bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resident and Non-resident Father Involvement, Coparenting, and the Development of Children’s Self-Regulation Among Families Facing Economic Hardship
Authors: Altenburger Lauren E.
Published: February 2022

Self-regulation, or the ability to effectively manage emotions and behavior, is a critical skill to develop in early childhood. Children living in a context of economic hardship are at an increased risk for developing self-regulation difficulties. However, few studies have comprehensively examined how multiple aspects of the caregiving environment, including fathers’ parenting and coparenting quality, may contribute to child self-regulation. Thus, this study applied a family systems perspective to examine whether coparenting and resident and non-resident fathers’ reports of parenting quantity and quality were associated with observations of children’s self-regulation. Participants were drawn from the Embedded Developmental Study (n= 257) of the Three-City Study, a longitudinal study of children and families facing economic hardship. At Wave 1, when children were 2–4 years old, reports of parenting (i.e., quantity and quality) and coparenting (i.e., support) were obtained. At Wave 2, when children were 3–6 years old, children participated in a snack delay and gift wrap task, which assessed their self-regulation. Multi-group path analyses indicated that resident fathers’ harsh parenting at Wave 1 predicted decreased levels of self-regulation at Wave 2. Non-resident fathers’ reported hours of involvement at Wave 1 predicted greater levels of self-regulation at Wave 2. Additionally, supportive coparenting among families with a non-resident father predicted greater self-regulation. Supportive coparenting was not associated with child self-regulation in families with a resident father. The implications for research focused on facilitating positive father–child relationships in diverse family contexts are discussed.
Qigong Training Positively Impacts Both Posture and Mood in Breast Cancer Survivors With Persistent Post-surgical Pain: Support for an Embodied Cognition Paradigm
Authors: Quixadá Ana Paula , Miranda Jose G. V. , Osypiuk Kamila , Bonato Paolo , Vergara-Diaz Gloria , Ligibel Jennifer A. , Mehling Wolf , Thompson Evan T. , Wayne Peter M.
Published: February 2022

Theories of embodied cognition hypothesize interdependencies between psychological well-being and physical posture. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of objectively measuring posture, and to explore the relationship between posture and affect and other patient centered outcomes in breast cancer survivors (BCS) with persistent postsurgical pain (PPSP) over a 12-week course of therapeutic Qigong mind-body training. Twenty-one BCS with PPSP attended group Qigong training. Clinical outcomes were pain, fatigue, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, stress and exercise self-efficacy. Posture outcomes were vertical spine and vertical head angles in the sagittal plane, measured with a 3D motion capture system in three conditions: eyes open (EO), eyes open relaxed (EOR) and eyes closed (EC). Assessments were made before and after the Qigong training. The association between categorical variables (angle and mood) was measured by Cramer’s V. In the EO condition, most participants who improved in fatigue and anxiety scales also had better vertical head values. For the EOR condition, a moderate correlation was observed between changes in vertical head angle and changes in fatigue scale. In the EC condition, most of the participants who improved in measures of fatigue also improved vertical head angle. Additionally, pain severity decreased while vertical spine angle improved. These preliminary findings support that emotion and other patient centered outcomes should be considered within an embodied framework, and that Qigong may be a promising intervention for addressing biopsychosocially complex interventions such as PPSP in BCSs.
Effect of Second Language Proficiency on Inhibitory Control in the Simon Task: An fMRI Study
Authors: Jia Fanlu
Published: February 2022

How learning a second language (L2) changes our brain has been an important question in neuroscience. Previous neuroimaging studies with different ages and language pairs spoken by bilinguals have consistently shown plastic changes in brain systems supporting executive control. One hypothesis posits that L2 experience-induced neural changes supporting cognitive control, which is responsible for the selection of a target language and minimization of interference from a non-target language. However, it remains poorly understood as to whether such cognitive advantage is reflected as stronger controlled processing or increased automatic inhibition processing. In this study, using functional MRI we scanned 27 Chinese-English late bilinguals while they performed a Simon task. Results showed that bilinguals with higher L2 vocabulary proficiency performed better in the Simon task, and more importantly, higher L2 vocabulary proficiency was associated with weaker activation of brain regions that support more general cognitive control, including the right anterior cingulate cortex, left insula and left superior temporal gyrus. These results suggest that L2 experience may lead to a more automatic and efficient processing in the inhibitory control task. Our finding provides an insight into neural activity changes associated with inhibitory control as a function of L2 proficiency.
To Those Who Have, More Will Be Given? Effects of an Instructional Time Reform on Gender Disparities in STEM Subjects, Stress, and Health
Authors: Hübner Nicolas , Wagner Wolfgang , Meyer Jennifer , Watt Helen M. G.
Published: February 2022

