bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Hybrid CFS Filter and RF-RFE Wrapper-Based Feature Extraction for Enhanced Agricultural Crop Yield Prediction Modeling
Authors: Elavarasan Dhivya , Vincent P M Durai Raj , Srinivasan Kathiravan , Chang Chuan-Yu
Published: September 2020

The innovation in science and technical knowledge has prompted an enormous amount of information for the agrarian sector. Machine learning has risen with massive processing techniques to perceive new contingencies in agricultural development. Machine learning is a novel onset for the investigation and determination of unpredictable agrarian issues. Machine learning models actualize the need for scaling the learning model’s performance. Feature selection can impact a machine learning model’s performance by defining a significant feature subset for increasing the performance and identifying the variability. This paper explains a novel hybrid feature extraction procedure, which is an aggregation of the correlation-based filter (CFS) and random forest recursive feature elimination (RFRFE) wrapper framework. The proposed feature extraction approach aims to identify an optimal subclass of features from a collection of climate, soil, and groundwater characteristics for constructing a crop-yield forecasting machine learning model with better performance and accuracy. The model’s precision and effectiveness are estimated (i) with all the features in the dataset, (ii) with essential features obtained using the learning algorithm’s inbuilt ‘feature_importances’ method, and (iii) with the significant features obtained through the proposed hybrid feature extraction technique. The validation of the hybrid CFS and RFRFE feature extraction approach in terms of evaluation metrics, predictive accuracies, and diagnostic plot performance analysis in comparison with random forest, decision tree, and gradient boosting machine learning algorithms are found to be profoundly satisfying.
Adaptation of a Traditional Irrigation System of Micro-Plots to Smart Agri Development: A Case Study in Murcia (Spain)
Authors: Chazarra-Zapata Jesús , Parras-Burgos Dolores , Arteaga Carlos , Ruiz-Canales Antonio , Molina-Martínez José Miguel
Published: September 2020

Currently, water users associations (WUAs) in semi-arid areas of southeastern Spain (Murcia region) send a multitude of data supplied by sensors in the field to the cloud. The constant technological revolution offers opportunities for small farms not to be abandoned, thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT). This technology allows them to continue to manage remotely using smartphones/tablets/laptops. This new system contributes to the mitigation of climate change from several aspects: reduction of water footprint and energy consumption (in the pumps that pressurize the grid, such as in the optimization of the proposed solution, by using batteries that communicate in low radiation of electric and magnetic alternating fields (LoRad), General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), or narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), or clean energy). The analysis of these data and the incorporation of new IoT technologies facilitate the maintenance of green roofs and ensure the continuity of these farms. The direct benefit obtained is remarkable CO2 removal that prevents desertification by the abandonment of arable land. This communication shows the implementation of a Smart Agri system in areas with micro-plots (surface less than 0.5 ha) with low-cost technology based on long-range (LoRa) systems, easily maintainable by personnel with basic knowledge of automation, which transforms into a very interesting solution for regions with development roads. In addition, complex orography and difficult access are added in both physical and technological environments. The main technical limitations found in such plots are poor coverage for mobile phones and unworkable and expensive implementation by wiring or WiFi/radio systems. Currently, thanks to the Smart Agri system implemented in this WUA in Murcia, farmers can manage and control the irrigation systems in their plots from home. Then, they cannot lose their crops and respect the isolation conditions imposed by the Spanish government as a result of the alarm caused by COVID-19.
Interactions between the Hyperaccumulator Noccaea caerulescens and Brassica juncea or Lupinus albus for Phytoextraction
Authors: Martínez-Alcalá Isabel , Clemente Rafael , Bernal María Pilar
Published: September 2020

Trace-element-contaminated soils cause environmental concern and represent a source of contamination for surrounding areas. Phytoremediation uses plants to diminish the environmental risks associated with this contamination. When the final aim is the extraction of the pollutants, this technique requires the use of plants that are able to accumulate high concentrations of the target elements in their aerial part, while producing high plant biomass. Here, pot experiments were carried out in order to determine the interaction between a hyperaccumulator (Nocaea caerulescens) and a metal excluder (Lupinus albus) or an accumulator (Brassica juncea) species regarding their trace element accumulation/exclusion capacity when sharing the rhizosphere. The plants were grown alone or were cocultivated in soils with different levels of trace element contamination. The Zn concentration in N. caerulescens plants was lower in cocultivation with B. juncea than when they were grown alone, indicating competition between the two species for Zn uptake. Contrastingly, when grown with L. albus, the Zn concentrations in N. caerulescens plants were higher than when grown alone. Therefore, under climatic conditions adequate for N. caerulescens growth, cocultivation with L. albus could favor Zn phytoextraction, while in the case of B. juncea, crop rotation rather than cocultivation is recommended for efficient phytoextraction.
Altering Tetrapyrrole Biosynthesis by Overexpressing Ferrochelatases (Fc1 and Fc2) Improves Photosynthetic Efficiency in Transgenic Barley
Authors: Nagahatenna Dilrukshi S. K. , Tiong Jingwen , Edwards Everard J. , Langridge Peter , Whitford Ryan
Published: September 2020

