bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Part-time or full-time teleworking? A systematic review of the psychosocial risk factors of telework from home
Authors: Antunes Evelise Dias , Bridi Leonardo Rodrigues Thomaz , Santos Marta , Fischer Frida Marina
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic thousands of people have experienced teleworking and this practice is becoming increasingly commonplace. This review aims to highlight the differences in exposure to psychosocial risk factors for health between part-time and full-time teleworking from home.

Methods

The protocol of the systematic review of the literature was registered on PROSPERO 2020 platform according to the PRISMA statement guidelines. The key words “telework” and “frequency” (“part-time” or “full-time”), together with their synonyms and variations, were searched. Independent researchers conducted the systematic search of 7 databases: Scopus, SciELO, PePSIC; PsycInfo, PubMed, Applied Social Sciences Index and Abstracts (ASSIA) and Web of Science. Of the 638 articles identified from 2010 to June 2021, 32 were selected for data extraction. The authors evaluated the risk of bias and quality of evidence of the studies included using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Main themes categorized include 7 dimensions of psychosocial risk factors: work intensity and working hours; emotional demands; autonomy; social relationships at work; conflict of values, work insecurity and home/work interface.

Results

The results revealed scant practice of full-time teleworking prior to the pandemic. Regarding the psychosocial risk factors found, differences were evident before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. For part-time and full-time telework prior to the pandemic, the dimensions of intensification of work and working hours, social relationships at work, and the home-work interface were the most prominent factors. However, studies performed during the COVID-19 pandemic where teleworking was mostly performed full-time, there was an increase in focus on emotional demands and the home-work interface, and a reduction in the other dimensions.

Discussion

Full-time telework brings important changes in working conditions and has the potential to affect living and health conditions of teleworkers. Part-time teleworking may have positive impact on psychosocial risk factors, favoring work-home balance, communication, and social relationships.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=191455, PROSPERO 2020 CRD4202019 1455.
Analogies of human speech and bird song: From vocal learning behavior to its neural basis
Authors: Zhang Yutao , Zhou Lifang , Zuo Jiachun , Wang Songhua , Meng Wei
Published: February 2023

Vocal learning is a complex acquired social behavior that has been found only in very few animals. The process of animal vocal learning requires the participation of sensorimotor function. By accepting external auditory input and cooperating with repeated vocal imitation practice, a stable pattern of vocal information output is eventually formed. In parallel evolutionary branches, humans and songbirds share striking similarities in vocal learning behavior. For example, their vocal learning processes involve auditory feedback, complex syntactic structures, and sensitive periods. At the same time, they have evolved the hierarchical structure of special forebrain regions related to vocal motor control and vocal learning, which are organized and closely associated to the auditory cortex. By comparing the location, function, genome, and transcriptome of vocal learning-related brain regions, it was confirmed that songbird singing and human language-related neural control pathways have certain analogy. These common characteristics make songbirds an ideal animal model for studying the neural mechanisms of vocal learning behavior. The neural process of human language learning may be explained through similar neural mechanisms, and it can provide important insights for the treatment of language disorders.
Facing the rising sun: Political imagination in Black adolescents’ sociopolitical development
Authors: Scott Edward D. , Harris Johari , Smith Chauncey D. , Ross Latisha
Published: February 2023

Black adolescents occupy one of the most precarious and marginalized social locations of society, yet they remain vigilant against oppression. Indeed, Black youth have a vast history of political action and activism around domestic and global issues. Existing scholarship frequently examines the sociocultural and cognitive factors associated with Black adolescents’ political and civic engagement and related outcomes. Lost in these interrogations is an examination of the psychological processes that undergird adolescents’ sociopolitical visions. To address this gap, this conceptual analysis examines political imagination and its role in Black adolescents’ sociopolitical development. Political imagination is the cognitive space and process where people consciously distance the present moment to engage, explore, examine, and (de)construct sociopolitical worlds or realities.
The association between grandparents as caregivers and overdose mortality in Appalachia and non-Appalachia counties
Authors: Beatty Kate E. , Mathis Stephanie M. , McCurry Abby R. , Francisco Margaret M. , Meit Michael , Wahlquist Amy E.
Published: February 2023

Objective

To assess the association of drug overdose mortality with grandparents serving as caregivers of children in Appalachia and non-Appalachia in the U.S.

Methods

This study used a cross-sectional design, with percent of grandparents as caregivers and overdose mortality rates being of primary interest. County-level data were combined, and descriptive, bivariate, and multivariable statistics were applied. Multiple sociodemographic and geographic variables were included: median age of the population, percent of the population that is uninsured, percent of the population that is non-Hispanic white, teen birth rate, percent of high school dropouts, and rurality.

Results

The percent of grandparents as caregivers increased as the overdose mortality rate increased (p < 0.01). For every 1% increase in the overdose mortality rate, the percent of grandparents as caregivers increased by 56% in Appalachian counties compared to 24% in non-Appalachian counties. After adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, the interaction between overdose mortality and Appalachian vs. non-Appalachian counties was no longer significant (p = 0.3).

