bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aberrant Hematopoiesis and Morbidity in Extremely Preterm Infants With Intrauterine Growth Restriction
Authors: Reibel Nora J. , Dame Christof , Bührer Christoph , Muehlbacher Tobias
Published: November 2021

Background and Objective: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) poses additional challenges in extremely low gestational age newborns (ELGANs). We assessed disturbed hematopoiesis and morbidities associated with this disorder.

Methods: This single-center retrospective case–control study compared perinatal hematological profiles, major morbidities, and mortality of 49 infants (gestational age <28 weeks, birth weight ≤ 3rd percentile, and compromised placental function) and 98 infants (birth weight >10th percentile) matched for gestational age, year, and sex.

Results: IUGR-ELGANs had significantly elevated nucleated red blood cells and lower neutrophil and platelet counts at birth and on the third day of life. During the first week of life, IUGR-ELGANs received more red blood cell, platelet, and plasma transfusions and were more intensively treated with antibiotics. Rates of infections acquired during the first week (59.2 vs. 17.3%, p < 0.001), severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia or death (42.9 vs. 17.3%, p < 0.01), and mortality (36.7 vs. 7.1%, p < 0.001) were markedly elevated in IUGR-ELGANs, but not of hemorrhages or other morbidities.

Conclusions: IUGR-ELGANs have high rates of acquired infections during the first week of life and display severe pulmonary morbidity leading to bronchopulmonary dysplasia or death. The high rate of transfusions observed in these infants warrants further scrutiny.
A Review of the Evidence on Attitudes, Perceived Impacts and Motivational Factors for European Member State Collaboration for Pricing and Reimbursement of Medicines: Time for the EEA Member States to Apply Their Experience and Expertise in Evidence-Based Decision Making to Their Current Pharmaceutical Policy Challenges
Authors: Vella Bonanno Patricia , Cassar Vincent , Godman Brian
Published: November 2021

In 2018/2019 there were a number of initiatives for collaboration between Member States in the European Economic Area (EEA) and the European Commission published a Proposal for a Regulation on Health Technology Assessment. In view of the perceived benefits from collaboration, the experiences and challenges of these collaborative initiatives and the possible implications of the proposed legislation, a study of the evidence on attitudes, perceived impacts and the motivational factors towards European Member State collaboration regarding the pricing and reimbursement of medicines was conducted. This study adopted an evidence–based management approach by Barends and Rousseau. The main findings showed that Member States differed in their motivation for collaboration for different pharmaceutical activities. Member States favoured voluntary co-operation for all activities of pricing and reimbursement except for relative effectiveness assessments where Member State authorities had divergent attitudes and prioritised activities related to the sustainability of their healthcare systems and access to medicines. Contrastingly pharmaceutical companies strongly favoured mandatory cooperation for evaluation. Member States motivation for collaboration was highly dependent on the purpose, political will, implementation climate and cultural factors. Currently, with the experiences of ongoing collaborations, following the progress of the discussion at Council, and with a number of inititatives for new pharmaceutical strategy and policy, it is proposed that Member States use their trust, expertise and knowledge of application of evidence-based decision making for pricing and reimbursement of medicines and apply it to decide the future model for Member State collaboration. The applicability of principles of evidence-based management to pharmaceutical policy can be used as a starting point.
Cyclosporine A Induces Cardiac Developmental Toxicity in Zebrafish by Up-Regulation of Wnt Signaling and Oxidative Stress
Authors: Wan Mengqi , Huang Ling , Liu Jieping , Liu Fasheng , Chen Guilan , Ni Huiwen , Xiong Guanghua , Liao Xinjun , Lu Huiqiang , Xiao Juhua , Tao Qiang , Cao Zigang
Published: November 2021

Due to the widely application of Cyclosporine A (CsA) as an immunosuppressant in clinic, it is necessary to study its potential toxicity. Therefore, we used zebrafish as a model animal to evaluate the toxicity of CsA on embryonic development. Exposure of zebrafish embryos to CsA at concentrations of 5 mg/L, 10 mg/L, and 15 mg/L from 12 hpf to 72 hpf resulted in abnormal embryonic development, including cardiac malformation, pericardial edema, decreased heart rate, decreased blood flow velocity, deposition at yolk sac, shortened body length, and increased distance between venous sinus and arterial bulb (SV-BA). The expression of genes related to cardiac development was disordered, and the apoptotic genes were up-regulated. Oxidative stress level was up-regulated and accumulated in pericardium in a dose-dependent manner. Astaxanthin (ATX) treatment could significantly alleviate zebrafish heart defects. CsA induced up-regulation of Wnt signaling in zebrafish, and IWR-1, an inhibitor of Wnt signaling pathway, could effectively rescue the heart defects induced by CsA. Together, our study indicated that CsA induced cardiac developmental toxicity in zebrafish larvae through up-regulating oxidative stress and Wnt signaling, contributing to a more comprehensive evaluation of the safety of the drug.
Serum Predose Metabolic Profiling for Prediction of Rosuvastatin Pharmacokinetic Parameters in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Silveira Anne Michelli Reis , Duarte Gustavo Henrique Bueno , Fernandes Anna Maria Alves de Piloto , Garcia Pedro Henrique Dias , Vieira Nelson Rogerio , Antonio Marcia Aparecida , Carvalho Patricia de Oliveira
Published: November 2021