Educational reformers all around the globe are continuously searching for ways to make schools more effective and efficient. In Germany, this movement has led to reforms that reduced overall school time of high track secondary schools from 9 to 8 years, which was compensated for by increasing average instruction time per week in lower secondary school (Grades 5–10). Based on prior research, we assumed that this reform might increase gender disparities in STEM-related outcomes, stress, and health because it required students to learn similar content in less amount of time. Therefore, we investigated how the school time reform affected gender disparities at the end of upper secondary school between 2011 and 2013. Specifically, we considered representative data of the last two cohorts who completed lower secondary school before the reform (N = 2,405) and the first two cohorts after the reform (N = 2,413) from the National Educational Panel Study. Potential differences in gender disparities were investigated for upper secondary school outcomes of subject-specific standardized test performance, self-concept, and interest in mathematics, biology and physics, as well as outcomes of school-related stress and health. Overall, we found substantial disparities between girls and boys, which seemed to change little after the reform. Exceptions were the statistically significant gender × reform interactions for one stress dimension (Overload) and two health dimensions (Overburdening and Achievement-related fear) which increased for both boys and girls, but more strongly for girls.
An Audience Effect in Sooty Mangabey Alarm Calling
Authors: Quintero Fredy , Touitou Sonia , Magris Martina , Zuberbühler Klaus
Published: February 2022

How does intentional communication evolve? Comparative studies can shed light on the evolutionary history of this relevant feature of human language and its distribution before modern humans. The current animal literature on intentional signaling consists mostly of ape gestural studies with evidence of subjects persisting and elaborating with sometimes arbitrary signals toward a desired outcome. Although vocalizations can also have such imperative qualities, they are typically produced in a functionally fixed manner, as if evolved for a specific purpose. Yet, intentionality can sometimes transpire even in functionally fixed calls, for example, if production is adapted to audience composition. In this study, we carried out field experiments to test whether free-ranging sooty mangabeys adjusted snake alarm call production to their audiences. We found a positive relation between alarm call production and naïve individuals arriving, suggesting that callers attempted to influence their behaviors relative to the snake. Subjects called more with smaller audiences, if they had not heard other calls before, and if socially important individuals were in the area. We concluded that sooty mangabeys alarm call production can be explained as an active attempt to refer to an external event, rather than a mere readout of an internal state.
Positive Sentiment and the Donation Amount: Social Norms in Crowdfunding Donations During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Peng Yan , Li Yuxin , Wei Lijia
Published: February 2022

Public welfare fundraising has been used to collect donations for medical supplies and has played an important role in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper studies online crowdfunding donations from the Alumni Association of Wuhan University to North American alumni; donation data are used to investigate how individuals' donation behavior is affected by the previous donation amount and information provided by the fundraising platform. First, our results show that one's donation amount is positively affected by the previous donation amount. Second, the donor's positive sentiment in the message that he or she leaves, as measured by either natural language processing or a manual rating, can affect the subsequent anonymity and messages but not the subsequent donation amount. Third, anonymous donations are much smaller than non-anonymous donations.
How Do Perceived Health Threats Affect the Junk Food Eating Behavior and Consequent Obesity? Moderating Role of Product Knowledge Hiding
Authors: Li Yanxia , Li Xiaohong , Zhang Tuanting , Guo Haixia , Sun Caili
Published: February 2022

The predominant use of junk food in our societies is continuously held responsible for the obese body physiques and overweight among the kids and adolescents. The current supportive environments where organic foods are limited, and new processed foods have been brought to the market with more variant tastes and acceptability for the kids and adolescents that have diverged their eating patterns. It has significantly contributed to the health issues and growth discrepancies of the users. However, the awareness of the food contents is an important milestone for understanding the risks associated with the usage of junk foods. A quantitative approach has been used in this study to measure the effect of perceived severity, vulnerability and fear on the junk food eating behaviors and ultimately on the obesity. The moderating role of product knowledge hiding has also been measured on the relationship of junk food eating and obesity. Structural equation modeling is used using the software Smart-PLS for measuring the hypothesis with a sample size of 228 selected through purposive sampling. The sample consisted of kids and adolescents who were reached on purpose for data collection. The current study has explored the role of perceived severity, vulnerability and the fear of using junk foods which have been found as a negative effect on junk food eating behavior which is positively associated with obesity among the kids and adolescents. The result of study shows that perceived threat has a negative effect on the junk food eating behavior of the adolescents. However, the positive relationship of junk food eating behavior with obesity can be decreased if the information about the products is not hidden. This study will be useful for making the consumers aware of the product knowledge hiding of the junk food usage. Moreover, it will help the users in creating understanding of risks allied with the use of junk food which may be addressed in order to avoid obesity issues in the kids and adolescents globally.
Evacuation Optimization Strategy for Large-Scale Public Building Considering Plane Partition and Multi-Floor Layout
Authors: Fang Han , Lv Wei , Cheng He , Li Xiaolian , Yu Bingjie , Shen Zhongwei
Published: February 2022

Large-scale public buildings (e.g., stadiums and comprehensive hospitals) in modern cities provide places for various social activities. However, all of these public places encounter the scenario of large passenger flow and crowd gathering, which is highly likely to induce serious safety problems, such as stampedes. Previous studies have shown that efficient evacuation is an important way to ensure the safety of dense crowds in public places. This study aims to explore the optimization methods to improve the evacuation efficiency of public buildings. Two strategies considering plane partition and multi-floor layout are proposed for plane evacuation and vertical evacuation, respectively. Simulation scenarios and models of large stadiums and high-rise hospitals are established to verify the strategies. The results show that plane partition could effectively shorten the total evacuation time, which is due to the optimization of the initial exit choice of individuals and the avoidance of regional congestion in some evacuation channels or exits. Multi-floor layout optimization is an effective management method to arrange the different features of different floors, which could improve the evacuation efficiency for the whole multi-floor building. This study is helpful for building designers and managers to improve the building space layout design and the daily safety management mode.
What Is Causing Our Climate To Change So Quickly Now?
Authors: Nogherotto Rita , Burgard Clara , Jones Chris D.
Published: February 2022