Conclusions

Counties with higher overdose mortality rates had greater rates of grandparents as caregivers, with Appalachian counties experiencing greater rates of grandparents as caregivers than non-Appalachian counties. Sociodemographic characteristics that are often more prevalent in Appalachia may be driving the observed differences.

Policy implications

Policies and programs are needed to support grandparents providing caregiving for children impacted by substance use disorders including reform to federal child welfare financing to support children, parents, and grandparent caregivers such as kinship navigation, substance use treatment and prevention services, mental health services and in-home supports.
Budget impact analysis of two treatment approaches for hepatitis C in Malaysia through the use of voluntary and compulsory licensing options
Authors: Azzeri Amirah , Dahlui Maznah , Mohamed Rosmawati , McDonald Scott Alexander , Jaafar Hafiz , Shabaruddin Fatiha Hana
Published: February 2023

Introduction

A scaled-up treatment cascade with direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy is necessary to achieve global WHO targets for hepatitis C virus (HCV) elimination in Malaysia. Recently, limited access to sofosbuvir/daclatasvir (SOF/DAC) is available through compulsory licensing, with access to sofosbuvir/velpatasvir (SOF/VEL) expected through voluntary licensing due to recent agreements. SOF/VEL has superior clinical outcomes but has higher drug acquisition costs compared to SOF/DAC. A stratified treatment cascade might be the most cost-efficient approach for Malaysia whereby all HCV patients are treated with SOF/DAC except for patients with cirrhosis who are treated with SOF/VEL.

Methods

This study aimed to conduct a 5-year budget impact analysis of the proposed stratified treatment cascade for HCV treatment in Malaysia. A disease progression model that was developed based on model-predicted HCV epidemiology data was used for the analysis, where all HCV patients in scenario A were treated with SOF/DAC for all disease stages while in scenario B, SOF/DAC was used only for non-cirrhotic patients and SOF/VEL was used for the cirrhotic patients. Healthcare costs associated with DAA therapy and disease stage monitoring were included to estimate the downstream cost implications.

Results

The stratified treatment cascade with 109 in Scenario B was found to be cost-saving compared to Scenario A. The cumulative savings for the stratified treatment cascade was USD 1.4 million over 5 years.

Discussion

A stratified treatment cascade with SOF/VEL was expected to be cost-saving and can result in a budget impact reduction in overall healthcare expenditure in Malaysia.
Barriers and facilitators to the adoption of physical activity policies in elementary schools from the perspective of principals: An application of the consolidated framework for implementation research–A cross-sectional study
Authors: Wendt Janine , Scheller Daniel A. , Flechtner-Mors Marion , Meshkovska Biljana , Luszczynska Aleksandra , Lien Nanna , Forberger Sarah , Banik Anna , Lobczowska Karolina , Steinacker Jürgen M.
Published: February 2023

Background

Studies have shown that policies to promote physical activity in schools can have a positive impact on children's physical activity behavior. However, a large research gap exists as to what determinants may influence the adoption of such policies. Applying the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR), we investigated barriers and facilitators to the adoption of physical activity policies in elementary schools in Baden-Wuerttemberg, Germany, from the perspective of school principals.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted between May and June 2021. School principals from elementary and special needs schools (n = 2,838) were invited to participate in the study. The online questionnaire used was developed based on the CFIR and included questions on school characteristics and constructs of the CFIR domains inner setting, characteristics of individuals, and process. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine associations between policy adoption and school characteristics as well as CFIR determinants.

Results

In total, 121 schools (4%) participated in the survey, of which 49 (40.5%) reported having adopted a policy to promote physical activity. Positive associations with policy adoption were found for general willingness among teaching staff [odds ratio (OR): 5.37, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.92–15.05], available resources (OR: 2.15, 95% CI: 1.18–3.91), access to knowledge and information (OR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.09–4.09), and stakeholder engagement (OR: 3.47, 95% CI: 1.24–9.75).

Conclusions

This study provides a first insight into potential barriers and facilitators at the organizational level of schools that may be relevant to the adoption of physical activity policies, from the perspective of school principals. However, due to a low response rate, the results must be interpreted with caution. A strength of this study includes theoretical foundation through the use of the CFIR. The CFIR could be well-adapted to the school setting and provided valuable support for developing the questionnaire and interpreting the study results.
The impact of anti-Asian racism on routine activities and mental health among Korean American older adults and their caregivers
Authors: Han Hae-Ra , Min Deborah , Yun Ji-Young , Joo Jin Hui , Lee Hochang Benjamin , Kwon Simona
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Reported anti-Asian discrimination has been on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, limited research addresses the health impact of perceived anti-Asian racism on Asian Americans, especially among older adults, during COVID-19. To address the gap, we examined how the novel coronavirus pandemic affected Korean American older adults, one of the largest Asian subgroups. Specifically, this study addressed the magnitude of racism or discrimination related to the pandemic and impact of anti-Asian racism on negative mental health symptoms among Korean American older adults and their caregivers.

