bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benefits of Social Contact in Individuals With Psychotic Symptoms: Do Closeness of the Contact and Empathic Skills Make the Difference?
Authors: Krijnen Lisa J. G. , Lemmers-Jansen Imke L. J. , Fett Anne-Kathrin J. , Krabbendam Lydia
Published: December 2021

Objectives: Social contact is known to be beneficial for humans’ mental health. Individuals with psychotic symptoms (PS) tend to show poorer social and interpersonal functioning. However, in this patient population, social contact may be crucial for their mental wellbeing and treatment success. Additionally, closeness of social contact (familiar versus less familiar others), rather than only the presence or absence of social contacts, may play an important role. Empathy may heighten the beneficial effects of social/close contact on mental health, facilitating interactions. We investigated the association between social contact and closeness of contact on mental health, defined as positive symptoms, positive affect and negative affect in PS and control participants, with empathy as a moderator.

Methods: Participants were 16–30 years old. Information regarding social/close contact and mental health was obtained using the experience sampling method in individuals with PS (n = 29) and healthy controls (n = 28). Empathy was measured using a self-report questionnaire.

Results: Social contact was associated with higher positive affect in the total sample. Contact with close as opposed to less close others was related to better mental health: It was associated with lower positive symptoms in the PS group, and with more positive affect in the total sample. Empathy moderated the association between closeness of contact and positive affect in the total sample, in which the combination of higher levels of empathy combined with the presence of close contact was associated with higher positive affect in the total sample. However, the direct association between empathy and positive affect was not significant per group of contact.

Conclusion: The results suggest that social contact, but especially contact with a close other is important for mental health outcomes: Contact with close others is beneficial for positive affect in the total sample and for positive symptoms in individuals with PS.
Hooded Crows (Corvus cornix) May Be Aware of Their Own Body Size
Authors: Khvatov Ivan A. , Smirnova Anna A. , Samuleeva Maria V. , Ershov Evgeniy V. , Buinitskaya Svetlana D. , Kharitonov Alexander N.
Published: December 2021

Body-awareness is one of the manifestations of self-awareness, expressed in the ability of people and animals to represent their own body physical properties. Relatively little work has been devoted to this phenomenon in comparison with the studies of the ability of self-recognition in the mirror, and most studies have been conducted on mammals and human infants. Crows are known to be “clever” birds, so we investigated whether hooded crows (Corvus cornix) may be aware of their own body size. We set up an experimental design in which the crows had to pass through one of three openings to reach the bait. In the first experiment, we studied whether crows prefer a larger hole if all the three are suitable for passage, and what other predictors influence their choice. In the second experiment, we assessed the ability of the crows to select a single passable hole out of three on the first attempt, even though the area of the former was smaller than that of the other two. The results of the first experiment suggest that when choosing among three passable holes, crows prefer those holes that require less effort from them, e.g., they do not need to crouch or make other additional movements. In the second experiment, three of the five crows reliably more often chose a single passable hole on the first try, despite its smaller size. We believe that these results suggest that hooded crows may be aware of their own body size.
Toward a Theory of Emotions in Competitive Sports
Authors: Jekauc Darko , Fritsch Julian , Latinjak Alexander T.
Published: December 2021

In this article, we introduce a theory on the dynamic development of affective processes, affect regulation, and the relationship between emotions and sport performance. The theory focusses on how affective processes emerge and develop during competitive sport involvement. Based on Scherer’s component process model, we postulate six components of emotion that interact with each other in a circular fashion: (I) triggering processes, (II) physiological reactions, (III) action tendencies, (IV) expressive behaviors, (V) subjective experience, and (VI) higher cognitive processes. The theory stresses the dynamics of affective processes and describes the consequences for performance in competitive sports. It assumes that the peculiarities of different sports must be taken into account in order to understand the affective processes, and offers starting points on which strategies can be used to effectively regulate affective states. Consequences for research and practice are derived and discussed. To study the development of affective processes, future research should test the assumptions in ecologically valid contexts, such as real competitions or competition-like situations, using multi-component measures of emotions.
Bridging the Gap Between Science and Practice: Research Collaboration and the Perception of Research Findings
Authors: Mohajerzad Hadjar , Martin Andreas , Christ Johannes , Widany Sarah
Published: December 2021

Research collaboration promises a useful approach to bridging the gap between research and practice and thus promoting evidence-informed education. This study examines whether information on research collaboration can influence the reception of research knowledge. We assume that the composition of experts from the field and scientists in a research team sends out signals that influence trust in as well as the relevance and applicability of the finding. In a survey experiment with practitioners from the field of adult education the influence of different research team compositions around an identical finding is tested. The results show overall high trust, relevance and applicability ratings with regard to the finding, regardless of the composition of the research team. We discuss the potential importance of additional information about research collaborations for effective knowledge translation and point out the need for more empirical research.
The Effect of the Number and Identification of Recipients on Organ-Donation Decisions
Authors: Harel Inbal , Kogut Tehila
Published: December 2021

