bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mental health of agricultural adolescents and adults: Preliminary results of a five-year study
Authors: Rudolphi Josie M. , Berg Richard L.
Published: March 2023

Background:

Work-related stressors common to agriculture have been associated with adverse mental health outcomes among adult farmers and ranchers. However, the mental health status of agricultural youth is unknown, despite farm and ranch youth being exposed to the same occupational hazards as their adult counterparts. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety among farm adults and their adolescent child and examine the correlation between symptoms of mental health conditions and financial indicators described in the Family Stress Model (FSM).

Methods

Farm families were recruited to participate in online surveys by mail, email, and social media. One adolescent and at least one adult from each family were invited to complete on online survey. Where available, validated instruments were used to collect mental health, stress, family dynamics, and household financial variables. Descriptive statistics were used to describe sample demographics and prevalence of symptoms of depression and anxiety. Pearson correlations describe associations between variables within the Family Stress Model.

Results

Farm families (N= 122) completed the online survey. The mean age of farm parents was 41.4 years (SD = 4.4) and the mean age of farm adolescents was 15.4 (1.2). A majority of farm parents and farm adolescents were male, 58.2% and 70.5%, respectively. The sample was primarily white, non-Hispanic. In this sample of farm parents and adolescents alike, 60% met the criteria for at least mild depression, based on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Patient Health Questionnaire-A (PHQ-A). Similarly, among adolescents, 45.1% met the criteria for Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), as did 54.9% of adults. As a measure of economic hardship, per capita income by itself showed relatively low correlations, even with other economic measures (r= 0.11 with negative financial events,r= 0.20 with financial needs,r= 0.17 with financial situation, andr= 0.27 with debt). Parent depressed mood was in turn highly associated with adolescent depression (r= 0.83), social anxiety (r= 0.54), and generalized anxiety (r= 0.69).

Conclusions

The results show a strong association between parent and adolescent mental health and parental depressed mood and debt. There is not a clear association between economic stress and mental health in this sample, but further work is needed to be done at a population level. Preliminary results are promising for application of the full Family Stress Model as we continue to accrue farm families into the study cohort.
Influence of state of health and personality factors of resilience and coping in healthy subjects and those with diabetes
Authors: Rivera-Picón Cristina , Benavente-Cuesta María Hinojal , Quevedo-Aguado María Paz , Juárez-Vela Raúl , Martinez-Tofe Jesús , Sánchez-González Juan Luis , Rodríguez-Muñoz Pedro Manuel
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Currently, the most common chronic metabolic disease in our society is Diabetes Mellitus. The diagnosis of Diabetes Mellitus supposes an impact for the patient, since it requires a modification in the lifestyle, which demands a great capacity for adaptation and modification of habits. The aim of the study was to determine whether personality factors and health status influence resilience and coping strategies in a sample of healthy and diabetic subjects.

Methodology

The sample included a total of 401 subjects (201 patients with Diabetes and 200 without pathology). The instruments applied for data collection were: Sociodemographic data questionnaire, the Resilience Scale, the Coping Strategies Questionnaire and The “Big Five” factor taxonomy. The data collection period was approximately 2 years (between February 2018 and January 2020).

Results

Certain personality factors, such as Emotional Stability, Integrity, Conscientiousness and Extraversion, were positively related to Resilience. Additionally, Emotional Stability, Integrity, and Extraversion were positively associated with Rational Coping. On the other hand, emotional stability, agreeableness and extraversion were negatively related to emotional coping. In relation to health status, the absence of pathology is related to the use of rational strategies more than to the diagnosis of diabetes. Therefore, the participants in this study present different psychological patterns depending on personality and health status.

Conclusions

The present study shows that the subjects of the sample present different psychological patterns depending on Personality and health status.
Fluoride: Good in Toothpaste, Bad for Plants
Authors: Tausta S. Lori , Auslender Alysha , Strobel Scott A. , Hiller David A.
Published: March 2023

Fluorine is the 13th-most abundant element on earth, found most often bound to other elements in its negatively charged form, fluoride. Fluoride compounds are used to improve dental health, to make steel, and to make useful materials like Teflon. Fluoride is also emitted into the environment as a byproduct of both natural and industrial processes. Fluoride even contaminates the fertilizer used to help plants grow. In high amounts, fluoride can be toxic. Single-celled organisms like bacteria protect themselves by making a transporter that specifically removes fluoride from the cell. Yeast have a similar transporter called FEX (f luoride exporter). Bacteria and yeast without these transporters die in the presence of the small amount of fluoride found in tap water. Plants are more complicated, but they also use FEX to keep fluoride from building up inside themselves. Plants without FEX can not make new seeds when grown in normal soil.
Describing capability, opportunity, and motivation for food safety practices among actors in the Cambodian informal vegetable market
Authors: Mosimann Sabrina , Ouk Keorimy , Bello Nora M. , Chhoeun Malyheng , Vipham Jessie , Hok Lyda , Ebner Paul
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Several Cambodian initiatives seek to improve nutritional outcomes via increased production and consumption of nutrient-dense foods, including vegetables. However, food safety gaps in informal markets, where most vegetables are purchased, allow for the transmission of foodborne pathogens and threaten the positive nutritional outcomes associated with vegetable consumption.

