bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leveraging a multidimensional linguistic analysis of constructed responses produced by college readers
Authors: Magliano Joseph P. , Flynn Lauren , Feller Daniel P. , McCarthy Kathryn S. , McNamara Danielle S. , Allen Laura
Published: August 2022

The goal of this study was to assess the relationships between computational approaches to analyzing constructed responses made during reading and individual differences in the foundational skills of reading in college readers. We also explored if these relationships were consistent across texts and samples collected at different institutions and texts. The study made use of archival data that involved college participants who produced typed constructed responses under thinking aloud instructions reading history and science texts. They also took assessments of vocabulary knowledge and proficiency in comprehension. The protocols were analyzed to assess two different ways to determine their cohesion. One approach involved assessing how readers established connections with themselves (i.e., to other constructed responses they produced). The other approach involved assessing connections between the constructed responses and the texts that were read. Additionally, the comparisons were made by assessing both lexical (i.e., word matching) and semantic (i.e., high dimensional semantic spaces) comparisons. The result showed that both approaches for analyzing cohesion and making the comparisons were correlated with vocabulary knowledge and comprehension proficiency. The implications of the results for theory and practice are discussed.
Provider-recipient perspectives on how social support and social identities influence adaptation to psychological stress in sport
Authors: Hartley Chris , Coffee Pete , Abhyankar Purva
Published: August 2022

Psychological stress can be both a help and a hindrance to wellbeing and performance in sport. The provision and receipt of social support is a key resource for managing adaptations to stress. However, extant literature in this area is largely limited to the recipient’s perspective of social support. Furthermore, social support is not always effective, with evidence suggesting it can contribute to positive, negative, and indifferent adaptations to stress. As such, we do not know how social support influences adaptations to stress in sport. The social identity approach may explain how social support can lead to both positive and negative adaptations to stress. Our purpose in this study was to explore how social support and social identities influence adaptations to stress in a Rugby Academy Programme. Using qualitative methods within a naturalistic research paradigm, semi-structured interviews were conducted with Rugby Academy co-ordinators (n = 6) and players (n = 12), and four focus groups were conducted with teams of support staff (n = 18). Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis, which generated seven sub-themes categorized into two higher-order analytical themes. Our results demonstrate that group-based perceptions of social support influence adaptations to stress. Specifically, whether social support influences positive, negative, or indifferent adaptations to stress depended on (1) social factors influencing the nature of social support, and (2) social factors influencing the provision and receipt of social support. These findings advance our understanding of how adaptations to stress are influenced by social support. Implications are offered for how organizations, teams, and practitioners can facilitate positive adaptations to stress in sport.
Understanding the serial mediating effects of career adaptability and career decision-making self-efficacy between parental autonomy support and academic engagement in Chinese secondary vocational students
Authors: Jiang Ruyi , Fan Ruomeng , Zhang Yue , Li Yunxing
Published: August 2022

This study investigated new avenues for understanding the association between parental autonomy support and academic engagement among Chinese secondary vocational students based on Self-Determination Theory and Career Construction Theory. We highlighted the mediator role of career adaptability and career decision-making self-efficacy in the relationship between parental autonomy support and academic engagement. Using self-reported data from 1,930 secondary vocational students in a city in Central China, we performed correlation analysis and mediation analysis by using SPSS and Mplus. The results revealed that parental autonomy support was positively associated with students’ academic engagement. Moreover, as an adaptability resource and adapting response, career adaptability and career decision-making self-efficacy played mediating roles between parental autonomy support and academic engagement. These findings offered crucial empirical evidence for understanding the association between parental support and academic engagement among Chinese secondary vocational students. Meanwhile, it also validated the application of Career Construction Theory in a sample of secondary vocational students in China and provided constructive insights for implementing diverse support measures to boost their academic and career development.
Digital finance and Chinese corporate labor investment efficiency: The perspective of financing constraints and human capital structure
Authors: Yang Jing , Jiang Yalin , Chen Hongan , Gan Shengdao
Published: August 2022

As the aging population problem intensifies, many emerging economies are caught in labor shortage and rising labor costs, thus improving the corporate labor investment efficiency (LIE) is crucial for these countries. In this context, we take China as an example to explore the influence of the current booming digital finance (DF) on corporate LIE. This paper, which enriches the existing literature, is one of the few studies that explores the link between macroeconomic policies and firms’ LIE. Our research adopts the baseline methodology of ordinary least squares (OLS) regression, and the data comprise 23,503 observations for Chinese A-share listed businesses from 2011 to 2020. In addition, we use fixed effects regression, instrumental variables method and substitution of independent variables to deal with endogeneity and test the robustness. The outcomes suggest that DF may significantly increase corporate LIE. Further results from the path mechanism study suggest that DF could alleviate financing constraints and optimize human capital structure, both of which have a favorable effect on the LIE. Last but not least, the heterogeneity results imply that DF can more effectively encourage LIE of firms in economically underdeveloped regions and of private nature. The study recommends that emerging economies should pay attention to strengthening regulation to avoid financial risks while vigorously promoting DF. In addition, enhancing the level of human capital and optimizing human capital allocation are also essential.
A network analysis of social problem-solving and anxiety/depression in adolescents
Authors: Ruan Qian-Nan , Chen Ce , Jiang De-Guo , Yan Wen-Jing , Lin Zhang
Published: August 2022