We examined how presentations of organ donation cases in the media may affect people’s decisions about organ donation issues. Specifically, we focused on the combined effect of the information about the number of recipients saved by the organs of one deceased person (one vs. four) and the identifiability of the donor and the recipient(s) in organ donation descriptions, on people’s willingness to donate the organs of a deceased relative. Results suggest that reading about more people who were saved by the organs of a deceased donor does not increase willingness to donate. Replicating earlier research, we found that reading about a case of organ donation involving an identified deceased donor, deceased willingness to donate. However, this effect was attenuated when participants read about more recipients who were saved by the donation. Importantly, the presentation that prompted the greatest willingness to donate a deceased relative’s organs was the one that featured an unidentified donor and only one identified recipient. Finally, an explorative investigation into participants’ subconscious thoughts of death following the organ donation story revealed that identifying a deceased organ donor prompts more thoughts of death in the perceiver (regardless of the number of recipients).
An Empirical Study on Drivers’ Willingness to Use Automatic Features of Intelligent Vehicles: A Psychological Empowerment Perspective
Authors: Li Ting , Gupta Sumeet , Zhou Hong
Published: December 2021

With the advancement in AI and related technologies, we are witnessing more remarkable use of intelligent vehicles. Intelligent vehicles use smart automatic features that make travel happier, safer, and efficient. However, not many studies examine their adoption or the influence of intelligent vehicles on user behavior. In this study, we specifically examine how intelligent vehicles’ sensing and acting abilities drive their adoption from the lens of psychological empowerment theory. We identify three dimensions of users’ perceived empowerment (perceived cognitive empowerment, perceived emotional empowerment, and perceived behavioral empowerment). Based on this theory, we argue that product features (sensing and acting in intelligent vehicles) empower users to use the product. Our proposed model is validated by an online survey of 312 car owners who are familiar with driving conditions, the results of this study reveal that driver’s perceived empowerment is vital for using automatic features of intelligent vehicles. Theoretically, this study combines the concept of empowerment with the intelligent-driving scenario and reasonably explains the mechanism of the intelligence of vehicles on users’ behavior intention.
Examining US Public Early Intervention for Toddlers With Autism: Characterizing Services and Readiness for Evidence-Based Practice Implementation
Authors: Aranbarri Aritz , Stahmer Aubyn C. , Talbott Meagan R. , Miller Marykate E. , Drahota Amy , Pellecchia Melanie , Barber Angela B. , Griffith Elizabeth McMahon , Morgan Elizabeth H. , Rogers Sally J.
Published: December 2021

As the rates of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) increase and early screening efforts intensify, more toddlers with high likelihood of ASD are entering the United States' (US') publicly funded early intervention system. Early intervention service delivery for toddlers with ASD varies greatly based on state resources and regulations. Research recommends beginning ASD-specific evidence-based practices (EBP), especially caregiver-implemented intervention, as early as possible to facilitate the development of social-communication skills and general learning. Translating EBP into practice has been challenging, especially in low-resourced areas. The main goal of this study was to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of public early intervention system structure, service delivery practices, and factors influencing EBP use for children with ASD in the US. Participants (N = 133) included 8 early intervention state coordinators in 7 states, 29 agency administrators in those states, 57 early intervention providers from those agencies, and 39 caregivers of children with ASD receiving services from those providers. Online surveys gathered stakeholder and caregiver perspectives on early intervention services as well as organizational factors related to EBP implementation climate and culture. Stakeholders identified key intervention needs for young children with ASD. In general, both agency administrators and direct providers reported feeling somewhat effective or very effective in addressing most needs of children with ASD. They reported the most difficulty addressing eating, sleeping, family stress, and stereotyped behaviors. Data indicate that children from families with higher income received significantly higher service intensity. While administrators and providers reported high rates of high-quality caregiver coaching (>60%), caregivers reported low rates (23%). Direct providers with more favorable attitudes toward EBP had greater EBP use. In turn, provider attitudes toward EBP were significantly associated with implementation leadership and culture at their agency. Results suggest that publicly funded early intervention programs in the US require additional resources and training for providers and leaders to support improved implementation climate and attitudes toward ASD EBPs. Results also suggest that more state system support is needed to increase use of ASD-specific EBP use, including high-quality caregiver coaching, to better serve toddlers with ASD. Recommendations for implementation strategies are addressed.
Rewiring of the Serotonin System in Major Depression
Authors: Vahid-Ansari Faranak , Albert Paul R.
Published: December 2021

Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter that is implicated in a wide variety of behavioral and cognitive phenotypes. Originating in the raphe nuclei, 5-HT neurons project widely to innervate many brain regions implicated in the functions. During the development of the brain, as serotonin axons project and innervate brain regions, there is evidence that 5-HT plays key roles in wiring the developing brain, both by modulating 5-HT innervation and by influencing synaptic organization within corticolimbic structures. These actions are mediated by 14 different 5-HT receptors, with region- and cell-specific patterns of expression. More recently, the role of the 5-HT system in synaptic re-organization during adulthood has been suggested. The 5-HT neurons have the unusual capacity to regrow and reinnervate brain regions following insults such as brain injury, chronic stress, or altered development that result in disconnection of the 5-HT system and often cause depression, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. Chronic treatment with antidepressants that amplify 5-HT action, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), appears to accelerate the rewiring of the 5-HT system by mechanisms that may be critical to the behavioral and cognitive improvements induced in these models. In this review, we survey the possible 5-HT receptor mechanisms that could mediate 5-HT rewiring and assess the evidence that 5-HT-mediated brain rewiring is impacting recovery from mental illness. By amplifying 5-HT-induced rewiring processes using SSRIs and selective 5-HT agonists, more rapid and effective treatments for injury-induced mental illness or cognitive impairment may be achieved.
Does Digital Literacy Empower Adolescent Girls in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Meherali Salima , Rahim Komal Abdul , Campbell Sandra , Lassi Zohra S.
Published: December 2021

Background: The vast majority (90%) of the world's adolescents aged 10–19 live in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs); and in those resource-limited settings, girls face distinct challenges across multiple health, social, and economic domains. Gender equality and girls' empowerment are key goals in their own right and are central to all other development goals. Digital literacy is a great enabler for the empowerment of young girls. This systematic review aims to assess the range and nature of digital literacy interventions implemented to empower adolescent girls in LMICs and identify evidence about adolescent girls' access and use of digital technologies in LMICs.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review of studies following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) standards for systematic reviews. Two reviewers selected studies, conducted quality assessments, and extracted data by using standard forms. The collected data include the design of the study, type of digital literacy intervention, target audience, intervention received, intervention reach, data analysis, and study outcomes. The review is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020216756).

Results: Thirty-five studies met the eligibility for inclusion and of those, 11 were experimental studies (randomized controlled trial = 6; quasi-experimental = 2; before-after with no control = 3), 11 were cross-sectional/descriptive studies, seven studies used a mixed-method approach, and six were qualitative studies on digital literacy interventions to empower young girls in LMICs. The majority of digital literacy interventions were designed and implemented to improve sexual and reproductive health rights and decision-making of adolescent girls in LMICs (n = 33). Only three papers reported the use of digital media for health-related information and decision making, while only one reported on educational and social empowerment.

Discussion: Our findings suggest that digital literacy interventions such as mobile phones, mobile health tools, media exposure, access to the internet, internet-based educational strategies, social media exposure are effective to empower adolescent girls to access health services and information and also enhance the access to educational resources. However, we found inconclusive evidence on the effectiveness of digital literacy to enhance girls' access to financial services and economic empowerment. More rigorous studies with long-term follow-ups to assess the effectiveness of such interventions to empower adolescent girls in LMICs are urgently needed.
How the Spouse's Retirement Affects the Cognitive Health of Individuals in China: A Fresh Evidence From the Perspective of Social Interaction
Authors: Xiong Xiaohan , Li Rui , Yang Hualei
Published: December 2021

Background: With the rapid aging of global population, the health consequences of retirement reform are debated greatly. However, most previous studies are limited to the effects on individual themselves, and pay scant attention to the social interaction between individuals and their spouse which may induce the social multiplier effect of retirement. Driven by the practical and academic motives, this study investigates the impacts of the spouse's retirement on the individual's cognitive health among Chinese dual-earner couples.

Methods: We first build a simultaneous-equations model. Then, using the data from the 2010 to 2018 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), we choose the fixed-effects model and adopt the fuzzy regression discontinuity design method to analyze. Besides, we check the validity and robustness of the results. Finally, we employ the mediating effect model to explore the mechanisms.

Results and Conclusions: The spouse's retirement has significantly negative direct and indirect effect on individual cognitive health. Husbands' retirement has a stronger adverse spillover effect than wives' retirement, and wives' cognitive health is more vulnerable to the social interaction effect. The direct spillover effect of husbands' retirement is −0.503 and that of wives' retirement is −0.312, the indirect spillover effect of husbands' retirement is −0.36 and that of wives' retirement is −0.279. In addition to the social interaction effect of cognition between the couples, we also find that the decrease in household income is an important mechanism, and that the increased exercise frequency can somewhat mitigate the adverse spillover effect.
Local Sport Event Policies and Sustainability: A Puzzle Approach
Authors: Jensen Christian Tolstrup
Published: December 2021

