTLPR.
Os Odontoideum: A Single-Center Experience with Controversies in Management and Evolution of Treatment Strategies
Authors: Yerramneni Vamsi Krishna , Sharma Neeraj
Published: May 2021

Os odontoideum is an independent ossicle of variable size and shape separated from the body of C2. There are various theories on the etiology. Different hypothesis on etiology include traumatic and congenital. Because of the laxity of the ligaments associated with the anomalous odontoid, there can be associated instability at the craniovertebral junction. The authors presented their experience of treating these anomalies, their clinical presentations, evolution of the treatment strategies over years, and a brief review of literature on etiopathogenesis.
Endoscopic Endonasal Resection of Rathke Cleft Cyst with Xanthogranulomatous Change: Two-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Zhang Michael , Mahavadi Anil K. , Deftos Michael L. , Ali Arshad , Singh Harminder
Published: May 2021

Objective Sellar xanthogranulomas (XGAs) are a rare pathological subtype of hypophysitis reflecting a degenerative process of Rathke's cleft cyst with predilection in young adults. While the histological features have been described, there is limited discussion on the technical expectations in surgical management. We present the clinical, radiographic, and surgical features of the third literature-reported XGA in the pediatric population.

Setting The patient was a 17-year-old boy who first identified by ophthalmologically confirmed peripheral vision loss. Subsequent endocrine workup identified delayed-onset puberty and hypopituitarism. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a nonenhancing 2.6-cm T1 and T2 sellar-based hyperintense mass with suprasellar extension and mass effect on the optic chiasm. A small T1 hypointense encased nodule was also seen (Fig. 1). Consent for resection was obtained.

Results Intraoperatively the tumor was firm and adherent, requiring piecemeal removal. Radiofrequency ablation enabled ergonomic debulking and minimize thermal injury (Fig. 2).1 We used initial settings of 25 W, equivalent to 55 W. A cystic component with motor oil–like fluid was encountered and decompressed. The tumor was notably very adherent to the optic nerve and infiltrated the stalk, requiring its truncation. Closure was achieved by fat graft dead space plugging, fascia lata underlay, Medpor gasket seal, and nasoseptal flap.

Conclusion Pathology confirmed dense fibrous tissue with features of chronic inflammation, cholesterol clefts, hemosiderin pigment, multinucleate giant cells, and foamy macrophages. Additional cyst wall sampling identified squamous and ciliated epithelial lining, collectively consistent with Rathke's cleft cyst and xanthogranulomatous reaction. These lesions can undergo surgical cure with resection, most commonly by transsphenoidal approach.

The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/S2n5iQ3aFgc.
Effect of anion identity on ion association and dynamics of sodium ions in non-aqueous glyme based electrolytes—OTf vs TFSI
Authors: Li Ke , Subasinghege Don Visal , Gupta Chris S. , David Rolf , Kumar Revati
Published: May 2021

Sodium-based rechargeable battery technologies are being pursued as an alternative to lithium, in part due to the relative abundance of sodium compared to lithium. Despite their low dielectric constant, glyme-based electrolytes are particularly attractive for these sodium-based batteries due to their ability to chelate with the sodium ion and their high electrochemical stability. While the glyme chain length is a parameter that can be tuned to modify solvation properties, charge transport behavior, reactivity, and ultimately battery performance, anion identity provides another tunable variable. Trifluoromethanesulfonate (triflate/OTf) and bis(trifluoromethane)sulfonamide (TFSI) are chemically similar anions, which are often used in battery electrolytes for lithium-based batteries. In this paper, molecular simulations are used to examine the differences in ion association and charge transport between sodium salts of these two anions at different salt concentrations in glymes with the increasing chain length. The use of the modified force field developed for NaOTf in glymes for the NaTFSI electrolytes was validated by comparing the TFSI–sodium ion radial distribution functions to the results from ab initio molecular dynamics simulations on 1.5 M NaTFSI in diglyme. While the ion association behavior as a function of salt concentration showed similar trends for both NaOTf and NaTFSI in tetraglyme and triglyme electrolytes, the dominant solvation structures for the two sets of electrolytes are distinctly different in the monoglyme and diglyme cases. The conductivity is impacted by both the ion association behavior in these electrolytes and the non-vehicular or hopping transport of the anions in these systems.
Visible light responsive optoelectronic memristor device based on CeOx/ZnO structure for artificial vision system
Authors: Zhou Zhenyu , Pei Yifei , Zhao Jianhui , Fu Guangsheng , Yan Xiaobing
Published: May 2021

