bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects and implementation of a minimized physical restraint program for older adults in nursing homes: A pilot study
Authors: Wang Jun , Liu Weichu , Li Xuelian , Li Luyong , Tong Jinyan , Zhao Qinghua , Xiao Mingzhao
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Physical restraint (PR) reduction interventions are currently exploring in developed regions with well-established welfare systems, whereas developing countries with fast population aging have not attracted enough attention. This China's pilot study evaluated the effects of a minimized PR program on restraint reduction and nursing assistants' knowledge, attitudes, intention, and practice toward PR and explored nursing assistants' experience of the program.

Patients and methods

This was a one-group, pretest, and posttest pilot trial with a nested qualitative descriptive study. A minimized PR program was obtained by summarizing the best evidence and was implemented in one Chinese nursing home with 102 older adults from December 18, 2020, to March 21, 2021. An educational program including three theoretical lectures and one operation training was first conducted for nursing assistants one-month period. The primary outcome was PR rate at 3 months. The secondary outcomes contained duration of restraints, types of restraints, the rate of correct PR use, the incidence of falls and/or fall-related injuries, and antipsychotics use at 3 months. Data on PR use and older adults' characteristics were collected through physical restraints observation forms and older adults' medical records. Nursing assistants' knowledge, attitude, intention, and practice toward PR were measured using the Staff Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices Questionnaire regarding PR at 1 month. A semi-structured interview for two administrative staff and a focus group discussion with 13 nursing assistants were analyzed using content analysis to explore perspectives of intervention implementation at 3 months.

Results

There were a significant increase in knowledge, attitude, and practice and a decrease in intention of nursing assistants after 1-month educational intervention (P < 0.001). Furthermore, only the rate of correct PR increased and the duration of restraint in the daytime decreased significantly at 3 months (P < 0.05). There were no significant effects on PR rate and other secondary outcomes at follow-up. Qualitatively, nursing assistants demonstrated overtly supportive perspectives and that assistance from the program enhanced their knowledge and practice. They noted several challenges that impeded implementation.

Conclusion

The intervention has acknowledged some benefits and was valued by nursing assistants. Implementation barriers should be addressed before delivering in larger trials.
Quality of life in patients with schizophrenia: A 2-year cohort study in primary mental health care in rural China
Authors: He Xiao-Yan , Migliorini Christine , Huang Zhuo-Hui , Wang Fei , Zhou Rui , Chen Zi-Lang , Xiao Yao-Nan , Wang Qian-Wen , Wang Shi-Bin , Harvey Carol , Hou Cai-Lan
Published: September 2022

Objective

Quality of life (QoL) has been always an important way to evaluate the outcomes of schizophrenia, but there have been few previous longitudinal studies and few in middle-income countries. This study aimed to explore the QoL in Chinese patients with schizophrenia treated in primary mental health care and the risk factors of QoL over time.

Methods

Patients with schizophrenia treated in primary mental health care in rural/regional areas in Luoding, Guangdong, PR China, were evaluated with an extended questionnaire including the Chinese version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF) at baseline and 2-year follow-up. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted including Generalized Estimated Equation analyses (GEE).

Results

Four hundred and ninety-one patients with schizophrenia in primary care completed the 2-year follow up evaluation. The QoL physical, environmental, and social relationships domains showed improvement after the 2-year period, but the psychological domain did not. GEE results showed that earlier age of onset, older age, being employed, being unmarried, the thicker waist circumference, less use of clozapine or other SGAs, fewer hospitalizations, more frequent insomnia, more severe depressive and negative symptoms as well as worse treatment insight were independently associated with poor QoL in patients with schizophrenia.

Conclusion

According to our results, to improve the quality of life of patients with schizophrenia in primary care, we should pay more attention to the treatment of depression, negative and insomnia symptoms of schizophrenia, the choice and dosage of antipsychotic medication and improvement in the treatment compliance. The combined use of educational and behavioral strategies may improve treatment adherence.
Relationships between urinary metals concentrations and cognitive performance among U.S. older people in NHANES 2011–2014
Authors: Wang Xiangdong , Xiao Pei , Wang Rui , Luo Chao , Zhang Zeyao , Yu Shali , Wu Qiyun , Li Ye , Zhang Yali , Zhang Hongbing , Zhao Xinyuan
Published: September 2022

Background

Epidemiological evidence on Urine metals and cognitive impairment in older individuals is sparse and limited. The goal of this study was to analyze if there was a link between urinary metal levels and cognitive performance in U.S. people aged 60 and up.

Methods

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data from 2011 to 2014 were utilized in this cross-sectional analysis. Memory function was quantified using the following methods: Established Consortium for Word Learning in Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD-WL) (immediate learning and recall and delayed recall), Animal Fluency Test (AFT), and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). An inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to estimate urine metal concentrations. The connection of Urine metals level with cognitive function was investigated employing binary logistic regression and restricted cubic spline models.

