bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress, anxiety, and depression in times of COVID-19: Gender, individual quarantine, pandemic duration and employment
Authors: Levy Inna
Published: November 2022

Objectives

This study explores the inter-relationship between emotional distress in adults and gender, quarantine experiences, pandemic duration, and employment.

Methods

An online cross-sectional online survey comprised 943 Israelis. The link to the survey was distributed via different personal and academic social networking sites (e.g., Facebook, WhatsApp, and Twitter). The survey was administered using the online survey portal Google Forms. Participants addressed questions about their socio-demographic characteristics (e.g., gender, age, family status, employment, and quarantine experiences) and ranked their levels of stress, anxiety, and depression using the Hebrew version of the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale-DASS-21.

Results

The majority of the respondents (72%) were women, 39% experienced quarantine, and 55% were unemployed. About 42% experienced a short-term pandemic (one lockdown), and the rest experienced a continuous pandemic (two lockdowns). The MANCOVA results, controlling for family status, indicated that women and unemployed participants reported higher stress, anxiety, and depression levels than men and employed participants. Participants who experienced individual quarantine reported higher anxiety and depression. Furthermore, there was a significant interaction between gender, employment, and pandemic duration. The experience of individual quarantine intensified the stress, anxiety, and depression for both employed and unemployed women. Conversely, the quarantine intensified stress, anxiety, and depression only for unemployed men, whereas the quarantine did not affect stress, anxiety, and depression among employed men.

Conclusions

Employment is a critical factor regarding men's emotional state during such stressful situations as the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, individual quarantine and long-term pandemics are associated with opposite outcomes regarding individual mental health. The individual quarantine is associated with increased anxiety and depression, while a long-term, continuous pandemic is associated with decreased stress.
Case Report: The ectopic pancreas in the adrenal glands: It was found due to elevated blood pressure and initially diagnosed as adrenal adenoma
Authors: Zhang Tao , Yin Si-fan , Wang Qi-wu , Feng Wen-bo , Ke Chang-xing
Published: November 2022

Background

The ectopic pancreas is a kind of congenital malformation formed during embryonic development, which has no anatomical relationship with the normal pancreas and is a rare solid disease. The ectopic pancreas in the adrenal glands is extremely rare.

Case summary

A 32-year-old man was admitted to the hospital after experiencing elevated blood pressure for 2 years as well as dizziness and blurred vision for 2 weeks. He had an elevated blood pressure of 170/110 mmHg (1 mmHg = 0.133 kPa) on physical examination 2 years ago, without palpitations, chest pain, and chest tightness. Two weeks ago, he presented with dizziness and blurred vision. Blood renin and aldosterone levels were elevated. Plain CT and contrast-enhanced CT scan showed nodular thickening of the left adrenal and homogeneous enhancement, which was initially considered adrenal adenoma. The postoperative pathology supported the ectopic pancreas in the left adrenal. After 78 months of postoperative follow-up, no recurrence was observed, but his blood pressure remained persistently high.

Conclusion

The ectopic pancreas occurring in the adrenal glands is extremely rare, has no specific clinical symptoms, and is mainly found for other reasons. It can easily be misdiagnosed as an adrenal adenoma. The final confirmation of the diagnosis still depends on the pathological biopsy. A great deal of reporting is still required for whether there is a correlation with elevated blood pressure.
Contralateral bridge fixation of freehand minimally invasive pedicle screws combined with unilateral MIS-TLIF vs. open TLIF in the treatment of multi-segmental lumbar degenerative diseases: A five years retrospective study and finite element analysis
Authors: Zhang Yingkai , Zhou Tianyao , Gu Yutong , Che Wu , Zhang Liang , Wang Yichao
Published: November 2022

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy, safety, feasibility and biomechanical stability of contralateral bridge fixation of freehand minimally invasive pedicle screws (Freehand MIPS) combined with unilateral minimally invasive surgery-transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF) (smile-face surgery) and open TLIF for the treatment of multi-segmental lumbar degenerative diseases (LDDs).

Methods

From January 2013 to January 2016, clinical data of multi-segmental (2- or 3-level) LDDs receiving smile-face surgery or open TLIF were retrospectively collected and analyzed. The back and leg pain VAS and ODI were used to assess clinical outcomes preoperatively and postoperatively. The MacNab criteria were used to evaluate the satisfaction of patient. The disc height (DH), lumbar lordosis (LL) and segmental lordosis angle (SLA) were measured before and after surgery. We used patient's CT data to establish the finite element model of smile-face surgery and open TLIF, and analyze biomechanical stability of two methods.

Results

Smile-face surgery group showed shorter operation time, shorter incision, less blood loss, shorter hospital stay than open TLIF (P < 0.05). The back VAS in smile-face surgery group was significantly lower than that in open TLIF immediately and 3 months after surgery, and no significant difference was observed 1 year, 2 years and 5 years after surgery. There was no significant difference in the leg pain VAS and ODI between both groups after surgery. No significant difference was observed between two groups in the DH, LL and SLA. At 5-year follow-up, grade I or II fusion was achieved in 99.00% (100/101) segments of smile-face surgery group and 97.67% (84/86) segments of open TLIF group according to Bridwell system. The complication rate of open TLIF was higher than that of smile-face surgery (24.32% vs. 0%, P < 0.01). After verification, the established finite element model can accurately simulate the biological structure of lumbar spine and there was no significant difference in biomechanical stability between two methods.

