bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural intraepithelial lymphocyte populations rise during necrotic enteritis in chickens
Authors: Majeed Shuja , Hamad Shaimaa K. , Shah Bikas R. , Bielke Lisa , Nazmi Ali
Published: February 2024

Intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) reside in the epithelium at the interface between the contents of the intestinal lumen and the sterile environment of the lamina propria. Because of this strategic location, IEL play a crucial role in various immunological processes, ranging from pathogen control to tissue stability. In mice and humans, IEL exhibit high diversity, categorized into induced IEL (conventional CD4 and CD8αβ T cells) and natural IEL (TCRαβCD8αα, TCRγδ, and TCRneg IEL). In chickens, however, the subpopulations of IEL and their functions in enteric diseases remain unclear. Thus, we conducted this study to investigate the role of IEL populations during necrotic enteritis (NE) in chickens. At 14 days of age, sixty-three Specific-pathogen-free (SPF) birds were randomly assigned to three treatments: Control (sham challenge), Eimeria maxima challenge (EM), and Eimeria maxima + Clostridium Perfringens (C. Perfringens) co-challenge (EM/CP). The EM and EM/CP birds were infected with Eimeria maxima at day 14 of age, and EM/CP birds were additionally orally inoculated with C. perfringens at days 18 and 19 of age. Birds were weighed at days 18, 20, and 26 of age to assess body weight gain (BWG). At 20 days of age (1 day-post C. perfringens infection; dpi), and 26 days of age (7 dpi), 7 birds per treatment were euthanized, and jejunum was harvested for gross lesion scores, IEL isolation, and gene expression. The EM/CP birds exhibited subclinical NE disease, lower BWG and shorter colon length. The Most changes in the IEL populations were observed at 1 dpi. The EM/CP group showed substantial increases in the total number of natural IEL subsets, including TCRαβ+CD4-CD8-, TCRαβ+CD8αα+, TCRγδ+, TCRneg and innate CD8α (iCD8α) cells by at least two-fold. However, by 7 dpi, only the number of TCRαβ+CD4-CD8- and TCRαβ+CD8αα+ IEL maintained their increase in the EM/CP group. The EM/CP group had significantly higher expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IFN-γ) and Osteopontin (OPN) in the jejunum at 1 dpi. These findings suggest that natural IEL with innate and innate-like functions might play a critical role in the host response during subclinical NE, potentially conferring protection against C. perfringens infection.
Primary ecological succession of marine communities on the Tajogaite lava flows (La Palma, Canary Islands), fishes colonize faster than macroinvertebrates and algae
Authors: Sangil Carlos , Álvarez-Canali Daniel , Reyes Javier , Rodríguez Julián , Sansón Marta
Published: February 2024

We studied the primary succession of benthic communities in the lava flows of the Tajogaite volcano at 2, 4.5, and 7 months after the eruption ended. The lava from the Tajogaite created several lava flows and sterile rocky reefs that were monitored in both intertidal and subtidal areas up to 20 m depth. Sampling included macroinvertebrates and algae in the intertidal, and fishes, macroinvertebrates, and algae in the subtidal. A control zone was selected to compare the early colonisation of lava flows with that of a mature ecosystem. Colonisation of the lava flow was swift, with numerous species arriving and proliferating soon after the eruption ended. After 7 months, the total number of species recorded in the lava flows was 70, representing 64% of those found in the control zone. thus, communities were gradually becoming increasingly complex owing to the continuous incorporation of species. The number of fishes, and macroinvertebrates in both the intertidal and subtidal, lava flows increased progressively, approaching the values of the control zone. However, algae, in terms of total cover, presented values similar to the control zone from the beginning of the monitoring. All the communities have followed the same trajectory to converge towards communities like those in the control zone, although the rate at which they have changed with time differs. After seven months, differences in fishes between lava flows and the control zone were small, but they were still large with respect to macroinvertebrates and algae. Thus, according to each community of organisms, the benthic ecosystem of the lava flows was found at different stages of succession.
Transposable elements as scaffold/matrix attachment regions: shaping organization and functions in genomes
Authors: Pathak Rashmi Upadhyay , Phanindhar Kundurthi , Mishra Rakesh K.
Published: February 2024

The hierarchical structure of eukaryotic genomes has regulatory layers, one of them being epigenetic “indexing” of the genome that leads to cell-type-specific patterns of gene expression. By establishing loops and defining chromatin domains, cells can achieve coordinated control over multi-locus segments of the genome. This is thought to be achieved using scaffold/matrix attachment regions (S/MARs) that establish structural and functional loops and topologically associating domains (TADs) that define a self-interacting region of the genome. Large-scale genome-wide mapping of S/MARs has begun to uncover these aspects of genome organization. A recent genome-wide study showed the association of transposable elements (TEs) with a significant fraction of S/MARs, suggesting that the multitude of TE-derived repeats constitute a class of anchorage sites of chromatin loops to nuclear architecture. In this study, we provide an insight that TE-driven dispersal of S/MARs has the potential to restructure the chromosomes by creating novel loops and domains. The combination of TEs and S/MARs, as elements that can hop through the genome along with regulatory capabilities, may provide an active mechanism of genome evolution leading to the emergence of novel features in biological systems. The significance is that a genome-wide study mapping developmental S/MARs reveals an intriguing link between these elements and TEs. This article highlights the potential of the TE–S/MAR combination to drive evolution by restructuring and shaping the genome.
Fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations associated with μ-opioid and dopamine receptor distributions in the central nervous system after high-intensity exercise bouts
Authors: Boecker Henning , Daamen Marcel , Maurer Angelika , Bodensohn Luisa , Werkhausen Judith , Lohaus Marvin , Manunzio Christian , Manunzio Ursula , Radbruch Alexander , Attenberger Ulrike , Dukart Juergen , Upadhyay Neeraj
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Dopaminergic, opiod and endocannabinoid neurotransmission are thought to play an important role in the neurobiology of acute exercise and, in particular, in mediating positive affective responses and reward processes. Recent evidence indicates that changes in fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (zfALFF) in resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) may reflect changes in specific neurotransmitter systems as tested by means of spatial correlation analyses.

