bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Using E-GARCH to Analyze the Impact of Investor Sentiment on Stock Returns Near Stock Market Crashes
Authors: Chen Sze Ting , Haga Kai Yin Allison
Published: July 2021

Purpose: Investor sentiment, the willingness of market participants to invest, is a difficult concept to measure. Exploring the relationship between investor sentiment and stock returns can reveal how investor sentiment affects the operation of the stock market. Such an understanding can assist market participants in making more rational investment decisions based on market laws. Such an understanding can also assist regulators in their roles of supervision and policy making.

Methodology: Although the E-GARCH model has the advantage of considering volatility clustering, it has not previously been used to investigate the impact of investor sentiment changes on the Shanghai Composite Index's market return. This research therefore applies the E-GARCH approach to data from 2015 to 2018, to explore the influence of investor sentiment on the return rate of the Shanghai Composite Index.

Main Findings: There are three main findings. First, when the investor sentiment is increased by the same amount, the rate of return before a stock market crash will have a smaller increase than the rate of change after the crash, which is a new finding. Second, the rate of return on stocks is susceptible to emotional sentiment, rather than simply depending on stock price. Third, the tendency of retail investors to follow the crowd is less in periods of pessimism than it is in periods of optimism, which, in turn, can push up stock yields.

Application: Based on these research results, this article can provide insights to understand how investors' subjective judgments on future earnings affect their investment behavior and how great the impact is on the market. At the same time, it can help investors make more rational investment decisions based on an understanding of market laws, and help regulators with guidance for their supervision and policy making.

Originality/Value: This paper contributes to the theory of the investor sentiment index, improving the index construction method by adding two sentiment proxy indicators: investor activity ACT and stock market leverage level. After constructing the sentiment index and comparing it with the stock market index (Shanghai Composite Index), the fit is found to be improved.
Life With Corona: Increased Gender Differences in Aggression and Depression Symptoms Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic Burden in Germany
Authors: Abreu Liliana , Koebach Anke , Díaz Oscar , Carleial Samuel , Hoeffler Anke , Stojetz Wolfgang , Freudenreich Hanna , Justino Patricia , Brück Tilman
Published: July 2021

Gender differences (GD) in mental health have come under renewed scrutiny during the COVID-19 pandemic. While rapidly emerging evidence indicates a deterioration of mental health in general, it remains unknown whether the pandemic will have an impact on GD in mental health. To this end, we investigate the association of the pandemic and its countermeasures affecting everyday life, labor, and households with changes in GD in aggression, anxiety, depression, and the somatic symptom burden. We analyze cross-sectional data from 10,979 individuals who live in Germany and who responded to the online survey “Life with Corona” between October 1, 2020 and February 28, 2021. We estimate interaction effects from generalized linear models. The analyses reveal no pre-existing GD in aggression but exposure to COVID-19 and COVID-19 countermeasures is associated with sharper increases in aggression in men than in women. GD in anxiety decreased among participants with children in the household (with men becoming more anxious). We also observe pre-existing and increasing GD with regards to the severity of depression, with women presenting a larger increase in symptoms during the hard lockdown or with increasing stringency. In contrast to anxiety, GD in depression increased among participants who lived without children (women > men), but decreased for individuals who lived with children; here, men converged to the levels of depression presented by women. Finally, GD in somatic symptoms decreased during the hard lockdown (but not with higher stringency), with men showing a sharper increase in symptoms, especially when they lived with children or alone. Taken together, the findings indicate an increase in GD in mental health as the pandemic unfolded in Germany, with rising female vulnerability to depression and increasing male aggression. The combination of these two trends further suggests a worrying mental health situation for singles and families. Our results have important policy implications for the German health system and public health policy. This public health challenge requires addressing the rising burden of pandemic-related mental health challenges and the distribution of this burden between women and men, within families and for individuals who live alone.
“The Flow in the Funnel”: Modeling Organizational and Individual Decision-Making for Designing Financial AI-Based Systems
Authors: Talamo Alessandra , Marocco Silvia , Tricol Chiara
Published: July 2021

Nowadays, the current application of artificial intelligence (AI) to financial context is opening a new field of study, named financial intelligence, in which the implementation of AI-based solutions as “financial brain” aims at assisting in complex decision-making (DM) processes as wealth and risk management, financial security, financial consulting, and blockchain. For venture capitalist organizations (VCOs), this aspect becomes even more critical, since different actors (shareholders, bondholders, management, suppliers, customers) with different DM behaviors are involved. One last layer of complexity is the potential variation of behaviors performed by managers even in presence of fixed organizational goals. The aim of this study is twofold: a general analysis of the debate on implementing AI in DM processes is introduced, and a proposal for modeling financial AI-based services is presented. A set of qualitative methods based on the application of cultural psychology is presented for modeling financial DM processes of all actors involved in the process, machines as well as individuals and organizations. The integration of some design thinking techniques with strategic organizational counseling supports the modeling of a hierarchy of selective criteria of fund-seekers and the creation of an innovative value proposition accordingly with goals of VCOs to be represented and supported in AI-based systems. Implications suggest that human/AI integration in the field can be implemented by developing systems where AI can be conceived in two distinct functions: (a) automation: treating Big Data from the market defined by management of VCO; and (b) support: creating alert systems that are coherent with ordered weighted decisional criteria of VCO.
Physical and Sociodemographic Features Associated With Quality of Life Among Transgender Women and Men Using Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy
Authors: Silva Eliane D. , Fighera Tayane M. , Allgayer Roberta M. , Lobato Maria Inês R. , Spritzer Poli Mara
Published: July 2021

Background: Gender dysphoria is defined as a feeling of distress resulting from the incongruence between the sex assigned at birth and the gender identity, lasting longer than 6 months. In individuals with gender dysphoria, gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) may improve quality of life (QoL).