Results

A total of 840 participants aged 60 years and over were enrolled in this study. After controlling for confounders, the association between cadmium, barium, cobalt, cesium, manganese, and thallium and poor cognitive performance showed significance in multiple logistic regression compared to the lowest quartile of metals. In the DSST test, the weighted multivariate adjusted ORs (95% CI) for cadmium in the highest quartile, barium and cesium in the third quartile were 2.444 (1.310–4.560), 0.412 (0.180–0.942) and 0.440 (0.198–0.979), respectively. There were L-shaped associations between urine cesium, barium, or manganese and low cognitive performance in DSST. Urine lead, molybdenum and uranium did not show any significant relationships with cognitive impairment, respectively, compared to the respective lowest quartile concentrations.

Conclusion

The levels of barium (Ba), cobalt (Co), cesium (Cs), manganese (Mn), and thallium (Tl) in urine were found to be negatively related to the prevalence of impaired cognitive performance in our cross-sectional investigation. Higher cadmium (Cd) levels were associated with cognitive impairment.
Comparison of trend in chronic kidney disease burden between China, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States
Authors: Wen Haoyu , Yang Donghui , Xie Cong , Shi Fang , Liu Yan , Zhang Jiaming , Yu Chuanhua
Published: September 2022

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) caused heavy burden globally. This study aimed to investigate the patterns and temporal variations in the burden of CKD in China, Japan, the United Kingdom (U.K.), and the United States (U.S.) from 1990 to 2019, and decompose the difference in CKD disease burden between 1990 and 2019 into demographic factors. From 1990 to 2019, although the age-standardized rate (ASR) of incidence remained stable in the four countries, and the ASR of mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) have declined in four countries (except for the increase in U.S.), the number of CKD incidence, death, and DALY increased significantly. The average disease burden per case in U.S. has increased between 1990 and 2019, with an increasing proportion of death-related disease burden. For the CKD due to diabetes and hypertension, whose incidences accounted for < 25% of the total CKD, while it accounts for more than 70% of the deaths (except in U.K. with 54.14% in women and 51.75% in men). CKD due to diabetes and hypertension should be the focus of CKD prevention and control. Considering the high treatment costs of CKD and ESRD, it is urgent and necessary to transform CKD treatment into primary and secondary prevention.
Joint elasticity produces energy efficiency in underwater locomotion: Verification with deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Zheng Chu , Li Guanda , Hayashibe Mitsuhiro
Published: September 2022

Underwater snake robots have received attention because of their unique mechanics and locomotion patterns. Given their highly redundant degrees of freedom, designing an energy-efficient gait has been a main challenge for the long-term autonomy of underwater snake robots. We propose a gait design method for an underwater snake robot based on deep reinforcement learning and curriculum learning. For comparison, we consider the gait generated by a conventional parametric gait equation controller as the baseline. Furthermore, inspired by the joints of living organisms, we consider elasticity (stiffness) in the joints of the snake robot to verify whether it contributes to the generation of energy efficiency in the underwater gait. We first demonstrate that the deep reinforcement learning controller can produce a more energy-efficient gait than the gait equation controller in underwater locomotion, by finding the control patterns which maximize the effect of energy efficiency through the exploitation of joint elasticity. In addition, appropriate joint elasticity can increase the maximum velocity achievable by a snake robot. Finally, simulation results in different liquid environments confirm that the deep reinforcement learning controller is superior to the gait equation controller, and it can find adaptive energy-efficient motion even when the liquid environment is changed. The video can be viewed at https://youtu.be/wpwQihhntEY.
Toward digitalization futures in smallholder farming systems in Sub-Sahara Africa: A social practice proposal
Authors: Abdulai Abdul-Rahim
Published: September 2022

This paper contributes to the digitalization of rural agriculture literature by proposing a social practice approach. Digitalization (practices) is conceived as an unfolding constellation of everyday farming activities manifested by practically conscious people meaningfully leveraging competences to integrate materials elements of life. Thirty-one expert key informants' interviews were conducted on experiences and pathways for the future of digital agriculture in Africa. Thematic analysis of the interviews revealed that materials (access to digital tools, enabling digital infrastructure, supporting social infrastructure), competencies (digital literacy among farmers and extension officers, IT and data education among populaces), and meanings (connecting digitization with local customs and norms and aligning digital tools with the values/perceptions of what farming is) are critical elements to establishing and embedding digital tools and services in everyday agriculture in Africa. Thus, I propose adopting a social practice approach (which focus on establishing and integrating materials, competencies, and meanings) to understanding, researching, and guiding processes of rural smallholder digitalization. The proposed approach, the first application of the social practice lens to smallholder digitalization, would allow for interventions that focus on establishing holistic and all-encompassing building blocks that bring digitalization practices to life. Specifically, the social practice proposal provides an outlook to move beyond the technologies –tools and services– of digitalization, to equally value the competencies required and meanings engendered in smallholder digital futures.
A diverse diet as an alternative to ryegrass can improve the total antioxidant status of dams at lambing
Authors: Garrett K. , Marshall C. J. , Beck M. R. , Maxwell T. M. R. , Logan C. M. , Gregorini P.
Published: September 2022

