bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ Phenotyping of Grapevine Root System Architecture by 2D or 3D Imaging: Advantages and Limits of Three Cultivation Methods
Authors: Krzyzaniak Yuko , Cointault Frédéric , Loupiac Camille , Bernaud Eric , Ott Frédéric , Salon Christophe , Laybros Anthony , Han Simeng , Héloir Marie-Claire , Adrian Marielle , Trouvelot Sophie
Published: June 2021

The root system plays an essential role in the development and physiology of the plant, as well as in its response to various stresses. However, it is often insufficiently studied, mainly because it is difficult to visualize. For grapevine, a plant of major economic interest, there is a growing need to study the root system, in particular to assess its resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, understand the decline that may affect it, and identify new ecofriendly production systems. In this context, we have evaluated and compared three distinct growing methods (hydroponics, plane, and cylindric rhizotrons) in order to describe relevant architectural root traits of grapevine cuttings (mode of grapevine propagation), and also two 2D- (hydroponics and rhizotron) and one 3D- (neutron tomography) imaging techniques for visualization and quantification of roots. We observed that hydroponics tubes are a system easy to implement but do not allow the direct quantification of root traits over time, conversely to 2D imaging in rhizotron. We demonstrated that neutron tomography is relevant to quantify the root volume. We have also produced a new automated analysis method of digital photographs, adapted for identifying adventitious roots as a feature of root architecture in rhizotrons. This method integrates image segmentation, skeletonization, detection of adventitious root skeleton, and adventitious root reconstruction. Although this study was targeted to grapevine, most of the results obtained could be extended to other plants propagated by cuttings. Image analysis methods could also be adapted to characterization of the root system from seedlings.
Molecular Phylogeny, Character Evolution, and Biogeography of Hydrangea Section Cornidia, Hydrangeaceae
Authors: Granados Mendoza Carolina , Martínez Salas Esteban Manuel , Goetghebeur Paul , Wanke Stefan , Samain Marie-Stéphanie
Published: June 2021

Background:Hydrangea section Cornidia consists of 26 currently accepted species and a yet undefined number of new species and erroneously synonymized taxa. This clade consists of (sub)tropical lianas occurring from northern Mexico to southern Chile and Argentina, and one species from Southeast Asia. Currently, no molecular phylogenetic hypothesis is available that includes more than a few species of this section. Hence, a resolved and well-sampled molecular phylogenetic hypothesis may help to enforce taxonomic decisions. In this study, we present a phylogenetic framework based on sequences from two low copy nuclear genes from a comprehensive taxon sampling of H. section Cornidia and a selection of outgroups. Our phylogenetic reconstructions prove the non-monophyly of the traditionally recognized subsections Monosegia and Polysegia and their corresponding series, Speciosae and Aphananthae, and Synstyleae and Chorystyleae, respectively. Three morphologically defined species were recovered with high support as monophyletic, namely, Hydrangea panamensis, Hydrangea serratifolia, and Hydrangea tarapotensis. However, statistical support for some shallow nodes did not allow to refute, with high support, the monophyly of several of the herein recognized species for which more than one individual could be analyzed. Based on the obtained phylogenetic framework, we reconstructed the evolution of selected reproductive characters. Hydrangea section Cornidia is the only genus section for which dioecism has been extensively documented. Our character reconstruction of sexual dimorphism shows that dioecism is the ancestral state in this section and that this was reversed to monoecy in Hydrangea seemannii and Hydrangea integrifolia. Character reconstruction for the enlarged marginal flowers recovered their presence as the ancestral character state in H. section Cornidia, although at least three internal lineages independently lost them; thus, losses were reconstructed to be more likely than gain. With respect to the flower color, more species exhibit white than red flowers, and white is reconstructed as the ancestral state. Cornidia also shows an unusual disjunct geographic distribution between Asia and Central Mesoamerica—South America, as it is not present in the USA and Canada. The origin of Cornidia is reconstructed to be the New World with higher probability, and the presence of one species in Asia is likely due to long-distance dispersal.
Increasing Monounsaturated Fatty Acid Contents in Hexaploid Camelina sativa Seed Oil by FAD2 Gene Knockout Using CRISPR-Cas9
Authors: Lee Kyeong-Ryeol , Jeon Inhwa , Yu Hami , Kim Sang-Gyu , Kim Hyun-Sung , Ahn Sung-Ju , Lee Juho , Lee Seon-Kyeong , Kim Hyun Uk
Published: June 2021