As demands for more sustainable ways of living increase, organisers of sport events have come under increasing pressure to adapt. At the same time, more and more national and local event policies increase the demand for events. These two trends raise the question of how policy makers can combine the demand for events with a sustainable way of living; a question that so far has been subject to little research. The present paper analyses the conceptualisation of sustainability in all local policies relating to events in Norwegian municipalities. The paper is based on the analysis of policies covering 22 municipalities and includes both general development plans and more specific policies on events in its analysis. The analysis shows that all the municipalities have adopted a “broad” conceptualisation of sustainability, i.e., pursued a development, which should not limit the possibilities of future generations, in their general development plans. Although the general development plans serve as a basis for every other policy, the paper also shows that the municipalities in the specific policies for events often had “narrow” conceptualisation of sustainability, i.e., focusing on making local events reoccurring and/or increasing the capacity for hosting external events. The findings emphasise the relevance of looking at the local level when conducting future studies on events and sustainability and suggest that the practitioners acknowledge the complexity of reconciling demands for more events and increased sustainability.
A Branch-and-Bound Algorithm for Polymatrix Games ϵ-Proper Nash Equilibria Computation
Authors: Belhaiza Slim
Published: December 2021

When several Nash equilibria exist in the game, decision-makers need to refine their choices based on some refinement concepts. To this aim, the notion of a ϵ-proper equilibria set for polymatrix games is used to develop 0–1 mixed linear programs and compute ϵ-proper Nash equilibria. A Branch-and-Bound exact arithmetics algorithm is proposed. Experimental results are provided on polymatrix games randomly generated with different sizes and densities.
Wheel Deflection Control of Agricultural Vehicles with Four-Wheel Independent Omnidirectional Steering
Authors: Xu Qimeng , Li Hongwen , Wang Quanyu , Wang Chunlei
Published: December 2021

Due to the harsh working environment of wheeled agricultural vehicles in the field, it is difficult to ensure that all wheels make contact with the ground at the same time, which is easy to unequally distribute the yaw moments of each independent wheel. The commonly used vehicle lateral control methods are mostly controlled by coordinating the individual torque between different wheels. Obviously, this control method is not suitable for agricultural four-wheeled vehicles. The goal of this study was to provide a wheel steering angle control method that uses electric push rods as actuators that can cope with this problem. The design of a four-wheel steering controller generally adopts the linear PID control method, but the research object of this paper is difficult to establish an accurate and linear mathematical model due to the complex working environment. Therefore, fuzzy adjustment is added on the basis of PID control, which can meet the requirements of model difficulty and control accuracy at the same time. In order to verify the feasibility and rationality of the designed wheel steering mechanism, the model dynamics simulation based on ADAMS software and the response analysis of the electric linear actuator thrust were completed. Based on the kinematics model of the controlled object, the rotation angle of the actuator motor is used as the control target, the lateral deviation e and deviation variation ec are taken as input variables and the parameters KP, KI and KD are taken as output variables, thereby establishing a fuzzy PID controller. Then, this controller is constructed in the Matlab/ Simulink simulation environment to analyze the lateral deviation and response stability during the process of vehicle path tracking. From the verification results of the linear path walking test under the fuzzy PID control method, the maximum lateral deviation of vehicle chassis is 2.7 cm when the driving speed is set as 1 m/s, and the deviation adjustment stable time of the system is 0.15 s. It can be seen that the proposed steering control strategy has good response performance and effectively increases the steering stability.
Spatial Distribution and Influencing Factors of Soil Fungi in a Degraded Alpine Meadow Invaded by Stellera chamaejasme
Authors: Liu Yongmei , Zhao Fan , Wang Lei , He Wei , Liu Jianhong , Long Yongqing
Published: December 2021

Alpine meadow degradation causes a notable decrease in palatable grasses and an increase in forbs and toxic plants in recent decades. Stellera chamaejasme is one of the most serious toxic weeds, which exerts an increasing threat on alpine meadow in Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. Combined DNA sequencing with geostatistics was applied to analyze a typical degraded meadow invaded by S. chamaejasme in Qinghai Province, China. The study aimed to determine the spatial variation of soil fungi and its interrelationship with the plant–soil environment. Alpha diversity and relative abundance of fungal phyla and classes showed moderate or strong spatial dependency and were structured in patches of 19–318 m, and taxonomic composition exhibited much higher spatial variability than alpha diversity. Compared to plant cover, the matching of patch size showed a closer spatial link between soil properties and fungal community. Community coverage, SOM, TN, TP, and TK positively correlated to fungal diversity and taxonomic composition; no direct correlation was found between S. chamaejasme coverage and fungal community. The result suggested significant but weak association between plant–soil properties and soil fungal community at local scale. Patchy pattern of S. chamaejasme may disturb spatial variations of soil properties and fungal community, since S. chamaejasme in higher coverage corresponded to lower TK content, which contributed to a decrease in fungal diversity indirectly.
AgriTech Innovators: A Study of Initial Adoption and Continued Use of a Mobile Digital Platform by Family-Operated Farming Enterprises
Authors: Fox Grace , Mooney John , Rosati Pierangelo , Lynn Theo
Published: December 2021