Rosuvastatin is a well-known lipid-lowering agent generally used for hypercholesterolemia treatment and coronary artery disease prevention. There is a substantial inter-individual variability in the absorption of statins usually caused by genetic polymorphisms leading to a variation in the corresponding pharmacokinetic parameters, which may affect drug therapy safety and efficacy. Therefore, the investigation of metabolic markers associated with rosuvastatin inter-individual variability is exceedingly relevant for drug therapy optimization and minimizing side effects. This work describes the application of pharmacometabolomic strategies using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry to investigate endogenous plasma metabolites capable of predicting pharmacokinetic parameters in predose samples. First, a targeted method for the determination of plasma concentration levels of rosuvastatin was validated and applied to obtain the pharmacokinetic parameters from 40 enrolled individuals; then, predose samples were analyzed using a metabolomic approach to search for associations between endogenous metabolites and the corresponding pharmacokinetic parameters. Data processing using machine learning revealed some candidates including sterols and bile acids, carboxylated metabolites, and lipids, suggesting the approach herein described as promising for personalized drug therapy.
Solving the Traveling Salesman Problem on the D-Wave Quantum Computer
Authors: Jain Siddharth
Published: November 2021

The traveling salesman problem is a well-known NP-hard problem in combinatorial optimization. This paper shows how to solve it on an Ising Hamiltonian based quantum annealer by casting it as a quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO) problem. Results of practical experiments are also presented using D-Wave’s 5,000 qubit Advantage 1.1 quantum annealer and the performance is compared to a classical solver. It is found the quantum annealer can only handle a problem size of 8 or less nodes and its performance is subpar compared to the classical solver both in terms of time and accuracy.
Measuring the Topological Time Irreversibility of Time Series With the Degree-Vector-Based Visibility Graph Method
Authors: Mori Ryutaro , Liu Ruiyun , Chen Yu
Published: November 2021

Time irreversibility of a time series, which can be defined as the variance of properties under the time-reversal transformation, is a cardinal property of non-equilibrium systems and is associated with predictability in the study of financial time series. Recent pieces of literature have proposed the visibility-graph-based approaches that specifically refer to topological properties of the network mapped from a time series, with which one can quantify different degrees of time irreversibility within the sets of statistically time-asymmetric series. However, all these studies have inadequacies in capturing the time irreversibility of some important classes of time series. Here, we extend the visibility-graph-based method by introducing a degree vector associated with network nodes to represent the characteristic patterns of the index motion. The newly proposed method is parameter-free and temporally local. The validation to canonical synthetic time series, in the aspect of time (ir)reversibility, illustrates that our method can differentiate a non-Markovian additive random walk from an unbiased Markovian walk, as well as a GARCH time series from an unbiased multiplicative random walk. We further apply the method to the real-world financial time series and find that the price motions occasionally equip much higher time irreversibility than the calibrated GARCH model does.
Dysbiosis in the Human Microbiome of Cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Rao Benchen , Ren Tong , Wang Xuemei , Wang Haiyu , Zou Yawen , Sun Ying , Liu Shanshuo , Ren Zhigang , Yu Zujiang
Published: November 2021

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the most common malignant tumor of the biliary system with a very poor prognosis. The human microbiome, which is the sum of the genetic information of human microorganisms, plays an important role in regulating the digestion, absorption, immune response, and metabolism of the host. Increasing evidence indicates a close relationship between CCA and the human microbiome. Specific alterations occur in the human microbiome of patients with CCA. Therefore, in this review, we aimed to summarize the recent evidence on dysbiosis in the human microbiome of CCA. Then, we generalized the effect of Helicobacter pylori on CCA. Additionally, the potential mechanism of human microbial dysbiosis promoted the progress of CCA, and its precancerous disease was also explored. Furthermore, the possibility of the human microbiome as a diagnostic and therapeutic target of CCA was discussed.
The Lotus japonicus ROP3 Is Involved in the Establishment of the Nitrogen-Fixing Symbiosis but Not of the Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Symbiosis
Authors: García-Soto Ivette , Boussageon Raphael , Cruz-Farfán Yareni Marlene , Castro-Chilpa Jesus Daniel , Hernández-Cerezo Liz Xochiquetzal , Bustos-Zagal Victor , Leija-Salas Alfonso , Hernández Georgina , Torres Martha , Formey Damien , Courty Pierre-Emmanuel , Wipf Daniel , Serrano Mario , Tromas Alexandre
Published: November 2021