Methods

Here, we investigated this relationship at different exercise intensities in twenty young healthy trained athletes performing low-intensity (LIIE), high-intensity (HIIE) interval exercises, and a control condition on three separate days. Positive And Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) scores and rs-fMRI were acquired before and after each of the three experimental conditions. Respective zfALFF changes were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVAs. We examined the spatial correspondence of changes in zfALFF before and after training with the available neurotransmitter maps across all voxels and additionally, hypothesis-driven, for neurotransmitter maps implicated in the neurobiology of exercise (dopaminergic, opiodic and endocannabinoid) in specific brain networks associated with “reward” and “emotion.”

Results

Elevated PANAS Positive Affect was observed after LIIE and HIIE but not after the control condition. HIIE compared to the control condition resulted in differential zfALFF decreases in precuneus, temporo-occipital, midcingulate and frontal regions, thalamus, and cerebellum, whereas differential zfALFF increases were identified in hypothalamus, pituitary, and periaqueductal gray. The spatial alteration patterns in zfALFF during HIIE were positively associated with dopaminergic and μ-opioidergic receptor distributions within the ‘reward' network.

Discussion

These findings provide new insight into the neurobiology of exercise supporting the importance of reward-related neurotransmission at least during high-intensity physical activity.
Mental health in China: exploring the impacts of built environment, work environment, and subjective perception
Authors: Fang Zhou , Lin Yu , Chen Chuangyuan , Jiang Jian , Dong Letian
Published: February 2024

Introduction

The shifting living and working conditions have profound impacts on the residents’ mental health. However, current research in this field has not remarkable investigated.

Methods

This study used the China Labor-force Dynamic Survey (CLDS) dataset from 2018 and relied on a regression model to examine the effects of the built environment, work environment, and subjective perception on the mental health of Chinese citizens. It also considers the circumstances of both migrants and local residents.

Results

This study revealed significant correlations between mental health and greening space rate, road network density, commuting time, work feelings, community trust, economic satisfaction, and other factors. Additionally, the mental health of local residents was shown to be significantly affected by community security, while it shows no significance in migrants. Furthermore, a significant spatial autocorrelation was found in terms of mental health within the central and eastern regions of China.

Discussion

The findings of this study offer valuable insights that can be used to facilitate measures aimed at improving the mental health of residents and promoting the development of healthy cities.
Optimization Design and Experimentation of a Soil Covering Device for a Tree Planting Machine
Authors: Wu Xun , Jiang Zhen , Zhang Lixin , Hu Xue , Li Wenchun
Published: February 2024

In an effort to improve the soil covering effect of tree planting machines and reduce the lodging rate of seedlings, this paper analyzes the soil covering process and working principle of the soil covering device of tree planting machines and designs a soil covering device with adjustable soil covering width. With the help of the discrete element simulation software EDEM, the orthogonal test was designed with the width of the covering soil and the inclination angle as the test factors and the soil backfill rate as the response index. The regression analysis of the test results was carried out by Design-expert, and the optimal parameter combination of the covering soil device was determined as follows: the width of the covering soil: 600 mm, the forward angle: 45°, and the depth of the soil: 20 mm. The prototype verification test was carried out under the optimal parameters, and the soil backfill rate was 88.4%, which was basically consistent with the optimized parameters. The soil covering device with adjustable width designed in this study is of great significance to improve the soil covering rate of tree planting machines and reduce the lodging rate of seedlings.
Correction: Fernandes et al. Sustainable Production of Maize with Grass and Pigeon Pea Intercropping. Agriculture 2023, 13, 1246
Authors: Fernandes Patrick Bezerra , Gonçalves Lucas Ferreira , Claudio Flavio Lopes , Souza Janayna Almeida , Júnior Guido Calgaro , Alves Estenio Moreira , Paim Tiago Do Prado
Published: February 2024

In the original publication [...]
Dietary Serine Supplementation Improves Growth Performance, Intramuscular Fat Content, and Composition of Gut Microbes and Metabolites in Growing–Finishing Pigs
Authors: Guo Yiting , He Fang , Deng Zhiying , Yin Jie , Guan Guiping , Xie Zhengjun , Zhou Xihong
Published: February 2024