Methods

This study describes a tool used to measure perceptions of Cambodians involved with informal vegetable markets regarding their capabilities, opportunities, and motivations to implement food safety practices. The quantitative tool could also be used to assess capability, opportunity, and motivation to adopt a behavior in a wide range of development contexts. To these ends, a questionnaire assessing these perceptions was developed using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior (COM-B) model of behavior and the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF).

Results

The questionnaire was piloted with vegetable vendors in Phnom Penh (N = 55), revised, and subsequently implemented in the provinces of Battambang and Siem Reap with vegetable producers, distributors, and vendors (N = 181). Confirmatory factor analysis resulted in a nine-factor model corresponding to TDF constructs with a comparative fit index of 0.91, a Tucker-Lewis index of 0.89, and a root mean square error of ~0.05. Further analysis indicated that vegetable vendors and distributors typically had significantly higher (p < 0.05) levels of perceived motivation and capability to implement the target food safety practice (washing surfaces that come in contact with vegetables with soap and water every day) compared to their perceived opportunity to do so. Among farmers, however, levels of perceived motivation were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than levels of perceived opportunity and capability. In addition, vendors in Battambang had significantly higher (p < 0.05) levels of perceived capability, opportunity, and motivation to implement the target food safety practice in comparison to farmers in either province. Vendors in Battambang had significantly higher (p < 0.05) levels of perceived opportunity and motivation than vendors in Siem Reap.

Conclusions

These data suggest that efforts to bolster vegetable vendors' and distributors' perceived opportunity and vegetable farmers' perceived opportunity and capability to implement food safety practices could increase the likelihood of adoption of the target food safety practice.
Conservation tillage and diversified cropping enhance system productivity and eco-efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas intensity in organic farming
Authors: Babu Subhash , Singh Raghavendra , Avasthe Ravikant , Rathore Sanjay Singh , Kumar Sanjeev , Das Anup , Layek Jayanta , Sharma Vikas , Wani Owais Ali , Singh Vinod Kumar
Published: March 2023

Environmental pollution, resource dwindling, and soil degradation questioned the sustainability of contemporary agricultural production systems. Organic farming is advocated as a sustainable solution for ensuring food security without compromising environmental sustainability. However, poor farm productivity quizzed the sustainability of organic production systems. Hence, a field study was carried out in the Sikkim region of the Indian Himalayas to assess the efficacy of conservation-effective tilling and diversified cropping on system productivity, profitability, environmental quality, and soil nutrient balance in organic farming. Three tillage systems, namely, (i) conventional tillage (CT), (ii) reduced tillage (RT), and (iii) zero tillage (ZT), and four maize based diversified cropping systems (maize–black gram–toria, maize–black gram–buckwheat, maize–rajmash–toria, and maize–rajmash–buckwheat) were tested using a three times replicated split-plot design. The ZT system recorded 13.5 and 3.5% higher system productivity over CT and RT, respectively. Of the four diversified cropping systems, the maize–rajmash–buckwheat system recorded the maximum system productivity (13.99 Mg ha−1) and net returns (3,141 US$ ha−1) followed by the maize–black gram–buckwheat system. Among the tillage practices, ZT recorded the significantly high eco-efficiency index (EEI; 1.55 US$ per kg CO2-eq emission) and the lowest greenhouse gas intensity (GHGI; 0.15 kg CO2-eq per kg production). Of the diversified cropping systems, the maize-rajmash-buckwheat registered the lowest GHGI (0.14 CO2-eq per kg production) and the highest EEI (1.47 US$ per kg CO2-eq emission). Concerning soil nutrient balance, after three cropping cycles, the soil under ZT recorded significantly higher available N (340.0 kg ha−1), P (16.6 kg ha−1), and K (337.3 kg ha−1) over the CT system at 0–10 cm soil depth. Similarly, the soil under the maize–black gram–buckwheat system had the maximum bio-available NPK. Thus, the study suggests that the cultivation of the maize–black gram/rajmash–buckwheat systems under ZT and/or RT would increase farm productivity, profitability, and soil fertility with minimum GHGI in organic farming under the Eastern Himalayan region of India.
The seed sector development in low-income countries: Lessons from the Malawi seed sector policy process
Authors: Hunga Henry G. , Chiwaula Levison , Mulwafu Wapulumuka , Katundu Mangani
Published: March 2023

Introduction

External conditionalities have shaped public policy development in borrowing nations. This has been through top-down policy support programs, an example being the policy reforms under the structural adjustment program. Under the seed sector reforms Malawi committed to the Southern Africa Development Community and the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa harmonized seed regulations technical agreements.

Methods

To contribute to the debate, we analyzed the Malawi seed sector policy process by investigating three questions: What were the leading events? Who were the stakeholders involved, and their roles? Which factors influenced the policy process? Qualitative tools were employed based on policy process theory using the Kaleidoscope Model. We used stakeholder inception, planning, feedback workshops, and key informant interviews (N = 17). This data was complemented by grey literature as secondary information. Snowball sampling was used to identify key informant interview participants based on the saturation principle. Narrative analysis focusing on content, structure, and dialogic context was used.

