bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Toward circular and socially just urban mining in global societies and cities: Present state and future perspectives
Authors: Ghisellini Patrizia , Ncube Amos , Casazza Marco , Passaro Renato
Published: September 2022

This study evaluates the perspectives of urban mining in the framework of the circular economy (CE) and starts with a brief analysis of the size of global and urban metabolism and the role that plays materials and waste streams such as construction and demolition waste (C&DW) and waste from electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE). These can be considered as temporary stocks or deposits to be mined in the future, thus shedding light on the concept of recycling potential, end-of-life functional recycling, and material concentration. The recycling potential could be very variable as in the case of metals. The average concentration of some metals (e.g., gold) in WEEE shows that it is higher per ton of electronic product compared to the amount in mining ores. This explains the importance of the concept of urban mining in the circular economy (CE) transition, given that the CE concept was born to address the challenges of high resources consumption rates and worsening environmental problems. The urban mining phenomenon becomes timely and extremely important for cities as they are relevant hubs of materials and energy consumption and source of environmental and social impacts in external areas due to mining and extraction activities. This study points to the need for creating and establishing strong synergies between the concept of CE and urban mining and the role of cities as innovators in finding circular solutions by incorporating more socially just urban mining activities to improve urban resource management, land use, and local and global wellbeing.
Nature-based mindfulness-compassion programs using virtual reality for older adults: A narrative literature review
Authors: Sadowski Isabel , Khoury Bassam
Published: September 2022

The global population is aging at an unprecedented rate, increasing the necessity for effective interventions targeting the mental health needs of older adults. Technology addressing the aging process of older adults (i.e., gerontechnology) is an avenue for the efficient delivery of programs that enhance adult well-being. Virtual reality (VR) is a type of gerontechnology with the potential to improve mental health and well-being (e.g., by increasing resilience, mindfulness, compassion, connection with nature, and decreasing stress, depression, anxiety); however, evidence in this area is currently lacking and more rigorous research on the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of mental health programming via VR for older adults, such as nature, mindfulness, or compassion-based interventions, is necessary. The present literature review: 1) explores, synthesizes, and critically evaluates the literature on older adult mental health, well-being and gerontechnology, with a focus on virtual reality-based nature, mindfulness, and compassion-based interventions; 2) examines research to date on the relationship between virtual reality technology and nature, mindfulness, and self-compassion; 3) identifies gaps, contradictions, and limitations of existing research; 4) identifies areas for further investigation; and 5) discusses implications for research and clinical practice.
Interventions and solutions for water supply on small islands: The case of New Providence, The Bahamas
Authors: Welsh Kristen , Bowleg John
Published: September 2022

Small island nations make up more than one-quarter of the countries on earth, yet information on the limitations of the hydrologic cycle in small islands and strategies to address freshwater availability are lacking. Typically, all islands are characterized by their limited supply of freshwater, and their governments commonly rely on large-scale interventions to provide residents with potable water. The island of New Providence in The Bahamas is home to the capital city of Nassau and almost three-quarters of the country's population. New Providence has a long history of hydrologic interventions to supply domestic and industrial water. Historic groundwater sources have been over-extracted to severe levels of salinization, and some groundwater aquifers have not recovered after more than 8 years later. Fresh water was barged in from the larger Andros Island for ~40 years, which ultimately became insufficient to meet demand on New Providence. In addition to an aggressive Non-Revenue-Water (NRW) Program, desalination of ocean water via diesel-operated reverse osmosis plants has served as the primary source of potable water for the island. Present concerns have grown due to its contributions to greenhouse gas emissions. The Bahamas is also investigating alternative mechanisms for providing clean drinking water to the country, with Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) under consideration to co-generate clean energy in addition to drinking water. This article reveals that historic interventions to source drinking water for New Providence Island have proven to be unsustainable and ultimately have threatened the freshwater availability. Current efforts to investigate drinking water provision through OTEC are promising, particularly for the potential co-generation of energy and to promote sustainable development. This solution may be promising for other small islands where development is often challenged by water availability and sustainable energy provision.
The homeless population during the COVID-19 syndemic: Inequities, practices of social resilience, and social reintegration strategies
Authors: Bova Roberta
Published: September 2022

This paper analyses the amplification of social insecurity and the social misrecognition of the homeless during the COVID-19 syndemic. The research was carried out in the city of Bergamo (IT), which has been severely affected by the COVID-19 syndemic since the early months of 2020; the research was developed in two phases. The first one analyses the practices of social resilience activated during the COVID-19 syndemic by the socio-educational staff and the coordination figures who work in the support services. The second phase analyses the different social dynamics that can improve the wellbeing and social reintegration of the homeless from a long-duration perspective. During the first months of 2020, the public authorities failed to pay attention to homeless people who slept on the streets and who lived in communities or found support in night shelters. The support services had to activate immediate emergency response strategies and subsequently had to produce and purchase protective devices for operators, guests and those who remained on the street. Faced with this process of social misrecognition, the support services for homeless people reacted by activating practices of social resilience. These practices have investigated the dimensions of daily interactions and the symbolic and value configurations connected to them. However, directly conversing with the homeless, it emerges that to achieve full social reintegration and to prevent new forms of social misrecognition, in the event of future social or health crises, the relationship with a non-stigmatized social community is fundamental. Consequently, the primary objectives that the support network for homeless people should set for future projects should involve the local community through project participation activities and raise awareness of the phenomenon of poverty.
CHES robotic observation software kit
Authors: Zhang Chen , Zhu Can
Published: September 2022