Serine is widely involved in antioxidant synthesis, immune response, and fat metabolism. However, it remains unclear whether dietary serine supplementation affects fat deposition in the skeletal muscles of pigs. Thus, we explored the effects of dietary serine supplementation on growth performance, meat quality, and composition of gut microbes and their metabolites in growing–finishing pigs. Forty-eight boars weighing approximately 20 kg were fed either a basal diet or a basal diet supplemented with 0.15% serine. The results showed that dietary serine increased the daily weight gain of pigs and improved serum antioxidant capacity as indicated by the decreased malondialdehyde content and increased glutathione and superoxide dismutase content. Pigs supplemented with serine had better meat quality, as shown by the lower drip loss and higher IMF content. Furthermore, dietary serine increased the relative abundance of Streptococcus and Lactobacillus and decreased the relative abundance of Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1 and Terrisporobacter. Differential microbial metabolites were mostly enriched in metabolic pathways related to lipid synthesis, such as alpha-linolenic acid metabolism and steroid hormone biosynthesis. Correlation analysis showed that the altered metabolites were closely related to the intestinal microbiota. In conclusion, our results suggested that serine serves as a potential additive for improving IMF content in growing–finishing pigs.
Efficient Tobacco Pest Detection in Complex Environments Using an Enhanced YOLOv8 Model
Authors: Sun Daozong , Zhang Kai , Zhong Hongsheng , Xie Jiaxing , Xue Xiuyun , Yan Mali , Wu Weibin , Li Jiehao
Published: February 2024

Due to the challenges of pest detection in complex environments, this research introduces a lightweight network for tobacco pest identification leveraging enhancements in YOLOv8 technology. Using YOLOv8 large (YOLOv8l) as the base, the neck layer of the original network is replaced with an asymptotic feature pyramid network (AFPN) network to reduce model parameters. A SimAM attention mechanism, which does not require additional parameters, is incorporated to improve the model’s ability to extract features. The backbone network’s C2f model is replaced with the VoV-GSCSP module to reduce the model’s computational requirements. Experiments show the improved YOLOv8 model achieves high overall performance. Compared to the original model, model parameters and GFLOPs are reduced by 52.66% and 19.9%, respectively, while mAP@0.5 is improved by 1%, recall by 2.7%, and precision by 2.4%. Further comparison with popular detection models YOLOv5 medium (YOLOv5m), YOLOv6 medium (YOLOv6m), and YOLOv8 medium (YOLOv8m) shows the improved model has the highest detection accuracy and lightest parameters for detecting four common tobacco pests, with optimal overall performance. The improved YOLOv8 detection model proposed facilitates precise, instantaneous pest detection and recognition for tobacco and other crops, securing high-accuracy, comprehensive pest identification.
Key Stage and Its Optimum Meteorological Conditions Affecting the Nutritional Quality of Maize
Authors: Wu Yixuan , Zhou Guangsheng , Song Xingyang , Song Yanling , Ren Sanxue , Geng Jinjian , Zhao Huarong
Published: February 2024

The impact of changing meteorological conditions on crop quality has become a trending topic in current agriculture research. In this study, we analyzed the combined effects of both meteorological conditions and key stages on the nutritional quality of maize based on the data of field-staged sowing trials from 2018 to 2022. The results are as follows: (1) The key stage of meteorological conditions affecting the content of major nutritional qualities of maize is from 6 d before to 35 d after flowering. (2) The maximum temperature from 6 d before to 8 d after flowering, average temperature from 5 d before to 20 d after flowering, and minimum temperature from 9–20 d after flowering have significant positive effects on protein, fat, and essential amino acids, respectively; the daily difference in temperature from 9 to 35 d and 24 to 35 d after flowering have a significant negative effect on crude fiber and essential amino acids, respectively, and the daily difference in temperature from 24 to 35 d and the minimum temperature from 5 d before to 35 d after flowering have a significant effect on non-essential amino acids. (3) When the maximum temperature during the key stage of nutritional quality is 31.2 °C, the average temperatures are 24.9 °C and 22.4 °C, the minimum temperature is 18.9 °C, and the daily difference in temperature is 15.0 °C, the contents could reach the optimal values of 9.66% (protein), 4.80% (fat), 4.97% (crude fiber), 40.39 g·kg−1 (essential amino acids), and 58.96 g·kg−1 (non-essential amino acids), respectively. The findings provide a basis for adjusting the sowing period to improve the nutritional quality of maize in the context of climate change.
Effect of Climate, Crop Protection, and Fertilization on Disease Severity, Growth, and Grain Yield Parameters of Faba Beans (Vicia faba L.) in Northern Britain: Results from the Long-Term NFSC Trials
Authors: Sufar Enas Khalid , Hasanaliyeva Gultekin , Wang Juan , Leifert Halima , Shotton Peter , Bilsborrow Paul , Rempelos Leonidas , Volakakis Nikolaos , Leifert Carlo
Published: February 2024

