bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expansion and impact of cassava brown streak and cassava mosaic diseases in Africa: A review
Authors: Chikoti Patrick Chiza , Tembo Mathias
Published: December 2022

Africa produces over half of global cassava; however, the continent's average yield is below the potential yields achieved under experimental conditions. Many factors contributing to low yield include lack of quality varieties, poor soils, limited access to capital, competition for labor, as well as pests and diseases. Plant diseases are the major biotic constraints to cassava production and have caused considerable food insecurity in Africa. Although there has been some level of disease management which has contributed to the increase in cassava production, the two viral diseases: cassava mosaic disease (CMD) and cassava brown streak disease (CBSD) still claim between 30–40% and upto 70%, respectively of Africa's cassava harvest. Given the importance of the two diseases in Africa, we review the expansion of CBSD and CMD; impacts of the two diseases on food security and how they can be managed. We provide insights in the spread of the two diseases, management efforts, and future directions.
Impact of recycled manure solids bedding on hygiene and odds of hock lesions in dairy cows
Authors: Fréchette Annie , Fecteau Gilles , Dufour Simon
Published: December 2022

The use of recycled manure solids (RMS) as bedding for dairy cows has become more popular over the last decade. Once producers own the RMS producing equipment, they are not restricted in the amount of bedding they can use in stalls, due to its large availability and low production costs. Thus, they are usually able to provide a soft lying area for their cows. Nevertheless, the potential positive impact of RMS on cows' hygiene and odds of hock lesions is not clearly demonstrated. Objectives of this research were, therefore, to compare RMS-bedded cows' hygiene level and odds of hock lesions to straw-bedded cows (comparative group). To achieve this, an observational cross-sectional study was conducted in 27 RMS- and 61 straw-bedded herds. During the farm visit, 30 cows per herd were scored for hygiene of three body regions (udder, lower legs and flank/upper legs) using a score ranging from 1 to 4 (1 being the cleanest and 4 the dirtiest). In addition, both hocks were scored (0 to 3) to evaluate the presence of lesions (0 when there was no lesion and 3 when a swelling protrusion > 2.5 cm was present). Continuation-ratio models were used to compute the odds of having a given score to the odds of having a lower score. Recycled manure solids usage was associated with lower odds of having an udder hygiene score ≥3 [odds ratio (OR): 0.43; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.95] and of having a score of 4 (OR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.09, 0.93). It was also associated, compared to straw, with cleaner lower legs. We observed lower odds of having a score ≥2 (OR: 0.45; 95% CI: 0.21, 0.98), ≥3 (OR: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.04, 0.66), or a score of 4 (OR: 0.07; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.40) in RMS-bedded herds. No statistically significant association could be highlighted between RMS usage and flank/upper legs hygiene. Furthermore, we did not observe any statistically significant associations between bedding type (RMS vs. straw) and odds of hock lesions. In conclusion, cows bedded with RMS had generally cleaner udders and cleaner lower legs than straw-bedded ones. No association was found between bedding type and odds of hock lesions.
RMFRASL: Robust Matrix Factorization with Robust Adaptive Structure Learning for Feature Selection
Authors: Lai Shumin , Huang Longjun , Li Ping , Luo Zhenzhen , Wang Jianzhong , Yi Yugen
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we present a novel unsupervised feature selection method termed robust matrix factorization with robust adaptive structure learning (RMFRASL), which can select discriminative features from a large amount of multimedia data to improve the performance of classification and clustering tasks. RMFRASL integrates three models (robust matrix factorization, adaptive structure learning, and structure regularization) into a unified framework. More specifically, a robust matrix factorization-based feature selection (RMFFS) model is proposed by introducing an indicator matrix to measure the importance of features, and the L21-norm is adopted as a metric to enhance the robustness of feature selection. Furthermore, a robust adaptive structure learning (RASL) model based on the self-representation capability of the samples is designed to discover the geometric structure relationships of original data. Lastly, a structure regularization (SR) term is designed on the learned graph structure, which constrains the selected features to preserve the structure information in the selected feature space. To solve the objective function of our proposed RMFRASL, an iterative optimization algorithm is proposed. By comparing our method with some state-of-the-art unsupervised feature selection approaches on several publicly available databases, the advantage of the proposed RMFRASL is demonstrated.
Emerging from the COVID-19 Pandemic: Aviation Recovery, Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Dube Kaitano
Published: December 2022

This exploratory study examined the impacts of COVID-19 and emerging challenges and opportunities from aviation recovery. Using archival and secondary data analysis, the study found that there are several challenges to aviation recovery chief among them are labour challenges and extreme weather events, which have been responsible for traffic disruptions in major aviation markets such as Europe and the USA. Other emerging challenges include high debt, inflation, interest rates, fuel, cost of labour, and general operational costs. The study recommends several interventions to address the sector’s challenges, including adopting risk disaster preparedness and management to foster sustainability.
Design and Test of Stripping and Impurity Removal Device for Spring-Tooth Residual Plastic Film Collector
Authors: Peng Qiangji , Li Kaikai , Wang Xiaoyu , Zhang Guohai , Kang Jianming
Published: December 2022

