bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can Trait Mindfulness Improve Job Satisfaction? The Relationship Between Trait Mindfulness and Job Satisfaction of Preschool Teachers: The Sequential Mediating Effect of Basic Psychological Needs and Positive Emotions
Authors: Song Zhanmei , Pan Baocheng , Wang Youli
Published: December 2021

Objective: This study aims to explore the relationship between basic psychological needs and positive emotions of preschool teachers between trait mindfulness and job satisfaction.

Methods: Three hundred and ninety-eight preschool teachers were tested with mindfulness attention awareness scale, basic psychological needs scale, positive emotion scale, and job satisfaction scale.

Results: Preschool teachers trait mindfulness can predict job satisfaction (β = 0.265, p < 0. 001). Preschool teachers trait mindfulness has an indirect impact on job satisfaction through basic psychological needs (β = 0.059, p = 0.002), and preschool teachers trait mindfulness has an indirect impact on job satisfaction through positive emotions (β = 0.123, p < 0. 001). In addition, basic psychological needs and positive emotions play a sequential intermediary role between preschool teachers trait mindfulness and job satisfaction (β = 0.017, p < 0. 001).

Conclusion: Basic psychological needs and positive emotions play a sequential mediating role between preschool teachers trait mindfulness and job satisfaction, and this sequential mediating effect accounts for a high proportion of the total effect.
The Omission of Accent Marks Does Not Hinder Word Recognition: Evidence From Spanish
Authors: Marcet Ana , Fernández-López María , Labusch Melanie , Perea Manuel
Published: December 2021

Recent research has found that the omission of accent marks in Spanish does not produce slower word identification times in go/no-go lexical decision and semantic categorization tasks [e.g., cárcel (prison) = carcel], thus suggesting that vowels like á and a are represented by the same orthographic units during word recognition and reading. However, there is a discrepant finding with the yes/no lexical decision task, where the words with the omitted accent mark produced longer response times than the words with the accent mark. In Experiment 1, we examined this discrepant finding by running a yes/no lexical decision experiment comparing the effects for words and non-words. Results showed slower response times for the words with omitted accent mark than for those with the accent mark present (e.g., cárcel < carcel). Critically, we found the opposite pattern for non-words: response times were longer for the non-words with accent marks (e.g., cárdil > cardil), thus suggesting a bias toward a “word” response for accented items in the yes/no lexical decision task. To test this interpretation, Experiment 2 used the same stimuli with a blocked design (i.e., accent mark present vs. omitted in all items) and a go/no-go lexical decision task (i.e., respond only to “words”). Results showed similar response times to words regardless of whether the accent mark was omitted (e.g., cárcel = carcel). This pattern strongly suggests that the longer response times to words with an omitted accent mark in yes/no lexical decision experiments are a task-dependent effect rather than a genuine reading cost.
Online Self-Regulated Learning Profiles: A Study of Chinese as a Foreign Language Learners
Authors: Lin Lin , Gong Yang , Xu Nuo
Published: December 2021

The role of self-regulated learning (SRL) in achieving academic success has been widely investigated for campus-based college students. However, research on online learners’ SRL is limited, while the number of online learners has been increasing tremendously in recent years, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. As SRL is context-bound, differences caused by classroom and home environments may be expected. This study investigated the factor structures of online learners’ SRL in Chinese as a foreign language education and the existence of SRL profiles in online learners. Data were collected from 378 international students enrolled in online Chinese language courses in 2020. Ten latent factors were revealed by exploratory factor analysis with motivation and learning strategies scales of the Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire (MSLQ). A follow-up latent profile analysis showed three profiles of low, moderate, and high self-regulated learners. The study supports the context-bound nature of SRL and calls for developing adaptive training programs according to SRL profiles of Chinese language learners.
Automatic Assessment of Loneliness in Older Adults Using Speech Analysis on Responses to Daily Life Questions
Authors: Yamada Yasunori , Shinkawa Kaoru , Nemoto Miyuki , Arai Tetsuaki
Published: December 2021

Loneliness is a perceived state of social and emotional isolation that has been associated with a wide range of adverse health effects in older adults. Automatically assessing loneliness by passively monitoring daily behaviors could potentially contribute to early detection and intervention for mitigating loneliness. Speech data has been successfully used for inferring changes in emotional states and mental health conditions, but its association with loneliness in older adults remains unexplored. In this study, we developed a tablet-based application and collected speech responses of 57 older adults to daily life questions regarding, for example, one's feelings and future travel plans. From audio data of these speech responses, we automatically extracted speech features characterizing acoustic, prosodic, and linguistic aspects, and investigated their associations with self-rated scores of the UCLA Loneliness Scale. Consequently, we found that with increasing loneliness scores, speech responses tended to have less inflections, longer pauses, reduced second formant frequencies, reduced variances of the speech spectrum, more filler words, and fewer positive words. The cross-validation results showed that regression and binary-classification models using speech features could estimate loneliness scores with anR2of 0.57 and detect individuals with high loneliness scores with 95.6% accuracy, respectively. Our study provides the first empirical results suggesting the possibility of using speech data that can be collected in everyday life for the automatic assessments of loneliness in older adults, which could help develop monitoring technologies for early detection and intervention for mitigating loneliness.
Differential Dynamical Pattern of Regional Homogeneity in Bipolar and Unipolar Depression: A Preliminary Resting-State fMRI Study
Authors: Sun Fuping , Liu Zhening , Yang Jun , Fan Zebin , Yang Jie
Published: December 2021

