bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A retrospective cohort analysis of people living with HIV/AIDS enrolled in HIV care at a reference center in Antananarivo, Madagascar
Authors: Raberahona Mihaja , Rakotomalala Rado , Andriananja Volatiana , Andriamamonjisoa Johary , Rakotomijoro Etienne , Andrianasolo Radonirina Lazasoa , Rakotoarivelo Rivonirina Andry , Randria Mamy Jean de Dieu
Published: January 2024

Background

The impact of the “Treat all” policy on the individual and in terms of public health is closely related to early diagnosis and retention in care. Patient-level data are scarce in Madagascar. In this study, we aimed to describe the profile of a cohort of newly diagnosed people living with HIV/AIDS (PLHIV), identify their outcomes, and assess factors associated with attrition from care and advanced HIV disease (AHD) at presentation.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of PLHIV aged ≥15 years newly diagnosed at the University Hospital Joseph Raseta Befelatanana Antananarivo from 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2016.

Results

A total of 490 PLHIV were included in the cohort analysis. In total, 67.1% were male. The median age (interquartile range) at enrollment in care was 29 years (24-38). Overall, 36.1% of PLHIV were diagnosed with AHD at baseline. The proportion of patients with WHO stage IV at baseline increased significantly from 3.3% in 2010 to 31% in 2016 (p = 0.001 for trend). The probability of retention in care after the diagnosis at 12 months, 24 months, and 36 months was 71.8%, 65.5%, and 61.3%, respectively. Age ≥ 40 years (aHR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.05–2.29; p = 0.026), low level of education (aHR:1.62; 95% CI: 1.11–2.36; p = 0,013), unspecified level of education (aHR:2.18; 95% CI: 1.37–3.47; p = 0.001) and unemployment (aHR:1.52; 95% CI: 1.07–2.16; p = 0.019) were independently associated with attrition from care. Factors associated with AHD at baseline were age ≥ 40 (aOR: 2.77; 95% CI: 1.38–5.57, p = 0.004), unspecified level of education (aOR: 3.80; 95% CI: 1.58–9.16, p = 0.003) and presence of clinical symptoms at baseline (aOR: 23.81; 95% CI: 10.7–52.98; p < 0.001). Sex workers were independently less likely to have an AHD at presentation (aOR: 0.23; 95% CI: 0.05–0.96, p = 0.044).

Conclusion

Sociodemographic determinants influenced retention in care more than clinical factors. The presence of clinical symptoms and sociodemographic determinants were the main factors associated with AHD at baseline.
Improvement of the occupational risk management process in the work safety system of the enterprise
Authors: Bazaluk Oleg , Tsopa Vitalii , Okrasa Małgorzata , Pavlychenko Artem , Cheberiachko Serhii , Yavorska Olena , Deryugin Oleg , Lozynskyi Vasyl
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The research purpose is to improve the management of occupational risks associated with hazards as well as the organization’s capabilities to identify hazardous factors (HFs) using the “BOW-TIE” method in accordance with the provisions of the ISO 45001:2019 standard.

Methods

To improve occupational risk management, the “BOW-TIE” method has been introduced into occupational health and safety management systems. This approach facilitates a comprehensive description and analysis of potential risk development from identifying hazardous factors to studying the consequences. It visually integrates fault and event trees to provide a holistic view of risk dynamics.

Results

The improvement of the occupational hazard risk management process considers both internal and external factors affecting the organization, thereby increasing the probability and severity of potential hazardous events. The revised approach categorizes risk levels as acceptable, unacceptable, or verifiable. In addition, occupational risk management requires an in-depth analysis of the organization’s external and internal environment to identify hazards that affect the probability and severity of potential hazardous events.

Conclusion

This research proposes an innovative approach to occupational risk management by determining the magnitude of occupational risk as the cumulative result of assessing risks associated with all external and internal factors influencing the probability of hazardous event occurring. The introduction of the “BOW-TIE” method, combined with a comprehensive analysis of the organizational environments, facilitates a more effective and nuanced approach to occupational risk management.
Perceived neighborhood disorder and type 2 diabetes disparities in Hispanic, Black, and White Americans
Authors: Yu Min Ying , Velasquez Alfredo J. , Campos Belinda , Robinette Jennifer W.
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Approximately 32 million Americans have type 2 diabetes, and that number continues to grow. Higher prevalence rates are observed among certain subgroups, including members of marginalized racial/ethnic groups as well as residents of disordered neighborhoods (i.e., those with more trash and vandalism). Institutionalized discriminatory practices have resulted in disproportionate representation of marginalized racial/ethnic groups in disordered neighborhoods compared to non-Hispanic Whites. These neighborhood disparities may partially contribute to health disparities, given that signs of neighborhood disorder often relate to a general withdrawal from the neighborhood, minimizing opportunities for both physical and social engagement. Yet, research suggests variability across racial/ethnic groups both in reporting rates of neighborhood disorder and in the extent to which neighborhood disorder is interpreted as posing a threat to health and well-being.