The residual agricultural plastic film in China is not easily recovered due to the thinness and poor mechanical properties of domestic films, and a large amount of plastic film remaining in farmland soil poses a great threat to soil quality and crop production. A spring-tooth residual plastic film collector (SRPFC) is widely used in domestic residual plastic film (RPF) recycling operations. However, there are two major problems in the current SRPFC: the low recovery rate of the residual film (RRRF) caused by the difficulty of film-stripping and the high impurity rate in the film (IRF). In this paper, a stripping and impurity removal device (SIRD) is designed to address the existing problems of SRPFC, which is mainly composed of film-stripping tooth plates (FTP), two wind-collecting hoods, and two centrifugal fans. The motion and force analysis of the RPF in the film-stripping process was carried out, and the arc FTP was determined to be used for film-stripping. The size parameters of the FTP were obtained by establishing the coordinate system to solve the differential equation. By comparing and analyzing the force of RPF in the airflow field of the test bench for suspension speed and the airflow field of the wind-collecting hood, the RPF equivalent particle was established. The discrete phase model (DPM) in Fluent software was used to simulate the movement of the RPF equivalent particle, and the calculated air volume range of the centrifugal fan was 5501.88~6829.92 m3/h. The effects of forward speed, rotating speed of film conveying chain harrow (FCCH), and rotating speed of the centrifugal fan on RRRF and IRF were studied by orthogonal rotary combination experiment. The test results showed that the best combination of machine operation parameters was when the forward speed was 5 km/h, the rotating speed of the FCCH was 235 r/min, and the rotating speed of the centrifugal fan was 1978 r/min. Under these conditions, the RRRF was 92.53%, and the IRF was 9.31%. Field experiments were carried out with the rounded parameters, and the average RRRF was 92.07%, and the average IRF was 9.56% under the parameter combination, indicating that the optimization scheme of the device was feasible.
Drought Stress-Related Gene Identification in Rice by Random Walk with Restart on Multiplex Biological Networks
Authors: Zhu Liu , Zhang Hongyan , Cao Dan , Xu Yalan , Li Lanzhi , Ning Zilan , Zhu Lei
Published: December 2022

Drought stress-related gene identification is vital in revealing the drought resistance mechanisms underlying rice and for cultivating rice-resistant varieties. Traditional methods, such as Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS), usually identify hundreds of candidate stress genes, and further validation by biological experiements is then time-consuming and laborious. However, computational and prioritization methods can effectively reduce the number of candidate stress genes. This study introduces a random walk with restart algorithm (RWR), a state-of-the-art guilt-by-association method, to operate on rice multiplex biological networks. It explores the physical and functional interactions between biological molecules at different levels and prioritizes a set of potential genes. Firstly, we integrated a Protein–Protein Interaction (PPI) network, constructed by multiple protein interaction data, with a gene coexpression network into a multiplex network. Then, we implemented the RWR on multiplex networks (RWR-M) with known drought stress genes as seed nodes to identify potential drought stress-related genes. Finally, we conducted association analysis between the potential genes and the known drought stress genes. Thirteen genes were identified as rice drought stress-related genes, five of which have been reported in the recent literature to be involved in drought stress resistance mechanisms.
Productivity of Winter Wheat Cultivated by Direct Seeding: Measuring the Effect of Hydrothermal Coefficient in the Arid Zone of Central Fore-Caucasus
Authors: Esaulko Alexander , Sitnikov Vladimir , Pismennaya Elena , Vlasova Olga , Golosnoi Evgeniy , Ozheredova Alena , Ivolga Anna , Erokhin Vasilii
Published: December 2022

In arid zones, the yields of soft winter wheat varieties are particularly affected by the variations of hydrothermal conditions. This especially applies to direct seeding practices, for which the understanding of the links between hydrothermal parameters of soil and the environment, on one side, and the productivity of winter wheat, on the other, is one of the founding pillars of stable agricultural systems. On the case of the arid zone of Central Fore-Caucasus, this study investigates changes in the duration of interphase periods of plant development, plant density, and yield. It is found that in 2019–2021, positive temperature shifts and drought resulted in an increase in the duration of the growing season of crop varieties, thinned plant density, and reduced productivity of drought-resistant varieties. Evaluation of indices, that determine the ecological and genetic variability of varieties in the “genotype-environment” system resulted in the establishment of models that described the effect of drought on crop yields by type of manifestation and forecrops (sunflower, chickpeas). It is shown that the average linear deviations improved phase techniques and changed the area of winter wheat cultivation. On the back of the further drought propagation, farmers in arid zones could benefit from breeding new varieties and hybrids of grain crop. These measures may increase or stabilize the productivity of winter wheat in arid environments. Specifically, for the arid zone of Central Fore-Caucasus, the study recommends reducing lands under grain crop and shifting the cultivation of winter wheat northward. This will reduce the impact of volatile climatic conditions on winter wheat productivity in the region.
Urban Agriculture as an Alternative for the Sustainable Production of Maize and Peanut
Authors: Villalpando-Aguilar José Luis , Chi-Maas Daniel Francisco , López-Rosas Itzel , Aquino-Luna Victor Ángel , Arreola-Enríquez Jesús , Alcudia-Pérez Julia Cristel , Matos-Pech Gilberto , Gómez-García Roberto Carlos , Martínez-Puc Jesús Froylán , Cetzal-Ix William
Published: December 2022