Background: Bipolar depression (BD) and unipolar depression (UD) are both characterized by depressive moods, which are difficult to distinguish in clinical practice. Human brain activity is time-varying and dynamic. Investigating dynamical pattern alterations of depressed brains can provide deep insights into the pathophysiological features of depression. This study aimed to explore similar and different abnormal dynamic patterns between BD and UD.

Methods: Brain resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were acquired from 36 patients with BD type I (BD-I), 38 patients with UD, and 42 healthy controls (HCs). Analysis of covariance was adopted to examine the differential pattern of the dynamical regional homogeneity (dReHo) temporal variability across 3 groups, with gender, age, and education level as covariates. Post-hoc analyses were employed to obtain the different dynamic characteristics between any 2 groups. We further applied the machine-learning methods to classify BD-I from UD by using the detected distinct dReHo pattern.

Results: Compared with patients with UD, patients with BD-I demonstrated decreased dReHo variability in the right postcentral gyrus and right parahippocampal gyrus. By using the dReHo variability pattern of these two regions as features, we achieved the 91.89% accuracy and 0.92 area under curve in classifying BD-I from UD. Relative to HCs, patients with UD showed increased dReHo variability in the right postcentral gyrus, while there were no dReHo variability differences in patients with BD-I.

Conclusions: The results of this study mainly report the differential dynamic pattern of the regional activity between BD-I and UD, particular in the mesolimbic system, and show its promising potential in assisting the diagnosis of these two depression groups.
Efficacy of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Mood Disorders, Sleep, Fatigue, and Quality of Life in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Luo Fangyi , Ye Mengfei , Lv Tingting , Hu Baiqi , Chen Jiaqi , Yan Junwei , Wang Anzhe , Chen Feng , He Ziyi , Ding Zhinan , Zhang Jian , Qian Chao , Liu Zheng
Published: December 2021

Objective: The aim of this study was to perform a quantitative analysis to evaluate the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) on mood disorders, sleep, fatigue, and its impact on quality of life (QOL) in Parkinson's Disease (PD).

Methods: We searched for randomized controlled trials in three electronic databases. Fourteen studies, including 507 patients with PD, met the inclusion criteria. We determined the pooled efficacy by standard mean differences and 95% confidence intervals, using I2 to reveal heterogeneity.

Results: The result showed CBT had a significant effect on depression [−0.93 (95%CI, −1.19 to −0.67, P < 0.001)] and anxiety [−0.76 (95%CI, −0.97 to −0.55, P < 0.001)]. Moderate effect sizes were noted with sleep disorders [−0.45 (95% CI, −0.70 to −0.20, P = 0.0004)]. There was no evident impact of CBT on fatigue or QOL. We found an intervention period >8 weeks was advantageous compared with <8 weeks, and CBT implemented in non-group was more effective than in group. Between the delivery methods, no significant difference was found.

Conclusion: We found that CBT in patients with PD was an efficacious therapy for some non-motor symptoms in PD, but not efficacious for fatigue and QOL. These results suggest that CBT results in significant improvement in PD and should be used as a conventional clinical intervention.
SARS-CoV-2 Transmissibility Within Day Care Centers—Study Protocol of a Prospective Analysis of Outbreaks in Germany
Authors: Schienkiewitz Anja , Jordan Susanne , Hornbacher Anselm , Perlitz Hanna , Zeisler Marie-Luise , Sandoni Anna , Kubisch Ulrike , Wess Barbara , Kuttig Tim , Schaffrath-Rosario Angelika , Damerow Stefan , Rattay Petra , Varnaccia Gianni , Loer Anne-Kathrin M. , Wormsbächer Jan , Cohrdes Carolin , Wetzstein Matthias , Albrecht Stefan , Hey Isabell , Michel Janine , Schrick Livia , Gößwald Antje , Allen Jennifer , Schlaud Martin , Busch Markus A. , Butschalowsky Hans , Wernitz Jörg , Otte im Kampe Eveline , Buchholz Udo , Haas Walter , Schaade Lars , Wieler Lothar H. , Ziese Thomas , Lampert Thomas , Loss Julika
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Until today, the role of children in the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 and the development of the COVID-19 pandemic seems to be dynamic and is not finally resolved. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the transmission dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 in child day care centers and connected households as well as transmission-related indicators and clinical symptoms among children and adults.