Objectives: We aimed to assess perceived QoL, to compare QoL scores between trans women and men and to identify possible contributing factors related to GAHT in a sample of transgender women and transgender men.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, transgender women and men were recruited by availability sampling from a national transgender health service. Individuals over 18 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of gender dysphoria receiving medically prescribed GAHT for at least 6 months were consecutively included. Also included were trans men who had undergone mastectomy and trans women who had received breast augmentation surgery. Individuals who had undergone gender affirmation surgery (specifically genital surgery) or with uncontrolled clinical/psychiatric conditions at the time of the initial assessment were excluded. Sociodemographic, physical, and hormone data were collected from all participants. The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used to evaluate QoL. A total of 135 transgender individuals were invited. Seventeen individuals with previous genital surgery (12.6%) and five who refused to participate (3.7%) were excluded. Therefore, 113 patients were enrolled and completed the study (60 trans women and 53 trans men).

Results: QoL scores did not differ between trans women and trans men. In trans women, greater breast development and stable relationships, and higher body mass index were associated with higher QoL domain scores. In trans men, higher domain scores were found in individuals in a stable relationship, with increased body hair, engaging in physical activity, and being employed.

Conclusion: Data from this study suggest that GAHT-related physical characteristics, such as breast development in trans women and increased body hair in trans men, are similar between groups, are associated with higher QoL scores, and that sociodemographic parameters may impact these associations. Healthcare providers might consider these factors when planning interventions to improve QoL in transgender individuals.
Characteristic and Early Discontinuation of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Trials Registered on ClinicalTrials.gov
Authors: Luo Shanxia , Guo Qiong , Yang Liu , Cheng Yifan , Long Youlin , Wang Xinyi , Liu Liqin , Yang Zixin , Hu Tengyue , Du Liang , Chen Min , Liao Ga
Published: July 2021

Objective: This study aimed to analyze the characteristics and reasons of early discontinuation of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov.

Methods: OCD trials and relevant publications were searched on ClinicalTrials.gov and PubMed, respectively. The characteristics and details regarding the timely publication of trials were recorded. Cox regression analysis was used to explore factors associated with the early discontinuation of OCD trials.

Results: The analysis included 298 OCD therapy trials. Most investigations recruited <100 patients and were more likely to involve adults. Of all OCD studies identified, 67.8% were randomized and 61.4% were blind (single- or double-blind). Universities and hospitals were recorded as the two primary locations in the majority of trials. A total of 155 trials (52%) were completed; however, only 29% of those were published. Of the published trials, >70% were published at least 1 year after completion. Behavioral therapy trials were the most common type of major treatment-aimed OCD trials (39%), followed by drug trials (35.1%) and device/procedure trials (24.7%). The univariate Cox regression analysis indicated that drug trials [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.56, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.21–5.43], absence of collaborators (HR = 3.87, 95% CI: 1.62–9.26), and sponsorship by industry (HR = 3.97, 95% CI: 1.49–10.53) were risk factors for early discontinuation of OCD trials. Further multivariate Cox regression showed that drug trials (HR = 3.93, 95% CI: 1.71–9.08) and absence of collaborators (HR = 5.17, 95% CI: 1.97–13.54) were independent risk factors for early trial discontinuation of OCD trials. The sensitivity analysis confirmed these results. Non-drug trials (OR = 3.32, 95% CI: 1.21–9.11), absence of collaborators (OR = 3.25, 95% CI: 1.10–9.60), and non-blinded trials (OR = 5.23, 95% CI: 1.05–26.2) were independent risk factors for unreported results in registry.

Conclusion: The diagnosis and prevention of OCD are rarely investigated in trials. Underreporting and delayed reporting remain major problems. The type of intervention and participation of collaborators are associated with early discontinuation of OCD trials.
Statins in Depression: An Evidence-Based Overview of Mechanisms and Clinical Studies
Authors: De Giorgi Riccardo , Rizzo Pesci Nicola , Quinton Alice , De Crescenzo Franco , Cowen Philip J. , Harmer Catherine J.
Published: July 2021

Background: Depression is a leading cause of disability, burdened by high levels of non-response to conventional antidepressants. Novel therapeutic strategies targeting non-monoaminergic pathways are sorely needed. The widely available and safe statins have several putative mechanisms of action, especially anti-inflammatory, which make them ideal candidates for repurposing in the treatment of depression. A large number of articles has been published on this topic. The aim of this study is to assess this literature according to evidence-based medicine principles to inform clinical practise and research.