While information technology is playing a significant transformative role in virtually every industry, within the agriculture sector, family-operated farming enterprises have been slow to adopt IT solutions to manage their operations. This study adopts a sequential mixed-methods research design to examine the pre- and post-adoption phases of farmers’ use of a mobile digital platform for farm management. Our findings show that farmers’ initial acceptance of a mobile digital platform for farm management is shaped by social influence, which mediates the impact of performance and effort expectancy. Post-adoption continued use of the digital platform is influenced directly by performance and effort expectancy and indirectly by trust beliefs and social influence. Perceived work impediment indirectly influences post-adoption acceptance via effort expectancy. Our study untangles the direct and indirect influences of positive and negative perceptions on farmers’ acceptance of a new innovative AgriTech digital platform in these different phases.
Effect of Aviation Spray Adjuvant on Improving Control of Fusarium Head Blight and Reducing Mycotoxin Contamination in Wheat
Authors: Yan Xiaojing , Wang Ming , Zhu Yuxiao , Shi Xin , Liu Xiaohui , Chen Yixuan , Xu Jun , Yang Daibin , Yuan Huizhu
Published: December 2021

Fusarium head blight (FHB) and its mycotoxin contamination are among the main factors affecting wheat yield and quality. There is an urgent need to develop an efficient strategy to prevent and control the FHB disease and reduce the mycotoxin level in the wheat product. As a triazolinthione fungicide, prothioconazole is an effective broad-spectrum fungicide to control various diseases of wheat by foliar spraying. However, prothioconazole has potential harm to the female reproductive system, and its metabolism prothioconazole-desthio has teratogenicity. Considering this point, the plant protection unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are undoubtedly a suitable choice for the field application of prothioconazole. In this work, by spraying 30% prothioconazole dispersible oil suspensions, we report that aviation spray adjuvant of methylated vegetable oil influences the control effect of wheat head blight, wheat yield, prothioconazole residues, and mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) content. Adding 1.0% aviation spray adjuvant to the spray solution can significantly increase the droplet density and deposition amount in different layers of wheat canopy. The wheat yield increased by 6.94% compared with the treatment areas without spray adjuvant. Meanwhile, the prothioconazole and DON mycotoxin were not detected in the wheat grains. Based on these results, we conclude that the addition of aviation spray adjuvant can also not only ensure the high control effect of prothioconazole on FHB in wheat and increase wheat yield, but also greatly reduce the content of DON mycotoxin and ensure the safety of wheat production. This study is expected to provide theoretical guidance and data support for applying spray adjuvants in the field of plant protection UAVs in modern intensive sustainable agriculture.
Addition of Phosphatases and Phytases to Mature Compost to Increase Available Phosphorus: A Short Study
Authors: Ortega-Torres Adrian Esteban , Rico-García Enrique , Guzmán-Cruz Rosario , Torres-Pacheco Irineo , Tovar-Pérez Erik Gustavo , Guevara-González Ramón Gerardo
Published: December 2021

Agriculture depends on fertilizers to provide nutrients for plants. Phosphorus (P) is one of these nutrients and is the second-most necessary for plant growth. Global production of P fertilizer is concentrated in Morocco, China and the United States. A large amounts of P resources are found in organic wastes that can be transformed through phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms during the composting process. In this study, we first determined the enzymatic activity of phosphatases and phytase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATC 15442. Second, we evaluated the mineralization of P in mature compost when inoculated with P. aeruginosa ATC 15442, phytases, a cocktail of phosphate-solubilizing enzymes and their combinations. Finally, we evaluated different concentrations of the cocktail trying to release more P in the compost. The results indicated that P. aeruginosa exuded alkaline phosphatases, acid phosphatase, neutral phosphatase and phytase. The enzymatic cocktail increased inorganic P (Pi) when added to the mature compost: this was able to release up to 95% more Pi in the compost compared to the amount of Pi released in the control compost. The current study demonstrated the importance of adding the cocktail to enhance Pi in mature compost; however, further studies are required to confirm the results and practical applications.
Growth, Quality, and Nitrogen Assimilation in Response to High Ammonium or Nitrate Supply in Cabbage (Brassica campestris L.) and Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.)
Authors: Song Jinnan , Yang Jingli , Jeong Byoung Ryong
Published: December 2021