Methods and Analysis: COALA (“Corona outbreak-related examinations in day care centers”) is a day care center- and household-based study with a case-ascertained study design. Based on day care centers with at least one reported case of SARS-CoV-2, we include one- to six-year-old children and staff of the affected group in the day care center as well as their respective households. We visit each child's and adult's household. During the home visit we take from each household member a combined mouth and nose swab as well as a saliva sample for analysis of SARS-CoV-2-RNA by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (real-time RT-PCR) and a capillary blood sample for a retrospective assessment of an earlier SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, information on health status, socio-demographics and COVID-19 protective measures are collected via a short telephone interview in the subsequent days. In the following 12 days, household members (or parents for their children) self-collect the same respiratory samples as described above every 3 days and a stool sample for children once. COVID-19 symptoms are documented daily in a symptom diary. Approximately 35 days after testing the index case, every participant who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during the study is re-visited at home for another capillary blood sample and a standardized interview. The analysis includes secondary attack rates, by age of primary case, both in the day care center and in households, as well as viral shedding dynamics, including the beginning of shedding relative to symptom onset and viral clearance.

Discussion: The results contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiological and virological transmission-related indicators of SARS-CoV-2 among young children, as compared to adults and the interplay between day care and households.
Teachers' Perceptions of Applying Contemporary Skill Acquisition Approaches in High School Physical Education
Authors: Millar Sarah-Kate , Chow Jia Yi , Gleeson Mo , Cleaver Michelle
Published: December 2021

Using contemporary skill acquisition approaches to skill learning appears to be a worthwhile pedagogical option for teachers and coaches in sports and Physical Education (PE). However, PE at the High School level in New Zealand has assessment components that are still underpinned by traditional and outdated skill learning theories. In response to this challenge, two motivated Heads of Department in PE undertook a department-wide professional development initiative to teach the national standard assessment via the use of a contemporary skill acquisition approach, which is student-centred, with an emphasis on enhancing exploratory learning and encouraging autonomy. Each department worked together over a 10-week period with a Higher Education specialist in skill acquisition to design and teach using contemporary skill acquisition approaches. Qualitative data was collected via semi-structured focus group interviews. Insightful data on the influence of teaching using contemporary skill acquisition approaches was acquired from the teachers in the two PE departments. It was found that substantial pedagogical practice changes were achieved by the teachers (e.g., less focus on ideal technique and more on varying the context). They also enjoyed the learning experience that the contemporary skill acquisition approach offered as compared to their previous experience of more traditional teaching approaches, which have a focus on knowledge acquirement with little opportunities for exploratory learning. In addition, from a practical perspective, teachers were observed to demonstrate greater engagement in professional conversations around learning and could see greater relevance in the transfer of learning in the use of contemporary skill acquisition approaches to other teaching contexts.
Development and Application of Nanoparticle-Nanopolymer Composite Spheres for the Study of Environmental Processes
Authors: Rauschendorfer Robert J. , Whitham Kyle M. , Summer Star , Patrick Samantha A. , Pierce Aliandra E. , Sefi-Cyr Haley , Tadjiki Soheyl , Kraft Michael D. , Emory Steven R. , Rider David A. , Montaño Manuel D.
Published: December 2021

Plastics have long been an environmental contaminant of concern as both large-scale plastic debris and as micro- and nano-plastics with demonstrated wide-scale ubiquity. Research in the past decade has focused on the potential toxicological risks posed by microplastics, as well as their unique fate and transport brought on by their colloidal nature. These efforts have been slowed by the lack of analytical techniques with sufficient sensitivity and selectivity to adequately detect and characterize these contaminants in environmental and biological matrices. To improve analytical analyses, microplastic tracers are developed with recognizable isotopic, metallic, or fluorescent signatures capable of being identified amidst a complex background. Here we describe the synthesis, characterization, and application of a novel synthetic copolymer nanoplastic based on polystyrene (PS) and poly(2-vinylpyridine) (P2VP) intercalated with gold, platinum or palladium nanoparticles that can be capped with different polymeric shells meant to mimic the intended microplastic. In this work, particles with PS and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) shells are used to examine the behavior of microplastic particles in estuarine sediment and coastal waters. The micro- and nanoplastic tracers, with sizes between 300 and 500 nm in diameter, were characterized using multiple physical, chemical, and colloidal analysis techniques. The metallic signatures of the tracers allow for quantification by both bulk and single-particle inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS and spICP-MS, respectively). As a demonstration of environmental applicability, the tracers were equilibrated with sediment collected from Bellingham Bay, WA, United States to determine the degree to which microplastics bind and sink in an estuary based of grain size and organic carbon parameters. In these experiments, between 80 and 95% of particles were found to associate with the sediment, demonstrative of estuaries being a major anticipated sink for these contaminants. These materials show considerable promise in their versatility, potential for multiplexing, and utility in studying micro- and nano-plastic transport in real-world environments.
Aerosol Concentrations and Fungal Communities Within Broiler Houses in Different Broiler Growth Stages in Summer
Authors: Chen Guozhong , Ma Di , Huang Qingrong , Tang Wenli , Wei Maolian , Li Youzhi , Jiang Linlin , Zhu Hongwei , Yu Xin , Zheng Weibo , Zhang Jianlong , Zhang Xingxiao
Published: December 2021