Methods

We used survey data collected from 175 Korean American older adults with probable dementia and their primary caregivers (female = 62%, mean age = 71 years) who went through eligibility screening for an ongoing randomized controlled trial involving dyads in the Baltimore-Washington and the New York Metropolitan areas (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03909347).

Results

Nearly a quarter of the survey sample reported they were fearful for their safety due to anti-Asian racism related to the pandemic. Additionally, 47% of the respondents indicated changes to routine activities due to anti-Asian racism or discrimination related to COVID-19. The most common changes included avoiding walking alone or physical activities outside, followed by avoiding public transportation or leaving the house to go to any public places such as grocery stores, churches, or schools, not carrying out usual social activities, and avoiding going to health care appointments. Multinomial logistic regression revealed that people who reported changes to routine activities were at least five times more likely (adjusted odds ratio = 5.017, 95% confidence interval = 1.503, 16.748) to report negative mental health symptoms than those who did not. Being fearful for their own safety was not associated with experiencing negative mental health symptoms in the survey sample.

Discussion

Study findings indicate that the increased reporting of anti-Asian racism during the COVID-19 pandemic has substantially affected Korean American older adults and their caregivers. The mechanism by which changes to routine activities is related to negative mental health symptoms is unclear, future research is needed to elucidate this pathway. Furthermore, our findings highlight the importance of identifying multi-level strategies to raise awareness of and to mitigate the reported surge of racism.
Modeling the positive testing rate of COVID-19 in South Africa using a semi-parametric smoother for binomial data
Authors: Owokotomo Olajumoke Evangelina , Manda Samuel , Cleasen Jürgen , Kasim Adetayo , Sengupta Rudradev , Shome Rahul , Subhra Paria Soumya , Reddy Tarylee , Shkedy Ziv
Published: February 2023

Identification and isolation of COVID-19 infected persons plays a significant role in the control of COVID-19 pandemic. A country's COVID-19 positive testing rate is useful in understanding and monitoring the disease transmission and spread for the planning of intervention policy. Using publicly available data collected between March 5th, 2020 and May 31st, 2021, we proposed to estimate both the positive testing rate and its daily rate of change in South Africa with a flexible semi-parametric smoothing model for discrete data. There was a gradual increase in the positive testing rate up to a first peak rate in July, 2020, then a decrease before another peak around mid-December 2020 to mid-January 2021. The proposed semi-parametric smoothing model provides a data driven estimates for both the positive testing rate and its change. We provide an online R dashboard that can be used to estimate the positive rate in any country of interest based on publicly available data. We believe this is a useful tool for both researchers and policymakers for planning intervention and understanding the COVID-19 spread.
Markers of aging: Unsupervised integrated analyses of the human plasma proteome
Authors: Coenen L. , Lehallier B. , de Vries H. E. , Middeldorp J.
Published: February 2023

Aging associates with an increased susceptibility for disease and decreased quality of life. To date, processes underlying aging are still not well understood, leading to limited interventions with unknown mechanisms to promote healthy aging. Previous research suggests that changes in the blood proteome are reflective of age-associated phenotypes such as frailty. Moreover, experimentally induced changes in the blood proteome composition can accelerate or decelerate underlying aging processes. The aim of this study is to identify a set of proteins in the human plasma associated with aging by integration of the data of four independent, large-scaled datasets using the aptamer-based SomaScan platform on the human aging plasma proteome. Using this approach, we identified a set of 273 plasma proteins significantly associated with aging (aging proteins, APs) across these cohorts consisting of healthy individuals and individuals with comorbidities and highlight their biological functions. We validated the age-associated effects in an independent study using a centenarian population, showing highly concordant effects. Our results suggest that APs are more associated to diseases than other plasma proteins. Plasma levels of APs can predict chronological age, and a reduced selection of 15 APs can still predict individuals’ age accurately, highlighting their potential as biomarkers of aging processes. Furthermore, we show that individuals presenting accelerated or decelerated aging based on their plasma proteome, respectively have a more aged or younger systemic environment. These results provide novel insights in the understanding of the aging process and its underlying mechanisms and highlight potential modulators contributing to healthy aging.
Advances and strategies for capillary electrophoresis in the characterization of traditional Chinese medicine: A review of the past decade (2011–2021)
Authors: Shamsi Shahab A. , Patel Jalpaben
Published: February 2023

While traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is considered a valuable resource for drug discovery and form a potential basis for drug development, they also carry substantial safety risks due to adverse drug reactions and a lack of understanding of their mechanisms of action. However, due to their highly complex composition, valid analytical methodologies for analyzing TCMs must be developed and promoted. An extensive search of published research and review of scientific papers implies that the increased efficiency and sensitivity of capillary electrophoresis (CE) has attracted much research attention. This review provides an in-depth assessment of CE applications for TCM analysis published in the open literature in the last decade (2011–2021). Our survey findings showed that capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE) with ultraviolet (UV) detection is a capillary electromigration technique frequently utilized for the efficient separation, identification, and quantitation of various active components in highly complex matrices. Different extraction methods, modifiers to the background electrolyte, preconcentration techniques, and mass spectrometry (MS) detectors are used to enhance CE separation selectivity and TCM sensitivity.
Development and validation of an ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometric method for quantifying oxytetracycline for veterinary use
Authors: Kaluka Tshibamba Jacques Mbuyi , Kakumba Jocelyn Mankulu , Mabaya Timothy Mavanga , Djang’ieng’a Roland Marini , Kindenge Jérémie Mbinze
Published: February 2023

