bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk Perception of Natural and Human-Made Disasters—Cross Sectional Study in Eight Countries in Europe and Beyond
Authors: Bodas Moran , Peleg Kobi , Stolero Nathan , Adini Bruria
Published: February 2022

Each year, emergency and disaster situations claim a heavy toll in human lives and economic loss. Civilian populations that are more aware and prepared for emergencies are more resilient. The aim of this study was to explore similarities and differences in risk perception of emergencies and disasters across different societies and its association with individual resilience. A cross sectional study that explored attitudinal factors, as expressed by diverse samples of target countries across Europe and beyond, took place during the months of January-February 2021. Diverse samples (N ≥ 500) of adults from 8 countries (Italy, Romania, Spain, France, Sweden, Norway, Israel, and Japan) were engaged in this study. This study used the Pictorial Representation of Illness and Self-Measure (iPRISM) tool to assess risk perception. The results suggest that for the overall sample (N = 4,013), pandemics were the risk of which participants showed the highest concern, followed by critical infrastructure fail, social disturbance, natural hazards, and extreme weather events. It was found that religiosity is associated with risk perception, with highly religious and non-religious reporting elevated risk perception (F = 5.735, df = 2, p = 0.003), however country-specific analysis revealed that this finding varies depending on local contexts. The analysis also revealed differences in risk perception depending on age and type of risk. The results of this study present that there are commonalities and differences between societies across Europe and beyond concerning societal resilience at large, including risk perception. The dependency of risk perception on local context suggests that a regional-based approach for disaster risk reduction may be called for to adapt and adjust to local socio-cultural characteristics of each population.
The Irish Football Player Pathway: Examining Stakeholder Coherence Throughout and Across the Player Development System
Authors: Sweeney Liam , MacNamara Áine , Horan Dan
Published: February 2022

Maximizing the efficiency of the player development system is a strategic priority for any professional football club or association. However, the successful development of a young footballer is largely dependent upon the roles and relationships of the different stakeholders invested in the developmental process. This study examined the level of horizontal (i.e., extent to which stakeholders across a pathway stage work with players in an agreed fashion to optimize their experience) and vertical (i.e., extent to which multiple stages of the pathway are coordinated and build chronologically from previous involvement toward long-term needs) stakeholder coherence throughout the Irish football player pathway following a restructuring of development policies and the implementation of a nationwide academy system between 2016 and 2020 under the Football Association of Ireland's (FAI) Player Development Plan. As a second aim, we explored each of the key stakeholders' alignment to academic talent development principles in order to provide practical recommendations for future player and coach development policies. Accordingly, a series of interviews were conducted with 31 key stakeholders currently engaged in the player pathway. These key stakeholders consisted of parents, coaches and members of the FAI as the National Governing Body for football in Ireland. Data were analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis, with findings highlighting a lack of stakeholder coherence across the pathway, both vertically and horizontally. Stakeholders displayed inconsistency in their understanding of the purpose of the player pathway and its long-term strategic aims, as well as demonstrating poor and incohesive relationships with each of the different stakeholders. Moreover, talent development principles between the different stakeholders appeared well-understood overall, although the practical implementation of several of these principles in applied practice did not appear to exist. Results highlight the need for organizational intervention and structural change across the Irish player pathway to maximize long-term player development in the future. Practical implications for the FAI are discussed and recommendations are made to support optimal player development policies moving forward.
Impact of Radiation Therapy on Outcomes of Artificial Urinary Sphincter: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zhang Li , Xu Yanwen
Published: February 2022

Background

To compare incontinence rates and complications in patients receiving artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) with or without radiotherapy (RT).

Methods

PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, CENTRAL, and Google Scholar databases were searched for studies comparing outcomes of AUS between patients with and without RT. Search limits were from 1st January 2002 to 15th September 2021.

Results

Eighteen studies were included. Meta-analysis revealed statistically significant reduced odds of the absence of incontinence in the RT group (OR: 0.35 95% CI: 0.21, 0.59 I2 = 51% p < 0.0001) as compared to the no-RT group. We also noted statistically significant increased risk of revision surgery in the RT group (OR: 1.74 95% CI: 1.16, 2.60 I2 = 73% p = 0.07). There was increased risk of infections (OR: 2.51 95% CI: 1.00, 6.29 I2 = 46% p = 0.05) and erosions (OR: 2.00 95% CI: 1.15, 3.45 I2 = 21% p = 0.01) in the RT group, but the difference was significant only for erosions. Meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant increased risk of explantation in patients with RT (OR: 3.00 95% CI: 1.16, 7.75 I2 = 68% p = 0.02) but there was no difference in the risk of urethral atrophy (OR: 1.18 95% CI: 0.47, 2.94 I2 = 46% p = 0.72) and mechanical failure (OR: 0.90 95% CI: 0.25, 3.27 I2 = 54% p = 0.87) between the two groups.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis of recent studies indicates that RT significantly reduces the odds of achieving complete continence after AUS placement. History of RT does not increase the risk urethral atrophy or mechanical failure in patients with AUS. However, the risk of revision surgery, erosions and explantations is significantly increased in patients with RT with a non-significant but increased tendency of infections.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: NCT02612389.
The AOP-DB RDF: Applying FAIR Principles to the Semantic Integration of AOP Data Using the Research Description Framework
Authors: Mortensen Holly M. , Martens Marvin , Senn Jonathan , Levey Trevor , Evelo Chris T. , Willighagen Egon L. , Exner Thomas
Published: February 2022