CHES (changing event survey) is an optical survey program that not only aims at searching fast-moving RSOs in the sky for space domain awareness but also takes other scientific goals into account, such as NEO and transient events. After the success of the first array located at the Yaoan site in China, it evolved into a wider network consisting of various types of devices. This study presents a full-function framework for coordinating observation across such a network. The robotic observation system takes both extension flexibility and operation simplicity into account to meet special requirements such as timing, complex tracking, dynamic scheduling, unique device configuration, and distributed collaborative observation. Currently, this Python-based system has been deployed to several sites, supporting observation systems from single, entry-level telescopes to multiple medium-sized professional telescopes and performing predefined routing surveys and user-defined observation for different scientific goals. Some of them run unattended for a regular survey to maintain the base catalog and produce survey images for different purposes.
Therapeutic potential of exosomes from adipose-derived stem cells in chronic wound healing
Authors: Long Chengmin , Wang Jingru , Gan Wenjun , Qin Xinchi , Yang Ronghua , Chen Xiaodong
Published: September 2022

Chronic wound healing remains a challenging medical problem affecting society, which urgently requires anatomical and functional solutions. Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs), mesenchymal stem cells with self-renewal and multiple differentiation ability, play essential roles in wound healing and tissue regeneration. The exosomes from ADSCs (ADSC-EXOs) are extracellular vesicles that are essential for communication between cells. ADSC-EXOs release various bioactive molecules and subsequently restore tissue homeostasis and accelerate wound healing, by promoting various stages of wound repair, including regulating the inflammatory response, promoting wound angiogenesis, accelerating cell proliferation, and modulating wound remodeling. Compared with ADSCs, ADSC-EXOs have the advantages of avoiding ethical issues, being easily stored, and having high stability. In this review, a literature search of PubMed, Medline, and Google Scholar was performed for articles before August 1, 2022 focusing on exosomes from ADSCs, chronic wound repair, and therapeutic potential. This review aimed to provide new therapeutic strategies to help investigators explore how ADSC-EXOs regulate intercellular communication in chronic wounds.
Comparison of Different Chemical and Mechanical Modalities for Implant Surface Decontamination: Activity against Biofilm and Influence on Cellular Regrowth—An In Vitro Study
Authors: Citterio Filippo , Zanotto Elisa , Pellegrini Gaia , Annaratore Laura , Barbui Anna Maria , Dellavia Claudia , Baima Giacomo , Romano Federica , Aimetti Mario
Published: September 2022

Objectives

The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the efficacy of chemical and mechanical methods for decontamination of titanium dental implant surfaces previously infected with polymicrobial biofilms in a model simulating a peri-implant defect. Furthermore, the effect of each decontamination protocol on MG-63 osteoblast-like cells morphology and adhesion to the treated implants was assessed.

Background

Peri-implantitis is a growing issue in dentistry, and evidence about implant surface decontamination procedures is lacking and inconclusive.

Methods

A total of 40 previously biofilm-contaminated implants were placed into a custom-made model simulating a peri-implant defect and randomly assigned to five treatment groups: (C) control (no treatment); (AW) air abrasion without any powder; (ESC) air abrasion with powder of erythritol, amorphous silica, and 0.3% chlorhexidine; (HBX) decontamination with a sulfonic/sulfuric acid solution in gel; and (HBX + ESC) a combination of HBX and ESC. Microbiological analysis was performed on five implants per treatment group, and the residual viable bacterial load measured in log 10 CFU/mL was counted for each bacterial strain and for the total number of colonies. The remaining three implants per group and three noncontaminated (NC) implants were used to assess surface biocompatibility using a scanning electron microscope and a backscattered electron microscope after seeding with MG-63 cells.

Results

A significant decontaminant effect was achieved using HBX or HBX + ESC, while no differences were observed among other groups. The percentage of implant surface covered by adherent MG-63 cells was influenced by the treatment method. Progressive increases in covered surfaces were observed in groups C, AW, ESC, HBX, HBX + ESC, and NC.

Conclusions

A combination of mechanical and chemical decontamination may provide more predictable results than mechanical cleaning alone.
Integrated analysis of Helicobacter pylori-related prognostic gene modification patterns in the tumour microenvironment of gastric cancer
Authors: Zheng Kaitian , Wang Ye , Wang Jiancheng , Wang Congjun , Chen Junqiang
Published: September 2022

Background

Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection is one of the leading causes of gastric cancer (GC). However, the interaction between HP and the TME, and its carcinogenic mechanism remains unknown.