Conclusions

Smile-face surgery has some advantages over open TLIF including smaller aggression, less blood loss, and lower cost, indicating that it is a good choice of treatment for multi-segmental LDDs. Both methods can achieve good biomechanical stability.
Smooth Trajectory Planning at the Handling Limits for Oval Racing
Authors: Ögretmen Levent , Rowold Matthias , Ochsenius Marvin , Lohmann Boris
Published: November 2022

In motion planning for autonomous racing, the challenge arises in planning smooth trajectories close to the handling limits of the vehicle with a sufficient planning horizon. Graph-based trajectory planning methods can find the global discrete-optimal solution, but they suffer from the curse of dimensionality. Therefore, to achieve low computation times despite a long planning horizon, coarse discretization and simple edges that are efficient to generate must be used. However, the resulting rough trajectories cannot reach the handling limits of the vehicle and are also difficult to track by the controller, which can lead to unstable driving behavior. In this paper, we show that the initial edges connecting the vehicle’s estimated state with the actual graph are crucial for vehicle stability and race performance. We therefore propose a sampling-based approach that relies on jerk-optimal curves to generate these initial edges. The concept is introduced using a layer-based graph, but it can be applied to other graph structures as well. We describe the integration of the curves within the graph and the required adaptation to racing scenarios. Our approach enables stable driving at the handling limits and fully autonomous operation on the race track. While simulations show the comparison of our concept with an alternative approach based on uniform acceleration, we also present experimental results of a dynamic overtake with speeds up to 74 m/s on a full-size vehicle.
Research on the Prediction Problem of Satellite Mission Schedulability Based on Bi-LSTM Model
Authors: Zhang Guohui , Li Xinhong , Wang Xun , Zhang Zhibing , Hu Gangxuan , Li Yanyan , Zhang Rui
Published: November 2022

The realization of microsatellite intelligent mission planning is the current research focus in the field of satellite planning, and mission schedulability prediction is the basis of this research. Aiming at the influence of the sequence tasks before and after the task sequence to be predicted, we propose an online schedulability prediction model of satellite tasks based on bidirectional long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) on the basis of describing and establishing the satellite task planning and solving model. The model is trained using satellite offline mission planning data as learning samples. In the experiment, the prediction effect of the model is excellent, with a recall rate of 93.17% and a precision rate of 92.59%, which proves that the model can be effectively applied to predict the schedulability of satellite tasks.
Trajectory Approximation of a Coulomb Drag-Based Deorbiting
Authors: Niccolai Lorenzo , Bassetto Marco , Quarta Alessandro A. , Mengali Giovanni
Published: November 2022

The presence of a number of space debris in low Earth orbits poses a serious threat for current spacecraft operations and future space missions. To mitigate this critical problem, international guidelines suggest that an artificial satellite should decay (or be transferred to a graveyard orbit) within a time interval of 25 years after the end of its operative life. To that end, in recent years deorbiting technologies are acquiring an increasing importance both in terms of academic research and industrial efforts. In this context, the plasma brake concept may represent a promising and fascinating innovation. The plasma brake is a propellantless device, whose working principle consists of generating an electrostatic Coulomb drag between the planet’s ionosphere ions and a charged tether deployed from a satellite in a low Earth orbit. This paper discusses an analytical method to approximate the deorbiting trajectory of a small satellite equipped with a plasma brake device. In particular, the proposed approach allows the deorbiting time to be estimated through an analytical equation as a function of the design characteristics of the plasma brake and of the satellite initial orbital elements.
A Simulation Study of Risk-Aware Path Planning in Mitigating the Third-Party Risk of a Commercial UAS Operation in an Urban Area
Authors: He Xinyu , Jiang Chengpeng , Li Lishuai , Blom Henk
Published: November 2022

UAS-based commercial services such as urban parcel delivery are expected to grow in the upcoming years and may lead to a large volume of UAS operations in urban areas. These flights may pose safety risks to persons and property on the ground, which are referred to as third-party risks. Path-planning methods have been developed to generate a nominal flight path for each UAS flight that poses relative low third-party risks by passing over less risky areas, e.g., areas with low-density unsheltered populations. However, it is not clear if risk minimization per flight works well in a commercial UAS operation that involves a large number of annual flights in an urban area. Recently, it has been shown that when using shortest flight path planning, a UAS-based parcel delivery service in an urban area can lead to society-critical third-party risk levels. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the mitigating effect of state-of-the-art risk-aware path planning on these society-critical third-party risk levels. To accomplish this, a third-party risk simulation using the shortest paths is extended with a state-of-the-art risk-aware path-planning method, and the societal effects on third-party risk levels have been assessed and compared to those obtained using shortest paths. The results show that state-of-the-art risk-aware path planning can reduce the total number of fatalities in an area, but at the cost of a critical increase in safety risks for persons living in areas that are favored by a state-of-the-art risk-aware path-planning method.
Evaluation of Proximate Composition, Mineral Elements and Bioactive Compounds in Skin and Flesh of Beetroot Grown in Lithuania
Authors: Vaitkevičienė Nijolė , Sapronaitė Akvilė , Kulaitienė Jurgita
Published: November 2022