Legumes form root mutualistic symbioses with some soil microbes promoting their growth, rhizobia, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). A conserved set of plant proteins rules the transduction of symbiotic signals from rhizobia and AMF in a so-called common symbiotic signaling pathway (CSSP). Despite considerable efforts and advances over the past 20 years, there are still key elements to be discovered about the establishment of these root symbioses. Rhizobia and AMF root colonization are possible after a deep cell reorganization. In the interaction between the model legume Lotus japonicus and Mesorhizobium loti, this reorganization has been shown to be dependent on a SCAR/Wave-like signaling module, including Rho-GTPase (ROP in plants). Here, we studied the potential role of ROP3 in the nitrogen-fixing symbiosis (NFS) as well as in the arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis (AMS). We performed a detailed phenotypic study on the effects of the loss of a single ROP on the establishment of both root symbioses. Moreover, we evaluated the expression of key genes related to CSSP and to the rhizobial-specific pathway. Under our experimental conditions, rop3 mutant showed less nodule formation at 7- and 21-days post inoculation as well as less microcolonies and a higher frequency of epidermal infection threads. However, AMF root colonization was not affected. These results suggest a role of ROP3 as a positive regulator of infection thread formation and nodulation in L. japonicus. In addition, CSSP gene expression was neither affected in NFS nor in AMS condition in rop3 mutant. whereas the expression level of some genes belonging to the rhizobial-specific pathway, like RACK1, decreased in the NFS. In conclusion, ROP3 appears to be involved in the NFS, but is neither required for intra-radical growth of AMF nor arbuscule formation.
The Transcriptome and Metabolome Reveal Stress Responses in Sulfur-Fumigated Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.)
Authors: Liu Juan , Gao Yang , Gong Feifei , Hou Feifan , Zhang Zhipeng , Cheng Xiaojing , Du Wei , Zhang Lingling , Wang Jinyao , Xu Jin , Xing Guoming , Kang Xiuping , Li Sen
Published: November 2021

Sulfur (S) fumigation is a commonly used sterilization method in horticultural facilities against fungal diseases. S fumigation damaged cucumber leaves, although the response mechanism is unclear. This study analyzes the growth, transcriptome, and metabolomic profiles of young and mature leaves, ovaries, and commercial cucumber fruits to decipher the mechanism of cucumber stress response under S fumigation. S fumigation significantly changed the photosynthetic efficiency and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in leaves, but not fruit development, fruit mass, and peel color. Transcriptome analysis indicated that S fumigation strongly regulated stress defense genes. The weighted gene co-expression network analysis revealed that S fumigation regulated ASPG1, AMC1 defense genes, LECRK3, and PERK1 protein kinase. The abscisic acid (ABA)-mediated model of regulation under S fumigation was constructed. Metabolome analysis showed that S fumigation significantly upregulated or downregulated the contents of amino acids, organic acids, sugars, glycosides, and lipids (VIP > 1 and P-value < 0.05). The opposite Pearson’s correlations of these differential metabolites implied that cucumber had different metabolic patterns in short-term and long-term S fumigation. Besides, the elevated levels of proline and triglyceride indicated that stress-responsive mechanisms existed in S-fumigated cucumber. Moreover, the comprehensive analysis indicated that S fumigation elevated secondary S-containing metabolites but decreased sulfate absorption and transportation in cucumber. Overall, our results provided a comprehensive assessment of S fumigation on cucumber, which laid the theoretical foundation for S fumigation in protected cultivation.
Impact of Social Exclusion on Customer Participation in Innovation: Role of Customer-Company Identification
Authors: Hui Zhang , Yupeng Mou , Chenglong Zhang , Haiqin Li , Daomeng Guo
Published: November 2021

In a social context, customer participation in the innovation process is often accompanied by social exclusion situations, which are generally believed to have a negative impact on individuals. However, research results and marketing practices show that social exclusion can also exert a positive influence on creativity, product selection, perceived risk, and so on. Through two experimental studies, this research explores the relationship between social exclusion and customer participation in innovation. It finds that social exclusion has a positive influence on customer participation in innovation and that customer-company identification mediates this relationship.
Keeping Connected With School: Implementing Telepresence Robots to Improve the Wellbeing of Adolescent Cancer Patients
Authors: Powell Thomasin , Cohen Jennifer , Patterson Pandora
Published: November 2021

Background: Adolescent cancer patients experience considerable absence from their education, contributing to poorer academic attainment and isolation from peers, and impacting wellbeing. Telepresence robots have been used to support the educational and social needs of young people with chronic illness. This article presents the results of the development and pilot-testing of a telepresence robot service in schools for adolescent cancer patients – the TRECA (Telepresence Robots to Engage CAncer patients in education) service.

