bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chilean University Students’ Satisfaction With Online Learning During COVID-19 Pandemic: Demonstrating the Two-Layer Methodology
Authors: Montero Rodrigo , Gempp René , Vargas Miguel
Published: July 2022

Student satisfaction is a crucial determinant of success in online education, but studies on satisfaction with virtual classes during the COVID-19 outbreak are still scarce. This research contributes empirical evidence regarding the determinants of overall satisfaction with online classes and academic performance through the domain satisfaction approach. Additionally, we introduce to the psychological literature the two-layer model, a well-known econometric methodology, to estimate the effect of domain satisfaction while controlling the impact of unobserved individual differences. Our analyses are based on a cross-sectional sample of n = 648 Chilean university students (53.4% female) surveyed at the end of the first academic semester of 2021, during the lockdown mandated by the Chilean government due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Results show that satisfaction with the support provided by the university, satisfaction with learning, and satisfaction with the perceived quality of the online classes significantly explain the 68% of the variance of satisfaction with the virtual classes experience. Furthermore, satisfaction with academic performance is significantly explained by satisfaction with grades, learning, and the perceived quality of the online classes (R2 = .65). We also explore heterogeneous effects, separating them by gender and geographic area, and find that domains that systematically impact students’ satisfaction with online education are satisfaction with grades, learning, and the quality of classes.
Predictive and Contemporaneous Power of the Determinants of Stock Liquidity
Authors: Xie Linyin , Jin Yuanqing , Mo Chanxuan
Published: July 2022

This study constructs nine (five) idiosyncratic (systematic) variables to test the predictive and contemporaneous power of the determinants of stock liquidity. We select A shares from January 2003 to September 2021 to study stock liquidity in the Chinese market. As a novel discovery, this study finds that stock liquidity abnormally decreases with contemporaneous idiosyncratic return and also with 1-year lagged systematic return. Only the idiosyncratic return variance can decrease future short-term or contemporaneous stock liquidity. Idiosyncratic factors are more important than systematic ones for contemporaneous and future stock liquidity. The predictive power of the determinants decreases with the forecast length. Economic policy uncertainty (EPU) can affect sensitivity of stock liquidity to contemporaneous determinants. The empirical results of this research are robust over subperiods, forecast length and across four liquidity measurements. The abnormalities and linkages between determinants and stock liquidity are correlated with investor psychology and special market mechanism in China.
Research on Sustainable Development of Competitive Sports in China Based on PSR and DEA Model
Authors: Zhang Su , Ouyang Tong , Wei Shou-Yu , Liang Bei-Bei , Zhu Jia-Ming
Published: July 2022

From the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games to the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, the sustainable development of competitive sports has become more and more popular in China. Therefore, for the sustainable development of China's competitive sports, first, the logical relationship of “pressure-state-response” is adopted to select the index system, covering the elements of the economy, society, policy, and so on. Principal component analysis and entropy weight method are used to construct the comprehensive evaluation model of the sustainable development of competitive sports. Second, through the coupling coordination method to study the coordinated development of China's competitive sports and economic society, and then from the perspective of the obstacle factor diagnosis method to determine the obstacles to the sustainable development of China's competitive sports system. Finally, the DEA model is used to predict the development level of competitive sports in China's provinces in the next 10–20 years. The research shows that the overall development level of competitive sports in China is good, but there are certain differences among different regions. Meanwhile, from the forecast results, the development level of competitive sports in Hainan, Shanxi, Anhui, Jiangxi, Inner Mongolia, Gansu, and Ningxia may be greatly improved in the future. Based on the above research conclusions, this study puts forward some suggestions to give full play to the joint and synergistic development effect among different regions, reasonably draw lessons from the advanced experience of competitive sports development at home and abroad, and scientifically construct the comprehensive development system of competitive sports. At the same time, the research of this study provides some reference value for the sustainable development of China's competitive sports and the coordinated development of China's competitive sports and economic society.
A New Destination on the Palm? The Moderating Effect of Travel Anxiety on Digital Tourism Behavior in Extended UTAUT2 and TTF Models
Authors: Sun Jiaojiao , Guo Yingzhi
Published: July 2022

Digital tourism has developed rapidly, especially in museums. However, as people become increasingly familiar with digital museums, their use intentions and behavior have changed. Taking the Digital Palace Museum in China as an example, applying the PLS-SEM method, this study uncovers visitors’ use intentions and actual use behavior for digital museums by integrating the new UTAUT model (UTAUT2) and TTF model (TTF under social distancing) and introduces the PATS (Pandemic Anxiety Travel Scale) model to reveal how pandemic anxiety promotes the transformation of use intentions into use behavior more easily. The results show that performance expectations, hedonic motivations, habits, and task-technology-fit positively affect use intentions for digital museums. However, the price-saving orientation negatively affects use intentions. Pandemic anxiety moderates the effect of use intentions on actual behavior. When travel anxiety is relatively high, use intentions have a greater effect on use behavior for digital museums. The results reveal the influencing factors on use intentions of digital museums and the moderating effect of pandemic anxiety on the relation between use intentions and actual behavior.
Contribution of Two-Dose Vaccination Toward the Reduction of COVID-19 Cases, ICU Hospitalizations and Deaths in Chile Assessed Through Explanatory Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale, and Shape
Authors: Reyes Humberto , Diethelm-Varela Benjamin , Méndez Constanza , Rebolledo-Zelada Diego , Lillo-Dapremont Bastián , Muñoz Sergio R. , Bueno Susan M. , González Pablo A. , Kalergis Alexis M.
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To assess the impact of the initial two-dose-schedule mass vaccination campaign in Chile toward reducing adverse epidemiological outcomes due to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Methods