Computational toxicology is central to the current transformation occurring in toxicology and chemical risk assessment. There is a need for more efficient use of existing data to characterize human toxicological response data for environmental chemicals in the US and Europe. The Adverse Outcome Pathway (AOP) framework helps to organize existing mechanistic information and contributes to what is currently being described as New Approach Methodologies (NAMs). AOP knowledge and data are currently submitted directly by users and stored in the AOP-Wiki (https://aopwiki.org/). Automatic and systematic parsing of AOP-Wiki data is challenging, so we have created the EPA Adverse Outcome Pathway Database. The AOP-DB, developed by the US EPA to assist in the biological and mechanistic characterization of AOP data, provides a broad, systems-level overview of the biological context of AOPs. Here we describe the recent semantic mapping efforts for the AOP-DB, and how this process facilitates the integration of AOP-DB data with other toxicologically relevant datasets through a use case example.
Allocating Small Transporters to Large Jobs
Authors: Jami Neil , Leithäuser Neele , Weiß Christian
Published: February 2022

We optimize the assignment of transporters to several jobs. Each job consists of processing a large, decomposable volume. A fleet of transporters is given, each of which can only process a limited volume at a time. After processing its share, a transporter must rest for a short time before being able to process another part. This time is only dependent on the assigned job, not on the transporter. Other transporters can take over the processing while a transporter rests. Transporters assigned to the same job wait for their turn in a queue. A transporter can only be assigned to one job. Our goal is to simultaneously minimize the maximum job completion time and the number of assigned transporters by computing the frontier of Pareto optimal solutions. In general, we show that it is NP-hard in the strong sense to compute even a single point on the Pareto frontier. We provide exact methods and heuristics to compute the Pareto frontier for the general problem and compare them computationally.
Employees’ Innovative Work Behavior and Change Management Phases in Government Institutions: The Mediating Role of Knowledge Sharing
Authors: Adam Nawal Abdalla
Published: February 2022

The change management process in government institutions includes many challenges that require identifying the factors that may facilitate such a process. This study aims to examine the mediating impact of knowledge sharing (KS) on the relationship between employees’ innovative work behavior (EIWB) and change management phases in governmental institutions, based on Lewin’s model. The data were collected from 300 employees working in governmental institutions in Saudi Arabia using a structured survey questionnaire method. Structural equation modeling (SEM-PLS) with bootstrap procedures was used to test the research hypotheses. The results of the study demonstrated that KS has a significant mediating impact on the relationship between EIWB and the stages of change management (unfreezing, change process, and refreezing). Additionally, KS had greater mediating effects on the unfreezing and refreezing phases than on the change process phase. These results indicate the importance of promoting EIWB and encouraging a knowledge sharing culture for the successful implementation of change programs in governmental institutions.
Multi-Objective Comparative Analysis of Active Modular Rectifier Architectures for a More Electric Aircraft
Authors: Atutxa Unai , Baraia-Etxaburu Igor , López Víctor Manuel , González-Hernando Fernando , Rujas Alejandro
Published: February 2022

Aircraft electrification requires reliable, power-dense, high-efficient, and bidirectional rectifiers to improve the overall performance of existing aircrafts. Thus, traditional bulky passive rectifiers must be substituted by active rectifiers, satisfying the requirements imposed by up-to-date standards. However, several challenges are found in terms of power controllability, due to the standardized passive rectifier-based operating conditions. This work presents the implementation of an active rectifier modular architecture for aircraft applications. An analysis of the technical difficulties and limitations was performed and three innovative modular architectures are proposed and designed. In order to find the most suitable architecture, a comparison framework is proposed, focusing on efficiency, volume, and reliability parameters. From the comparative analysis, it can be concluded that the two-stage configuration architecture is a good solution in terms of semiconductor life expectancy and low volume. However, if converter redundancies are required, the single-stage with STATCOM configuration is an excellent trade-off between low volume, redundancy, and cost-effectiveness.
A 1D-SP-Net to Determine Early Drought Stress Status of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) with Imbalanced Vis/NIR Spectroscopy Data
Authors: Tu Yuan-Kai , Kuo Chin-En , Fang Shih-Lun , Chen Han-Wei , Chi Ming-Kun , Yao Min-Hwi , Kuo Bo-Jein
Published: February 2022