The recognition, memory, and processing of light information are an important link in the development of artificial vision system. However, the traditional image recognition and memory unit of artificial vision systems need a complex circuit structure, which brings great challenges to the development of artificial vision. In this work, a CeOx/ZnO structure optoelectronic memristor based on a simple two-terminal structure was prepared. Through optical and electrical tests, 405 nm visible light recognition, storage, and processing were achieved, and at the same time, the response current has been greatly improved. And the response of 405 nm visible light was verified by using simulating memristor array, indicating potential application in the artificial vision system. Finally, the physical conduction mechanism of the device is explained combining with the adjustment of the height of the CeOx/ZnO interface barrier by photo-generated carriers. It provides an important reference for the simplification of the artificial vision system circuit structure in the future.
Structural and topological changes across the liquid–liquid transition in water
Authors: Foffi Riccardo , Russo John , Sciortino Francesco
Published: May 2021

It has recently been shown that the TIP4P/Ice model of water can be studied numerically in metastable equilibrium at and below its liquid–liquid critical temperature. We report here simulations along a subcritical isotherm, for which two liquid states with the same pressure and temperature but different density can be equilibrated. This allows for a clear visualization of the structural changes taking place across the transition. We specifically focus on how the topological properties of the H-bond network change across the liquid–liquid transition. Our results demonstrate that the structure of the high-density liquid, characterized by the existence of interstitial molecules and commonly explained in terms of the collapse of the second neighbor shell, actually originates from the folding back of long rings, bringing pairs of molecules separated by several hydrogen-bonds close by in space.
Energy gain of beam-plasma D–T reaction in the presence of ICRH
Authors: Kolesnichenko Ya. I. , Lutsenko V. V.
Published: May 2021

A model for studying parametric dependence of the local energy gain (the ratio of fusion power density to absorbed power density) of a beam-plasma fusion reaction is proposed. It assumes that beam ions are produced by Neutral Beam Injection (NBI) and accelerated by Ion Cyclotron Resonance Heating (ICRH). The model includes several relations (for the local fusion energy gain, fusion power, and ICRH power absorbed) which employ a beam energy distribution function found analytically. The influence of ICRH on the beam ions is described by a quasilinear theory. Specific calculations are carried out for a deuterium beam with the ions born at energy Eb=100 keV and a tritium plasma. It is found that only those scenarios for which ICRH accelerates mainly slightly thermalized injected ions can increase the beam-plasma energy gain during NBI + ICRH significantly. In contrast, when the minimum energy of the ions affected by ICRH is much lower than the birth energy, ICRH does not enlarge the energy gain. On the other hand, fusion power increases due to ICRH, independently of the heating scheme. It is shown that the NBI energy structure is a factor which requires the maximum energy of injected ions in a certain range (150–200 keV when deuterium is injected into in a tritium plasma) for the beam-plasma energy gain to exceed unity significantly in both NBI and NBI + ICRH cases.
The maximum tree of a random forest in the configuration graph
Authors: Pavlov Yu. L.
Published: May 2021

Galton-Watson random forests with a given number of root trees and a known number of nonroot vertices are investigated. The distribution of the number of direct offspring of each particle in the forest- generating process is assumed to have infinite variance. Branching processes of this kind are used successfully to study configuration graphs aimed at simulating the structure and development dynamics of complex communication networks, in particular the internet. The known relationship between configuration graphs and random forests reflects the local tree structure of simulated networks. Limit theorems are proved for the maximum size of a tree in a random forest in all basic zones where the number of trees and the number of vertices tend to infinity.