Publicly available epidemiological data ranging from 3 February 2021 to 30 September 2021 were used to construct GAMLSS models that explain the beneficial effect of up to two doses of vaccination on the following COVID-19-related outcomes: new cases per day, daily active cases, daily occupied ICU beds and daily deaths.

Results

Administered first and second vaccine doses, and the statistical interaction between the two, are strong, statistically significant predictors for COVID-19-related new cases per day (R2 = 0.847), daily active cases (R2 = 0.903), ICU hospitalizations (R2 = 0.767), and deaths (R2 = 0.827).

Conclusion

Our models stress the importance of completing vaccination schedules to reduce the adverse outcomes during the pandemic. Future work will continue to assess the influence of vaccines, including booster doses, as the pandemic progresses, and new variants emerge.

Policy Implications

This work highlights the importance of attaining full (two-dose) vaccination status and reinforces the notion that a second dose provides increased non-additive protection. The trends we observed may also support the inclusion of booster doses in vaccination plans. These insights could contribute to guiding other countries in their vaccination campaigns.
An ecological dynamics perspective on designing urban nature environments for wellbeing and health-enhancing physical activity
Authors: Brito Henrique , Brymer Eric , Araújo Duarte
Published: July 2022

The latest World Health Organization report on green and blue space and mental health (2021) calls for greater, and better, urban nature environments, i. e., “wilder” urban parks, tree-laden sidewalks, and overall presence of nature in the urban environment. Evidence shows that living close to and interacting with nature promotes benefits to numerous health and well-being indicators. The present article narratively reviews what are the aspects of urban nature environments that enhance health and wellbeing markers, which aspects are preferred among users and visitors of urban nature environments, and how can the benefits for health and wellbeing be understood from a theoretical perspective. Finally, guided by the ecological dynamics framework, suggestions are put forward on how designers and planners of urban nature environments can consider affordances to promote physical activity behavior, health and wellbeing; and how exercise and health researchers and professionals may channel the interaction of individuals with the nature environment in their interventions and programs.
COVID-19 Shock and the Time-Varying Volatility Spillovers Among the Energy and Precious Metals Markets: Evidence From A DCC-GARCH-CONNECTEDNESS Approach
Authors: Tan Xiaoyu , Wang Xuetong , Ma Shiqun , Wang Zhimeng , Zhao Yang , Xiang Lijin
Published: July 2022

The outbreak of the COVID-19 epidemic intensified the volatility of commodity markets (the energy and precious metals markets), which created a significant negative impact on the volatility spillovers among these markets. It may also have triggered a new volatility risk contagion. In this paper, we introduce the DCC-GARCH-CONNECTEDNESS approach to explore the volatility spillover level and multi-level spillover structure characteristics among the commodity markets before and during the COVID-19 epidemic in order to clarify the new volatility risk contagion patterns across the markets. The results implied several conclusions. (i) The COVID-19 epidemic has significantly improved the total volatility spillover level of the energy and precious metals markets and has enhanced the risk connectivity among the markets. (ii) The COVID-19 epidemic has amplified the volatility of the crude oil market, making it the main volatility spillover market, namely the source of volatility risk contagion. (iii) The COVID-19 epidemic outbreak enhanced the external risk absorption capacity of the natural gas and silver markets, and the absorption level of the external volatility spillover improved significantly. Furthermore, the risk absorption capacity of the gold market weakened, while the gold market has remained the endpoint of external volatility risk during the epidemic and has acted as a risk stabilizer. (iv) The volatility spillover among markets has clear time-varying characteristics and a positive connectedness with the severity of the COVID-19 epidemic. As the severity of the COVID-19 epidemic increases, the volatility risk connectivity among the markets rapidly increases.
Food and housing security at a US Hispanic-Serving Institution: An examination before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Wagler Amy , Schober Gregory S. , Chavez-Baray Silvia M. , Ayala Jessica , Dessauer Paul R. , Moya Eva M.
Published: July 2022