Ferrochelatase (FC) is the terminal enzyme of heme biosynthesis. In photosynthetic organisms studied so far, there is evidence for two FC isoforms, which are encoded by two genes (FC1 and FC2). Previous studies suggest that these two genes are required for the production of two physiologically distinct heme pools with only FC2-derived heme involved in photosynthesis. We characterised two FCs in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). The two HvFC isoforms share a common catalytic domain, but HvFC2 additionally contains a C-terminal chlorophyll a/b binding (CAB) domain. Both HvFCs are highly expressed in photosynthetic tissues, with HvFC1 transcripts also being abundant in non-photosynthetic tissues. To determine whether these isoforms differentially affect photosynthesis, transgenic barley ectopically overexpressing HvFC1 and HvFC2 were generated and evaluated for photosynthetic performance. In each case, transgenics exhibited improved photosynthetic rate (Asat), stomatal conductance (gs) and carboxylation efficiency (CE), showing that both FC1 and FC2 play important roles in photosynthesis. Our finding that modified FC expression can improve photosynthesis up to ~13% under controlled growth conditions now requires further research to determine if this can be translated to improved yield performance under field conditions.
Efficacy of Management and Monitoring Methods to Prevent Post-Harvest Losses Caused by Rodents
Authors: Krijger Inge M. , Gort Gerrit , Belmain Steven R. , Groot Koerkamp Peter W. G. , Shafali Rokeya B. , Meerburg Bastiaan G.
Published: September 2020

The presence of pest rodents around food production and storage sites is one of many underlying problems contributing to food contamination and loss, particularly influencing food and nutrition security in low-income countries. By reducing both pre- and post-harvest losses by rodents, millions of food-insecure people would benefit. As there are limited quantitative data on post-harvest rice losses due to rodents, our objectives were to assess stored rice losses in local households from eight rural communities and two rice milling factories in Bangladesh and to monitor the effect of different rodent control strategies to limit potential losses. Four treatments were applied in 2016 and 2017, (i) untreated control, (ii) use of domestic cats, (iii) use of rodenticides, (iv) use of snap-traps. In total, over a two-year period, 210 rodents were captured from inside people’s homes, with Rattus rattus trapped most often (n = 91), followed by Mus musculus (n = 75) and Bandicota bengalensis (n = 26). In the milling stations, 68 rodents were trapped, of which 21 were M. musculus, 19 R. rattus, 17 B. bengalensis, 8 Rattus exulans, and 3 Mus terricolor. In 2016, losses from standardised baskets of rice within households were between 13.6% and 16.7%. In 2017, the losses were lower, ranging from 0.6% to 2.2%. Daily rodent removal by trapping proved to be most effective to diminish stored produce loss. The effectiveness of domestic cats was limited.
Assessment of Gastrointestinal Parasites and Productive Parameters on Sheep Fed on a Ration Supplemented with Guazuma ulmifolia Leaves in Southern Mexico
Authors: Le Bodo Emelyne , Hornick Jean-Luc , Moula Nassim , Zuñiga Serrano Aracely , Martínez-Alfaro Juan Carlos
Published: September 2020

This study aimed at evaluating the impact of a diet supplemented with Guazuma ulmifolia leaves on the productive performance and gastrointestinal parasites (GI) eggs/oocysts shedding of sheep (Pelibuey breed). Twenty-two non-lactating ewes were used. They were randomly allocated to two similar groups in terms of age, weight, body condition score (BCS), and GI parasites status. For 30 days, while the control group (G0) was given basic forage hay of Cynodon nlemfuensis, the test group (G1) received a blend of G. ulmifolia fresh foliage and C. nlemfuensis hay (respectively 30 and 70% of the diet on a DM basis). Animals were housed in separate covered pens. Quantitative coprological analysis was performed. Weight and BCS were evaluated. The daily feed amounts given and refused were measured in order to assess nutrient components intake (minerals, energy, and nitrogen). The results showed no significant differences between G1 and G0 regarding the anthelmintic and anticoccidial effects (p = 0.57, p = 0.91, respectively). Similarly, no significant overall impact on weight and BCS during the experiment (p = 0.77, p = 0.32, respectively) was observed. Nevertheless, concerning the bromatological analysis of G. ulmifolia, its use as a diet supplement to address protein and mineral deficits due to a poor-quality diet is fully justified.
Maxillary Incisors of the Horse before and at the Beginning of the Teeth Shedding: Radiographic and CT Study
Authors: Miró Francisco , Manso Carla , Diz Andrés , Novales Manuel
Published: September 2020

To gain insight into the radiographic appearance of maxillary deciduous incisors and dental germs of maxillary permanent incisors in the period prior to teeth shedding, radiographs and computed tomography (CT) of 25 horse skulls, with an estimated age of between 12 and 42 months, were studied. Data regarding morphology and development were obtained. Dental germs of first maxillary permanent incisors were identified radiographically as rounded radiolucent areas at the level of the apical parts of the first deciduous incisors, in skulls with an estimated age of twelve months. The first sign of crown mineralization of these dental germs appeared in skulls supposedly a few months older. Before teeth shedding, the unerupted, mineralized crowns of the first permanent incisor could be identified radiographically relatively caudal to the corresponding first deciduous incisors. The results of the present study indicate that radiographic intraoral images are suitable to identify the grade of development of the dental germs of maxillary permanent incisors. A detailed description of the radiographic appearance of deciduous incisors and dental germs of permanent incisors will help clinicians to expand their knowledge for diagnostic or treatment purposes.
Characterization of Gut Microbiota in Prenatal Cold Stress Offspring Rats by 16S rRNA Sequencing
Authors: Zheng Jiasan , Zhu Tingting , Wang Lipeng , Wang Jianfa , Lian Shuai
Published: September 2020