The objective of this experiment was to determine if providing ewes in the final trimester of pregnancy with choice from diverse diet components would reduce markers of oxidative and metabolic stress in ewes and improve lamb birth weights relative to ewes offered only one forage species, repetitively. Fifty-four, twin bearing Coopworth ewes [initial live weight (LW) = 69.82 ± 1.16 kg] were blocked by weight onto iso-energetic diets with either choice from taxonomically diverse plants [DIV; spatially separated strips of ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), plantain (Plantago lanceolata L.), red clover (Trifolium pratense L.), and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)] or a ryegrass only diet (RYE) for the final third of gestation. The ewes offered the DIV diet birthed 8.9% heavier lambs (5.64 ± 0.20 kg) than RYE ewes (5.18 ± 0.20 kg; P = 0.03). In addition, the DIV ewes had greater (P < 0.01) glutathione peroxidase and total antioxidant status, and lower (P = 0.01) plasma non-esterified fatty acid concentrations than the RYE fed ewes 24 h after lambing. The results indicate that the DIV diet can improve antioxidant status and reduce some markers of oxidative and metabolic stress at lambing compared to a conventional RYE diet.
Artificial intelligence for assessing the severity of microtia via deep convolutional neural networks
Authors: Wang Dawei , Chen Xue , Wu Yiping , Tang Hongbo , Deng Pei
Published: September 2022

Background

Microtia is a congenital abnormality varying from slightly structural abnormalities to the complete absence of the external ear. However, there is no gold standard for assessing the severity of microtia.

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to develop and test models of artificial intelligence to assess the severity of microtia using clinical photographs.

Methods

A total of 800 ear images were included, and randomly divided into training, validation, and test set. Nine convolutional neural networks (CNNs) were trained for classifying the severity of microtia. The evaluation metrics, including accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, receiver operating characteristic curve, and area under the curve (AUC) values, were used to evaluate the performance of the models.

Results

Eight CNNs were tested with accuracy greater than 0.8. Among them, Alexnet and Mobilenet achieved the highest accuracy of 0.9. Except for Mnasnet, all CNNs achieved high AUC values higher than 0.9 for each grade of microtia. In most CNNs, the grade I microtia had the lowest AUC values and the normal ear had the highest AUC values.

Conclusion

CNN can classify the severity of microtia with high accuracy. Artificial intelligence is expected to provide an objective, automated assessment of the severity of microtia.
Apathogenic proxies for transmission dynamics of a fatal virus
Authors: Gilbertson Marie L. J. , Fountain-Jones Nicholas M. , Malmberg Jennifer L. , Gagne Roderick B. , Lee Justin S. , Kraberger Simona , Kechejian Sarah , Petch Raegan , Chiu Elliott S. , Onorato Dave , Cunningham Mark W. , Crooks Kevin R. , Funk W. Chris , Carver Scott , VandeWoude Sue , VanderWaal Kimberly , Craft Meggan E.
Published: September 2022

Identifying drivers of transmission—especially of emerging pathogens—is a formidable challenge for proactive disease management efforts. While close social interactions can be associated with microbial sharing between individuals, and thereby imply dynamics important for transmission, such associations can be obscured by the influences of factors such as shared diets or environments. Directly-transmitted viral agents, specifically those that are rapidly evolving such as many RNA viruses, can allow for high-resolution inference of transmission, and therefore hold promise for elucidating not only which individuals transmit to each other, but also drivers of those transmission events. Here, we tested a novel approach in the Florida panther, which is affected by several directly-transmitted feline retroviruses. We first inferred the transmission network for an apathogenic, directly-transmitted retrovirus, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), and then used exponential random graph models to determine drivers structuring this network. We then evaluated the utility of these drivers in predicting transmission of the analogously transmitted, pathogenic agent, feline leukemia virus (FeLV), and compared FIV-based predictions of outbreak dynamics against empirical FeLV outbreak data. FIV transmission was primarily driven by panther age class and distances between panther home range centroids. FIV-based modeling predicted FeLV dynamics similarly to common modeling approaches, but with evidence that FIV-based predictions captured the spatial structuring of the observed FeLV outbreak. While FIV-based predictions of FeLV transmission performed only marginally better than standard approaches, our results highlight the value of proactively identifying drivers of transmission—even based on analogously-transmitted, apathogenic agents—in order to predict transmission of emerging infectious agents. The identification of underlying drivers of transmission, such as through our workflow here, therefore holds promise for improving predictions of pathogen transmission in novel host populations, and could provide new strategies for proactive pathogen management in human and animal systems.
Suttonella ornithocola detected within lesions of tit birds (Paridae) from epidemic death episodes in Germany, 2018–2020
Authors: Leitzen Eva , Peters Martin , Merbach Sabine , Wohlsein Peter , Baumgärtner Wolfgang
Published: September 2022