Methods

The HP-related prognostic genes were identified based on HP infection-related gene markers and HP infection sample datasets by risk method and NMF algorithm. Principal component analysis (PCA) algorithm was used to constructed the HPscore system. The “limma” R package was employed to determine differentially expressed genes. In addition, the R packages, such as “xCell” and “GSVA”, was used to analyze the relationship between the HPscore and tumor microenvironment. Finally, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to verify the expression levels of 28 HP-related prognostic genes in tissues.

Results

We successfully identified 28 HP-related prognostic genes that accurately classified the GC population. There are significant differences in survival between different subgroups (high-, low-risk and cluster_1,2). Thereafter, the HPscore system was constructed to evaluate the signatures of the 28 HP-related prognostic genes. The overall survival rate in the high-HPscore group was poor and immunological surveillance was reduced, whereas the low-HPscore group had a survival advantage and was related to the inflammatory response. HPscore was also strongly correlated with the tumour stage, TME cell infiltration and stemness. The qRT-PCR results showed that DOCK4 expression level of 28 HP-related prognostic genes was higher in gastric cancer tissues than in adjacent tissues.

Conclusions

HP signatures play a crucial role in the TME and tumourigenesis. HPscore evaluation of a single tumour sample can help identify the TME characteristics and the carcinogenic mechanism of GC patients infected with HP, based on which personalized treatment can be administered.
Companion animal adoption and relinquishment during the COVID-19 pandemic: Peri-pandemic pets at greatest risk of relinquishment
Authors: Carroll Grace A. , Torjussen Alice , Reeve Catherine
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a situation globally where companion animals may be at increased risk of relinquishment and abandonment due to multiple interrelated factors. The aims of this study were to establish the prevalence of self-reported adoption and relinquishment of cats and dogs during the pandemic, and to identify characteristics associated with relinquishment. A survey was distributed to 4,000 participants across several countries including the UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain and France. N = 3,945 responses were available for analysis. Three groups of participants were identified; Those that never considered relinquishment (NCR), those that have considered relinquishment (CR) and those that have already relinquished a cat or dog (R). Two follow-up surveys were sent to CR and R participants. Considering data from the three surveys, 4.06% of participants considered giving up their pet, 0.74% relinquished their pet, and 0.2% considered and then later give up their pet. Compared to pets given as a gift, there was a 38.7% decreased likelihood of relinquishment in pets sourced from a shelter (P < 0.001), 31.2% decrease in those sourced from a breeder, and a 24.4% decrease in those acquired directly from someone that needed to find a new home for their cat or dog. Compared to owners who acquired their pet > 6 months before COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, those acquired < 6 months before COVID-19 was declared a pandemic were three times more likely to be considered for, or be, given up (P < 0.001) and those acquired after COVID-19 was declared a pandemic were two times more likely to be considered for, or be, given up (P < 0.001). There was a trend for greater likelihood of CR or R of pets acquired online (P = 0.074). Of those that had already given up their pet, 14.3% relinquished to a shelter, 66.7% gave their pet to a new owner and 19% obtained temporary care from someone else. A total of 65.0% of CR participants were male, increasing to 72.2% of R participants. There was no effect of species (cat or dog) on risk of relinquishment. Financial constraints were the most mentioned reason for both giving up a pet and considering giving up a pet, followed by health concerns specific to COVID-19, and behavioral problems. The findings from this study should be used to inform interventions aimed at reducing companion animal relinquishment.
Evaluation of a droplet digital PCR assay for quantification of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis DNA in whole-blood and fecal samples from MAP-infected Holstein cattle
Authors: Badia-Bringué Gerard , Canive Maria , Casais Rosa , Blanco-Vázquez Cristina , Amado Javier , Iglesias Natalia , González Aitor , Bascones Mertxe , Juste Ramon A. , Alonso-Hearn Marta
Published: September 2022

Bovine paratuberculosis (PTB) is an infectious disease that affects ruminants worldwide and is a burden on the dairy industry. PTB control measures include culling of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP)-infected animals from the herd and the enhancement of farm-biosecurity measures. Diagnostics tools for the direct detection of MAP are fecal real-time qPCR and bacteriological culture, the last one being considered the gold standard. However, both show limitations for detecting subclinical MAP-infected cattle with low bacterial load in feces and gut tissues. Droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) is a third-generation PCR method that shows high reproducibility for the quantification of low DNA copy numbers. The objective of this study was to design a ddPCR assay to detect and quantify a fragment of the F57 MAP-specific sequence in samples of naturally MAP-infected Holstein cattle. DNA was isolated from whole-blood and fecal samples from control cows with a negative ELISA and qPCR result (N = 75) and from cows with PTB-associated focal (N = 32), multifocal (N = 21), and diffuse lesions (N = 17) in gut tissues. After ddPCR, the DNA extracted from fecal samples of cows with diffuse lesions showed higher mean copies per microliter (13,791.2 copies/μl) than samples from cows with multifocal lesions (78.8 copies/μl), focal lesions (177.1 copies/μl) or control cows (4.8 copies/μl) (P ≤ 0.05). Significant differences in mean DNA copies/μl were also observed in the blood samples from cows with focal lesions (47.7 copies/μl) when compared with cows with multifocal and diffuse lesions; 18.1 and 12.4 copies/μl, respectively. Using a principal component analysis, the results of the fecal ddPCR clustered together with the results of a commercial ELISA for the specific detection of MAP antibodies, fecal and tissue qPCR, and bacteriological culture results. In contrast, blood ddPCR results clustered together with the results of an ELISA for the detection of a biomarker of subclinical PTB, the ABCA13 transporter. Blood ddPCR was the most sensitive tool (sensitivity 71%, specificity 100%) of all the quantitative methods used in the study for the detection of subclinical cows with focal lesions.
A new species of Pterygodermatites (Spirurida: Rictulariidae) in Marmosa constantiae Thomas, 1904 from an ecotone area of the biomes Cerrado/Amazon in the Mato Grosso State, Brazil
Authors: Andrade-Silva Beatriz Elise de , Costa Natália Alves , Pacheco Richard de Campos , Rossi Rogério Vieira , Maldonado Arnaldo Junior
Published: September 2022