Currently agriculture has difficulty keeping up with the demand for food around the world, which has generated a boom in the development of sustainable alternatives for producing food and caring for the environment. Therefore, the present study aims to show a backyard system comprising 50 cm × 50 cm pinewood boxes where maize and peanut were tested under control and compost conditions. The experiments were carried out for nine months starting from compost production and the sowing of the crops, which were irrigated with temporary rain. The compost was produced by converting ~213 kg of organic residues into ~300 kg of mature compost. The fertilizer treatment consisted of two doses of compost (1 kg doses). The developing plants were compared between conditions in both crops. In addition, the nutritional values of the compost and compost and soil were evaluated. Interestingly, the correlation analyses of the morphological properties of the soils showed that the effects of the nutrients were positively associated with the morphology of the crops studied. Finally, the yield produced for maize was 9 kg/m2 and 6.6 kg/m2 and that for peanuts was 184 g/m2 and 73 g/m2 under compost and control conditions, respectively. We consider that the development of new alternatives for producing food in times of crisis or situations of limited resources is necessary for the development of humanity and the care of the environment.
Physiological and Metabolic Changes in ‘Xinyu Mandarin’ Following Natural Tetraploidization
Authors: Wang Yuting , Wan Shuilin , Tang Yuqing , Yang Huidong , Xu Chao , Liu Xincheng , Hu Zhongdong , Hu Xinlong
Published: December 2022

The mandarin is an important fruit crop worldwide, and ‘Xinyu mandarin’—a local Citrus reticulata variety—is widely cultivated in Jiangxi Province, in China. Autopolyploidy has frequently been used for the improvement of crop varieties. In a previous study, we identified a tetraploid (4X) material of ‘Xinyu mandarin’ generated from its diploid (2X) mother seedling via a spontaneous mutation. However, the physiological and metabolic variations after polyploidy are not clear enough, which is not conducive to the early screening. In the present study, we analyzed the morphological, physiological, and metabolic differences between the tetraploid and diploid plants. The tetraploids had larger and thicker leaves, and the activities of key enzymes in photosynthesis, the total chlorophyll, phenolic, and proline contents, were all higher in tetraploids. In the non-targeted metabolomic profile, a total of 522 metabolites were identified, of which 61 were significantly different between diploids and tetraploids. The differential metabolites included similar proportions of primary and secondary metabolites, and most of these were up-regulated in tetraploids, especially stress-related metabolites such as phenolic acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, and so on, indicating that tetraploids may possess better stress tolerance ability and vigor. Therefore, the tetraploids of ‘Xinyu mandarin’ may serve as an excellent female parent for the improvement of citrus varieties.
How Does Cultivar Affect Sugar Profile, Crude Fiber, Macro- and Micronutrients, Total Phenolic Content, and Antioxidant Activity on Ficus carica Leaves?
Authors: Teruel-Andreu Candela , Sendra Esther , Hernández Francisca , Cano-Lamadrid Marina
Published: December 2022

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of the cultivar on the nutritional and functional parameters of Ficus carica leaves. This information will provide the basis for their potential use and future incorporation in other food matrices as food ingredients. Sucrose, glucose, and fructose were detected in all fig leaves, with mean values of 48.94, 66.74, and 43.70 g kg−1 dried weight (dw), respectively. The crude fiber range was between 6.53% and 22.67%, being an interesting source of fiber. The most abundant macronutrient was calcium (Ca), followed by potassium (K) and magnesium (Mg). All cultivars showed high concentrations of iron (Fe). Ficus carica leaves can be a good material for obtaining extracts rich in fiber and calcium and provide an alternative source of these compounds to be incorporated into other nutraceutical and/or food matrices.
Soil Nematodes as a Means of Conservation of Soil Predatory Mites for Biocontrol
Authors: Rueda-Ramírez Diana , Palevsky Eric , Ruess Liliane
Published: December 2022

Numerous lab and field studies have reported the potential of soil predatory mites for the biological control of plant-parasitic nematodes and arthropods pests. Most of these studies have utilized biocontrol agents in augmentative releases, essentially controlling the pest with the released predators. While this may be a valid approach, we hypothesize that conservation of soil mite predators with available, suitable, and accessible free-living nematodes as prey, will provide better agricultural ecosystem performance and long-range sustainability. In this manuscript, we review the relevant studies on soil predatory mite–nematode interactions and highlight their potential for conservation biological control of soil-borne pests. Additionally, we emphasize the importance of implementing environmentally sound soil management practices for the sustainability and conservation of functional soil food webs.
Influence of Sowing Date of Winter Cereals on the Efficacy of Cinmethylin on Alopecurus myosuroides (Huds.)
Authors: Klauk Benjamin , Petersen Jan
Published: December 2022