Our previous study showed a reduction of anxiety-like behavior in offspring rats suffered from prenatal cold stress; whether this was related to changes in the offspring gut microbiota is unclear. To obtain the evidence for the role of the gut microbiota in prenatal cold stress offspring, 16S rRNA sequencing technology was used. Male and female offspring rat feces were collected from a room temperature group and a prenatal cold stress group (n ≥ 8) for microbial DNA extraction, followed by 16S rRNA sequencing. The results indicated that prenatal cold stress could change the offspring’s gut microbiota composition. Prenatal cold stress significantly upregulates Lactobacillus, Lactobacillus_gasseri, Bacteroides, and Bacteroides-acidifaciens in female offspring, whereas prenatal cold stress significantly reduced Lachnospiraceae and Prevotellaceae in male offspring. These data showed the characterization of gut microbiota in prenatal cold stress offspring rats, and these data suggest that microbiological intervention in the future can potentially prevent the negative effects caused by cold stress to animals.
Housing Management of Male Dromedaries during the Rut Season: Effects of Social Contact between Males and Movement Control on Sexual Behavior, Blood Metabolites and Hormonal Balance
Authors: EL-Shoukary Ramadan D. , Nasreldin Nani , Osman Ahmed S. , Hashem Nesrein M. , Saadeldin Islam M. , Swelum Ayman A.
Published: September 2020

The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of different housing management systems on behavior, blood metabolites and hormonal balance in male dromedaries during the rutting season. Forty-eight adult male dromedaries were stratified in a two by three factorial experiment design, testing effects of social contact (single and group) and movement control (tied, fenced and exercise). During a ten-week experimental period, male dromedaries were filmed weekly for 20 min three times per day to evaluate their behaviors. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for serum metabolites and hormones. Both animal social contact and movement control significantly affected maintenance, posture and sexual behaviors. Male dromedaries housed in groups expressed higher frequencies of sexual desire-related behaviors (teeth grinding, open legs, tail flapping, dulla “soft palate exteriorization”, blathering and urination) than those individually housed. Animal movement control significantly affected sexual behavior; fenced and exercised male dromedaries expressed higher frequencies of sexual desire-related behaviors than tied ones. Male dromedaries housed in groups and allowed to walk around had significantly higher frequencies of ruminating, standing, walking and sexual-related behaviors than those housed individually or tied. Movement control had significant effects on blood serum metabolites and hormone concentrations. Fenced and exercised male dromedaries had higher (p < 0.05) concentrations of blood serum transaminases, free radicals, glucose, cholesterol and testosterone (2.91 and 2.09 ng/mL, respectively) and lower (p < 0.05) concentrations of cortisol (44.12 and 53.52 nmol/L, respectively) and triiodothyronine (1.68 and 1.91 ng/mL, respectively) than tied male dromedaries. In conclusion, animal social interaction is of particular importance for maintaining physical, psychological and sexual behaviors. Allowing walking-around exercise for captive animals improves their metabolic status and decreases captive stress effects. Housing systems that guarantee social interaction and physical activity are the most suitable housing management systems for captive male dromedaries during the rutting season.
Semen Quality of Rasa Aragonesa Rams Carrying the FecXR Allele of the BMP15 Gene
Authors: Abecia José Alfonso , Macías Ángel , Casao Adriana , Burillo Clara , Martín Elena , Pérez-Pé Rosaura , Laviña Adolfo
Published: September 2020

The FecXR mutation is a variant of the ovine gene BMP15 in the Rasa Aragonesa breed. Information on the physiological importance of carrying the FecX polymorphism in rams is limited. The aim of this study was to compare semen quality, testicle characteristics, and fertility rate of rams that carry the FecXR allele. Rams (n = 15) were either FecXR allele carriers (n = 10) or non-carriers, wild type (++) (n = 5). FecXR rams exhibited higher mass motility (p < 0.05), proportion of rapid sperm (p < 0.05), and a lower proportion of slow sperm (p < 0.0001) than did ++ rams. The presence of the FecXR allele was not associated with mean scrotal circumference or testicular length and diameter, although season had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on these traits. Genotype (p < 0.05) and season (p < 0.01) had a significant effect on mean fertility rate, FecXR rams had a higher proportion of pregnant ewes than did ++ rams (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the FecXR allele produced high-quality semen throughout the year, and corresponded with an improvement in some sperm parameters, particularly, mass motility and the proportion of rapid sperm.
Immune Responses of Asian Seabass Lates calcarifer to Dietary Glycyrrhiza uralensis
Authors: Yang Rui , Han Mingyang , Fu Zhengyi , Wang Yifu , Zhao Wang , Yu Gang , Ma Zhenhua
Published: September 2020