Methods: We performed a systematic review of the electronic databases MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Web of Science, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov, and an unstructured Google Scholar and manual search, until the 9th of April 2021, for all types of clinical studies assessing the effects of statins in depression.

Results: Seventy-two studies were retrieved that investigated the effects of statins on the risk of developing depression or on depressive symptoms in both depressed and non-depressed populations. Fifteen studies specifically addressed the effects of statins on inflammatory-related symptoms of anhedonia, psychomotor retardation, anxiety, and sleep disturbances in depression. Most studies suggested a positive effect of statins on the occurrence and severity of depression, with fewer studies showing no effect, while a minority indicated some negative effects.

Limitations: We provide a narrative report on all the included studies but did not perform any quantitative analysis, which limits the strength of our conclusions.

Conclusions: Robust evidence indicates that statins are unlikely to lead to depressive symptoms in the general population. Promising data suggest a potential role for statins in the treatment of depression. Further clinical studies are needed, especially in specific subgroups of patients identified by pre-treatment assessments of inflammatory and lipid profiles.
Smartphone Use Among University Students During COVID-19 Quarantine: An Ethical Trigger
Authors: Saadeh Heba , Al Fayez Reem Q. , Al Refaei Assem , Shewaikani Nour , Khawaldah Hamzah , Abu-Shanab Sobuh , Al-Hussaini Maysa
Published: July 2021

To reduce the spread of COVID-19, Jordan enforced 10 weeks of home quarantine in the spring of 2020. A cross-sectional study was designed to assess this extended quarantine's effect on smartphone addiction levels among undergraduates. A random sample of 6,157 undergraduates completed an online questionnaire (mean age 19.79 ± 1.67 years; males 28.7%). The questionnaire contains different sections to collect socio-demographic, socio-economic, academic, quarantine-related information, and smartphone usage. The smartphone addiction scale-short version was used to assess the degree of addiction during the quarantine. The mean addiction score across the whole sample was 35.66 ± 12.08, while the prevalence of addiction among participants was 62.4% (63.5% in males and 61.9% in females). The majority of the participants (85%) reported that their smartphone usage during the quarantine increased or greatly increased (27.6 and 57.2%, respectively), with some 42% using their smartphones for more than 6 h a day. Nevertheless, three-quarters of the students wished to reduce their smartphone usage. Several demographic and quarantine factors have been assessed, and students' gender, the field of study, parental education, household income in addition to the location of quarantine (urban, rural) and the house specifications (apartment, independent house, with/without a garden) showed statistically significant associations with smartphone addiction during the quarantine. Female students, students studying scientific- and medical-related majors compared to those studying humanity majors, those with higher incomes, those who had been quarantined in an apartment without a garden, and those who lived in urban areas showed significantly higher addiction scores.
Impact of the Second Epidemic Wave of SARS-CoV-2: Increased Exposure of Young People
Authors: Capai Lisandru , Masse Shirley , Fourié Toscane , Decarreaux Dorine , Canarelli Jean , Simeoni Marie-Helene , Amroun Abdennour , Mohammed-Ali Souand , Saba Villarroel Paola Mariela , Lamballerie Xavier de , Charrel Rémi , Falchi Alessandra
Published: July 2021

We aimed to use serological surveillance based on serial cross-sectional sampling of residual sera obtained from clinical laboratories to compare the differences in age and sex profiles of infected persons in the first and second waves of SARS-CoV-2 in Corsica, France. Residual sera were obtained, including samples from individuals of all ages collected for routine screening or clinical management by clinical laboratories. All the sera collected were tested for the presence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG using a kit for semi-quantitative detection of IgG antibodies against the S1 domain of the viral spike protein (ELISA-S). Samples that were borderline and positive in ELISA-S were tested with an in-house virus neutralization test. During the second-wave period, we collected between 6 November, 2020 and 12 February, 2021, 4,505 sera from patients aged 0–101 years (60.4% women). The overall weighted seroprevalence of residual sera collected during the second-wave period [8.04% (7.87–9.61)] was significantly higher than the overall weighted seroprevalence estimated at the end of the first wave between 16 April and 15 June, 2020 [5.46% (4.37–7.00)] (p-value = 0.00025). Ninety-eight (30.1%) of the 326 samples tested in the VNT assay had a positive neutralization antibody titer. Estimated seroprevalence increased significantly for men [odds ratio (OR) OR = 1.80 (1.30–2.54);p-value = 0.00026] and for people under 30 years of age [OR = 2.17 (1.46–3.28);p-value = 0.000032]. This increase was observed in young adults aged 20–29 years among whom antibody frequencies were around four-fold higher than those observed at the end of the first wave. In conclusion, our seroprevalence estimates, including the proportion of the participants who had produced neutralizing antibodies, indicate that in February, 2021 the population of Corsica was still far from being protected against SARS-Cov-2 by “herd immunity.”
Microvascular Sex- and Age- Dependent Phosphodiesterase Expression
Authors: Wang Jianjie , Kazmi Murtaza M. , Huxley Virginia H.
Published: July 2021

Objective: The cyclic nucleotide second messengers, cAMP and cGMP, are pivotal regulators of vascular functions; their cellular levels are tightly controlled by the cyclic nucleotide hydrolases, phosphodiesterases (PDE). Biologic sex and age are recognized as independent factors impacting the mechanisms mediating both vascular health and dysfunction. This study focused on microvessels isolated from male and female rats before (juvenile) and after (adult) sexual maturity under resting conditions. We tested the hypothesis that sexual dimorphism in microvascular PDE expression would be absent in juvenile rats, but would manifest in adult rats.