University students occupy a socially marginal position and therefore are often underserved by academic and service institutions. This article analyzes food and housing security among students at The University of Texas at El Paso, a Hispanic-Serving Institution located in the U.S.-Mexico Border region. Findings of a sample of n = 7,633 university students are presented in the first cross-sectional, two-year food and housing security study on campus administered via platform Campus Labs Baseline. The first sample in 2019 consisted of n = 2,615 students representing 10.4% of student enrollment (25,177 total 2019 enrollment), and the second sample in 2020 was n = 5,018 representing 20.2% of student enrollment (24,879 total 2020 enrollment). To measure food security, the six-item short form of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Household Food Security Survey Module was used. To document housing security, we created questions informed by student input. In this study, survey results are reported, and tests are conducted to assess the relationships between various student characteristics and food and housing security. Student characteristics significantly impacting food and housing security are probed further using data visualizations and subpopulation analysis with a focus on analyzing factors impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Results indicate that employment status, consistent employment status, hours per week, academic level, number of dependents, and gender are all factors associated with food security during the pandemic but not prior to the pandemic. Other factors, including, college affiliation, ethnicity/race, having any dependents and being head of household, living alone, mode of campus transportation and mode of the transportation, household income, and age, all were associated with food security in both academic years. Using these results, a critical analysis of past interventions addressing food and housing security is presented with a focus on changes made during the pandemic. Recommendations are made for further data-driven interventions and future steps.
Association of sex with the global burden of vision impairment caused by neonatal preterm birth: An analysis from the global burden of disease study 2019
Authors: Ye Xin , Wang Jun , Zhong Xiaxing , Qiu Wangli , Yang Shangchao , He Shucheng , Lou Lixia , Shen Lijun
Published: July 2022

Aims

To investigate the sex-specific global burden of neonatal preterm birth (NPB) vision impairment by year, age, and socioeconomic status using years lived with disability (YLDs).

Methods

The global, regional, and national sex-specific YLD numbers, crude YLD rates, and age-standardized YLD rates of NPB-related moderate and severe vision loss and blindness were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019. The Wilcoxon test and linear regression were used to investigate the relationship between sex difference in age-standardized YLD rates and the Human Development Index (HDI).

Results

Between 1990 and 2019, the gender disparity in age-standardized YLD rates for NPB-related vision impairment remained stable, increasing from 10.2 [95% uncertainty interval (UI) 6.7–14.6] to 10.4 (95% UI 6.9–15.0) for men and 10.3 (95% UI 6.8–14.7) to 10.7 (95% UI 7.2–15.1) for women, with women consistently having higher age-standardized YLD rates. Between the ages of 25 and 75, women had higher YLD rates than males, with the biggest disparity in the 60–64 age group. In 2019, sex difference in age-standardized YLD rates across 195 nations was statistically significant. Women had higher age-standardized YLD rates than men in both low (Z = −3.53, p < 0.001) and very high HDI countries (Z = −4.75, p < 0.001). Additionally, age-standardized YLD rates were found to be adversely associated with HDI (male: Standardized β = −0.435, female: Standardized β = −0.440; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Despite advancements in worldwide NPB health care, sexual differences in NPB-related vision impairment burden showed little change. Female had higher burden than male, particularly in low and very high socioeconomic status countries.
The association between reproductive history and the multidimensional health of older adults in rural China and its gender differences: Evidence from the Chinese longitudinal healthy longevity survey
Authors: Yu Changyong , Liang Hang , Wang Boyu , Liang Fei , Liu Erpeng , Xiang Nan
Published: July 2022

Background

Few studies have examined the association between reproductive history and the multidimensional health of older adults with more diverse reproductive histories and poorer health status in rural China. The purpose of this study is to explore the effect of parity, sex ratio of children and late childbearing on multidimensional health and its gender differences.

Methods

The analytical sample consisted of 3,377 older adults in rural China who participated in the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) in 2018. Linear regression models were applied to estimate the relationship between reproductive history and multidimensional health, with separate models for each indicator of health outcomes.

Results

Older adults in rural areas with greater parity were more likely to have better cognitive function (β = 0.409, 95% CI: 0.255–0.563), fewer Activities of Daily Living (ADL) limitations (β = −0.085, 95% CI: −0.137 to −0.034) and symptoms of depression (β = −0.396, 95% CI: −0.577 to −0.216). The social mechanism of intergenerational support from children later in life partly explained the positive effect of parity. Late childbearing had negative effects on cognitive function (β = −1.220, 95% CI: −1.895 to −0.545), ADL (β = 0.253, 95% CI: 0.028–0.478) and symptoms of depression (β = 1.025, 95% CI: 0.237–1.812). Women were more likely to be influenced by the positive effect of parity; the association between late childbearing and health was only significant in the male group.