To understand the impacts of dietary Glycyrrhiza uralensis on the immune responses of Lates calcarifer, the expression of immune-related genes including crp, c-3, c-4, mtor, mlst-8, eif4e, hsp-70, hsp-90, il-8il-8, il-10, tgfβ1, tnf, ifn-γ1, and mxf in L. calcarifer juveniles was evaluated in this study. Fish were fed experimental diets with G. uralensis levels of 0%, 1%, 3%, and 5% for 56 days. The results showed that dietary G. uralensis could improve the growth and survival of L. calcarifer and regulate the immune-related genes’ expression in L. calcarifer. Dietary G. uralensis significantly upregulated the expression level of crp, mtor, hsp-90, c-3, and c-4 genes in the liver of L. calcarifer, while hsp-70 gene expression was nearly downregulated. It did not upregulate the expression of elf4e and mlst-8 in the 1% and 3% inclusion groups, but it was the exact opposite in the 5% inclusion group. G. uralensis significantly affected the expression of il-8, il-10, tnf, ifn-γ1, mxf, and tgfβ1 in the head kidney of L. calcarifer. G. uralensis upregulated the expression of tnf and tgfβ1 consistently, but ifn-γ1 was at a low expression level. The expression of il-8 and il-10 was upregulated in the 1% group, while it was downregulated in the 5% group. The results from the present study indicate that dietary G. uralensis appeared to improve the immune function of L. calcarifer, and the optimum inclusion level should be between 1–3%.
Veterinarians’ Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Associated with Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus Control and Prevention in South-East Australia
Authors: McMorrow Claire , Gunn Allan J. , Khalfan Shahid , Hernandez-Jover Marta , Brookes Victoria J.
Published: September 2020

In Australia, the responsibility and associated costs for the control and prevention of Bovine Viral Diarrhoea Virus (BVDV) rest solely with producers. Veterinarians provide producers with farm-specific options for BVDV management and support BVDV control and elimination in their region. We surveyed veterinarians to determine their knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) associated with BVDV control in south-east Australia. We found that veterinarians’ recommendations do not always align with producers’ control measures. Veterinarians were uncertain about BVDV prevalence and the proportion of producers using BVDV control measures in their regions. Veterinarians generally promoted biosecurity and vaccination, and were concerned about the welfare and additional disease risks associated with persistently infected (PI) cattle. Veterinarians highlighted concerns about disease risks associated with a previously undocumented practice in which producers collect blood from PI cattle to administer to BVDV naïve cattle; termed “vampire vaccination” in this study. A greater understanding of the burden, impact and economics of BVDV is needed to align veterinarians’ and producers’ KAP to improve BVDV management on farms, and more appreciation of veterinarians’ and producers’ values is needed before BVDV control could be implemented at a regional or country level.
Risky Business: Live Non-CITES Wildlife UK Imports and the Potential for Infectious Diseases
Authors: Green Jennah , Coulthard Emma , Norrey John , Megson David , D’Cruze Neil
Published: September 2020

International wildlife trade is recognised as a major transmission pathway for the movement of pathogenic organisms around the world. The UK is an active consumer of non-native live wild animals and is therefore subject to the risks posed by pathogen pollution from imported wildlife. Here, we characterise a key yet overlooked portion of the UK wildlife import market. We evaluate the trade in live non-CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) wild terrestrial animals entering the UK over a 5-year period using data reported by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA). Between 2014 and 2018, over 48 million individual animals, across five taxonomic classes and 24 taxonomic orders, were imported into the UK from 90 countries across nine global regions. The largest volumes of wild animals were imported from North America and Asia, and most of the import records were from Europe and Africa. Excluding Columbiformes (pigeons) and Galliformes (‘game birds’), amphibians were the most imported taxonomic class (73%), followed by reptiles (17%), mammals (4%), birds (3%), and arachnids (<1%). The records described herein provide insight into the scope and scale of non-CITES listed wildlife imported in to the UK. We describe the potential for pathogen pollution from these vast and varied wildlife imports and highlight the potential threats they pose to public health. We also draw attention to the lack of detail in the UK wildlife import records, which limits its ability to help prevent and manage introduced infectious diseases. We recommend that improved record keeping and reporting could prove beneficial in this regard.
Cardiovascular Clinical Assessment in Greyster Dogs in Bikejöring Training
Authors: Benito Mila , Boutigny Laure
Published: September 2020