Social problem-solving (SPS) involves the cognitive-behavioral processes through which an individual identifies and copes with everyday problems; it is considered to contribute to anxiety and depression. The Social Problem-Solving Inventory Revised is a popular tool measuring SPS problem orientations and problem-solving styles. Only a negative problem orientation (NPO) is considered strongly related to anxiety and depression. In the present study, we investigated the detailed connections among the five components of SPS and 14 anxiety-depression symptoms and specified the role of NPO and other components in the anxiety-depression network. We employed network analysis, constructed circular and multi-dimensional scaling (MDS) networks, and calculated the network centrality, bridge centrality, and stability of centrality indices. The results were as follows: (1) the MDS network showed a clustering of anxiety and depression symptoms, with NPO and avoidance style components from SPS being close to the anxiety-depression network (demonstrated by large bridge betweenness and bridge closeness); (2) the NPO and positive problem orientation from SPS were most influential on the whole network, though with an opposite effect; (3) strength was the most stable index [correlation stability (CS) coefficient = 0.516] among the centrality indices with case-dropping bootstraps. We also discussed this network from various perspectives and commented on the clinical implications and limitations of this study.
The decreased connectivity in middle temporal gyrus can be used as a potential neuroimaging biomarker for left temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Wu Jinlong , Wu Jun , Guo Ruimin , Chu Linkang , Li Jun , Zhang Sheng , Ren Hongwei
Published: August 2022

Objective

We aimed to explore voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) abnormalities between the two brain hemispheres in left temporal lobe epilepsy (lTLE) patients and to determine whether these alterations could be leveraged to guide lTLE diagnosis.

Materials and methods

Fifty-eight lTLE patients and sixty healthy controls (HCs) matched in age, sex, and education level were recruited to receive resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scan. Then VHMC analyses of bilateral brain regions were conducted based on the results of these rs-fMRI scans. The resultant imaging data were further analyzed using support vector machine (SVM) methods.

Results

Compared to HCs, patients with lTLE exhibited decreased VMHC values in the bilateral middle temporal gyrus (MTG) and middle cingulum gyrus (MCG), while no brain regions in these patients exhibited increased VMHC values. SVM analyses revealed the diagnostic accuracy of reduced bilateral MTG VMHC values to be 75.42% (89/118) when differentiating between lTLE patients and HCs, with respective sensitivity and specificity values of 74.14% (43/58) and 76.67% (46/60).

Conclusion

Patients with lTLE exhibit abnormal VMHC values corresponding to the impairment of functional coordination between homotopic regions of the brain. These altered MTG VMHC values may also offer value as a robust neuroimaging biomarker that can guide lTLE patient diagnosis.
The coronavirus pandemic: Psychosocial burden, risk-perception, and attitudes in the Austrian population and its relation to media consumption
Authors: Schabus Manuel , Eigl Esther-Sevil , Widauer Sebastian Stefan
Published: August 2022

Objective:

The aim was to assess the psychosocial burden, risk-perception and attitudes regarding the coronavirus pandemic among the Austrian population after the second infection wave in Austria.

Methods

A self-designed questionnaire was available online from 17th January to 19th February 2021. Knowledge, attitudes, fears, and psychosocial burdens were collected in a comprehensive convenience sample of 3,848 adults from the Austrian general population.

Results

67.2% reported their greatest fear was that a close relative could be infected; the fear of dying from COVID-19 oneself, however, was mentioned least frequently (15.2%). Isolation from family and friends (78%), homeschooling for parents (68.4%), and economic consequences (67.7%) were perceived as most stressful factors during the pandemic. Personal risk for COVID-19-associated (ICU) hospitalization was overestimated 3- to 97-fold depending on age group. Depending on the media mainly consumed, the sample could be divided into two subsamples whose estimates were remarkably opposite to each other, with regular public media users overestimating hospitalization risk substantially more.

Conclusion

The results show a high degree of psychosocial burden in the Austrian population and emphasize the need for more objective risk communication in order to counteract individually perceived risk and consequently anxiety. Altogether data call for a stronger focus and immediate action for supporting mental well-being and general health in the aftermath of the coronavirus pandemic.
Managing the introduction of genomic applications into the National Health Service: A special challenge for health technology assessment in Italy
Authors: Pitini Erica , Migliara Giuseppe , Baccolini Valentina , Isonne Claudia , Mazzalai Elena , Turatto Federica , Salerno Carla , Pagano Federica , Menzano Maria Teresa , De Vito Corrado , Marzuillo Carolina , Villari Paolo
Published: August 2022