Detection of the early stages of stress is crucial in stabilizing crop yields and agricultural production. The aim of this study was to construct a nondestructive and robust method to predict the early physiological drought status of the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum); for this purpose, a convolutional neural network (CNN)-based model with a one-dimensional (1D) kernel for fitting the visible and near infrared (Vis/NIR) spectral data was proposed. To prevent degradation and enhance the feature comprehension of the deep neural network architecture, residual and global context modules were embedded in the proposed 1D-CNN model, yielding the 1D spectrogram power net (1D-SP-Net). The 1D-SP-Net outperformed the 1D-CNN, partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLSDA), and random forest (RF) models in model testing, demonstrating an accuracy of 96.3%, precision of 98.0%, Matthew’s correlation coefficient of 0.92, and an F1 score of 0.95. Furthermore, when employing various synthesized imbalanced data sets, the proposed 1D-SP-Net remained robust and consistent, outperforming the other models in terms of the prediction capabilities. These results indicate that the 1D-SP-Net is a promising model resistant to the effects of imbalanced data sets and able to determine the early drought stress status of tomato seedlings in a non-invasive manner.
Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Genetic Basis of Trace Elements Accumulation in Maize Kernels
Authors: Zhao Fucheng , Wang Nan , Bao Fei , Zhao Guangwu , Jing Liquan , Wang Guiyue , Han Qinghui , Hao Zhuanfang , Chen Bin
Published: February 2022

Clarifying the genetic basis of trace element accumulation is of great significance to breed new maize varieties with high quality. In this study, an integrated variant map with 1.25 million (M) SNPs and 489 inbred lines was used for a genome-wide association study on the accumulation of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd) and Arsenic (As) in maize kernels. Seventeen SNPs linked with six genes were overlapped by different trace elements. After further analysis, 65 SNPs located in 28 genes with a p-value lower than 10−10 were associated with Cd content by genome-wide association studies (GWAS). There was a 3.1-fold difference in Cd content between different groups, which was divided by SNP haplotype in chr2.S_160782359, chr2.S_161045498 and chr2.S_161273716. The amino acid sequences of GRMZM2G150608 and GRMZM2G051367 only shared 68.85% and 88.16% similarity between B73 and Mo17, and the Cd content of Mo17 was 2.2-fold that of B73. In addition, 19 lines with higher contents of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and fewer contents of As and Cd were screened from GWAS associated populations. This study will lay a foundation for revealing the molecular mechanism of trace element accumulation in maize kernels and provide candidate genes for breeding new maize varieties with high nutritional quality.
Chemical Composition of Lupin (Lupinus spp.) as Influenced by Variety and Tillage System
Authors: Panasiewicz Katarzyna
Published: February 2022

Lupins are an important source of domestic protein in many countries, and are often considered as an alternative to soybeans, given their elevated and high-quality protein content, suitability for sustainable production and consumer acceptability. The aim of the research was to determine the effect of the variety (indeterminate and determinate) and tillage system (conventional—CT, reduced tillage—RT, no-tillage—NT) on the chemical composition of three lupin species seeds (narrow leaved lupin—NL, yellow lupin—YL, white lupin—WL). The protein content of the lupin seeds ranged from 323 g kg−1 DM in the narrow-leaved lupin ‘Dalbor’ to 445 g kg−1 DM in the yellow lupin ‘Lord’. The tillage system significantly influenced the crude protein content only in NL seeds, with the greatest value observed with the NT system. An evaluation of the amino acid composition of the protein in the lupin seeds showed that the differences depended largely on the variation between the species. The conducted research shows that the varietal differentiation in terms of the amino acid content was particularly evident in NL and YL, and, to a lesser extent, in WL.
Effects of Grass Silage Additive Type and Barley Grain Preservation Method on Rumen Fermentation, Microbial Community and Milk Production of Dairy Cows
Authors: Rinne Marketta , Franco Marcia , Tapio Ilma , Stefański Tomasz , Bayat Ali-Reza , Mäntysaari Päivi
Published: February 2022

Grass was ensiled using an acid-based additive (AS) or homofermentative lactic acid bacteria (IS). In addition, barley grain was either dried (DB) or crimped and ensiled (EB). The feeds were fed as total mixed rations (TMR) in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement to 16 Nordic Red dairy cows in four replicated Latin squares. The differences in the fermentation quality of the two grass silages were unexpectedly small. Dry matter intake was higher (p < 0.01) for cows fed AS than those fed IS but was not affected by barley preservation method. Ruminal molar proportion of butyrate tended to be higher in cows fed AS rather than IS (p < 0.10) in expense of acetate (p < 0.05). Barley preservation method did not affect rumen fermentation but modulated rumen bacterial community composition. Milk production was not affected by silage additive but tended (p < 0.10) to be higher (39.6 vs. 39.0 kg/d) for cows fed DB rather than EB. However, barley type did not affect energy corrected milk yield due to a tendency (p < 0.10) for higher milk fat content of cows fed EB rather than DB. Milk fat yield tended (p < 0.10) to be higher for AS-fed cows than IS-fed cows, and milk protein yield was higher for cows receiving DB rather than EB. The AS resulted in more aerobically stable TMR than IS and a minor advantage was found for DB compared to EB.
A Deep Learning-Based Model to Reduce Costs and Increase Productivity in the Case of Small Datasets: A Case Study in Cotton Cultivation
Authors: Amani Mohammad Amin , Marinello Francesco
Published: February 2022