In the world, red beetroot is regarded as one of the most important vegetables due to its valuable nutritional features; however, the industrial processing of beetroot produces large amounts of waste, such as skin, which could be a relevant source of bioactive compounds, minerals, fiber, and so on. In this study, the variations in the proximate composition, mineral element amounts, and some antioxidants in the skin and flesh of beetroot genotypes grown in Lithuania were appraised. Proximate compositions (total soluble solids, dry matter, fiber, protein, ash, and total sugars), amounts of some minerals (N, P, Ca, Mg, K, Fe, Zn, Cu, B, and Mn), total phenolics, and total anthocyanins and betalains were determined. The results revealed that proximate composition, minerals, total phenolics, and total anthocyanins and betalains depends on the root part and genotype of the beetroot. All investigated beetroot skin samples have significantly greater amounts of protein, dry matter ash, fiber, total sugars, minerals (except K), total phenolics, and total anthocyanins and betalains than the flesh. ‘Alto F1’ skins had the highest amounts of protein, fiber, ash, Na, Mg, and Zn. ‘Kosak’ skins contained the greatest amounts of dry matter, total sugars, K, P, Ca, Fe, Mn, and total anthocyanins and betalains. It can be concluded that the tested beetroot skins (especially ‘Alto F1’ and ‘Kosak’), due to their valuable nutritional compositions, can be used as a source of natural supplements that can enrich the quality of various food products or be used for the manufacture of functional food.
Associations of Automatically Recorded Body Condition Scores with Measures of Production, Health, and Reproduction
Authors: Antanaitis Ramūnas , Malašauskienė Dovilė , Televičius Mindaugas , Urbutis Mingaudas , Rutkauskas Arūnas , Šertvytytė Greta , Anskienė Lina , Baumgartner Walter
Published: November 2022

In the present study, we hypothesize that an automated body condition scoring system could be an indicator of health and pregnancy success in cows. Therefore, the objective of this study is to determine the relationship of the automated registered body condition score (BCS) with pregnancy and inline biomarkers such as milk beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), milk lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), milk progesterone (mP4), and milk yield (MY) in dairy cows. Indicators from Herd NavigatorTM were grouped into classes based on their arithmetic means. Values were divided into various classes: MY: ≤31 kg/day (first class—67.3% of cows) and >31 kg/day (second class—32.7%); BHB in milk: ≤0.06 mmol/L (first class—80.7% of cows) and >0.06 mmol/L (second class—16.9%); milk LDH activity: ≤27 µmol/min (first class—69.5% of cows) and >27 µmol/min (second class—30.5%); milk progesterone value: ≤15.5 ng/mL (first class—28.8% of cows) and >15.5 ng/mL (second class—71.2%); and BCS: 2.5–3.0 (first class—21.4% of cows), >3.0–3.5 (second class—50.8%), and >3.5–4.0 (third class—27.8%). According to parity, the cows were divided into two groups: 1 lactation (first group—38.9%) and ≥2 lactations (second group—61.1%). Based on our investigated parameters, BCS is associated with pregnancy success because the BCS (+0.29 score) and mP4 (10.93 ng/mL) of the pregnant cows were higher compared to the group of non-pregnant cows. The MY (−5.26 kg, p < 0.001) and LDH (3.45 µmol/min) values were lower compared to those in the group of non-pregnant cows (p < 0.01). Statistically significant associations of BCS and mP4 with the number of inseminations were detected. The number of inseminations among cows with the highest BCS of >3.5–4.0 was 42.41% higher than that among cows with the lowest BCS of 2.5–3.0 (p < 0.001). BCS can also be a health indicator. We found that the LDH content was greatest among cows with the highest BCS of >3.5–4.0; this value was 6.48% higher than that in cows with a BCS of >3.0–3.5 (p < 0.01). The highest MY was detected in cows with the lowest BCS of 2.5–3.0, which was 29.55% higher than that in cows with the highest BCS of >3.5–4.0 (p < 0.001). BCS was the highest in the group of cows with mastitis (4.96% higher compared to the group of healthy cows), while the highest statistically significant mean differences in body condition score (9.04%) were estimated between the mastitis and metritis groups of cows (p < 0.001).
Broad-Spectrum Resistance to Leaf Rust in the Argentinean Wheat Cultivar “Klein Proteo” Is Controlled by LrKP Located on Chromosome 2BS
Authors: Bai Shengsheng , Pang Shuyong , Li Hongna , Yang Jinwei , Yu Haitao , Chen Shisheng , Wang Xiaodong
Published: November 2022