In recent years, the rapid proliferation of genomic tests for use in clinical practice has prompted healthcare systems to use a health technology assessment (HTA) approach to distinguish valuable from unwarranted applications. In this study, we narratively review the Italian HTA mechanisms for medical devices (MDs), both at the national and regional levels, and discuss the opportunity and benefits of extending them to genomic technologies, for which a dedicated assessment path was advocated by the National Plan for Public Health Genomics in 2017. We found that the National Health Technology Assessment Program for MDs, completed in 2019, had developed a structured pathway for the HTA of MDs; it established a hub-and-spoke structure, run by a governmental institution, and put in place transparent methodological procedures to cover all four HTA phases (i.e., proposal and prioritization, assessment, appraisal, and dissemination). However, several factors have hindered its adoption, and the regions are at different stages of its implementation. For these reasons, efforts should be made to ensure its effective deployment, both at national and regional levels. In addition, we argue that to harmonize the institutional roles and methodological procedures adopted, the time has come to concentrate resources on a single pathway for the assessment of all technologies that include both MDs and genomic applications.
Lifetime adverse pregnancy outcomes and associated factors among antenatal care booked women in Central Gondar zone and Gondar city administration, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Muluneh Atalay Goshu , Asratie Melaku Hunie , Gebremariam Tesfamichael , Adu Aynalem , Enyew Mihretu Molla , Cherkos Endeshaw Admasu , Melkamu Senetsehuf , Berta Martha , Mamo Worku , Kassahun Dawit , Tsega Nuhamin Tesfa , Kebede Azmeraw Ambachew , Asmamaw Desale Bihonegn , Kassa Getahun Molla , Mihret Muhabaw Shumye
Published: August 2022

Background

In developing countries, adverse pregnancy outcomes are major public health issues. It is one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite the fact that ending prenatal mortality and morbidity is one of the third Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), the burden of the problem continues to be a huge concern in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Hence, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of lifetime adverse pregnancy outcomes among antenatal care (ANC) booked women in Northwest Ethiopia.

Methods

An institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted in Northwest Ethiopia, between March 2021 and June 2021. A multi-stage stratified random sampling technique was employed to recruit participants. An interviewer-administered and checklist questionnaire were used to collect the data. The data were entered into Epi-data version 4.6 software and exported to Stata version 16 for analysis. The binary logistic regression model was fitted to identify an association between associated factors and the outcome variable. Variables with a p-value of < 0.05 in the multivariable logistic regression model were declared as statistically significant.

Results

In this study, the lifetime prevalence of adverse pregnancy outcome among study participants was 14.53% (95%CI: 11.61, 18.04). Road access to the health facilities (AOR = 2.62; 95% CI: 1.14, 6.02) and husband-supported pregnancy (AOR = 2.63; 95 CI: 1.46, 4.72) were significantly associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Conclusions

More than one in 10 reproductive age women had adverse pregnancy outcome throughout their life. Road access to health facilities and husband-supported pregnancy were statistically significant factors for adverse events in pregnancy. Therefore, it is better to give more attention to expanding infrastructure like road accessibility and increasing husband-supported pregnancy to reduce adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Hydrogeochemical assessment of groundwater quality for drinking and irrigation in Biswanath and Sonitpur district of the Central Brahmaputra Plain, India
Authors: Goswami Ritusmita , Neog Nikita , Thakur Ritu
Published: August 2022

In recent times, the contamination of groundwater in the north-eastern states of India has become a reason for concern. The lack of appropriate irrigation water management hinders the practice of sustainable agriculture. Hence, it is vital to understand the groundwater quality for the proper planning and management of groundwater resources to ascertain its use for drinking and irrigation purposes. This study was conducted in the districts of Biswanath Chariali and Sonitpur, Assam, India, to evaluate the groundwater quality and its suitability for irrigation and drinking purpose. Fifty-six water samples were collected from various sources across the two districts and analyzed for general physicochemical parameters and heavy metals namely arsenic (As) and iron (Fe). Groundwater suitability was evaluated by comparing the results of the physicochemical analysis with Indian Standards, and the results revealed the mean concentrations of the cations were observed in the order Na+>Ca2+>Mg2+>K+whereas the anions in the order ofHCO3->Cl−>SO42->PO43-. Furthermore, several parameters were considered for assessing the groundwater suitability for irrigation namely sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), sodium percentage (Na%), magnesium adsorption ratio (MAR), permeability index (PI), and Kelly's index (KI). All parameters suggested the water to be suitable for irrigation except for MAR values which implied unsuitability. Moreover, high Fe and As were detected with 95 and 25% of the total, respectively, exceeding the WHO permissible limit for drinking water. The highest concentration of As (0.08 mgL−1) was observed in Tewaripal, Biswanath Chariali, and Fe (32.20 mgL−1) in Gereki, Biswanath Chariali. Gibbs plot discerned the aquifers' underlying hydrogeochemical processes such as silicate, carbonate, ion exchange, and reverse ion exchange processes predominated the region. A significant positive correlation was observed between As andPO43-which may indicate a common source of origin for both and maybe pinpoint the contribution of anthropogenic activities toward As enrichment. Overall, the study revealed that although the groundwater is apt for irrigation in regard to SAR, Na%, MAR, PI, and KI, however, As and Fe concentrations suggest otherwise. The outcome of the study may be helpful to the farmers, and policymakers in planning and management of the groundwater resources.
European Guideline for the Management of Kidney Transplant Patients With HLA Antibodies: By the European Society for Organ Transplantation Working Group
Authors: Mamode Nizam , Bestard Oriol , Claas Frans , Furian Lucrezia , Griffin Siân , Legendre Christophe , Pengel Liset , Naesens Maarten
Published: August 2022