Bibliography: 14 titles.
Evaluation of egg production and egg quality of Sasso and Kuroiler chickens fed three diets at varying levels of supplementation under a semi-intensive system of production in Tanzania
Authors: Sanka Y. D. , Mbaga S. H. , Mutayoba S. K.
Published: May 2021

Context Genetically improved chickens raised under a semi-intensive system have been shown to maintain performance in terms of egg production and egg quality by feeding low-cost diets at different levels of supplementation, but reports on the supplementation regimes by using low-cost diets are limited. Aim This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary supplementation regimes on egg production and egg quality of genetically improved dual-purpose chickens under a semi-intensive system. Methods A total of 480 female chickens aged 20 weeks were randomly assigned to 24 treatment combinations in a 2 × 3 × 4 factorial experiment with two replicates each. The treatments were breeds (Sasso and Kuroiler), diets (D1 – commercial, D2 – medium-cost and D3 – low-cost) and levels of supplementation (100%, 75%, 50% and 25%). Key results The results show that breed, diet and level of dietary supplementation had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on age at first lay and egg production parameters. Sasso chickens showed higher hen-day egg production and hen housed egg production values across all diets and levels of supplementation. Diet and levels of feed supplementation significantly affected egg weight (P < 0.05), with 100% supplementation level resulting in the heaviest eggs and 25% supplementation level resulting in the lightest eggs. All internal egg qualities except Haugh units were significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by the level of supplementation, whereas the effect of diets was only significant (P < 0.05) for a few internal egg quality variables, such as yolk weight and yolk diameter. The cost of production was higher for commercial diet-fed and highly supplemented birds. Conclusion Egg productivity and egg quality traits were significantly improved by breed, diet and higher levels of supplementation. However, less-supplemented (25% and 50%) birds gave numerically higher income over feed compared with those on higher levels of supplementations for the first 20 weeks of production. Implication These findings have the potential to reduce the cost of egg production for dual-purpose improved chicken breeds while maintaining good egg quality under a semi-intensive system of production.
Digitaria ciliaris (southern crabgrass).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa , Acevedo-Rodríguez Pedro
Published: May 2021

As an annual weed, D. ciliaris depends on seed production for its spread. There is some post-harvest dormancy which may last several months. Germination then occurs at temperatures above 20°C and is perhaps greatest under fluctuating temperatures of 20 and 35°C (Holm et al., 1977). Most germination occurs at or close to the soil surface (Osa et al., 1988), but some may occur from 5 cm depth (Takabayashi and Nakayama, 1979). Seeds can survive passage through cattle and thus contaminate farmyard manure (Takabayashi et al., 1979).
Climate-related changes in seasonal habitat pattern of
Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis
in the South China Sea
Authors: Fan Jiangtao , Chen Zuozhi , Feng Xue , Yu Wei
Published: May 2021

A habitat suitability index model (HSI) was established to examine seasonal habitat pattern of
Sthenoteuthis oualaniensis 
in the South China Sea and assessed the impacts of the El Niño event on habitat variations based on sea surface temperature (SST), chlorophyll-a (Chla) and sea surface height (SSH). Environmental conditions and habitat patterns showed significant seasonal and spatial variations. Spatial pattern of favorable environmental conditions played important roles in regulating the ranges and longitudinal and latitudinal distributions of suitable habitats (areas with HSI≥0.6) of 
S. oualaniensis
 across seasons. Significant positive correlation was found between SST and HSI, whereas negative relationship was revealed between HSI and Chla as well as SSH by correlation analysis. Comparing to normal climate condition in spring 2014, the El Niño events in spring 2015 and 2016 yielded lower SST and higher Chla and SSH, which were unfavorable for the formation of high-quality habitats. Favorable ranges of environmental conditions showed decreasing trend from spring 2014 to 2016. Consequently, the suitable habitats in spring 2015 and 2016 largely contracted and became discontinuity. Our findings indicated that seasonal habitat patterns of 
S. oualaniensis
 in the South China Sea were strongly affected by the El Niño events and local environmental conditions.
Dynamic seasonal analysis on LST-NDVI relationship and ecological health of Raipur City, India
Authors: Guha Subhanil
Published: May 2021