Livestock breeding plays a key role in sub-Saharan Africa because it is an important source of highly valued protein in the human diet, and because it is an essential driver for socio-economic development. It represents a form of investment and is also important from a socio-cultural point of view (ceremonies, social position, etc.). Livestock is an important source of income, livelihood, nutrition, and food security. However, livestock breeding faces, among other things, major sanitary constraints. Furthermore, the circulation of non-compliant antibiotics on the market constitutes a major threat to animal health, public health, and the environment. This research aims to develop and validate a UV-vis method for quantifying pharmaceutical oxytetracycline. The method developed was validated following the total error strategy as a decision tool in the accuracy profile. After its completion, the method demonstrated good absolute and relative bias and was within a tolerable interval of [−2%, +2%]. The method was also repeatable with intermediate precision, with respectively lower values than 2% and 4%. We also assessed the recovery and accuracy of the method as fitting with the specification limits. After its validation, the method was quantified in 47 oxytetracycline injectable samples, where we obtained 28 samples complying with specifications and 19 that did not. That led us to conclude that the developed method was validated and appropriate for quantification in terms of the routine quality control of oxytetracycline injection. The method needs to be reviewed and revalidated accordingly for other pharmaceutical presentations.
Built On-orbit Robotically assembled Gigatruss (BORG): A mixed assembly architecture trade study
Authors: Chapin Samantha , Everson Holly , Chapin William , Quartaro Amy , Komendera Erik
Published: February 2023

This paper explores a mixed assembly architecture trade study for a Built On-orbit Robotically assembled Gigatruss (BORG). Robotic in-space assembly (ISA) and servicing is a crucial field to expand endeavors in space. Currently, large structures in space are commonly only deployable and must be efficiently folded and packed into a launch vehicle (LV) and then deployed perfectly for operational status to be achieved. To actualize being able to build increasingly large structures in space, this scheme becomes less feasible, being constrained by LV volume and mass requirements. ISA allows the use of multiple launches to create even larger structures. The common ISA proposals consist of either strut-by-strut or multiple deployable module construction methodologies. In this paper, a mixed assembly scheme is explored and a trade study is conducted on its possible advantages with respect to many phases of a mission: 1) manufacturing, 2) stowage and transport, 3) ISA, and 4) servicing. Finally, a weighted decision matrix was created to help compare the various advantages and disadvantages of different architectural schemes.
Effect of fabric mulch ground covers on lemon trees rhizosphere microbiome in Florida flatwood soils
Authors: Santiago John M. , Fox John-Paul , Guzmán Sandra M. , Rossi Lorenzo
Published: February 2023

Introduction

The rhizosphere community composition has been shown to provide benefits in nutrient acquisition and plant health. Rhizosphere communities can be heavily influenced by cultural practices in citrus production systems, providing benefits in soil and root health, and plant physiology. Florida growers are implementing new and more sustainable soil management practices, such as using fabric mulch ground covers to improve weed and pest control, while retaining soil moisture. Little is known regarding the influence of these ground covers on the rhizosphere microbial communities of lemon trees, especially under endemic Huanglongbing pressure. Understanding how lemon roots and the rhizosphere microbiome are influenced by fabric mulch ground covers can potentially lead to improved management practices. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of fabric mulch ground covers on lemon tree rhizosphere health.

Methods

The experiment was conducted in a commercial citrus grove located in Fort Pierce, FL, US. Plant material consisted of four-year old lemon trees cv. ‘Meyer’ (Citrus limon) grafted on ‘sour orange’ (Citrus × aurantium) rootstocks. The experiment consisted of two treatments, which included trees grown with fabric mulch ground covers and trees grown without fabric mulch ground covers. Rhizosphere DNA was extracted, sequenced, and analyzed to assess differences in diversity and composition (alpha and beta diversity) of rhizosphere bacteria among treatments.

Results and Discussion

Obtained results showed that lemon trees treated with fabric mulch ground covers had significantly greater rhizosphere bacterial diversity when compared to the uncovered trees. The presence of fabric mulch ground covers resulted in significantly greater soil Zn, soil Mn, soil temperatures and pH, potentially contributing towards the significant more diverse rhizosphere bacterial commu
nity composition compared than those grown without fabric mulch ground covers.
Long-Term outcomes of uncut roux-en-Y anastomosis in laparoscopic distal gastrectomy: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Zhu Guangxu , Zhou Shengjie , Shen Xiaoru , Qu Jianjun
Published: February 2023

Background

Uncut Roux-en-Y (U-RY) has been increasingly used in radical gastric cancer surgery, but it is still in the exploratory stage. There is insufficient evidence for its long-term efficacy.