Plants grow better when they are supplied with a combination of ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3−) than when either one is supplied as the sole N (nitrogen) source. However, the effects of N forms on N metabolism and major N assimilation enzymes in different plants, especially vegetables, are largely neglected. This study was conducted on two plants with distinct NH4+ tolerances to compare the responses of two popular leafy vegetables, Korean cabbage (Brassica campestris L.) ‘Ssamchu’ and lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) ‘Caesar green’, to the N source. To this end, plant growth and quality, photosynthesis, carbohydrate, N contents (in the forms of NO3−, NO2−, NH4+, total protein), and key N assimilation-related enzyme (NR, NIR, GS, GDH) activities were investigated. When plants were subjected to one of three NH4+:NO3− regimes, 0:100, 50:50, or 100:0, lettuce was relatively more tolerant while cabbage was extremely sensitive to high NH4+. Both plants benefited more from being grown with 50:50 NH4+:NO3−, as evidenced by the best growth performance, ameliorated photosynthesis, and enriched carbohydrate (C) stock content. In addition, as compared to cabbage, the GS and GDH activities were reinforced in lettuce in response to an increasing external NH4+ level, resulting in low NH4+ accumulation. Our findings suggested that boosting or maintaining high GS and GDH activities is an important strategy for the ammonium tolerance in vegetables.
Harnessing Trichoderma in Agriculture for Productivity and Sustainability
Authors: Abdullah Nur Syafikah , Doni Febri , Mispan Muhamad Shakirin , Saiman Mohd Zuwairi , Yusuf Yusmin Mohd , Oke Mushafau Adebayo , Suhaimi Nurul Shamsinah Mohd
Published: December 2021

Increased agricultural activities driven by rising food demand have led to environmental problems mostly arising from the high levels of external inputs and resources that are required. Additionally, environmental changes, such as global warming, can lead to various biotic and abiotic stresses, which have negative impacts on crop production. Numerous solutions and agricultural strategies have been introduced to overcome these problems. One of the ways to improve plant production as well as to increase resistance towards biotic and abiotic stresses is by utilizing beneficial microbes as soil inoculants. A better understanding of the ability of Trichoderma to enhance crop production and the mechanisms that are involved are important for deriving maximum benefits from their exploitation. These versatile fungi hold great promise for the development of viable commercial products that can be used widely in agriculture for increasing crop productivity in a more sustainable way. Many previous reviews on Trichoderma have tended to focus on the mechanisms of Trichoderma in enhancing plant growth and yield. This current review discusses the sustainability aspect of using Trichoderma as plant growth regulators, the impact on plant growth and yield as well as their effects in regulating biotic and abiotic stresses.
The Effects of Fig Tree (Ficus carica L.) Leaf Aqueous Extract on Seed Germination and Seedling Growth of Three Medicinal Plants
Authors: Li Chunying , Yang Xue , Tian Yao , Yu Meiting , Shi Sen , Qiao Bin , Zhao Chunjian , Mao Liang
Published: December 2021

Fig tree cultivation land resources are not fully utilized and introducing them into sustainable medicinal agroforestry systems can effectively achieve resource protection and reuse. Laboratory and pot experiments were applied to study the allelopathic effects of fig tree (Ficus carica L.) leaf aqueous extract at five mass concentrations of 8.3, 10.0, 12.5, 16.7, and 25.0 g/L on the morphological and physiological indexes of mint (Mentha haplocalyx Briq.), dandelion (Taraxacum mongolicum Hand.-Mazz.), and woad (Isatis indigotica Fort.). The results showed that mint had the best seed germination rate. The leaf aqueous extract at lower concentrations had a strong promoting effect on the biomass and photosynthetic parameters of mint, dandelion, and woad. With the increase in leaf aqueous extract concentration, the superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activity of mint, dandelion, and woad increased initially and then decreased, but the malondialdehyde content increased. The synthetic allelopathic indexes of the three medicinal plants were in the following order: mint > woad > dandelion. Both the low and medium concentration extracts (8.3 g/L–12.5 g/L) showed an obvious promoting effect, while high concentrations exhibited distinct inhibiting effects. In conclusion, mint is the most suitable medicinal plant to be interplanted with fig trees for introduction into medicinal agroforestry systems.
Nutritive Value Variation of Paunch Manure as an Alternative Feed Ingredient
Authors: Garcia Taylor Jacob , Cherry Nichole Marie , Guay Kimberly Ann , Brady Jeffrey Alan , Muir James Pierre , Smith William Brandon
Published: December 2021

Ruminants, which have multi-compartmented stomachs, are adapted to digest cellulosic materials, which constitute the primary expense on ranches and dairies. Industrial byproducts can be repurposed for livestock diets to decrease these costs. Therefore, finding alternative feedstuffs may benefit the economics of livestock production. The goal of this project was to evaluate the variation in nutritive value of ruminal waste as a potential feedstuff. Twelve paunch samples were collected from individual cattle across multiple harvest dates at the Tarleton State University Meat Laboratory, Stephenville, TX. Samples were dried and assayed for dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), sequential neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL), and physically-effective fiber (peNDF). Samples were subjected to batch-culture in vitro digestibility assays for the determination of digestibility coefficients. Mean NDF, ADF, ADL, CP and peNDF concentrations were 681, 399, 109, 150, and 387 g kg−1 DM, respectively. Contribution to variance from sample for NDF, ADF, ADL, CP, and peNDF were 75.3, 41.9, 33.0, 51.2, and 71.3%, respectively. In vitro true digestibility (IVTD) and in vitro NDF digestibility (IVNDFD) were recorded as 462 and 216 g kg−1 DM, respectively. Contribution to variation of sample for IVTD and IVNDFD were 31.0 and 30.7%, respectively. Results indicate that rumen waste harvested from abattoirs may be useful for sustainable livestock production, while reducing environmental threats posed by disposal, but the viability of the product is highly dependent on the source animal. For full viability of application in a sustainable system, a centralized receiving and compositing system may be useful for developing a consistent product.
Genomics Confirm an Alarming Status of the Genetic Diversity of Belgian Red and Belgian White Red Cattle
Authors: Meyermans Roel , Gorssen Wim , Buys Nadine , Janssens Steven
Published: December 2021