Methods

Using 2016–2018 Health and Retirement Study data (n = 10,419, mean age = 67 years), a representative sample of older US adults, this study examined the possibility of racial/ethnic differences in associations between perceived neighborhood disorder and type 2 diabetes risk. Participants reported their perceptions of neighborhood disorder and type 2 diabetes status. Weighted logistic regression models predicted type 2 diabetes risk by perceived neighborhood disorder, race/ethnicity, and their interaction.

Results

Non-Hispanic Blacks and Hispanics had higher type 2 diabetes risk; these two groups also reported more disorder in their neighborhoods compared to non-Hispanic Whites. Perceiving more neighborhood disorder was associated with increased type 2 diabetes risk, but the interaction between race/ethnicity and disorder was not significant.

Discussion

Findings from the current study suggest that the negative effects of perceiving neighborhood disorder, a neighborhood-level stressor, extend to increased type 2 diabetes risk.
Revisiting the role of HR in the age of AI: bringing humans and machines closer together in the workplace
Authors: Fenwick Ali , Molnar Gabor , Frangos Piper
Published: January 2024

The functions of human resource management (HRM) have changed radically in the past 20 years due to market and technological forces, becoming more cross-functional and data-driven. In the age of AI, the role of HRM professionals in organizations continues to evolve. Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming many HRM functions and practices throughout organizations creating system and process efficiencies, performing advanced data analysis, and contributing to the value creation process of the organization. A growing body of evidence highlights the benefits AI brings to the field of HRM. Despite the increased interest in AI-HRM scholarship, focus on human-AI interaction at work and AI-based technologies for HRM is limited and fragmented. Moreover, the lack of human considerations in HRM tech design and deployment can hamper AI digital transformation efforts. This paper provides a contemporary and forward-looking perspective to the strategic and human-centric role HRM plays within organizations as AI becomes more integrated in the workplace. Spanning three distinct phases of AI-HRM integration (technocratic, integrated, and fully-embedded), it examines the technical, human, and ethical challenges at each phase and provides suggestions on how to overcome them using a human-centric approach. Our paper highlights the importance of the evolving role of HRM in the AI-driven organization and provides a roadmap on how to bring humans and machines closer together in the workplace.
Behavioral spillovers from green purchases: comparing impacts on consumption and policy support
Authors: Castro Santa Juana , Drews Stefan , van den Bergh Jeroen
Published: January 2024

Green labels and green advertising aim to promote products associated with less energy demands and lower carbon emissions. However, there are indications that purchasing green products may trigger negative spillover effects to subsequent pro-environmental behaviors. One policy-relevant question is whether spillovers from green purchases vary between different types of pro-environmental behaviors, notably consumption vs. policy support, and what determines any differences. Another important question is whether the price of green products affects the magnitude and direction of such spillover effects. Using an experiment among US citizens (N = 1,985), we show that spillovers from green purchases differ significantly between pro-environmental behaviors. In particular we find that spillovers are positive for green consumption and negative for climate policy support. Regarding price effects, we do not find robust evidence on their moderating role but only a tendency for cheap prices to exacerbate the direction of the spillover: negative for policy support and positive for green consumption. Finally, pro-environmental identity, previously suggested in the literature as a central moderator of spillover effects from green purchases, appears to be less determinant.
The dynamic universe: realizing the potential of classical time domain and multimessenger astrophysics
Authors: Howell Steve B. , Howell D. Andrew , Street R. A. , Soares-Furtado Melinda , Jackson Brian , Greene Thomas P.
Published: January 2024

In parallel with the multi-messenger revolution, major advances in time-domain astronomy across multiple science disciplines relevant to astrophysics are becoming more urgent to address. Aside from electromagnetic observations of gravitational wave events and explosive counterparts, there are a number of “classical” astrophysical areas that require new thinking for proper exploration in the time domain. How NASA, NSF, ESA, and ESO consider the 2020 USA Decadal Survey within the astronomy community, as well as the worldwide call to support and expand time domain and multi-messenger astrophysics, it is crucial that all areas of astrophysics, including stellar, galactic, Solar System, and exoplanetary science participate in the discussion, and that it not be made into an exclusive preserve of cosmological, high-energy, explosive and transient science. Time domain astronomy is used to explore many aspects of astrophysics–particularly concerning ground- and space-based mission science goals of exploring how the Universe works, understanding how did we get here, and are we alone. Time domain studies are already built into the core operations of many currently operating and future space telescopes (e.g., Roman, PLATO) as well as current and planned large areal ground-based surveys (e.g., Rubin). Time-domain observations designed for one scientific purpose, also lead to great discoveries in many other science areas. The recent advent of user-friendly hardware, software, observational approaches, and online data infrastructure has also helped make time domain observations especially suitable and appealing for citizen science projects. We provide a review of the current state of TDAMM alerts and observational protocols, revealing a wide array of software and applications, much of which is incompatible. Any conversation regarding TDAMM astrophysics should include all aspects of the field, including those aspects seen as classical applications.
The role of highway construction in influencing agricultural green total factor productivity in China: agricultural industry structure transformation perspective
Authors: Zhou Zhou , Duan Jianqiang , Geng Shaoqing , Li Ran
Published: January 2024