Methods: Abdominal skeletal muscle arterioles and venules were isolated from age-matched juvenile and adult male and female rats under resting conditions. Transcripts of five PDE families (1–5) associated with coronary and vascular function with a total of ten genes were measured using TaqMan real-time RT-PCR and protein expression of microvessel PDE4 was assessed using immunoblotting and immunofluorescence.

Results: Overall expression levels of PDE5A were highest while PDE3 levels were lowest among the five PDE families (p < 0.05) regardless of age or sex. Contrary to our hypothesis, in juveniles, sexual dimorphism in PDE expression was observed in three genes: arterioles (PDE1A, female > male) and venules (PDE1B and 3A, male > female). In adults, gene expression levels in males were higher than females for five genes in arterioles (PDE1C, 3A, 3B, 4B, 5A) and three genes (PDE3A, 3B, and 5A) in venules. Furthermore, age-related differences were observed in PDE1-5 (in males, adult > juvenile for most genes in arterioles; in females, adult > juvenile for arteriolar PDE3A; juvenile gene expression > adult for two genes in arterioles and three genes in venules). Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence analysis revealed protein expression of microvessel PDE4.

Conclusion: This study revealed sexual dimorphism in both juvenile and adult rats, which is inconsistent with our hypothesis. The sex- and age-dependent differences in PDE expression implicate different modulations of cAMP and cGMP pathways for microvessels in health. The implication of these sex- and age-dependent differences, as well as the duration and microdomain of PDE1-5 activities in skeletal muscle microvessels, in both health and disease, require further investigation.
Miniaturised Instrumentation for the Detection of Biosignatures in Ocean Worlds of the Solar System
Authors: Chela-Flores Julian
Published: July 2021

This review of miniaturised instrumentation is motivated by the ongoing and forthcoming exploration of the confirmed, or candidate ocean worlds of the Solar System. It begins with a section on the evolution of instrumentation itself, ranging from the early efforts up to the current rich-heritage miniaturised mass spectrometers approved for missions to the Jovian system. The geochemistry of sulphur stable isotopes was introduced for life detection at the beginning of the present century. Miniaturised instruments allow the measurement of geochemical biosignatures with their underlying biogenic coding, which are more robust after death than cellular organic molecules. The role of known stable sulphur isotope fractionation by sulphate-reducing bacteria is discussed. Habitable ocean worlds are discussed, beginning with analogies from the first ocean world known in the Solar System that has always being available for scientific exploration, our own. Instrumentation can allow the search for biosignatures, not only on the icy Galilean moons, but also beyond. Observed sulphur fractionation on Earth suggests a testable “Sulphur Hypothesis”, namely throughout the Solar System chemoautotrophy, past or present, has left, or are leaving biosignatures codified in sulphur fractionations. A preliminary feasible test is provided with a discussion of a previously formulated “Sulphur Dilemma”: It was the Galileo mission that forced it upon us, when the Europan sulphur patches of non-ice surficial elements were discovered. Biogenic fractionations up to and beyond δ34S = −70‰ denote biogenic, rather than inorganic processes, which are measurable with the available high sensitivity miniaturised mass spectrometers. Finally, we comment on the long-term exploration of ocean worlds in the neighbourhood of the gas and ice giants.
Non-targeted Metabolomics Reveals Metabolic Characteristics of Porcine Atretic Follicles
Authors: Mo Jiayuan , Sun Le , Cheng Juanru , Lu Yujie , Wei Yaochang , Qin Guangsheng , Liang Jing , Lan Ganqiu
Published: July 2021

Follicular atresia is one of the main factors limiting the reproductive power of domestic animals. At present, the molecular mechanisms involved in porcine follicular atresia at the metabolic level remain unclear. In this study, we divided the follicles of Bama Xiang pigs into healthy follicles (HFs) and atretic follicles (AFs) based on the follicle morphology. The expression of genes related to atresia in granulosa cells (GCs) and the concentration of hormones in the follicular fluid (FF) from HFs and AFs were detected. We then used liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry-based non-targeted metabolomic approach to analyze the metabolites in the FF from HFs and AFs. The results showed that the content of estradiol was significantly lower in AFs than in HFs, whereas that of progesterone was significantly higher in AFs than that in HFs. The expression of BCL2, VEGFA, and CYP19A1 was significantly higher in HFs than in AFs. In contrast, the expression of BAX and CASPASE3 was significantly lower in HFs. A total of 18 differential metabolites (DMs) were identified, including phospholipids, bioactive substances, and amino acids. The DMs were involved in 12 metabolic pathways, including arginine biosynthesis and primary bile acid biosynthesis. The levels of eight DMs were higher in the HF group than those in the AF group (p < 0.01), and those of 10 DMs were higher in the AF group than those in the HF group (p < 0.01). These findings indicate that the metabolic characteristics of porcine AFs are lower levels of lipids such as phospholipids and higher levels of amino acids and bile acids than those in HFs. Disorders of amino acid metabolism and cholic acid metabolism may contribute to porcine follicular atresia.
Clinicopathological and Molecular Characteristics of Colorectal Signet Ring Cell Carcinoma: A Review
Authors: An Yang , Zhou Jiaolin , Lin Guole , Wu Huanwen , Cong Lin , Li Yunhao , Qiu Xiaoyuan , Shi Weikun
Published: July 2021