Methods

From January 2012 to October 2017, a total of 280 patients diagnosed with gastric cancer were eventually included in this study. Patients undergoing U-RY were assigned to the U-RY group, while patients undergoing BillrothII with Braun (B II + Braun) were assigned to the B II + Braun group.

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups in operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, first exhaust time, time to liquid diet, and length of postoperative hospital stay (all P > 0.05). Endoscopic evaluation was performed 1 year after surgery. Compared to B II + Braun group, the uncut Roux-en-Y group had significantly lower incidences of gastric stasis [16.3% (15/92) vs. 28.2% (42/149), χ2 = 4.448, P = 0.035], gastritis [13.0% (12/92) vs. 24.8% (37/149), χ2 = 4.880, P = 0.027] and bile reflux [2.2% (2/92) vs. 20.8% (11/149), χ2 = 16.707, P < 0.001], and the differences were statistically significant. The questionnaire was completed 1 year after surgery,the QLQ-STO22 scores showed that, the uncut Roux-en-Y group had a lower pain score(8.5 ± 11.1 vs. 11.9 ± 9.7, P = 0.009) and reflux score(7.9 ± 8.5 vs. 11.0 ± 11.5, P = 0.012), and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in overall survival (P = 0.688) and disease-free survival (P = 0.505) between the two groups.

Conclusion

Uncut Roux-en-Y has the advantages of better safety, better quality of life and fewer complications, and is expected to be one of the best methods for digestive tract reconstruction.
Economic Value, Farmers Perception, and Strategic Development of Sorghum in Central Java and Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Widodo Sugeng , Triastono Joko , Sahara Dewi , Pustika Arlyna Budi , Kristamtini  , Purwaningsih Heni , Arianti Forita Dyah , Praptana Raden Heru , Romdon Anggi Sahru , Sutardi  , Widyayanti Setyorini , Fadwiwati Andi Yulyani , Muslimin
Published: February 2023

Sorghum is an important food crop commodity in the midst of climate change conditions and the threat of a global food crisis. Sorghum, which has an adaptive advantage to all land conditions, is suitable for use as a food substitute for rice and wheat. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the economic value, farmers’ perceptions, and specific strategies for developing sorghum in Central Java and Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The research was conducted in Wonogiri Regency, Central Java, and Gunungkidul Regency, Yogyakarta from September to November 2022. The research was carried out through the observation of 120 respondents with indicators of farming characteristics and farmers’ perceptions of sorghum development, as well as focus group discussions (FGD) and depth interviews with indicators of internal and external factors for sorghum development. The analysis used is benefit cost (BC) to evaluate the economic value of sorghum farming, the Likert scale to determine farmers’ perceptions of sorghum, and Strength Weak Opportunity Threat (SWOT) to determine specific strategies for developing sorghum. The results showed that sorghum farming is feasible to develop in Wonogiri Central Java and Gunungkidul Yogyakarta because it provides a profit value greater than production costs with a BCR value of >1. The perception of farmers in Central Java regarding the development of sorghum is included in the very good category with an average value of 3.31, and the perception of farmers in Yogyakarta is included in the good category with an average value of 2.55. The operational policy strategy for developing sorghum in Wonogiri Central Java and Gunungkidul Yogyakarta is an expansion strategy (S-O).
Effects of a Blend of Live Yeast and Organic Minerals as an Alternative to Monensin on Intake, Digestibility, Performance and Beef Quality of Nellore Bulls Finished on Pasture with High Concentrate Supplementation
Authors: Soares Maxwelder Santos , Batista Luis Henrique Curcino , Oliveira Ivanna Moraes , Issa Hugo Aparecido Silveira , Cidrini Iorrano Andrade , Ferreira Igor Machado , Costa e Silva Luiz Fernando , Koontz Anne , Holder Vaughn , Siqueira Gustavo Rezende , Resende Flávio Dutra de
Published: February 2023

Effects of a blend of live yeast and organic minerals as an alternative to monensin and inorganic trace minerals for beef cattle finished on pasture with high concentrate supplementation, on growth performance, intake, digestibility, liver trace mineral and carcass characteristics were evaluated. Forty-eight Nellore bulls were blocked by initial body weight and randomly assigned to one of the two experimental diets. The animals were raised in an experimental pasture divided into 12 paddocks equipped with an electronic system for monitoring individual feeding behavior and feed intake. Treatments were: (1) Monensin (MON), 30 mg/kg supplement dry matter of sodium monensin and trace minerals supplementation from inorganic sources; (2) AdvantageTM (ADV), 1.6 g/kg supplement DM of a blend of live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae strains) and organic trace minerals. The use of ADV instead of MON led to greater supplement intake and greater intake of dietary components. Bulls fed ADV also had higher digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and non-fiber carbohydrates. Bulls fed MON had a greater number of visits to the feeder, however with a shorter time spent feeding per visit. The use of ADV resulted in higher average daily weight gain, and feed efficiency was similar between treatments. In the carcass, ADV tended toward greater Longissimus muscle area. Liver Zn concentration tended to be lower in the ADV treatment. The use of ADV generated higher meat lightness and redness. In summary, the blend of live yeast and organic minerals can be an alternative to monensin and inorganic sources of trace minerals for beef cattle finished on pasture with high concentrate supplementation, without negative effects on supplement feed efficiency and with benefits to animal growth.
Nano-Biofertilizers Synthesis and Applications in Agroecosystems
Authors: Bairwa Preeti , Kumar Nimish , Devra Vijay , Abd-Elsalam Kamel
Published: February 2023