Our planet’s climate has been warming much faster over the past 100 years than it has over the 10,000 years before that. In this article, we will explore how we know that the climate has changed so quickly in the last century, what carbon dioxide (CO2) has to do with climate change, and why humans are responsible for the recent increase of CO2 in the atmosphere. Understanding the problem is the best way to find a solution!
Stakeholders' Perspectives on Microplastics in Sludge Applied to Agricultural Land
Authors: Zilinskaite Emilija , Futter Martyn , Collentine Dennis
Published: February 2022

Microplastic (MPs) inputs to agricultural lands from wastewater and sewage sludge reuse in Europe have been estimated to be between 65,000 and 230,000 tons/year making the farm environment one of the major receptors and, possibly, environmental reservoirs of MPs. In Sweden there have been ongoing discussions since 1994 about environmental and health effects of sewage sludge application to agricultural lands. This debate on sludge use focused initially on metals, then moved on to pharmaceutical residues and currently has turned to MPs. In spite of the limited scientific information about environmental impacts of MPs in soils, governmental approval in Sweden to allow increased spreading of sludge on productive agricultural lands is moving forward. To study individual perceptions of the potential risks, interviews were conducted in 2020 with Swedish stakeholders who in some way work with the issue of sludge management. The results of these interviews provide an indication of not only how environmental risk information is interpreted by representatives from different sectors but also the degree to which perceived risks may shape environmental policy.
Study on the Application Effect of Fast Track Surgery Care Combined With Continuous Care After Discharge in Patients With Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Yu Jian , Lin Xiao , Chen Hong
Published: February 2022

Purpose

To explore the application effect of fast track surgery (FTS) care combined with continuous care after discharge in patients with laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC).

Methods

Two hundred patients treated with LC in our hospital from May 2020 to September 2021 were selected and divided into the routine group receiving routine care (n = 100) and the combined group receiving FTS care combined with continuous care after discharge (n = 100) according to their care methods. We observed the care effect, surgical stress levels [epinephrine, cortisol, Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA)], postoperative recovery (time to first exhaust, time to first meal, time to first getting out of bed, time to hospitalization), complications, SF-36 scores after discharge, and care satisfaction in both groups.

Results

The total efficiency of care in the combined group was better than that in the routine group (P < 0.05). At 1 d after surgery, the levels of epinephrine and cortisol in both groups were significantly higher than those at 1 h before surgery, and the HAMA scores were significantly lower than those at 1 h before surgery, and the combined group was lower than the routine group (P < 0.05). The time to first exhaustion, time to first meal, time to first getting out of bed, and time to hospitalization were shorter in the combined group than in the routine group (P < 0.05). The overall complication rate in the combined group was lower than that in the routine group (P < 0.05). The each item of SF-36 scores after discharge were higher in the combined group than in the routine group (P < 0.05). The total satisfaction with care was higher in the combined group than in the routine group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The implementation of FTS care combined with continuous care after discharge in LC patients is ideal, which can significantly reduce the level of surgical stress, accelerate the recovery process, and reduce the occurrence of complications, and improve the postoperative quality of life of patients significantly, and with high satisfaction, which is worthy of application.
Total Failure of Fenbendazole to Control Strongylid Infections in Czech Horse Operations
Authors: Nápravníková Jana , Várady Marián , Vadlejch Jaroslav
Published: February 2022

The control of strongylid infections has become challenging globally for equine practitioners due to the development of anthelmintic resistance. Comprehensive information on anthelmintic resistance in the Czech Republic, however, is still lacking. This study monitored the current efficacy of fenbendazole, pyrantel embonate, ivermectin and moxidectin. Forty-eight of 71 operations met the criteria (≥6 horses with ≥200 eggs per gram), with 969 fecal egg count reduction tests performed. Anthelmintic resistance was evaluated on an operation level based on fecal egg count reduction (FECR) and the lower limit of the 95% credible interval (LLCI) using Bayesian hierarchical models. General anthelmintic efficacy across all operations was assessed by posterior FECRs and the occurrence of sub-zero efficacies. Ivermectin and moxidectin demonstrated excellent efficacy (FECR 99.8–100%; 99.4–100 LLCI) in 45 and 23 operations, respectively, pyrantel embonate demonstrated sufficient efficacy in 15 operations and resistance was suspected in seven operations (FECR 88.1–99.1%; 72.5–98.5 LLCI). Fenbendazole, however, was not effective in a single operation (FECR 19.1–77.8%; 8.1–50.1 LLCI) out of 18. Fenbendazole had the highest probability of sub-zero efficacy (29.1%), i.e., post-treatment fecal egg counts exceeded the pre-treatment counts. Our data indicate an increase in the development of anthelmintic resistance, resulting in total failure of fenbendazole and a reduced efficacy of pyrantel embonate. Introducing advanced approaches of parasite control in the Czech Republic to slow the spread of anthelmintic resistance is thus needed.
Valorization of Quality of Vermicomposts and Composts Using Various Parameters
Authors: Jakubus Monika , Michalak-Oparowska Weronika
Published: February 2022