Conclusions

Parity and late childbearing are associated with cognitive function, activities of daily living, and symptoms of depression in the older adults in rural China. Older adults with more children might be in better health, and this finding is especially significant in women. However, late childbearing had a negative effect on multidimensional health, especially for men. The social mechanism and gender differences between reproductive history and health need to be further explored.
The role of universities' sustainability, teachers' wellbeing, and attitudes toward e-learning during COVID-19
Authors: Fülöp Melinda Timea , Breaz Teodora Odett , He Xiaofei , Ionescu Constantin Aurelian , Cordoş George Silviu , Stanescu Sorina Geanina
Published: July 2022

In recent years, universities worldwide have experienced rapid changes with an immense impact, which have been influenced by technological progress and the social trends of digitalization. Like all other revolutionary changes, digital transformation involves intense adjustment/readjustment. University sustainability must be the active concern of all higher education institutions. Thus, the present research aims to analyse teachers' acceptance of new technologies and the impact on their wellbeing and university sustainability. The main objective was to analyse the acceptance of technology in special the e-learning opportunities and the wellbeing of teacher in an emergent country like Romania. To achieve our goal, we created a questionnaire based on the literature, and with the help of the technology acceptance model, we tested our hypotheses. The results indicate several discontents on the part of teachers concerning adapting to new technologies and even a personal discomfort in adapting to these new technologies. Thus, we can note that wellbeing significantly influences job satisfaction and teachers' involvement in sustainable development.
Delivering Blue-Green Infrastructure: Innovation Pathways for Integrating Multiple Values
Authors: Kuitert Lizet , van Buuren Arwin
Published: July 2022

Realizing a multifunctional blue-green infrastructure (BGI) as a nature-based solution for the urban water system and built environment within crowded city areas is seen as a promising route for the process of climate adaptation. BGI projects like rain gardens, green roofs, and water squares can be combined to achieve a variety of technical (drainage), environmental (biodiversity), economic (property development) and social (health and wellbeing) goals and values at a local neighborhood level. As integrating such values within local governments' existing fragmented structures and procedures has proved to be challenging, urban governments are increasingly experimenting with innovative governance approaches at different levels to capitalize on the multiple benefits of BGI. Nevertheless, policy actors who try to justify their choices in the face of value conflicts are both constrained and enabled by the institutions they can call on. Using a qualitative comparative case study, this article therefore aims to gain insight into different ways of, or approaches to, organizing value integration. In particular, we compare: (1) a top-down case of programmatic steering to translate value integration into a neighborhood approach; (2) a market-oriented innovative procurement approach to local public-private partnership projects; and (3) a case of invitational governance for a future-proof neighborhood that is striving for a sense of citizen ownership. Our findings demonstrate the conditions, drivers, and barriers to the value integration of different governance innovations in relation to time-related issues, the types of support available, organizational embedding, and stakeholder involvement. Our specific focus is on understanding how social and sustainability and spatial and technical values are integrated. This paper thus helps us to get to grips with different pathways to value integration in the context of urban infrastructures, as well as their applicability and the conditions for success. These insights will enable the further strengthening of our capacity to build climate-proof cities in a value-driven and integrative manner.
Effect of intraoperative dexmedetomidine on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in pediatric living-related liver transplantation: A propensity score matching analysis
Authors: Zhang Liang , Cui Ling-Li , Yang Wen-He , Xue Fu-Shan , Zhu Zhi-Jun
Published: July 2022

Background

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) is largely unavoidable during liver transplantation (LT). Dexmedetomidine (DEX), an α2-adrenergic agonist, exerts a variety of organ-protective effects in pediatric populations. However, evidence remains relatively limited about its hepatoprotective effects in pediatric living-related LT.

Methods

A total of 121 pediatric patients undergoing living-related LT from June 2015 to December 2018 in our hospital were enrolled. They were classified into DEX or non-DEX groups according to whether an infusion of DEX was initiated from incision to the end of surgery. Primary outcomes were postoperative liver graft function and the severity of HIRI. Multivariate logistic regression and propensity score matching (PSM) analyses were performed to identify any association.

Results

A 1:1 matching yielded 35 well-balanced pairs. Before matching, no significant difference was found in baseline characteristics between groups except for warm ischemia time, which was longer in the non-DEX group (44 [38–50] vs. 40 [37–44] min, p = 0.017). After matching, the postoperative peak lactic dehydrogenase levels decreased significantly in the DEX group than in the non-DEX group (622 [516–909] vs. 970 [648–1,490] IU/L, p = 0.002). Although there was no statistical significance, a tendency toward a decrease in moderate-to-extreme HIRI rate was noted in the DEX group compared to the non-DEX group (68.6% vs. 82.9%, p = 0.163). Patients in the DEX group also received a significantly larger dosage of epinephrine as postreperfusion syndrome (PRS) treatment (0.28 [0.17–0.32] vs. 0.17 [0.06–0.30] µg/kg, p = 0.010). However, there were no significant differences between groups in PRS and acute kidney injury incidences, mechanical ventilation duration, intensive care unit, and hospital lengths of stay. Multivariate analysis revealed a larger graft-to-recipient weight ratio (odds ratio [OR] 2.657, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.132–6.239, p = 0.025) and intraoperative DEX administration (OR 0.333, 95% CI, 0.130–0.851, p = 0.022) to be independent predictors of moderate-to-extreme HIRI.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that intraoperative DEX could potentially decrease the risk of HIRI but was associated with a significant increase in epinephrine requirement for PRS in pediatric living-related LT. Further studies, including randomized controlled studies, are warranted to provide more robust evidence.
Case report: Image guidance retrieval of a foreign body in retropharyngeal space
Authors: Wu Xingmei , Wang Yongquan , Sun Wei , Zhu Xiaolin
Published: July 2022

Background

Ingested foreign bodies fully embedded in retropharyngeal space present a unique challenge, as they can be difficult to locate and visualize via classic transoral laryngoscopy or the transcervical approach.