Several episodes of increased mortality in wild birds of the familiesParidaeandAegithalidaehave been documented in recent decades. The majority of affected animals exhibited necrotizing pneumonia with intralesional bacteria.Suttonella(S.)ornithocola, a gram-negative bacterium in theCardiobacteriaceaefamily, has been regularly cultured bacteriologically from affected birds and has long been suspected as a potentially fatal cause of respiratory disease in birds. However, a direct causal relationship between this specific bacterium and the observed lesions within birds has not yet been established. Therefore, postmortem tissue from six tits was used in the present study, including three blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) and three great tits (Parus major). Five of the six tits tested positive forS. ornithocolain bacteriological examination and originated from two incidents of increased mortality inParidaein Germany. Animals found dead in the administrative district of Arnsberg (North Rhine Westphalia) in 2018 and 2020 were investigated for genomic fragments ofS. ornithocolaby chromogenicin situhybridization using a newly developed DNA probe based on publicly assessable DNA sequences of the 16S rRNA gene ofS. ornithocola. Positive hybridization signals were detected in five out of five animals and were predominantly detected within necrotizing lesions in lung and occasionally in lesions affecting liver and trachea. Interestingly, the lung of one animal without obvious necrotizing pulmonary lesions revealed positive hybridization results in the lumen of one pulmonary blood vessel. Two negative controls, including one bacteriologicallyS. ornithocola-negative great tit and a cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) suffering from salmonellosis, did not yield positive signals, indicating high sensitivity and specificity of the probe used. This is the first time thatS. ornithocolahas been clearly identified within necrotizing lesions in deceased tits. Although Koch's postulates have yet to be fulfilled, positive hybridization signals in association with detectable lesions are considered as further and strong evidence of the significant contribution ofS. ornithocolato the several episodes of tit mortality recorded in Germany.
Blood parameters and pathological lesions in pigs experimentally infected with Vietnam's first isolated African swine fever virus
Authors: Oh Sang-Ik , Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen , Yang Myeon-Sik , Nga Bui Thi To , Bui Vuong Nghia , Le Van Phan , Yi Seung-Won , Kim Eunju , Hur Tai-Young , Lee Hu Suk , Kim Bumseok
Published: September 2022

African swine fever virus (ASFV) is a notable virus and one of the most serious global threats to the pig industry. Improving awareness about host–virus interactions could facilitate the understanding of the disease pathogenesis. Therefore, we investigated changes in blood parameters, viral loads, and pathological changes in ASFV-inoculated pigs according to the time of death after the onset of viremia. For the analyses, the ASFV-infected pigs (n = 10) were divided into two groups (five pigs/group) according to their time of death after the onset of viremia. The blood cell count dynamics and serum biochemistry profiles were similar between the groups; however, viral load distribution was different. A comparison of the histopathological changes and immunohistochemistry results between the two groups indicated that the lymphoid system, particularly the spleen, was more damaged in the early stage of the disease than in the last stage. Additionally, the virus-induced lesions in other organs (liver and kidney) were more severe in the late stage than in the early stage. Our findings provide invaluable information on the characteristics of blood parameters and pathological lesions in pigs infected with the Asia-epidemic ASFV strain and the course of ASF, targeting internal organs in pigs. Overall, this study characterizes the host-pathogen interaction in ASFV infection, offering insight for the establishment of ASF control strategies.
Physical Effects, Safety and Feasibility of Prehabilitation in Patients Awaiting Orthotopic Liver Transplantation, a Systematic Review
Authors: Jetten Wesley D. , Hogenbirk Rianne N. M. , Van Meeteren Nico L. U. , Cuperus Frans J. C. , Klaase Joost M. , De Jong Renate
Published: September 2022

Prehabilitation improves surgical outcomes in patients undergoing surgery. However, patients preparing for orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) are physically “frail” and suffer from comorbidities that generally hamper physical activity. This systematic review aims to evaluate the physical effects, safety and feasibility of prehabilitation in OLT candidates. Relevant articles were searched, in Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane, Medline and Google Scholar, to December 2021. Studies reporting on specified preoperative exercise programs, including adult OLT candidates with end-stage liver disease, with a model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score ≥12 or Child-Pugh classification B/C, were included. This resulted in 563 potentially eligible studies, out of which eight were selected for inclusion, consisting of 1,094 patients (male sex 68%; mean age 51–61 years; mean MELD score 12-21). Six of the included studies were classified as low-quality by the GRADE system, and three studies had high risk for ineffectiveness of the training program according to the i-CONTENT tool. Significant improvement was observed in VO2 peak, 6-minute walking distance, hand grip strength, liver frailty index and quality of life. Feasibility ranged from an adherence of 38%–90% in unsupervised-to >94% in supervised programs. No serious adverse events were reported. In conclusion, prehabilitation in patients awaiting OLT appears to improve aerobic capacity, and seems feasible and safe. However, larger clinical trials are required to accurately examine the preoperative and postoperative effects of prehabilitation in this specific patient population.
Deducing the Composition of Venus Cloud Particles with the Autofluorescence Nephelometer (AFN)
Authors: Baumgardner Darrel , Fisher Ted , Newton Roy , Roden Chris , Zmarzly Pat , Seager Sara , Petkowski Janusz J. , Carr Christopher E. , Špaček Jan , Benner Steven A. , Tolbert Margaret A. , Jansen Kevin , Grinspoon David H. , Mandy Christophe
Published: September 2022