Bikejöring is a type of dryland mushing requiring high-intensity aerobic effort, with speed peaks close to 42 km/h. Greysters (crosses between the German Shorthaired Pointer and the Greyhound) often participate in such events and perform well. The objective of this comparative study was to evaluate the clinical use of non-invasive methods in assessing the cardiovascular health of 22 Greyster dogs in physical training, by determining the differences between different cardiovascular parameters before and after physical training. Blood pressure, heart rate and echocardiographic results were compared. The mean age of the dogs was 4.4 years ± 1.8% and 54.5% were female. All participating dogs regularly participated in bikejöring. Post-exercise increases were observed in systolic blood pressure (SBP), mean arterial pressure (MBP) and pulse pressure (SBPD), with diastolic blood pressure (DBP) remaining stable. Changes of clinical interest were observed in numerous echocardiographic variables such as left ventricle fractional shortening (LVFS), left ventricule ejection fraction (LVEF), E-point to septal separation (EPSS), cardiac output (CO), cardiac index (CI), posterior wall thickness at end-diastole (PWd) and major/minor axis ratio (MA/ma), including a decrease in the shortening fraction and an increase in EPSS after exercise. These clinical findings were observed in both males and females; they do not appear to be associated with dilated cardiomyopathy, but rather with a cardiovascular response to physical training. This study derives from the real interest of clinical veterinarians who care for highly trained canine athletes. It contributes to an increase in knowledge of the different cardiac adaptations of such dogs after intense exercise and serves to differentiate these from pathologic conditions.
The Weekend Effect on Urban Bat Activity Suggests Fine Scale Human-Induced Bat Movements
Authors: Li Han , Crihfield Chase , Feng Yashi , Gaje Gabriella , Guzman Elissa , Heckman Talia , Mellis Anna , Moore Lauren , Romo Bechara Nayma , Sanchez Sydney , Whittington Samantha , Wolf Joseph Gazing , Garshong Reuben , Morales Kristina , Petric Radmila , Zarecky Lindsey A. , Schug Malcolm D.
Published: September 2020

In the urban environment, wildlife faces novel human disturbances in unique temporal patterns. The weekend effect describes that human activities on weekends trigger changes in the environment and impact wildlife negatively. Reduced occurrence, altered behaviors, and/or reduced fitness have been found in birds, ungulates, and meso-carnivores due to the weekend effect. We aimed to investigate if urban bat activity would differ on weekends from weekdays. We analyzed year-round bat acoustic monitoring data collected from two sites near the city center and two sites in the residential area/park complex in the city periphery. We constructed generalized linear models and found that bat activity was significantly lower on weekends as compared to weekdays during spring and summer at the site in the open space near the city center. In contrast, during the same seasons, the sites in the city periphery showed increased bat activity on weekends. Hourly bat activity overnight suggested that bats might move from the city center to the periphery on weekends. We demonstrated the behavioral adaptability in urban wildlife for co-existing with human. We recommend that urban planning should implement practices such as adding new greenspaces and/or preserving old-growth vegetation to form continuous greenways from the city center to the city periphery as corridors to facilitate bat movements and reduce possible human-wildlife conflict.
Exploring the Rumen and Cecum Microbial Community from Fetus to Adulthood in Goat
Authors: Zou Xian , Liu Guangbin , Meng Fanming , Hong Linjun , Li Yaokun , Lian Zhiquan , Yang Zhenwei , Luo Chenglong , Liu Dewu
Published: September 2020

The present study aimed to investigate the colonization process of epithelial bacteria attached to the rumen and intestinal tract tissue during the development of goats after birth. However, this process from fetus to adulthood was very limited. In goats, the rumen and cecum are two important fermentation organs, and it is important to study the acquisition and development of the neonatal microbiome, as well as the difference between these two organs. To characterize the microbial establishment and dynamic changes in the rumen and cecum from fetus to adulthood, we performed 16S rRNA gene sequencing for 106 samples from 47 individuals of nine pregnant mother–fetus pairs and 16 kids from birth up to 6 months. The diversity, structure and composition of the microbial communities were distinct between the rumen and cecum after birth, while they were similar in the fetal period. The study showed a rapid loss and influx of microbes at birth, followed by slight selection after drinking colostrum, and then a strong selection after weaning, suggesting that the establishment and dynamic fluctuations of the gut microbiome undergoes three distinct phases of microbiome progression in life: a conserved phase (during late pregnancy in the fetus), a transitional phase (newborn until weaning), and a stable phase (from weaning to adulthood). The results supported the view that microbes exist in the fetus, and revealed the establishment and dynamic fluctuations of the gut microbiome from fetus to adulthood in goats.
The Current Status of the Alternative Use to Antibiotics in Poultry Production: An African Perspective
Authors: Andrew Selaledi Letlhogonolo , Mohammed Hassan Zahra , Manyelo Tlou Grace , Mabelebele Monnye
Published: September 2020

Over the years the growth and health of food-producing animals have been enhanced by the use of antibiotics. These have helped reduce on-farm mortalities, lower incidences of diseases and more importantly improve productivity. Generally, the utilization of antibiotics in feed has been reevaluated since bacterial pathogens have established and shared a variety of antibiotic resistance mechanisms that can easily be spread within microbial communities. Multiple countries have introduced bans or severe restrictions on the non-therapeutic use of antibiotics. This has therefore warranted the urgent need for alternatives. Africa is facing its own challenges as it has been reported to be one of the continents with the highest number of foodborne diseases with approximately 91 million related diseases and 137,000 death per annum. Stakeholder and policy direction has been put in place to curb this escalation; however, the problem persists. The use of alternatives has been recommended and some successfully used in other countries as well as Africa, including pro- and prebiotics and phytochemicals. This then leads to the core aim of this review which is to (1) determine the extent to which antimicrobial-resistant pathogens have affected Africa, (2) assess the current measures put in place by Africa to reduces antimicrobial resistance and finally (3) explore the alternative use of antibiotics in poultry production. Improved sanitary conditions and farm biosecurity are important alternatives that could be adopted by farmers instead of depending on antibiotic drugs for disease control and prevention.
Indoline-6-Sulfonamide Inhibitors of the Bacterial Enzyme DapE
Authors: Reidl Cory T. , Heath Tahirah K. , Darwish Iman , Torrez Rachel M. , Moore Maxwell , Gild Elliot , Nocek Boguslaw P. , Starus Anna , Holz Richard C. , Becker Daniel P.
Published: September 2020