Faba beans are one of the most suitable grain legume crop for colder, maritime climates. However, there is limited information on the effect of changing from conventional to organic production methods and potential impacts of global warming on the health and performance of faba bean crops in Northern Europe. We therefore assessed the performance of faba beans grown with contrasting crop protection (with and without pesticides) and fertilization (with and without P and K fertilizer input) regimes used in organic and conventional production in seven growing seasons. Conventional crop protection and fertilization regimes had no effect on foliar disease severity, but resulted in small, but significant increases in faba bean yields. The overall yield gap between organic and conventional production regimes was relatively small (~10%), but there was substantial variation in yields between growing seasons/years. Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed that climate explanatory variables/drivers explained the largest proportion of the variation in crop performance and identified strong positive associations between (i) temperature and both straw and grain yield and (ii) precipitation and foliar disease severity. However, RDA also identified crop protection and variety as significant explanatory variables for faba bean performance. The relatively small effect of using P and K fertilizers on yields and the lack of a measurable effect of fungicide applications on foliar disease severity indicate that the use of these inputs in conventional faba beans may not be economical. Results also suggest that the yield gap between organic and conventional faba bean production is significant, but smaller than for other field crops.
In Situ Sucrose Injection for Alteration of Carbohydrate Reserve Dynamics in Grapevine
Authors: Dahal Kishor Chandra , Bhattarai Surya Prasad , Midmore David James , Oag David , Sapkota Rekha , Walsh Kerry Brian
Published: February 2024

Inconsistent yield of subtropical table grape across seasons is often associated with low carbohydrate reserves during flowering. In an attempt to increase TNC and thus yield, sucrose was injected into treated trunks during periods of high carbohydrate demand (i.e., between budburst and flowering). Total non-structural carbohydrate (TNC) concentration dynamics were assessed in the grapevine root and trunk tissues of both control and treated vines. In the control (untreated) vines, the TNC concentration in root and trunk tissues was 13.5% and 7.5% w/dw at leaf fall and 7.2% and 3.7% w/dw at flowering, respectively. This decrease in carbohydrate reserve was estimated at ~500 g/vine and is associated with the re-establishment of the plant canopy in early spring. Carbohydrate reserves remained stable or rose slightly between flowering and harvest and recovered between crop harvest and leaf fall. In treated vines, a constantly pressurised low-pressure in situ trunk injection system (69 kPa) with 5% w/v sucrose solution over 45 days from budburst (to flowering), in each of the two seasons, delivered a widely variable amount of sucrose into each vine with variation ascribed to the amount of internal dead wood in the trunk. In the best circumstances, an average of 150 g sucrose/vine/season was injected, and sucrose-injected vines had higher trunk TNC reserve (4.1% compared to 3.6% w/dw in the control) at flowering. A δ13C (‰) analysis confirmed the presence of injected sucrose in the shoot at flowering. However, the correlation between the amount of loaded sucrose and δ13C in young shoot tissue was poor, indicative of variable partitioning patterns. Inflorescence number per vine and berry yield were markedly higher in sucrose-injected vines, but differences were not significant given the high variation between vines. The addition of KCl to the sucrose solution and use of the healthy vines are recommended to increase sucrose loading using the injection method to address inconsistent yielding of subtropical table grape.
Insights from Fertilization and Cultivation Management for Interpreting the Variations in the Quantity and Quality of Dissolved Organic Carbon and Microbial Community Structure on Purple Soil Sloping Farmland in Southwest China
Authors: Khan Asif , Li Tianyang , He Binghui , Zhang Gaoning
Published: February 2024

It is crucial to comprehend how fertilization and cultivation management alter the composition of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and microbial communities to regulate the biogeochemical cycling of soil nutrients and mitigate adverse impacts on soil–water quality. Based on 15 years of long-term field trials conducted in purple soil on farmland with a slope of 15° in southwestern China, the following five treatments were examined: CK (no fertilizer was applied), T1 (NPK plus organic manure and downslope cultivation), T2 (NPK and downslope cultivation), T3 (1.5-fold NPK and downslope cultivation), and T4 (NPK and contour cultivation). Soil samples were obtained from summer maize at two soil depths (0–10 and 10–20 cm) and from rhizospheric soil, and the changes in the DOC content, UV–visible (UV–Vis) absorptivity, and phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) were assessed. Our results revealed a significant change in the DOC content following fertilization, especially in T1, as it was 136.0%, 179.4%, and 132.2% higher, respectively, than that in CK at the 0–10 and 10–20 cm depths and rhizospheric soil. Fertilization decreased the UV–Vis absorptivity variables of DOC (i.e., SUVA254, SUVA260, SUVA400, SUVA465, SUVA665, and C:C ratio) and raised the E4:E6 ratio (fulvic acid to humic acid in DOC), regardless of T2 and T3 at the 10–20 cm depth and in the rhizospheric soil compared with those in CK, respectively. Fertilization significantly increased the total PLFA content and selected microbial groups relative to CK. Among the treatments, T1 significantly increased the total PLFA content by 50.6%, 59.0%, and 46.2%, respectively, relative to CK, at the 0–10 and 10–20 cm depths and in the rhizospheric soil. The microbial community structure in contour cultivation (T4) was significantly greater than in downslope cultivation (T2). Random forest analysis (RFA) revealed that SOC and DOC were likely the primary variables for regulating the total PLFAs in the examined soil. Partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) further indicated that the DOC content and the ratio of E4:E6 among DOC compositions had greater effects on the soil microbial community structure in the examined soil. These observations suggested that long-term fertilization and cultivation management are effective approaches to regulating the soil microbial community structure by altering the composition of DOC in sloping farmland.
Estimation of Relative Chlorophyll Content in Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Leaves under Cadmium Stress Using Visible—Near-Infrared Reflectance and Machine-Learning Models
Authors: Zhou Leijinyu , Wu Hongbo , Jing Tingting , Li Tianhao , Li Jinsheng , Kong Lijuan , Zhou Lina
Published: February 2024