Results

Our results show a strong external influence on the seed sector policy process. This began after independence when development partners supported the establishment of the public agricultural research system to improve production for food security and export. Failure to achieve the earlier objectives resulted in economic reforms aimed at private sector-led seed sector development based on market-oriented policies. The increase in the private sector's role called for adopting and enacting regulatory policies and legislation that used policy transfer theory. International financial institutions, multinational companies, and regional economic communities led this process. Our evidence suggests that the civil society community in Malawi contested the policies for not recognizing farmers' rights. This affected the domestication process of the harmonized seed regulations technical agreements.

Discussion

Therefore, we recommend critical consideration and embracing of existing domestic social, political, and technical conditions to support economic policy reforms. This would help reduce unintended consequences and improve inclusivity. Governments may need to play an interlocutory role for the various actors in the policy domain during the domestication process.
A virtual reality simulation of a novel way to illuminate the surgical field – A feasibility study on the use of automated lighting systems in the operating theatre
Authors: Cetin Timur , Mühlenbrock Andre , Zachmann Gabriel , Weber Verena , Weyhe Dirk , Uslar Verena
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Surgical lighting systems have to be re-adjusted manually during surgery by the medical personnel. While some authors suggest that interaction with a surgical lighting system in the operating room might be a distractor, others support the idea that manual interaction with the surgical lighting system is a hygiene problem as pathogens might be present on the handle. In any case, it seems desirable to develop a novel approach to surgical lighting that minimizes the need for manual interaction during a surgical procedure.

Methodes

We investigated the effect of manual interaction with a classical surgical lighting system and simulated a proposed novel design of a surgical lighting system in a virtual reality environment with respect to performance accuracy as well as cognitive load (measured by electroencephalographical recordings).

Results

We found that manual interaction with the surgical lights has no effect on the quality of performance, yet for the price of a higher mental effort, possibly leading to faster fatigue of the medical personnel in the long run.

Discussion

Our proposed novel surgical lighting system negates the need for manual interaction and leads to a performance quality comparable to the classical lighting system, yet with less mental load for the surgical personnel.
Apolipoprotein A1 and serum amyloid A in dogs with sepsis and septic shock
Authors: Bulgarelli Cecilia , Ciuffoli Elena , Troia Roberta , Goggs Robert , Dondi Francesco , Giunti Massimo
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Apolipoprotein-A1 (Apo-A1) acts as a negative acute phase protein (APP) during inflammatory states, and has a potential prognostic value in people and dogs with sepsis. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the association of serum Apo-A1 concentration with disease severity, multiorgan dysfunction syndrome (MODS) and outcome in a population of dogs with sepsis, and to assess its correlation with major canine APPs.

Methods

Ninety-nine dogs with uncomplicated sepsis (n = 78) or septic shock (n = 21) were included. The serum concentration of Apo-A1, C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A (SAA) were recorded, alongside the canine acute patient physiologic and laboratory evaluation fast (APPLEfast) score and the presence of MODS.

Results

Dogs with septic shock had significantly lower serum Apo-A1 concentrations (106.3 ± 22.7 mg/dl; reference interval: 123.0–142.3 mg/dl), higher APPLEfast score (30, 13–38) and greater frequency of MODS (67%) compared to those with uncomplicated sepsis (117.9 ± 19.3 mg/dl; 25, 6–33 and 8%, respectively) (P = 0.0201; P = 0.0005; P < 0.0001, respectively). Similarly, dogs with MODS had significantly lower serum Apo-A1 concentrations (104.1 ± 4.6 mg/dl) and higher APPLEfast score values (31, 13–38) compared to those without MODS (118.32 ± 2.1 mg/dl and 26, 6–33, respectively) (P = 0.0050 and P = 0.0038, respectively). Conversely, neither CRP nor SAA were different between these groups. No difference in serum APPs concentrations was detected between survivors and non-survivors. Significant negative correlations were detected between serum Apo-A1 and SAA (P = 0.0056, r = −0.277), and between serum Apo-A1 and the APPLEfast score (P = 0.0027, r = −0.3). In this population, higher values of the APPLEfast score and the presence of MODS were independently associated with a higher risk of death.

Discussion

Our study shows that Apo-A1 is a useful biomarker of sepsis severity in dogs, since it is decreased in those with septic shock and MODS. Further prospective investigations are deemed to evaluate the applicability of Apo-A1 to predict sepsis course and response to treatment in septic dogs.
The hemostatic profile of cold-stored whole blood from non-greyhound and greyhound dogs over 42 days
Authors: Cooper James L. , Sharp Claire R. , Boyd Corrin J. , Claus Melissa A. , Rossi Gabriel
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To compare the hemostatic characteristics of cold-stored whole blood (CSWB) from non-greyhound dogs (NGD) and greyhound dogs (GD) over 42 days of storage, notably, platelet closure time (PCT) (NGD only), manual platelet count (PLT) (GD only), ellagic acid (INTEM) and tissue factor activated (EXTEM) rotational thromboelastometry, prothrombin (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen concentration (FIB), and the activities of factors (F) FII, FV, FVII, FVIII, FIX, FX, FXIII antigen (FXIII:Ag), and von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag).