Inhibitors of the bacterial enzyme dapE-encoded N-succinyl-l,l-diaminopimelic acid desuccinylase (DapE; EC 3.5.1.18) hold promise as antibiotics with a new mechanism of action. Herein we describe the discovery of a new series of indoline sulfonamide DapE inhibitors from a high-throughput screen and the synthesis of a series of analogs. Inhibitory potency was measured by a ninhydrin-based DapE assay recently developed by our group. Molecular docking experiments suggest active site binding with the sulfonamide acting as a zinc-binding group (ZBG).
Restraint Stress Alters Expression of Glucocorticoid Bioavailability Mediators, Suppresses Nrf2, and Promotes Oxidative Stress in Liver Tissue
Authors: Chen Hsiao-Jou Cortina , Yip Tsz , Lee Johnny K. , Juliani Juliani , Sernia Conrad , Hill Andrew F. , Lavidis Nickolas A. , Spiers Jereme G.
Published: September 2020

Hepatic glutathione synthesis and antioxidant protection are critically important for efficient detoxification processes in response to metabolic challenges. However, this biosynthetic pathway, regulated by nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), previously demonstrated paradoxical repression following exposure to glucocorticoid stress hormones in cultured hepatic cells. Therefore, the present study used an in vivo model of sub-acute psychological stress to investigate the relationship between hepatic corticosteroid regulation and antioxidant systems. Male Wistar rats were kept under control conditions or subjected to six hours of restraint stress applied for 1 or 3 days (n = 8 per group) after which the liver was isolated for assays of oxidative/nitrosative status and expression of corticosteroid regulatory and Nrf2-antioxidant response element pathway members. A single stress exposure produced a significant increase in the expression of corticosterone reactivator, 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-Hsd1), while the 11β-Hsd2 isozyme and corticosteroid-binding globulin were down-regulated following stress, indicative of an elevated availability of active corticosterone. Exposure to restraint significantly decreased hepatic concentrations of total cysteine thiols and the antioxidant reduced glutathione on Day 1 and increased 3-nitrotyrosinated and carbonylated proteins on Day 3, suggestive of oxidative/nitrosative stress in the liver following stress exposure. Conversely, there was a sustained down-regulation of Nrf2 mRNA and protein in addition to significant reductions in downstream glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (Gclc), the rate-limiting enzyme in glutathione synthesis, on Day 1 and 3 of stress treatment. Interestingly, other antioxidant genes including superoxide dismutase 1 and 2, and glutathione peroxidase 4 were significantly up-regulated following an episode of restraint stress. In conclusion, the results of the present study indicate that increased expression of 11β-Hsd1, indicative of elevated tissue glucocorticoid concentrations, may impair the Nrf2-dependent antioxidant response.
PMMA Intraocular Lenses Changes after Treatment with Nd:Yag Laser: A Scanning Electron Microscopy and X-ray Spectrometry Study
Authors: Meduri Alessandro , Severo Alice Antonella , De Maria Antonio , Perroni Pietro , Acri Giuseppe , Testagrossa Barbara , Puzzolo Domenico , Montalbano Giuseppe , Aragona Pasquale , Micali Antonio Girolamo
Published: September 2020

Neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser may cause intraocular lenses (IOLs) damages. Therefore, the effects of Nd:YAG laser on IOLs were evaluated. Twenty-four IOLs (copolymer of 2-hydroxyethylmethacrylate and 2-ethoxyethylmethacrylate) were used. For scanning electron microscope (SEM), twelve IOLs were divided into three groups: Group 1, controls; Group 2, IOLs treated with two laser spots (YC-1800 Nidek Nd:YAG laser set at 1.2 mJ); and Group 3, IOLs treated with six laser spots. All IOLs were critical point dried in CO2 and viewed in a Zeiss EVO LS10 SEM. For Energy Dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), four IOLs of each group were examined with a Jeol JMC-6000 SEM. With SEM, Group 1 IOLs showed well-preserved size, shape and surface. Group 2 IOLs exhibited normal shape and margins, a peripheral furrow with irregular blebs, straight clefts and holes on the wrinkled surface. Group 3 IOLs were swollen and broken into two or three parts. With SEM and EDX, Group 1 and the undamaged surfaces of Groups 2 and 3 showed evident carbon and oxygen peaks, while, in the damaged areas, both atoms were significantly reduced. Nd:YAG laser induced evident changes in IOLs morphology and organic alterations in their chemistry: great care during posterior capsule opacification treatment is required.
Abscisic Acid Biosynthesis and Signaling in Plants: Key Targets to Improve Water Use Efficiency and Drought Tolerance
Authors: Cardoso Amanda A. , Gori Antonella , Da-Silva Cristiane J. , Brunetti Cecilia
Published: September 2020