Seed oils are used as edible oils and increasingly also for industrial applications. Although high-oleic seed oil is preferred for industrial use, most seed oil is high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and low in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) such as oleic acid. Oil from Camelina, an emerging oilseed crop with a high seed oil content and resistance to environmental stress, contains 60% PUFAs and 30% MUFAs. Hexaploid Camelina carries three homoeologs of FAD2, encoding fatty acid desaturase 2 (FAD2), which is responsible for the synthesis of linoleic acid from oleic acid. In this study, to increase the MUFA contents of Camelina seed oil, we generated CsFAD2 knockout plants via CRISPR-Cas9-mediated gene editing using the pRedU6fad2EcCas9 vector containing DsRed as a selection marker, the U6 promoter to drive a single guide RNA (sgRNA) covering the common region of the three CsFAD2 homoeologs, and an egg-cell-specific promoter to drive Cas9 expression. We analyzed CsFAD2 homoeolog-specific sequences by PCR using genomic DNA from transformed Camelina leaves. Knockout of all three pairs of FAD2 homoeologs led to a stunted bushy phenotype, but greatly enhanced MUFA levels (by 80%) in seeds. However, transformants with two pairs of CsFAD2 homoeologs knocked out but the other pair wild-type heterozygous showed normal growth and a seed MUFAs production increased up to 60%. These results provide a basis for the metabolic engineering of genes that affect growth in polyploid crops through genome editing.
Deontological Feeling: The Tranquil, the Familiar and the Body
Authors: Nörenberg Henning
Published: June 2021

This paper contributes to filling a lacuna in recent research on common normative backgrounds. On the one hand, discussions of common normative backgrounds tend to underexpose the role the feeling body plays in relation to the agent’s recognition of deontic powers (obligations, compelling reasons or rights). On the other hand, discussions of bodily background orientations and their role in the agent’s sensitivity to practical significance tend to underexpose the recognition of deontic power. In this paper, I argue that bodily background orientations can contribute to an agent’s sensitivity to deontic power. Developing further on Ratcliffe’s conceptualization of existential feelings, I propose that a person’s bodily background orientation implies responsiveness to an ethically significant kind of affordance. In order to flesh out this theoretical claim, I draw on empirical material concerning a specific existential orientation labelled as “quietism.” Reconstructing its central patterns, I explicate the bodily dimension involved in the quietist orientation as well as the way in which it shapes the responsiveness to felt demands in terms of preserving tranquillity and protecting the familiar. Finally, I discuss the broader theoretical implications of my claim and suggest to categorize ethically relevant bodily background orientations such as the one implicated in the quietist orientation as deontological feelings.
What Explains Natives and Sojourners Preventive Health Behavior in a Pandemic: Role of Media and Scientific Self-Efficacy
Authors: Keren Fang , Siddiquei Ahmad Nabeel , Anwar Muhammad Azfar , Asmi Fahad , Ye Qing
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic triggered a severe global public health emergency. The current research investigated and compared “Natives and Sojourners” health-protective behavior in Mainland China during the pandemic. We adopted a unified view to propose our theoretical model by adapting the Health Belief Model (HBM) and Institutional Theory (IT). The data obtained through an online survey questionnaire from 435 respondents during the second and third quarters of were analyzed. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to empirically analyze the proposed model. The media self-efficacy (MSE), scientific self-efficacy (SSE), perceived health risks (PHRs), and the perceived benefits of being protected have positive and significant effects on the definition of health-protective behavioral intentions among natives and sojourners in mainland China. Media and SSE can play a strategic role in formulating public health-protective behavior. The current research recommends an effective communication with sojourners during crisis for them to be a part of the national crisis management plan (i.e., infectious disease).
Pathogen Threat and In-group Cooperation
Authors: Imada Hirotaka , Mifune Nobuhiro
Published: June 2021

Disease-causing parasites and pathogens play a pivotal role in intergroup behavior. Previous studies have suggested that the selection pressure posed by pathogen threat has resulted in in-group assortative sociality, including xenophobia and in-group favoritism. While the current literature has collated numerous studies on the former, strikingly, there has not been much research on the relationship between pathogen threat and in-group cooperation. Drawing upon prior studies on the function of the behavioral immune system (BIS), we argued that the BIS might facilitate cooperation with in-group members as a reactive behavioral immune response to pathogen threat. More specifically, we held that individuals might utilize cooperative behavior to ensure that they can receive social support when they have contracted an infectious disease. We reviewed existing findings pertaining to the potential role of the BIS in in-group cooperation and discussed directions for future studies.
The Cone of Direct Gaze: A Stable Trait
Authors: Lobmaier Janek S. , Savic Branislav , Baumgartner Thomas , Knoch Daria
Published: June 2021

Direct eye gaze is a potent stimulus in social interactions and is often associated with interest and approach orientation. Yet, there is remarkable variability in the range of gaze lines that people accept as being direct. A measure that is frequently used to quantify the range of gaze angles within which an observer assumes mutual gaze is the cone of direct gaze (CoDG). While individual differences in CoDG have often been examined, studies that systematically investigate the stability of an observers' CoDG over time are scarce. In two experiments, we measured the CoDG using an established paradigm and repeated the measurement after 5 min and/or after 1 week. We found high inter-individual variation, but high agreement within participants (ICCs between 0.649 and 0.855). We conclude that the CoDG can be seen as a rather stable measure, much like a personality trait.
Psychological Distress, Disorder Severity, and Perception of Positive Contributions in Couples Raising Individuals With Autism
Authors: García-López Cristina , Recio Patricia , Pozo Pilar , Sarriá Encarnación
Published: June 2021