Design

Whole blood from 10 NGD and 10 GD, was refrigerated in CPD blood bags at 4°C for 42 days. Blood was analyzed before refrigeration (day 0) and at day 1 (d1), 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, 24, 28, 31, 35, 38, and 42. Multivariate linear mixed effects models were created to evaluate coagulation parameters over time and compare NGD and GD. Data are summarized as estimated marginal means with 95% confidence intervals. Significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results

The PCT for all NGD CSWB was above the device limit by d7. The PLT for GD CSWB did not change during storage. The mean alpha-angle for INTEM and EXTEM decreased to <50% of baseline at d38 and d31 for NGD, and d31 and d17 for GD CSWB. The mean maximum clot firmness (MCF) for INTEM and EXTEM reduced to <50% of baseline at d42 and d28 for both GD and NGD. PT and aPTT for NGD and GD increased over time. For NGD CSWB, the mean FVIII and vWF:Ag activities decreased to <50% of baseline at d7 and d28, respectively, and FIB reached 0.982 g/dL by d24. For GD CSWB, FVIII, FXIII:Ag and FV activities decreased to <50% of baseline by d3, d38, and d38, respectively, and FIB was 0.982 g/dL at baseline. Alpha-angle and MCF for both INTEM and EXTEM, and activities for FII, FV, FIX, FXIII:Ag were significantly lower, and vWF:Ag was significantly higher overall in GD CSWB compared with NGD. A significant difference in the pattern of change over time was detected between NGD and GD in EXTEM alpha-angle, INTEM and EXTEM MCF, FII, and FVIII activities.

Conclusions

The in vitro viscoelastic parameters of GD and NGD CSWB declines over 42 days, but numerous hemostatic parameters (INTEM and EXTEM alpha-angle and MCF, activity of FII, FV, FV, FVII, FIX, FX, FXIII:Ag, vWF:Ag, and FIB) remain within 50% of baseline for more than 14 days. CSWB from GD compared to NGD has reduced hemostatic activity overall, but a similar pattern of decline for most parameters over time.
Visualisation of microalgal-viral interactions by high-speed atomic force microscopy
Authors: Evans Christopher Thomas , Payton Oliver , Picco Loren , Allen Michael J.
Published: March 2023

Visualization of viruses and their hosts has been paramount to their study and understanding. The direct observation of the morphological dynamics of infection is a highly desired capability and the focus of instrument development across a variety of microscopy technologies. This study demonstrates progress that has been made in exploiting the capabilities offered by HS-AFM to characterise the interactions between coccolithoviruses and their globally important coccolithophore hosts. We observe whole Emiliania huxleyi Virus capsids, transient binding to Emiliania huxleyi derived supported lipid bilayers, and host-virus binding in real-time in an environmentally relevant, aqueous environment.
Liver Transplantation in Recipients With a Positive Crossmatch: A Retrospective Single-Center Match-Pair Analysis
Authors: Krendl Felix J. , Fodor Margot , Messner Franka , Balog Agnes , Vales Anja , Cardini Benno , Resch Thomas , Maglione Manuel , Margreiter Christian , Riedmann Marina , Ulmer Hanno , Öfner Dietmar , Oberhuber Rupert , Schneeberger Stefan , Weissenbacher Annemarie
Published: March 2023

A positive crossmatch (XM+) is considered a contraindication to solid abdominal organ transplantation except liver transplantation (LT). Conflicting reports exist regarding the effects of XM+ on post-transplant outcomes. The goal of this retrospective single-center analysis is to evaluate the influence of XM+ on relevant outcome parameters such as survival, graft rejection, biliary and arterial complications. Forty-nine adult patients undergoing LT with a XM+ between 2002 and 2017 were included. XM+ LT recipients were matched 1:2 with crossmatch negative (XM−) LT recipients based on the balance of risk (BAR) score. Patient and graft survival were compared using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and the log-rank test. Comparative analysis of clinical outcomes in XM+ and XM− groups were conducted. Patient and graft survival were similar in XM+ and XM− patients. Rejection episodes did not differ either. Recipients with a strong XM+ were more likely to develop a PCR+ CMV infection. A XM+ was not associated with a higher incidence of biliary or arterial complications. Donor age, cold ischemia time, PCR+ CMV infection and a rejection episode were associated with the occurrence of ischemic type biliary lesions. A XM+ has no effects on patient and graft survival or other relevant outcome parameters following LT.
All Acoustical Excitation of Spin Waves in High Overtone Bulk Acoustic Resonator
Authors: Alekseev Sergey , Polzikova Natalia , Luzanov Valery
Published: March 2023

The hybrid high overtone bulk acoustic wave resonators (HBARs) consisting of a piezoelectric film transducers and gallium gadolinium garnet substrates with yttrium iron garnet films (YIG-GGG-YIG) are used for experimental excitation and detection of acoustically driven spin waves (ADSWs). Two types of HBAR transducers made of Al-ZnO-Al films (differed through the electrodes’ geometry) were deposited onto YIG-GGG-YIG trilayers with different YIG film thicknesses and doping levels and served for excitation of multimode HBAR at gigahertz frequencies. ADSWs were detected by measuring the shifts of resonant HBAR modes in a tangential external magnetic field when the conditions for magnetoelastic resonance (MER) were satisfied. It was shown that the design of the transducer with a continuous bottom electrode provides all acoustical excitation of spin waves (pure ADSWs), suppressing the additional inductive magnetic dynamics excitation due to the electrodes’ geometry. The theoretical study of the HBAR spectrum in a magnetic field showed that the resonance harmonics in the MER region can either almost continuously transfer from one to another, or decay and form an evident magnetoelastic gap. In this case, the shift of resonant frequencies can achieve several intermodal distances. The results obtained are important for applications of HBAR-based devices in spintronics and magnonics.
Research on Self-Recovery Control Algorithm of Quadruped Robot Fall Based on Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Zhang Guichen , Liu Hongwei , Qin Zihao , Moiseev Georgy V. , Huo Jianwen
Published: March 2023