Due to the increasing biomass of biowaste it is necessary to manage it rationally. This work presents comparisons and valorization of vermicomposts (VCs) and composts (Cs) prepared from various biowastes generated in households and private gardens, in terms of their practical use. The tested VCs and Cs were subjected to chemical analyses to assess the amounts of macro- (N, P, K, S, Mg, Ca, Na) and micronutrients (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni), as well as contents of organic matter (OM), total organic carbon (TOC), humic compounds (HS) and labile and water extractable organic carbon (LC, WEOC). Moreover, humification indexes (HR, HI, DP) were determined. The amounts of macro- and micronutrients, OM, TOC, LC, WEOC were greater for vermicomposts. Regardless of these differences, both vermicomposts and composts were characterized by considerable amounts of organic matter ranging from 325 to 631 g·kg−1 and TOC amounting from 82 to 270 g·kg−1. Moreover, the tested organic fertilizers were characterized by high contents of N (7–21.5 g·kg−1), K (3.7–24.4 g·kg−1), Ca (12.2–44.0 g·kg−1), Fe (133.1–333.8 mg·kg−1) and Mn (71.5–113.8 mg·kg−1). The analyzed VCs and Cs did not exceed the permissible amounts of heavy metals (Cr, Pb) and contained a comparable amount and quality of humus compounds. The level of CHS ranged from 29.6 to 41 g·kg−1 for vermicomposts, and from 19.8 to 51.8 g·kg−1 for composts. The humification indexes indicate that VCs and Cs were well–matured despite different composting conditions. The HI values for VCs ranged from 8.3% to 10% and for Cs amounted from 12.2% to 16.8%. Similarly, the HR values were higher for composts (24.3–33%) in comparison to VCs (15.2–20.1%). Vermicomposting and composting of biowaste is economically and environmentally justified. Fertilizers obtained in the composting process are a valuable source of organic material and nutrients essential for plants and can be safely used in private gardens.
Survey of Oomycetes Associated with Root and Crown Rot of Almond in Spain and Pathogenicity of Phytophthora niederhauserii and Phytopythium vexans to ‘Garnem’ Rootstock
Authors: Beluzán Francisco , Miarnau Xavier , Torguet Laura , Armengol Josep , Abad-Campos Paloma
Published: February 2022

From 2018 to 2020, surveys of oomycetes associated with root and crown rot of almond (Prunus dulcis) were conducted on diseased young almond trees in commercial orchards and nurseries in six provinces of Spain. A total of 104 oomycete isolates were obtained from plant and soil samples, which h were identified by sequencing the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the ribosomal DNA. Diverse species belonging to the genera Globisporangium, Phytophthora, Phytopythium and Pythium were found, Phytopythium vexans and Phytophthora niederhauserii being the most frequent. The pathogenicity of these two species to one-year-old almond seedlings of ‘Garnem’ (P. dulcis × P. persica) rootstock was studied. All seedlings inoculated with Pp. vexans and Ph. niederhauserii isolates showed severe symptoms at the late stage of the pathogenicity test (defoliation, wilting and dieback) and several plants died. Some isolates of Ph. niederhauserii significantly reduced the dry weight of the roots compared with the control, but this effect was not observed in seedlings inoculated with Pp. vexans. These results provide new information about the oomycete species present in almond crops in Spain and highlight the importance of carrying out frequent phytosanitary surveys for a better knowledge of potential risks posed by these soil-borne pathogens.
Carbon Storage Potential of Agroforestry System near Brick Kilns in Irrigated Agro-Ecosystem
Authors: Komal Nayab , Zaman Qamar uz , Yasin Ghulam , Nazir Saba , Ashraf Kamran , Waqas Muhammad , Ahmad Mubeen , Batool Ammara , Talib Imran , Chen Yinglong
Published: February 2022

The current study was conducted to estimate the carbon (C) storage status of agroforestry systems, via a non-destructive strategy. A total of 75 plots (0.405 ha each) were selected by adopting a lottery method of random sampling for C stock estimations for soil, trees and crops in the Mandi-Bahauddin district, Punjab, Pakistan. Results revealed that the existing number of trees in selected farm plots varied from 25 to 30 trees/ha. Total mean tree carbon stock ranged from 9.97 to 133 Mg C ha−1, between 5–10 km away from the brick kilns in the study area. The decreasing order in terms of carbon storage potential of trees was Eucalyptus camaldulensis > Syzygium cumin > Popolus ciliata > Acacia nilotica > Ziziphus manritiana > Citrus sinensis > Azadirachtta Indica > Delbergia sisso > Bambusa vulgaris > Melia azadarach > Morus alba. Average soil carbon pools ranged from 10.3–12.5 Mg C ha−1 in the study area. Meanwhile, maximum C stock for wheat (2.08 × 106 Mg C) and rice (1.97 × 106 Mg C) was recorded in the cultivated area of Tehsil Mandi-Bahauddin. The entire ecosystem of the study area had an estimated woody vegetation carbon stock of 68.5 Mg C ha−1 and a soil carbon stock of 10.7 Mg C ha−1. These results highlight that climate-smart agriculture has great potential to lock up more carbon and help in the reduction of CO2 emissions to the atmosphere, and can be further used in planning policies for executing tree planting agendas on cultivated lands and for planning future carbon sequestration ventures in Pakistan.
Effects of Irrigation Strategy and Plastic Film Mulching on Soil N2O Emissions and Fruit Yields of Greenhouse Tomato
Authors: Li Yuan , Zhang Mingzhi , Lu Zhenguang , Zhang Yushun , Wang Jingwei
Published: February 2022