Parents' perception of the positive contributions associated with raising children with autism is considered to be a protective factor in the process of psychological adaptation. Thus, it is essential to unveil what factors are related to this perception. We explore how parents' psychological distress (parental stress and anxiety) predicts the perception of positive contributions in fathers and mothers who raise individuals with different levels of autism severity. The sample comprises 135 couples (270 fathers and mothers) parenting individuals diagnosed with autism aged 3–38 years. Participants completed different self-report questionnaires, including measures of parental stress, anxiety, and positive contributions. To estimate the actor–partner interdependence model, data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore transactional effects between fathers' and mothers' psychological distress and their perceptions of positive contributions associated with autism. Two separate multigroup models were tested, respectively, analyzing parental stress and anxiety. Each multigroup model considers two levels of disorder severity. The findings revealed that actor and partner effects of stress and anxiety were important predictors of the perception of positive contributions in both disorder severity groups. We conclude that it is necessary to develop family support programs that focus on controlling fathers' and mothers' stress and anxiety symptoms, as these mental states negatively impact the ability to perceive positive contributions.
Goffin's Cockatoos (Cacatua goffiniana) Can Solve a Novel Problem After Conflicting Past Experiences
Authors: Bobrowicz Katarzyna , O'Hara Mark , Carminito Chelsea , Auersperg Alice M. I. , Osvath Mathias
Published: June 2021

Novel problems often partially overlap with familiar ones. Some features match the qualities of previous situations stored in long-term memory and therefore trigger their retrieval. Using relevant, while inhibiting irrelevant, memories to solve novel problems is a hallmark of behavioral flexibility in humans and has recently been demonstrated in great apes. This capacity has been proposed to promote technical innovativeness and thus warrants investigations of such a mechanism in other innovative species. Here, we show that proficient tool—users among Goffin's cockatoos—an innovative tool—using species—could use a relevant previous experience to solve a novel, partially overlapping problem, even despite a conflicting, potentially misleading, experience. This suggests that selecting relevant experiences over irrelevant experiences guides problem solving at least in some Goffin's cockatoos. Our result supports the hypothesis that flexible memory functions may promote technical innovations.
Sustained, Multifaceted Improvements in Mental Well-Being Following Psychedelic Experiences in a Prospective Opportunity Sample
Authors: Mans Keri , Kettner Hannes , Erritzoe David , Haijen Eline C. H. M. , Kaelen Mendel , Carhart-Harris Robin L.
Published: June 2021

In the last 15 years, psychedelic substances, such as LSD and psilocybin, have regained legitimacy in clinical research. In the general population as well as across various psychiatric populations, mental well-being has been found to significantly improve after a psychedelic experience. Mental well-being has large socioeconomic relevance, but it is a complex, multifaceted construct. In this naturalistic observational study, a comprehensive approach was taken to assessing well-being before and after a taking a psychedelic compound to induce a “psychedelic experience.” Fourteen measures of well-being related constructs were included in order to examine the breadth and specificity of change in well-being. This change was then analysed to examine clusters of measures changing together. Survey data was collected from volunteers that intended to take a psychedelic. Four key time points were analysed: 1 week before and 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 2 years after the experience (N = 654, N = 315, N = 212, and N = 64, respectively). Change on the included measures was found to cluster into three factors which we labelled: 1) “Being well”, 2) “Staying well,” and 3) “Spirituality.” Repeated Measures Multivariate Analysis of Variance revealed all but the spirituality factor to be improved in the weeks following the psychedelic experience. Additional Mixed model analyses revealed selective increases in Being Well and Staying Well (but not Spirituality) that remained statistically significant up to 2 years post-experience, albeit with high attrition rates. Post-hoc examination suggested that attrition was not due to differential acute experiences or mental-health changes in those who dropped out vs. those who did not. These findings suggest that psychedelics can have a broad, robust and sustained positive impact on mental well-being in those that have a prior intention to use a psychedelic compound. Public policy implications are discussed.
Parent and Child Reports of Parenting Behaviors: Agreement Among a Longitudinal Study of Drug Court Participants
Authors: Guastaferro Kate , Osborne Melissa C. , Lai Betty S. , Aubé Samantha S. , Guastaferro Wendy P. , Whitaker Daniel J.
Published: June 2021