When a quadruped robot is climbing stairs, due to unexpected factors, such as the size of the differing from the international standard or the stairs being wet and slippery, it may suddenly fall down. Therefore, solving the self-recovery problem of the quadruped robot after falling is of great significance in practical engineering. This is inspired by the self-recovery of crustaceans when they fall; the swinging of their legs will produce a resonance effect of a specific body shape, and then the shell will swing under the action of external force, and self-recovery will be achieved by moving the center of gravity. Based on the bionic mechanism, the kinematics model of a one-leg swing and the self-recovery motion model of a falling quadruped robot are established in this paper. According to the established mathematical model, the algorithm training environment is constructed, and a control strategy based on the reinforcement learning algorithm is proposed as a controller to be applied to the fall self-recovery of quadruped robots. The simulation results show that the quadruped robot only takes 2.25 s to achieve self-recovery through DDPG on flat terrain. In addition, we compare the proposed algorithm with PID and LQR algorithms, and the simulation experiments verify the superiority of the proposed algorithm.
Fault-Tolerant Attitude Control Incorporating Reconfiguration Control Allocation for Supersonic Tailless Aircraft
Authors: Cong Jiping , Hu Jianbo , Wang Yingyang , He Zihou , Han Linxiao , Su Maoyu
Published: March 2023

This paper presents a fault-tolerant attitude control scheme, incorporating reconfiguration control allocation for supersonic tailless aircraft subject to nonlinear characteristics, actuator constraint, uncertainty, and actuator faults. The main idea is to propose an incremental reconfiguration closed-loop control allocation scheme, coupled with a basic backstepping attitude controller, to achieve attitude control. Based on the virtual control input generated by the basic backstepping attitude controller, firstly, the incremental nonlinear control allocation method is adopted to deal with the nonlinear characteristics and actuator constraint. Secondly, a distribution error feedback loop is constructed in the incremental nonlinear control allocation method to enhance the robustness against the uncertainty of the control effectiveness matrix. Thirdly, the control effectiveness matrix is reconstructed by different kinds of fault information to deal with actuator faults, and the proper combination of actuator deflections is generated to achieve accurate command tracking. The stability of the proposed scheme is guaranteed by the Jury stability criterion and the Lyapunov stability analysis. Finally, in comparison with the three existing approaches, the simulation results of two cases are provided to show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Strategies Used to Reduce Methane Emissions from Ruminants: Controversies and Issues
Authors: Króliczewska Bożena , Pecka-Kiełb Ewa , Bujok Jolanta
Published: March 2023

Methanogenesis plays a crucial role in the digestive process of ruminant animals. During this process, methanogenic archaea produce methane as a byproduct of their metabolism. However, the production of methane by ruminants is also a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that has a 28-fold greater global warming potential than carbon dioxide. Around 15% of all anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions are generated by livestock. Therefore, reducing methane emissions from ruminant livestock is an important goal for reducing the environmental impact of agriculture. There is a variety of strategies that can be used to reduce methane emissions, including dietary modifications, genetic selection, microbiome manipulation, and feed additives, such as plant secondary metabolites, methane inhibitors, lipids, essential oils, and algae. The main and important objective of this paper is to critically discuss the current strategies proposed to reduce methane emissions from livestock. Though many strategies, such as chemical intervention, have remarkably reduced methane emissions from ruminants, their usage remains unappealing because of health and safety concerns as well as consumer decisions. Hence, genetic animal selection and biological feed additives, such as probiotics and secondary plant metabolites, have emerged as promising techniques for mitigating enteric methane emissions. These strategies are highly promising, but more intensive research is needed to validate these approaches and assess their effectiveness in reducing methane production by ruminants.
Cultivation and Processing of Modern Superfood—Aronia melanocarpa (Black Chokeberry) in Slovak Republic
Authors: Gurčík Ľubomír , Bajusová Zuzana , Ladvenicová Jana , Palkovič Jozef , Novotná Katarína
Published: March 2023

This scientific paper is based on the results of the research focused on the growing and processing of selected medicinal plants. Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) was included in the research because it is currently one of the most sought-after superfoods in Europe and throughout the world. Based on authentic data and literary sources, the model of economic efficiency was developed for assessment of the establishment and operation of the black chokeberry plantation in the Slovak Republic. The modelled plantation shall be spread over 10 hectares with an intensive method of cultivation (high soil quality, deep plowing, drip irrigation, fertilization with organic and inorganic fertilizer and mechanized fruit harvesting). This intensive cultivation method is characterized by higher yields in t/ha compared to an extensive cultivation method. The model is reviewed over a 12-year period. In this paper are presented three alternatives for processing total production. “Alternative A” represents the sale of the harvest to either the final consumer or the processor for further processing (fresh fruit). “Alternative B” represents the finalization of production in the form of apple–aronia juice (ratio 25% aronia–75% apple). “Alternative C” represents the finalization of production in the form of apple–aronia juice (ratio 50% aronia–50% apple).
Spray Deposition and Quality Assessment at Varying Ground Speeds for an Agricultural Sprayer with and without a Rate Controller
Authors: Sapkota Madan , Virk Simerjeet , Rains Glen
Published: March 2023