Fungal aerosols in broiler houses are important factors that can harm the health of human beings and broiler. To determine the composite characteristics and changes in fungal aerosols in broiler houses during different broiler growth stages in summer. We analyzed the species, concentration and particle diameter distribution characteristics of the aerosols in poultry houses using an Andersen sampler and internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) high-throughput sequencing technology. The concentration of fungal aerosols in the poultry houses increased as the ages of the broiler increased, which was also accompanied by gradual increases in the variety and diversity indices of the fungal communities in the air of the poultry houses. During the entire broiler growth period, the dominant genera in the fungal aerosols in the poultry houses included Trichosporon, Candida, Aspergillus, Cladosporium and Alternaria. These fungi may be harmful to the health of poultry and human beings, so permanent monitoring of microbial air quality in chicken houses is necessary.
Organic Amendments and Elemental Sulfur Stimulate Microbial Biomass and Sulfur Oxidation in Alkaline Subtropical Soils
Authors: Malik Kouser Majeed , Khan Khalid Saifullah , Billah Motsim , Akhtar Mohammad Saleem , Rukh Shah , Alam Sadia , Munir Asia , Mahmood Aulakh Azhar , Rahim Majid , Qaisrani Muther Mansoor , Khan Naeem
Published: December 2021

Sulfur deficiency arising due to intensive cultivation, use of sulfur free fertilizers and reduction in atmospheric sulfur depositions has become a major issue limiting crop production in many parts of the world. Elemental sulfur could be a good source of available S, but its slow oxidation is a problem for its efficient use as a sulfur fertilizer. Main objective of the study was to assess the effect of organic amendments (OA) and elemental sulfur (ES) on microbial activities, sulfur oxidation and availability in soil. A laboratory incubation experiment was carried out for a 56 days period using two sulfur deficient alkaline soils. Organic amendments (OA), i.e., farmyard manure (FYM), poultry litter (PL) and sugarcane filter cake (SF), were applied (1% w/w) with or without elemental sulfur (ES) at 50 mg kg−1. Application of ES alone or in combination with OA significantly increasedCO2-C evolution, microbial biomass, and enzyme activities in the soils, except dehydrogenase activity (DHA) which was not affected by ES application. Combined application of OA and ES had a more pronounced effect on microbial parameters compared to ES or OA applied alone. Ratios of dehydrogenase activity-to-microbial biomass C and arylsulfatase activity-to-microbial biomass C were high in ES+FYM and ES+SF treatments, respectively. Elemental sulfur got sufficiently oxidized resulting in significant improvement in plant available S. Relatively more ES was distributed into C-bonded-S than ester bonded-S. Increase in sulfur availability in ES+OA amended soils was the combined function of sulfur oxidation and mineralization processes through improved microbial activity.
Production and Trade Impacts of CAP Post 2022 Reform on Main Croatian Crop and Livestock Markets—Partial Equilibrium Modelling Approach
Authors: Kranjac David , Zmaić Krunoslav , Sudarić Tihana , Ravlić Marija , Sušac Magdalena Zrakić , Grgić Ivo , Rac Ilona , Erjavec Emil
Published: December 2021

The Latest Common Agricultural Policy reform intends to expand and strengthen environmental and social support and to liberalise the delivery model carried out through strategic planning. This paper aims to assess the potential impacts of the new CAP reform on the main agricultural markets in Croatia. The impact assessment is analysed using the AGMEMOD model where, in addition to the baseline scenario, three scenarios of potential changes are developed and compared to the baseline. Changes in market patterns (production, yield and net trade) at the end of the simulated period are compared with the baseline scenario results by 2030. The reduction in support levels to production, abolishment of voluntary coupled supports and introduction of additional environmental constraints have a significant impact on the main Croatian agricultural markets. Crop markets prov to be less dependent on subsidies, so that market pattern changes will not mean the loss of Croatia’s net export status for soft wheat, maize and soy beans, while barley no longer holds this status. Livestock sectors, especially beef and dairy, in addition to demonstrating a distinct lack of competitiveness even before the Croatian accession to the EU, additionally suffer significant production volume losses along with an increase in imports. Although significant, changes to the Croatian agricultural market are not dramatic enough to cause a complete production breakdown by 2030.
Genetic Mapping of Quantitative Trait Loci for End-Use Quality and Grain Minerals in Hard Red Winter Wheat
Authors: Yu Shuhao , Assanga Silvano O. , Awika Joseph M. , Ibrahim Amir M. H. , Rudd Jackie C. , Xue Qingwu , Guttieri Mary J. , Zhang Guorong , Baker Jason A. , Jessup Kirk E. , Liu Shuyu
Published: December 2021