Chlorophyll content is a crucial assessment parameter in the growth monitoring of lettuce, particularly in cases when it is affected by disease. Accurate estimation of chlorophyll content is beneficial for early detection and prevention of diseases and holds significant importance in practical production. To construct a model for estimating the chlorophyll content in lettuce leaves under cadmium stress, this study utilized lettuce as the experimental material. The visible–near-infrared reflectance spectra of lettuce leaves, as well as the relative chlorophyll content of the leaves, were detected and analyzed under different concentrations of cadmium stress. Subsequently, an inversion model for estimating the relative chlorophyll content in lettuce leaves was established. First, to determine the optimal spectral preprocessing method, eight techniques are utilized: Savitzky–Golay smoothing (SG), multiplicative scatter correction (MSC), standard normal variable transformation (SNV), mean normalization (MN), baseline offset (B), detrending (D), gap derivatives—first derivative (FD), and gap derivatives—second derivative (SD). These methods are used to preprocess the spectra and establish a partial least squares regression (PLSR) monitoring model. The optimal spectral preprocessing method is then selected. Next, the feature bands are extracted from the preprocessed spectral data using the correlation coefficient method. Finally, the selected feature bands will be combined with support vector regression (SVR) to establish a chlorophyll content estimation model using a training-to-testing set ratio of 4:1. The results showed that the PLSR model established after preprocessing with detrending (D) had the highest accuracy, with the coefficient of determination (Rv2) and root mean squared error (RMSEv) values of 0.87 and 1.16, respectively. The feature bands selected by the correlation coefficient method were used to establish SVR models for estimating the chlorophyll content of lettuce leaves under cadmium stress, with the highest accuracy being achieved by the genetic algorithm (GA)–SVR model. It can be seen that near-infrared spectroscopy technology provides a scientific basis for rapid, nondestructive, and accurate detection of lettuce diseases and stress.
Regional-Scale Analysis of Antimicrobial Usage in Smallholder Cattle Herds (Aosta Valley, Italy): Why Surveillance Matters
Authors: Scali Federico , Ganio Sandra , Roullet Claudio , Ruffier Mauro , Bergagna Stefania , Pagliasso Giulia , Romeo Claudia , Formenti Nicoletta , Maisano Antonio Marco , Santucci Giovanni , Tonni Matteo , Guadagno Federica , Mazza Francesca , Guarneri Flavia , Bontempi Giorgio , Candela Loredana , Alborali Giovanni Loris
Published: February 2024

Optimising antimicrobial usage (AMU) in livestock is pivotal to counteract the emergence of antimicrobial resistance. We analysed AMU in more than 1000 cattle herds over 11 years (2008–2018) in the Aosta Valley (Italy), a region where 80% of farms house less than 50 cattle. Dairy cows accounted for over 95% of AMU. AMU was estimated using the defined daily dose animal for Italy (DDDAit) per biomass for the whole herd and a treatment incidence 100 (TI100) for cows. Average annual herd-level AMU was low, with 3.6 DDDAit/biomass (range: 3.2–4.0) and 1.2 TI100 in cows (range: 1.1–1.3). Third and fourth generation cephalosporins, which are critical for human medicine, represented almost 10% of usage, and intramammary antimicrobials accounted for over 60%. We detected significant downward temporal trends in total AMU, as well as a positive relationship with herd size. The magnitude of such effects was small, leaving scant room for further reduction. However, the frequent use of critical antimicrobials and intramammary products should be addressed, following the principles of prudent AMU. Our findings highlight the importance of monitoring AMU even in low-production, smallholding contexts where a low usage is expected, to identify any deficiencies and implement interventions for further AMU optimisation.
Control of Escherichia coli in Poultry Using the In Ovo Injection Technique
Authors: Oliveira Gabriel da Silva , McManus Concepta , dos Santos Vinícius Machado
Published: February 2024

Pathogens, such as Escherichia coli (E. coli), have been identified as significant causes of poultry mortality. Poultry can serve as potential sources of E. coli transmission, even when asymptomatic, posing a substantial threat to food safety and human health. The in ovo administration of antimicrobials is crucial for preventing and/or effectively combating acute and chronic infections caused by poultry pathogens. To achieve this goal, it is critical that antimicrobials are properly injected into embryonic fluids, such as the amnion, to reach target tissues and trigger robust antimicrobial responses. Several protocols based on antimicrobials were evaluated to meet these requirements. This review analyzed the impacts of antimicrobial substances injected in ovo on the control of E. coli in poultry. The reduction in infection rates, resulting from the implementation of in ovo antimicrobials, combined with efforts aimed at hygienic-sanitary action plans in poultry sheds, reinforces confidence that E. coli can be contained before causing large scale damage. For example, antimicrobial peptides and probiotics have shown potential to provide protection to poultry against infections caused by E. coli. Issues related to the toxicity and bacterial resistance of many synthetic chemical compounds represent challenges that need to be overcome before the commercial application of in ovo injection protocols focused on microbiological control.
A FtsZ Inhibitor That Can Utilize Siderophore-Ferric Iron Uptake Transporter Systems for Activity against Gram-Negative Bacterial Pathogens
Authors: Bryan Eric J. , Qiao Qi , Wang Yuxuan , Roberge Jacques Y. , LaVoie Edmond J. , Pilch Daniel S.
Published: February 2024