Agriculture is a major source of global greenhouse gas emissions. Approximately 1/3 of vegetables in China are produced in greenhouses. However, the effects of different irrigation strategies and plastic film (PF) mulching combinations on N2O emissions and tomato fruit yields in greenhouses are unclear. The aims of this study were to explore the effects of micro-sprinkler irrigation under plastic film (MSPF), drip irrigation under plastic film (DIPF) and micro-sprinkler irrigation (MSI) on the soil nutrients, enzyme activity, nirS-type denitrifying bacterial community, N2O emissions and fruit yields of tomato. The results showed that MSPF could improve the uniformity of soil water distribution and surface (0–40 cm) soil water content. Film mulching could increase soil temperature at depths of 5–25 cm. Both MSPF and DIPF increased microbial nitrogen, promoted the activity of rhizosphere soil urease and leucine aminopeptidase, changed the community of denitrifying bacteria, accelerated the turnover of soil nutrients and improved yield and water use efficiency. PF mulching had a greater impact on the nirS-type denitrifying bacterial community when compared to irrigation strategy. We conclude that MSPF can be used to configure commercially available installation and operation. The comprehensive benefit of MSPF treatment is that it is more profitable than that of DIPF.
Effects of Solar Radiation on Dry Matter Distribution and Root Morphology of High Yielding Maize Cultivars
Authors: Guo Xiaoxia , Yang Yunshan , Liu Huifang , Liu Guangzhou , Liu Wanmao , Wang Yonghong , Zhao Rulang , Ming Bo , Xie Ruizhi , Wang Keru , Li Shaokun , Hou Peng
Published: February 2022

The root system connects the plant with the soil, which is a key factor in determining the utilization of soil resources and plant growth potential. Solar radiation can change maize shoot and root growth and affect grain formation. In this study, the effects of different solar radiation conditions on root morphology of three maize cultivars XY335, ZD958 and DH618 and their quantitative relationships were studied by conducting shading experiments. This study was conducted in maize high yield region of Qitai and Yinchuan, China, in 2018 and 2019. The planting densities were 7.5 × 104 (D1) and 12 × 104 (D2) plants ha−1. The shading levels were natural light (CK), shading 15% (S1), 30% (S2) and 50% (S3). The results showed that maize responded to the decreased solar radiation through the increase in ratio of shoot dry weight (SWR) to whole plant dry weight and the decrease in ratio of root dry weight (RWR) to whole plant dry weight. As the solar radiation decreased, the root length density (RLD), root surface area (RSA), average root diameter (ARD) and root length ratio (RLR) decreased, while the specific root length (SRL) increased. With 100 MJ m−2 decrease in solar radiation, the RWR, RLD, RSA and RLR each decreased by 1.47%, 0.5 mm cm−3,0.4 m m−2 and 0. 19 m g−1, respectively. Among the cultivars, the changes of DH618 were the fastest followed by XY335 and ZD958 but DH618 maintained the largest root system under any solar radiation condition. After the decrease of solar radiation, RWR, RLD and RLR were significantly positively correlated with the yield. This indicated that large root systems were conducive to the rapid response to decreased solar radiation and important for achieving stable and high yield. Maize cultivars with these type of root systems should be recommended to better adapt low solar radiation induced by regional variation or climate change.
Dual Response Optimization of Ultrasound-Assisted Oil Extraction from Red Fruit (Pandanus conoideus): Recovery and Total Phenolic Compounds
Authors: Susanti Endah Prasetia , Rohman Abdul , Setyaningsih Widiastuti
Published: February 2022