In this paper, a deep-learning model is proposed as a viable approach to optimize the information on soil parameters and agricultural variables’ effect in cotton cultivation, even in the case of small datasets. In this study, soil is analyzed to reduce the planting costs by determining the various combinations of soil components and nutrients’ precise amounts. Such factors are essential for cotton cultivation, since their amounts are often not precisely defined, and especially traditional farming methods are characterized by excessive distribution volumes producing significant economic and environmental impact. Not only can artificial intelligence decrease the charges, but it also increases productivity and profits. For this purpose, a deep learning algorithm was selected among other machine learning algorithms by comparison based on the accuracy metric to build the predictive model. This model gets the combination of the factors amounts as input and predicts whether the cotton growth will be successful or not. The predictive model was built by this algorithm based on 13 physical and chemical factors has 98.8% accuracy.
Biofortification of Staple Crops to Alleviate Human Malnutrition: Contributions and Potential in Developing Countries
Authors: Kiran Aysha , Wakeel Abdul , Mahmood Khalid , Mubaraka Rafia , Hafsa  , Haefele Stephan M.
Published: February 2022

Micronutrient malnutrition is a global health challenge affecting almost half of the global population, causing poor physical and mental development of children and a wide range of illnesses. It is most prevalent in young girls, women, and pre-school children who are suffering particularly from the low consumption of vitamins and micronutrients. Given this global challenge, biofortification has proven to be a promising and economical approach to increase the concentration of essential micronutrients in edible portions of staple crops. Produce quality and micronutrient content can be further enhanced with the use of micronutrient fertilizers. Especially developing countries with a high percentage of malnourished populations are attracted to this integrated biofortification, combining modern agronomic interventions and genetic improvement of food crops. Consequently, maize, rice, wheat, beans, pearl millet, sweet potato, and cassava have all been biofortified with increased concentrations of Fe, Zn, or provitamin A in various developing countries. Today, there are several large-scale success stories in Africa and Asia that support the research and development of biofortified crops. In this review, we summarized what has been achieved to date and how edible crops can be further improved by integrating agronomic and genetic strategies to upgrade the nutritional status of children and adults around the world.
Assessment of the Carbon and Nitrogen Mineralisation of Digestates Elaborated from Distinct Feedstock Profiles
Authors: Reuland Gregory , Sigurnjak Ivona , Dekker Harmen , Sleutel Steven , Meers Erik
Published: February 2022

The carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) mineralisation rates of five digestates were studied and compared with pig slurry, compost, and a solid fraction of digestate in aerobic incubation experiments. The objective was to identify the most relevant drivers of C and N mineralisation based on the physicochemical properties of the products. Net organic nitrogen mineralisation of digestates (Nmin,net) was on average 30%, although the range was relatively wide, with digestate from pig manure (39%) reaching double the value of digestate from sewage sludge (21%). The total carbon to total nitrogen (TC:TN) (r = −0.83, p < 0.05) and ammonium nitrogen to total nitrogen (NH4+-N:TN) (r = 0.83, p < 0.05) ratios of the products were strongly correlated with Nmin,net, adequately mirroring the expected fertilising potential of the products. The digestates had C sequestration values between 50 and 81% of applied total organic carbon (TOC), showcasing their potential to contribute to C build-up in agricultural soils. The carbon use efficiency of the amended soils was negatively correlated with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) (r = −0.75, p < 0.05) suggesting that catabolic activities were promoted proportionately to the DOC present in these products. Ratios of DOC:TOC (r = −0.88, p < 0.01) and TC:TN (r = 0.92, p < 0.01) were reliable predictors of the fraction of C that would remain one year after its incorporation and thus could be used as simple quality parameters to denote the C sequestration potential of digestates prior to their use in the field.
Influence of Hot Water and 1-Methylcyclopropane Treatments on Air-Stored Quince Fruit
Authors: Gunes Nurdan Tuna , Poyrazoğlu Ender Sinan
Published: February 2022

The commercial application potential of hot water treatments against 1-Methylcyclopropane (1-MCP) treatments for maintaining quality of fruit in quince (Cydonia oblonga Mill. cv. ‘Eşme’) during long-term regular air storage was investigated. The fruits were treated with either hot water at 50 ± 1 °C for 3 and 5 min or two different 1-MCP (SmartFreshSM) concentrations (300 ppb and 1000 ppb) at 12 °C for 20 h. Then, all fruits were stored at 0 ± 1 °C temperature, 85–90% relative humidity and regular air conditioning for 6 months. The efficacy of postharvest treatments in some fruit treats was monitored at monthly intervals. Postharvest treatments did not remarkably affect physiological features of fruits, such as ethylene production and respiration rate. Hot water treatments and 1000 ppb 1-MCP treatments positively maintained flesh color, acidity, malic acid content, 5–caffeoylquinic acid and vitamin C levels, and alleviated flesh firmness and sensory expert analysis scores. Overall, hot water treatment, a non-chemical treatment, had a potential for maintaining quality in quince fruit during long-term regular air storage at 0 ± 1 °C temperature and 85–90% relative humidity conditions for 6 months.
Hydropower Operation Optimization Using Machine Learning: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bernardes Jose , Santos Mateus , Abreu Thiago , Prado Lenio , Miranda Dannilo , Julio Ricardo , Viana Pedro , Fonseca Marcelo , Bortoni Edson , Bastos Guilherme Sousa
Published: February 2022