The global threat of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial pathogens necessitates the development of new and effective antibiotics. FtsZ is an essential and highly conserved cytoskeletal protein that is an appealing antibacterial target for new antimicrobial therapeutics. However, the effectiveness of FtsZ inhibitors against Gram-negative species has been limited due in part to poor intracellular accumulation. To address this limitation, we have designed a FtsZ inhibitor (RUP4) that incorporates a chlorocatechol siderophore functionality that can chelate ferric iron (Fe3+) and utilizes endogenous siderophore uptake pathways to facilitate entry into Gram-negative pathogens. We show that RUP4 is active against both Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii, with this activity being dependent on direct Fe3+ chelation and enhanced under Fe3+-limiting conditions. Genetic deletion studies in K. pneumoniae reveal that RUP4 gains entry through the FepA and CirA outer membrane transporters and the FhuBC inner membrane transporter. We also show that RUP4 exhibits bactericidal synergy against K. pneumoniae when combined with select antibiotics, with the strongest synergy observed with PBP2-targeting β-lactams or MreB inhibitors. In the aggregate, our studies indicate that incorporation of Fe3+-chelating moieties into FtsZ inhibitors is an appealing design strategy for enhancing activity against Gram-negative pathogens of global clinical significance.
Improving Usability in Mobile Apps for Residential Energy Management: A Hybrid Approach Using Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Nuñez Ivonne , Cano Elia Esther , Cruz Edmanuel , Concepción Dimas , Navarro Nila , Rovetto Carlos
Published: February 2024

This paper presents a study that evaluates the usability and user experience of a mobile application interface for residential energy management, adopting a hybrid approach that integrates quantitative and qualitative methods within a user-centered design framework. For the evaluation, metrics and tools such as the User Experience Questionnaire Short (UEQ-S) and the System Usability Scale (SUS) were used, in addition to the implementation of a fuzzy logic model to interpret and contrast the data obtained through these metrics, allowing a more accurate assessment of usability and user experience, reflecting the variability and trends in the responses. Three aspects evaluated stand out: satisfaction with the interface, ease of use, and efficiency. These are fundamental to understanding how users perceive the system. The results indicate a high likelihood of user recommendation of the system and a high overall quality of user experience. This study significantly contributes to mobile application usability, especially in residential energy management, offering valuable insights for designing more intuitive and effective user interfaces on mobile devices.
Photocatalytic Oxidization Based on TiO2/Au Nanocomposite Film for the Pretreatment of Total Phosphorus (TP)
Authors: Wang Jiajie , Kim Seung-Deok , Lee Jae-Yong , Kim June-Soo , Jang Noah , Kim Hyunjun , Kim Da-Ye , Nam Yujin , Han Maeum , Kong Seong-Ho
Published: February 2024

Phosphorus, an essential rare element in aquatic ecosystems, plays a key role in maintaining ecosystem balance. However, excess phosphorus leads to eutrophication and algal proliferation. To prevent eutrophication, the pretreatment and measuring of the concentration of total phosphorus (TP) is crucial. Compared to conventional TP pretreatment equipment (autoclave), a lab-on-a-chip detection device fabricated using micro-electromechanical system technology and titania (TiO2) as a photocatalyst is more convenient, efficient, and cost-effective. However, the wide bandgap of TiO2 (3.2 eV) limits photocatalytic activity. To address this problem, this paper describes the preparation of a TiO2/Au nanocomposite film using electron-beam evaporation and atomic-layer deposition, based on the introduction of gold film and TiO2 to a quartz substrate. The photocatalytic degradation properties of TiO2/Au nanocomposite films with thicknesses of 1, 2, 3, and 4 nm were assessed using rhodamine B as a pollutant. The experimental results demonstrate that the deposition of gold films with different thicknesses can enhance photocatalytic degradation efficiency through synergetic reactions in the charge separation process on the surface. The optimal photocatalytic efficiency is achieved when the deposition thickness is 2 nm, and it decreases with further increase in the thickness. When the photocatalytic reaction time is 15 min, the lab-on-a-chip (LOC) device with a 2-nm-thick gold layer and autoclave exhibits a similar TP pretreatment performance. Therefore, the proposed LOC device based on photocatalytic technology can address the limitations of conventional autoclave equipment, such as large volumes, long processing times, and high costs, thereby satisfying the growing demand for on-site evaluation.
Study of Deformation and Fault Mechanisms in Bedding-Locked Rock Slope
Authors: Han Xiaodong , Dong Jinyu , Yang Xinglong , Guo Huimin
Published: February 2024