Methods: Phase I used semi-structured interviews (n = 25) to assess the views of patients, parents, schools and clinicians on the benefits, acceptability, barriers, and enablers of utilizing robots in schools for adolescent cancer patients. Results from Phase I informed the development of the TRECA service. Phase II used semi-structured interviews (n = 22) to assess the implementation experiences of adolescent cancer patients, and their families, schools, and keyworkers who pilot-tested the TRECA service.

Results: Phase I demonstrated the need for telepresence technology in connecting adolescent cancer patients to school. Given the variable support during treatment, a telepresence robot service was considered an acceptable method of facilitating a school-patient connection. The recommendations provided in Phase I, such as the need for provision of ongoing education, training, and support to the patient and school, informed the development of the TRECA service. In Phase II, the themes of The necessity of stakeholder buy-in, A facilitator of meaningful connection, and One size does not fit all were generated. The TRECA service’s flexibility in meeting the needs of its users helped facilitate meaningful connections. Participants reported that these connections provided patients an enhanced sense of agency and wellbeing. The importance of stakeholder buy-in and taking an individualized approach to service delivery were also highlighted. Stakeholder miscommunication and lack of knowledge were key aspects of implementation needing improvement as the service is rolled out on a larger scale.

Conclusion: Using telepresence robots to connect adolescents to school during cancer treatment was regarded as highly acceptable, facilitating peer and academic connection. By making stakeholder-recommended improvements to the TRECA service’s existing processes, the service will continue to grow in effectiveness and capacity.
Positive Emotions and Entrepreneurial Intention: The Mediating Role of Entrepreneurial Cognition
Authors: Chen Ben-Song , Yuan Chih-Hung , Yin Bin , Wu Xiao-Zhi
Published: November 2021

Under the background of “mass entrepreneurship and innovation,” entrepreneurship and innovation for college students not only alleviates the current social employment pressure but also sets off the upsurge of their entrepreneurship. It is a significant field to research the entrepreneurial intention of undergraduates as potential entrepreneurs, which covers the study of entrepreneurial intention from the perspective of personal traits and entrepreneurial cognition. This article studies entrepreneurial intention from two aspects: irrational positive emotions and rational entrepreneurial cognition, which aims to reveal the mechanism of positive emotions and entrepreneurial cognition on entrepreneurial intention. After investigating 288 college students participating in entrepreneurial competitions, establishing structural equations, and using SmartPLS software for data analysis, the research result showed that positive emotions significantly positively impact the three scripts of entrepreneurial cognition: arrangement scripts, willing scripts, and ability scripts. The arrangement, willing, and ability scripts positively influence entrepreneurial intention, while positive emotions do not affect entrepreneurial intention. Arrangement scripts and ability scripts have a full mediating effect between positive emotions and entrepreneurial intention. Based on these findings, we provide suggestions for the government and society, schools, and individual students on innovation and entrepreneurship.
An Initial Approach to Increase Job Satisfaction Through Workplace Spirituality
Authors: Bella Ricardo Luiz Fernandes , Quelhas Osvaldo Luiz Gonçalves , Ferraz Fernando Toledo , Barboza Douglas Vieira , França Sergio Luiz Braga
Published: November 2021

Job satisfaction is a widely discussed topic in work psychology, but what might be the contributions of recent discussions of workplace spirituality? This research allows a qualitative measure of workplace spirituality relevance by workforce perspective that can be reproduced in other organizations through a questionnaire application. The spiritual factors of the workplace were classified according to the Kano model that identifies the potential for actions and investments to be transformed into job satisfaction. In this application, it was identified that investments in the coherence and purpose of work factors can generate more than proportional satisfaction in the individuals of this organization. The identity, values, cohesion, meaning, and climate of work factors could generate a proportional satisfaction to the investments. The inner life and community factors cannot generate satisfaction, but when investment levels in these factors did not meet the expectations, it potentially generates dissatisfaction. Finally, investments in belonging, connection, and environmental factors were indifferent to the satisfaction level in this organization. The researchers also pointed out opportunities of investments to the organization.
Predictability of Delayed Visual Feedback Under Rubber Hand Illusion Modulates Localization but Not Ownership of the Hand
Authors: Shibuya Satoshi , Unenaka Satoshi , Ohki Yukari
Published: November 2021