Ground speed variations are common and unavoidable during pesticide applications with agricultural sprayers. Field tests were conducted to evaluate the effect of varying ground speeds on spray deposition and quality with a commercial agricultural boom sprayer without a rate controller (CNS) in 2021 and equipped with a rate controller (SRC) in 2022. During each year, the sprayer boom was split evenly among three different nozzle types (XRC, AIXR, and TTI) to attain different droplet sizes (medium, very coarse, and ultra-coarse, respectively). Prior to testing, the sprayer was calibrated to deliver an application rate of 187 L ha−1 at a spray pressure of 207 kPa and ground speed of 9.7 km h−1. For spray deposition and quality assessment, pesticide applications were made at five different ground speeds of 9.7, 12.9, 16.1, 19.3, and 22.5 km h−1, and data were collected by placing water-sensitive paper at different locations across the sprayer boom and in the field. Results for CNS indicated that spray deposition reduced significantly (p < 0.05) with an increase in ground speed across all three nozzle types, primarily due to a decrease in the quantity of spray droplets applied per unit area. The quantity of spray droplets and spray deposition was more consistent among the ground speeds for SRC. Ground speed affected spray quality for both CNS and SRC; however, the spray quality variations were greater for SRC due to an increase in spray pressure with ground speed. Among nozzle types, the trends in spray deposition and quality were similar for the XRC and TTI nozzles as observed for CNS and SRC. However, the AIXR nozzle showed inconsistent spray deposition and quality as ground speed varied. The results of this study indicated agricultural sprayers equipped with a rate controller provide adequate and consistent spray deposition compared to conventional sprayers (no rate controller) when ground speed changes occur during pesticide applications. While spray quality is also affected when using a rate controller, best management practices including proper nozzle selection and application at nominal ground speeds should be followed to minimize these effects and ensure effective technology utilization.
Government Guidance Fund Empowers the Supply Chain Financing Decision of Marine Ranching Considering Environmental Enrichment and Friendliness
Authors: Wan Xiaole , Teng Zhengwei , Song Jilai , Zhai Yao , Zhang Kuncheng
Published: March 2023

The construction of marine ranching is a concrete practice to fulfil the strategic objective of China’s maritime power. The shortage of funds has turned into an important issue to be resolved urgently in the modernization of marine ranching. This study constructs a supply chain system, involving a leading enterprise of marine ranching with short funds and a retailer, and introduces the government guidance fund to solve the issue of capital shortage. Then, we discuss the supply chain financing decision under two different power structure modes, and analyze the product environmental attribute (the product’s environmental friendliness and the environmental enrichment) and the guiding effect of government investment on the operation of different modes. The research shows that: (1) The wholesale price of products is mainly influenced by the dominant position of the marine ranching leading enterprise. Furthermore, the wholesale price and the marine ranching company’s profits increase with the growth of the product environmental attribute. (2) The retailer’s profit and the supply chain system’s profit are mainly affected by the dominant power of the retailer and are positively correlated with the product environmental attribute. In addition, the supply chain system’s overall profits are negatively related to the guiding effect of government investment.
Effects of Selenium Yeast on Egg Quality, Plasma Antioxidants, Selenium Deposition and Eggshell Formation in Aged Laying Hens
Authors: Liu Zhexi , Cao Yutao , Ai Yue , Lin Gang , Yin Xiaonan , Wang Linli , Wang Mengyao , Zhang Bingkun , Wu Keliang , Guo Yuming , Han Hongbing
Published: March 2023

Internal egg and eggshell quality are often deteriorated in aging laying hens, which causes huge economic losses in the poultry industry. Selenium yeast (SY), as an organic food additive, is utilized to enhance laying performance and egg quality. To extend the egg production cycle, effects of selenium yeast supplementation on egg quality, plasma antioxidants and selenium deposition in aged laying hens were evaluated. In this study, five hundred and twenty-five 76-week-old Jing Hong laying hens were fed a selenium-deficient (SD) diet for 6 weeks. After Se depletion, the hens were randomly divided into seven treatments, which included an SD diet, and dietary supplementation of SY and sodium selenite (SS) at 0.15, 0.30, and 0.45 mg/kg to investigate the effect on egg quality, plasma antioxidant capacity, and selenium content in reproductive organs. After 12 weeks of feeding, dietary SY supplementation resulted in higher eggshell strength (SY0.45) (p < 0.05) and lower shell translucence. Moreover, organs Se levels and plasma antioxidant capacity (T-AOC, T-SOD, and GSH-Px activity) were significantly higher with Se supplementation (p < 0.05). Transcriptomic analysis identified some key candidate genes including cell migration inducing hyaluronidase 1 (CEMIP), ovalbumin (OVAL), solute carrier family 6 member 17 (SLC6A17), proopiomelanocortin (POMC), and proenkephalin (PENK), and potential molecular processes (eggshell mineralization, ion transport, and eggshell formation) involved in selenium yeast’s effects on eggshell formation. In conclusion, SY has beneficial functions for eggshell and we recommend the supplementation of 0.45 mg/kg SY to alleviate the decrease in eggshell quality in aged laying hens.
Monitoring of Alarm Reactions of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) in a Captive Population in Paneveggio Pale di San Martino Natural Park
Authors: Moscatelli Sara , Malfatti Alessandro , Tardella Federico Maria , Pacioni Cesare , Catorci Daniele , Scocco Paola
Published: March 2023