Colorectal signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) is a rare subtype of colorectal cancer (CRC) with unique characteristics. Due to the limited researches on it, a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of this subtype is still lacking. In this article, we summarize the clinicopathological features and molecular characteristics of colorectal SRCC based on a literature review. Clinically, SRCC has been associated with young age, proximal site preference, advanced tumor stage, high histological grade, high rate of lymph node involvement, frequent peritoneal metastasis, and a significantly poor prognosis. Regarding molecular characteristics, in SRCC, the mutation burden of the classic signaling pathways that include WNT/β-catenin, RAS/RAF/MAPK, and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways are generally reduced. In contrast, some genes related to the “epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process” and the “stem cell properties”, including RNF43, CDH1, and SMAD4, as well as the related TGF-β signaling pathway have been observed more frequently altered in SRCC than in conventional adenocarcinoma (AC). In many studies but not in others, SRCC showed a higher frequency of BRAF mutation, microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) and CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) positive status compared to AC. It has been proposed that colorectal SRCC consists of two subtypes, in which the MSI+/CIMP+/BRAF+/CD3+/PD-L1+ hypermethylated genotype is more common in the proximal colon, and may represent the potential candidate for immunotherapy. Understanding the special molecular mechanisms related to the aggressive biology of SRCC is of great importance, which may provide a theoretical basis for the development of more targeted and effective treatments for this refractory disease.
Fixed Point Results on Multi-Valued Generalized (α,β)-Nonexpansive Mappings in Banach Spaces
Authors: Ullah Kifayat , Khan Muhammad Safi Ullah , de la Sen Manuel
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we provide and study the concept of multi-valued generalized (α,β)-nonexpansive mappings, which is the multi-valued version of the recently developed generalized (α,β)-nonexpansive mappings. We establish some elementary properties and fixed point existence results for these mappings. Moreover, a multi-valued version of the M-iterative scheme is proposed for approximating fixed points of these mappings in the weak and strong senses. Using an example, we also show that M-iterative scheme converges faster as compared to many other schemes for this class of mappings.
Synthetic Experiences for Accelerating DQN Performance in Discrete Non-Deterministic Environments
Authors: Pilar von Pilchau Wenzel , Stein Anthony , Hähner Jörg
Published: July 2021

State-of-the-art Deep Reinforcement Learning Algorithms such as DQN and DDPG use the concept of a replay buffer called Experience Replay. The default usage contains only the experiences that have been gathered over the runtime. We propose a method called Interpolated Experience Replay that uses stored (real) transitions to create synthetic ones to assist the learner. In this first approach to this field, we limit ourselves to discrete and non-deterministic environments and use a simple equally weighted average of the reward in combination with observed follow-up states. We could demonstrate a significantly improved overall mean average in comparison to a DQN network with vanilla Experience Replay on the discrete and non-deterministic FrozenLake8x8-v0 environment.
Impact of Emotional Intelligence on Organisational Performance: An Analysis in the Malaysian Public Administration
Authors: Supramaniam Suganthi , Singaravelloo Kuppusamy
Published: July 2021

Organisations have shifted from traditional beliefs to the incorporation of agile methods for attaining high levels of performance through its established goals and objectives. Emotional intelligence (EI) is envisaged to contribute to the achievement of higher levels of performance. With the current global economic crisis and the pandemic situation, it has become very critical to achieve higher levels of performance with limited resources. Countries confront challenges by way of attaining a higher level of emotional maturity and realisation in order to sail through the current economic storm. The Administrative and Diplomatic Officers (ADOs) are seen to shoulder a heavy responsibility in materialising this shift. This study analyses the impact of EI on organisational performance (OP) in the Malaysian public sector. A survey instrumentation was distributed to 700 ADOs based in Putrajaya, within five selected ministries, obtaining 375 valid responses. The results attained, analysed using the SMART-PLS method, affirm the significant positive effect of EI on OP, suggesting the need for an increase in the EI of civil servants by including EI indicators and measures in the areas of recruitment, learning and development, workforce planning, succession planning, and organisational development. EI should actively be adopted to increase awareness and maturity, which would thus enable civil servants to embrace the current challenging agile environment.
Genetic Protection of Soft Wheat from Diseases in the Southern Ural of Russia and Virulence Variability of Foliar Pathogens
Authors: Kushnirenko Igor , Shreyder Ekaterina , Bondarenko Nadezhda , Shaydayuk Ekaterina , Kovalenko Nadezhda , Titova Julia , Gultyaeva Elena
Published: July 2021