Green chemistry and nanobiotechnology have great potential for generating new and significant products that are favorable to the environment, industry, and consumers. The nanoforms of metals and nanocomposites are more effective and efficient agents than their bulkier counterparts because of their distinctive physical, chemical, and optical properties. Green technology is a rapidly growing scientific field that has recently received attention due to its many applications. Different nanoparticle dimensions, sizes, and bioactivities will develop as a consequence of changes in the biomaterials employed for synthesis. The existing understanding of several green synthesis methods, that depend on different plant components and microorganisms for the production of nanoparticles, is summarized in the current review. Employing these materials minimizes synthesis costs while minimizing the use of hazardous chemicals and promoting “biosynthesis.” To produce metal nanoparticles efficiently, bio-reduction is influenced by the abundance of essential enzymes, proteins, and biomolecules. Rapid biosynthetic regeneration makes this characteristic sufficient for their employment in a range of situations. In this review, we explore the biosynthesis of nanomaterials and their potential in sustainable agriculture. Biosynthesized nanofertilizers, or bionanofertilizers, are a revolutionary new class of fertilizer that has been developed with the help of nanotechnology. These fertilizers offer many advantages over traditional fertilization methods and can be used to increase crop yields while reducing the environmental impact of fertilizers. Bionanofertilizer are an inexpensive way to increase plant growth and production, and to improve the use of nutrients by plants and the health of the soil. According to our survey, nanotechnology presents a wide range of prospects by offering a cutting-edge and environmentally friendly alternative in the agricultural sector.
Integrative Transcriptome and Chlorophyll Fluorescence Test Analysis Shed New Light on the Leaf Senescence Mechanism of Zoysia japonica
Authors: Guan Jin , Fan Xifeng , Yue Yuesen , Xu Lixin , Teng Ke , Yin Shuxia
Published: February 2023

Zoysia japonica is an important warm-season turfgrass used worldwide. The decreased aesthetic quality and functionality during leaf senescence hamper its further utilization. However, information about the transcriptional mechanism and genes involved in leaf senescence in Z. japonica needs to be more extensive. Therefore, to better understand leaf senescence in Z. japonica, we investigated the integrated analysis of chlorophyll fluorescence test (JIP-test) and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) of mature and senescent leaves. First, we identified 22,049 genes, of which 4038 were differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The results for gene expression profiles were evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR. A total of 2515 genes have homologous genes in other plants. The matched known-function SAGs are mainly involved in chlorophyll degradation and plant hormone response. A total of 539 differentially expressed transcription factor genes, including AP2/ERF-ERF, NAC, WRKY, bHLH, and MYB, were identified to be associated with leaf senescence. Next, senescence represses chlorophyll biosynthesis while upregulating chlorophyll degradation. Senescence harms the integrity and functionality of PSII, PSI, and the intersystem electron transport chain. In addition, IAA biosynthesis was inhibited, whereas ABA and ET biosynthesis were activated in leaf senescence, and senescence activates signal transduction of IAA, ABA, and ET. These findings add to our understanding of the regulatory mechanism of leaf senescence. The senescence-associated genes are candidate targets for providing new insight into leaf senescence modeling in Z. japonica. They provided a theoretical foundation to reveal the functions of senescence-associated genes and chlorophyll catabolic genes involved in leaf senescence.
Two Worlds in One: What ‘Counts’ as Animal Advocacy for Veterinarians Working in UK Animal Research?
Authors: McGlacken Renelle , Anderson Alistair , Hobson-West Pru
Published: February 2023

The concept of advocacy is of increasing importance to the veterinary profession internationally. However, there are concerns around the ambiguity and complexity of acting as an advocate in practice. This paper explores what ‘animal advocacy’ involves for veterinarians working in the domain of animal research, where they are responsible for advising on health and welfare. In focusing on the identity of veterinarians working in an arena of particular contestation, this paper provides empirical insights into how veterinarians themselves perform their role as an ‘animal advocate’. Analysing interview data with 33 UK ‘Named Veterinary Surgeons’, this paper therefore examines what ‘counts’ as animal advocacy for veterinarians, considering the way their role as animal advocate is performed. Focusing on the themes of ‘mitigating suffering’, ‘speaking for’, and ‘driving change’ as three central ways in which veterinarians working in animal research facilities act as animal advocates, we draw out some of the complexities for veterinarians working in areas where animal care and harm coexist. Finally, we conclude by calling for further empirical exploration of animal advocacy in other veterinary domains and for more critical attention to the wider social systems which produce the need for such advocacy.
Towards Eradication of PPR: Disease Status, Economic Cost and Perception of Veterinarians in Karnataka, India
Authors: Govindaraj Gurrappa Naidu , Balamurugan Vinayagamurthy , Reddy Gundalahalli Bayyappa Manjunatha , Yogisharadhya Revanaiah , Reddy Timmareddy Sreenivasa , Naveenkumar Gajalavarahalli Subbanna , Kumar Kirubakaran Vinod , Chaithra Hosahalli Rajanna , Bi Afrin Zainab , Parida Satya , Njeumi Felix , Roy Parimal , Shome Bibek Ranjan
Published: February 2023