In geotechnical engineering, a bedding slope often leads to geological disasters, particularly in the case of bedding-locked rock slopes. This study focuses on a typical bedding-locked rock slope in western Henan Province, China. The deformation and fault characteristics were examined through the development of laboratory analogue experiments which allowed for the analysis of the physical and mechanical properties of the rock slope when subjected to a load. The deformation and faulting mechanisms of the slope were studied through the application of different strength loads to the slope model, as well as through the combination of its physical properties. The deformation and fault process were then simulated through the application of numerical modeling. The results reveal that the upper part of the slope features a linear slip surface, while the lower part features a circular arc slip surface, resulting in “linear + circular arc” damage geometry and a relatively flat shear surface. Maximum and minimum lateral displacement occur around the top and the foot of the slope, respectively, leaving the intermediate values at the middle. The shear strength is greater at the locking section, with the highest value found at the foot of the slope, followed by the middle and the top. The evolution of slope deformation can be divided into three stages: the loose deformation stage at the slope top and back; the stage of crack development, extension, and interlayer misalignment; and the stage of complete through crack formation and complete instability damage of the slope. Thus, the process of the deformation and damage of a rocky slope under loading conditions can be described as follows: load-induced loosening and deformation at the top and back of the slope, crack development, expansion, and interlayer misalignment, as well as tension crack expansion at the foot of the slope. The latter can expand and intensify interlayer misalignment, leading to the destruction of the locking section and ultimately causing the destabilization of the entire slope.
Finite Element Analysis of Mandibular Advancement Comparing Hunsuck/Epker and a Novel Modification of the Low Z Plasty Technique of BSSO
Authors: Boonlue Sukumal , Patchanee Siripatra , Inglam Samroeng , Chaiprakit Narissaporn
Published: February 2024

This study analyzed the biomechanical behavior under simulated conditions between a novel modification of the Low Z plasty (NM-Low Z) technique and the conventional Hunsuck–Epker (HE) technique on mandibular advancement surgery. The NM-Low Z technique was developed with the purpose of reducing post-operative complications by facilitating the operative method of lower jaw surgery. The models were investigated under physiological muscular and occlusal loads at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks post-operation. Finite element analysis was used to analyze stress distribution, elastic strain, and model displacement. Maximum equivalent von Mises stresses were observed on the fixation system and bone. The elastic strain at the fracture site represented the optimal bone-healing capacity. The NM-Low Z model showed lower stress than the HE model at the 2-week post-operation stage and onwards. The elastic strains observed in both models were situated within the normal range for bone healing. The ranges of displacement for the NM-Low Z model were less than those in the HE model. Based on the data sets studied, the biomechanical study of the NM-Low Z technique can be favorably compared to the conventional HE technique. The NM-Low Z technique promotes post-operation skeletal stability by lowering stress on fixation and bone, with less displacement of the segment during bone-healing periods.
Theoretical Study of the Evolution Characteristics of the Plastic Deformation Zone of Type I–II Composite Fractured Rock under Osmotic Pressure
Authors: Niu Zelin , Cheng Yun , Pei Jiafeng , Xu Tian
Published: February 2024

The coupled seepage–stress action has a significant deterioration effect on the structural face of the hydraulic tunnel enclosure, which intensifies the shear rupture tendency of the deteriorated structural face of the rock mass. The plastic deformation of a typical I–II composite fissure was taken as the research object, the characteristics of the tip plastic zone of the composite fissure seepage rock were explored, and the influence law of osmotic pressure and fissure rock parameters (fissure dip angle, Poisson’s ratio, and fissure length) on the radius of the tip plastic zone was analyzed. Based on the Drucker–Prager yield criterion and the stress intensity factor of the composite fracture, the theoretical analytical formula of the fracture plastic zone radius under the action of high and low osmotic pressure was established, and the fracture rock plastic zone radius was significantly correlated with the fracture parameters. The radius of the plastic zone of fracture under low osmotic pressure evolves in a trend of decreasing–increasing–decreasing with the increase in fracture dip angle, and the peak radius of the plastic zone appears at 45°. Poisson’s ratio and fracture length have less influence on the radius of the plastic zone. The radius of the plastic zone of fracture under high osmotic pressure grows in an incremental nonlinear curve, and the peak radius of the plastic zone appears at 90°, being positively correlated with the length of fracture. This study can provide theoretical reference for the analysis of the stability of the surrounding rock in hydraulic tunnels.
Development of Conductive Mortar for Efficient Sacrificial Anode Cathodic Protection of Reinforced Concrete Structures—Part 2: Four-Year Performance Evaluation in Bridges
Authors: Ha Ji-Myung , Jeong Jin-A , Jin Chungkuk
Published: February 2024