The southern Ural is consistently among the 10 best regions in Russia for agricultural production, including wheat. Breeding in the Chelyabinsk Research Institute of Agriculture aims to develop wheat cultivars genetically protected from the main diseases (leaf and stem rust, septoria leaf blotch and tan spot). The genes for resistance to leaf rust, Lr1, Lr9, Lr10 and Lr26/Sr31, alone or in combination, are widespread in cultivars grown in the southern Ural. In 2012, a new wheat cultivar, Chelyaba 75, was proposed for commercial production in the southern Ural, being highly resistant to leaf rust with the highly effective genes LrSp and SrSp transferred from the cuckoo line with the genetic material Aegilops speltoides. Isolates virulent to cv. Chelyaba 75 were not found in Russian populations of Puccinia triticina. Additionally, for a long period, genes Lr29, Lr 41, Lr42, Lr45, Lr47, Lr50, Lr51, Lr53 and Lr57 were characterized by high efficiency. Virulence frequencies to other Lr genes vary annually, but no races with new virulence have been identified. The resistance of lines with the Sr31 and Sr24 genes indicates that the Puccinia graminis population does not contain genotypes with the potentially damaging race Ug99. Mixed septoria and tan spot infections occurred in the southern Ural, with the latter dominating. Races producing the exotoxin ToxA are widely distributed in Pyrenophora tritici-repentis populations. Two causal agents of septoria leaf blotch (Parastagonospora nodorum and P. avenae f. sp. tritici) occur in the region, with the first dominating. Aggressiveness of P. nodorum isolates to wheat cultivars was higher than that of P. avenae f. sp. tritici. All Parastagonospora isolates showed the presence of the SnTox3 marker. SnToxA and SnTox1 markers were found in P. nodorum isolates, usually separately, but in one isolate, these genes were found together. The analysis of the genetic diversity of wheat cultivars grown in the southern Ural, and the pathogenic complex present, indicate that pathogens continuously evolve under the influence of the host plant.
An Investigation of Pull-Out Force of Semi-Buried Lotus Roots after Hydraulic Scouring
Authors: Zeng Rong , Lin Yitao , Wan Zhihua , Tu Ming , Jiao Jun , Zhang Guozhong
Published: July 2021

Hydraulic scouring is the most effective approach to harvest lotus roots, but its application is largely restricted by the low harvesting rate. After hydraulic scouring, some mature lotus roots are still partially buried in the soil. Therefore, it is highly necessary to develop an appropriate approach to harvest semi-buried lotus roots. In this work, we for the first time studied the interaction between semi-buried lotus roots and soil, as well as analyzing the pull-out process and the factors affecting the pull-out force of semi-buried lotus roots. Firstly, a simple testing platform was designed based on the virtual prototype technology and the tests on pull-out force were conducted on five lotus roots with similar shape but different weights, with the burial depth and pull-out speed as the experimental factors. The results revealed that the maximum pull-out force is not significantly affected by the pull-out speed, whereas it is significantly influenced by the burial depth and the surface area of lotus roots. The maximum pull-out force increased with increasing lotus root surface area and burial depth. In addition, the discrete element method was employed to simulate the pull-out process of lotus root at different pull-out speeds. The simulation results indicated that a higher pull-out speed would result in a greater pull-out force at the same displacement of the lotus root from the soil. Both experimental and simulation results revealed that soil adhesion contributes the most to the pull-out resistance. It was also observed that a slight loosening of semi-buried lotus roots could drastically reduce the pull-out force. These results suggest that some kind of mechanical structure or improvement of water flow can be applied to the existing lotus root harvester to reduce the adhesion between lotus roots and soil. Overall, our findings provide a novel direction for optimizing hydraulic harvesting machines of lotus roots.
Weed Control Efficacy and Crop-Weed Selectivity of a New Bioherbicide WeedLock
Authors: Hasan Mahmudul , Mokhtar Anis Syahirah , Rosli Adam Mustafa , Hamdan Hafizuddin , Motmainna Mst. , Ahmad-Hamdani Muhammad Saiful
Published: July 2021