Cinmethylin, a pre-emergent applied active ingredient, inhibits the fatty acid thioesterase and offers a new option in the chemical control of Alopecurus myosuroides, one of the most problematic weeds in arable farming in Europe. It was assumed that with the delayed sowing of winter wheat and winter barley due to more humid and cooler conditions, the efficacy of cinmethylin against A. myosuroides increases. Four field trials were conducted in Southwestern Germany from 2019 to 2022. From mid-September until early November, winter wheat and winter barley were sown in at four dates each year, with intervals of fourteen days. After each sowing, 500 and 250 g cinmethylin ha−1 were applied subsequently to winter wheat and winter barley, respectively. Flufenacet (240 g ha−1) served as a comparison in both crops. A herbicide efficacy of over 90% was achieved for winter wheat sown in mid-October, while it was only 70% for winter wheat sown in mid-September. Similar results were observed for winter barley. On average, cinmethylin achieved a significantly higher efficacy in winter wheat than flufenacet. The presented approach with cinmethylin and delayed sowing date provides a basis for the comprehensive control of A. myosuroides. However, further measures of integrated weed management (crop rotation, situational ploughing, and stale seedbed) need to be applied for 100% control.
Grain Quality as Influenced by the Structural Properties of Weed Communities in Mediterranean Wheat Crops
Authors: Hernández Plaza Eva , Bastida Fernando , Gibson David J. , Barro Francisco , Giménez María J. , Pallavicini Yesica , Izquierdo Jordi , González-Andújar José L.
Published: December 2022

Weed community structure, including composition, taxonomic and functional diversity, may explain variability in crop quality, adding to the variability accounted by management, climatic and genetic factors. Focusing on Mediterranean rainfed wheat crops, we sampled weed communities from 26 fields in Spain that were either organically or conventionally managed. Weed communities were characterized by their abundance and taxonomic, compositional and trait-based measures. Grain protein concentration and the glutenin to gliadin ratio were used as indicators of wheat grain quality. Linear mixed effects models were used to analyze the relationship between crop quality and weed community variables, while accounting for environmental factors. Nitrogen fertilization, previous crop and precipitation explained a large portion of the variation in wheat grain protein concentration (R2marginal = 0.39) and composition (R2marginal = 0.26). Weed community measures had limited effects on grain quality (increasing R2marginal of models by 1% on average). The weed effects were related to the composition and the functional structure of their communities, but not to their abundance. Environmental conditions promoting higher protein concentration were also selecting for weed species with competitive attributes, whereas the role of weed functional diversity depended on the functional trait and on the resource limiting crop grain quality. Understanding the mechanisms of weed effects on crop quality could aid on designing sustainable weed management practices.
A Combination of Shade Trees and Soil Characteristics May Determine Robusta Coffee (Coffea canephora) Yield in a Tropical Monsoon Environment
Authors: Le Vinh Huu , Truong Canh Thanh , Le Anh Hung , Nguyen Binh Thanh
Published: December 2022

Shade trees may have contrastive effects on Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner) yield, which may be additionally influenced by soil properties and reproductive stages of the plant. The current study is aimed at examining the interaction effects of shade trees, soils with different properties, and reproductive stages on coffee yield and identifying key factors influencing the yield. The current study was conducted in Dakha, Kontum of Vietnam on 133 farms, randomly selected from two soils, and two reproductive stages of coffee plants planted with and without shade trees. The coffee yield was measured, and surface soil samples were taken from these farms to be analyzed for 16 variables. The results showed that shade trees enhanced coffee yield significantly (by 28%) in the young reproductive stage but exhibited an insignificant effect in the old stage. The silt fraction, total nitrogen, cation exchange capacity, and shade trees were key factors determining 52% of the coffee yield in the sandy clay loam soil, while silt content and shade trees determined 23% of the yield in the clay soil. These findings suggest that shade trees, together with some soil properties, should be considered to improve coffee production under a tropical monsoon climate region.
Early Trauma Leaves No Social Signature in Sanctuary-Housed Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Authors: van Leeuwen Edwin J. C. , Bruinstroop Bernadette M. C. , Haun Daniel B. M.
Published: December 2022

Negative early experiences can have detrimental effects on social functioning in later life, both in humans as well as in other socially-living animals. In zoo-housed chimpanzees, recent evidence suggests that there may be a lingering signature of early trauma on individuals’ social interaction tendencies as measured by social proximity and grooming. Here, we address whether a similar effect would be observable in chimpanzees living under semi-wild conditions in an African sanctuary. By analysing party size, close proximity and social grooming, we show that in this specific sanctuary, chimpanzees that suffered early trauma (n = 42) were socially indistinguishable from chimpanzees who were born and raised by their mothers in the sanctuary (n = 36). Our findings indicate that chimpanzees may not be irreversibly affected by early social trauma, possibly owing to rehabilitation in stable social groups in a semi-natural environment. Beyond identifying sanctuaries as valuable rehabilitation centres for orphaned chimpanzees, this study demonstrates a remarkable social flexibility in one of our closest living relatives.
Identifying Early Indicators of Tail Biting in Pigs by Variable Selection Using Partial Least Squares Regression
Authors: Drexl Veronika , Dittrich Imme , Wilder Thore , Diers Sophie , Krieter Joachim
Published: December 2022