In this study, we assessed the PPR disease status, its economic cost, the financial viability of vaccination, and the perspectives of field veterinarians on the PPR vaccination programme implemented in Karnataka state, India. In addition to secondary data, cross-sectional surveys undertaken during 2016–17 (survey I) and 2018–19 (survey II) from 673 sheep and goat flocks and data collected from 62 veterinarians were analysed. The economic costs and perceptions of veterinarians were analysed using deterministic models and the Likert scale, respectively, and the financial viability of vaccination programmes under the best (15%), base (20%), and worst-case (25%) PPR incidence scenarios, considering two different vaccination plans (plan I and plan II), was assessed. The disease incidence in sheep and goats was found to be 9.8% and 4.8% in survey I and survey II, respectively. In consonance with the increased vaccination coverage, the number of reported PPR outbreaks in the state declined significantly. The estimated farm-level loss of PPR varied between the surveyed years. Even under the best-incidence scenario, under vaccination plan-I and plan-II, the estimated benefit–cost ratio (18.4:1; 19.7:1), the net present value (USD 932 million; USD 936 million) and the internal rate of return (412%) implied that the vaccination programmes were financially viable and the benefits outweighed the cost. Though the majority of veterinarians perceived that the control programme was well planned and rolled out in the state, a few of them disagreed or were neutral towards the plan per se, towards the coordination between functionaries, the availability of funding, and the programme acceptance by farmers. Despite many years of vaccination, PPR still persists in the Karnataka state for various reasons and in order to eradicate the disease, a review of the existing control programme with strong facilitation from the federal government is needed.
Innovations in Cattle Farming: Application of Innovative Technologies and Sensors in the Diagnosis of Diseases
Authors: Džermeikaitė Karina , Bačėninaitė Dovilė , Antanaitis Ramūnas
Published: February 2023

Precision livestock farming has a crucial function as farming grows in significance. It will help farmers make better decisions, alter their roles and perspectives as farmers and managers, and allow for the tracking and monitoring of product quality and animal welfare as mandated by the government and industry. Farmers can improve productivity, sustainability, and animal care by gaining a deeper understanding of their farm systems as a result of the increased use of data generated by smart farming equipment. Automation and robots in agriculture have the potential to play a significant role in helping society fulfill its future demands for food supply. These technologies have already enabled significant cost reductions in production, as well as reductions in the amount of intensive manual labor, improvements in product quality, and enhancements in environmental management. Wearable sensors can monitor eating, rumination, rumen pH, rumen temperature, body temperature, laying behavior, animal activity, and animal position or placement. Detachable or imprinted biosensors that are adaptable and enable remote data transfer might be highly important in this quickly growing industry. There are already multiple gadgets to evaluate illnesses such as ketosis or mastitis in cattle. The objective evaluation of sensor methods and systems employed on the farm is one of the difficulties presented by the implementation of modern technologies on dairy farms. The availability of sensors and high-precision technology for real-time monitoring of cattle raises the question of how to objectively evaluate the contribution of these technologies to the long-term viability of farms (productivity, health monitoring, welfare evaluation, and environmental effects). This review focuses on biosensing technologies that have the potential to change early illness diagnosis, management, and operations for livestock.
Spatial Distribution of Bedding Attributes in an Open Compost-Bedded Pack Barn System with Positive Pressure Ventilation in Brazilian Winter Conditions
Authors: Oliveira Carlos Eduardo Alves , Tinôco Ilda de Fátima Ferreira , de Oliveira Victor Crespo , Rodrigues Pedro Henrique de Moura , Silva Leonardo França da , Damasceno Flávio Alves , Andrade Rafaella Resende , Sousa Fernanda Campos de , Barbari Matteo , Bambi Gianluca
Published: February 2023