To meet the demands of different wheat-based food products, traits related to end-use quality become indispensable components in wheat improvement. Thus, markers associated with these traits are valuable for the timely evaluation of protein content, kernel physical characteristics, and rheological properties. Hereunder, we report the mapping results of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) linked to end-use quality traits. We used a dense genetic map with 5199 SNPs from a 90K array based on a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from ‘CO960293-2’/‘TAM 111’. The population was evaluated for flour protein concentration, kernel characteristics, dough rheological properties, and grain mineral concentrations. An inclusive composite interval mapping model for individual and across-environment QTL analyses revealed 22 consistent QTLs identified in two or more environments. Chromosomes 1A, 1B, and 1D had clustered QTLs associated with rheological parameters. Glu-D1 loci from CO960293-2 and either low-molecular-weight glutenin subunits or gliadin loci on 1A, 1B, and 1D influenced dough mixing properties substantially, with up to 34.2% of the total phenotypic variation explained (PVE). A total of five QTLs associated with grain Cd, Co, and Mo concentrations were identified on 3B, 5A, and 7B, explaining up to 11.6% of PVE. The results provide important genetic resources towards understanding the genetic bases of end-use quality traits. Information about the novel and consistent QTLs provided solid foundations for further characterization and marker designing to assist selections for end-use quality improvements.
Applying Behavioral and Physiological Measures to Assess the Relative Impact of the Prolonged COVID-19 Pandemic Closure on Two Mammal Species at the Oregon Zoo: Cheetah (A. jubatus) and Giraffe (G. c. reticulata and G. c. tippelskirchii)
Authors: Fink Laurel B. , Scarlata Candace D. , VanBeek Becca , Bodner Todd E. , Wielebnowski Nadja C.
Published: December 2021

The effect of visitor presence on zoo animals has been explored in numerous studies over the past two decades. However, the opportunities for observations without visitors have been very limited at most institutions. In 2020, the Oregon Zoo was closed, in response to the global SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, from 15 March 2020 to 12 July 2020, resulting in approximately four consecutive months without visitor presence. This study aimed to quantify potential behavioral and hormonal changes expressed during two transition periods in zoo visitor attendance: the initial time period before and after closure in March 2020 and time before and after reopening in July 2020. Fecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGM) concentrations of resident giraffes (n = 2) and cheetahs (n = 2) were tracked using enzyme immunoassay (EIA) analyses. Average fGM concentrations during the two transition periods were compared using a two-way mixed ANOVA. Additionally, twice-weekly scan sampling was used to quantify behavioral observations across the transitions, which were analyzed as individual behavior proportions. Individual behavior proportions were compared across the Zoo’s opening status and time of day using Kruskal–Wallis (H) tests. The results of our analyses showed the following outcomes: (1) significant increases in fGM concentrations for cheetahs and giraffes between the transition periods but not within them; (2) a significant increase in time spent ‘not visible’ in the cheetahs in the second transition period; and (3) increased vigilance behaviors in the giraffes immediately after the Zoo’s closure. However, the changes observed in fGM concentrations may be more strongly correlated with concomitant social changes (giraffes) and some medical events (cheetahs) rather than with the Zoo’s opening status. Nevertheless, this study was able to quantify differences in behavioral frequencies and fGM concentration in cheetahs and giraffes at the Oregon Zoo during the times of transition between visitor’s presence and absence. The results indicate that, while there was a possible, but relatively minor impact of the presence and absence of visitors on some behaviors, the differences observed in fGM concentration may have been more affected by some of the concomitant social changes and medical events that happened during the same period than by the presence or absence of visitors.
Pilot Study of the Influence of Equine Assisted Therapy on Physiological and Behavioral Parameters Related to Welfare of Horses and Patients
Authors: Ayala María Dolores , Carrillo Andrea , Iniesta Pilar , Ferrer Pedro
Published: December 2021

Different welfare indicators were studied in three patients with psychomotor alterations and in two horses throughout 9–10 equine assisted therapy sessions in each patient. In horses, heart and respiratory rates, blood pressure, temperature and behavioral signs were studied. In patients, heart rate, oxygen saturation, temperature, sleep quality, psychomotor and emotional parameters were analyzed. Data collection was recorded in the anticipatory phase (15 min before the start of the session), two interaction phases (after 30 min of horse-patient interaction on the ground and on horseback, respectively) and the recovery phase (15 min after the end of the session). During the anticipatory phase, most of physiological parameters of patients and horses and the stress behavioral signs of horses increased, followed by a relaxing phase during the horse-patient interaction on the ground. In horse-patient riding phase the heart and respiratory rates of the horses again increased. These results showed that the horses did not seem to suffer stress attributable to the therapy sessions, but only an increase in their parameters associated with activity and external stimuli. The patients improved their gross and fine motor skills, their cognitive and perceptual-sensitive parameters and it led to an improvement in the life quality of their families.
Time to Loss of Behavioral and Brainstem Responses of Ducks following Non-Stunned Slaughter
Authors: Friedman Alexandra , Dalla Costa Filipe Antonio , Dalla Costa Osmar Antonio , Godsell-Ryan Alicia , Gibson Troy John
Published: December 2021