Land surface temperature (LST) is a significant component of the ecological health of any city and the LST is closely related to the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). The present study evaluates the seasonal variability of the relationship of LST with NDVI by using a large dataset of Landsat sensors for different seasons from 1991–92 to 2018–19. Pearson’s correlation coefficient technique was used to obtain the LST-NDVI relationship. The study also compares the ecological and thermal status of the city by applying the urban thermal field variance index (UTFVI). The results found that the mean LST increased considerably. The post-monsoon season produces the best correlation (−0.59), followed by the monsoon season (−0.53), pre-monsoon season (−0.45), and winter season (−0.22). Apart from this relationship, the ecological status of the city has also been estimated. Almost an equal portion of lands are under the excellent and worst categories of ecological condition. This study is beneficial for future ecological planning in any tropical city.
Enhanced sophorolipid production and effective conversion of waste frying oil using dual lipophilic substrates
Authors: Hirata Yoshihiko , Igarashi Keisuke , Ueda Akiko , Quan Glen Lelyn
Published: May 2021

A highly efficient sophorolipid (SL) fermentation process using dual lipophilic substrates (DLS) was developed. Using DLS consisting of palm oil and oleic acid in the flask fermentation with SL-producing yeast Starmerella bombicola, the productivity and yield of SL improved 2.4 and 1.7 times, in comparison to when using palm olein alone. In the jar fermentation process with DLS, the SL productivity and yield of 127 g/L and 62.4% were achieved in 7 days, with the complete consumption of residual lipophilic substrates in the culture medium. This process was successfully applied to the effective conversion of waste frying oil to SL, maintaining a high SL productivity and yield of 142.8 g/L and 72% in 9 days. It is concluded that the newly developed fermentation process with DLS can be useful for the industrial production of SL from renewable biological sources, especially waste frying oils.
Central Nervous System Processing of Floral Odor and Mother’s Milk Odor in Infants
Authors: Gellrich Janine , Breuer Anna Sophie , Han Pengfei , Güdücü Cagdas , Hummel Thomas , Schriever Valentin A
Published: May 2021

Newborns have a functioning sense of smell at birth, which appears to be highly significant for feeding and bonding. Still, little is known about the cerebral odor processing in this age group. Studies of olfactory function relied mostly on behavioral, autonomic, and facial responses of infants. The aim of the present study was to investigate central odor processing in infants focusing on electroencephalography (EEG)-derived responses to biologically significant odors, namely a food and a non-food odor. A total of 21 term-born, healthy infants participated (11 boys and 10 girls; age range 2–9 months, mean 5.3 ± 2.2 months). Odor stimuli were presented using a computer-controlled olfactometer. Breast milk was used as food odor. Farnesol was presented as a non-food odor. In addition, odorless air was used as a control stimulus. Each stimulus was presented 30 times for 1 s with an interstimulus interval of 20 s. EEG was recorded from 9 electrodes and analyzed in the frequency domain. EEG amplitudes in the delta frequency band differed significantly after presentation of food (breast milk) odor in comparison to the control condition and the non-food odor (farnesol). These changes were observed at the frontal recording positions. The present study indicates that central odor processing differs between a food and a non-food odor in infants. Results are interpreted in terms of focused attention towards a physiologically relevant odor (breast milk), suggesting that olfactory stimuli are of specific significance in this age group.
The Effect of Trade on Workers and Voters
Authors: Dippel Christian , Gold Robert , Heblich Stephan , Pinto Rodrigo
Published: May 2021