The composition, sizes and shapes of particles in the clouds of Venus have previously been studied with a variety of in situ and remote sensor measurements. A number of major questions remain unresolved, however, motivating the development of an exploratory mission that will drop a small probe, instrumented with a single-particle autofluorescence nephelometer (AFN), into Venus’s atmosphere. The AFN is specifically designed to address uncertainties associated with the asphericity and complex refractive indices of cloud particles. The AFN projects a collimated, focused, linearly polarized, 440 nm wavelength laser beam through a window of the capsule into the airstream and measures the polarized components of some of the light that is scattered by individual particles that pass through the laser beam. The AFN also measures fluorescence from those particles that contain material that fluoresce when excited at a wavelength of 440 nm and emit at 470–520 nm. Fluorescence is expected from some organic molecules if present in the particles. AFN measurements during probe passage through the Venus clouds are intended to provide constraints on particle number concentration, size, shape, and composition. Hypothesized organics, if present in Venus aerosols, may be detected by the AFN as a precursor to precise identification via future missions. The AFN has been chosen as the primary science instrument for the upcoming Rocket Lab mission to Venus, to search for organic molecules in the cloud particles and constrain the particle composition.
Numerical Investigation of Nanofluid Flow over a Backward Facing Step
Authors: Wu Wen-Chung , Kumar Ankit
Published: September 2022

Nanofluid flow over a backward facing step was investigated numerically at low Reynolds number and the heat transfer was analyzed and reported. Al2O3–H2O nanofluids of different volume fractions (φ = 1–5%) were used as the material with uniform heat flux (UHF) of 5000 W/m2 at bottom wall for Reynolds number 200–600. The backward facing step of two geometries was investigated for two expansion ratios, 1.9432 and 3.5. The SIMPLE algorithm was used in the finite volume solver to solve the Naiver–Stokes equation. Temperature difference at inlet and boundaries, heat transfer coefficient, Nusselt number, coefficient of skin friction, and temperature contours were reported. The results show that when nanofluids are used, the coefficient of heat transfer and Nusselt number increased at all volume fractions and Reynolds number for both the expansion ratios. The coefficient of heat transfer at φ = 5% was higher by 9.14% and 9.68% than the pure water for ER = 1.9432 and ER = 3.5 at Re. 500. At φ = 5%, the outlet temperature for the duct decreased by 10 K and 5 K when compared to the pure water for ER = 1.9432 and ER = 3.5 at Re. 500. Coefficient of skin friction and outlet temperature decreased for both the volume fractions in both the expansion ratios.
Biocontrol of Three Severe Diseases in Soybean
Authors: Yu Shu-Fan , Wang Chu-Lun , Hu Ya-Feng , Wen Yan-Chen , Sun Zhan-Bin
Published: September 2022

Three damaging soybean diseases, Sclerotinia stem rot caused by a fungus Sclerotinia sclerotiorum (Lid.) de Bary, Phytophthora root rot caused by a fungus Phytophthora sojae, and soybean cyst nematode (Heterodera glycines Ichinohe), are destructive to soybean growth and yield and cause huge economic losses. Biocontrol is an effective way to control soybean diseases with the advantage of being environmentally friendly and sustainable. To date, few reviews have reported the control of these three soybean diseases through biocontrol measures. In this review, the biological characteristics of the three pathogens and the incidence features of the three soybean diseases were first introduced. Then, biocontrol agents containing fungi and bacteria capable of controlling the three diseases, as well as their control abilities, were emphasized, followed by their mechanisms of biocontrol action. Bacillus and Streptomyces were found to possess the ability to control all three soybean diseases under greenhouse or field conditions. Finally, suggestions about screening new biocontrol species and deeply studied biocontrol molecular mechanisms are provided for further research on the biocontrol of soybean diseases.
Optimal Section Design of Korean Agricultural Greenhouse Response to Climate Change Based on Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Jeon Jeongbae , Lee Hyeongryeol , Yoon Seongsoo
Published: September 2022

Rapid climate change has threatened the agricultural production infrastructure that was designed based on past weather conditions. A glass greenhouse structure is especially affected by the changing wind speed and snow. Therefore, it is necessary to update the standards for a greenhouse design to secure the appropriate safe standards for wind speed and snow depth according to the structure shape, cross-sectional shape, and size of the greenhouse. This study develops a structural optimal cross-section model to cope with climate change such as abnormal weather for Korean glass greenhouses. We programmed a model to calculate the probability of greenhouse failure and developed a sectional setting model for optimal failure probability by applying the concepts of a Monte Carlo simulation technique and simplex method. The main results showed that it is possible to reduce the probability of failure by about 80%, and the materials could be reduced by about 18% with the optimal cross-section setting of this study. Therefore, we propose that, with this cross-section, it is possible to build an economical greenhouse that still ensures safety against failure.
Yield and Nitrogen Status of Maize (Zea mays L.) Fertilized with Solution of Urea—Ammonium Nitrate Enriched with P, Mg or S
Authors: Wierzbowska Jadwiga , Sienkiewicz Stanisław , Światły Arkadiusz
Published: September 2022