Highway construction is vital in agricultural production, directly influencing food security and public health. This study utilized the Epsilon-based measurement-global-Malmquist-model (EBM-GML) and the spatial econometrics model with 31 Chinese provinces’ panel data from 2002 to 2020 to investigate the impacts and the mechanisms of low-grade and high-grade highways on the agricultural green total factor productivity (AGTFP). Research findings indicated that (1) low-grade and high-grade highway construction significantly promote the AGTFP through technological progress, and the high-grade highway exerts a significant positive spillover effect on the adjacent areas’ AGTFP. (2) The mechanisms of low-grade and high-grade roads on the AGTFP are heterogenous. Low-grade roads could improve the AGTFP by encouraging the rationalization of the agricultural industry structure. High-grade highways promote the AGTFP by upgrading the industry structure. And each-grade road could promote the AGTFP by stimulating the integration of planting and breeding. (3) Both low-grade and high-grade highways improved the AGTFP in non-main-grain-producing areas but inhibited it in main-grain-producing areas. Therefore, this study provided practical policy recommendations for green development in China’s agricultural sector and valuable insights for other developing countries.
Supplementation of complex natural feed additive containing (C. militaris, probiotics and red ginseng by-product) on rumen-fermentation, growth performance and carcass characteristics in Korean native steers
Authors: Ju Mun-Su , Jo Yong-Ho , Kim Yoo-Rae , Ghassemi Nejad Jalil , Lee Jang-Gu , Lee Hong-Gu
Published: January 2024

This study evaluated the effects of a complex natural feed additive on rumen fermentation, carcass characteristics and growth performance in Korean-native steers. In this study, in vitro and in vivo experiment were conducted. Seven different levels of complex natural feed additive (CA) were added to the buffered rumen fluid using AnkomRF gas production system for 12, 24 and 48 h. All experimental data were analyzed by mixed procedure of SAS. Total gas production increased in the CA groups, with the highest response observed in the 0.06% group at 48 h of incubation (linear, p = 0.02; quadratic, p < 0.01). Regarding rumen fermentation parameters, the total volatile fatty acid (TVFA) tended to increase in all the CA groups (p = 0.07). The concentrations of butyrate, iso-butyrate, and iso-valerate significantly increased in all treatment groups (p < 0.05). In the in vivo experiment, 23 Korean-native steers were allocated to two groups: (1) Control and (2) Treatment; control +0.07% CA (DM basis), in a randomized complete-block design and blocked by body weight (ave. body weight = 641.96 kg ± 62.51 kg, p = 0.80) and feed intake (ave. feed intake = 13.96 kg ± 0.74 kg, p = 0.08) lasted for 252 days. Average daily gain decreased in the treatment group (p < 0.01). Backfat thickness significantly decreased in the CA group (p = 0.03), whereas meat color tended to increase (p = 0.07). In conclusion, in the in vitro experiment, the inclusion of complex natural feed additive decreased methane proportion and tended to increase TVFA production, but supplementation to Korean native steers decreased average daily gain and backfat thickness.
Ensemble Heuristic–Metaheuristic Feature Fusion Learning for Heart Disease Diagnosis Using Tabular Data
Authors: Shokouhifar Mohammad , Hasanvand Mohamad , Moharamkhani Elaheh , Werner Frank
Published: January 2024

Heart disease is a global health concern of paramount importance, causing a significant number of fatalities and disabilities. Precise and timely diagnosis of heart disease is pivotal in preventing adverse outcomes and improving patient well-being, thereby creating a growing demand for intelligent approaches to predict heart disease effectively. This paper introduces an ensemble heuristic–metaheuristic feature fusion learning (EHMFFL) algorithm for heart disease diagnosis using tabular data. Within the EHMFFL algorithm, a diverse ensemble learning model is crafted, featuring different feature subsets for each heterogeneous base learner, including support vector machine, K-nearest neighbors, logistic regression, random forest, naive bayes, decision tree, and XGBoost techniques. The primary objective is to identify the most pertinent features for each base learner, leveraging a combined heuristic–metaheuristic approach that integrates the heuristic knowledge of the Pearson correlation coefficient with the metaheuristic-driven grey wolf optimizer. The second objective is to aggregate the decision outcomes of the various base learners through ensemble learning. The performance of the EHMFFL algorithm is rigorously assessed using the Cleveland and Statlog datasets, yielding remarkable results with an accuracy of 91.8% and 88.9%, respectively, surpassing state-of-the-art techniques in heart disease diagnosis. These findings underscore the potential of the EHMFFL algorithm in enhancing diagnostic accuracy for heart disease and providing valuable support to clinicians in making more informed decisions regarding patient care.
An Interactive Digital-Twin Model for Virtual Reality Environments to Train in the Use of a Sensorized Upper-Limb Prosthesis
Authors: Cellupica Alessio , Cirelli Marco , Saggio Giovanni , Gruppioni Emanuele , Valentini Pier Paolo
Published: January 2024