The optimal dispatch of hydropower plants consists of the challenge of taking advantage of both available head and river flows. Despite the objective of delivering the maximum power to the grid, some variables are uncertain, dynamic, non-linear, and non-parametric. Nevertheless, some models may help hydropower generating players with computer science evolution, thus maximizing the hydropower plants’ power production. Over the years, several studies have explored Machine Learning (ML) techniques to optimize hydropower plants’ dispatch, being applied in the pre-operation, real-time and post-operation phases. Hence, this work consists of a systematic review to analyze how ML models are being used to optimize energy production from hydropower plants. The analysis focused on criteria that interfere with energy generation forecasts, operating policies, and performance evaluation. Our discussions aimed at ML techniques, schedule forecasts, river systems, and ML applications for hydropower optimization. The results showed that ML techniques have been more applied for river flow forecast and reservoir operation optimization. The long-term scheduling horizon is the most common application in the analyzed studies. Therefore, supervised learning was more applied as ML technique segment. Despite being a widely explored theme, new areas present opportunities for disruptive research, such as real-time schedule forecast, run-of-river system optimization and low-head hydropower plant operation.
Case Studies in Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus) Sperm Collection and Cryopreservation Techniques
Authors: Wojtusik Jessye , Roth Terri L. , Curry Erin
Published: February 2022

Assisted reproductive technologies can aid conservation efforts via support of ex situ population management and preservation of genetic material. Data from 38 sperm collection attempts from 17 polar bears (1–5 procedures/bear) were evaluated. Sample collections were attempted via electroejaculation (EEJ; n = 6), urethral catheterization (UC; n = 25), or sperm rescue (SR; n = 7) during the breeding season (Jan. 1-May 21; n = 27) and nonbreeding season (May 22-Dec. 31; n = 11). Sperm retrieval was successful in 1 EEJ (16.7%), 18 UC (72.0%) and 4 SR (57.1%) collections. Initial sperm motility and viability were 50.0% and 77.0% for EEJ, 64.3 ± 7.4% and 80.9 ± 3.8% for UC, and 56.7 ± 8.8% and 80.5 ± 0.5% for SR. UC and SR were more likely to be successful during the breeding season (84.2–100%) than the nonbreeding season (25.0–33.3%). Testicular tumors were observed in four males (57%) during SR. In total, 13 samples were cryopreserved (n = 1 EEJ, 9 UC, and 3 SR) with egg-yolk-based equine extender (EQ) or OptiXcell (OP). For both extenders, post-thaw motility and viability were reduced by 20–60% and 30–65%, respectively. Further efforts to optimize procedures are warranted, but this summary provides data useful for enhancing the success of polar bear sperm collection and cryopreservation.
Captivity Shifts Gut Microbiota Communities in White-Lipped Deer (Cervus albirostris)
Authors: Li Bin , Gao Hongmei , Song Pengfei , Liang Chenbo , Jiang Feng , Xu Bo , Liu Daoxin , Zhang Tongzuo
Published: February 2022

White-lipped deer (Cervus albirostris) is a nationally protected wild animal species in China, as well as a unique and endangered species, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List. Captivity may alleviate the pressure from poaching and contribute to the repopulation and conservation of the population in the wild. The gut microbiota is described as a complex, interactive internal system that has effects on diseases of the host, with many interactions. However, the influence of captivity on the composition and assembly process of gut microbiota in white-lipped deer is unclear. This study applied high-throughput 16S rRNA sequencing technology to determine differences in the gut microbiota between captive (CW) and wild (WW) white-lipped deer. We used the null model, neutral community model, and niche width to identify whether captivity affects the composition and assembly process of gut microbiota. The results show that WW has a higher number of Firmicutes and a lower number of Bacteroidetes compared with CW at the phylum level, and it has more opportunistic pathogens and specific decomposition bacteria at the genus level. Principal coordinate analysis also indicated significant differences in the composition and function of gut microbiota in CW and WW. Moreover, the results reveal that captivity shifts the ecological assembly process of gut microbiota by raising the contribution of deterministic processes. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that captivity might potentially have an unfavorable effect on white-lipped deer by continually exerting selective pressure.
The Effect of Sargassum siliquastrum Supplementation on Growth Performance, Cecal Fermentation, Intestine Histomorphology, and Immune Response of Japanese Quails
Authors: Abu Hafsa Salma H. , Hassan Ayman A.
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to investigate the dietary effects of Sargassum siliquastrum on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, cecal fermentation, microbial populations, antioxidant status, immune response, and intestine histomorphology of Japanese quails. A total of 450 Japanese quails, aged 7 days, weighing 27.35 ± 0.23 g, were randomly distributed to three dietary groups in a 42-day feeding experiment. Five replicates were prepared per group, with each replicate consisting of 30 chicks in a cage. The three dietary groups consisted of a basal diet (0% supplementation, which was the control) and diets supplemented with 1% and 2% of S. siliquastrum. The results showed that the S. siliquastrum-supplemented groups and the control group had similar final body weight (FBW), average body gain (ADG), and average feed intake (ADFI). However, the S. siliquastrum-supplemented groups had a better feed conversion ratio (FCR), as well as a lower mortality rate, compared to the control group. S. siliquastrum supplementation improved the nutrient digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), and crude fiber (CF) (p < 0.05). The S. siliquastrum-supplemented groups exhibited the heaviest empty intestine and cecum weights, as well as the longest intestinal and cecal length. Furthermore, the total volatile fatty acid (VFA) and the propionic acid concentrations increased significantly in quails fed S. siliquastrum-supplemented diets (p < 0.05), although the concentration of NH3-N decreased (p < 0.05). The dietary inclusion of S. siliquastrum had a beneficial effect on cecal microbial populations, where the Lactobacillus sp. counts increased, and the E. coli and Clostridium perfringens counts decreased. The histopathological examination of the duodenum confirmed that S. siliquastrum dietary supplementation enhanced the height and width of the villi. Quails fed S. siliquastrum-supplemented diet exhibited the highest total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase activities, but the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance was decreased (p < 0.05). Serum IgA, IgG, and IgM concentrations increased considerably (p < 0.05) in S. siliquastrum-supplemented groups. In conclusion, S. siliquastrum supplementation in the diet of Japanese quail can provide beneficial effects on performance, cecal fermentation, beneficial bacteria populations, and the immune response, and could be considered as an alternative feed additive in poultry production.
Nocardiosis in Free-Ranging Cetaceans from the Central-Eastern Atlantic Ocean and Contiguous Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Díaz-Santana Pablo , Fernández Antonio , Díaz-Delgado Josue , Vela Ana Isabel , Domínguez Lucas , Suárez-Santana Cristian , Puig-Lozano Raquel , Fernández-Maldonado Carolina , Sierra Eva , Arbelo Manuel
Published: February 2022