Wheat leaf rust, caused by Puccinia triticina, is a severe fungal disease threatening global wheat production. The rational application of genetic loci controlling wheat resistance to leaf rust in breeding practice is still the best choice for disease control. A previous study indicated that the Argentinean wheat cultivar “Klein Proteo” might carry leaf rust resistance (Lr) genes Lr3a and Lr10, as well as an unknown Lr gene. In this study, seedlings of “Klein Proteo” showed high resistance to all the 20 Pt pathotypes isolated in China. Using bulked segregant RNA sequencing (BSR-seq) and developed CAPS markers, the single-dominant gene LrKP was initially mapped to a 114–168 Mb region on chromosome 2BS. Using gene-specific primers of a previously cloned chromosome 2BS-located Lr13 gene, we found that “Klein Proteo” also carried the Lr13 gene. Moreover, the expression of Lr13 in the resistant bulk was significantly higher than that in the susceptible bulk. Nevertheless, “Klein Proteo” showed a much broader and higher resistance compared with the near isogenic line and “ZhouMai 22” carrying Lr13. In conclusion, the wheat cultivar “Klein Proteo” showed great potential in the genetic improvement of wheat resistance to leaf rust in China and the genetic bases controlling the broad-spectrum resistance were initially revealed.
The Application of Machine Learning Models Based on Leaf Spectral Reflectance for Estimating the Nitrogen Nutrient Index in Maize
Authors: Chen Bo , Lu Xianju , Yu Shuan , Gu Shenghao , Huang Guanmin , Guo Xinyu , Zhao Chunjiang
Published: November 2022

Non-destructive acquisition and accurate real-time assessment of nitrogen (N) nutritional status are crucial for nitrogen management and yield prediction in maize production. The objective of this study was to develop a method for estimating the nitrogen nutrient index (NNI) of maize using in situ leaf spectroscopy. Field trials with six nitrogen fertilizer levels (0, 75, 150, 225, 300, and 375 kg N ha−1) were performed using eight summer maize cultivars. The leaf reflectance spectrum was acquired at different growth stages, with simultaneous measurements of leaf nitrogen content (LNC) and leaf dry matter (LDW). The competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) algorithm was used to screen the raw spectrum’s effective bands related to the NNI during the maize critical growth period (from the 12th fully expanded leaf stage to the milk ripening stage). Three machine learning methods—partial least squares (PLS), artificial neural networks (ANN), and support vector machines (SVM)—were used to validate the NNI estimation model. These methods indicated that the NNI first increased and then decreased (from the 12th fully expanded leaf stage to the milk ripening stage) and was positively correlated with nitrogen application. The results showed that combining effective bands and PLS (CARS-PLS) achieved the best model for NNI estimation, which yielded the highest coefficient of determination (R2val), 0.925, and the lowest root mean square error (RMSEval), 0.068, followed by the CARS-SVM model (R2val, 0.895; RMSEval, 0.081), and the CARS-ANN model (R2val, 0.814; RMSEval, 0.108), which performed the worst. The CARS-PLS model was used to successfully predict the variation in the NNI among cultivars and different growth stages. The estimated R2 of eight cultivars by the NNI was between 0.86 and 0.97; the estimated R2 of the NNI at different growth stages was between 0.92 and 0.94. The overall results indicated that the CARS-PLS allows for rapid, accurate, and non-destructive estimation of the NNI during maize growth, providing an efficient tool for accurately monitoring nitrogen nutrition.
Sida hermaphrodita Cultivation on Light Soil—A Closer Look at Fertilization and Sowing Density
Authors: Kitczak Teodor , Jarnuszewski Grzegorz , Łazar Elżbieta , Malinowski Ryszard
Published: November 2022

Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby is a promising perennial biomass crop to provide sustainable bioenergy via combustion. This study investigated cultivation practices for Sida hermaphrodita (L.) Rusby on light soils in temperate climates. Therefore, two cultivation factors were varied over 8 years in a field trial: (i) fertilization with compost from urban green spaces (0, 10 and 20 t ha−1), and (ii) seeding amount (1, 2 and 3 kg ha−1). Compost fertilization and high seeding amount contributed to an increase in the number and height of Sida shoots while their thickness decreased. The applied compost fertilization increased the dry matter yield (DMY) of the plants by 24.9% and 50.7%, respectively, in all experimental years compared to the control. Compared to the lowest seeding rate, increasing the seeding rate to 2 and 3 kg ha−1 increased the DMY by 35.0% and 71.6%, respectively. Thus, the highest energy value of DMY of Sida hermaphrodita plants per unit area was also obtained for combining the highest organic compost fertilization and seeding strength. From this, it can be deduced that on light soils, it does not seem reasonable to choose a compost fertilizer rate below 20 kg ha−1 and a seeding amount below 3 kg ha−1.
A Simplified Alkane Analysis Method for the Determination of Herbage Intake by Dairy Cows
Authors: Liu Zhiqian , Ezernieks Vilnis , Bui AnhDuyen , Krill Christian , Wright Marlie , Rochfort Simone
Published: November 2022

An accurate dry matter intake (DMI) measurement method is of great importance for determining the performance of dairy cows. While n-alkane technique is commonly used to estimate the DMI of ruminants, the protocols used to measure alkanes are complex, time consuming and low throughput. Herein we present a simplified and miniaturised protocol that combines a smaller sample matrix (60 mg of faeces or herbage), a shorter (3 h) saponification step and a direct purification of the crude extract by filtration through silica powder or mixing with silica powder prior to GC-FID analysis. In addition to a much higher throughput compared with the existing methods, by skipping the commercial SPE columns and reducing the organic solvent volume, our miniaturised protocol should significantly reduce the sample processing cost and is thus suitable for alkane determination for large-scale experiments.
Vine Pruning-Derived Biochar for Agronomic Benefits
Authors: Egri Diana , Pârvulescu Oana Cristina , Ion Violeta Alexandra , Răducanu Cristian Eugen , Calcan Suzana Ioana , Bădulescu Liliana , Madjar Roxana , Orbeci Cristina , Dobre Tănase , Moț Andrei , Iliescu Lavinia Mihaela , Crăciun Mihaela Emanuela
Published: November 2022