In recent years, the boost in the development of hardware and software resources for building virtual reality environments has fuelled the development of tools to support training in different disciplines. The purpose of this work is to discuss a complete methodology and the supporting algorithms to develop a virtual reality environment to train the use of a sensorized upper-limb prosthesis targeted at amputees. The environment is based on the definition of a digital twin of a virtual prosthesis, able to communicate with the sensors worn by the user and reproduce its dynamic behaviour and the interaction with virtual objects. Several training tasks are developed according to standards, including the Southampton Hand Assessment Procedure, and the usability of the entire system is evaluated, too.
Dynamic Response Analysis of a Magnetically Suspended Dual-Rotor System Considering the Uncertainty of Interference-Fit Value
Authors: Wang Nianxian , Tao Wenqiang , Liu Mingzheng , Nai Yunfei
Published: January 2024

Interference fit is often used in rotating machinery to transmit torque and force. The actual interference value is uncertain due to factors such as manufacturing errors and operating conditions, resulting in a gap between the response of the system and theoretical results. Therefore, the interval method is used to study the magnetically suspended dual-rotor system (MSDS) with uncertainty of interference-fit value. Firstly, a theoretical model of the MSDS was established using the finite element method, and the influence mechanism of the interference value on the rotor bending stiffness was derived. Then, the rotor stiffness range was obtained from the uncertain range of interference value. Finally, the dynamic response of the MSDS was studied based on the Chebyshev interval method. The research results indicate that the uncertainty of interference value has an effect on the vibration response of the MSDS. The vibration response of the system is most affected near the first-order bending critical speed, and the effect on rotor response is relatively small in other angular speed regions. The research results can provide a basis for the design of rotor systems.
Comparative Study of Soft In-Plane and Stiff In-Plane Tiltrotor Blade Aerodynamics in Conversion Flight, Using CFD-CSD Coupling Approach
Authors: Hu Zhiyuan , Yu Peng , Xu Guohua , Shi Yongjie , Gu Feng , Zou Aijun
Published: January 2024

Tiltrotors permit aircrafts to operate vertically with lift, yet convert to ordinary forward flight with thrust. The challenge is to design a tiltrotor blade yielding maximum lift and thrust that converts smoothly without losing integrity or efficiency. The two types of blades, soft in-plane and stiff in-plane—the designation depending on the value of the blade’s natural lag frequency—exhibit different structural responses under the same flight conditions, differently affecting the aerodynamics of the blades, especially in the complex aerodynamic environment of conversion flight where the aerodynamic differences are significant. This phase of flight is not deeply researched, nor is the analytical coupling method much used. To study the influence of blade type on aerodynamics during conversion, models suitable for the conversion flight simulation are established for the application of coupled computational fluid dynamics and computational structural dynamics (CFD-CSD) methods. Each method is implemented with well-accepted techniques (the Unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS) equations, the Reverse Overset Assembly Technique (ROAT), and the Timoshenko beam model. To improve the solving efficiency, a loose coupling strategy is used in constructing the two-way coupled model. The XV-15 tiltrotor is used for verification. The aeroelastic simulation of soft in-plane and stiff in-plane blades in conversion flight indicates an impactful role on the modal shapes, with a significant difference in the third flap modal shapes for the XV-15 rotor. However, the effect on aerodynamic performance is relatively small. In the first half of the flight conversion, the thrust of stiff in-plane blades is larger than that of soft in-plane blades, but in the last half, the influence of structural characteristics on aerodynamic performance is negligible and the thrust of the blades tends to be equal.
Optimizing Silage Strategies for Sustainable Livestock Feed: Preserving Retail Food Waste
Authors: Garcia Rodriguez Vicky , Vandestroet Layton , Abeysekara Vinura C. , Ominski Kim , Bumunang Emmanuel W. , McAllister Tim , Terry Stephanie , Miranda-Romero Luis Alberto , Stanford Kim
Published: January 2024

In Canada, approximately 11.2 million metric tons of avoidable food waste (FW) is produced per year. Preservation of a greater proportion of this FW for use as livestock feed would have significant environmental and socioeconomic benefits. Therefore, this study blended discarded fruits, vegetables, and bakery products from grocery stores into silage to assess the ability to preserve their nutritional value and contribute to the feed supply. Two treatments for reducing the water content of FW were evaluated, sun-dried (SD) and passive-dried (PD), and compared to control (C) using laboratory mini-silos over 60 days of ensiling. Although dry matter (DM) was increased by 1–5% for PD and SD, respectively, up to 41.9% of bread products were required to produce a targeted silage DM of 38%. All mature silages were high in crude protein (15.2 to 15.7%), crude fat (6.0 to 6.3%), sodium (0.48 to 0.52%), and sugars (0.95 to 1.53%) and were low in neutral detergent fiber (6.2 to 7.6%) as compared to traditional silages used as livestock feed. Mold and other signs of spoilage were visible on FW, but mycophenolic acid was the only mycotoxin above the limit of detection in material prior to ensiling. Plate counts of molds and yeasts declined (p < 0.001) by 5–7 log colony-forming units (CFU) over 60 days of fermentation and were not detected in mature silage. All silages were aerobically stable over 20 days. This study indicates that FW can produce good-quality silage but approaches other than SD and PD are required for increasing silage DM as insufficient bread products may be available for this purpose in all batches of FW.
Economic Competitiveness of Dairy Farms from the Top Milk-Producing Countries in the EU: Assessment in 2014–2021
Authors: Parzonko Andrzej , Parzonko Anna Justyna , Bórawski Piotr
Published: January 2024