This study explores the efficacy of a sacrificial anode cathodic protection (SACP) system with an activated carbon-based conductive mortar in bridge structures. In the previous Part 1 study, various admixtures were compared to identify a conductive mortar for enhancing the performance of the SACP system, assessed through electrical conductivity, resistivity, cathodic protection (CP) potential and current, and 4 h depolarization potential. Part 2 extends the investigation by applying the developed conductive mortar containing activated carbon to an SACP system on an actual bridge structure in which corrosion has already been initiated. Before CP installation, the physical properties of the conductive mortar were evaluated to satisfy the standard requirements for concrete structure maintenance. Subsequently, zinc mesh and bulk anodes were installed on the bridge pier, followed by the application of a conductive mortar with an admixture ratio of 5%. Over a four-year period, performance was measured through regular 4 h depolarization potential checks and visual inspections. The SACP system with the conductive mortar demonstrated superior CP performance compared to the general mortar, confirming the effectiveness of the developed conductive mortar. Visual inspection after four years confirmed the workability of the SACP system with conductive mortar.
Improving the Quality of Industrial Robot Control Using an Iterative Learning Method with Online Optimal Learning and Intelligent Online Learning Function Parameters
Authors: Ha Vo Thu , Thuong Than Thi , Vinh Vo Quang
Published: February 2024

It is inevitable that the characteristics of a robot system change inaccurately or cannot be accurately determined during movement and are affected by external disturbances. There are many adaptive control methods, such as the exact linearization method, sliding control, or neural control, to improve the quality of trajectory tracking for a robot’s motion system. However, those methods require a great deal of computation to solve the constrained nonlinear optimization problem. This article first presents some techniques for determining the online learning function parameters of an intelligent controller, including two circuits: the inner circuit is an uncertain function component estimator to compensate for the robot’s input, and the outer circuit is an iterative learning controller and does not use a mathematical model of the robot with optimal online learning function parameters. The optimal condition is based on the model in the time domain to determine the learning function parameters that change adaptively according to the sum of squared tracking errors of each loop. As for the intelligent online learning function parameters, they closely follow the general model to stabilize the robot system, based on the principle of intelligent estimation of the uncertainty component and total noise. This method is built on Taylor series analysis for the state vector and does not use a mathematical model of the system at all. It allows feedback linearization, as well as intelligent stabilization of the system. This article’s content uses a 2-DOF flat robot implemented on MatlabR2022b software to verify the theory. These findings indicate that superior tracking performance is achievable.
Quality of Colour Rendering in Photographic Scenes Illuminated by Light Sources with Light-Shaping Attachments
Authors: Štampfl Veronika , Ahtik Jure
Published: February 2024

In both commercial and scientific photography, achieving accurate colour reproduction is essential. This study investigates the influence of light-shaping attachments on colour rendering indices (CRIs) under various lighting conditions. Through 180 measurements of different lighting combinations, statistical analysis reveals significant interactions between light sources, modifiers, and CRI test colour samples (TCS). Snoots consistently produce superior CRIs, while interactions between light sources and other light modifiers vary, affecting CRIs differently based on spectral distributions and material properties of the modifiers. Combining light sources and modifiers from the same manufacturer is found to enhance colour accuracy. These findings offer valuable insights for photographers, highlighting the importance of understanding light properties and light-shaping attachment effects on colour rendition. By informing best practices, this research contributes to achieving high-quality photographs across commercial and scientific domains, ensuring both accurate data representation and visually appealing results.
“Grand Narratives” and “Personal Dramas”: (Re)reading the Masterpieces by Artemisia Gentileschi
Authors: Stępnik Małgorzata
Published: February 2024

This article discusses the œuvre of Artemisia Gentileschi, a prominent Baroque painter who was rediscovered by art historian Roberto Longhi in the 1910s. Today, her art is interpreted through various lenses, including art theory, women’s studies, and psychoanalysis. Gentileschi’s paintings are often “read” in close reference to her painful biography, with a focus on the “chiaroscuro” of trauma and its overcoming. Significantly, such biography-oriented approaches seem to be predominant in scholarship on art created by women. The argument presented is that Gentileschi’s works require a thorough re-reading free of “compulsive biographism”, as postulated by Salomon. The focus should shift from an empathic Einfühlung (or empathic projection) towards an objective analysis based purely on art-historical or sociological criteria. This article also explores the presence of the socially mediated and mediatised figure of the artist in fine literature (novels by Banti, Lapierre and Vreeland), cinematic biographies (Artemisia, directed by Merlet, documentaries (Artemisia Gentileschi: Warrior Painter, directed by River), anime (a series titled Arte, directed by Takayuki Hamana), and graphic novels (Ferlut and Baudouin; Siciliano). In this artistic constellation Artemisia is labelled as an art/feminist “icon”, a female genius, and as in numerous scholarly texts dedicated to her, “a victim”. I propose that the discussed literary and visual texts related to Gentileschi be interpreted as symptomatic (in line with Panofsky’s concept of ‘iconology’) of the contemporary mentality, which is filtered through feminist and subaltern thought.
More Effective Criteria for Testing the Oscillation of Solutions of Third-Order Differential Equations
Authors: Omar Najiyah , Serra-Capizzano Stefano , Qaraad Belgees , Alharbi Faizah , Moaaz Osama , Elabbasy Elmetwally M.
Published: February 2024

In the current paper, we aim to study the oscillatory behavior of a new class of third-order differential equations. In the present study, we are interested in a better understanding of the relationships between the solutions and their derivatives. The recursive nature of these relationships enables us to obtain new criteria that ensure the oscillation of all solutions of the studied equation. In comparison with previous studies, our results are more general and include models in a wider range of applications. Furthermore, our findings are also significant because no additional restrictive conditions are required. The presented examples illustrate the significance of the results.