Identifying ways to support children of parents with substance use disorder is a critical public health issue. This study focused on the parent-child relationship as a critical catalyst in child resilience. Using data from a longitudinal cohort study, the aims of this study were to: (1 ) examine the agreement between parent and child reports of parenting behaviors and (2 ) describe the association between agreement and child mental health. Participants were 50 parent-child dyads that included parents enrolled in an adult drug court and their children, aged 8–18. Overall, agreement (i.e., concordance) between parent and child reports of parenting was slight to fair. Parents reported their parenting behaviors to be slightly more positive than how children rated the same behaviors in the areas of: involvement, 0.53 (SD = 0.80); positive parenting, 0.66 (SD = 0.87), and monitoring behaviors, 0.46 (SD = 0.90). Parents also rated themselves, in comparison to their children's reports, as using less inconsistent discipline, −0.33 (SD = 1.00), and less corporal punishment, 0.13 (SD = 1.01). Agreement was related to some, but not all, child mental health outcomes. When parents rating their parenting as more positive than their child reported, that had a negative effect on child self-esteem and personal adjustment. Contrary to hypotheses, we did not find a significant relationship between positive parenting and internalizing problems. Findings have implications for obtaining parent and child reports of parenting within the drug court system, and for identifying children at higher risk for externalizing problems.
Longitudinal Vitamin D Deficiency Among Malaysian Pregnant Women and Its Correlation With Neonatal Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Levels
Authors: Mustapa Kamal Basha Muzaitul Akma , Abdul Majid Hazreen , Razali Nuguelis , Abd Rashed Aswir , Muhammad Hussin , Yahya Abqariyah
Published: June 2021

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the longitudinal relationship between maternal vitamin D concentrations during pregnancy and neonatal vitamin D concentrations at birth.

Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort of 236 healthy pregnant women from various ethnicity in early pregnancy (≤20 weeks of pregnancy) was followed at late pregnancy (28–40 weeks of pregnancy) and birth. Maternal serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was assessed at early pregnancy (baseline) and late pregnancy, while neonatal cord serum 25(OH)D at birth. General estimating equations (GEE) were used to analyze the longitudinal association of maternal serum 25(OH)D levels during pregnancy and neonatal cord serum 25(OH)D levels at birth with adjusting for the time exposure, maternal weight gain, ethnicity, and skin type.

Results: The results showed that the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (25(OH)D <50 nmol/L) was at 89.9, 92.2, and 96.1% in early, late pregnancy and in neonatal cord serum, respectively. The GEE analysis showed a trend that longitudinal vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy leads to lower vitamin D concentrations in neonatal cord blood (RR = 1.17; 95% CI (1.05–1.36); p = 0.04).

Conclusion: Longitudinal vitamin D deficiency during pregnancy leads to vitamin D deficiency in neonates at birth. A further trial is needed to affirm this association.
Psychological and Socio-Economical Determinants of Health: The Case of Inner German Migration
Authors: Schmalbach Bjarne , Schmalbach Ileana , Kasinger Christoph , Petrowski Katja , Brähler Elmar , Zenger Markus , Stöbel-Richter Yve , Richter Ernst Peter , Berth Hendrik
Published: June 2021

A substantial body of research has shown worse health conditions for East- vs. West-Germany in the wake of reunification. In the present study, we investigate how these differences between the two formerly divided regions developed and what maintains them. Specifically, we consider the associations between health status, income satisfaction, and health-related locus of control. In a quasi-experimental and longitudinal study design, we are particularly interested in the differences between individuals who stayed in East-Germany and those who were born in the East but migrated to West-Germany. To this end, we examined data from seven waves of the Saxony Longitudinal Study (2003–2009). Specifically, we tested a cross-lagged panel model with random effects, which evinced very good model fit. Most parameters and processes were equivalent between individuals who stayed in East-Germany vs. moved to West-Germany. Crucially, there was the expected pattern of positive correlations between health, income, and locus of control. In addition, we found substantially lower values for all three of these variables for the individuals who stayed in East-Germany (vs. moved to West-Germany). A possible explanation is the increase in socio-economic status that the internal migrants experienced. These findings present an important contribution of research in order to foster a better understanding on the social dynamics in Germany related to internal/domestic migrants and implications in the context of health outcomes (e.g., significantly more unemployment in East vs. West-Germany), especially since almost 20–25% of East-German citizens migrated to West-Germany. Until now, there are no similar studies to the Saxony longitudinal project, since the data collection started in 1987 and almost every year an identical panel has been surveyed; which can be particularly useful for health authorities. The study mainly focuses on social science research and deals with the phenomenon of reunification, approaching several subjects such as mental and physical health, quality of life and the evaluation of the political system. Yet even though many people have experienced such a migration process, there has been little research on the subjects we approach. With our research we deepen the understanding of the health consequences of internal migration.
Developing a Scale for the Evaluation of People With Post-prandial Distress Syndrome
Authors: Xiao Mengli , Ying Jiake , Zhao Yingpan , Zhao Yang , Liu Ying , Lu Fang
Published: June 2021

Background: Functional dyspepsia (FD) is one of the most critical health problems worldwide. Although there has been an increased intervention to improve FD symptoms, it is difficult to compare the effect of intervention measures with the existing methods of reporting the outcome, and it is a lack of clinical evaluation tools that can be used to evaluate patients' symptoms and treatment. One way of potentially addressing this way is to offer a patient-reported symptom scoring scales, which can be self-reported by patients to highlight interventions' authenticity and reliability. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of validated patient-reported outcome instruments for post-prandial distress syndrome (PDS). This study aims to establish a symptom scoring scale to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions for PDS.