This study aims to present changes in the competitive positions of the dairy farms from EU countries with the highest milk production in 2020. The assessment was based on data from the FADN system for the years 2014–2021 and covered average and large dairy farms from five EU countries: Germany, France, The Netherlands, Italy, and Poland. To assess the competitive positions of dairy farms from the selected EU countries, we developed the Synthetic Measure of Competitive Position based on the resource-based theory of enterprises. The conducted research showed that: (1) average dairy farms in Poland had the lowest production potential resulting from their possessed resources. (2) The highest value of the Synthetic Measure of Competitive Position for 2014–2021 was achieved by average dairy farms from Germany and their position in the ranking strengthened throughout the analyzed period. (3) The same analysis conducted on the group of large dairy farms showed that the competitive position, measured with the Synthetic Measure of Competitive Position, was the highest in the case of Polish dairy farms.
The Impact of Different Nitrogen Levels on the Tuber Yield and Anthocyanin Synthesis of Purple Potatoes
Authors: Zhang Zhaojuan , Cai Binbin , Guo Yiling , Na Tiancang , Guo Yuchun
Published: January 2024

The biosynthesis of anthocyanins is influenced by external environmental conditions such as light, temperature, and nitrogen level, with nitrogen level being a key factor in anthocyanin synthesis and accumulation. Nitrogen level regulates the transcription factors involved in the anthocyanin synthesis pathway, with low nitrogen levels promoting anthocyanin accumulation, while high nitrogen levels have the opposite effect. Purple potatoes are a type of cultivated crop that is rich in anthocyanins and has unique economic value. Nitrogen fertilizer is crucial to improve the agronomic traits, yield, quality, and anthocyanin content of purple potatoes. In this study, the impact of four different nitrogen concentrations—0 kg/hm2 (N0), 90 kg/hm2 (N1), 225 kg/hm2 (N2) and 360 kg/hm2 (N3)—on the agronomic traits, yield, quality, and anthocyanin content of purple potatoes, ‘Huasong 66’, at different stages were investigated by using physiological index measurement and RNA-seq technology. It was found that the purple potato ‘Huasong 66’ was more sensitive to low nitrogen (N1). Under N1 level of nitrogen fertilization, ‘Huasong 66’ possessed the finest agronomic traits, yield, and quality, and the total anthocyanins in the tubers were significantly increased. Furthermore, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis revealed that nitrogen levels in purple potato tubers primarily affect genes related to nutrient transport and metabolism by regulating carbon and nitrogen metabolism, enzyme catalysis and binding, and signal transduction. In addition, nine candidate genes related to the anthocyanin synthesis pathway had been preliminarily screened. These results provide a basis to understand the impact of different nitrogen levels on the tuber yield and anthocyanin synthesis of purple potatoes.
Response of Bread Wheat Cultivars to Terminal Water Stress and Cytokinin Application from a Grain Phenotyping Perspective
Authors: Zamani Afshin , Emam Yahya , Edalat Mohsen
Published: January 2024

A better understanding of the responsiveness of grain phenotypic indices to terminal water stress (TWS) in wheat might help explain grain weight variations and determine which grain traits are most affected. A two-year field experiment (2020–2021 and 2021–2022) was conducted to identify how TWS and exogenous cytokinin application might affect grain weight and grain dimensions in three bread wheat cultivars using high-throughput digital image phenotyping. The results showed that the effects of growing seasons, irrigation, and cultivars were significant on grain weight and phenotypic indices. In our study, TWS significantly reduced thousand grain weight (24.62%, 14.65%) and grain development in the width directions MinFeret, i.e., minimum caliper diameter (10.70%, 6.64%) and Minor, i.e., the minor axes of the best fitted ellipses to the grains (10.91%, 6.65%), or synthesized indices including Area/Perim. (9.01%, 5.42%), Area × Circ. (17.30%, 10.13%), Minor/Solid. (10.26%, 6.32%), MinFeret/Solid. (10.01%, 6.11%), Area × Solid (13.94%, 7.96%), Perim. × Circ. (9.07%, 5.42%), A1 (29.99%, 17.09%), and A2 (30.20%, 17.27%) in each growing season, respectively. Regardless of the factors causing these variations, a sustained relationship was found between thousand grain weight and phenotypic indices, with significant positive correlations. The stronger positive correlation between thousand grain weight and grain width indices (r ≥ 0.965) showed important implications for grain development and filling. The Torabi cultivar performed better than the Sirvan and Pishgam in both growing season conditions. In addition, the technical advantages of developing phenotyping approaches, the present study could contribute to a better physiological evaluation of wheat cultivars in multivariate environments.
Gene Mapping of a Yellow-to-Lethal Mutation Based on Bulked-Segregant Analysis-Seq in Soybean
Authors: Wang Yaqi , Chang Fangguo , Al Amin G M , Li Shuguang , Fu Mengmeng , Yu Xiwen , Zhao Zhixin , Xu Haifeng , Zhao Tuanjie
Published: January 2024