UAN is a popular nitrogen fertilizer, broadly used in world agriculture. Research concerning the effects of this fertilizer is just as common. Contrarily, studies on the combined application of UAN with P, Mg or S are lacking. This fact has stimulated our study, undertaken in order to evaluate the effects of maize grown for grain and fertilized with UAN enriched with the macronutrients (P, Mg and S) on the crop’s yields and nitrogen metabolism. The following nitrogen fertilizers were applied: UAN 32%N, UAN + S—26% N + 3% S, UAN + P (Medium)—26% N and 11% P2O5, UAN + P (Starter)—21% N and 18% P2O5, UAN + Mg—20% N + 4% Mg. Based on the results of chemical analyses and yields of maize, the following indicators of nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) were calculated: agricultural efficiency (AE), physiological efficiency (PE), internal N utilization efficiency (IE), reciprocal internal N utilization efficiency (RIE), grain share in N accumulation (HIN), recovery of N from mineral fertilizers (RN) and partial nitrogen balance (PNB). The highest grain yields were harvested after the application of UAN + S/UAN + Mg, and after the pre-sowing and top-dressing application of UAN or UAN + P (Medium). Values of all calculated nitrogen use efficiency indicators were more strongly dependent on the weather conditions, which determined volumes of maize yields in a given year, than on the applied fertilization.
Allelopathic Effect of Black Cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) on Early Growth of White Mustard (Sinapis alba L.) and Common Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench): Is the Invader a Threat to Restoration of Fallow Lands?
Authors: Bączek Paulina , Halarewicz Aleksandra
Published: September 2022

Abandoned agricultural land present in most European countries constitutes a resource of land that can be restored to agricultural production. Fallow colonization by invasive plant species contributes to changes in the course of natural secondary succession. This may modify the possibilities of returning fallow lands to agriculture, which constitutes an issue that needs to be investigated. In this study, the phytotoxic effect of invasive black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.) on two crop plants commonly used for fallow land utilization, white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) and common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench), was assessed. The influence of water extracts from P. serotina litter and the soil collected under the individuals of this species was investigated. Sinapis alba was found to be more sensitive to allelochemicals released by P. serotina than F. esculentum. Litter extracts and soil with residues of P. serotina significantly inhibited both germination and growth of S. alba seedlings, estimated with length and mass of the above-ground and underground parts. In the case of F. esculentum, a negative effect of the tested extracts and soil on root mass reduction was observed. Preliminary results of our laboratory tests suggest that cultivation of white mustard should be avoided in the reclamation of fallows with black cherry.
Management Effects on the Performance of Double Cropping Systems—Results from a Multi-Site Experiment
Authors: Schmidt Fruzsina , Böhm Herwart , Piepho Hans-Peter , Urbatzka Peer , Wachendorf Michael , Graß Rüdiger
Published: September 2022

Traditional (silage) maize production often has negative side-effects related to unprotected soil surface. There are several possibilities to enhance system sustainability through reducing soil disturbance. However, implementation may be hindered due to reduced nitrogen availability and increased weed infestation, especially in organic agriculture. A field experiment to evaluate yield potential of 18 silage maize cropping systems under organic management was conducted at three distinct locations. Examined parameters were first crop, maize and total harvested dry matter yield (DMY), and maize dry matter content (DMC). Treatment factors included first crop (FC—winter pea, hairy vetch, and their mixtures with rye, control (SCS), management—incorporating FC use and tillage (double cropping system no-till (DCS NT), double cropping system reduced till (DCS RT), double cropped, mulched system terminated with roller-crimper (DCMS Roll), SCS control), fertilization, mechanical weed control—and row width (75 cm, 50 cm). A high variation among environments occurred, but similar patterns manifested across locations: Number of crops in the rotation had a high influence, followed by management and FC. Row width had only marginal and inconsistent effect. FC mixtures generally yielded higher than pure legumes. Maize DMY in DCS, DCMS was lower than or comparable to SCS. Maize DMC were environment-specifically below acceptable range, especially under DCMS. Total harvested DMY in DCS were similar to or greater than SCS. Results suggest differences from the optimization of farming operations for one (SCS) or two crops (DCS, DCMS) with strong effects at early maize development and on the length of season. FC use and tillage factors possibly altered the soil water, temperature, and mineralization dynamics, resulting in modified maize growth. DCS RT and DCMS Pure performed with the best maize yields, improved soil protection, and tillage reduction in the silage maize part of the rotation under organic management. However, alternative management systems, especially under DCS NT and DCMS (Mix) with studied maize maturity classes are less suited, particularly in cool and wet spring conditions, because of a potentially slower development of FC, a later establishment of maize plants and therefore, a shorter growing season for the maize crop.
Novel Allele of FAD2-1A from an EMS-Induced Mutant Soybean Line (PE529) Produces Elevated Levels of Oleic Acid in Soybean Oil
Authors: Jo Hyun , Woo Changwan , Norah Nabachwa , Song Jong Tae , Lee Jeong-Dong
Published: September 2022