Methods: The study consists of two steps. The first step was to formulate the scale. Through a systematic literature review and group discussion, an item pool and scale framework were formed. Then, through the expert consultation and pre-investigation, the formal version of the scale was formed. The second step is to test the reliability and validity of the scale. The scale is tested in the target population to determine whether the reliability and validity of the scale.

Discussion: The improvement in patients' self-reported symptoms had a significant impact on the researchers' evaluation of the intervention's authenticity. Therefore, we develop a symptom scoring scale for reporting studies evaluating the effectiveness of PDS interventions. The scale will be used for a more significant comparison to evaluate PDS interventions' effectiveness. The scale also improves trial reporting, reducing research waste by prioritizing the collection and reporting of critical results for all relevant stakeholders.

Clinical Trial Registration: ChiCTR, ChiCTR2100044489. Registered on March 22, 2021.
Can Physical Exercise Improve the Residents' Health?
Authors: Li Cong , Chen Jin-Hong , Liu Xi-Hua , Ren Shu-Qi
Published: June 2021

With the rapid development of China's economy and society, the quality of life of residents has continued to improve, and the concept of health has gradually taken root in the hearts of the people. This paper uses the 2018 data of the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) to analyze the internal mechanism and influencing factors of participating in physical exercise on the health level of residents. The results show that participating in physical exercise can significantly improve the subjective and objective health level of residents, and the result passed two important robustness tests. Heterogeneous test shows that the degree of influence of participation in physical exercise on the health level of residents varies according to the different regional and individual characteristics; the effect of urban residents' physical exercise to improve their health level is better than that of rural residents; and the effect of physical exercise on the improvement of health level is more obvious in the eastern and western areas, those who have not completed compulsory education, and those with high incomes. This study will have strong guiding significance for the improvement of the overall level of national health in China and will provide a theoretical basis and guiding opinions for the construction of healthy China.
Examining the Gender Dynamics of Green Grabbing and Ejido Privatization in Zacatecas, Mexico
Authors: Vázquez-García Verónica , Sosa-Capistrán Dulce María
Published: June 2021

The ejido is the most important form of collectively owned property in Mexico; approximately half of the country's territory belongs to ejidatarios of whom women make up roughly 20%. Recent legal reforms aimed at privatizing the ejido are forcing ejidatarios/as to sell or rent their lands to corporations seeking to invest in oil, mining, and energy production. This paper examines the gender impacts of land privatization for renewable energy generation in two ejidos of Zacatecas, Mexico: El Orito and Benito Juárez. The first agreed to rent their lands to a private company while the other did not. Results show that land rentals benefitted a handful of ejidatarios, while the people affected the most include male stone miners, ejidatarias who were excluded from decision-making, and women who obtain food and fuel from ejido common lands. Benito Juárez served as a good point of comparison because its common lands were not privatized, and people continue to use them in traditional ways. However, people in Benito Juárez also hold different bundles of rights to common lands based on gender, economic status and age. The paper calls for a gender and intersectional approach to continue examining the differentiated impacts of ejido privatization in Mexico.
Case Report: Petrous Apicitis and Otogenic Thrombosis of the Cavernous Sinus in a 10-Year-Old Boy
Authors: Bergsma Patrick , Kunz Seraina , Kienle Anna-Lena , Brand Yves
Published: June 2021

Background: Petrous apicitis and cavernous sinus thrombosis are exceedingly rare complications of acute otitis media with only few reported cases in the post-antibiotic era. Especially in children, the appropriate management is a subject of controversy.

Case Presentation: We report the case of a 10-year-old boy who presented to the emergency department with left-sided otalgia, otorrhea, and hearing loss, accompanied by somnolence and high spiking fevers. CT and MRI revealed partially obstructed mastoid air cells including a pneumatized petrous apex. Furthermore, thrombosis of the cavernous sinus and vasculitis of the internal carotid artery on the left side were present. The patient was treated with antibiotics for 6 weeks and anticoagulant therapy for 3 months. Follow-up carried out 3 months post-admission showed complete recanalization of the cavernous sinus on MRI and fatigue as the only remaining symptom.