Plant photosynthesis is mainly dependent on leaf color, and this has an impact on yield. Mutants lacking in chlorophyll have been analyzed to gain insight into the genetic processes involved in photosynthesis, chloroplast development, and chlorophyll metabolism. A yellow-to-lethal mutant, ytl, was selected from the M6 generation of the 60Coγ ray irradiation-treated soybean cultivar Nannong 1138-2. The mutant exhibited reduced chlorophyll content, with the thylakoid structure disrupted. Segregation of the cross between Williams 82 (W82) and ytl indicated that a recessive allele controlled yellow-to-lethal traits. The bulked-segregant analysis (BSA)-Seq method performed preliminary mapping, followed by simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker validation and further mapping. The candidate gene was mapped to a 418 Kb region containing 53 genes. High-throughput sequencing and first-generation sequencing results showed a two bp deletion in the second exon of Glyma.08g106500, leading to a frameshift mutation in ytl. As a promising candidate gene, Glyma.08g106500 encoded a chloroplast-localized pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) domain-containing protein involved in the assembly of chloroplast proteins. These results will contribute to cloning the mutant ytl gene and provide insight into the regulatory processes controlling photosynthesis and chloroplast development and growth in soybean.
Impacts of Liquid Fractions from Two Solid–Liquid Separation Technologies on the Soil Porosity, Ammonia, and Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Authors: Wang Shanshan , Wang Wenjing , Cui Yingxin , Bai Yichao , Liu Chunjing , Liao Wenhua , Gao Zhiling
Published: January 2024

Application of organic manure on farmland is one of the most important tasks in agricultural recycling. However, few studies have investigated the potential impact of different solid–liquid separation (SLS) technologies on soil porosity and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions as a result of the application of liquid fractions (LFs). A microcosm experiment was conducted to track the emissions of ammonia (NH3), nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) from soils (1) without liquid manure application (CK), (2) with a raw dairy slurry (RM), (3) with the liquid fractions of mechanical solid–liquid separation (MS) technologies, and (4) with the LF of an enhanced solid–liquid separation technology including a flocculant (tannic acid, Ta) (MS + Ta). Soil porosities of different treatments were measured using computed tomography (CT). The saturated water conductivities of the RM and MS treatments were 53.38% and 78.63%, respectively, lower than that of the CK. The application of raw slurry and LFs reduced the gas diffusion due to the strong decrease in pore sizes >500 μm and increased gas emissions compared to the CK. Compared with RM, MS had greater N2O and lower CH4 emissions, whereas MS + Ta had lower NH3 and N2O emissions. MS had the greatest CO2-e emissions, mainly owing to high N2O emissions, followed by RM and MS + Ta. The implementation of a simple SLS led to an increase in nitrogen (N) loss and GHG emissions when the resultant LFs were applied to farmlands, whereas high emissions were reduced when a simple SLS was combined with a flocculant, such as Ta. Further research is required to elucidate the reduction mechanism and its effectiveness under field conditions.
Residues from Medicinal and Aromatic Plants after Distillation Can Be Used in Replace Some Peat in the Growing Media for Viola × wittrockiana Production
Authors: Chrysargyris Antonios , Tzortzakis Nikolaos
Published: January 2024

Plant residues derived from the agro-industrial sector and their disposal are still unsolved issues despite the various research and applications. The current study assessed the possible peat substitution in growing media with solid residues derived from the distillation of Origanum dubium Boiss (OD) and Sideritis cypria Post (SC) after essential oils production. Residues of OD and SC (0–5–10–20% v/v) and their mixture (OD + SC) were examined to partially substitute peat for the production of pansy (Viola × wittrockiana) plants. The presence of OD, SC, and OD + SC residues increased the pH, the electrical conductivity, the organic matter content, and the levels of minerals in the growing media mixtures compared to sole peat while decreasing the total porosity (up to 36.8%) and the available free air (up to 58.3%). The OD residues’ presence in the peat-based media revealed more detrimental effects than the SC, while the OD + SC mixture received intermediate effects. Low residue ratios (≤5% OD, ≤10% SC, ≤10% OD + SC) sustain plant growth and photosynthetic activity of plants, while higher ratios decrease plant growth, chlorophyll content and mineral accumulation due to inappropriate growing media properties, causing plant oxidative stress. This was verified using the increase in malondialdehyde (up to 4.5 times) and hydrogen peroxide (up to 2.1 times) content in plants and the activation of several non-enzymatic antioxidant processes, including total phenols, flavonoids, and antioxidant capacity of the plants. Therefore, OD, SC, and OD + SC at 5%, 10%, and 10%, respectively, can partially substitute peat, as they result in appropriate plant growth and development. However, the growing media’s properties must be improved to ensure adequate yields as well.
The Clothes Matter—Exploiting Agronomical Functions of Trichogenic Selenium Nanoparticles Sharing Activities with Biological Systems Wherein (Were) Formed
Authors: Ciobanu Livia Teodora , Bînzari Victoria , Dima Ștefan-Ovidiu , Farcasanu Ileana Cornelia , Oancea Florin , Constantinescu-Aruxandei Diana
Published: January 2024