Soybean seed oils contain approximately 23% oleic acid, and elevated amounts of oleic acid help prevent cardiovascular diseases and improve the quality of the oil. Chemically, it helps maintain the oxidative stability of oil; hence, soybean breeders primarily seek to increase its concentration for improved oil quality. As soybean seeds with mutant alleles of FAD2-1A and FAD2-1B genes have been reported to produce approximately 80% of oleic acid, a mutant population was developed from an ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)-induced soybean cultivar (Pungsannamul). From this, a new mutant allele of FAD2-1A was identified using mutant lines with elevated oleic acid levels and the pooled-DNA sequencing method. This study identified PE529 as the allele with >40% oleic acid carrying the novel allele of the FAD2-1A gene. The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in PE529 also induced the conversion from tryptophan to a premature stop codon at position 293 in the amino acid sequence (W293STOP). The inheritance analysis showed that the elevated oleic acids in PE529 were attributed to the fad2-1a W293STOP allele. In this study, seeds capable of producing approximately 80.0% oleic acid were identified from F2 populations where fad2-1a W293STOP and fad2-1b alleles were segregated. Hence, soybeans with novel alleles are useful genetic resources to improve soybean oil quality in breeding programs.
Identification of Potential IgE-Binding Epitopes Contributing to the Cross-Reactivity of the Major Cupressaceae Pectate-Lyase Pollen Allergens (Group 1)
Authors: Barre Annick , Sénéchal Hélène , Nguyen Christophe , Granier Claude , Rougé Pierre , Poncet Pascal
Published: September 2022

Pectate-lyase allergens, the group 1 of allergens from Cupressaceae pollen, consist of glycoproteins exhibiting an extremely well-conserved three-dimensional structure and sequential IgE-binding epitopes. Up to 10 IgE-binding epitopic regions were identified on the molecular surface, which essentially cluster at both extremities of the long, curved β-prism-shaped allergens. Most of these IgE-binding epitopes possess very similar conformations that provide insight into the IgE-binding cross-reactivity and cross-allergenicity commonly observed among Cupressaceae pollen allergens. Some of these epitopic regions coincide with putative N-glycosylation sites that most probably consist of glycotopes or cross-reactive carbohydrate determinants, recognized by the corresponding IgE antibodies from allergic patients. Pectate-lyase allergens of Cupressaceae pollen offer a nice example of structurally conserved allergens that are widely distributed in closely-related plants (Chamæcyparis, Cryptomeria, Cupressus, Hesperocyparis, Juniperus, Thuja) and responsible for frequent cross-allergenicity.
Immuno-Neutralization of Follistatin Bioactivity Enhances the Developmental Potential of Ovarian Pre-hierarchical Follicles in Yangzhou Geese
Authors: Chen Rong , Yang Pengxia , Dai Zichun , Liu Jie , Zhu Huanxi , Lei Mingming , Shi Zhendan
Published: September 2022

In order to explore the role of follistatin (FST) in ovarian follicular development and egg production in Yangzhou geese, sixty-four egg laying geese of the same genetic origin were selected and divided into two groups with equal numbers. One group was immunized against the recombinant goose FST protein by intramuscular injection, whereas the control group received bovine serum albumin (BSA) injection. Immunization against FST significantly increased the number of pre-ovulatory follicles. Furthermore, immunization against FST upregulated Lhr, Star, Vldlr, Smad3, and Smad4 mRNA levels in the granulosa layer of pre-hierarchical follicles. The results suggest that FST plays a limiting role in the development of ovarian pre-hierarchical follicles into pre-ovulatory follicles by decreasing follicular sensitivity to activin in geese. The mechanism may be achieved by regulating the SMAD3 signaling pathway, which affects progesterone synthesis and yolk deposition in pre-hierarchical follicles.
Dietary Phytogenic Extracts Favorably Influence Productivity, Egg Quality, Blood Constituents, Antioxidant and Immunological Parameters of Laying Hens: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Darmawan Arif , Hermana Widya , Suci Dwi , Mutia Rita , Sumiati  , Jayanegara Anuraga , Ozturk Ergin
Published: September 2022

The present study aimed to assess the impact of dietary phytogenic extracts on laying hen productivity, egg quality, blood constituents, antioxidant, and immunological parameters through a meta-analytical approach. A total of 28 articles (119 data points) reporting the influence of dietary phytogenic extracts on the productive performance, egg quality, blood constituents, immunological, and antioxidant parameters of laying hens were embedded into a database. Statistical analysis was performed using a mixed model, with different studies treated as random effects and phytogenic extract levels treated as fixed effects. This meta-analysis revealed that dietary phytogenic extracts quadratically (p < 0.05) improved egg production and egg mass as well as decreased (p < 0.05) the feed conversion ratio (FCR) with no adverse effect on egg weight and egg quality. Feed intake and egg yolk percentage tended to increase linearly (p < 0.1). Total serum cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) declined quadratically (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) increased linearly (p < 0.001), and malondialdehyde (MDA) decreased linearly (p < 0.01), with increasing levels of dietary phytogenic extract. In addition, immunoglobulin G (IgG), immunoglobulin A (IgA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and total superoxide dismutase (TSOD) increased linearly (p < 0.05) in line with the increase in dietary phytogenic extract level. It was concluded that the inclusion of phytogenic extracts in the diet of laying hens had a positive effect on productive performance, feed efficiency, egg mass, immunity, and antioxidant activity without interfering with egg quality. The optimum level of feed photogenic extract for egg production and feed efficiency was determined to be around 300 mg/kg feed.
Effects of Photoperiod on the Performance, Blood Profile, Welfare Parameters, and Carcass Characteristics in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Kim Hee-Jin , Son Jiseon , Jeon Jin-Joo , Kim Hyun-Soo , Yun Yeon-Seo , Kang Hwan-Ku , Hong Eui-Chul , Kim Ji-Hyuk
Published: September 2022