Methods

We retrieved a complete extraluminal chicken bone located in the patient's retropharyngeal space at the level of the C4-C5 spine through a well-designed transcervical approach with a combination of image-guided neck navigation.

Conclusion

A combined use of image-guided neck navigation and a dedicated transcervical approach for location of a foreign body in the retropharyngeal space is practical and available for clinical application.
Effects of Dietary Macleaya cordata Extract Containing Isoquinoline Alkaloids Supplementation as an Alternative to Antibiotics in the Diets on Growth Performance and Liver Health of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Liu Yang , Li Yang , Niu Jiaxing , Liu Hua , Jiao Ning , Huang Libo , Jiang Shuzhen , Yan Lei , Yang Weiren
Published: July 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) containing protopine and allotypotopine on the growth performance and liver health in broiler chickens. A total of 486 1-day-old male AA broiler chickens were randomly assigned to the following three groups: (1) control (CON) group, broiler chickens fed a basal diet; (2) AGP group (positive control), broiler chickens fed a basal diet supplemented with 50 mg/kg aureomycin; (3) MCE group, broiler chickens fed a basal diet supplemented with 0.6 mg/kg MCE including 0.4 mg/kg protopine and 0.2 mg/kg allotypotopine. The results showed that the MCE group had significantly higher final body weight and average daily gain from d 0 to 42 than the other groups (p < 0.05), and groups MCE and AGP both had significantly lower feed-to-gain ratio from d 0 to 42 than the CON group (p < 0.05). Serum total protein, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total cholesterol, glucose, immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin M, and complements (C3, C4) concentrations in the MCE group were significantly higher than in the CON group (p < 0.05). Dietary MCE or aureomycin supplementation significantly reduced the hepatic contents of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, malondialdehyde, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, NLRs family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), and caspase-1 in the liver (p < 0.05). Moreover, MCE or aureomycin supplementation significantly inhibited mRNA expressions of Toll-like receptor 4, myeloid differentiation factor 88, nuclear factor-κB, and NLRP3, as well as the expression ratio of Bax to Bcl-2 mRNA (p < 0.05). Therefore, our study suggested that dietary supplementation with 0.6 mg/kg MCE containing protopine and allocryptopine improved growth performance and benefited liver health in broiler chickens possibly through inhibiting caspase-1-induced pyroptosis by inactivating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway, and provided support for the application of MCE containing protopine and allocryptopine as an alternative to antibiotics in the feed industry.
Tandem mass tag labeled quantitative proteomic analysis of differential protein expression on total alkaloid of Aconitum flavum Hand.-Mazz. against melophagus ovinus
Authors: Wang Xinjian , Yang Zhen , Zhang Yujun , Cheng Feng , Xing Xiaoyong , Wen Fengqin , Hu Yonghao , Chen Changjiang , Wei Bin , Bai Pengxia , Wang Xuehong , Liu Yu , Zhang Hongjuan , Hao Baocheng , Wang Shengyi
Published: July 2022

Melophagus ovinus disease is a common ectoparasitosis, which can lead to a decrease in animal production performance, product quality, and even death. Aconitum flavum Hand.-Mazz. has many pharmacological activities including insecticidal, heat-clearing, analgesic, and dehumidifying. However, there are few researches focused on the effects and related mechanism of Aconitum flavum Hand.-Mazz. in killing Melophagus ovinus. In this study, 11 alkaloids of Aconitum flavum Hand.-Mazz. were detected, and its total alkaloid activity was determined. The results showed when the total alkaloid concentration was 64 mg/ml and the treatment time was 16 h, the killing rate of Melophagus ovinus reached 100%. Through the observation of the differences in the surface of Melophagus ovinus in each experimental group, it was found that the morphology of the posterior end of the female Melophagus ovinus in the alkaloid treatment group was significantly different from that of the blank and positive control groups, and most of the epidermal tissue was obsessive and missing. Moreover, the enzyme activity determination results of 64 mg/ml group were significantly different when compared with the normal control group, while there was no significant difference in other groups. Then, the Melophagus ovinus gene library was established by the unreferenced genome transcriptome sequencing, the proteomic comparison was performed using tandem mass tag labeled protein detection technology, and finally, the samples were quantitatively analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry tandem and bioinformatics methods. Based on the above experimental results, it was speculated that Aconitum flavum Hand.-Mazz. total alkaloids may cause the imbalance of protein disulfide isomerase expressions by affecting the regulation of Hsp40 cellular protein homeostasis and the oxidation of protein disulfide isomerase and related proteins. This would affect the selective recognition of signal sequence, the targeted transport of Sec 61, and the correct folding of the three-dimensional structure of amino acid chain, weakening the clearance of amino acid chains that cannot be correctly folded and eventually resulting in the killing of Melophagus ovinus. This study preliminarily revealed the mechanism of Aconitum flavum Hand.-Mazz. total alkaloids against Melophagus ovinus and provided a theoretical basis for the screening of Melophagus ovinus action targets and the development of new veterinary drugs.
Impact of fibronectin type III domain-containing family in the changes in metabolic and hormonal profiles during peripartum period in dairy cows
Authors: Daudon Mathilde , Ramé Christelle , Estienne Anthony , Price Christopher , Dupont Joëlle
Published: July 2022