Plant-based bioherbicides could be an effective alternative to current chemical herbicides for sustainable agriculture. Therefore, this research evaluated the weed control efficacy and crop-weed selectivity of the new plant-derived bioherbicide WeedLock compared to commercial herbicides in glasshouse and field conditions. In the glasshouse, the herbicides applied were WeedLock (672.75, 1345.50, 2691.00 L ha−1), glyphosate isopropyl-amine, and glufosinate-ammonium (1, 2, 4 L ha−1), over the untreated (control) on six weeds and four crops. In the field trial, typical weeds were allowed to grow at a uniform density across plots (2.5 × 2.5 m), and WeedLock (1345.50, 2691.00 L ha−1), glyphosate isopropyl-amine, and glufosinate-ammonium (2, 4 L ha−1) were applied along with untreated plot (control). A randomized complete block design was set with four replications for glasshouse and field experiments. WeedLock at 1345.50 L ha−1 showed efficacy similar to glyphosate isopropyl-amine and glufosinate-ammonium at 2 L ha−1 for Ageratum conyzoides L. in the glasshouse. Applied herbicides killed all tested crops except Zea mays L. at 1345.50 L ha−1 (WeedLock). WeedLock showed more than 50% efficacy at 35 days after spray, while 65% was produced by glyphosate isopropyl-amine and glufosinate-ammonium compared to the untreated plot (control). WeedLock has excellent potential to control weeds in both glasshouse and field conditions and showed a non-selective character.
Microsatellite-Based Genetic Structure and Hybrid Detection in Alpacas Bred in Poland
Authors: Podbielska Angelika , Piórkowska Katarzyna , Szmatoła Tomasz
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to characterize the population structure and genetic diversity of alpacas maintained in Poland using 17 microsatellite markers recommended by the International Society for Animal Genetics. The classification of llamas, alpacas, and hybrids of both based on phenotype is often difficult due to long-term admixture. Our results showed that microsatellite markers can distinguish alpacas from llamas and provide information about the level of admixture of one species in another. Alpacas admixed with llamas constituted 8.8% of the tested individuals, with the first-generation hybrid displaying only 7.4% of llama admixture. The results showed that Poland hosts a high alpaca genetic diversity as a consequence of their mixed origin. More than 200 different alleles were identified and the average observed heterozygosity and expected heterozygosity values were 0.745 and 0.768, respectively, the average coefficient of inbreeding was 0.034, and the average polymorphism information content value was 0.741. The probability of exclusion for one parent was estimated at 0.99995 and for two parents at 0.99999.
Administration of GnRH at Onset of Estrus, Determined by Automatic Activity Monitoring, to Improve Dairy Cow Fertility during the Summer and Autumn
Authors: Roth Zvi , Kressel Yaron Z. , Lavon Yaniv , Kalo Dorit , Wolfenson David
Published: July 2021

We examined gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) administration at onset of estrus (OE), determined by automatic activity monitoring (AAM), to improve fertility of dairy cows during the summer and autumn. The study was performed on two dairy farms in Israel. The OE was determined by AAM recorded every 2 h, and a single im dose of GnRH analogue was administered shortly after OE. Pregnancy was determined by transrectal palpation, 40 to 45 d after artificial insemination (AI). Conception risk was analyzed by the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. Brief visual observation of behavioral estrus indicated that about three-quarters of the events (n = 40) of visually detected OE occurred within 6 h of AAM-detected OE. Accordingly, the GnRH analogue was administered within 5 h of AAM-detected OE, to overlap with the expected endogenous preovulatory LH surge. Overall, pregnancy per AI (P/AI) was monitored over the entire experimental period (summer and autumn) in 233 first, second or third AI (116 and 117 AI for treated and control groups, respectively). Least square means of P/AI for treated (45.8%) and control (39.4%) groups did not differ, but group-by-season interaction tended to differ (p = 0.07), indicating no effect of treatment in the summer and a marked effect of GnRH treatment (n = 58 AI) compared to controls (n = 59 AI) on P/AI in the autumn (56.6% vs. 28.5%, p < 0.03). During the autumn, GnRH-treated mature cows (second or more lactations), and postpartum cows exhibiting metabolic and uterine diseases, tended to have much larger P/AI than their control counterparts (p = 0.07–0.08). No effect of treatment was recorded in the autumn in first parity cows or in uninfected, healthy cows. In conclusion, administration of GnRH within 5 h of AAM-determined OE improved conception risk in cows during the autumn, particularly in those exhibiting uterine or metabolic diseases postpartum and in mature cows. Incorporation of the proposed GnRH treatment shortly after AAM-detected OE into a synchronization program is suggested, to improve fertility of positively responding subpopulations of cows.
Hair Cortisol, Testosterone, Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate and Their Ratios in Stallions as a Retrospective Measure of Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Adrenal and Hypothalamic–Pituitary–Gonadal Axes Activity: Exploring the Influence of Seasonality
Authors: Olvera-Maneu Sergi , Carbajal Anaïs , Gardela Jaume , Lopez-Bejar Manel
Published: July 2021

The monitoring of stress physiology includes studying a wide range of endocrinological mechanisms, which can be assessed using multiple tissue samples. This study aimed to evaluate the seasonal variations of hair C, T and DHEA-S in horses for a whole year, as well as to assess the variations between seasons of C/DHEA-S and T/C ratios as a retrospective measure of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal and hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis activity. Ten pure-breed Menorca stallions were included in the study. The hair samples were collected approximately every two months following the shave-reshave method caudally to the sternum. After a methanol-based extraction, samples were analyzed by enzyme immunoassay for cortisol, testosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate. Following our findings, we detected that cortisol, testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate were significantly affected by seasonality, with the highest values of cortisol during summer and the lowest values of testosterone during spring. Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate concentrations were increased in autumn compared to the other studied periods. Additionally, the studied hormone ratios showed variations between seasons. To conclude, season should, therefore, be considered when assessing sexual and stress hormones in stallion hair, since this variable can be a potential influencing factor and led to misinterpretations.
Levels of Main Bacterial Phyla in the Gastrointestinal Tract of Sheep Depending on Parity and Age
Authors: Smoliński Jakub , Szeligowska Natalia , Cholewińska Paulina , Czyż Katarzyna , Janczak Marzena
Published: July 2021