A new species of nematode, Pterygodermatites (Paucipectines) sinopiensis n. sp. is described based on specimens recovered from the intestine of the white-bellied woolly mice opossum, Marmosa constantiae, trapped in the municipality of Sinop, Mato Grosso state, Brazil. The genus Pterygodermatites has 21 species described in mammals worldwide, and to date, only two species have been described for marsupials in Brazil. The new species is characterized by the presence of 23 small denticles and by the presence of 38–40 and 65 pairs of the cuticular processes in male and female species, respectively. Additionally, male species possess three ventral precloacal fans, and in female species, the cuticular processes are divided into 41 pairs of comb-like and 24 pairs of spine-like processes; the vulva opens approximately in pair 41. This study describes the parasite species fifth of marsupials in the Neotropical region.
Foremost Walks and Paths in Interval Temporal Graphs
Authors: Jain Anuj , Sahni Sartaj
Published: September 2022

The min-wait foremost, min-hop foremost and min-cost foremost paths and walks problems in interval temporal graphs are considered. We prove that finding min-wait foremost and min-cost foremost walks and paths in interval temporal graphs is NP-hard. We develop a polynomial time algorithm for the single-source all-destinations min-hop foremost paths problem and a pseudopolynomial time algorithm for the single-source all-destinations min-wait foremost walks problem in interval temporal graphs. We benchmark our algorithms against algorithms presented by Bentert et al. for contact sequence graphs and show, experimentally, that our algorithms perform up to 207.5 times faster for finding min-hop foremost paths and up to 23.3 times faster for finding min-wait foremost walks.
Joints Trajectory Planning of Robot Based on Slime Mould Whale Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Li Xinning , Yang Qin , Wu Hu , Tan Shuai , He Qun , Wang Neng , Yang Xianhai
Published: September 2022

The joints running trajectory of a robot directly affects it’s working efficiency, stationarity and working quality. To solve the problems of slow convergence speed and weak global search ability in the current commonly used joint trajectory optimization algorithms, a joint trajectory planning method based on slime mould whale optimization algorithm (SMWOA) was researched, which could obtain the joint trajectory within a short time and with low energy consumption. On the basis of analyses of the whale optimization algorithm (WOA) and slime mould algorithm (SMA) in detail, the SMWOA was proposed by combining the two methods. By adjusting dynamic parameters and introducing dynamic weights, the proposed SMWOA increased the probability of obtaining the global optimal solution. The optimized results of 15 benchmark functions verified that the optimization accuracy of the SMWOA is clearly better than that of other classical algorithms. An experiment was carried out in which this algorithm was applied to joint trajectory optimization. Taking 6-DOF UR5 manipulator as an example, the results show that the optimized running time of the joints is reduced by 37.674% compared with that before optimization. The efficiency of robot joint motion was improved. This study provides a theoretical basis for the optimization of other engineering fields.
A Constructive Heuristics and an Iterated Neighborhood Search Procedure to Solve the Cost-Balanced Path Problem
Authors: Ambrosino Daniela , Cerrone Carmine , Sciomachen Anna
Published: September 2022

This paper presents a new heuristic algorithm tailored to solve large instances of an NP-hard variant of the shortest path problem, denoted the cost-balanced path problem, recently proposed in the literature. The problem consists in finding the origin–destination path in a direct graph, having both negative and positive weights associated with the arcs, such that the total sum of the weights of the selected arcs is as close to zero as possible. At least to the authors’ knowledge, there are no solution algorithms for facing this problem. The proposed algorithm integrates a constructive procedure and an improvement procedure, and it is validated thanks to the implementation of an iterated neighborhood search procedure. The reported numerical experimentation shows that the proposed algorithm is computationally very efficient. In particular, the proposed algorithm is most suitable in the case of large instances where it is possible to prove the existence of a perfectly balanced path and thus the optimality of the solution by finding a good percentage of optimal solutions in negligible computational time.
A Review on Solid-State-Based Additive Friction Stir Deposition
Authors: Dong Hongrui , Li Xiaoqiang , Xu Ke , Zang Zhenyu , Liu Xin , Zhang Zongjiang , Xiao Wenlong , Li Yong
Published: September 2022