Conclusion: A complicated otitis media with petrous apicitis and cavernous sinus thrombosis in a child can in some cases be managed without a surgical intervention.
Evaluation of the Fecal Bacterial Communities of Angus Steers With Divergent Feed Efficiencies Across the Lifespan From Weaning to Slaughter
Authors: Welch Christina B. , Lourenco Jeferson M. , Krause Taylor R. , Seidel Darren S. , Fluharty Francis L. , Pringle T. Dean , Callaway Todd R.
Published: June 2021

Numerous studies have examined the link between the presence of specific gastrointestinal bacteria and the feed efficiency of cattle. However, cattle undergo dietary changes during their productive life which can cause fluctuations in their microbial consortium. The objective of the present study was to assess changes in the fecal microbiome of beef steers genetically selected to be divergent in feedlot feed efficiency, to determine whether differences in their fecal microbiomes could be detected as early as weaning, and continued throughout the rearing process regardless of dietary changes. Fecal samples were collected at weaning, yearling age, and slaughter for a group of 63 steers. Based on their feedlot-finishing performance, the steers were selected and divided into two groups according to their residual feed intake (RFI): efficient steers (low-RFI;n= 7) and inefficient steers (high-RFI;n= 8). To ascertain the fecal microbial consortium and volatile fatty acid (VFA) content, 16S rRNA gene sequencing and VFA analysis were performed. Overall, bacterial evenness and diversity were greater at weaning compared to yearling and slaughter for both efficiency groups (P< 0.001). Feedlot RFI linearly decreased as both Shannon diversity andRuminococcaceaeabundance increased (R2= 65.6 and 60.7%, respectively). Abundances ofRuminococcaceae, Rikenellaceae, andChristensenellaceaewere higher at weaning vs. yearling age and slaughter (P< 0.001); moreover, these families were consistently more abundant in the feces of the low-RFI steers (for most of the timepoints evaluated;P≤ 0.05), compared to the high-RFI steers. Conversely, abundances ofBifidobacteriaceaewere numerically higher in the feces of the high-RFI steers throughout their lifespan. Total VFA concentrations increased at slaughter compared to weaning and yearling for both efficiency groups (P< 0.001). The acetate:propionate ratio decreased linearly (P< 0.001) throughout the life of the steers regardless of their efficiency, reflective of dietary changes. Our results indicate that despite fluctuations due to animal age and dietary changes, specific bacterial families may be correlated with feed efficiency of steers. Furthermore, such differences may be identifiable at earlier stages of the production cycle, potentially as early as weaning.
Impact of Dietary or Drinking Water Ruminococcus sp. Supplementation and/or Heat Stress on Growth, Histopathology, and Bursal Gene Expression of Broilers
Authors: Saad Adel Hassan , Ahmed Mohamed S. , Aboubakr Mohamed , Ghoneim Hanan A. , Abdel-Daim Mohamed M. , Albadrani Ghadeer M. , Arafat Nagah , Fadl Sabreen Ezzat , Abdo Walied
Published: June 2021

This research was conducted to evaluate the impact of dietary or drinking water Ruminococcus sp. supplementation and/or heat stress (HS) on the growth, serum biochemistry, tissue antioxidant, phagocytic assay, histopathology, and bursa gene expression of broilers. Day-old broiler chicks were allotted into six groups according to HS and/or Ruminococcus with or without enzyme supplementation. The first group was the control one, with a formulated diet and normal environmental temperature but without any supplement. The second group fed on Ruminococcus-supplemented diet (1 kg/kg diet). The third group fed on a formulated diet without supplement, and Ruminococcus and digestive enzymes were given in drinking water (0.1 ml/L). The fourth one was the heat stress group, with a normal formulated diet. The fifth and the sixth groups served as second and third groups, respectively, but with heat stress. The results of this experiment indicated that thermal temperature negatively affected the parameters of growth performance, serum biochemical, tissue antioxidants, and phagocytic assay. Moreover, heat stress led to pathological lesions in the internal organs and affected the expression of some genes related to heat stress, including proapoptotic genes such as caspase8 and bax, inflammatory genes such as NF-κβ1, and heat shock protein such as HSP 70 in the bursal tissue. These bad effects and abnormalities were mitigated by Ruminococcus alone or with enzyme supplementation, which improved all the above-mentioned parameters.
Decimal Multiplication in FPGA with a Novel Decimal Adder/Subtractor
Authors: Véstias Mário , Neto Horácio
Published: June 2021

Financial and commercial data are mostly represented in decimal format. To avoid errors introduced when converting some decimal fractions to binary, these data are processed with decimal arithmetic. Most processors only have hardwired binary arithmetic units. So, decimal operations are executed with slow software-based decimal arithmetic functions. For the fast execution of decimal operations, dedicated hardware units have been proposed and designed in FPGA. Decimal multiplication is found in most decimal-based applications and so its optimized design is very important for fast execution. In this paper two new parallel decimal multipliers in FPGA are proposed. These are based on a new decimal adder/subtractor also proposed in this paper. The new decimal multipliers improve state-of-the-art parallel decimal multipliers. Compared to previous architectures, implementation results show that the proposed multipliers achieve 26% better area and 12% better performance. Also, the new decimal multipliers reduce the area and performance gap to binary multipliers and are smaller for 32 digit operands.
Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor Speed Control Based on Improved Active Disturbance Rejection Control
Authors: Shi Zhaoyao , Zhang Pan , Lin Jiachun , Ding Hongyu
Published: June 2021