The agronomic benefits of biochar (BC) prepared by slow pyrolysis of vine pruning residues, which are produced in large quantities in Romania, were evaluated. Three soil types, i.e., slightly alkaline fluvisol (S1), slightly acidic chernozem (S2), and strongly acidic luvisol (S3), with mean values of pH of 7.99, 6.26, and 5.40, were amended with BC at a volumetric ratio between BC and soil of 20/80. A greenhouse experiment was performed for 109 days to assess the effects of BC amendment on bell pepper growth. The following treatments were applied: foliar fertilizer, BC, BC + foliar fertilizer (using two concentrations of foliar fertilizer solution), and a control. Strongly alkaline BC (pH of 9.89 ± 0.01) had a significant positive effect on the growth performance of bell pepper plants sown in the strongly acidic soil S3. The mean values of height, collar diameter, number of leaves, and root volume of plants grown in BC-amended soil S3 without foliar treatment were significantly higher (13–72% and 14–33%, respectively) than those of plants grown in non-amended soil S3 without and with foliar treatment. This beneficial effect of BC on bell pepper plant growth was due to the changes in the soil properties. BC significantly increased (up to eight times) electrical conductivity, pH, soluble phosphorus, potassium, and ammonium nitrogen concentrations of soil S3, and decreased its bulk density by 51%, resulting in improved water/nutrient uptake and plant growth performance. BC had no favourable effect on the growth parameters of bell pepper plants sown in slightly alkaline soil S1, and slightly acidic soil S2.
Orofacial Anatomy Discrepancies and Human Identification—An Education Forensic Approach
Authors: Corte-Real Ana
Published: November 2022

The objectives of this study were to identify and correlate orofacial anatomy discrepancies as biometric data and the impact of its rehabilitation as an educational, forensic approach to human identification. An observational and retrospective cohort study was performed on cephalography and photographic exams of a clinical database. The clinical reports were randomly selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria, reviewed, and interpreted according to the anatomical features. The anatomic features analyzed for human identification compare pre- and post-medical intervention data. The challenging anatomical area was the lower one-third of the face. In an extreme forensic condition, identification should consider the medical history for a positive and accurate conclusion.
Effects of Crude Rice Bran Oil and a Flaxseed Oil Blend in Young Horses Engaged in a Training Program
Authors: Mowry Kayla C. , Thomson-Parker Timber L. , Morales Cruz , Fikes Kalley K. , Stutts Kyle J. , Leatherwood Jessica L. , Anderson Mark J. , Smith Rachelle X. , Suagee-Bedore Jessica K.
Published: November 2022

Rice bran oil and flaxseed oil contain omega-3 fatty acids with the potential to reduce post-exercise inflammation and muscle damage. This study measures plasma interleukin-1β and creatine kinase and fatty acid profiles in lightly worked, young horses (Equus caballus) undergoing an exercise test after 60 days (d) of oil consumption, where the oil replaced 25% of concentrate calories. Treatments consisted of CON (no oil), FLAX (flaxseed oil blend), and RICE (crude rice bran oil). Blood was collected pre-exercise, and again at 1 min, 30 min, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h post-IET. Data were analyzed by repeated measures ANOVA. Plasma creatine kinase activity was not different in CON during the study, greater (p < 0.05) in RICE from pre-exercise to 30 min post-exercise across all exercise tests, and lesser (p < 0.05) in FLAX at 30 min post-exercise on d 30 compared to d 0. Plasma interleukin-1β was greater (p < 0.01) in CON on d 60, but no differences were observed in FLAX and RICE throughout the study. Plasma alpha-linolenic and linoleic acids were greatest (p < 0.05) in FLAX after 30 d of inclusion, while CON horses had greater (p < 0.05) EPA across all exercise tests and DHA after 60 d. These results indicate that 60 d of inclusion of crude rice bran oil or a flaxseed oil blend may benefit lightly worked, young horses by reducing training-program-related increases in interleukin-1β, while a flaxseed oil blend may reduce exercise-induced increases in creatine kinase. Additionally, the flaxseed oil blend has the potential to increase plasma omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Replacing 25% of concentrate calories with flaxseed or rice bran oil has potential benefits for young horses in training.
Stress Assessment of Wild Boar (Sus scrofa) in Corral-Style Traps Using Serum Cortisol Levels
Authors: Westhoff Katharina M. , Fetzer André , Büttner Kathrin , Schuler Gerhard , Lang Johannes , Lierz Michael
Published: November 2022