This study examined relevant variables for predicting the prevalence of pigs with a tail lesion in rearing (REA) and fattening (FAT). Tail lesions were recorded at two scoring days a week in six pens in both REA (10 batches, 840 scoring days) and FAT (5 batches, 624 scoring days). To select the variables that best explain the variation within the prevalence of pigs with a tail lesion, partial least squares regression models were used with the variable importance in projection (VIP) and regression coefficients (β) as selection criteria. In REA, five factors were extracted explaining 60.6% of the dependent variable’s variance, whereas in FAT five extracted factors explained 62.4% of the dependent variable’s variance. According to VIP and β, seven variables were selected in REA and six in FAT with the tail posture being the most important variable. In addition, skin lesions, treatment index in the suckling phase, water consumption (mean), activity time (mean; CV) and exhaust air rate (CV) were selected in REA. In FAT, additional musculoskeletal system issues, activity time (mean; CV) and exhaust air rate (mean; CV) were selected according to VIP and β. The selected variables indicate which variables should be collected in the stable to e.g., predict tail biting.
Firocoxib as a Potential Neoadjuvant Treatment in Canine Patients with Triple-Negative Mammary Gland Tumors
Authors: Brandi Andressa , de Faria Lainetti Patricia , Elias Fabiana , Rodrigues Marcela Marcondes Pinto , Fagundes Moraes Livia , Laufer-Amorim Renée , de Camargo Laíza Sartori , Salles Gomes Cristina de Oliveira Massoco , Fonseca-Alves Carlos Eduardo
Published: December 2022

This study aimed to investigate the pro-apoptotic effects of NSAID (Previcox®) in vitro and in vivo. Two CMT cell lines, one from the primary tumor and one from bone metastasis, were treated with firocoxib and MTT assay was performed to determine the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value. The firocoxib IC50 for the cell lines UNESP-CM5 and UNESP-MM1 were 25.21 µM and 27.41 µM, respectively. The cell lines were then treated with the respective firocoxib IC50 concentrations and annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) assay was performed, to detect the induction of apoptosis in both cells (Annexin+/PI+). We conducted an in vivo study involving female dogs affected by CMT and divided them into control and treatment groups. For both groups, a biopsy was performed on day 0 (D0) and a mastectomy was performed on day 14 (D14). In the treatment group, after biopsy on D0, the patients received Previcox® 5 mg/kg PO once a day until mastectomy was performed on D14. COX-2/caspase-3 double immunostaining was performed on samples from D0 and D14, revealing no difference in the control group. In contrast, in the treatment group Previcox® increased the number of COX-2 positive apoptotic cells. Therefore, firocoxib can induce apoptosis in CMT cells in vitro and in vivo, and Previcox® can be a potential neoadjuvant treatment for patients with mammary cancer.
Evaluation of Intradermal PRRSV MLV Vaccination of Suckling Piglets on Health and Performance Parameters under Field Conditions
Authors: Maragkakis Georgios , Athanasiou Labrini V. , Chaintoutis Serafeim C. , Psalla Dimitra , Kostoulas Polychronis , Meletis Eleftherios , Papakonstantinou Georgios , Maes Dominiek , Christodoulopoulos Georgios , Papatsiros Vasileios G.
Published: December 2022

Porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes respiratory disease in weaning and growing pigs. A vaccination against PRRSV is one of the most important control measures. This trial aimed to evaluate the effect of the intradermal (ID) administration of a PRRSV-1 modified live virus (MLV) vaccine in comparison to the intramuscular (IM) administration on the piglets’ health and performance. A total of 187 suckling piglets of a PRRSV-positive commercial farrow-to-finish farm were assigned to four groups: group A—PRRSV ID, group B—PRRSV IM, group C—control ID, and group D—control IM. At 2 weeks of age, all the study piglets were either vaccinated with a PRRSV-1 MLV vaccine or injected with the vaccine adjuvant (controls). The collected blood serum samples were tested by ELISA and qRT-PCR. The side effects, body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), mortality rate, and lung and pleurisy lesions scores (LLS, PLS) were also recorded. The ELISA results indicated that the vaccination induced an important seroconversion at 4 and 7 weeks. Significant differences in the qRT-PCR results were noticed only at 10 weeks in group A vs. group C (p < 0.01) and group B vs. group C (p < 0.05). High viral loads, as evidenced by the qRT-PCR Ct values, were noticed in animals of both non-vaccinated groups at 7, 10, and 13 weeks. An ID vaccination has a positive impact on the BW at the piglets’ slaughter, while both an ID and IM vaccination had a positive impact on the ADG. The mortality rate was lower in vaccinated groups at the finishing stage. The LLS and PLS were significantly lower in the vaccinated groups. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that the ID vaccination of suckling piglets with a PRRSV-1 MLV vaccine has a positive effect on the piglets’ health and performance, including an improved BW and a lower LLS and PLS index at their slaughter, as well as a decreased mortality rate at the growing/finishing stage.
The Cat–Owner Relationship: Validation of the Italian C/DORS for Cat Owners and Correlation with the LAPS
Authors: Borrelli Carmen , Riggio Giacomo , Howell Tiffani Josey , Piotti Patrizia , Diverio Silvana , Albertini Mariangela , Mongillo Paolo , Marinelli Lieta , Baragli Paolo , Di Iacovo Francesco Paolo , Gazzano Angelo , Pirrone Federica , Mariti Chiara
Published: December 2022