The rubber hand illusion (RHI) is a perceptual illusion, whereby a fake hand is recognized as one’s own hand when a fake hand and felt real hand are stroked synchronously. RHI strength is mainly assessed using a questionnaire rating and proprioceptive drift (PD). PD is characterized by the proprioceptively sensed location of the participant’s own hand shifting toward the location of the fake hand after RHI. However, the relationship between the two measures of hand ownership and location remains controversial due to mixed findings: some studies report correlations between them, while others show that they are independent. Here, we demonstrated significant PD without RHI using delayed visual feedback. In this RHI study, video images of the fake hand were delivered to the subjects, and four delay intervals of visual feedback (80, 280, 480, and 680ms) were introduced. In four of six conditions, the delay interval was fixed throughout the condition. In the other two conditions, four delays were delivered in a predetermined order (i.e., serial condition; higher predictability) or in a pseudo-random order (i.e., random condition; low predictability). For the four conditions with a fixed delay, the questionnaire ratings and PD declined significantly when the delay interval exceeded circa 300ms. In both the serial and random conditions, no illusory ownership of the fake hand was reported in the questionnaire. In contrast, greater PD was found in the random condition but not in the serial condition. Our findings suggest that hand ownership and localization are caused by distinct multisensory integration processes.
Neural Activation via Acupuncture in Patients With Major Depressive Disorder: A Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study
Authors: Zhang Tingyu , Zhang Jiaqi , Huang Jiaxi , Zheng Zhong , Wang Pu
Published: November 2021

Background and Objective: Acupuncture is used as an alternative treatment for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). The associated therapeutic effect of acupuncture is often attributed to its modulatory effect on the activity of the pre-frontal cortex (PFC), although the mechanism is not well-studied. We employed a repeated measures design to investigate the brain modulatory effect of acupuncture on the PFC in a group of patients with MDD and investigated whether the modulatory effect is influenced by the severity of the disease.

Methods: A total of 47 patients diagnosed with MDD were enrolled in this functional near-infrared spectroscopy experiment. The severity of depressive symptoms was measured at baseline using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-24 (HAMD). The cortical activation in the bilateral PFC areas during a verbal fluency task (VFT) was measured before and after a single session of acupuncture in the Baihui acupoint. We further explored the potential correlation between the severity of MDD and task-related activation before and after acupuncture.

Results: A single session of acupuncture significantly tended to enhance the activation level of the left frontopolar cortex in patients with severe depression during VFT, but a null effect was found in those with mild to moderate depression. Among patients with severe depression, a strong correlation was observed between HAMD scores and the change in VFT-related activation after acupuncture in the left dorsolateral PFC (DLPFC).

Conclusion: A single session of acupuncture did not significantly modulate the activation of the left PFC in patients with mild to moderate depression; however, it demonstrated a tendency to enhance the activation of the frontopolar area in patients with severe depression. Among patients with severe depression, there is a correlation between the activation by acupuncture of left DLPFC during executive functioning and the severity of depressive symptoms, suggesting that the brain activity induced by acupuncture is likely to be influenced by the baseline disease severity in patients with MDD.
Locomotion and Topographical Working Memory in Children With Myelomeningocele and Arthrogryposis Multiplex Congenita
Authors: Bartonek Åsa , Guariglia Cecilia , Piccardi Laura
Published: November 2021

Background: In children with myelomeningocele (MMC) and arthrogryposis multiplex congenital (AMC), adequate rehabilitation measures are accessible with the goal of attaining the utmost motor development. However, there is a lack of knowledge as to how children develop navigation utilizing their locomotion abilities. The aim of the present study was to explore topographic working memory in children with MMC and AMC.

Methods: For this purpose, we assessed 41 children with MMC and AMC, assigned an ambulation group, and 120 typical developing (TD) children, with mean ages of 11.9, 10.6, and 9.9 years, respectively. All groups performed a topographic working memory test while moving in a walking space and a visuospatial working memory test in a reaching space. Children with MMC and AMC also performed a test to measure their ability to reason on visuospatial material, Raven's Coloured Progressive Matrices.

Results: The topographic working memory span was shorter in the MMC group than in the TD group. In general, all ambulation groups had a shorter topographic working memory span than the TD group. The visuospatial working memory span was shorter in the non-ambulation group than in the TD group. Scores from the visuospatial reasoning test were lower in the non-ambulation group than in the community ambulation group.