Red fruit oil (RFO) is a high-value oil that contains functional compounds, mainly phenolic compounds, providing antioxidant activity. Therefore, an optimal extraction method is essential to recover the RFO and phenolic compounds simultaneously. This research aimed to optimize the ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) for oil from red fruit using the Box-Behnken design combined with response surface methodology. The studied UAE factors, including sample-to-solvent ratio (1:3, 1:2, and 1:1 g mL−1), extraction temperature (60, 75, and 90 °C), and pulse duty-cycle (0.20, 0.50, and 0.80 s−1). Analysis of variance revealed that the three studied factors significantly influenced the recovered RFO, while the level of total phenolic compounds in the extracts was defined merely by extraction temperature (p < 0.05). These significant factors were then included in the optimization models (R2 > 0.99, lack-of-fit p > 0.05). The proposed UAE setting by the multiresponse optimization was an extraction temperature of 67 °C, a pulse duty-cycle of 0.50 s−1, and a sample-to-solvent ratio of 1:2.5 g mL−1. Subsequently, the extraction kinetic was evaluated, confirming full recovery at 60 min of extraction time. The developed method was then applied to extract six red fruit clones. Mbarugum clones provided high RFO recovery (9.60%), with an uppermost total phenolic compound of (42.63 mg GAE g−1) among the six red fruit clones. Additionally, the resulting RFO showed eminent antioxidant activities, indicated by excellent values of IC50 DPPH (37.69 mg L−1), IC50 FIC (30.43 mg L−1), FRAP reducing power (63.55 mg AAEA g−1), and IC50 ABTS (93.88 mg L−1). In contrast with a wet rendering method, UAE enhanced the RFO recovery by 53.02%, resulting in a higher level of total phenolic compounds. Henceforth, the proposed UAE method is a promising technique to substitute conventional oil production in the food and pharmaceutical industries.
The Influence of Different Cooling Systems on the Microclimate, Photosynthetic Activity and Yield of a Tomato Crops (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) in Mediterranean Greenhouses
Authors: Moreno-Teruel María Ángeles , Molina-Aiz Francisco Domingo , López-Martínez Alejandro , Marín-Membrive Patricia , Peña-Fernández Araceli , Valera-Martínez Diego Luis
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of different evaporative cooling systems compared to natural ventilation on the microclimate, photosynthetic activity and yield of a tomato crop (Lycopersicum esculentum Mill.) in a spring-summer cycle. In this study, the expenditure of electricity and water caused by the different refrigeration systems and their economic cost was analysed. The study was carried out in three multi-span greenhouses: (i) a greenhouse with evaporative pads and fans and natural ventilation (PS + NV); (ii) a greenhouse with a fog system and natural ventilation (FS + NV); (iii) a greenhouse only with natural ventilation (NV). The photosynthetic activity was higher in the greenhouse with natural ventilation (14.7 µmol CO2 m−2 s−1) than in the greenhouse with the pad-fan system (14.6 µmol CO2 m−2 s−1; without a statistically significant difference) and in the greenhouse with fog system (13.4 µmol CO2 m−2 s−1; with a statistically significant difference). The production was higher in the greenhouse with the pad-fan system (5.0 kg m−2) than in the greenhouse with natural ventilation (4.8 kg m−2; without a statistically significant difference) and in the greenhouse with a fog system (4.5 kg m−2; with a statistically significant difference). In general, photosynthetic activity and crop production increased as the maximum temperature (and the number of hours of exposure to high temperatures) decreased. It has been observed that the improvement in temperature conditions inside the greenhouses in spring-summer cycles produces increases in the photosynthetic activity of the tomato crop and, consequently, growth in production. The energy and water consumption derived from the use of active-type cooling systems have not been offset by a representative improvement in photosynthetic activity or crop production.
Impact of Olive Trees on the Microclimatic and Edaphic Environment of the Understorey Durum Wheat in an Alley Orchard of the Mediterranean Area
Authors: Panozzo Anna , Huang Hsin-Ya , Bernazeau Bruno , Meunier Florence , Turc Olivier , Duponnois Robin , Prin Yves , Vamerali Teofilo , Desclaux Dominique
Published: February 2022

In the current context of climate change, the impact of trees in agroforestry systems is expected to mitigate water and heat stresses, particularly in semi-arid environments. Within this framework, in a two-year trial conducted at INRAE in Southern France, the dynamics of microclimatic parameters and the edaphic environment of durum wheat were investigated under a yearly-pruned (AF) and a never-pruned (AF+) 6-m apart alley olive orchard, in comparison with controls under full sun. Here it was recorded a reduction of photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) by 30% and 51% in AF and AF+, respectively, during the wheat cycle, together with a marked reduction of wind speed compared to controls (–85% in AF and −99% in AF+). A significant buffer effect was also highlighted for air temperature, averagely +1.7 °C during the night and −3.2 °C during the daytime under the moderate shading of AF. The positive effect of trees on soil water conservation increased with the intensity of shading, particularly during the critical wheat stage of grain filling, with benefits on wheat root mycorrhization, and NH4+ and NO3− abundance in the arable layer. Despite some of the environmental modifications being favorable for the understorey wheat, these were not translated into yield improvements, suggesting that the severe shading associated with the small inter-row and evergreen trees has a prevailing effect, that requires to be managed through appropriate tree pruning.
Immediate Postoperative Analgesia of Nalbuphine-Ketamine Combination Compared with Ketamine Alone in Xylazine-Sedated Goats Undergoing Left Flank Laparotomy
Authors: Abouelfetouh Mahmoud M. , Salah Eman , Liu Lingling , Khalil Ahmed H. , Zhang Qiulin , Ding Mingxing , Ding Yi
Published: February 2022