We investigate economic causes of the rising support of populist parties in industrialised countries. Looking at Germany, we find that exposure to imports from low-wage countries increases the support for nationalist parties between 1987–2009, while increasing exports have the opposite effect. The net effect translates into increasing support of the right-populist Alternative for Germany party after its emergence in 2013. Individual data from the German Socio-Economic Panel reveal that low-skilled manufacturing workers’ political preferences are most responsive to trade exposure. Using a novel approach to causal mediation analysis, we identify trade-induced labour market adjustments as an economic mechanism causing the voting response to international trade.
Neurons and Astrocytes in Ventrolateral Periaqueductal Gray Contribute to Restraint Water Immersion Stress-Induced Gastric Mucosal Damage via the ERK1/2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Gao Wenting , Wang Zepeng , Wang Hui , Li Huimin , Huang Chenxu , Shen Yangyang , Ma Xiaoli , Sun Haiji
Published: May 2021

Background

The restraint water immersion stress (RWIS) model includes both psychological and physical stimulation, which may lead to gastrointestinal disorders and cause gastric mucosal damage. The ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (VLPAG) contributes to gastrointestinal function, but whether it is involved in RWIS-induced gastric mucosal damage has not yet been reported.

Methods

The expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein, neuronal c-Fos, and phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 in the VLPAG after RWIS was assessed using western blotting and immunocytochemical staining methods. Lateral ventricle injection of astrocytic toxin L-a-aminoadipate and treatment with extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 signaling pathway inhibitor PD98059 were further used to study protein expression and distribution in the VLPAG after RWIS.

Results

The expression of c-Fos, glial fibrillary acidic protein, and phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 in the VLPAG significantly increased following RWIS and peaked at 1 hour after RWIS. Lateral ventricle injection of the astrocytic toxin L-a-aminoadipate significantly alleviated gastric mucosal injury and decreased the activation of neurons and astrocytes. Treatment with the ERK1/2 signaling pathway inhibitor PD98059 obviously suppressed gastric mucosal damage as well as the RWIS-induced activation of neurons and astrocytes in the VLPAG.

Conclusions

These results suggested that activation of VLPAG neurons and astrocytes induced by RWIS through the ERK1/2 signaling pathway may play a critical role in RWIS-induced gastric mucosa damage.
Vesicular drug delivery for the treatment of topical disorders: current and future perspectives
Authors: Witika Bwalya A , Mweetwa Larry L , Tshiamo Kabo O , Edler Karen , Matafwali Scott K , Ntemi Pascal V , Chikukwa Melissa T R , Makoni Pedzisai A
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Vesicular drug delivery has become a useful approach for therapeutic administration of pharmaceutical compounds. Lipid vesicles have found application in membrane biology, immunology, genetic engineering and theragnostics. This review summarizes topical delivery, specifically dermal/transdermal, ocular and transungual, via these vesicles, including future formulation perspectives.

Key findings

Liposomes and their subsequent derivatives, viz. niosomes, transferosomes, pharmacososmes and ethosomes, form a significant part of vesicular systems that have been successfully utilized in treating an array of topical disorders. These vesicles are thought to be a safe and effective mode of improving the delivery of lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs.