Additive manufacturing (AM) is an important technology in Industry 4.0. In recent years, solid-state-based additive friction stir deposition (AFSD) has attracted much attention, as it can avoid the inherent defect of melting and rapid solidification in electron beam-based or laser-based AM technologies. The macro and micro laws, finite element simulation, and engineering application technology of the AFSD process are still in their early stages. This paper mainly reviews the equipment, mechanism, the effect of process parameters on macro/micro characters, and the engineering applications of the AFSD process. Further, based on the complex loading conditions during the AFSD process, some perspectives are proposed, including the characterization method, unified constitutive model, novel composite manufacturing technology, and systematic study of the AFSD process.
Dynamic Prediction of Air Traffic Situation in Large-Scale Airspace
Authors: Sui Dong , Liu Kechen , Li Qian
Published: September 2022

Air traffic situation prediction is critical for traffic flow management and the optimal allocation of airspace resources. In this study, the multi-sector airspace scenario is abstracted into an undirected graph. A spatiotemporal graph convolutional network (STGCN) model is developed to portray the spatiotemporal correlation between the sector operational situation changes. The model can predict multi-sector operational situations using time series data such as sector operational situation data and traffic volume within the sector. Experimenting on the air traffic situation dataset of 30 area sectors in the Shanghai control area revealed that the STGCN model has a prediction accuracy of above 90%, and it outperforms the benchmark method of traditional traffic prediction. This proves the effectiveness of the proposed situation prediction model.
RETRACTED: Noorhosseini, S.A.; Damalas, C.A. Environmental Impact of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Production under Different Levels of Nitrogen Fertilization. Agriculture 2018, 8, 104
Authors:   Agriculture Editorial Office
Published: September 2022

The journal retracts the article (Environmental Impact of Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L [...]
RETRACTED: Allahyari et al. Farmers’ Technical Knowledge about Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Olive Production. Agriculture 2017, 7, 101
Authors:   Agriculture Editorial Office
Published: September 2022

The journal retracts the article (Farmers’ Technical Knowledge about Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in Olive Production [...]
Are the Agricultural Subsidies Based on the Farm Size Justified? Empirical Evidence from the Czech Republic
Authors: Svobodová Eliška , Redlichová Radka , Chmelíková Gabriela , Blažková Ivana
Published: September 2022

The paper aims to explore the relationship between size, production orientation, and performance in the Czech agriculture and to answer the research question as to what extent a farm size and a product orientation of farm do matter in relation to its productivity and profitability. We use data from FADN CZ database (Farm Accountancy Data Network—Czech Republic) of conventional farms oriented on fieldcrops production, milk production, other grazing livestock and mixed production, and we cover the period from 2015–2020. Pursuing an econometric approach (ANOVA and multivariate regression analysis), we test productivity and profitability differentiation among the different-sized and different production orientation companies. Finally, subsidies and their effects on different groups of companies are assessed. The findings from testing our empirical model indicate that very large farms have statistically significantly higher total factor productivity than large farms, which perform better than medium and small farms. Average productivity of large-size farms compared to small and medium farms is 1.4 times higher in terms of total factor productivity, more than two times higher in terms of agricultural land productivity, and 3.2 times higher in terms of labour productivity. The findings show that farms with field production statistically significantly outperform farms with orientation on other grazing livestock and mixed production. Different levels of productivity are translated into differentiation in the profitability. The highest profitability ratios are achieved by large farms followed by very large, medium, and small ones. The assessment of ratio of subsidies to agricultural production shows that small farms received 2.3 times higher agricultural subsidies per unit of agricultural production compared to very large farms.
The Invasion and Long Naturalization of Solanum elaeagnifolium affects the Soil Nematode Community: Evidence from a Comparative Study
Authors: Karmezi Maria , Krigas Nikos , Argyropoulou Maria D.
Published: September 2022

To date, the effects of invasive plants on soil communities and the concomitant interactions thereof have been the subject of ever-growing concern. Solanum elaeagnifolium (S) is a noxious invasive weed originating from south-central America, which has been recognized as a serious threat around the Mediterranean basin and worldwide. Herein, we compared soil nematode communities in the rhizospheres of (S), against those of its native antagonist Cichorium intybus (C), in sites where these two ruderal plants coexist (“species” effect—hereafter “sp”). These sites differed regarding the time after the initial invasion of (S) and were regarded as recently and historically invaded (10 years and 70 years after invasion; “year” effect—hereafter “yr”). Neither “sp” nor “yr” affected total nematode abundance and nematode functional indices. Diversity was lower in (S) and was reduced even more with time after invasion in both plant species. Plant parasites decreased significantly from S–10yr to S–70yr, i.e., over time after invasion, while predators were fewer in (C). Distinct nematode communities in terms of genera structure were formed under the two plant species and these were significantly affected by the time after (S) invasion. Differences between these communities related to loss of genera but also to changes in the abundance of common ones, such as Acrobeloides and Pratylenchus. Our results showed that the responses of the examined soil communities to the invasion of (S) are not straightforward and cannot be easily explained on the basis of existing theories. However, the first-time results furnished herein may be useful to integrated management strategies in the future.
Rapeseed Variety Recognition Based on Hyperspectral Feature Fusion
Authors: Liu Fan , Wang Fang , Wang Xiaoqiao , Liao Guiping , Zhang Zaiqi , Yang Yuan , Jiao Yangmiao
Published: September 2022