An improved active disturbance rejection control (I-ADRC) to improve the disturbance attenuation of a permanent magnet synchronous motor speed controller was proposed in this paper. A nonlinear function with improved smoothness was adopted to design the controller. The Lyapunov stability of the improved tracking differentiator, the improved extended state observer, and the controller were analysed. Moreover, simulations and experiments confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed controller. The results demonstrate that the proposed controller has a smaller steady-state error and a stronger disturbance attenuation ability than the proportional integral derivative (PID) controller.
Public Service Logic: An Appropriate Recipe for Improving Serviceness in the Public Sector?
Authors: Sønderskov Mette , Rønning Rolf
Published: June 2021

Researchers have made efforts to combine service management theory with public administration theory to develop an enhanced model of public service logic and help the public sector to develop services through co-creation with service users. This study considered the appropriateness of public service logic for improving serviceness in the public sector, examining the question through a literature review regarding the main elements of service management in which public service logic is anchored. We found no correspondences between this approach and theories on street-level bureaucracy, despite both perspectives aiming to understand the interactions between users and public service providers, and we wanted to explore this gap. We argue that public sector logic neglects important contextual factors, such as the role of public value and politics. Moreover, street-level bureaucrats have a legitimate responsibility not only to provide user-friendly services (creating value for users) but also, occasionally, to overrule citizens’ wishes and needs (following political decisions). We conclude that public service logic does not support the development of more serviceness in the public sector context, because it needs to consider the justification for having a public sector. Further research should consider users as collective citizens rather than individuals.
Estimation of Frost Hazard for Tea Tree in Zhejiang Province Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Xu Jie , Guga Suri , Rong Guangzhi , Riao Dao , Liu Xingpeng , Li Kaiwei , Zhang Jiquan
Published: June 2021

Tea trees are the main economic crop in Zhejiang Province. However, spring cold is a frequent occurrence there, causing frost damage to the valuable tea buds. To address this, a regional frost-hazard early-warning system is needed. In this study, frost damage area was estimated based on topography and meteorology, as well as longitude and latitude. Based on support vector machine (SVM) and artificial neural networks (ANNs), a multi-class classification model was proposed to estimate occurrence of regional frost disasters using tea frost cases from 2017. Results of the two models were compared, and optimal parameters were adjusted through multiple iterations. The highest accuracies of the two models were 83.8% and 75%, average accuracies were 79.3% and 71.3%, and Kappa coefficients were 79.1% and 67.37%. The SVM model was selected to establish spatial distribution of spring frost damage to tea trees in Zhejiang Province in 2016. Pearson’s correlation coefficient between prediction results and meteorological yield was 0.79 (p < 0.01), indicating consistency. Finally, the importance of model factors was assessed using sensitivity analysis. Results show that relative humidity and wind speed are key factors influencing accuracy of predictions. This study supports decision-making for hazard prediction and defense for tea trees facing frost.
Functional Quality of Improved Tomato Genotypes Grown in Open Field and in Plastic Tunnel under Organic Farming
Authors: Murariu Otilia Cristina , Brezeanu Creola , Jităreanu Carmenica Doina , Robu Teodor , Irimia Liviu Mihai , Trofin Alina Elena , Popa Lorena-Diana , Stoleru Vasile , Murariu Florin , Brezeanu Petre Marian
Published: June 2021

In response to urgent demand to raise awareness of the nutritional and health benefits of tomato consumption and to advocate for healthy diets through increased sustainable production and consumption of fruits and vegetables, this study is intended to promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle, sharing the best practices of production and consumption. The aim of this research was to compare the effects of the growing system (field vs. plastic tunnel) and of genotype characteristics for organic improved tomato genotypes. The research was carried out in the 2019 and 2020 years on eight improved tomato genotypes. The results showed that the ascorbic acid content presented higher values for organic tomatoes cultivated in the field for all genotypes studied, with an upper limit of 18.57 mg·100 g−1 FW. In contrast, the content in β-carotene and lycopene showed higher values for genotypes grown under plastic tunnel conditions. Significant statistical differences were noticed concerning the mean values of all genotypes according to cultivation conditions (field vs. plastic tunnel) for most parameters excepting total soluble solids (TSS), titratable acidity (TA), maturity index (MI) and flavor index (FI). This highlights the major importance of the selection of some genotypes of tomatoes that respond positively to the organic cultivation system in terms of the presence of the antioxidants compounds (vitamin C, lycopene, and carotene) in representative quantities. Genotype 3 is highlighted by the highest content in carotene (7.4 mg·100 g−1 F.W.) and lycopene (8.4 mg·100 g−1 F.W.) and genotype 5 by the highest content in vitamin C (16.8 mg·100 g−1 F.W.). The results of the study suggest that by applying appropriate techniques for growing organic tomatoes in the plastic tunnel system, the antioxidant substrate can be optimized compared to the results obtained for the field system.
Integrative Transcriptomic and Metabolomic Analysis at Organ Scale Reveals Gene Modules Involved in the Responses to Suboptimal Nitrogen Supply in Tomato
Authors: Renau-Morata Begoña , Molina Rosa-Victoria , Minguet Eugenio G. , Cebolla-Cornejo Jaime , Carrillo Laura , Martí Raúl , García-Carpintero Víctor , Jiménez-Benavente Eva , Yang Lu , Cañizares Joaquín , Canales Javier , Medina Joaquín , Nebauer Sergio G.
Published: June 2021