The peripartum period in dairy cows is frequently associated with excessive lipolysis due to Negative Energy Balance (NEB). These metabolic disorders are the cause of various pathologies. Some metabolites such as β-hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) and Non-Esterified Fatty Acids (NEFA) are known to be biomarkers of NEB in dairy cows. The involvement of adipokines, including adiponectin and leptin, during fat mobilization in the peripartum period is well described, but little is known about the impact of myokines at this time. Fibronectin type III domain-containing proteins (FNDC) are myokines and adipokines recently discovered to play a role in metabolic dysfunctions. This study aimed to evaluate some FNDCs (FNDC5, 4, 3A and B) as potential plasma and adipose tissue indicators of NEB in cattle. We measured plasma FNDC concentrations and adipose tissue FNDC gene expression during the peripartum period, 4 weeks before the estimated calving day (4WAP), one (1WPP) and 16 (16WPP) weeks postpartum in two groups of dairy cows with low NEB (LNEB, n = 8) and high NEB (HNEB, n = 13) at 1WPP. Using specific bovine ELISAs, only plasma FNDC5 concentrations varied during the peripartum period in both LNEB and HNEB animals; concentrations were higher at 1WPP as compared to 4WAP and 16 WPP. FNDC5 plasma concentrations was negatively correlated with dry matter intake, live body weight, variation of empty body weight and glucose concentrations, and positively correlated with plasma non-esterified fatty acids and BHBA concentrations. Subcutaneous adipose tissue contained abundant FNDC5 mRNA and protein, as measured by RT-qPCR and immunoblotting, respectively. We also observed that FNDC5 mRNA abundance in subcutaneous adipose tissue was higher at 1 WPP as compared to 4WAP and 16WPP in HNEB cows and higher at 1 WPP as compared to 4 WAP in LNEB cows, and was higher in HNEB than in LNEB animals during early lactation. Finally, we showed that recombinant human irisin (a fragmented product of FNDC5) increased the release of glycerol and abundance of mRNA encoding adipose triglyceride lipase and hormone-sensitive-lipase in bovine and human adipose tissue explants. In conclusion, FNDC5 is expressed in bovine adipose tissue and may be involved in lipid mobilization and regulation of NEB in cattle.
Testing for COVID-19 is Much More Effective When Performed Immediately Prior to Social Mixing
Authors: Wells Chad R. , Gokcebel Senay , Pandey Abhishek , Galvani Alison P. , Townsend Jeffrey P.
Published: July 2022

Objective:To quantify the utility of RT-PCR and rapid antigen tests in preventing post-arrival transmission based on timing of the pre-departure test.

Methods:We derived analytical expressions to compute post-arrival transmission when no test is performed, and when either an RT-PCR or any of 18 rapid antigen tests is performed at specified times before arrival. We determined the diagnostic sensitivity of the rapid antigen tests by propagating their RT-PCR percent positive agreement onto known RT-PCR diagnostic sensitivity.

Results:Depending on the rapid antigen test used, conducting a rapid antigen test immediately before departure reduces post-arrival transmission between 37.4% (95% CrI: 28.2%–40.7%) and 46.7% (95% CrI:40.0%–49.3%), compared to a 31.1% (95% CrI: 26.3%–33.5%) reduction using an RT-PCR 12 h before arrival. Performance of each rapid antigen test differed by diagnostic sensitivity over the course of disease. However, these differences were smaller than those engendered by testing too early.

Conclusion:Testing closer to arrival—ideally on the day of arrival—is more effective at reducing post-arrival transmission than testing earlier. Rapid antigen tests perform the best in this application due to their short turnaround time.
Numerical Validation of a Pyroshock Test System and Application to Qualification Tests
Authors: Yalçinkaya Tuncay , Gürsoy Bahadir
Published: July 2022

Spacecraft are exposed to severe mechanical loads, i.e., shock loads, during their journey to orbit. Such loads usually develop due to a separation event through the activation of pyrotechnic devices. They might be transmitted throughout the entire structure and strongly influence the service performance of electronic components. Therefore, it is crucial to study whether the instruments can resist such a harsh environment. However, due to the vulnerability and high cost of the equipment, experimental setups are required to be designed and calibrated with dummy equipment, which takes considerable time and effort as well. In this context, the current study aims to investigate the potential of explicit FE solution techniques to mimic the calibration tests. In order to realize this, various experiments are conducted in a metal-to-metal impact pyroshock test bench and the obtained Shock Response Spectrum (SRS) responses are fitted to the explicit finite element simulations, which shows good agreement after a sensitivity analysis. Then, the simulations are repeated with the dummy device using the fitted parameters, and the potential of the numerical approach to predict a realistic response is discussed.
Effect of Legume Green Manure on Yield Increases of Three Major Crops in China: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liang Kailin , Wang Xueqi , Du Yuntian , Li Guomin , Wei Yiqian , Liu Yizhuo , Li Ziyan , Wei Xiaomin
Published: July 2022