As an important oil crop, rapeseed contributes to the food security of the world. In recent years, agronomists have cultivated many new varieties, which has increased human nutritional needs. Variety recognition is of great importance for yield improvement and quality breeding. In view of the low efficiency and damage of traditional methods, in this paper, we develop a noninvasive model for the recognition of rapeseed varieties based on hyperspectral feature fusion. Three types of hyperspectral image features, namely, the multifractal feature, color characteristics, and trilateral parameters, are fused together to identify 11 rapeseed species. An optimal feature is selected using a simple rule, and then the three kinds of features are fused. The support vector machine kernel method is employed as a classifier. The average recognition rate reaches 96.35% and 93.71% for distinguishing two species and 11 species, respectively. The abundance test model demonstrates that our model possesses robustness. The high recognition rate is almost independent of the number of modeling samples and classifiers. This result can provide some practical experience and method guidance for the rapid recognition of rapeseed varieties.
Comprehensive Assessment of the Influence of Applying Two Kinds of Chicken-Manure-Processed Organic Fertilizers on Soil Properties, Mineralization of Nitrogen, and Yields of Three Crops
Authors: Hsu Chun-Mai , Lai Hung-Yu
Published: September 2022

(1) Background: Excessive use of chemical fertilizers accelerates soil acidification and increases greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, the farmland application of organic fertilizers not only reuses agricultural waste but also improves soil quality. (2) Methods: Two organic fertilizers made from chicken manure—G508 and G509—were field applied, implementing once or twice (denoted by X1 and X2, respectively) the recommended amount of nitrogen for three crops. In addition, an incubation experiment was conducted to assess the mineralization of the organic fertilizers. (3) Results: G508 did not undergo a composting process and, thus, had a higher content of nitrogen compared to G509. Therefore, although the soil properties improved under G509, the total mineral nitrogen released was lower than G508. Compared to chemical fertilizer treatment, the application of G508 and G509 increased the soil’s pH value, concentrations of organic matter, available phosphorus, and exchangeable concentrations of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. In addition, the crop yield under G508X2 treatment was even higher than that under chemical fertilizer treatment. (4) Conclusions: Although G508 and G509 were both processed using chicken manure, they exhibited different nutrient-release behaviors during mineralization and also had different influences on the soil properties and growth of the three crops.
Long-Term Conservation Tillage Practices Directly and Indirectly Affect Soil Micro-Food Web in a Chinese Mollisol
Authors: Sui Pengxiang , Li Ruiping , Zheng Hongbing , Wang Hao , Yuan Ye , Luo Yang , Zheng Jinyu , Liu Wuren
Published: September 2022

Soil micro-food webs play an essential role in maintaining or improving the stability of agricultural soils, and they can be influenced by tillage. However, little is known with respect to soil microbial and faunal communities and their relationships shaped by long-term tillage practices. The goal of this study was to investigate the impact of 38 years of no-tillage (NT), subsoil tillage (ST), moldboard plow tillage (MP), and rotary and ridge tillage (CT) practices on soil microbial and faunal communities, and their relationships with soil properties using high-throughput sequencing technology and structural equation modeling (SEM) at 2 soil depths (0–20 cm and 20–40 cm). The results indicate that, after the 38-year (1983–2020) period, the bacterial, fungal, protozoan, and metazoan gene copy numbers under the NT treatment at 0–20 cm were 1.31–6.13 times higher than those under the other treatments. Conversely, the microbial and protozoan alpha diversities were reduced under the NT treatment compared with the CT treatment. However, MP significantly increased microbial and faunal gene copy numbers at 20–40 cm. Moreover, the bacterial community composition remarkably varied relative to the community composition of the fungi and fauna in response to the tillage practices and soil depths. Additionally, the highest and lowest average connectivities of the soil micro-food web networks were observed under the ST and MP treatments, respectively. The SEM demonstrated that tillage practices and soil depths explained 73–98% of the microbial and faunal abundances, diversities, and compositions. Additionally, tillage and depth demonstrated direct quantitative effects and indirect quantitative effects by altering the soil mean weight diameter of aggregates, soil organic carbon, and total nitrogen. Overall, subsoil tillage is recommended as the optimal practice for application in northeast China, and it could improve soil properties and aid in forming a more complex soil micro-food web structure.
Metabolomic Analysis of the Takifugu Obscurus Gill under Acute Hypoxic Stress
Authors: Zhang Huakun , Hu Ziwen , Li Run , Wang Yaohui , Zhou Jinxu , Xu Hao , Wang Guan , Qiu Xuemei , Wang Xiuli
Published: September 2022