The formation of biogenic selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) through microbial activities is a promising technique that can contribute to the development of reliable, non-toxic and environmentally friendly synthesis methods. Among these, under optimal conditions, myconanotechnology confers particular characteristics due to the generation of bioactive fungal metabolites with various bioactivities. The formed SeNPs are known to be stabilized by the biomolecules of the microorganism, forming a so-called bio-corona or capping structure. The composition of this bio-corona greatly impacts the SeNPs activity, but investigations have been limited to date. The SeNPs produced by Trichoderma sp. have potential applications in crops and environmental management, as both selenium and Trichoderma are known to benefit cultivated plants and phytoremediation. This review summarizes the biosynthesis of SeNPs by Trichoderma sp. and contextualizes the possible correlations between SeNPs and biomolecules produced by Trichoderma; it also provides a missing analysis that could help understand and optimize this process. Biosynthesis methods and probable mechanisms are briefly discussed as well as the role and applications of trichogenic SeNPs as plant protectants, plant biostimulants, and safe biofortifying agents. The knowledge gaps related to mechanisms of trichogenic SeNPs biosynthesis, the control of the desired characteristics for a specific agricultural function, and technology scale-up are discussed in connection with the needed future research directions.
Development of a Dog Health Score Using an Artificial Intelligence Disease Prediction Algorithm Based on Multifaceted Data
Authors: Kim Seon-Chil , Kim Sanghyun
Published: January 2024

Detecting aberrant behaviors in dogs or observing emotional interactions between a dog and its owner may serve as indicators of potential canine diseases. However, dog owners typically struggle to assess or predict the health status of their pets independently. Consequently, there is a demand for a methodology enabling owners to evaluate their dogs’ health based on everyday behavioral data. To address this need, we gathered individual canine data, including three months of standard daily activities (such as scratching, licking, swallowing, and sleeping), to train an AI model. This model identifies abnormal behaviors and quantifies each behavior as a numerical score, termed the “Health Score”. This score is categorized into ten levels, where a higher score indicates a healthier state. Scores below 5 warrant medical consultation, while those above 5 are deemed healthy. We validated the baseline value of the Health Score against veterinarian diagnoses, achieving an 87.5% concordance rate. This validation confirms the reliability of the Health Score, which assesses canine health through daily activity monitoring, and is expected to significantly benefit dog owners who face challenges in determining the health status of their pets.
Effect of Climatic Condition, Type of Trough and Water Cleanliness on Drinking Behavior in Dairy Cows
Authors: Burkhardt Franziska Katharina , Hayer Jason Jeremia , Heinemann Céline , Steinhoff-Wagner Julia
Published: January 2024

Increasing ambient temperatures lead to higher water intake and higher risks of microbial growth in cattle troughs. This study aims to analyze drinking water quality and dairy cows’ drinking behavior (n = 8081 drinking episodes) on a commercial farm with 135 and 144 lactating cows in two climatic conditions, considering trough type and cleanliness, respectively. Daily video recording was conducted at two trough types (two open troughs, 70 L; two-valve troughs, variable volume of 5–15 L) in the first two hours after feeding (n = 60 days in total) under cold (December 2019–February 2020) and warm ambient temperatures (September 2021). The trough cleaning scheme allowed cows to access either cleaned or uncleaned troughs in each system. Water quality was tested daily and analyzed at the beginning and end of the trials. In warmer ambient temperatures, fewer and—at uncleaned troughs and open troughs—shorter drinking episodes were recorded, with longer but fewer water intake periods, longer drinking breaks, and fewer sips (p < 0.0001). Considering the drinking episodes, respectively, water intake and drinking breaks in number and duration, the number of sips and the number of agonistic behaviors might optimize dairy cow water supply and hygiene management.
Small Colon Faecalith with Large Colon Displacement in Ten Cases (2015–2023): A Detailed Case Description and Literature Review
Authors: Scilimati Nicola , Cerullo Anna , Nannarone Sara , Gialletti Rodolfo , Giusto Gessica , Bertoletti Alice
Published: January 2024

Small colon impaction can result in accumulation of ingesta, gas, and fluid orally to the impaction site in horses. Large colon tympany, which is caused by ingesta fermentation, can be a predisposing factor for intestinal displacement. The aim of this study is to report the history, clinical, and surgical findings of horses and ponies referred for abdominal pain not responsive to drugs where a right dorsal displacement (RDD) or large colon volvulus (LCV), together with a small colon faecalith (SCF), were diagnosed during surgery. This study included a total of five horses and five ponies. Based on clinical features, ultrasonographic examination, and rectal palpation, an initial suspected diagnosis of RDD, LCV or severe large colon and caecum distension was made in all clinical cases. Due to the lack of response to medical treatment or worsening of colic symptoms, surgery was performed in all horses: diagnosis of RDD or LCV was made and a SCF was incidentally detected in all cases. While exploratory laparotomy was carried out in all the patients for the presence of a large colon issue, it was probably subsequent to an obstruction of the small colon caused by the presence of an SCF, which is generally difficult to diagnose. This study reported the presence of SCF as a possible cause of secondary RDD or LCV in horses and ponies that, to the authors’ knowledge, has never been reported.
Little Owl Aggression and Territory in Urban and Rural Landscapes
Authors: Grzywaczewski Grzegorz , Morelli Federico , Skórka Piotr
Published: January 2024