We report the pathologic features of nocardiosis in five free-ranging delphinids from the Canary Islands and Andalusia, namely four striped dolphins (Stenella coerulealba) and one bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus). All animals had a multiorgan (disseminated) pattern of infection involving suppurative to pyogranulomatous and thromboembolic lesions in two or more organs. Most affected organs were (by decreasing order) lung, pulmonary lymph nodes, liver, kidney, adrenal glands, and central nervous system. Typical intralesional and intravascular branched and filamentous bacteria were highlighted by Grocott’s methenamine silver and Gram stains. Bacterial analysis including 16S rRNA gene sequencing identified Nocardia farcinica in two striped dolphins and Nocardia otitidiscaviarum in one striped dolphin and the bottlenose dolphin. All dolphins tested (n = 4) for cetacean morbillivirus were negative; one dolphin had concurrent cutaneous herpesvirosis. These results provide the first record of N. otitidiscaviarum in cetaceans, the first account of N. farcinica in free-ranging dolphins, and confirmation of nocardiosis in central eastern Atlantic Ocean. These results expand the known geographic range of nocardiosis in cetaceans.
The Indicators of Clinical and Subclinical Mastitis in Equine Milk
Authors: Domańska Dominika , Trela Michał , Pawliński Bartosz , Podeszewski Bartłomiej , Domino Małgorzata
Published: February 2022

The somatic cell count in milk (SCC) and electrical conductivity of milk (ECM) are indicators of the health status of the mammary gland. Among somatic cells, mainly polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN), macrophages (MAC), and lymphocytes (LYM) are rated. This study aimed to determine the SCC, PMN, MAC, LYM, ECM, and bacteriological index (BII) in milk collected from mares with (CM) and without (NCM) clinical symptoms of mastitis concerning mares with (SM) and without (NSM) subclinical mastitis. Milk samples were collected from 27 mares divided into NCM (n = 12) and CM (n = 15) groups. In samples, SCC quantification, cytological examinations, ECM measurement, and bacteriological examination were performed. In NCM mares, the values of SCC, PMN, MAC, LYM, and ECM were higher in initial than in consecutive examined days after birth until weaning. After weaning the proportion of SCC, PMN, MAC, LYM, ECM, and BII increased and did not differ with the average values in CM mares. These equine milk indicators may reflect an early symptom of subclinical mastitis and in the future may be used in the early detection of mastitis or as a tool of assessment of the health status of the mammary gland in the dairy equine farm.
Selection of Image Texture Analysis and Color Model in the Advanced Image Processing of Thermal Images of Horses following Exercise
Authors: Domino Małgorzata , Borowska Marta , Kozłowska Natalia , Trojakowska Anna , Zdrojkowski Łukasz , Jasiński Tomasz , Smyth Graham , Maśko Małgorzata
Published: February 2022