This guideline, from a European Society of Organ Transplantation (ESOT) working group, concerns the management of kidney transplant patients with HLA antibodies. Sensitization should be defined using a virtual parameter such as calculated Reaction Frequency (cRF), which assesses HLA antibodies derived from the actual organ donor population. Highly sensitized patients should be prioritized in kidney allocation schemes and linking allocation schemes may increase opportunities. The use of the ENGAGE 5((Bestard et al., Transpl Int, 2021, 34: 1005–1018) system and online calculators for assessing risk is recommended. The Eurotransplant Acceptable Mismatch program should be extended. If strategies for finding a compatible kidney are very unlikely to yield a transplant, desensitization may be considered and should be performed with plasma exchange or immunoadsorption, supplemented with IViG and/or anti-CD20 antibody. Newer therapies, such as imlifidase, may offer alternatives. Few studies compare HLA incompatible transplantation with remaining on the waiting list, and comparisons of morbidity or quality of life do not exist. Kidney paired exchange programs (KEP) should be more widely used and should include unspecified and deceased donors, as well as compatible living donor pairs. The use of a KEP is preferred to desensitization, but highly sensitized patients should not be left on a KEP list indefinitely if the option of a direct incompatible transplant exists.
Geometric and Thermo-Gravimetric Evaluation of Bananas during Convective Drying: An Experimental Investigation
Authors: Farias Raimundo P. , Gomez Ricardo S. , Lima Elisiane S. , Silva Wilton P. , Santos Ivonete B. , Figueredo Maria J. , Almeida Genival S. , Rolim Fagno D. , Oliveira Vital A. B. , Oliveira Neto Guilherme L. , Lima Antonio G. B.
Published: August 2022

Fresh bananas are fruits with high moisture content after harvest and are submitted to a drying process to minimize waste and increase shelf life. This work aims to experimentally study the convective drying of bananas in an oven with hot-air recirculation, evaluating the geometric shape during moisture removal and product heating. Hand-peeled whole-banana samples, cut into longitudinal and transversal slices were dried at temperatures of 40 and 70 °C. Results of drying kinetics, heating and dimensional variations in terms of surface area and volume are presented and analyzed. It was found that cut bananas dry, heat up and change their dimensions faster than bananas in their natural form and that the area/volume relationships and the air temperature influence the drying kinetics, heating and volumetric variations of the fruit.
Cropland Expansion Mitigates the Supply and Demand Deficit for Carbon Sequestration Service under Different Scenarios in the Future—The Case of Xinjiang
Authors: Shi Mingjie , Wu Hongqi , Jiang Pingan , Shi Wenjiao , Zhang Mo , Zhang Lina , Zhang Haoyu , Fan Xin , Liu Zhuo , Zheng Kai , Dong Tong , Baqa Muhammad Fahad
Published: August 2022

China’s double carbon initiative faces huge challenges, and understanding the carbon sequestration service of terrestrial ecosystems under future interannual regional land use change is important to respond to China’s carbon policy effectively. Previous studies have recognized the important impact of land use/land cover (LULC) planning on carbon sequestration in terrestrial ecosystem services (ESs). However, exploring trends in carbon sequestration under sustainable development scenarios that combine economic and ecological development, particularly the mechanisms that balance the supply and demand of carbon sequestration, still requires in-depth exploration in different geographical contexts. In this study, we present the LULC simulation framework from 2000 to 2030 for four different development scenarios in the Xinjiang region, located in an important Belt and Road region, including business as usual (BAU), rapid economic development (RED), ecological land protection (ELP), and sustainable development with both economic and ecological development (SD). Our results suggest that both the supply and demand of carbon stock in Xinjiang will increase in 2025 and 2030, with the demand exceeding the supply. However, our scenario planning mitigates the supply and demand deficit situation for carbon sequestration in the context of future cropland expansion in different scenarios. In summary, our study’s findings will enrich the study of carbon sequestration under future scenarios in the Belt and Road region. Xinjiang should pay more attention to the dynamic changes in landscape type structure and its carbon storage supply and demand caused by cultivated land expansion. Among the four scenarios, the spatial difference between carbon storage supply and demand based on the SD scenario is the smallest, which is more in line with the high-quality development of regional ecological security in Xinjiang.
Assessment of the Effects of Soil Fertilization with Spent Mushroom Substrate in the Context of Microbial Nitrogen Transformations and the Potential Risk of Exacerbating the Greenhouse Effect
Authors: Joniec Jolanta , Kwiatkowska Edyta , Kwiatkowski Cezary A.
Published: August 2022