Goats have been used as animal models in research, and the need for achieving safer anesthesia for research or surgical intervention is gaining much attention. The objective of this study was to evaluate intraoperative effects and the immediate postoperative analgesia of nalbuphine–ketamine regimen in goats. Twenty clinically healthy adult female crossbred goats weighing 14 ± 2 kg were allocated randomly into each of two equally sized groups. All animals were sedated with intramuscular (IM) xylazine (0.07 mg/kg), then anesthesia was intravenously (IV) induced with ketamine alone (10 mg/kg) (XK group), or a combination of nalbuphine (0.5 mg/kg) and ketamine (5 mg/kg) (XNK group). Following induction, left flank laparotomy was performed and then sutured. The quality of anesthesia and immediate postoperative analgesia was evaluated. Immediate postoperative analgesia was assessed up to 5 h after standing, using a modified Unesp–Botucatu acute composite pain scale (USAPS). Serum cortisol, glucose, insulin, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were measured at ½, 1, 2, 4, 6, 12, and 24 h, postoperatively (PO). The USAPS pain scores were significantly lower in the XNK compared to the XK group (p < 0.05). The XNK group exhibited a statistically significant difference in the level of serum cortisol at ½ and 1 h PO (p = 0.018 and 0.045, respectively) compared to the XK group. At 2, 4, 6 h PO, CRP significantly decreased (p = 0.023, 0.040 and 0.005, respectively) in the XNK compared to the XK group. Nalbuphine–ketamine produced an acceptable induction of anesthesia and recovery compared to ketamine. Recovery with nalbuphine–ketamine was faster and better quality. The USAPS pain scores were lower in nalbuphine–ketamine, indicating that this novel combination produces better postoperative pain control than ketamine alone.
Lower Reproductive Rate and Lamb Survival Contribute to Lower Lamb Marking Rate in Maiden Ewes Compared to Multiparous Ewes
Authors: Hutchison Dayna , Clarke Bronwyn E. , Hancock Serina , Thompson Andrew N. , Bowen Elise , Jacobson Caroline
Published: February 2022

Suboptimal reproductive performance of maiden (primiparous) ewes remains a source of inefficiency for the Australian sheep industry. However, the extent and causes of the poorer reproductive performance of maiden ewes on Australian sheep farms are not well understood. Here, we show the reproductive performance of maiden ewes relative to their multiparous counterparts on the same farms across Australia using a cohort survey. The difference in marking rate for non-Merino maiden ewe lambs compared to multiparous ewes was 58% (74 vs. 132%; p < 0.001), and this was attributable to a 50% difference in reproductive rate (109 vs. 159%; p < 0.001) and 16% difference in lamb survival to marking (67 vs. 83%; p < 0.001). The difference in marking rate for maiden Merino two-tooth ewes lambing at approximately 2 years-of-age compared to mature multiparous ewes was 22% (80 vs. 102%; p < 0.001) and this was attributable to a 24% difference in reproductive rate (108 vs. 132%; p < 0.001) and 3% difference for lamb survival (75 vs. 78%; p < 0.05). Positive correlations for reproduction traits (reproductive rate, lamb survival and marking rate) between maidens and multiparous ewes were observed for maiden Merino two-tooth ewes (p < 0.001), but these correlations were weak or non-existent for non-Merino ewe lambs. Strategies to improve both reproductive rate and lamb survival can address the poorer and more variable reproductive performance of maiden ewes.
Characterization of Fat Quality in Cow Milk from Alpine Farms as Influenced by Seasonal Variations of Diets
Authors: Lopez Annalaura , Bellagamba Federica , Savoini Giovanni , Moretti Vittorio Maria , Cattaneo Donata
Published: February 2022

The production systems linked to mountain animal husbandry have had an environmental, social and cultural role in recent years. Zootechnical systems based on feeding strategies, such as pasture grazing and grass-fed strategies, contribute to a significant increase in the relative amounts of favorable fatty acids (FAs) in animal products, indicating their ability to improve the long-term health of consumers. In this study, we compared different feeding strategies in two small mountain farms in the Piedmont Alpine region, Italy. Particularly, during the summer season, the two farms were distinguished by the exclusive employment of Alpine pasture (farm A), assumed as the best way to improve the quality of the FA profile in milk vs. the supply of daily fresh cut mountain grass plus a reduced implementation with hay and concentrates directly in the barn (farm B). The milk fatty acid profile was analyzed using gas chromatography. The results showed the high quality of alpine milk collected in the two farms. Even with some differences, particularly evidenced when comparing the summer diets, the milk FA profiles in farm A and farm B were favorable from a nutritional point of view in both seasons. Milk samples obtained using the exclusive employment of alpine grazing during summer were represented by an FA profile of higher quality (lower saturated FAs, higher branched FAs and monounsaturated FA, favorable n6/n3 ratio). However, milk obtained using the integrated strategy (fresh grass plus concentrates in the barn farm B) resulted in a more homogenous composition during the summer season, with a higher concentration of polyunsaturated FAs. These outcomes suggested that the integrated strategy, even if related to a lower ability in improving milk FA profile, could represent a valid and cost-effective alternative for mountain farmers to obtain an overall superior quality of milk, which was not strictly linked to the grazing practice. The multivariate analysis showed that information contained in the milk FA profile may provide a valuable tool that can distinguish mountain-grass-based diet.
Effect of Steroid Hormones, Prostaglandins (E2 and F2α), Oxytocin, and Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha on Membrane Progesterone (P4) Receptors Gene Expression in Bovine Myometrial Cells
Authors: Kowalik Magdalena K. , Dobrzyn Karolina , Mlynarczuk Jaroslaw , Rekawiecki Robert
Published: February 2022