Globally, most people now own a pet. Scales have been developed to understand the impact of pet ownership on people’s lives and to measure specific aspects of the owner–pet relationship. The Cat-/Dog-Owner Relationship Scale (C/DORS) is a tool developed to investigate this relationship in both dog and cat owners. The aim of the study was to refine and validate the C/DORS for cat owners in Italian. Exploratory Factor Analysis and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) were used to determine the most appropriate factor model. Construct validity was confirmed by correlating the C/DORS subscales with the Lexington Attachment to Pets (LAPS) subscales. Results confirmed the original structure of the English version (i.e., three factors: Pet Owner Interaction = POI, Perceived Emotional Closeness = PEC, Perceived Costs = PC) and CFA confirmed the structure of LAPS and C/DORS scales. Cronbach’s alpha demonstrated the Italian version of the two scales to have good internal reliability for all domains. Owners of cats living exclusively indoors reported higher scores on POI and PEC compared to indoor/outdoor cats. Owning both cats and dogs was correlated with lower scores on POI, and fewer perceived costs (i.e., PC) of cat ownership. Finally, behaviour problems, not being neutered, and lack of previous experience with cat ownership were associated with lower scores on PC.
Linear Mixed-Effects Model to Quantify the Association between Somatic Cell Count and Milk Production in Italian Dairy Herds
Authors: Luo Tiantian , Steeneveld Wilma , Nielen Mirjam , Zanini Lucio , Zecconi Alfonso
Published: December 2022

Milk production loss due to mastitis in dairy herds is economically important. Before estimating the economic impacts of mastitis, it is crucial to quantify the association between mastitis and milk production. The objective of this study was to estimate the association between somatic cell count (SCC, as an indicator of intramammary infection due to mastitis) and milk production for dairy cows in Lombardy, Italy. The test-day (TD) records data of 3816 dairy herds located in three different geographical areas of Lombardy from January 2016 to December 2018 were used. After data editing, the final dataset comprised 10,445,464 TD records from 2970 farms and 826,831 cows. The analysis was carried out by using a mixed-effects model with six fixed effects (geographical Area, Breed, Days in Milk, Parity, Season and Year) and nested random effects for each cow and herd. The results confirmed that the SCC had a negative association with milk production. On average, this study found that any two-fold increase of SCC resulted in a milk production loss of 0.830 (95% CI: −0.832, −0.828) kg/cow/day in the whole of Lombardy. These results can be used for economic calculations on the costs of mastitis.
Prevalence and Persistence of Ceftiofur-Resistant Escherichia coli in A Chicken Layer Breeding Program
Authors: Liao Meina , Wu Jiaen , Li Yafei , Lu Xiaoqing , Tan Huizhen , Chen Shanshan , Huang Wenqing , Lian Xinlei , Sun Jian , Liao Xiaoping , Liu Yahong , Feng Saixiang , Zhang Rongmin
Published: December 2022

We determined the longitudinal persistence of ceftiofur-resistant Escherichia coli from a chicken breeding farm in China. A total of 150 samples were collected from 5 breeding periods in a flock of layer hens, and the prevalence of ceftiofur-resistant E. coli fluctuated across the 5 chicken breeding stages: eggs, 3.33%; growing period, 100%; early laying period, 36.7%; peak laying period, 66.7% and late laying period, 80%. The most prevalent ceftiofur resistance genes were blaCTX-M-55, blaCMY and blaNDM, and ST101 was the most prevalent and persistent sequence type across the breeding periods. Our results indicated that this breeder flock was heavily contaminated by ST101 ceftiofur-resistant E. coli and that its presence should be intensively monitored on chicken farms.
Detection of an Undescribed Babesia sp. in Capybaras and Amblyomma Ticks in Central-Western Brazil
Authors: Neves Lucianne Cardoso , Sousa-Paula Lucas Christian de , Dias Sarah Alves , da Silva Bianca Barbara Fonseca , Paula Warley Vieira de Freitas , de Paula Luiza Gabriella Ferreira , Pereira Brenda Gomes , Pádua Gracielle Teles , Borsanelli Ana Carolina , Cardoso Ennya Rafaella Neves , Krawczak Felipe da Silva , Dantas-Torres Filipe
Published: December 2022

Capybaras (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris) are the largest rodents on Earth. While capybaras are hosts for various tick species, there is limited information regarding the tick-borne pathogens they can carry. We investigated the presence of piroplasmids and Ehrlichia spp. in capybaras and their associated ticks in two peri-urban areas in Goiás state, central-western Brazil. Blood samples collected from 23 capybaras were used to investigate the presence of piroplasmids and Ehrlichia spp. in stained-blood smears and by PCR. Ticks collected from the capybaras were identified morphologically and also tested using PCR for the same pathogens. A total of 955 ticks were collected, including 822 (86.1%) Amblyomma sculptum, 132 (13.8%) Amblyomma dubitatum, and one (0.1%) unidentified larva of Amblyomma sp. Neither the capybaras nor ticks were positive for Ehrlichia spp. However, a stained-blood smear examination revealed the presence of ring-stage and pyriform-shaped merozoites in the erythrocytes of one (4.4%) capybara. In the same way, 47.8% (11/23) and 19.9% (36/181) of blood samples and ticks, respectively, were positive for piroplasmids in the PCR. We successfully sequenced a partial 18S rRNA gene fragment of four samples (two capybaras, one A. sculptum, and one A. dubitatum), and the phylogenetic reconstruction disclosed that the organism reported in the present study clusters within the genus Babesia. Further research is required for a formal delineation of this species (designated as Babesia sp. strain Capybara) and to investigate the hypothesis of A. dubitatum and A. sculptum ticks being vectors.
Sorting Out the Risks and Benefits of the #797 Recommended Intrapartum Vancomycin Dosing Approach
Authors: Farkas Andras , Yassin Arsheena
Published: December 2022