Non-stunned slaughter has been extensively described for other farmed species but there has been limited research on waterfowl. The study assessed 34 White Pekin ducks (Anas platyrhynchos) (study 1) in a non-stunned halal slaughterhouse in Brazil for time to loss of consciousness using various behavioral and brainstem indices (balance, cranial nerve reflexes, and muscle tension) and assessed the relationship between extent of clotting, location of neck cut, level of damage to neck vessels/tissues, and the time to onset of unconsciousness. In addition, operator practices were separately observed and neck pathology following the cut was examined in 217 carcasses after bleeding (study 2). In study 1 following the neck cut there was a wide variation between birds in the time to loss of behavioral and brainstem indices, ranging from 20 to 334 and 20 to 383 s for neck and beak tension, respectively. The median time to loss of balance following the neck cut was 166 ± 14 (22–355) seconds. There was a moderate correlation (R = 0.60 and 0.62) between distance of the neck cut and time to loss of balance and neck tension, respectively. This is the first investigation of the time to loss of consciousness following non-stunned slaughter of ducks in commercial conditions. The findings could be used to improve the welfare of ducks during non-stunned slaughter, such as recommending performance of the neck cut closer to the jaw line and ensuring appropriate waiting periods between slaughter and birds entering the scalding tanks.
Effects of Cyclic Thermal Stress at Later Age on Production Performance and Meat Quality of Fast-Growing, Medium-Growing and Thai Native Chickens
Authors: Malila Yuwares , Jandamuk Anuwat , Uopasai Thanawan , Buasook Thongsa , Srimarut Yanee , Sanpinit Pornnicha , Phasuk Yupin , Kunhareang Sajee
Published: December 2021

The present study aimed at assessing the impact of cyclic thermal stress on production performance and meat quality of commercial broilers (BRs), Thai native chickens (NT) and the hybrids between BR and NT (H75; crossbreed 25% NT). At the age of 3, 5 and 9 weeks for BR, H75 and NT, respectively, each strain was equally divided (n = 50) into control and treatment groups. The controls were raised at a constant 26 ± 1 °C, while the treatments were subjected to thermal stress (35 ± 1 °C, 6 h daily) for 3 weeks. The results indicated that final weight and average daily gain of BR and NT treated groups were significantly lower than those of their control counterparts. Reduced body weight gain of BR and H75, as well as feed intake of H75, was observed in the treatment groups (p < 0.05). The stressed BR breasts showed decreased moisture, fat and carbohydrate, accompanied by increased protein, ash, L *-value, b*-value and shear force (p < 0.05). No significant effects (p ≥ 0.05) of the thermal stress on meat quality indices were found for H75 and NT breast samples. Pectoral myopathies were observed in BR and H75 chickens, but the numbers of cases were decreased in the thermally treated groups.
Anthropometric Profile Assessed by Bioimpedance and Anthropometry Measures of Male and Female Rugby Players Competing in the Spanish National League
Authors: Ramos-Álvarez Juan José , Montoya Juan José , Solís-Mencia Cristian , Miguel-Tobal Francisco , López-Tapia Paola , Sánchez-Oliver Antonio Jesús , Domínguez Raúl , Martínez-Sanz José Miguel
Published: December 2021

Different rugby positions make different demands on players. It therefore follows that optimum body composition may vary according to the position played. Using anthropometry and bioimpedance analysis (BIA) to assess body composition, the present study aimed to compare the effect of sex and position on body composition variables using anthropometry and BIA methods. A total of 100 competitive rugby players (35 women and 65 men) competing in the First Spanish National League were recruited voluntarily and for convenience for this study. In the laboratory, body composition was assessed by anthropometry, following the recommendations established by the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK), and by direct segmental multi-frequency BIA, following the guidelines established by the Spanish Group of Kinanthropometry (GREC) of the Spanish Federation of Sports Medicine (FEMEDE). We found sex-related differences in height, weight, body mass index and body fat (%) by anthropometry and in body lean mass (%) by DSM-BIA, in 4 of the 6 skinfolds assessed (p < 0.05). We also observed position-related differences in all the variables assessed (p < 0.05) except for lean body mass, as measured by both methods of determining body composition, and front thigh skinfold. Body composition and ∑6skinfolds differs according to sex and playing position, backs (16.6 ± 3.8% and 92.3 ± 33.9 mm,) vs. forwards (20.0 ± 6.7 and 115.3 ± 37.6 mm), and the muscle-adipose (meso-endomorphic somatotype) development predominated in both sexes. Thus, forwards of both sexes are taller, heavier and fatter, possibly due to the specific demands of this position. In addition, body composition measurements vary according to the method used (DSM-BIA vs. anthropometry), indicating that anthropometry is probably the best body composition assessment method.
The Combined Use of Remote Sensing and Wireless Sensor Network to Estimate Soil Moisture in Golf Course
Authors: Mauri Pedro V. , Parra Lorena , Mostaza-Colado David , Garcia Laura , Lloret Jaime , Marin Jose F.
Published: December 2021