The observation of a much-improved fitness of wild-type plants over abscisic acid (ABA)-deficient mutants during drought has led researchers from all over to world to perform experiments aiming at a better understanding of how this hormone modulates the physiology of plants under water-limited conditions. More recently, several promising approaches manipulating ABA biosynthesis and signaling have been explored to improve water use efficiency and confer drought tolerance to major crop species. Here, we review recent progress made in the last decade on (i) ABA biosynthesis, (ii) the roles of ABA on plant-water relations and on primary and secondary metabolisms during drought, and (iii) the regulation of ABA levels and perception to improve water use efficiency and drought tolerance in crop species.
Special Issue on Fracture and Fatigue Assessments of Structural Components
Authors: Campagnolo Alberto
Published: September 2020

This Special Issue covers the broad topic of structural integrity of components subjected to either static or fatigue loading conditions, and it is concerned with the modelling, assessment and reliability of components of any scale. Dealing with fracture and fatigue assessments of structural elements, different approaches are available in the literature. They are usually divided into three subgroups: stress-based, strain-based and energy-based criteria. Typical applications include materials exhibiting either linear-elastic or elasto-plastic behaviours, and plain and notched or cracked components subjected to static or cyclic loading conditions. In particular, the articles contained in this issue concentrate on the mechanics of fracture and fatigue in relation to structural elements from nano- to full-scale and on the applications of advanced approaches for fracture and fatigue life predictions under complex geometries or loading conditions.
Analysis of Small-Loop Electromagnetic Signals to Detect Subsurface Anomaly Zones
Authors: Kim Dong-Hyuk , Choi Ki-Hyo , Lee Chan-Hee , Jeong Jin-Hoon
Published: September 2020

Recently, sinkholes have significantly increased in urban areas as a result of subsurface cavities and ground softening. In this study, a small-loop electromagnetic survey was conducted in a testbed where anomaly zones comprised of cavities, areas of ground softening, and underground facilities were simulated in the ground under road pavement using the CMD Mini Explorer. The equipment was only able to measure the electrical resistivity (ER) at three depths. As, occasionally, the equipment was unable to detect the anomaly zones using the ER measured at those three depths, survey measurements were taken at three heights to collect the ER at seven depths using the superposition method. The result shows that the anomaly zones can be detected qualitatively by visually observing the contour map of the ER. In addition, another method for detecting anomaly zones in the ground statistically using a box plot and the relative standard deviation was employed in this study. Consequently, the position and depth of the cavities, areas of ground softening, and underground facilities in the testbed can also be determined quantitatively.
Parametric Estimation and Constraint Programming-Based Planning and Simulation of Production Cost of a New Product
Authors: Relich Marcin , Świć Antoni
Published: September 2020

Currently-used decision support solutions allow decision makers to estimate the cost of developing a new product, its production, and promotion, and compare the estimated cost to the target cost. However, these solutions are inadequate for supporting simulations of identifying conditions, by which the specific cost is reached. The proposed approach provides a framework for searching for possible variants towards reaching the target production cost. This paper is concerned with a prototyping problem of product development described in terms of a constraint satisfaction problem. The proposed method uses parametric estimation to identify relationships between variables, and constraint programming to search for project completion variants within the company’s resources and project requirements. The results of an experiment indicate that constraint programming provides effective search strategies for finding admissible solutions. Consequently, the proposed approach allows decision makers to obtain alternative scenarios within the limits imposed by the production process. In this, it outperforms current methods dedicated to the support of evaluating the total cost of a new product. The declarative approach presented in this paper is used to model the production cost; however, it can be effortlessly extended to other aspects of product development (e.g., product reliability).
Damping of Beam Vibrations Using Tuned Particles Impact Damper
Authors: Żurawski Mateusz , Zalewski Robert
Published: September 2020

The presented paper reveals an innovative device which is the Tuned Particle Impact Damper (TPID). The damper enables the user change the dynamical features of the vibrating system thanks to rapidly tuning the volume of the container where the grains are locked. The effectiveness of proposed semi-active damping methodology was confirmed in experiments on vibrations of a cantilever beam excited by kinematic rule. Various damping characteristics captured for different volumes of the grains container and mass of granular material are presented. It is confirmed that the proposed TPID device allowed for efficient attenuation of the beam’s vibration amplitude in the range of its resonant frequency vibrations.
Walnut and Hazelnut Shells: Untapped Industrial Resources and Their Suitability in Lignocellulosic Composites
Authors: Barbu Marius Cătălin , Sepperer Thomas , Tudor Eugenia Mariana , Petutschnigg Alexander
Published: September 2020