Several drug molecules are available for topical disorders. However, physicochemical properties and undesirable toxicity have limited their efficacy. Vesicular delivery systems have the potential to overcome these shortcomings due to properties such as high biocompatibility, simplicity of surface modification and suitability as controlled delivery vehicles. However, incorporating these systems into environmentally responsive dispersants such as hydrogels, ionic liquids and deep eutectic solvents may further enhance therapeutic prowess of these delivery systems. Consequently, improved vesicular drug delivery can be achieved by considering combining some of these formulation approaches.
Three-dimensional dose-distribution measurement of therapeutic carbon-ion beams using a ZnS scintillator sheet
Authors: Yogo Katsunori , Tsuneda Masato , Horita Ryo , Souda Hikaru , Matsumura Akihiko , Ishiyama Hiromichi , Hayakawa Kazushige , Kanai Tatsuaki , Yamamoto Seiichi
Published: May 2021

The accurate measurement of the 3D dose distribution of carbon-ion beams is essential for safe carbon-ion therapy. Although ionization chambers scanned in a water tank or air are conventionally used for this purpose, these measurement methods are time-consuming. We thus developed a rapid 3D dose-measurement tool that employs a silver-activated zinc sulfide (ZnS) scintillator with lower linear energy transfer (LET) dependence than gadolinium-based (Gd) scintillators; this tool enables the measurement of carbon-ion beams with small corrections. A ZnS scintillator sheet was placed vertical to the beam axis and installed in a shaded box. Scintillation images produced by incident carbon-ions were reflected with a mirror and captured with a charge-coupled device (CCD) camera. A 290 MeV/nucleon mono-energetic beam and spread-out Bragg peak (SOBP) carbon-ion passive beams were delivered at the Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center. A water tank was installed above the scintillator with the water level remotely adjusted to the measurement depth. Images were recorded at various water depths and stacked in the depth direction to create 3D scintillation images. Depth and lateral profiles were analyzed from the images. The ZnS-scintillator-measured depth profile agreed with the depth dose measured using an ionization chamber, outperforming the conventional Gd-based scintillator. Measurements were realized with smaller corrections for a carbon-ion beam with a higher LET than a proton. Lateral profiles at the entrance and the Bragg peak depths could be measured with this tool. The proposed method would make it possible to rapidly perform 3D dose-distribution measurements of carbon-ion beams with smaller quenching corrections.
Impact of Susceptibility to Injectable Antibiotics on the Treatment Outcomes ofMycobacterium abscessusPulmonary Disease
Authors: Park Youngmok , Park Yea Eun , Jhun Byung Woo , Park Jimyung , Kwak Nakwon , Jo Kyung-Wook , Yim Jae-Joon , Shim Tae Sun , Kang Young Ae
Published: May 2021

Background

Current guidelines recommend a susceptibility-based regimen for Mycobacterium abscessus subspecies abscessus pulmonary disease (MAB-PD), but the evidence is weak. We aimed to investigate the association between treatment outcomes and in vitro drug susceptibility to injectable antibiotics in MAB-PD patients.

Methods

We enrolled MAB-PD patients treated with intravenous amikacin and beta-lactams for ≥4 weeks at 4 referral hospitals in Seoul, South Korea. Culture conversion and microbiological cure at 1 year were evaluated based on susceptibility to injectable antibiotics among patients treated with those antibiotics for ≥2 weeks.

Results

A total of 82 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 58.7 years, and 65.9% were women. Sputum culture conversion and microbiological cure were achieved in 52.4% and 41.5% of patients, respectively. Amikacin was the most common agent to which the M. abscessus subspecies abscessus isolates were susceptible (81.7%); 9.8% and 24.0% of the isolates were resistant to cefoxitin and imipenem, respectively. The clarithromycin-inducible resistance (IR) group (n = 65) had a lower microbiological cure rate than the clarithromycin-susceptible group (35.4% vs 64.7%). The treatment outcomes appeared to be similar regardless of in vitro susceptibility results with regard to intravenous amikacin, cefoxitin, imipenem, and moxifloxacin. In the subgroup analysis of the clarithromycin-IR group, the treatment outcomes did not differ according to antibiotic susceptibility.

Conclusions

We did not find evidence supporting the use of susceptibility-based treatment with intravenous amikacin and beta-lactams in patients with MAB-PD. Further research is required.