Urbanization is a major land use change across the globe with vast effects on wildlife. In this paper, we studied (1) the territorial displays of Little Owls in urban and rural landscapes, analyzing also (2) the size and habitat composition of the territories, and (3) the factors affecting territory size in both landscapes. To do that, we used t-tests, Principal Components Analysis, and General Linear mixed model procedures. The territory size was smaller in urban than in rural landscapes. Urban territories of Little Owls are characterized by a lower cover of grassland, tall crops, short crops, gardens, and orchards, as well as a higher cover of built-up areas than territories in rural landscapes. Territory size in rural landscapes was negatively correlated with seasonal progress and positively correlated with altitude. The rate of territorial displays was similar between urban and rural territories; however, birds differentially utilized various structures. In urban territories, birds mostly used buildings, whereas in rural territories, birds used electric pylons and trees. The compositional differences between territories in the two landscapes may have important consequences for other behavior types and possibly reproductive output in this species.
Antibacterial and Antiviral Properties of Chenopodin-Derived Synthetic Peptides
Authors: Feijoo-Coronel Marcia L. , Mendes Bruno , Ramírez David , Peña-Varas Carlos , de los Monteros-Silva Nina Q. E. , Proaño-Bolaños Carolina , de Oliveira Leonardo Camilo , Lívio Diego Fernandes , da Silva José Antônio , da Silva José Maurício S. F. , Pereira Marília Gabriella A. G. , Rodrigues Marina Q. R. B. , Teixeira Mauro M. , Granjeiro Paulo Afonso , Patel Ketan , Vaiyapuri Sakthivel , Almeida José R.
Published: January 2024

Antimicrobial peptides have been developed based on plant-derived molecular scaffolds for the treatment of infectious diseases. Chenopodin is an abundant seed storage protein in quinoa, an Andean plant with high nutritional and therapeutic properties. Here, we used computer- and physicochemical-based strategies and designed four peptides derived from the primary structure of Chenopodin. Two peptides reproduce natural fragments of 14 amino acids from Chenopodin, named Chen1 and Chen2, and two engineered peptides of the same length were designed based on the Chen1 sequence. The two amino acids of Chen1 containing amide side chains were replaced by arginine (ChenR) or tryptophan (ChenW) to generate engineered cationic and hydrophobic peptides. The evaluation of these 14-mer peptides on Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli showed that Chen1 does not have antibacterial activity up to 512 µM against these strains, while other peptides exhibited antibacterial effects at lower concentrations. The chemical substitutions of glutamine and asparagine by amino acids with cationic or aromatic side chains significantly favoured their antibacterial effects. These peptides did not show significant hemolytic activity. The fluorescence microscopy analysis highlighted the membranolytic nature of Chenopodin-derived peptides. Using molecular dynamic simulations, we found that a pore is formed when multiple peptides are assembled in the membrane. Whereas, some of them form secondary structures when interacting with the membrane, allowing water translocations during the simulations. Finally, Chen2 and ChenR significantly reduced SARS-CoV-2 infection. These findings demonstrate that Chenopodin is a highly useful template for the design, engineering, and manufacturing of non-toxic, antibacterial, and antiviral peptides.
Successful Clinical Avoidance of Colorectal Anastomotic Leakage through Local Decontamination
Authors: Steyer Gerhard Ernst , Puchinger Markus , Pfeifer Johann
Published: January 2024

Aim: An anastomotic leak is an unpredictable postoperative complication during recovery from colorectal surgery that may require a re-operation. Potentially pathogenic bacteria like Pseudomonas (and Enterococcus) contribute to the pathogenesis of an anastomotic leak through their capacity to degrade collagen and to activate tissue matrix metalloprotease-9 in host intestinal tissues. The microbiome, therefore, is the key to preventing an anastomotic leak after colorectal surgery. The aim of this trial was to investigate whether perioperative selective decontamination with a new mixture of locally acting antibiotics specially designed against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterococcus faecalis can reduce or even stop early symptomatic leakage. Method: All hospitalized patients in our University Clinic undergoing colorectal surgery with a left-sided anastomosis were included as two groups; patients in the intervention group received polymyxin B, gentamicin and vancomycin every six hours for five postoperative days and those in the control group did not receive such an intervention. An anastomotic leak was defined as a clinically obvious defect of the intestinal wall integrity at the colorectal anastomosis site (including suture) that leads to a communication between the intra- and extraluminal compartments, requiring a re-do surgery within seven postoperative days. Results: Between February 2017 and May 2023, a total of 301 patients (median age of 63 years) were analyzed. An anastomotic leak was observed in 11 patients in the control group (n = 152), but in no patients in the intervention group (n = 149); this difference was highly significant. Conclusion: The antibiotic mixture (with polymyxin B, gentamicin and vancomycin) used for local decontamination in our study stopped the occurrence of anastomotic leaks completely. According to the definition of anastomotic leak, no further surgery was required after local perioperative decontamination.