Takifugu obscurus has relatively small gills and gill pores. Consequently, a relatively low respiratory capacity. This fish is thus easily negatively affected by the low levels of dissolved oxygen (DO) that are common in high-intensity aquaculture. In order to clarify the mechanisms underlying the hypoxia response of T. obscurus, we used liquid mass spectrometry (LC–MS) to identify and quantify the metabolites present in the T. obscurus gill under the following conditions: normoxia (DO, 7.0 ± 0.2 mg/L), hypoxia (DO, 0.9 ± 0.2 mg/L), and reoxygenation (4, 12, and 24 h after return to normoxia conditions). We identified a total of 821 and 383 metabolites in the gill in positive and negative ion modes, respectively. Of the metabolites identified in positive ion mode, 136 were differentially abundant between hypoxia and all other conditions; of the metabolites identified in negative ion mode, 34 were differentially abundant between hypoxia and all other conditions. The metabolites which were differentially abundant under hypoxia primarily included glycerol phospholipids, fatty acids, hormones, and amino acids as well as related compounds. The pathways which were significantly enriched in the differentially abundant metabolites included the lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, purine metabolism, FoxO signaling pathway, and mTOR signaling pathway. Our results help to clarify the mechanisms underlying hypoxia tolerance and to identify hypoxia-related metabolites, as well as to highlight potential research targets for the development of hypoxic-tolerant strains in the future.
Heteroscedastic Reaction Norm Models Improve the Assessment of Genotype by Environment Interaction for Growth, Reproductive, and Visual Score Traits in Nellore Cattle
Authors: Carvalho Filho Ivan , Silva Delvan A. , Teixeira Caio S. , Silva Thales L. , Mota Lucio F. M. , Albuquerque Lucia G. , Carvalheiro Roberto
Published: September 2022

The assessment of the presence of genotype by environment interaction (GxE) in beef cattle is very important in tropical countries with diverse climatic conditions and production systems. The present study aimed to assess the presence of GxE by using different reaction norm models for eleven traits related to growth, reproduction, and visual score in Nellore cattle. We studied five reaction norm models (RNM), fitting a linear model considering homoscedastic residual variance (RNM_homo), and four models considering heteroskedasticity, being linear (RNM_hete), quadratic (RNM_quad), linear spline (RNM_l-l), and quadratic spline (RNM_q-q). There was the presence of GxE for age at first calving (AFC), scrotal circumference (SC), weaning to yearling weight gain (WYG), and yearling weight (YW). The best models were RNM_l-l for YW and RNM_q-q for AFC, SC, and WYG. The heritability estimates for RNM_l-l ranged from 0.07 to 0.20, 0.42 to 0.61, 0.24 to 0.42, and 0.47 to 0.63 for AFC, SC, WYG, and YW, respectively. The heteroskedasticity in reaction norm models improves the assessment of the presence of GxE for YW, WYG, AFC, and SC. Additionally, the trajectories of reaction norms for these traits seem to be affected by a non-linear component, and selecting robust animals for these traits is an alternative to increase production and reduce environmental sensitivity.
Global and Brazilian Scenario of Guidelines and Legislation on Welfare in Pig Farming
Authors: de Castro Lippi Isabella Cristina , Caldara Fabiana Ribeiro , de Lima Almeida Paz Ibiara Correia , Odakura Agnês Markiy
Published: September 2022

The evolution of scientific knowledge regarding animal sentience, together with the growing concerns of consumers regarding current production models, has brought with it the responsibility of reviewing many practices carried out in industrial swine farming, with the purpose of improving the life quality of animals throughout the entire production cycle. In this sense, many initiatives have been taken by European Union, OIE and other countries to abolish questionable practices from an animal welfare point of view, being signed through legislation or normative instructions, which guide governments and companies on the best practices to be adopted. Among the main changes that have taken place in swine farming are the ban or reduction in the use of cages for sows, restrictions on the age at weaning, ban on painful procedures such as surgical castration, tail and teeth clipping, as routine procedures or without the use of anesthesia/analgesia. In addition, these acts also prescribe practices that must be adopted in order to respect the natural behavior of animals, such as the use of environmental enrichment. This review aims to address the main advances made over the last few years in the protection of swine, as well as Brazilian initiatives in this regard.
Acetate-Induced Milk Fat Synthesis Is Associated with Activation of the mTOR Signaling Pathway in Bovine Mammary Epithelial Cells
Authors: Lin Miao , Jiang Maocheng , Yang Tianyu , Tan Dejin , Hu Guanghui , Zhao Guoqi , Zhan Kang
Published: September 2022