The study analyzes red deer responses to disturbances during the day and different exposures to tourists, to establish the more appropriate times to carry out activities inside the Paneveggio deer enclosure. The alarm reactions of red deer were observed after presenting different types of visual stimuli inside and outside the fence, in order to answer some questions: Which stimuli produce the strongest reactions from the animals? Do animals differently react to stimuli presented outside and inside the fence? On which days and times are the animals more sensitive to disturbances? Are there different reactions between the males and females? The results suggest that the red deer adversely react to the disturbance at different degrees of intensity in relation to day, sex, tourist and where the stimuli are presented. It was observed that during the days with the highest tourist presence, the animals were particularly alarmed; discomfort accumulation produced the highest number of alarm reactions on Monday. For these reasons, it would be opportune to manage the pasture on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, scheduled at specific times of day, preferably far from the estimated presence of tourists.
Health-Promoting Ingredients in Goat’s Milk and Fermented Goat’s Milk Drinks
Authors: Paszczyk Beata , Czarnowska-Kujawska Marta , Klepacka Joanna , Tońska Elżbieta
Published: March 2023

The present study aimed to determine the content of health-promoting compounds, and fatty acids, with particular emphasis on the content of cis9trans11 C18:2 (CLA) acid, selected minerals, folates in organic and commercial goat’s milk and fermented goat’s milk drinks. The analyzed milk and yoghurts had various contents of particular groups of fatty acids, CLA, minerals, and folates. Raw organic goat’s milk had a significantly (p < 0.05) higher content of CLA (3.26 mg/g fat) compared to commercial milk (2.88 mg/g fat and 2.54 mg/g fat). Among the analyzed fermented goat’s milk drinks, the highest CLA content (4.39 mg/g fat) was determined in commercial natural yoghurts, while the lowest one was in organic natural yoghurts (3.28 mg/g fat). The highest levels of calcium (1322.9–2324.4 µg/g), phosphorus (8148.1–11,309.9 µg/g), and copper (0.072–0.104 µg/g) were found in all commercial products and those of manganese (0.067–0.209 µg/g) in organic products. The contents of the other assayed elements (magnesium, sodium, potassium, iron, and zinc) did not depend on the production method, but only on the product type, i.e., the degree of goat’s milk processing. The highest folate content in the analyzed milks was found in the organic sample (3.16 µg/100 g). Organic Greek yoghurts had a several times higher content of folates, reaching 9.18 µg/100 g, compared to the other analyzed fermented products.
Feeding Behavior of Finishing Pigs under Diurnal Cyclic Heat Stress
Authors: de Oliveira Marllon José Karpeggiane , Valk Marcio , Melo Antônio Diego Brandão , Marçal Danilo Alves , Silva Cleslei Alisson , Valini Graziela Alves da Cunha , Arnaut Pedro Righetti , Gonçalves Joseane Penteado Rosa , Andretta Ines , Hauschild Luciano
Published: March 2023

The impact of cyclic heat stress (CHS) and turning the lights on and off on pig feeding behavior (FB) was investigated. The FB of 90 gilts was recorded in real-time under two ambient temperatures (AT): thermoneutrality (TN, 22 °C) or CHS (22/35 °C). The day was divided into four periods: PI (06–08 h); PII (08–18 h); PIII (18–20 h); and PIV (20–06 h). Automatic and Intelligent Precision Feeders recorded each feed event for each pig. An estimated meal criterion (49 min) was used to calculate the FB variables. Feed behavior in both ATs followed a circadian pattern. The CHS reduced the feed intake by 6.9%. The pigs prioritized feed intake during the coolest hours of the day; however, nocturnal cooling did not allow the pigs to compensate for the reduced meal size due to CHS. The highest meal size and most of the meals were observed during the lighting-on period. The pigs reduced their interval between meals during PII and PIII. The lighting program increased the meal size when the lights were switched on and reduced the meal size when the lights were switched off. Thus, the dynamics of the FB were largely influenced by AT, whereas the meal size was affected by the lighting program.
Efficacy of Oil and Photosensitizer against Frankliniella occidentalis in Greenhouse Sweet Pepper
Authors: Pieterse Zelda , Buitenhuis Rosemarie , Liu Jun , Fefer Michael , Teshler Inna
Published: March 2023