The intensification of agriculture leads to worrying changes in agro-ecosystems. Research has been conducted to bridge the gap between the desire to maintain ecological balance and harmful interference with ecosystems. Spent mushroom substrate (SMS) can become the basis of a farming system that improves soil quality. The aim of the study was to assess the potential of SMS in improving the following soil quality indicators: abundance and activity of microorganisms, and to assess the impact of SMS and manure (M) on the increase in the greenhouse effect. The plots were fertilized with SMS, M, and SMS in combination with NPK mineral fertilization. The application of SMS had a varied but generally positive effect on the parameters studied, particularly on the number of proteolytic microorganisms, urease activity but also ammonification and nitrification. In contrast, inhibition of protease activity was observed. The stimulation of most of the indicators was recorded in the first and second years, followed by a weakening of their effect. M also positively influenced the tested parameters, especially nitrification, where this effect lasted longer than for SMS. This indicates that the application of manure contributes more to the formation of products from which denitrification can potentially generate greenhouse gases.
Genotype Variations in Water Use Efficiency Correspond with Photosynthetic Traits in Tempranillo Grapevine Clones
Authors: Tortosa Ignacio , Escalona José Mariano , Opazo Ismael , Douthe Cyril , Medrano Hipólito
Published: August 2022

Mediterranean viticulture is highly dependent on soil water availability. Moreover, global warming is likely to increase average temperatures and the frequency of heat waves, thus leading to greater water scarcity. To cope with this situation, much research focused on the selection of genotypes with higher water use efficiency (WUE). Several previous studies indicated that WUE varies between genotypes of the Tempranillo cultivar with some showing interesting improvement in the leaf WUE. Here, we assessed the associations between the leaf WUE and physiological parameters in six selected Tempranillo clones. The plants were cultivated in pots and two water conditions were applied sequentially: a well-watered period followed by a moderate water stress and recovery phase. Growth parameters and intrinsic WUE were monitored during both periods. Pressure–volume and AN/Ci curves were measured after the plants were re-watered. At the end of the season, biomass accumulation and total irrigation water were used to calculate whole plant WUE (WUEWP). AN/Ci curves revealed significant differences in several photosynthetic parameters, including mesophyll conductance (gm), maximum velocity of carboxylation (Vcmax) and leaf respiration (R). Clones RJ51 and 1048 both exhibited high WUE, but presented distinct physiological traits: RJ51 had the highest gm, while genotype 1048, had the lowest R. This study confirms that physiological traits generally explain the intracultivar diversity in WUE observed in previous studies.
Study of the Potential for Agricultural Reuse of Urban Wastewater with Membrane Bioreactor Technology in the Circular Economy Framework
Authors: Antiñolo Bermúdez Laura , Leyva Díaz Juan Carlos , Martín Pascual Jaime , Muñío Martínez María del Mar , Poyatos Capilla José Manuel
Published: August 2022

The growing demand for water by the population and industry, as well as water scarcity due to climate change, has created a need to reuse treated water for agricultural purposes. In this context, the European Union, through its Regulation (EU) 2020/741, establishes minimum requirements for wastewater reuse, specifying that reuse for agricultural purposes can help to promote the circular economy and reduce the need for fertiliser use by setting high-quality standards. The aim of this article is to study whether the treated water from a pilot plant with membrane bioreactor technology operating with real urban wastewater from the city of Granada (Spain) satisfies the quality standards required for its reuse for agricultural purposes, as well as assessing the use of other resources produced during wastewater treatment, such as biogas and biostabilised sludge. This plant works in four cycles of operation at two different hydraulic retention times (6 and 12 h) and different concentrations of mixed liquor (2429–6696 mg/L). The pilot plant consists of a membrane bioreactor where there are four ultrafiltration membranes working in continuous operation and a sludge treatment line working in discontinuous mode. Subsequently, a tertiary treatment of advanced oxidation process was applied to the treated water for a time of 30 min, with different concentrations of oxidant. The results showed that the effluent has sufficient quality to be used in agriculture, complying with the characteristics established in the European legislation. Furthermore, the biostabilised sludge and biogas can be potentially reusable.
TMT-Based Quantitative Proteomic Analysis Reveals the Response of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) Seedlings to Ebb-and-Flow Subirrigation
Authors: Wang Kelei , Ali Muhammad Moaaz , Guo Tianxin , Su Shiwen , Chen Xianzhi , Xu Jian , Chen Faxing
Published: August 2022