During pregnancy and parturition, the homeostasis of the body is disturbed, and the immune system is undermined, which is associated with hormonal changes within the body. Recently, it has also been suggested that physiological and hormonal changes associated with pregnancy may affect the composition of the gastrointestinal microbiome. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the composition of the microbiome in the third month of pregnancy in sheep in their first and second parity. Eighteen females in total were selected for the experiment, and they were divided into two groups: primiparous (aged 1 year) and multiparous ones (aged 2 years). The animals were fed the same fodder, and did not show any disease symptoms. Fecal samples were collected individually from each female (n = 20), and then bacterial DNA isolation and real-time PCR were performed for the main bacterial phyla (Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria) and families (Lactobacillaceae and Clostridia). The obtained results showed the differentiation in the microbiome between the primiparous and multiparous ewes with respect to the following groups: Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria—the level was higher in the case of the primiparas. These results suggest that the parity and age of the females may affect the gastrointestinal microbiome, but further studies are recommended.
Utilizing Odor-Adsorbed Filter Papers for Detection Canine Training and Off-Site Fire Ant Indications
Authors: Chi Wei-Lien , Chen Ching-Hui , Lin Hui-Min , Lin Chung-Chi , Chen Wang-Ting , Chen Yi-Chen , Lien Yi-Yang , Tsai Yi-Lun
Published: July 2021

The red imported fire ant (RIFA, Solenopsis invicta) is an exotic aggressive pest that is notorious for its ability to seriously harm humans and animals, cause economic loss to agriculture, and damage ecosystems. This is the first study to validate the capability of filter paper adsorption as a feasible odor bearer of RIFAs and evaluate its use in detection dog training. Two live RIFA-experienced detection dogs achieved a mean 92% positive indication rate (PIR) on RIFA-scented papers with a relatively low false response rate (0.8%). The similar accuracies in recognizing live RIFAs (96%) and scented papers (92%) suggest that a filter paper is an effective odor reservoir. After training with live RIFA and scented filter papers, both RIFA-experienced and inexperienced detection dogs successfully indicated filter papers that were scented with at least 10 RIFAs for 4 h with a high PIR (>93%) and low false response rate (2%). Detection dogs correctly recognized the filter papers scented by 10 RIFAs for 24 h with a 97.6% PIR. Even for scented samples stored at −20 °C and 4 °C for 13 weeks, the positive indication rates (PIRs) were as high as 90%. These results suggest that filter paper is an effective RIFA odor bearer, and the scent can be maintained at least 13 weeks for dog identification. After RIFA-scented paper training, detection dogs showed high (>95%) PIRs for both RIFA-scented paper and live RIFAs and also successfully performed field studies. Using filter paper as a RIFA odor bearer is an effective and economical method for detection dog training and RIFA identification.
Discriminant Canonical Tool for Differential Biometric Characterization of Multivariety Endangered Hen Breeds
Authors: González Ariza Antonio , Arando Arbulu Ander , León Jurado José Manuel , Navas González Francisco Javier , Delgado Bermejo Juan Vicente , Camacho Vallejo María Esperanza
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to develop a tool to perform the morphological characterization of Sureña and Utrerana breeds, two endangered autochthonous breeds ascribed to the Mediterranean trunk of Spanish autochthonous hens and their varieties (n = 608; 473 females and 135 males). Kruskal–Wallis H test reported sex dimorphism pieces of evidence (p < 0.05 at least). Multicollinearity analysis reported (variance inflation factor (VIF) >5 variables were discarded) white nails, ocular ratio, and back length (Wilks’ lambda values of 0.191, 0.357, and 0.429, respectively) to have the highest discriminant power in female morphological characterization. For males, ocular ratio and black/corneous and white beak colors (Wilks’ lambda values of 0.180, 0.210, and 0.349, respectively) displayed the greatest discriminant potential. The first two functions explained around 90% intergroup variability. A stepwise discriminant canonical analysis (DCA) was used to determine genotype clustering patterns. Interbreed and varieties proximity was evaluated through Mahalanobis distances. Despite the adaptability capacity to alternative production systems ascribed to both avian breeds, Sureña and Utrerana morphologically differ. Breed dimorphism may evidence differential adaptability mechanisms linked to their aptitude (dual purpose/egg production). The present tool may serve as a model for the first stages of breed protection to be applicable in other endangered avian breeds worldwide.
Maternal Nutrition and Developmental Programming of Male Progeny
Authors: McCoski Sarah , Bradbery Amanda , Marques Rodrigo da Silva , Posbergh Christian , Sanford Carla
Published: July 2021

Poor maternal nutrition can cause several maladaptive phenotypes in exposed offspring. While non-sex-specific and female-specific adaptations are well-documented, male-specific outcomes are still poorly understood. Of particular interest are the outcomes in bulls and rams, as developmental programming directly impacts long-term productivity of the animal as well as human food security. The following review discusses the impact of poor maternal dietary energy and protein on bull and ram developmental programming as it relates to growth, development, and reproductive capacity. The review also highlights the importance of the timing of maternal dietary insult, as early-, mid-, and late-gestational insults can all have varying effects on offspring.