In gardening, particularly in golf courses, soil moisture management is critical for maximizing water efficiency. Remote sensing has been used to estimate soil moisture in recent years with relatively low accuracies. In this paper, we aim to use remote sensing and wireless sensor networks to generate soil moisture indexes for a golf course. In the golf course, we identified three types of soil, and data was gathered for three months. Mathematical models were obtained using data from Sentinel-2, bands with a resolution of 10 and 20 m, and sensed soil moisture. Models with acceptable accuracy were obtained only for one out of three soil types, the natural soil in which natural vegetation is grown. Two multiple regression models are presented with an R2 of 0.46 for bands at 10 m and 0.70 for bands at 20 m. Their mean absolute error was lower than 3% in both cases. For the modified soils, the greens, and the golf course fairway, it was not feasible to obtain regression models due to the temporal uniformity of the grass and the range of variation of soil moisture. The developed moisture indexes were compared with existing options. The attained accuracies improve the current models. The verification indicates that the model generated with band 4 and band 12 is the one with better accuracy.
Automatic Generation Mechanism of Cause-Effect Graph with Informal Requirement Specification Based on the Korean Language
Authors: Jang Woo Sung , Kim R. Young Chul
Published: December 2021

In requirement engineering, an important issue is how to transform and tailor the informal system requirements of users or customers into more structured specification documents, which are then used by the software developers. In addition, it is both challenging and necessary to redefine and analyze, from ill-defined or unknown requirements, specifications correctly and automatically generate test cases with them. There are few kinds of research in Korea for automatically reducing requirement complexity and developing test cases of the Korean language-based requirement specifications. Why do we need requirement simplification? Requirement complexity causes analyzers less readability and low understandability. To do this, we propose the automatic cause-effect generation via a requirement simplification mechanism of informal requirement specifications with the Korean language, which works the following procedures: (1) the automatic simplification of informal requirement sentences, (2) the generation of Condition/Conjunction/Clause Tree (C3Tree) Model, (3) and the Cause-effect generation.
Effects of Extracurricular Sports in Prepubertal and Pubertal Girls
Authors: Martín-Sánchez María Luisa , Manzano-Carrasco Samuel , López-Fernández Jorge , García-Unanue Jorge , Hernández-Martin Antonio , Marín-Farrona María Jesús , Colino Enrique , León-Jiménez Manuel , Majano Carlos , Celada-Gómez Marcos , Gallardo Leonor , Sánchez-Sánchez Javier , Felipe José Luis
Published: December 2021

The aim of this study was to analyse the effects of the type of extracurricular sport on the body composition, respiratory parameters, and physical condition in prepubertal and pubertal girls. Four hundred and eighty-five female athletes (aged 8–14) from different sports participated in this study. They were gathered into four groups according to the sport typology and maturity level: ‘prepubertal girls who practise collective sports’ (PRE-CS), ‘prepubertal girls who practise individual sports’ (PRE-IS), ‘pubertal girls who practise collective sports’ (PUB-CS), and ‘pubertal girls who practise individual sports’ (PUB-IS). The cardiorespiratory fitness (the 20 m shuttle run test, 20 mSRT), anthropometry, respiratory capacity (forced spirometry), handgrip, CMJ test, and stabilometry were collected. Prepubertal girls showed a lower muscle mass (kg) and fat mass (kg) than pubertal girls regardless of the extracurricular sports typology. PRE-CS and PRE-IS also showed a lower respiratory fitness and physical fitness than pubertal girls (p < 0.05). Pubertal girls did not show significant differences (p > 0.05) in any of the body composition, respiratory fitness, and physical fitness variables when comparing between collective sports and individual sports. The results show that extracurricular participation in these types sports by prepubertal girls can influence their body composition, respiratory fitness, and physical condition.
Online Monitoring of Power Converter Degradation Using Deep Neural Network
Authors: Fan Jiayi , Lee Janghyeon , Jung Insu , Lee Yongkeun
Published: December 2021

Power semiconductor devices in the power converters used for motor drives are susceptible to wear-out and failure, especially when operated in harsh environments. Therefore, detection of degradation of power devices is crucial for ensuring the reliable performance of power converters. In this paper, a deep learning approach for online classification of the health states of the snubber resistors in the Insulated Gate Bipolar Transistors (IGBTs) in a three-phase Brushless DC (BLDC) motor drive is proposed. The method can locate one out of the six IGBTs experiencing a snubber resistor degradation problem by measuring the voltage waveforms of the three shunt resistors using voltage sensors. The range of the degradation of the snubber resistors for successful classification is also investigated. The off-the-shelf deep Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) architecture ResNet50 is used for transfer learning to determine which snubber resistor has degraded. The dataset for evaluating the above classification scheme of IGBT degradation is obtained by measuring the shunt voltage waveforms with varying snubber resistance and reference current. Then, the three-phase voltage waveforms are converted into greyscale images and RGB spectrogram images, which are later fed into the deep CNN. Experiments are carried out on the greyscale image dataset and the spectrogram image dataset using four-fold cross-validation. The results show that the proposed scheme can classify seven classes (one class for normal condition and six classes for abnormal condition in one of the six IGBTs in a three-phase BLDC drive) with over 95% average accuracy within a specific range of snubber resistance. Using grayscale images and using spectrogram-based RGB images yields similar accuracy.
Blockchain Applications in Education: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Delgado-von-Eitzen Christian , Anido-Rifón Luis , Fernández-Iglesias Manuel J.
Published: December 2021