Conclusions: Even though a higher cognitive score was found in the community ambulation group than in the non-ambulation group, topographic working memory was affected similarly in both groups. Including children who develop community ambulation in therapy programs containing aspects of navigation may gain even children with low levels of MMC and AMC. These results evidenced the importance of motor development and navigational experience gained through direct exploration of the environment on topographic memory.
Airborne and Spaceborne Lidar Reveal Trends and Patterns of Functional Diversity in a Semi-Arid Ecosystem
Authors: Ilangakoon Nayani , Glenn Nancy F. , Schneider Fabian D. , Dashti Hamid , Hancock Steven , Spaete Lucas , Goulden Tristan
Published: November 2021

Assessing functional diversity and its abiotic controls at continuous spatial scales are crucial to understanding changes in ecosystem processes and services. Semi-arid ecosystems cover large portions of the global terrestrial surface and provide carbon cycling, habitat, and biodiversity, among other important ecosystem processes and services. Yet, the spatial trends and patterns of functional diversity in semi-arid ecosystems and their abiotic controls are unclear. The objectives of this study are two-fold. We evaluated the spatial pattern of functional diversity as estimated from small footprint airborne lidar (ALS) with respect to abiotic controls and fire in a semi-arid ecosystem. Secondly, we used our results to understand the capabilities of large footprint spaceborne lidar (GEDI) for future applications to semi-arid ecosystems. Overall, our findings revealed that functional diversity in this ecosystem is mainly governed by elevation, soil, and water availability. In burned areas, the ALS data show a trend of functional recovery with time since fire. With 16 months of data (April 2019-August 2020), GEDI predicted functional traits showed a moderate correlation (r = 41–61%) with the ALS predicted traits except for the plant area index (PAI) (r = 11%) of low height vegetation (<5 m). We found that the number of GEDI footprints relative to the size of the fire-disturbed areas (=< 2 km2) limited the ability to estimate the full effects of fire disturbance. However, the consistency of diversity trends between ALS and GEDI across our study area demonstrates GEDI’s potential of capturing functional diversity in similar semi-arid ecosystems. The capability of spaceborne lidar to map trends and patterns of functional diversity in this semi-arid ecosystem demonstrates its exciting potential to identify critical biophysical and ecological shifts. Furthermore, opportunities to fuse GEDI with complementary spaceborne data such as ICESat-2 or the upcoming NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR), and fine scale airborne data will allow us to fill gaps across space and time. For the first time, we have the potential to monitor carbon cycle dynamics, habitats and biodiversity across the globe in semi-arid ecosystems at fine vertical scales.
Breathing in Birds and Crocodiles: What’s Different, What’s the Same, and Why Does It Matter?
Authors: McCartney Alexandra , Mark Drake , Gedja Noah , Gibb Maya , Adams Emily , Polymeropoulos Elias T. , Domnik Nicolle J.
Published: November 2021

At first glance, crocodiles and birds appear to be two very different groups of animals. Crocodiles tend to inhabit marshes and wetlands, while most birds tend to nest on dry land or in trees. Not only do they look very different, but while crocodiles walk on all fours and are excellent swimmers, most birds fly. Interestingly, researchers have found remarkable similarities in the way crocodiles and birds breathe! Different from how humans breathe, both birds and crocodiles have one-way air flow through their airways, meaning that air moves in a circular path into the lungs and back out. This article compares the structures of the respiratory systems in birds and crocodiles. We also examine how their respiratory systems are specialized for their unique environments and activities.
Mechanisms of Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation: Volatile Fatty Acids Reduce Viability of Athelia (Sclerotium) rolfsii Sclerotia in Acidic Soil Conditions and Have Limited Effects on Endemic Trichoderma spp.
Authors: Swilling Keagan J. , Shrestha Utsala , Ownley Bonnie H. , Gwinn Kimberly D. , Butler David M.
Published: November 2021