Myometrium tissue shows the expression of non-genomic membrane progesterone (P4) receptors, such as progesterone receptor membrane components (PGRMC) 1 and 2 and membrane progestin receptors (mPR) alpha (mPRα), beta (mPRβ), and gamma (mPRγ). Their variable expression in the bovine uterus during the estrous cycle and early pregnancy suggests that ovarian steroids and luteotropic and/or luteolytic factors may regulate the expression of these receptors in the myometrium. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effect of P4, estradiol (E2), P4 with E2, prostaglandins (PG) E2 and F2α, oxytocin (OT), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) on the gene expression of PGRMC1, PGRMC2, serpine-1 mRNA-binding protein (SERBP1), and mPRα, mPRβ, and mPRγ in bovine myometrial cells from days 6 to 10 and 11 to 16 of the estrous cycle. The PGE2 concentration and mRNA expression were determined by EIA and real-time PCR, respectively. The data indicated that P4 and E2 can affect the mRNA expression of all studied receptors and SERPB1. However, PGE2, OT, and TNFα could only modulate the expression of PGRMC1, PGRMC2, and SERPB1, respectively. Steroids/factors changed the expression of PGRMC and mPR genes depending on the dose, the stage of the estrous cycle, and the types of receptors. This suggests that the local hormonal milieu may influence the activity of these receptors and P4 action in myometrial cells during the estrous cycle.
Estimation of the Maternal Investment of Sea Turtles by Automatic Identification of Nesting Behavior and Number of Eggs Laid from a Tri-Axial Accelerometer
Authors: Jeantet Lorène , Hadetskyi Vadym , Vigon Vincent , Korysko François , Paranthoen Nicolas , Chevallier Damien
Published: February 2022

Monitoring reproductive outputs of sea turtles is difficult, as it requires a large number of observers patrolling extended beaches every night throughout the breeding season with the risk of missing nesting individuals. We introduce the first automatic method to remotely record the reproductive outputs of green turtles (Chelonia mydas) using accelerometers. First, we trained a fully convolutional neural network, the V-net, to automatically identify the six behaviors shown during nesting. With an accuracy of 0.95, the V-net succeeded in detecting the Egg laying process with a precision of 0.97. Then, we estimated the number of laid eggs from the predicted Egg laying sequence and obtained the outputs with a mean relative error of 7% compared to the observed numbers in the field. Based on deployment of non-invasive and miniature loggers, the proposed method should help researchers monitor nesting sea turtle populations. Furthermore, its use can be coupled with the deployment of accelerometers at sea during the intra-nesting period, from which behaviors can also be estimated. The knowledge of the behavior of sea turtle on land and at sea during the entire reproduction period is essential to improve our knowledge of this threatened species.
Interrupted Time Series Analysis of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and the Consumption of Antibiotics in an Atlantic European Region during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic
Authors: Clavería Ana , Delgado-Martín María Victoria , Goicoechea-Castaño Ana , Iglesias-Moreno José Manuel , García-Cendón Clara , Martín-Miguel María Victoria , Villarino-Moure Rita , Barreiro-Arceiz Carolina , Rey-Gómez-Serranillos Isabel , Roca Javier
Published: February 2022

The increasing concern about bacterial resistance has made the rational prescription of antibiotics even more urgent. The non-pharmacological measures established to reduce the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have modified the epidemiology of pediatric infections and, consequently, the use of antibiotics. Interrupted time series (ITS) analyses are quasi-experimental studies that allow for the estimation of causal effects with observational data in “natural experiments”, such as changes in health policies or pandemics. The effect of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the incidence of infectious diseases and the use of antibiotics between 2018 and 2020 in the Health Area of Vigo (Galicia, Spain) was quantified and analyzed. This paper outlines a real-world data study with administrative records from primary care services provided for the pediatric population. The records were related to episodes classified as infectious by the International Classification of Primary Care (ICPC-2) and oral medication in the therapeutic subgroup J01, corresponding to antibiotics for systemic use, according to the World Health Organization’s Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) classification system. The records were classified according to incident episodes, age, dose per inhabitant, and year. Segmented regression models were applied using an algorithm that automatically identifies the number and position of the change points. During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, the number of infectious diseases being transmitted between individuals, through the air and through the fecal–oral route, significantly decreased, and a slight decrease in infections transmitted via other mechanisms (urinary tract infections) was also found. In parallel, during the months of the pandemic, there has been a marked and significant reduction in antibacterial agent utilization, mainly of penicillins, cephalosporins, and macrolides.
The Role of Colistin in the Era of New β-Lactam/β-Lactamase Inhibitor Combinations
Authors: Aslan Abdullah Tarık , Akova Murat
Published: February 2022

With the current crisis related to the emergence of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CR-GNB), classical treatment approaches with so-called “old-fashion antibiotics” are generally unsatisfactory. Newly approved β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitors (BLBLIs) should be considered as the first-line treatment options for carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) and carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa (CRPA) infections. However, colistin can be prescribed for uncomplicated lower urinary tract infections caused by CR-GNB by relying on its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. Similarly, colistin can still be regarded as an alternative therapy for infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) until new and effective agents are approved. Using colistin in combination regimens (i.e., including at least two in vitro active agents) can be considered in CRAB infections, and CRE infections with high risk of mortality. In conclusion, new BLBLIs have largely replaced colistin for the treatment of CR-GNB infections. Nevertheless, colistin may be needed for the treatment of CRAB infections and in the setting where the new BLBLIs are currently unavailable. In addition, with the advent of rapid diagnostic methods and novel antimicrobials, the application of personalized medicine has gained significant importance in the treatment of CRE infections.