As the detection of horse state after exercise is constantly developing, a link between blood biomarkers and infrared thermography (IRT) was investigated using advanced image texture analysis. The aim of the study was to determine which combinations of RGB (red-green-blue), YUI (brightness-UV-components), YIQ (brightness-IQ-components), and HSB (hue-saturation-brightness) color models, components, and texture features are related to the blood biomarkers of exercise effect. Twelve Polish warmblood horses underwent standardized exercise tests for six consecutive days. Both thermal images and blood samples were collected before and after each test. All 144 obtained IRT images were analyzed independently for 12 color components in four color models using eight texture-feature approaches, including 88 features. The similarity between blood biomarker levels and texture features was determined using linear regression models. In the horses’ thoracolumbar region, 12 texture features (nine in RGB, one in YIQ, and two in HSB) were related to blood biomarkers. Variance, sum of squares, and sum of variance in the RGB were highly repeatable between image processing protocols. The combination of two approaches of image texture (histogram statistics and gray-level co-occurrence matrix) and two color models (RGB, YIQ), should be considered in the application of digital image processing of equine IRT.
Optimization of Emulsification Conditions on Ethanol Extract of Taiwanese Green Propolis Using Polysorbate and Its Immunomodulatory Effects in Broilers
Authors: Hsiao Felix Shih-Hsiang , Artdita Clara Ajeng , Hua Kuo-Feng , Tsai Chia-Jung , Chien Yi-Hsuan , Chen Yue-Wen , Cheng Yeong-Hsiang , Yu Yu-Hsiang
Published: February 2022

Beeswax and resin are the main components of propolis, both of which are hydrophobic. The use of emulsifiers helps to improve the extraction of active propolis compounds and makes them more widely used. In this study, we investigated the optimal parameters for the emulsification of Taiwanese green propolis (TGP) using different polysorbates (polysorbate-20, polysorbate-60, and polysorbate-80) and evaluated the effects on the immunomodulatory response in broilers. The results showed that 4 mg/mL of TGP in combination with 2% polysorbate-60 at 60 °C for 60 min significantly decreased the undissolved particle size of ethanol extract of TGP during the emulsification. The bioactive compounds of TGP, the propolins (C, D, F, G, and H), were also detected after emulsification. Supplementation of emulsified TGP (eTGP) in the drinking water of broilers before and after vaccination significantly enhanced the antibody titer response to infectious bronchitis virus at 28 days of age. In the lipopolysaccharide-challenged model, supplementation of eTGP in the drinking water of broilers decreased pro-inflammatory gene expression and increased anti-inflammatory gene expression. These results together suggested that the polysorbate-60 could effectively emulsify the ethanol extract of TGP. Moreover, eTGP could be used as a vaccine adjuvant and an immunomodulator to improve the immune response of broilers.
Herd Prevalence Estimation of Mycobacterium avium Subspecies paratuberculosis Burden in the Three Main Dairy Production Regions of Germany (PraeMAP)
Authors: Eisenberg Susanne , Krieger Mette , Campe Amely , Lorenz Ingrid , Einax Esra , Donat Karsten
Published: February 2022

On-farm environmental sampling is an effective method for herd-level diagnosis of Mycobacterium avium ssp. paratuberculosis (MAP) infection and between-herd prevalence estimation. So far, no prevalence study enrolling important livestock-farming regions has been conducted. As the structure of dairy farming differs between main livestock-farming regions in Germany, our objective was to assess the between-herd prevalence of paratuberculosis for these regions in a standardized approach. Methods: In total, 457 randomly selected dairy farms from three regions of Germany (North: 183, East: 170, South: 104) were sampled between 2017 and 2019. Environmental samples (boot-swabs, aggregate feces and/or liquid manure samples) were cultured and analyzed using an IS900-qPCR for MAP determination. Of the 457 selected farms, 94 had at least one MAP-positive environmental sample with significant differences between regions regarding the apparent (North: 12.0%, East: 40.6%, South: 2.9%) or corrected true (North: 14.8%, East: 50.1%, South: 3.6%) between-herd prevalence. In conclusion, regional differences of between-herd prevalence of paratuberculosis are substantial in Germany, indicating the need for control approaches with different aims. Taking into account regional MAP prevalence, MAP-control programs should focus on on-farm prevalence reduction or on mitigating the risk of between-herd transmission, depending on region.
Neuropathological Characterization of Dolphin Morbillivirus Infection in Cetaceans Stranded in Italy
Authors: Giorda Federica , Crociara Paola , Iulini Barbara , Gazzuola Paola , Favole Alessandra , Goria Maria , Serracca Laura , Dondo Alessandro , Crescio Maria , Audino Tania , Peletto Simone , Di Francesco Cristina , Caramelli Maria , Sierra Eva , Di Nocera Fabio , Lucifora Giuseppe , Petrella Antonio , Puleio Roberto , Mazzariol Sandro , Di Guardo Giovanni , Casalone Cristina , Grattarola Carla
Published: February 2022

Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) is responsible for epidemic and endemic fatalities in free-ranging cetaceans. Neuro-inflammation sustained by CeMV is a leading cause of death in stranded cetaceans. A novel dolphin morbillivirus (DMV) strain of Atlantic origin circulating in Italian waters since early 2016 has caused acute/subacute lesions associated with positive immunolabelling of the virus. To date, myelin damage has not been fully documented and investigated in cetaceans. This study describes neuropathological findings in the brain tissue of 31 cetaceans found stranded along the Italian coastline and positive for DMV infection on molecular testing. Cell changes in the areas of myelinopathy were revealed by double indirect immunofluorescence. The most frequent DMV-associated lesions were astro-microgliosis, neuronal necrosis, spongiosis, malacia, and non-suppurative meningoencephalitis. Myelin reduction and areas of demyelination were revealed by means of a specific myelin biomarker. Morbilliviral antigen immunolabelling was mainly observed in neurons and microglial cells, in association with a marked activation of microglia and astrocytes. These findings extend our knowledge of DMV-associated brain lesions and shed light on their pathogenesis.
Does Age, Residency, or Feeding Guild Coupled with a Drought Index Predict Avian Health during Fall Migration?
Authors: Stanek Jenna E. , Thompson Brent E. , Milligan Sarah E. , Tranquillo Keegan A. , Fettig Stephen M. , Hathcock Charles D.
Published: February 2022

Birds are good indicators of environmental change and are often studied for responses to climate. Many studies focus on breeding birds, while fewer look at the migration period, which is a critical time for many birds. Birds are more susceptible to unusual climatic events during their migration due to the metabolic stress of long-distance movements. In the fall of 2020, an unusual cold weather event coupled with drought and wildfire smoke led to a large avian mortality event in New Mexico. Later analysis pointed to the mortality being largely due to starvation. This was the impetus for our research. We used 11 years of fall bird banding data from two locations, along with local drought indices, to determine what predicts avian health during the migration period. We used fat score data from over 15,000 individual birds to assess whether drought indices, age, diet, or residency influenced avian health using multiple logistic regression. We found that the probability of positive fat scores decreased as drought severity increased for younger, insectivorous, migratory birds. Insectivores had a higher probability of receiving a fat score greater than zero relative to local drought conditions, which is important, since many North American insectivores are in steep decline. Migratory birds showed a greater response than year-round residents, and older birds showed a lower but significant response compared to hatch-year birds. Our results suggest that migratory insectivores in the southwestern United States may be less resilient to drought-related climate change.
The Effect of Using Organic or Conventional Sires on Genetic Gain in Organic Pigs: A Simulation Study
Authors: Zaalberg Roos Marina , Nielsen Hanne Marie , Sørensen Anders Christian , Chu Thinh T. , Jensen Just , Villumsen Trine Michelle
Published: February 2022

Current organic pig-breeding programs use pigs from conventional breeding populations. However, there are considerable differences between conventional and organic production systems. This simulation study aims to evaluate how the organic pig sector could benefit from having an independent breeding program. Two organic pig-breeding programs were simulated: one used sires from a conventional breeding population (conventional sires), and the other used sires from an organic breeding population (organic sires). For maintaining the breeding population, the conventional population used a conventional breeding goal, whereas the organic population used an organic breeding goal. Four breeding goals were simulated: one conventional breeding goal, and three organic breeding goals. When conventional sires were used, genetic gain in the organic population followed the conventional breeding goal, even when an organic breeding goal was used to select conventional sires. When organic sires were used, genetic gain followed the organic breeding goal. From an economic point of view, using conventional sires for breeding organic pigs is best, but only if there are no genotype-by-environment interactions. However, these results show that from a biological standpoint, using conventional sires biologically adapts organic pigs for a conventional production system.
Evaluation of Stress Accompanying Immunocontraceptive Vaccination in Donkeys
Authors: Peterson Erik W. , Segabinazzi Lorenzo G. T. M. , Gilbert Robert O. , Bergfelt Don R. , French Hilari M.
Published: February 2022

The overpopulation of donkeys is recognized as a problem in many parts of the world. The main concerns with uncontrolled donkey populations are habitat degradation and competition for feed resources between donkeys and other species. One of the most effective and humane solutions is the use of immunocontraception. Therefore, this study sought to evaluate the stress imposed by the use of two formulations of a zona pellucida (ZP) vaccine, a recombinant (reZP) and a native porcine (pZP) vaccine, both formulated with a Freund’s adjuvant. The stress was objectively measured using fecal cortisol concentrations and physical examination parameters at fixed points before and after vaccination. We hypothesized that fewer changes in physical exam parameters and lower fecal cortisol concentrations would be stimulated in jennies treated with the reZP vaccine due to the selection of specific proteins. Twenty-five reproductively sound jennies were randomly assigned to reZP (n = 9), pZP (n = 8) or control (n = 8) groups. The vaccines were administered at five-week intervals. Physical exam parameters and body wall thickness of injection sites were recorded for each jenny for four days post-injections. Fecal samples were obtained every other day from day 0 (first vaccination) through day 6 and on days 35 to 41 after booster. Injection site reactions were common in all groups with the reZP and pZP groups being overrepresented. Lameness was observed in the pZP and reZP groups that were affected by injection site reactions and open abscesses. The present study showed an increase in fecal cortisol concentrations within 4 days after the first vaccination with ZP vaccines and, thereafter, a decrease in cortisol 35 days later after the second vaccination, especially in donkeys with open abscesses. Our results suggest that acute stress (increased cortisol) was induced after the first vaccination, and chronic stress (decreased cortisol) occurred thereafter in association with open abscesses. In conclusion, reZP and pZP formulated with Freund’s adjuvant induced local inflammatory reactions with a differential degree of acute and chronic stress in donkeys.