Ebb-and-flow subirrigation (EFI) is a water-saving and environmentally friendly irrigation method that can effectively improve water use efficiency and promote plant growth. In this study, we elucidated the effects of ebb-and-flow subirrigation on the protein levels in tomato roots in comparison with top sprinkle irrigation (TSI) and used an integrated approach involving tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) fractionation, and mass-spectrometry (MS)-based analysis. A total of 8510 quantifiable proteins and 513 differentially accumulated proteins (DAPs) were identified, of which the expressions of 283 DAPs were up-regulated, and 230 DAPs were down-regulated in the EFI vs. TSI treatment comparison. According to proteomic data, we performed a systematic bioinformatics analysis of all the identified proteins and DAPs. The DAPs were most significantly associated with the terms ‘metabolic process’, ‘anchored component of membrane’, ‘oxidoreductase activity’, ‘phenylpropanoid biosynthesis’, and ‘biosynthesis of secondary metabolites’ according to Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment (KEGG) analysis. The 272 DAPs were classified into 12 subcellular components according to their subcellular localization. Furthermore, the activities of SOD, POD, CAT, GR, and APX in tomato roots were remarkably increased under EFI, while the MDA content was decreased compared with TSI. Correlation analysis among activities of enzymes and their related DAPs showed that 30 DAPs might be responsible for the regulation of these enzymes. The results showed that ebb-and-flow subirrigation could induce a series of DAPs responses in tomato roots to be adapted to the new mode of water supply.
Mulching as a Sustainable Water and Soil Saving Practice in Agriculture: A Review
Authors: El-Beltagi Hossam S. , Basit Abdul , Mohamed Heba I. , Ali Iftikhar , Ullah Sana , Kamel Ehab A. R. , Shalaby Tarek A. , Ramadan Khaled M. A. , Alkhateeb Abdulmalik A. , Ghazzawy Hesham S.
Published: August 2022

This research was carried out in order to demonstrate that mulching the ground helps to conserve water, because agricultural sustainability in dryland contexts is threatened by drought, heat stress, and the injudicious use of scarce water during the cropping season by minimizing surface evaporation. Improving soil moisture conservation is an ongoing priority in crop outputs where water resources are restricted and controlled. One of the reasons for the desire to use less water in agriculture is the rising demand brought on by the world’s growing population. In this study, the use of organic or biodegradable mulches was dominated by organic materials, while inorganic mulches are mostly comprised of plastic-based components. Plastic film, crop straw, gravel, volcanic ash, rock pieces, sand, concrete, paper pellets, and livestock manures are among the materials put on the soil surface. Mulching has several essential applications, including reducing soil water loss and soil erosion, enriching soil fauna, and improving soil properties and nutrient cycling in the soil. It also reduces the pH of the soil, which improves nutrient availability. Mulching reduces soil deterioration by limiting runoff and soil loss, and it increases soil water availability by reducing evaporation, managing soil temperature, or reducing crop irrigation requirements. This review paper extensively discusses the benefits of organic or synthetic mulches for crop production, as well as the uses of mulching in soil and water conservation. As a result, it is very important for farmers to choose mulching rather than synthetic applications.
Supplementation of Boswellia serrata and Salix alba Extracts during the Early Laying Phase: Effects on Serum and Albumen Proteins, Trace Elements, and Yolk Cholesterol
Authors: Andreani Giulia , Dalmonte Thomas , Guerrini Alessandro , Lupini Caterina , Fabbri Micaela , Ferlizza Enea , Isani Gloria
Published: August 2022

Extracts from Boswellia serrata (Bs) and Salix alba (Sa) are used as supplements in poultry feed. The aims of this research were to study the possible effects of dietary supplementation with Bs and Sa extracts on serum and albumen proteins, zinc and iron, and yolk cholesterol content in Leghorn hens during the critical phase of the onset of laying. A total of 120 pullets, 17 weeks of age, were assigned to two groups (control (C) and treated (T), n = 60 each). The T group received a supplement containing Bs (5%) and Sa (5%) for 12 weeks. The study lasted 19 weeks. Serum proteins were fractionated using agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) and SDS–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS–PAGE). Trace elements were determined in serum using atomic absorption spectrometry, and yolk cholesterol was determined using a colorimetric test. No significant differences were observed between control and supplemented hens for the analyzed biochemical indices. Moreover, the supplementation with phytoextracts did not negatively affect the physiological variations in serum proteins; therefore, it can be safely used as a treatment to prevent inflammatory states at onset and during the early laying phase.
Arginine Enhances Ovarian Antioxidant Capability via Nrf2/Keap1 Pathway during the Luteal Phase in Ewes
Authors: Ma Yan , Guo Zhiyi , Wu Qiujue , Cheng Binyao , Zhai Zhenhan , Wang Yuqin
Published: August 2022