The objective of this study was to characterize the dependence and spatial distribution of bedding attributes in an open compost-bedded pack barn (CBP) system with positive pressure ventilation during the winter period in Brazil. The study was conducted in July 2021, in the Zona da Mata region, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The bedding area (shavings and wood sawdust) was divided into a mesh with 44 equidistant points. At each point, the bedding temperature at the surface (tB-sur) and at a depth of 0.2 m (tB-20) and the air velocity at bedding level (vair,B) were measured, and bedding samples were collected. The bedding samples were used to determine the moisture level and pH at the surface (MB-sur e pHB-sur) and at a depth of 0.2 m (MB-20 and pHB-20). The spatial behavior of the variables was evaluated using geostatistics techniques. For all variables, the occurrence of strong spatial dependence was verified. Through the maps, it was observed that tB-sur, tB-20, MB-sur, MB-20, and vair,B showed high spatial variability, whereas pHB-sur and pHB-20 demonstrated low variation. On the surface, values of tB-sur < 20 °C and MB-sur > 60% were observed. At the subsurface, there was a predominance of tB-20 < 40 °C, MB-20 > 60%, and pH > 9, which are indications of low bedding composting activity.
A 3D-Printed Large Holding Capacity Device for Minimum Volume Cooling Vitrification of Embryos in Prolific Livestock Species
Authors: Marco-Jiménez Francisco , Garcia-Dominguez Ximo , García-Valero Luís , Vicente José S.
Published: February 2023

Although many devices have been developed to reduce sample volume, with an explosion of methods appearing in the literature over the last decade, commercially available devices with simultaneous vitrification of a larger number of embryos are scarce, with the apparent gap for their use in prolific livestock species. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of a new three-dimensional (3D)-printed device that combines minimum volume cooling vitrification with simultaneous vitrification of a larger number of rabbit embryos. Late morulae/early blastocysts were vitrified with the open Cryoeyelet® device (n = 175; 25 embryos per device), the open Cryotop® device (n = 175; 10 embryos per device), and the traditional closed French mini-straw device (n = 125; 25 embryos per straw) and compared in terms of in vitro development and reproductive performance after transfer to adoptive mothers. Fresh embryos constituted the control group (n = 125). In experiment 1, there was no difference in the development rate to the blastocyst hatching stage between the CryoEyelet® and the other devices. In experiment 2, the CryoEyelet® device showed a higher implantation rate compared with the Cryotop® (6.3% unit of SD, p = 0.87) and French mini-straw® (16.8% unit of SD, p = 1.00) devices. In terms of offspring rate, the CryoEyelet® device was similar to the Cryotop® device but superior to the French straw device. Regarding embryonic and fetal losses, the CryoEyelet® showed lower embryonic losses compared to other vitrification devices. The analysis of bodyweight showed that all devices showed a similar outcomes—a higher birthweight but a lower body weight at puberty than those in the fresh transfer embryos group. In summary, the CryoEyelet® device can be used for the vitrification of many late morulae or early blastocyst stage rabbit embryos per device. Further studies should be performed to evaluate the CryoEyelet® device in other polytocous species for the simultaneous vitrification of a large number of embryos.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Rutin–Hydroxypropyl β-Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complexes Embedded in Xanthan Gum-Based (HPMC-g-AMPS) Hydrogels for Oral Controlled Drug Delivery
Authors: Naeem Abid , Yu Chengqun , Zang Zhenzhong , Zhu Weifeng , Deng Xuezhen , Guan Yongmei
Published: February 2023

Oxidants play a significant role in causing oxidative stress in the body, which contributes to the development of diseases. Rutin—a powerful antioxidant—may be useful in the prevention and treatment of various diseases by scavenging oxidants and reducing oxidative stress. However, low solubility and oral bioavailability have restricted its use. Due to the hydrophobic nature of rutin, it cannot be easily loaded inside hydrogels. Therefore, first rutin inclusion complexes (RIC) with hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HP-βCD) were prepared to improve its solubility, followed by incorporation into xanthan gum-based (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-grafted-2-acrylamido -2-methyl-1-propane sulfonic acid) hydrogels for controlled drug release in order to improve the bioavailability. Rutin inclusion complexes and hydrogels were validated by FTIR, XRD, SEM, TGA, and DSC. The highest swelling ratio and drug release occurred at pH 1.2 (28% swelling ratio and 70% drug release) versus pH 7.4 (22% swelling ratio, 65% drug release) after 48 h. Hydrogels showed high porosity (94%) and biodegradation (9% in 1 week in phosphate buffer saline). Moreover, in vitro antioxidative and antibacterial studies (Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli) confirmed the antioxidative and antibacterial potential of the developed hydrogels.
Deep Learning-Based Network Intrusion Detection Using Multiple Image Transformers
Authors: Kim Taehoon , Pak Wooguil
Published: February 2023

The development of computer vision-based deep learning models for accurate two-dimensional (2D) image classification has enabled us to surpass existing machine learning-based classifiers and human classification capabilities. Recently, steady efforts have been made to apply these sophisticated vision-based deep learning models as network intrusion detection domains, and various experimental results have confirmed their applicability and limitations. In this paper, we present an optimized method for processing network intrusion detection system (NIDS) datasets using vision-based deep learning models by further expanding existing studies to overcome these limitations. In the proposed method, the NIDS dataset can further enhance the performance of existing deep-learning-based intrusion detection by converting the dataset into 2D images through various image transformers and then integrating into three-channel RGB color images, unlike the existing method. Various performance evaluations confirm that the proposed method can significantly improve intrusion detection performance over the recent method using grayscale images, and existing NIDSs without the use of images. As network intrusion is increasingly evolving in complexity and variety, we anticipate that the intrusion detection algorithm outlined in this study will facilitate network security.