Capture of wild boar in corral-style traps with subsequent culling is increasingly used for population management. The method is debated due to animal welfare concerns making welfare studies in traps necessary. While previous studies focused on behaviour and injuries, this study dealt with the physiological aspect. Cortisol levels in wild boar caught in corral-style traps (50–90 qm2, n = 138) were compared with those killed during single (n = 37) and driven hunts (n = 90). Collected sera were purified by solid phase extraction (SPE) and analysed via radioimmunoassay. Cortisol levels in blood samples were stable under cooled (4–7 °C) conditions for a storage time of up to 87 h before centrifugation. Cortisol levels were significantly higher in wild boar killed in corral-style traps than during driven hunts and single hunts. Wild boar caught in groups of five or more showed lower cortisol levels than single animals or in smaller groups. Therefore, time span inside the trap and of culling should be reduced to a minimum, and capturing groups of animals should be preferred to reduce stress. For animal welfare assessment of wild boar live-trapping, additional data from behavioural analyses and pathological examinations must be integrated.
Conjunctival Extramedullary Plasmacytoma in Dogs and a Cat: Clinical Characteristics and Histopathological Findings
Authors: Rawicka Aleksandra , Crasta Manuela , Guandalini Adolfo , Peruccio Claudio , Multari Domenico , Rondena Marco , D’Anna Nunzio , Giudice Chiara
Published: November 2022

Background: Extramedullary plasmacytoma (EMP) is a plasma cell tumor that is very rarely reported in ocular and adnexal tissue and is usually solitary and benign. Methods: This study evaluated seven cases from different ophthalmology referrals submitted for histopathological analysis between 2013 and 2022. Results: EMPs were diagnosed in a 9-year-old domestic short-haired cat and in six dogs (median age, 10 years): three English Cocker Spaniels, a Golden Retriever, a Maltese, and a Pinscher. EMPs affected the third eyelid conjunctiva in five cases (5/7), followed by the superior bulbar (1/7) and palpebral conjunctivae (1/7), respectively, and were presented mostly as well-defined, salmon-colored nodules. Histopathologically, the masses were composed of sheets and packets of round cells morphologically consistent with mature plasma cells with mild anisocytosis and anisokaryosis; mitosis and binucleated giant cells were rarely observed. Follow up for 6/7 cases ranged from 6 months to 2 years. No signs of recurrence or systemic involvement (multiple myeloma) were observed. Conclusions: EMP should be included in the differential diagnoses of canine and feline conjunctival masses. Staging recommendations should include multiple myeloma diagnostic evaluation. Our results suggest that primary conjunctival EMP does not appear to be locally aggressive and has low systemic involvement behavior. The local surgical excision alone or combined with cryotherapy should be curative.
Starch and Cellulose Degradation in the Rumen and Applications of Metagenomics on Ruminal Microorganisms
Authors: Hua Dengke , Hendriks Wouter H. , Xiong Benhai , Pellikaan Wilbert F.
Published: November 2022

Carbohydrates (e.g., starch and cellulose) are the main energy source in the diets of dairy cows. The ruminal digestion of starch and cellulose is achieved by microorganisms and digestive enzymes. In order to improve their digestibility, the microbes and enzymes involved in starch and cellulose degradation should be identified and their role(s) and activity known. As existing and new analytical techniques are continuously being developed, our knowledge of the amylolytic and cellulolytic microbial community in the rumen of dairy cows has been evolving rapidly. Using traditional culture-based methods, the main amylolytic and cellulolytic bacteria, fungi and protozoa in the rumen of dairy cows have been isolated. These culturable microbes have been found to only account for a small fraction of the total population of microorganisms present in the rumen. A more recent application of the culture-independent approach of metagenomics has acquired a more complete genetic structure and functional composition of the rumen microbial community. Metagenomics can be divided into functional metagenomics and sequencing-based computational metagenomics. Both approaches have been applied in determining the microbial composition and function in the rumen. With these approaches, novel microbial species as well as enzymes, especially glycosyl hydrolases, have been discovered. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge regarding the major amylolytic and cellulolytic microorganisms present in the rumen of dairy cows. The ruminal amylases and cellulases are briefly discussed. The application of metagenomics technology in investigating glycosyl hydrolases is provided and the novel enzymes are compared in terms of glycosyl hydrolase families related to amylolytic and cellulolytic activities.
Biomechanical Tests on Long-Bone Elliptical Medullary-Canal Endoprostheses for Limb Salvage in Dogs
Authors: Mendaza-DeCal Rosa , Ballesteros Yolanda , Peso-Fernandez Salvador , del Real-Romero Juan Carlos , Rodriguez-Quiros Jesus
Published: November 2022

Exo-endoprosthesis is a limb salvage procedure poorly described for animals, as only expensive metal devices have been used so far. Currently, additive manufacturing (AM) can make this type of implant affordable by exploring a wide new range of materials. However, safety factors should be considered and could be related to kinetic and kinematic studies of canine natural gaits. The suitability of a novel inner part of an exo-endoprosthesis manufactured by fuse deposition modeling (FDM) was assessed for long canine bones with an elliptical medullary canal. Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) was the material used as an alternative to metal for veterinary traumatology. Poisson’s ratio of 3D-printed PEEK material and ex vivo mechanical tests of the customized endoprosthesis were performed for the evaluation. The customized endoprostheses had promising outcomes for the radii of 20 kg dogs. Quasistatic mechanical tests of bone-inserted endoprostheses—pure compression tests—reached a maximum force of 1045.0 ± 78.0 N. In fatigue tests, the samples reached 500,000 cycles without failure or detriment to their quasistatic results. These outcomes surpass the natural weight-bearing of dogs, even during a galloping pace. Furthermore, torque tests with different adhesives were performed to obtain reference data for future assessments comparing with natural dog movements.
Mini-Review: Antibiotic-Resistant Escherichia coli from Farm Animal-Associated Sources
Authors: Xu Chunming , Kong Lingqiang , Liao Yonghong , Tian Yuan , Wu Qi , Liu Haosi , Wang Xiumin
Published: November 2022