ACOG Committee Opinion #797 proposed intrapartum vancomycin dosing guidelines in the absence of thorough evaluation of its risk versus benefit profile on the maternal and neonatal systems. The previously published serum and cord-blood concentration–time data of vancomycin given to mothers in the intrapartum period was analyzed in this work with a two-compartment pharmacokinetic (PK) model. Monte Carlo simulation was used to establish exposure for the studied population for doses of 1000 mg to 2000 mg every 8 h for gestational ages (GA) of 33 to 40 weeks and for birth times up to 4-h intervals. Probabilities of target attainment (PTA) were calculated for efficacy and toxicity indices unique to the peripartum maternal and neonatal population. Neonatal evaluations indicate uniformly high PTAs for the evaluated dosing regimens when the efficacy target is considered. On the other hand, the PTAs for potentially nephrotoxic exposure is expected to reach undesirable levels when three or more doses were to be administered. The risk is profoundly high in GA below 36 weeks and birth times beyond 20 h after the initiation of intrapartum prophylaxis and with doses greater than 1250 mg. Maternal vancomycin exposures seem reasonable up to two intrapartum doses given at 8 h intervals when the dose is kept to 1250 mg or less. Most mothers (up to 83%) who receive three or more doses of the commonly administered regimens are subjected to nephrotoxic exposures. Thus, it appears that the current recommendations by #797 for dosing of vancomycin pose considerable risk to mother and newborn alike, especially in cases with lengthy duration of preterm labor. Capping of doses at 1250 mg may be considered to minimize the need for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) interventions. Alternatively, and irrespective of the baseline maternal renal function, TDM for all cases requiring more than two doses of 1500 mg or higher must be assured.
Higher Reduced State of Fe/S-Signals, with the Suppressed Oxidation of P700, Causes PSI Inactivation in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Furutani Riu , Wada Shinya , Ifuku Kentaro , Maekawa Shu , Miyake Chikahiro
Published: December 2022

Environmental stress increases the risk of electron accumulation in photosystem I (PSI) of chloroplasts, which can cause oxygen (O2) reduction to superoxide radicals and decreased photosynthetic ability. We used three Arabidopsis thaliana lines: wild-type (WT) and the mutants pgr5hope1 and paa1-7/pox1. These lines have different reduced states of iron/sulfur (Fe/S) signals, including Fx, FA/FB, and ferredoxin, the electron carriers at the acceptor side of PSI. In the dark, short-pulse light was repetitively illuminated to the intact leaves of the plants to provide electrons to the acceptor side of PSI. WT and pgr5hope1 plants showed full reductions of Fe/S during short-pulse light and PSI inactivation. In contrast, paa1-7/pox1 showed less reduction of Fe/S and its PSI was not inactivated. Under continuous actinic-light illumination, pgr5hope1 showed no P700 oxidation with higher Fe/S reduction due to the loss of photosynthesis control and PSI inactivation. These results indicate that the accumulation of electrons at the acceptor side of PSI may trigger the production of superoxide radicals. P700 oxidation, responsible for the robustness of photosynthetic organisms, participates in reactive oxygen species suppression by oxidizing the acceptor side of PSI.
Fatigue Life Analysis of the Submarine Rudder Stock Mechanism at Arctic Low Temperatures
Authors: Chen Siyu , Guo Wenyong , Cao Chenghao , Huang Jianing , Zhang Jianxiang , Yu Li , Chen Hantao
Published: December 2022

Under the action of Arctic low temperatures and long-term alternating loads, the fatigue life of the submarine rudder stock mechanism is severely tested. In this paper, the research method of the static strength analysis and fatigue life analysis of the submarine rudder stock mechanism is proposed by combining multibody dynamics, the finite element method, and tests. Based on the three-dimensional model and the motion law of the rudder stock mechanism, a multibody dynamic model is established, and the time history loads of each node of the mechanism are obtained. According to the working temperature range of the submarine rudder stock mechanism in the Arctic, low-temperature tensile tests are carried out. Based on the experimental data, the finite element model is built, and static analysis is carried out. Using the S–N static fatigue design method, fatigue simulation analysis is performed by using nCode DesignLife. The analysis results show that the fatigue life of the submarine rudder stock mechanism decreases significantly when the temperature is reduced from 0 °C to −60 °C. This method can provide a reference for submarine design and life model establishment in the Arctic environment.
Digital Twin Architecture Evaluation for Intelligent Fish Farm Management Using Modified Analytic Hierarchy Process
Authors: Lan Hsun-Yu , Ubina Naomi A. , Cheng Shyi-Chyi , Lin Shih-Syun , Huang Cheng-Ting
Published: December 2022