Volatile fatty acids (VFAs), such as acetic and n-butyric acid, released during anaerobic decomposition of organic soil amendments during anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) likely play a role in soilborne plant pathogen inoculum suppression. However, research is limited on the direct effects of soil VFA exposure on fungal plant pathogen inoculum, effects on pathogen antagonists such as Trichoderma spp., and the role of soil microbial VFA metabolism on reducing exposure effects. The present study addresses these limitations through a series of studies evaluating the effects of VFA (acetic or n-butyric acid), VFA concentration (4, 8, or 16 mmol/kg soil), soil sterilization by autoclaving, and soil amendment on the viability of Athelia rolfsii (Sclerotium rolfsii) sclerotia post VFA exposure, and soil populations of Trichoderma spp. HCl and water-only controls were included. After 4-days exposure in an acidic, anaerobic environment, sclerotial viability, and colonization by culturable fungi or bacteria were assessed with standard procedures. Greenhouse experiments were similarly conducted to evaluate endemic soil populations of Trichoderma spp. following soil exposure to VFAs and Trichoderma spp. populations assessed with standard soil dilution plating onto semi-selective medium. Sclerotial germination was generally reduced by soil exposure to acetic (35.1% germination) or n-butyric (21.9% germination) acids compared to water (74.3% germination) and HCl (62.7% germination). Germination was reduced as VFA concentration increased from 4 to 8 and 16 mmol/kg (39.5, 29.1, and 16.9%, respectively). In amended soils, there was no difference in sclerotial germination compared to non-amended soils, but in the greenhouse experiment there was a Trichoderma spp. population increase of over 300% in amended soil [3.4 × 106 colony forming units (CFU)/g soil] compared to the non-amended soil (9.6 × 105 CFU/g soil). Soil autoclaving had no effect on sclerotial germination at low VFA concentrations, but sclerotial germination was reduced at higher VFA concentrations compared to non-autoclaved soil. Our results suggest that VFAs contribute to sclerotial mortality in strongly acidic soil environments, and mortality is influenced by VFA components and environment. Antifungal activity is less for acetic acid than for n-butyric, and less in non-sterile soil environments more typical of field conditions than in sterile laboratory conditions.
Control and Prevention of Epizootic Lymphangitis in Mules: An Integrated Community-Based Intervention, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia
Authors: Duguma Bojia E. , Tesfaye Tewodros , Kassaye Asmamaw , Kassa Anteneh , Blakeway Stephen J.
Published: November 2021

From 2010 to 2017, as part of a wider animal welfare program, The Donkey Sanctuary piloted an integrated, community-based model for the control and prevention of epizootic lymphangitis (EZL) in cart mules in Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. Stakeholders included muleteers, service providers, and transport and animal health regulatory authorities. Interventions included muleteer education, wound prevention, harness improvement, animal health professional training, treatment of early EZL cases, euthanasia for advanced cases, and review of transport services and traffic guidelines. The project followed a participatory project management cycle and used participatory learning and action tools to facilitate stakeholder engagement and ownership. Participatory and classical epidemiology tools were employed to raise and align stakeholder understanding about EZL for effective control and prevention and to evaluate the progress impact of the model through annual prevalence surveys. During the intervention, the annual prevalence of EZL reduced from 23.9% (102/430) (95%CI: 19.8%−27.0%) in 2010 to 5.9% (58/981) (95% CI: 4.4%−7.4%) in 2017, and wound prevalence from 44.3% in 2011 to 22.2% in 2017; trends in the reduction of the prevalence maintained in the face of a mule population that increased from 430 in 2010 to ~1,500 in 2017. While non-governmental organization (NGO)-led interventions can facilitate change by trialing new approaches and accessing new skills and resources, sustainable change requires community ownership and strengthening of service provision systems. To this effect, the project raised muleteer competence in mule husbandry and EZL prevention strategies; strengthened veterinary competence; facilitated more mule-friendly traffic, transport, and waste disposal guidelines and practices; supported mule-community bylaws to control EZL; and established a supportive network between stakeholders including trusting relationships between muleteers and veterinary services. To advance the intervention model in other endemic areas, we recommend elucidation of local epidemiological factors with other stakeholders prior to the intervention, early engagement with veterinary and transport service regulatory authorities, early development of bylaws, exploration of compensation or insurance mechanisms to support euthanasia of advanced cases, and additional social, economic, and epidemiological investigations. In line with the OIE Working Equid Welfare Standards, we suggest that integrated community-based interventions are useful approaches to the control and prevention of infectious diseases.
Effects of Two Polysaccharides From Traditional Chinese Medicines on Rat Immune Function
Authors: Wang Yu Lei , Shu Xiang Hua , Zhang Xue , Liu Yong Bo , Zhang Ya Jing , Lv Tao , Huang Xin , Song Chun Lian
Published: November 2021

Abstract: The aim is to study the immune function effect of two polysaccharides extracted from traditional Chinese herbs on rats. Ultrasonic-assisted extraction was used to extract the polysaccharide from traditional Chinese medicines. MTT assay was used to determine the effects of two polysaccharides on the conversion of pig peripheral T lymphocytes. For this, 24 Sprague–Dawley rats were selected for the clinical trial and divided into groups B (blank), CK (cyclophosphamide inhibitory control), AP (angelica polysaccharide), and RIP (radix isatidis polysaccharide). Except for group B, other groups can induce the immunodeficiency by using cyclophosphamide. Rats of the AP and RIP groups were given gavage of 1 mL of AP and RIP. The blood was sampled from the eyeball on days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35, respectively, to determine immune cells, IgG and IgM of immunoglobulin, body weight, and spleen index.