Escherichia coli is one of the most frequent causes of gastro-intestinal and extra-intestinal diseases in animals and humans. Due to overuse and misuse of antibiotics, recent years have seen a rapidly increasing prevalence of antibiotic-resistant (AR) Escherichia coli globally; particularly, AR E. coli from farm animal-associated sources and its antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are becoming a global concern, with clinical negative effects on both human and animal health. The aim of this review was to explore the prevalence trends of AR E. coli from farm animals, waste treatment, and aquatic environments. The disinfection methods of AR E. coli and possible alternatives to antibiotics were also highlighted. The current review highlights that the prevalence of AR E. coli from food animals, products, and animal waste is increasing at an alarming rate, but is reduced at waste treatment plants. Ultraviolet (UV) treatment, surface plasma oxidation, and biochar are commonly used to effectively eliminate AR E. coli. Some probiotics, plant extracts, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are arousing interest as promising alternatives to antibiotics to fight against AR E. coli. The current review suggests that AR E. coli from farm animal-associated sources is prevalent and poses a serious global threat to public health. This review provides an avenue for further research, development, and application of novel strategies to minimize antibiotic resistance in E. coli of farm animal origin.
In Vitro Antimicrobial Effects and Inactivation Mechanisms of 5,8-Dihydroxy-1,4-Napthoquinone
Authors: Topçu Seray , Şeker Mine Gül
Published: November 2022

Naphthoquinones are an important class of natural organic compounds that have antimicrobial effects. However, the mechanisms of their action remain to be elucidated. Therefore, the antimicrobial activity of the chemically synthesized naphthoquinone derivative, 5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, was investigated in this study against 10 different microorganisms. Its inhibitory activity was evident against Bacillus cereus, Proteus vulgaris, Salmonella enteritidis, Staphylococcus epidermidis, S. aureus, and Candida albicans, and its MIC50 values were determined to be 14, 10, 6, 2, 4, 1.2, and <0.6 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the crystal violet uptake, TTC dehydrogenase activity, protein/DNA leakage, and DNA damage of the compound in these microorganisms were also investigated to reveal the antimicrobial mechanisms. In addition, scanning electron microscopy was used to detect physiological damage to the cell membrane of S. epidermidis, S. aureus, and C. albicans, which was most severe in the crystal violet uptake assay. The overall results showed that 5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone exhibited its effects on S. aureus, S. epidermidis, and C. albicans by various mechanisms, especially membrane damage and membrane integrity disruption. It also caused DNA leakage and damage along with respiratory chain disruption (78%) in C. albicans. Similarly, it caused varying degrees of reduction in the respiratory activity of S. aureus (47%), S. epidermidis (16%), B. cereus (12%), S. enteritidis (9%), and P. vulgaris (8%). Therefore, 5,8-dihydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone proved to be a very effective antifungal and antibacterial agent and could be considered a new potential drug candidate, inspiring further discoveries in these microorganisms.
Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities of Ducrosia flabellifolia: A Combined Experimental and Computational Approaches
Authors: Snoussi Mejdi , Ahmad Iqrar , Aljohani Abdullah M. A. , Patel Harun , Abdulhakeem Mohammad A. , Alhazmi Yasser S. , Tepe Bektas , Adnan Mohd , Siddiqui Arif J. , Sarikurkcu Cengiz , Riadh Badraoui , De Feo Vincenzo , Alreshidi Mousa , Noumi Emira
Published: November 2022

Ducrosia flabellifolia Boiss. is a rare desert plant known to be a promising source of bioactive compounds. In this paper, we report for the first time the phytochemical composition and biological activities of D. flabellifolia hydroalcoholic extract by using liquid chromatography–electrospray tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS) technique. The results obtained showed the richness of the tested extract in phenols, tannins, and flavonoids. Twenty-three phytoconstituents were identified, represented mainly by chlorogenic acid, followed by ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and sinapic acid. The tested hydroalcoholic extract was able to inhibit the growth of all tested bacteria and yeast on agar Petri dishes at 3 mg/disc with mean growth inhibition zone ranging from 8.00 ± 0.00 mm for Enterococcus cloacae (E. cloacae) to 36.33 ± 0.58 mm for Staphylococcus epidermidis. Minimal inhibitory concentration ranged from 12.5 mg/mL to 200 mg/mL and the hydroalcoholic extract from D. flabellifolia exhibited a bacteriostatic and fungistatic character. In addition, D. flabellifolia hydroalcoholic extract possessed a good ability to scavenge different free radicals as compared to standard molecules. Molecular docking studies on the identified phyto-compounds in bacterial, fungal, and human peroxiredoxin 5 receptors were performed to corroborate the in vitro results, which revealed good binding profiles on the examined protein targets. A standard atomistic 100 ns dynamic simulation investigation was used to further evaluate the interaction stability of the promising phytocompounds, and the results showed conformational stability in the binding cavity. The obtained results highlighted the medicinal use of D. flabellifolia as source of bioactive compounds, as antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal agent.
Effect of Phenolic Compounds from Almond Skins Obtained by Water Extraction on Pork Patty Shelf Life
Authors: Timón Marisa , Andrés Ana Isabel , Sorrentino Ludovico , Cardenia Vladimiro , Petrón María Jesús
Published: November 2022