Precision aquaculture deploys multi-mode sensors on a fish farm to collect fish and environmental data and form a big collection of datasets to pre-train data-driven prediction models to fully understand the aquaculture environment and fish farm conditions. These prediction models empower fish farmers for intelligent decisions, thereby providing objective information to monitor and control factors of automatic aquaculture machines and maximize farm production. This paper analyzes the requirements of a digital transformation infrastructure consisting of five-layered digital twins using extensive literature reviews. Thus, the results help realize our goal of providing efficient management and remote monitoring of aquaculture farms. The system embeds cloud-based digital twins using machine learning and computer vision, together with sensors and artificial intelligence-based Internet of Things (AIoT) technologies, to monitor fish feeding behavior, disease, and growth. However, few discussions in the literature concerning the functionality of a cost-effective digital twin architecture for aquaculture transformation are available. Therefore, this study uses the modified analytical hierarchical analysis to define the user requirements and the strategies for deploying digital twins to achieve the goal of intelligent fish farm management. Based on the requirement analysis, the constructed prototype of the cloud-based digital twin system effectively improves the efficiency of traditional fish farm management.
Numerical Analysis via Mixed Inverse Hydrodynamic Lubrication Theory of Reciprocating Rubber Seal Considering the Friction Thermal Effect
Authors: Kim Bongjun , Suh Junho , Lee Bora , Chun Yondo , Hong Geuntae , Park Jungjoon , Yu Yonghun
Published: December 2022

This study investigates how operating conditions such as ambient temperature and sealing pressure affect sealing performance for a typical U-cup seal. The developed analysis method combines inverse fluid lubrication (IHL) theory and the Greenwood–Williamson contact model (G–W model), and the effect of increasing surface temperature due to frictional heat generated between two surfaces is considered. Commercial FE software (ABAQUS) was used to simulate the interference fit analysis of rubber seals and the pressurized process. Through this model, the film distribution, working fluid leakage, and friction force in the sealing area were discussed according to the operating parameters, such as sealed pressure, rod velocity, and ambient temperature. The simulation results demonstrate the effect of fluid viscosity on oil film formation (which varies with ambient temperature), the effect of increasing the surface temperature, and the effect of surface roughness at a very small film thickness.
Endothelial Reprogramming in Sports Traumatology: Role of the Widespread Neuro-Immuno-Endocrine-Endothelial System
Authors: Francavilla Vincenzo Cristian , Mingrino Omar , Di Corrado Donatella , Bellomo Maria , Lanza Giuseppe , Crescimanno Caterina , Orofino Francesca , Parisi Maria Chiara
Published: December 2022

This paper deals with the role of the widespread neuro-immuno-endocrine-endothelial system in sport traumatology. The aim of this work is to see if sport or regular physical activity is able to reprogram the endothelium, to advance the new concept of neuro-immuno-endocrine-endothelial diffused system, and to introduce in the practice of sport medicine a new test in the fields of “Athlete functional evaluation” and “Sports fitness”. The first object of this paper is to see whether sport or regular physical activity can change the functional structure of the endothelium. The second goal is to frame under a general view the knowledge and individual lines of research on endothelium, to highlight what we believe is, in the organization of homeostasis, the location of this ‘organ’, namely in the neuro-immune-endocrine system spread.
Optimization of Image Quality in Digital Mammography with the Response of a Selenium Detector by Monte Carlo Simulation
Authors: Szewczuk Marek , Konefał Adam
Published: December 2022

Mammography machines must meet high requirements to ensure the quality of the generated images. On the other hand, due to the use of ionizing radiation, there is a need to minimize the dose received by patients. To optimize both of these parameters (dose and image quality), the response characteristics of image detectors and, depending on the composition of the breasts, the physical contrast of the examined structures should be considered. This study aimed to determine the optimal voltage values for a given breast thickness during imaging with the use of a selenium image detector. Analysis was carried out using the Monte Carlo simulation method with the GEANT4 code. Our results reveal that the combination of Mo anode together with Mo filtration (the system recommended in analog mammography) was the least favorable combination among those used in digital mammography machines with a selenium detector. Moreover, the use of Rh filtration instead of Mo was advantageous regardless of the thickness of the breast and resulted in a significant improvement in image quality with the same dose absorbed in the breast. The most advantageous solution was found to be an X-ray tube with a W anode. The highest values of the image quality-to-dose ratio were observed for breasts with dimensions ranging from 53 mm to 60 mm in thickness. Lower image quality was observed for breasts with smaller dimensions due to high breast glandularity, resulting in the deterioration of the physical contrast.
Development of Multi-Cation-Doped M-Type Hexaferrite Permanent Magnets
Authors: Lim Jun-Pyo , Kang Min-Gu , Kang Young-Min
Published: December 2022

We report enhanced permanent magnet performance for multi-cation–substituted M-type Sr-hexaferrites (SrM) prepared using conventional ceramic processes. The final cation composition, Sr0.4Ca0.3La0.3Fe10.2Co0.1Mn0.1Si0.05Mg0.05O19, could be derived through stepwise and systematic cation composition designs, processing, and characterization. The hexaferrites sample sintered in the temperature range of 1200–1220 °C showed an enhanced coercivity (HC) of approximately 4.0 kOe and a residual magnetic flux density (Br) of 2.5–2.6 kG. When samples of the same composition were fabricated into anisotropic magnets through a magnetic-field molding process, performance parameters of Br = 4.42 kG, HC = 3.57 kOe, and BHmax = 4.70 M·G·Oe were achieved, a significant improvement over Br = 4.21 kG, HC = 3.18 kOe, and BHmax = 4.24 M·G·Oe for the non-substituted SrFe12O19 magnet processed under optimized conditions.