The development of high nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) cultivars under low N inputs is required for sustainable agriculture. To this end, in this study, we analyzed the impact of long-term suboptimal N conditions on the metabolome and transcriptome of tomato to identify specific molecular processes and regulators at the organ scale. Physiological and metabolic analysis revealed specific responses to maintain glutamate, asparagine, and sucrose synthesis in leaves for partition to sustain growth, while assimilated C surplus is stored in the roots. The transcriptomic analyses allowed us to identify root and leaf sets of genes whose expression depends on N availability. GO analyses of the identified genes revealed conserved biological functions involved in C and N metabolism and remobilization as well as other specifics such as the mitochondrial alternative respiration and chloroplastic cyclic electron flux. In addition, integrative analyses uncovered N regulated genes in root and leaf clusters, which are positively correlated with changes in the levels of different metabolites such as organic acids, amino acids, and formate. Interestingly, we identified transcription factors with high identity to TGA4, ARF8, HAT22, NF-YA5, and NLP9, which play key roles in N responses in Arabidopsis. Together, this study provides a set of nitrogen-responsive genes in tomato and new putative targets for tomato NUE and fruit quality improvement under limited N supply.
Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Emissions in a Data-Scarce Region Using a Scenario-Based Modeling Approach: A Case Study in Southeastern USA
Authors: Afroz Mahnaz , Li Runwei , Chen Gang , Anandhi Aavudai
Published: June 2021

Climate change may impact agricultural greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and yields under higher temperatures, higher atmospheric CO2 concentrations, and variable precipitations. This calls for adaptation strategies to optimize agricultural productions with minimal GHGs. This study aimed to identify these optimum agricultural managements in response to current and projected climatic scenarios for the Choctawhatchee Basin in Southeastern USA, an experimentally unexplored data-scarce region lacking validation data. This scenario-based modeling study analyzed a total of 1344 scenarios consisting of four major crops, eight managements (varying tillage, manuring, and residue), and forty climatic combinations under current as wells as two representative concentration pathways with process-based Denitrification and Decomposition (DNDC) model. The results indicated that the region’s GHGs and yields were most affected by higher temperatures (≥+3 °C) and extreme precipitation changes (≥±40%), while high atmospheric CO2 concentrations exerted positive fertilization effects. The manure-related and higher residue incorporation scenarios were found to be better options in varying climates with minimal present global warming potentials (GWP) of 0.23 k to −29.1 k MT equivalent CO2. As such, the study presented climate change impacts and potential mitigation options in the study region while presenting a framework to design GHG mitigation in similar data-scarce regions.
Development of a Five-Parameter Model to Facilitate the Estimation of Additive, Dominance, and Epistatic Effects with a Mediating Using Bootstrapping in Advanced Generations of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Khalaf Ahmed E. A. , Eid Mohamed A. M. , Ghallab Kamal H. , El-Areed Sherif R. M. , Yassein Ahmed A. M. , Rady Mostafa M. , Ali Esmat F. , Majrashi Ali
Published: June 2021

As a result of two crosses among three local varieties of wheat, five populations (P1, P2, F5, F6 and F7) were used as parents and grown during two successive seasons; 2016/2017 and 2017/2018. To estimate five types of gene action (e.g., mean effects, additive, dominance, additive × additive, and dominance × dominance), five formulas were developed from with algebraic solution, algebraic proof, and mathematical proof. Besides, to test adequate of a simple additive-dominance model, three formulas A, B, and C scaling test were developed. The path analysis method by PROCESS Macro, AMOS, and Bootstrapping was employed to assess the relationships between grain yield/plant (GYP) as the dependent variable and each one of the number of spikes (NS) and 1000-grain weight (TW) as the independent variables. The results show that there are eight validated equations used to estimate the scaling test (A, B and C) and five types of gene effects (m, a, D, I and L), respectively. Confidence interval using Bootstrapping results indicate that TW was played as the partial mediator between NS as an exogenous variable and GYP as an endogenous variable. Generation means analysis is a relatively simple and statistically reliable tool suitable for the fundamental estimation of different genetic influences.