We studied the effects of photoperiods on the growth performance, blood profile, welfare parameters, and carcass characteristics of broilers. A total of 336 male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated into 4 treatments (84 birds per treatment with 4 replicates), based on the following lighting regimen: 24 h continuous light (24L), 18 h continuous light (18L:6D), 8 h continuous light (8L:16D), and intermittent light (4L:2D). Body weight and feed intake of 7- and 35-day-old broilers were measured. At 5 weeks of age, 12 birds per treatment were selected for blood collection and carcass analysis. Body weight, body weight gain, and feed intake were the lowest in the 8L:16D treatment (p < 0.05). The heterophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, aspartate aminotransferase, interleukin-6, and corticosterone levels in the 24L treatment increased significantly when compared to that in the 18L:6D treatment (p < 0.05). The footpad dermatitis score was significantly lower in the 18L:6D and 8L:16D treatments than in the 24L and 4L:2D treatments (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in the carcass and meat characteristics, except for the shear force of breast meat (Pectoralis major), which was the lowest in the 8L:16D treatment (p < 0.05). These results indicate that a photoperiod of 18 h resulted in an improvement in the performance and welfare of birds and a simultaneous decrease in stress level. However, further research is needed to establish a lighting regimen that satisfies both the productivity and welfare requirements of broilers in different feeding phases.
Antibodies against Two Testudinid Herpesviruses in Pet Tortoises in Europe
Authors: Leineweber Christoph , Marschang Rachel E.
Published: September 2022

Herpesviruses are important pathogens of tortoises, and several serologically and genetically distinct virus types have been described in these animals. Virus neutralization testing is commonly used in Europe to determine previous infection with the two types most often found in pet European tortoises, testudinid herpesvirus (TeHV) 1 and 3. In this retrospective study, the results of serological testing for antibodies against each of these viruses in serum or plasma samples from 1728 tortoises were evaluated, and antibody detection rates were compared based on virus type, host species, year, season, and country of origin. Antibodies (titer 2 or higher) against at least one of the two viruses used were detected in a total of 122 (7.06%; 95% CI 5.95–8.37%) of the animals tested. The antibody detection rates differed significantly depending on the tortoise species (p < 0.0001) and the year of sampling (TeHV1 p = 0.0402; TeHV3 p = 0.0482) for both virus types. For TeHV1, antibody detection rates differed significantly (p = 0.0384) by season. The highest detection rate was in summer (5.59%; 95% CI 4.10–7.58%), and the lowest was in fall (1.25%; CI 0.53–2.87%). TeHV1 antibody detection rates did not differ significantly (p = 0.7805) by country, whereas TeHV3 antibody detection rates did (p = 0.0090). The highest detection rate, 12.94% (95% CI 7.38–21.70%), was found in samples from Italy. These results support previous hypotheses on the species’ susceptibility to TeHV1 and 3 and the use of serology as a diagnostic test for the detection of herpesvirus-infected tortoises.
Intensive Adoption as a Management Strategy for Unowned, Urban Cats: A Case Study of 25 Years of Trap–Assess–Resolve (TAR) in Auckland, New Zealand
Authors: Calver Michael C. , Crawford Heather M. , Scarff Fiona R. , Bradley J. Stuart , Dormon Peter , Boston Samantha , Fleming Patricia A.
Published: September 2022

Globally, unowned urban cats are a major concern because they may suffer from poor welfare and cause problems, including public health risks, nuisances, and urban wildlife predation. While management options are often presented as a choice between culling or trap–neuter–return (TNR), for 25 years, the Lonely Miaow (Inc.) charity in Auckland, New Zealand (hereafter LM), has used a third strategy—intensive adoption or trap–assess–resolve (TAR). As of 2019, of 14,611 unowned cats trapped, 64.2% were adopted, 22.2% were euthanized if unsocialised or in grave ill-health, 5.7% were neutered and returned to the site, and 7.9% had other outcomes, such as being transferred to other shelters. Adoption rates increased over this time, exceeding 80.0% in 2018 and 2019. The cost of processing each cat from capture to adoption rose from NZD 58 in 1999 to NZD 234 by 2017. Approximately 80% of colonies (sites where cats were trapped) were around residential areas. Approximately 22% of cats required veterinary treatment after capture; common ailments included respiratory infections, ringworm, dental problems, and trauma. Consistently, 52% of cats were young kittens (<10 weeks old), c. 80% of cats were <1 year old, and only c. 2% were estimated to be >5 years old. TAR avoids euthanasia where possible. Its effectiveness would be enhanced by fewer abandonments of owned cats and kittens, fitting within integrated strategies for the control of unowned cats involving community education. Cat adoptions improve the welfare of cats and, with appropriate husbandry, should alleviate concerns about nuisances, public health, and attacks on wildlife or the cats themselves, essentially benefitting the community and the cats. This case study is relevant to other cities around the world that are seeking to manage unowned cats.