The application of legume green manure (LGM) is a traditional and valuable practice for agroecosystem management. In the present study, we conducted a meta-analysis to explore the effect of LGM on the yields of three major grain crops in China under different cropping systems and environmental conditions based on 315 field trial datasets. LGM application increased the yield of the three major grain crops significantly by 12.60% compared to those under no LGM application, with wheat, maize, and rice yields increasing significantly by 9.49%, 16.70%, and 19.22%, respectively. In addition, yield increases were significant under crop rotation with grain crops but not under intercropping. The amount of LGM returned to the field (dry weight) at only 2000–3000 kg/ha and 3000–4000 kg/ha increased yield significantly by 12.32% and 11.94%, respectively. The greatest yield increases were observed when annual precipitation was higher than 600 mm, while annual average temperature was higher than 10 °C, and when soil organic matter content was 0–10 g/kg, with 19.64%, 14.11%, and 32.63% increases, respectively. All regions in China, excluding North China, had significant yield increases, with the largest yield increase, 27.12%, observed in Northeast China. The results of the meta-analysis demonstrated that LGM increases yield of all the three major grain crops in China. Additionally, the benefits were also observed under appropriate planting system, green manure biomass, and environmental factors.
Effects of Tertill® Weeding Robot on Weed Abundance and Diversity
Authors: Averill Kristine M. , Westbrook Anna S. , Pineda-Bermudez Laura , O’Briant Ryan P. , DiTommaso Antonio , Ryan Matthew R.
Published: July 2022

Robotic weed control may reduce labor requirements, soil disturbance, and amount of herbicide applied relative to non-robotic methods. Tertill® is among the first weeding robots to become commercially available. This solar-powered robot moves in a random walk, avoiding obstacles using capacitive sensors, and cuts weeds with a string trimmer. We tested the effects of Tertill (two hours per week) with and without the string trimmer and hand weeding (from 3 to 5.6 min per week with a stirrup hoe) on weed communities at two field sites in Ithaca, NY. Tertill with trimmer and hand weeding provided similar levels of weed control (visual estimates averaging 2–9% ground cover at the end of the experiment, compared to 14–48% in the unweeded control). Without the string trimmer, Tertill was ineffective. Tertill did not significantly reduce monocot weed density but did reduce dicot weed density. At one site, Tertill reduced species richness and increased evenness based on density. Overall, these results suggest that Tertill can effectively remove newly emerged weed seedlings. Future research should investigate Tertill performance against more established weeds and the long-term effects of Tertill on weed community composition (e.g., possible selection for monocots and other species with low growing points).
What Factors Control the Crude Protein Content Variation of a Basaltic “Campos” Native Grassland of South America?
Authors: Núñez Laura , Hirigoyen Andrés , Durante Martín , Arroyo José María , Cazzuli Fiorella , Bremm Carolina , Jaurena Martín
Published: July 2022

Native grasslands are the main source of food for livestock in the Campos region of South America. These forage resources are heterogeneous in species composition, grazing management, and soil fertility within a context of variable climate, all of which are factors that affect forage crude protein content over time and space. Despite the importance of protein in livestock nutrition, there is a gap in the knowledge of how fertilisation, sward height, and soil water availability influence the crude protein content of these grasslands. We used data from a long-term fertilisation experiment to construct a structural model aiming to identify the main factors influencing forage crude protein content of a basaltic native grassland in northern Uruguay. The structural model revealed that both fertilisation and the increase in soil water availability (through the improvement of the nitrogen content of green leaves) are the main pathways by which forage crude protein content increases. This new approach (which identifies and quantifies the main factors that drive forage crude protein content of native grasslands) could be used to support prediction models for forage protein content in order to improve grazing livestock nutrition of Campos native grasslands.
Functional Analysis of BcSNX3 in Regulating Resistance to Turnip Mosaic Virus (TuMV) by Autophagy in Pak-choi (Brassica campestris ssp. chinensis)
Authors: Zhang Rujia , Zhang Changwei , Lyu Shanwu , Fang Zhiyuan , Zhu Hongfang , Hou Xilin
Published: July 2022