The extraction of phenols from almond skin using water has not been applied before. The purpose of this study was to obtain aqueous extracts from almond skin to be added to pork patties to prolong their shelf life. Four different varieties of almonds were studied and aqueous extracts were obtained. The antioxidant capacity and composition of phenol compounds of the extracts were determined. Results showed that the use of water produces extracts with phenol compounds and antioxidant capacity, with the Antoñeta variety presenting the best performance in terms of antioxidant behavior. The most abundant phenolic compounds identified were isorhamentin-3-O-rutinoside, catechin and protocatechuic acid, all of them had a hydrophilic character due to the –OH groups in their molecules. The effect of almond skin extracts (ALMOND) on the shelf life of pork patties was compared with the effects of a control without extract (CONTROL NEG) and a control with sodium ascorbate (CONTROL POS). Throughout storage, values of pH, weight loss, headspace composition, color, TBARs and psychrotrophic aerobic bacteria were studied. CONTROL POS samples showed the lowest lipid oxidation values in comparison to CONTROL NEG or ALMOND extract samples.
Implementation of Demand Forecasting Module of ERP System in Mass Customization Industry—Case Studies
Authors: Grobler-Dębska Katarzyna , Kucharska Edyta , Żak Bartłomiej , Baranowski Jerzy , Domagała Adam
Published: November 2022

Mass customization production is a manufacturing process in which mass-produced products are modified according to specific customer needs. An example of such production is furniture production, where multiple options options for various components or features are available. Demand forecasting in mass customization industry is a difficult task for organizations and is both crucial for their profits and for market penetration. Unfortunately, the currently available tools are focused on more standard demand forecasts, which lack interpretable representation of information relevant for mass customization products. This is especially relevant for ERP systems, which are the backbone of modern manufacturing. We propose a forecasting method adapted to the needs of mass customization by focusing on demand prediction—not on finished products, but on key intermediate goods. Moreover, we provide a method for determining such goods. As an additional consequence we provide an implementation strategy that reduces the risk and time consumption when implementing forecasting in ERP systems. All the results are implemented as appropriate functionalities of a IFS Application ERP system.
Technical Energy Assessment and Sizing of a Second Life Battery Energy Storage System for a Residential Building Equipped with EV Charging Station
Authors: Salek Farhad , Resalati Shahaboddin , Morrey Denise , Henshall Paul , Azizi Aydin
Published: November 2022

This study investigates the design and sizing of the second life battery energy storage system applied to a residential building with an EV charging station. Lithium-ion batteries have an approximate remaining capacity of 75–80% when disposed from Electric Vehicles (EV). Given the increasing demand of EVs, aligned with global net zero targets, and their associated environmental impacts, the service life of these batteries, could be prolonged with their adoption in less demanding second life applications. In this study, a technical assessment of an electric storage system based on second life batteries from electric vehicles (EVs) is conducted for a residential building in the UK, including an EV charging station. The technical and energy performance of the system is evaluated, considering different scenarios and assuming that the EV charging load demand is added to the off-grid photovoltaic (PV) system equipped with energy storage. Furthermore, the Nissan Leaf second life batteries are used as the energy storage system in this study. The proposed off-grid solar driven energy system is modelled and simulated using MATLAB Simulink. The system is simulated on a mid-winter day with minimum solar irradiance and maximum energy demand, as the worst case scenario. A switch for the PV system has been introduced to control the overcharging of the second life battery pack. The results demonstrate that adding the EV charging load to the off-grid system increased the instability of the system. This, however, could be rectified by connecting additional battery packs (with a capacity of 5.850 kWh for each pack) to the system, assuming that increasing the PV installation area is not possible due to physical limitations on site.
DeepDetection: Privacy-Enhanced Deep Voice Detection and User Authentication for Preventing Voice Phishing
Authors: Kang Yeajun , Kim Wonwoong , Lim Sejin , Kim Hyunji , Seo Hwajeong
Published: November 2022

The deep voice detection technology currently being researched causes personal information leakage because the input voice data are stored in the detection server. To overcome this problem, in this paper, we propose a novel system (i.e., DeepDetection) that can detect deep voices and authenticate users without exposing voice data to the server. Voice phishing prevention is achieved in two-way approaches by performing primary verification through deep voice detection and secondary verification of whether the sender is the correct sender through user authentication. Since voice preprocessing is performed on the user local device, voice data are not stored on the detection server. Thus, we can overcome the security vulnerabilities of the existing detection research. We used ASVspoof 2019 and achieved an F1-score of 100% in deep voice detection and an F1 score of 99.05% in user authentication. Additionally, the average EER for user authentication achieved was 0.15. Therefore, this work can be effectively used to prevent deep voice-based phishing.