Genetic diversity is increasingly important for researchers and society. Small and local populations deserve more attention especially, as they may harbor important characteristics. Moreover, small populations are at greater risk and their genetic management is often more challenging. Likewise, European red cattle populations are threatened, as they are outcompeted by more specialized cattle breeds. In this study, we investigate the genetic diversity of two local Belgian red cattle breeds: Belgian Red and Belgian White Red cattle. A total of 270 animals were genotyped via medium density SNP arrays. Genetic diversity was assessed using runs of homozygosity screening, effective population size estimation and Fst analyses. Genomic inbreeding coefficients based on runs of homozygosity were estimated at 7.0% for Belgian Red and 6.1% for Belgian White Red cattle, and both populations had a low effective population size (68 and 86, respectively). PCA, Fst and admixture analyses revealed the relationship to 52 other international breeds, where they were closest related to some Belgian, French, Scandinavian and Dutch breeds. Moreover, Fst analyses revealed for Belgian Red cattle a signature of selection on BTA6, adjacent to the KIT gene. This study gains important knowledge on the genetic diversity of these two small local red cattle breeds, and will aid in their (genetic) management.
Successful Inclusion of High Vegetable Protein Sources in Feed for Rainbow Trout without Decrement in Intestinal Health
Authors: Vélez-Calabria Glenda , Peñaranda David Sánchez , Jover-Cerdá Miguel , Llorens Silvia Martínez , Tomás-Vidal Ana
Published: December 2021

The aquaculture of carnivorous fish is in continuous expansion, which leads to the need to reduce the dependence on fishmeal (FM). Plant proteins (PP) represent a suitable protein alternative to FM and are increasingly used in fish feed. However, PP may lead to stunted growth and enteritis. In the current study, the effect of high FM substitution by PP sources on the growth, mortality and intestinal health of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) was evaluated in terms of the histological intestine parameters and expression of genes related to inflammation (IL-1β, IL-8 and TGF-β) and immune responses (Transferrin, IgT and IFN-γ). The results show that a total substitution registered lower growth and survival rates, probably due to a disruption to the animal’s health. Confirming this hypothesis, fish fed FM0 showed histological changes in the intestine and gene changes related to inflammatory responses, which in the long-term could have triggered an immunosuppression. The FM10 diet presented not only a similar expression to FM20 (control diet), but also similar growth and survival. Therefore, 90% of FM substitution was demonstrated as being feasible in this species using a PP blend of wheat gluten (WG) and soybean meal (SBM) as a protein source.
Antimicrobial Resistance in Salmonella Isolated from Food Workers and Chicken Products in Japan
Authors: Sasaki Yoshimasa , Kakizawa Hiromi , Baba Youichi , Ito Takeshi , Haremaki Yukari , Yonemichi Masaru , Ikeda Tetsuya , Kuroda Makoto , Ohya Kenji , Hara-Kudo Yukiko , Asai Tetsuo , Asakura Hiroshi
Published: December 2021

Salmonella is an enteric bacterial pathogen that causes foodborne illness in humans. Third-generation cephalosporin (TGC) resistance in Salmonella remains a global concern. Food workers may represent a reservoir of Salmonella, thus potentially contaminating food products. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of Salmonella in food workers and characterize the isolates by serotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Salmonella was isolated from 583 (0.079%) of 740,635 stool samples collected from food workers between January and December 2018, and then serotyped into 76 Salmonella enterica serovars and 22 untypeable Salmonella strains. High rates of antimicrobial resistance were observed for streptomycin (51.1%), tetracycline (33.1%), and kanamycin (18.4%). Although isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin, 12 (2.1%) strains (one S. Infantis, one S. Manhattan, two S. Bareilly, two S. Blockley, two S. Heidelberg, two S. Minnesota, one S. Goldcoast, and one untypeable Salmonella strain) were resistant to the TGC cefotaxime, all of which harbored β-lactamase genes (blaCMY-2, blaCTX-M-15, blaCTX-M-55, and blaTEM-52B). Moreover, 1.3% (4/309) of Salmonella strains (three S. Infantis and one S. Manhattan strains) isolated from chicken products were resistant to cefotaxime and harbored blaCMY-2 or blaTEM-52B. Thus, food workers may acquire TGC-resistant Salmonella after the ingestion of contaminated chicken products and further contaminate food products.
Factors Affecting Voriconazole Trough Concentration and Optimal Maintenance Voriconazole Dose in Chinese Children
Authors: Zhao Yi-Chang , Zou Yang , Hou Jing-Jing , Xiao Chen-Lin , Zhang Bi-Kui , Li Jia-Kai , Xiang Da-Xiong , Sandaradura Indy , Yan Miao
Published: December 2021