Many common insect pests have developed resistance against the pesticides currently available, to the point where pest and disease management has become extremely difficult and expensive, increasing pressure on agriculture and food production. There is an urgent need to explore and utilize alternatives. Due to their unique mode of action, photosensitizers may be able to control insect pests effectively, especially in combination with oil-based products, without the risk of resistance build-up. In this study, the efficacy of a mineral oil-based horticultural spray oil, PureSpray™ Green (PSG), and a sodium magnesium chlorophyllin photosensitizer formulation, SUN-D-06 PS, were evaluated and compared to a registered cyantraniliprole insecticide (as positive control) and a negative control against western flower thrips (WFT), Frankliniella occidentalis. In detached leaf ingestion assays, PSG at high concentration was more effective than low concentration, causing >70% WFT mortality, whilst SUN-D-06 PS + PSG caused higher mortality than cyantraniliprole after five days of feeding. The same combination was as effective as cyantraniliprole in the contact assay. In greenhouse pepper, the photosensitizer decreased the WFT more than mineral oil applied alone, whilst a combination treatment of SUN-D-06 PS + PSG was most effective, decreasing the WFT population to fewer than four WFT per plant. SUN-D-06 PS + PSG shows promise as a sustainable, economical way of controlling WFT, with the potential to be incorporated into existing integrated pest (and disease) management (IPM) programs with ease.
Pulse Oximetry as an Aid to Rule Out Pneumonia among Patients with a Lower Respiratory Tract Infection in Primary Care
Authors: Fischer Chloé , Knüsli José , Lhopitallier Loïc , Tenisch Estelle , Meuwly Marie-Garance , Douek Pauline , Meuwly Jean-Yves , D’Acremont Valérie , Kronenberg Andreas , Locatelli Isabella , Mueller Yolanda , Senn Nicolas , Boillat-Blanco Noémie
Published: March 2023

Guidelines recommend chest X-rays (CXRs) to diagnose pneumonia and guide antibiotic treatment. This study aimed to identify clinical predictors of pneumonia that are visible on a chest X-ray (CXR+) which could support ruling out pneumonia and avoiding unnecessary CXRs, including oxygen saturation. A secondary analysis was performed in a clinical trial that included patients with suspected pneumonia in Swiss primary care. CXRs were reviewed by two radiologists. We evaluated the association between clinical signs (heart rate > 100/min, respiratory rate ≥ 24/min, temperature ≥ 37.8 °C, abnormal auscultation, and oxygen saturation < 95%) and CXR+ using multivariate analysis. We also calculated the diagnostic performance of the associated clinical signs combined in a clinical decision rule (CDR), as well as a CDR derived from a large meta-analysis (at least one of the following: heart rate > 100/min, respiratory rate ≥ 24/min, temperature ≥ 37.8 °C, or abnormal auscultation). Out of 469 patients from the initial trial, 107 had a CXR and were included in this study. Of these, 26 (24%) had a CXR+. We found that temperature and oxygen saturation were associated with CXR+. A CDR based on the presence of either temperature ≥ 37.8 °C and/or an oxygen saturation level < 95% had a sensitivity of 69% and a negative likelihood ratio (LR−) of 0.45. The CDR from the meta-analysis had a sensitivity of 92% and an LR− of 0.37. The addition of saturation < 95% to this CDR increased the sensitivity (96%) and decreased the LR− (0.21). In conclusion, this study suggests that pulse oximetry could be added to a simple CDR to decrease the probability of pneumonia to an acceptable level and avoid unnecessary CXRs.
Exacerbated Neuropathy in POLAR A and M Trials Due to Redox Interaction of PledOx-Associated Mn2+ and Oxaliplatin-Associated Pt2+
Authors: Karlsson Jan Olof G. , Jynge Per , Ignarro Louis J.
Published: March 2023

Disappointing results from the POLAR A and M phase III trials involving colorectal cancer patients on chemotherapy with FOLFOX6 in curative (A) and palliative (M) settings have been reported by the principal investigators and the sponsor (PledPharma AB/Egetis Therapeutics AB). FOLFOX6, oxaliplatin in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), possesses superior tumoricidal activity in comparison to 5-FU alone, but suffers seriously from dose-limiting platinum-associated Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN). The aim of the POLAR trials was to demonstrate that PledOx [calmangafodipir; Ca4Mn(DPDP)5] reduced the incidence of persistent CIPN from 40% to 20%. However, this assumption was based on “explorative” data in the preceding PLIANT phase II trial, which did not mirror the expected incidence of unwanted toxicity in placebo patients. In POLAR A and M, the assessment of PledOx efficacy was conducted in patients that received at least six cycles of FOLFOX6, enabling analyses of efficacy in 239 A and 88 M patients. Instead of a hypothesized improvement from 40% to 20% incidence of persistent CIPN in the PledOx group, i.e., a 50% improvement, the real outcome was the opposite, i.e., an about 50% worsening in this bothersome toxicity. Mechanisms that may explain the disastrous outcome, with a statistically significant number of patients being seriously injured after having received PledOx, indicate interactions between two redox active metal cations, Pt2+ (oxaliplatin) and Mn2+ (PledOx). A far from surprising causal relationship that escaped prior detection by the study group and the sponsor. Most importantly, recently published data (ref 1) unequivocally indicate that the PLIANT study was not suited to base clinical phase III studies on. In conclusion, the POLAR and PLIANT trials show that PledOx and related manganese-containing compounds are unsuited for co-treatment with platinum-containing compounds. For use as a therapeutic adjunct in rescue treatment, like in ischemia-reperfusion of the heart or other organs, or in acetaminophen (paracetamol)-associated liver failure, there is little or nothing speaking against the use of PledOx or other PLED compounds. However, this must be thoroughly documented in more carefully designed clinical trials.