This study evaluated the effect of arginine (Arg) on ovarian antioxidant capability during the luteal phase in ewes. A total of 108 multiparous Hu sheep at two years of age were randomly allocated to three groups: a control group (CG), a restriction group (RG), and an Arg group (AG), with six replicates per group and six ewes per replicate. Our results showed that the end body weight was significantly decreased in the RG group (p < 0.05), while the Arg addition reversed this reduction. The estrous cycle days were significantly increased in the RG group (p < 0.05), while Arg addition reversed this time extension. Compared with the control group, restricting feeding could significantly enhance the number of small follicles (SF), total follicles (TF), large corpora lutea, and the SF/TF (p < 0.05), while Arg addition reduced the number of SF and TF. However, the large follicles/TF were significantly decreased (p < 0.05), while Arg addition reversed this reduction. In addition, nutrition restriction significantly increased the malondialdehyde (MDA) level (p < 0.05), while significantly decreased the glutathione/glutathione disulfide and the activities of superoxidative dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in the ovaries (p < 0.05). However, Arg addition reversed this enhancement of the MDA level and the reductions in these antioxidant enzymes activities. In addition, positive relationships occurred between antioxidant enzyme activities and the enzyme mRNA expressions. Meanwhile, the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) mRNA expression was positively connected with antioxidant mRNA expressions and negatively related to the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) mRNA expression. The Nrf2 protein expression was negatively related to the Keap1 protein expression. In conclusion, nutrition restriction reduced the ovarian antioxidant capability in ewes, while this was significantly improved by Arg supplementation, which was associated with the Nrf2/Keap1 pathway.
Introducing the Software CASE (Cluster and Analyze Sound Events) by Comparing Different Clustering Methods and Audio Transformation Techniques Using Animal Vocalizations
Authors: Schneider Sebastian , Hammerschmidt Kurt , Dierkes Paul Wilhelm
Published: August 2022

Unsupervised clustering algorithms are widely used in ecology and conservation to classify animal sounds, but also offer several advantages in basic bioacoustics research. Consequently, it is important to overcome the existing challenges. A common practice is extracting the acoustic features of vocalizations one-dimensionally, only extracting an average value for a given feature for the entire vocalization. With frequency-modulated vocalizations, whose acoustic features can change over time, this can lead to insufficient characterization. Whether the necessary parameters have been set correctly and the obtained clustering result reliably classifies the vocalizations subsequently often remains unclear. The presented software, CASE, is intended to overcome these challenges. Established and new unsupervised clustering methods (community detection, affinity propagation, HDBSCAN, and fuzzy clustering) are tested in combination with various classifiers (k-nearest neighbor, dynamic time-warping, and cross-correlation) using differently transformed animal vocalizations. These methods are compared with predefined clusters to determine their strengths and weaknesses. In addition, a multidimensional data transformation procedure is presented that better represents the course of multiple acoustic features. The results suggest that, especially with frequency-modulated vocalizations, clustering is more applicable with multidimensional feature extraction compared with one-dimensional feature extraction. The characterization and clustering of vocalizations in multidimensional space offer great potential for future bioacoustic studies. The software CASE includes the developed method of multidimensional feature extraction, as well as all used clustering methods. It allows quickly applying several clustering algorithms to one data set to compare their results and to verify their reliability based on their consistency. Moreover, the software CASE determines the optimal values of most of the necessary parameters automatically. To take advantage of these benefits, the software CASE is provided for free download.
Detection of Porcine Circovirus 1/2/3 and Genetic Analysis of Porcine Circovirus 2 in Wild Boar from Jiangxi Province of China
Authors: Hu Xifeng , Chen Zheng , Li Yu , Ding Zhen , Zeng Qinghua , Wan Tong , Wu Huansheng
Published: August 2022

A number of disorders that harm pig production are linked to porcine circoviruses, including PCV2. PCV2 infection is a substantial contributor to porcine-circovirus-associated illnesses (PCAS) and the post-weaning multi-systemic wasting syndrome (PMWS), which have a significant negative economic impact on pig production. Additionally, PCV infection has been labeled as a global concern to cattle and wildlife. This study’s objectives were to examine the prevalence of PCV1/2/3 in Jiangxi Province, China, and to clarify the epidemiological significance of wild boar in PCV epidemiology. The 2020 hunting seasons resulted in the collection of 138 wild boar samples for PCV1/2/3 detection, which was followed by the genetic clarification of PCV2 strains. According to our data, 21.7% (30/138) of the population had PCV1 positivity, 22.5% (31/138) had PCV2 positivity, and 5.8% (8/138) had PCV3 positivity. Additionally, 10 out of 138 wild boar samples had PCV1 and PCV2 co-infections, while 5 out of 138 wild boar samples had PCV2 and PC3 co-infections. Nineteen full-length PCV2 genomes measuring 1767 nt were recovered from various animal tissues using conventional PCR. Eighteen out of nineteen PCV2 strains were identified as PCV2b by phylogenetic tree analysis, which was completed by the reference strain HLJ2015 obtained from domestic pigs in 2015. Additionally, one genotype of PCV2d JX11-2020 (MW889021) shared a sub-branch with the referenced strain TJ (AY181946), which was isolated in domestic pigs in 2002. This finding raises the possibility that domestic pigs could contract PCV2 strains from wild boar, posing a serious threat to the Jiangxi province of China’s pig production industry.
Could Weaning Remodel the Oral Microbiota Composition in Donkeys? An Exploratory Study
Authors: Zhang Zhenwei , Huang Bingjian , Wang Yonghui , Zhu Mingxia , Wang Changfa
Published: August 2022