Sorting nexin protein is a class of highly conserved eukaryotic proteins containing the PX domain. Recent studies related to SNX in plants have focused on the regulation of abiotic stress processes, and there are few studies on the involvement of SNX in biological stress processes in plants. In this paper, a YTH assay and BiFC experiments were conducted twice to show that BcSNX3 (Brassica campestris Sorting nexin 3) interacted with CP and VPg of TuMV, and the interaction between BcATG8h (Brassica campestris autophagy-related gene 8h) and BcSNX3 was also found by YTH and BiFC. The colocalization of BcSNX3 and BcATG8b (Brassica campestris autophagy-related gene 8b) revealed BcSNX3 and autophagosome at the same place in the cell. QRT-PCR analysis showed that TuMV infection promotes the expression of BcSNX3, and the overexpression of this gene hinders the expression of autophagy-related genes and facilitates TuMV infection. VIGS was used to repress the expression level of the BcSNX3 gene in pak-choi to further study the function of BcSNX3 in the infection process of TuMV. After inoculation with TuMV, it was found that the accumulation of viral RNA in BcSNX3-gene-silenced plants was significantly less than in control plants. The accumulation of TuMV virus in the Arabidopsis snx3 knockout mutant was also less than in the wild type after TuMV inoculation. These results suggest that TuMV infection facilitates the expression of BcSNX3, and this gene may promote virus infection by inhibiting autophagy degradation of the virus and interacting with the CP and VPg of the virus. These results lay the foundation for the TuMV resistance breeding of pak-choi.
Genome-Wide Association Analysis and Genetic Parameters for Feed Efficiency and Related Traits in Yorkshire and Duroc Pigs
Authors: Li Weining , Wang Zhaojun , Luo Shenghao , Wu Jianliang , Zhou Lei , Liu Jianfeng
Published: July 2022

Feed efficiency (FE) traits are key factors that can influence the economic benefits of pig production. However, little is known about the genetic architecture of FE and FE-related traits. This study aimed to identify SNPs and candidate genes associated with FE and FE-related traits, namely, average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), the feed conversion ratio (FCR), and residual feed intake (RFI). The phenotypes of 5823 boars with genotyped data (50 K BeadChip) from 1365 boars from a nucleus farm were used to perform a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of two breeds, Duroc and Yorkshire. Moreover, we performed a genetic parameter estimation for four FE and FE-related traits. The heritabilities of the FE and FE-related traits ranged from 0.13 to 0.36, and there were significant genetic correlations (−0.69 to 0.52) of the FE and FE-related traits with two growth traits (age at 100 kg and backfat thickness at 100 kg). A total of 61 significant SNPs located on eight different chromosomes associated with the four FE and FE-related traits were identified. We further identified four regions associated with FE and FE-related traits that have not been previously reported, and they may be potential novel QTLs for FE. Considering their biological functions, we finally identified 35 candidate genes relevant for FE and FE-related traits, such as the widely reported MC4R and INSR genes. A gene enrichment analysis showed that FE and FE-related traits were highly enriched in the biosynthesis, digestion, and metabolism of biomolecules. This study deepens our understanding of the genetic mechanisms of FE in pigs and provides valuable information for using marker-assisted selection in pigs to improve FE.
Conjoined Twins in Guinea Pigs: A Case Report
Authors: Tejml Petr , Navrátil Vojtěch , Zábranský Luboš , Šoch Miloslav
Published: July 2022

The report describes a unique case of newborn conjoined twins in guinea pigs (Cavia aperea f. porcellus). Connected twins in guinea pigs have been very rare, and there are only a few previous reported cases. The newborns were stillborn in breeding in the Czech Republic in 2020 as two bodies conjoined into one. The external and internal structure of the body and the type of connection of both of the bodies are described. The weights of selected internal organs of the twins are compared with those of normally developed newborn guinea pigs.
Potential Pharmacokinetic Effect of Chicken Xenobiotic Receptor Activator on Sulfadiazine: Involvement of P-glycoprotein Induction
Authors: Li Mei , Xu Ziyong , Lu Wang , Wang Liping , Zhang Yujuan
Published: July 2022

Studies on pharmacokinetic drug–drug interactions have highlighted the importance of P-glycoprotein (P-gp) because of its involvement in substrate drug transport. This study aimed to investigate the role of chicken xenobiotic receptor (CXR) in the regulation of P-gp and its influences on pharmacokinetics of P-gp substrate sulfadiazine. ALAS1 and CYP2C45, the prototypical target genes of CXR, were used as a positive indicator for CXR activation in this study. Results show that ABCB1 gene expression was upregulated, and transporter activity was increased when exposed to the CXR activator metyrapone. Using ectopic expression techniques and RNA interference to manipulate the cellular CXR status, we confirmed that ABCB1 gene regulation depends on CXR. In vivo experiments showed that metyrapone induced ABCB1 in the liver, kidney, duodenum, jejunum and ileum of chickens. In addition, metyrapone significantly changed the pharmacokinetic behavior of orally administered sulfadiazine, with a Cmax (8.01 vs. 9.61 μg/mL, p < 0.05) and AUC0-t (31.46 vs. 45.59 h·mg/L, p < 0.01), as well as a higher T1/2λ (2.42 vs.1.67 h, p < 0.05), Cl/F (0.62 vs. 0.43 L/h/kg, p < 0.01) and Vz/F (2.16 vs.1.03 L/kg, p < 0.01). Together, our data suggest that CXR is involved in the regulation of P-gp, and, consequently, the CXR activator can affect, at least in part, the pharmacokinetic behavior of orally administered sulfadiazine.