Walnut and hazelnut shells are agricultural by-products, available in high quantities during the harvest season. The potential of using these two agricultural residues as raw materials in particleboard production has been evaluated in this study. Different panels with either walnut or hazelnut shells in combination with melamine-urea formaldehyde or polyurethane at the same level of 1000 kg/m3 density were produced in a laboratory hot press and mechanical properties (modulus of elasticity, bending strength, and Brinell hardness) and physical properties (thickness swelling and water absorption) were determined, together with formaldehyde content. Although Brinell hardness was 35% to 65% higher for the nutshell-based panels, bending strength and modulus of elasticity were 40% to 50% lower for the melamine-urea formaldehyde bonded nutshells compared to spruce particleboards, but was 65% higher in the case of using polyurethane. Water absorption and thickness swelling could be reduced significantly for the nutshell-based boards compared to the spruce boards (the values recorded ranged between 58% to 87% lower as for the particleboards). Using polyurethane as an adhesive has benefits for water uptake and thickness swelling and also for bending strength and modulus of elasticity. The free formaldehyde content of the lignocellulosic-based panels was included in the E0 category (≤2.5 mg/100 g) for both walnut and hazelnut shell raw materials and the use of polyurethane improved these values to super E0 category (≤1.5 mg/100 g).
Impact of Urbanization on the Predictions of Urban Meteorology and Air Pollutants over Four Major North American Cities
Authors: Ren Shuzhan , Stroud Craig , Belair Stephane , Leroyer Sylvie , Munoz-Alpizar Rodrigo , Moran Michael , Zhang Junhua , Akingunola Ayodeji , Makar Paul
Published: September 2020

The sensitivities of meteorological and chemical predictions to urban effects over four major North American cities are investigated using the high-resolution (2.5-km) Environment and Climate Change Canada’s air quality model with the Town Energy Balance (TEB) scheme. Comparisons between the model simulation results with and without the TEB effect show that urbanization has great impacts on surface heat fluxes, vertical diffusivity, air temperature, humidity, atmospheric boundary layer height, land-lake circulation, air pollutants concentrations and Air Quality Health Index. The impacts have strong diurnal variabilities, and are very different in summer and winter. While the diurnal variations of the impacts share some similarities over each city, the magnitudes can be very different. The underlying mechanisms of the impacts are investigated. The TEB impacts on the predictions of meteorological and air pollutants over Toronto are evaluated against ground-based observations. The results show that the TEB scheme leads to a great improvement in biases and root-mean-square deviations in temperature and humidity predictions in downtown, uptown and suburban areas in the early morning and nighttime. The scheme also leads to a big improvement of predictions of NOx, PM2.5 and ground-level ozone in the downtown, uptown and industrial areas in the early morning and nighttime.
Apportioning Smoke Impacts of 2018 Wildfires on Eastern Sierra Nevada Sites
Authors: Mueller Sean , Tarnay Leland , O’Neill Susan , Raffuse Sean
Published: September 2020

The summer of 2018 saw intense smoke impacts on the eastern side of the Sierra Nevada in California, which have been anecdotally ascribed to the closest wildfire, the Lions Fire. We examined the role of the Lions Fire and four other, simultaneous large wildfires on smoke impacts across the Eastern Sierra. Our approach combined GOES-16 satellite data with fire activity, fuel loading, and fuel type, to allocate emissions diurnally per hour for each fire. To apportion smoke impacts at key monitoring sites, dispersion was modeled via the BlueSky framework, and daily averaged PM2.5 concentrations were estimated from 23 July to 29 August 2018. To estimate the relative impact of each contributing wildfire at six Eastern Sierra monitoring sites, we layered the multiple modeled impacts, calculated their proportion from each fire and at each site, and used that proportion to apportion smoke from each fire’s monitored impact. The combined smoke concentration due to multiple large, concurrent, but more distant fires was on many days substantially higher than the concentration attributable to the Lions Fire, which was much closer to the air quality monitoring sites. These daily apportionments provide an objective basis for understanding the extent to which local versus regional fire affected Eastern Sierra Nevada air quality. The results corroborate previous case studies showing that slower-growing fires, when and where managed for resource objectives, can create more transient and manageable air quality impacts relative to larger fires where such management strategies are not used or feasible.
Towards a Better Design of Convection-Allowing Ensembles for Precipitation Forecasts over Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico
Authors: Mayor Yandy G. , Gross Markus , Magar Vanesa
Published: September 2020

Convective ensembles promise to increase forecast accuracy while at the same time providing information on the probability of the forecast. A vast number of different methods of ensemble creation have been developed over time. Here, initial conditions and model error uncertainties are represented by a convective-allowing ensemble with more than 50 members. The results are analyzed using one case study with relatively high precipitation over Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico. The ensemble members are perturbed using random initial perturbations, breeding, and the Stochastic Kinetic Energy Backscatter parameterization (SKEBS) within the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model. The aim is to improve the high-resolution ensemble design provided in a previous study for the same region by maximizing the spread of an ensemble with low member count. To this end, a comparative analysis of the members is performed using perturbation growth rates and information entropy. In addition, a comparative verification is performed using observations from one automatic meteorological station and satellite-derived precipitation data. It was found that the growth rates and the one-dimensional power spectral density of the initial perturbation fields are clustered depending on each member’s origin and the methods used to generate the breeding members. An inverse relationship was observed between these two variables, which can be useful for selecting appropriate initial condition perturbations. The dynamical injections of energy, introduced as perturbations to the numerical fields by the SKEBS method, were essential to maintain positive growth rates during the simulation period. Evaluation of the information entropy suggests that a selection of a set of members generated by the SKEBS method is best for increasing the ensemble spread while saving computer resources.