Acetate is a precursor substance for fatty acid synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs), and the mTOR signaling pathway plays an important role in milk fat synthesis. However, the mechanism of the regulatory effects of acetate on lipogenic genes via the mTOR signaling pathway in BMEC remains unknown. We hypothesized that acetate can enhance the expression of lipogenic genes and triglyceride (TG) production by activating the mTOR signaling pathway in BMECs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the network of acetate-regulated lipid metabolism by the mTOR signaling pathway in BMECs. These results showed that TG synthesis was elevated (p < 0.01) in BMECs with acetate treatment. The lipid droplets were increased in the acetate-treated groups compared with those in the control group through the Bodipy staining of the lipids. In addition, the fatty acid profile in BMECs treated with acetate was affected, with an elevation in the proportions of C14:0, C16:0, and C18:0. The mRNA levels of the sterol-response-element-binding protein 1 (SREBP1), stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) genes involved in the lipogenesis and transcriptional factors were upregulated (p < 0.05) in BMECs with acetate treatment. Remarkably, the expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase α (ACCα) and FAS rate-limiting enzymes involved in lipogenesis was upregulated in BMECs with acetate treatment. Moreover, the addition of acetate enhanced the key protein expression of S6K1, which is related to the mTOR signaling pathway. Taken together, our data suggest that TG accumulation and expression of lipogenic genes induced by acetate are associated with the activation of the mTOR signaling pathway, which provides new insights into the understanding of the molecular mechanism in the expression of mTOR-signaling-pathway-regulated lipogenic genes.
Host–Parasite Relationship—Nematode Communities in Populations of Small Mammals
Authors: Miljević Milan , Čabrilo Borislav , Budinski Ivana , Rajičić Marija , Bajić Branka , Bjelić-Čabrilo Olivera , Blagojević Jelena
Published: September 2022

Nematode burdens and variation in morphological characteristics were assessed in eighty-eight animals from three host species (Apodemus sylvaticus, Apodemus flavicollis, and Myodes glareolus) from eight localities in Serbia. In total, 15 species of nematodes were identified, and the overall mean parasite species richness (IndPSR) was 1.61 per animal (1.98 in A. flavicollis, 1.43 in M. glareolus, and 0.83 in A. sylvaticus). Furthermore, the studied host species significantly differed in individual parasite load (IndPL) and in the following morphological characters: spleen mass, body condition index (BCI), and body mass. We aimed to analyze the relationship between the burden of intestinal nematodes, on one hand, and the body conditions of the host and its capability to develop immune defends on the other. Spleen mass was considered as a measure of immune response. In all host species, larger animals with a better condition (higher BCI) were infected with more parasites species (IndPSR), while parasite load was not related to BCI. Only in A. flavicollis were males significantly larger, but females of the same sizes were infected with more parasite species. This female-biased parasitism is contrary to the theoretical expectation that males should be more parasitized, being larger, more active, with a wider home range. Although the spleen size was significantly correlated with body condition and body mass, IndPSR was not related to spleen mass in any studied species, but in M. galareolus, we found that a smaller spleen was related to higher infection intensity (IndPL).
Intraovarian Injection of Reconstituted Lyophilized Growth-Promoting Factor Extracted from Horse Blood Platelets (L-GFequina) Increases Oocytes Recovery and In Vitro Embryo Production in Holstein Cows
Authors: Borş Silviu-Ionuț , Dascălu Dan-Lucian , Borş Alina , Fahmy Hossam M. , Kandil Omaima M. , Abdoon Ahmed Sabry S.
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of intraovarian injections of a reconstituted lyophilized growth-promoting factor extracted from horse blood platelets (L-GFequina) on the number of ovarian follicles, the recovery of cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs), and embryo development to the blastocyst stage in Holstein cows. Thus, 12 Holstein cows were assigned to three protocols. According to the number of punctured follicles in protocol 1, ovum pick-up (OPU) was conducted on days 6 and 14 of the cycle (day 0 = estrus). In protocol 2, every large follicle (more than 7 mm) was removed, and 1 mL of L-GFequina was intraovarian injected (day 0). Two days later, equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) was administered, and OPU sessions were conducted on days 6, 10, and 14. The same ovarian stimulation procedure as that in protocol 2 was performed in protocol 3, except that equine L-GFequina was not supplied. OPU was carried out on days 6 and 10 of the cycle. The results indicate that the intraovarian injection of L-GFequina significantly (p < 0.05) increased the number of OPU sessions per cycle, the recovery of cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs), and the production of blastocysts. In conclusion, an intraovarian injection of L-GFequina can improves OPU-IVEP results in Holstein cows.
Common Digital Extensor Tendon Injury in Three Sporting Dogs
Authors: Franini Alessio , Entani Maria Grazia
Published: September 2022

Injuries to canine athletes are becoming more and more frequent, and perfect knowledge of all injury-prone anatomic structures is mandatory to achieve correct diagnoses and treatments. In this small case series discussion, trauma-based injury to the common digital extensor tendon of digits III and IV of the forelimb is described for the first time. The anatomy as well as the clinical and ultrasonographic findings show similarities to the human spectrum of pathologies called boxer’s knuckle. The treatment options with a buddy taping technique led to a satisfactory outcome at three months from trauma, without a history of re-injury. Injuries to the extensor compartment of the forepaw should be considered in cases of forelimb lameness with dorsal metacarpophalangeal swelling in sporting patients, especially with a history of blunt force traumas.