As the initiation point of digestion, the oral microbiome is important in maintaining oral and systemic health. However, the composition of oral microbial communities and the influence of weaning on the oral microbiota of donkey foals remains poorly characterized. The present study used buccal swab samples to determine the changes in oral microbial communities occurring at the time of weaning. A total of 20 oral swab samples were collected from two groups: preweaning donkey foals (PreW group, n = 10) and postweaning donkey foals (PostW group, n = 10). The donkey oral microbiome was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing using Illumina MiSeq. This study is the first report of the donkey oral microbiome in association with weaning. Compared to the preweaning donkeys, the oral bacteria diversity in the postweaning donkeys was increased, with a higher Simpson index. Changes in the composition of the oral microbiota between the PreW and PostW groups were observed in the present study. At the phylum level, the relative abundance of Firmicutes and Myxococcota was significantly greater in the PostW than in the PreW group. At the genus level, the Gemella, unclassified_o__Lactobacillales, and Lactobacillus were increased in the postweaning donkeys. The donkeys’ oral microbial functions were predicted using PICRUSt, and the functions related to carbohydrate metabolic pathways were significantly enriched in the oral microbiome in the PostW donkeys. In summary, the current study provides a deeper insight into the oral microbiota changes during the weaning period, and the influence of weaning together with the documented changes in diversity and composition will help us to obtain a better understanding of their long-term health impact within the oral cavities of donkey foals. However, a major limitation of the present study was that the samples were obtained from different animals in the PreW and PostW groups, which may have resulted in variability among the different individuals. Further investigation is needed to monitor the shift in oral microbes in the same individuals during the weaning period.
Peste des Petits Ruminants in Central and Eastern Asia/West Eurasia: Epidemiological Situation and Status of Control and Eradication Activities after the First Phase of the PPR Global Eradication Programme (2017–2021)
Authors: Legnardi Matteo , Raizman Eran , Beltran-Alcrudo Daniel , Cinardi Giuseppina , Robinson Timothy , Falzon Laura C. , Djomgang Hervé Kapnang , Okori Edward , Parida Satya , Njeumi Felix , Benfield Camilla T. O.
Published: August 2022

Peste des petits ruminants (PPR) is a highly contagious infectious disease of small ruminants caused by peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV). PPR poses a significant threat to sheep and goat systems in over 65 endemic countries across Africa, the Middle East and Asia. It is also responsible for devastating outbreaks in susceptible wildlife, threatening biodiversity. For these reasons, PPR is the target of the Global Eradication Programme (PPR GEP), launched in 2016, which is aimed at eradicating the disease by 2030. The end of the first five-year phase of the PPR GEP (2017–2021) provides an ideal opportunity to assess the status of the stepwise control and eradication process. This review analyses 13 countries belonging to Eastern Europe, Transcaucasia, and Central and East Asia. Substantial heterogeneity is apparent in terms of PPR presence and control strategies implemented by different countries. Within this region, one country is officially recognised as PPR-free, seven countries have never reported PPR, and two have had no outbreaks in the last five years. Therefore, there is real potential for countries in this region to move forward in a coordinated manner to secure official PPR freedom status and thus reap the trade and socioeconomic benefits of PPR eradication.
Immunohistochemical Distribution of Serotonin Transporter (SERT) in the Optic Lobe of the Honeybee, Apis mellifera
Authors: Bombardi Cristiano , Salamanca Giulia , Tagliavia Claudio , Grandis Annamaria , Mille Fanny , De Iorio Maria Grazia , Minozzi Giulietta
Published: August 2022

Visual information is processed in the optic lobes, which consist of three retinotopic neuropils. These are the lamina, the medulla and the lobula. Biogenic amines play a crucial role in the control of insect responsiveness, and serotonin is clearly related to aggressiveness in invertebrates. Previous studies suggest that serotonin modulates aggression-related behaviours, possibly via alterations in optic lobe activity. The aim of this investigation was to immunohistochemically localize the distribution of serotonin transporter (SERT) in the optic lobe of moderate, docile and aggressive worker honeybees. SERT-immunoreactive fibres showed a wide distribution in the lamina, medulla and lobula; interestingly, the highest percentage of SERT immunoreactivity was observed across all the visual neuropils of the docile group. Although future research is needed to determine the relationship between the distribution of serotonin fibres in the honeybee brain and aggressive behaviours, our immunohistochemical study provides an anatomical basis supporting the role of serotonin in aggressive behaviour in the honeybee.
Using Pregnancy-Associated Glycoproteins (PAGs) to Improve Reproductive Management: From Dairy Cows to Other Dairy Livestock
Authors: Barbato Olimpia , Menchetti Laura , Brecchia Gabriele , Barile Vittoria Lucia
Published: August 2022

Pregnancy success represents a major issue for the economic income of cattle breeders. Early detection of pregnant and non-pregnant animals, as well as the prediction of early pregnancy failure, can influence farm management decisions. Several diagnostic tools for pregnancy are currently available. Among these, pregnancy-associated glycoproteins (PAGs) have been shown to be useful for identifying the presence of vital embryos and for pregnancy follow-up monitoring. This review presents an overview of the PAGs’ functions, their pregnancy trends, and their use as a tool to improve reproductive management in bovine and other dairy livestock, such as small ruminants and buffalos.