Blockchain is one of the latest technologies attracting increasing attention from different actors in diverse fields, including the educational sector. The objective of this study is to offer an overview of the current state of the art related to blockchain in education that may serve as a reference for future initiatives in this field. For this, a systematic review of reference journals was carried out. Eleven databases were systematically searched and eligible papers that focused on blockchain in education that made significant contributions, and not only generic statements about the topic, were selected. As a result, 28 articles were analyzed. Lack of precision, and selection and analysis bias were then minimized by involving three researchers. The analysis of the selected papers provided invaluable insight and answered the research questions posed about the current state of the application of blockchain in education, about which of its characteristics can benefit this sector, and about the challenges that must be addressed. Blockchain may become a relevant technology in the educational field, and therefore many proofs of concept are being developed. However, there are still some relevant technological, regulatory and academic issues to be addressed to pave the way for the mainstream adoption of this technology.
Computational Modeling of the Thermal Behavior of a Greenhouse
Authors: Lebre Bruno , Silva Pedro D. , Pires Luís C. , Gaspar Pedro D.
Published: December 2021

The need for production of all kinds of crops in high quantities and over the entire year makes the agricultural sector one of the major energy consumers. The optimization of this consumption is essential to guarantee its sustainability. The implementation of greenhouses is a strategy that allows assurance of production needs and possesses large optimization potential for the process. This article studies different greenhouse structures by computational simulation using EnergyPlus and DesignBuilder. First, a comparison was performed between the computational results and the measured values from a greenhouse prototype at different operating conditions. Overall, the comparison shows that the computational tool can provide a reasonable prediction of the greenhouse thermal behavior, depending on the differences between the weather data modeled and observed. An outdoor air temperature difference of 16 °C can cause a difference of about 10 °C between the air temperature predicted and measured inside the greenhouse. Subsequently, a selected set of case studies was developed in order to quantify their influence on the thermal performance of the greenhouse, namely: the greenhouse configuration and orientation; the variation of indoor air renewal; changes to the characteristics of the roof; the effect of the thermal mass of the walls; and location of the greenhouse. The results show that a correct greenhouse orientation, together with a polyethylene double cover with a 13 mm air layer, a granite wall of 40 cm thickness on the north wall, and variable airflow rate, may lead to a reduction of the greenhouse energy consumption by 57%, if the greenhouse is located in Lisbon, or by 43%, if it is located in Ostersund, during the harshest months of the heating season.
Multi Scale Modelling of Friction Induced Vibrations at the Example of a Disc Brake System
Authors: Joerger Arn , Spiropoulos Ioannis , Dannecker Robert , Albers Albert
Published: December 2021

Friction induced vibrations such as brake squealing, or juddering are still challenging topics in product engineering processes. So far, this topic was particularly relevant for the automobile industry because they were the main market for disc brake systems. However, since mobility habits change, disc brake system are more often to be found on bikes or e-scooters. In all of these systems, vibrations are excited in contacts on the micro scale but affect the user comfort and safety on the macro scale. Therefore, the aim of this cross-scale method is to analyze a system on a micro scale and to transfer the excitation mechanisms on a macro scale system. To address both scales, the current work presents a finite element model on the micro scale for the determination of the coefficient of friction, which is transferred to the macro scale and used in a multi-body simulation. Finally, a finite element modal analysis is conducted, which allowed us to evaluate the brake system behavior on base of an excitation.
Response-Only Damage Detection Approach of CFRP Gas Tanks Using Clustering and Vibrational Measurements
Authors: Zacharakis Ilias , Giagopoulos Dimitrios
Published: December 2021

The advancements in the automotive, aviation, and aerospace industry have led to an increased usage of CFRP high-pressure gas tanks. In order to avoid any fatal accidents, the inspection procedures require accuracy, but also practicality, to be used in the industry. The presented work focuses on response-only metrics from vibrational experimental measurements of the CFRP tank. The power spectral density and transmittance function curves are both compared for the accuracy and ability to be used as metrics for damage detection. Along with the selection of the proper metric, an appropriate clustering algorithm that can accurately group similar states of the structure is of high importance. Two clustering algorithms, agglomerative hierarchical and spectral clustering, are employed and compared for their performance. A small Type V CFRP tank is used as an experimental structure on this benchmark problem. In order to create realistic material damage, the tank is placed on an impact system multiple times where different damage magnitudes are created. After each new state and damage magnitude on the tank, vibrational experimental data are collected. Using the collected data, all the combinations of the mentioned metrics and algorithms are executed and properly compared to evaluate their accuracy.
Preface to Drought Risk Management to Reflect Changing Meteorological Conditions
Authors: Wałęga Andrzej , Ziernicka-Wojtaszek Agnieszka
Published: December 2021

Drought is one of the main extreme meteorological and hydrological phenomena which influence both the functioning of ecosystems and many important sectors of human economic activity [...]