Voriconazole is a triazole antifungal agent commonly used for the treatment and prevention of invasive aspergillosis (IA). However, the study of voriconazole's use in children is limited. The present study was performed to explore maintenance dose to optimize voriconazole dosage in children and the factors affecting voriconazole trough concentration. This is a non-interventional retrospective clinical study conducted from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2020. The study finally included 94 children with 145 voriconazole trough concentrations. The probability of achieving a targeted concentration of 1.0–5.5 µg/mL with empiric dosing increased from 43 (45.3%) to 78 (53.8%) after the TDM-guided adjustment. To achieve targeted concentration, the overall target maintenance dose for the age group of less than 2, 2 to 6, 6 to 12, and 12 to 18 years old was approximately 5.71, 6.67, 5.08 and 3.31 mg·kg−1/12 h, respectively (p < 0.001). Final multivariate analysis found that weight (p = 0.019), dose before sampling (p < 0.001), direct bilirubin (p < 0.001), urea nitrogen (p = 0.038) and phenotypes of CYP2C19 were influencing factors of voriconazole trough concentration. These factors can explain 36.2% of the variability in voriconazole trough concentration. Conclusion: In pediatric patients, voriconazole maintenance doses under the target concentration tend to be lower than the drug label recommended, but this still needs to be further studied. Age, body weight, dose, direct bilirubin, urea nitrogen and phenotypes of CYP2C19 were found to be influencing factors of voriconazole concentration in Chinese children. The influence of these factors should be taken into consideration during voriconazole use.
Phylogenetic Groups and Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Escherichia coli from Different Meat Species
Authors: Sacher-Pirklbauer Angelika , Klein-Jöbstl Daniela , Sofka Dmitrij , Blanc-Potard Anne-Béatrice , Hilbert Friederike
Published: December 2021

Escherichia coli isolated from meat of different animal species may harbour antimicrobial resistance genes and may thus be a threat to human health. The objectives of this study were to define antimicrobial resistance genes in E. coli isolates from pork, beef, chicken- and turkey meat and analyse whether their resistance genotypes associated with phylogenetic groups or meat species. A total number of 313 E. coli samples were isolated using standard cultural techniques. In 98% of resistant isolates, a dedicated resistance gene could be identified by PCR. Resistance genes detected were tet(A) and tet(B) for tetracycline resistance, strA and aadA1 for streptomycin resistance, sulI and sulII for resistance against sulphonamides, dfr and aphA for kanamycin resistance and blaTEM for ampicillin resistance. One stx1 harbouring E. coli isolated from pork harboured the tet(A) gene and belonged to phylogenetic group B2, whilst another stx1 positive isolate from beef was multi-resistant and tested positive for blaTEM,aphA, strA–B, sulII, and tet(A) and belonged to phylogenetic group A. In conclusion, the distribution of resistance elements was almost identical and statistically indifferent in isolates of different meat species. Phylogenetic groups did not associate with the distribution of resistance genes and a rather low number of diverse resistance genes were detected. Most E. coli populations with different resistance genes against one drug often revealed statistically significant different MIC values.
DNA Methyltransferase HsdM Induce Drug Resistance on Mycobacterium tuberculosis via Multiple Effects
Authors: Chu Hongqian , Hu Yongfei , Zhang Bing , Sun Zhaogang , Zhu Baoli
Published: December 2021

Besides the genomic variants, epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation also have an effect on drug resistance. This study aimed to investigate the methylomes of totally/extensively drug-resistant M. tuberculosis clinical isolates using the PacBio single-molecule real-time technology. The results showed they were almost the same as the pan-susceptible ones. Genetics and bioinformatics analysis confirmed three DNA methyltransferases—MamA, MamB, and HsdM. Moreover, anti-tuberculosis drug treatment did not change the methylomes. In addition, the knockout of the DNA methyltransferase hsdM gene in the extensively drug-resistant clinical isolate 11826 revealed that the motifs of GTAYN4ATC modified by HsdM were completely demethylated. Furthermore, the results of the methylated DNA target analysis found that HsdM was mainly involved in redox-related pathways, especially the prodrug isoniazid active protein KatG. HsdM also targeted three drug-targeted genes, eis, embB, and gyrA, and three drug transporters (Rv0194, Rv1410, and Rv1877), which mildly affected the drug susceptibility. The overexpression of HsdM in M. smegmatis increased the basal mutation rate. Our results suggested that DNA methyltransferase HsdM affected the drug resistance of M. tuberculosis by modulating the gene expression of redox, drug targets and transporters, and gene mutation.