Results: The average content of AP and RIP was 51.27 and 14.8%, and the extraction rate was 75.23 and 60.94%. The maximum stimulation index was 1.407 when the concentration of AP was 8,000 μg mL−1 and 1.5 when the concentration of RIP was 125 μg mL−1. Both kinds of polysaccharides can alleviate the decline of white blood cells, lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, and serum IgG and IgM caused by cyclophosphamide. The two polysaccharides can regulate the rapid recovery of weight in immunosuppressed rats and increase the spleen index of immunosuppressed SD rats. The polysaccharides from the two traditional Chinese medicines can alleviate the immunosuppression caused by cyclophosphamide and promote the immune function of the body, which can be used as raw material resources of new veterinary medicine.
Project Managers as Knowledge Workers: Competencies for Effective Project Management in Developing Countries
Authors: Amoah Armstrong , Marimon Frederic
Published: November 2021

Studies have shown that project managers are responsible for the successful management of various projects. Increasingly, this success depends on the project manager being a knowledge worker (KW)—i.e., possessing and utilizing both “hard” and “soft” skills/competencies to manage assigned projects. Nonetheless, there has not been enough studies on what these competencies are, especially in the context of developing countries (DCs). This study, therefore, seeks to conceptualize project managers as KWs by identifying the key competencies and their relationships needed to effectively manage projects in DCs. To achieve this objective, a survey was conducted among 112 project management (PM) practitioners in Ghana. The opinions from the respondents were edited, summarized and categorized by creating word queries, thus, making it easier to make deductions from them. Finally, content analysis was conducted to help establish links in the responses so as to deduce appropriate recommendations. The findings provide a set of “soft” and “hard” skills/competencies and their unique combinations for effective PM in DCs. The primary contribution of this study stems from highlighting the key competencies that project managers need to ensure effective PM in DCs, thus, helping these countries to make a more efficient use of their scarce resources.
Organizational Culture and Corporate Performance in the Ecuadorian Environment
Authors: Tulcanaza-Prieto Ana Belén , Aguilar-Rodríguez Iliana E. , Artieda Carlos
Published: November 2021

This study examines how organizational culture influences corporate performance in the Ecuadorian service sector. The study employs four organizational culture features and twelve concepts for corporate performance using a self-designed online questionnaire, which were supplied to postgraduate students from academic programs at Universidad de Las Americas (UDLA) in Quito, Ecuador. The respondents were working as managers or employees in small Ecuadorian service firms. The operational items of the questionnaire to measure organizational culture and corporate performance were designed using the Denison model. The findings reveal a statistically positive relationship between organizational culture and firm performance. Moreover, involvement, adaptability, consistency, and mission affect the non-financial performance of the Ecuadorian service sector. Involvement is the critical determinant of the influence of organizational culture on corporate performance, while training shows the strongest association with organizational culture. This study provides a perspective on long-term organizational strategies, vision, and performance. Future research should include the characteristics of the studied firms to increase the effectiveness of the proposed model.
Characterization of Gamma-Rays-Induced Spring Wheat Mutants for Morphological and Quality Traits through Multivariate and GT Bi-Plot Analysis
Authors: Zulfiqar Sana , Ishfaq Shumila , Ikram Muhammad , Nawaz Muhammad Amjad , Rahman Mehboob-ur-
Published: November 2021

Exploiting new genetic resources is an effective way to achieve sustainable wheat production. To this end, we exposed wheat seeds of the “Punjab-11” cultivar to gamma rays. A total of 32 stable mutants (M7) were developed, followed by characterization by conducting multilocation trials over two seasons. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the first six components accounted for 90.28% of the total variation among the plant height, tillers per plant, 1000-kernel weight, grain yield, and quality traits. All mutants were grouped into three clusters based on high yield index values. The genotype by trait (GT) bi-plot revealed significant associations between yield and its components among the mutants. Positive correlations were estimated for tillers per plant, plant height, 1000-kernel weight, and grain yield; however, yield components showed negative associations with protein, moisture, and gluten contents. The mutant lines Pb-M-59 waxy, Pb-M-1272 waxy, Pb-M-2260, Pb-M-1027 waxy, Pb-M-1323 waxy, and Pb-M-1854 exhibited maximum grain yield, 1000-grain weight, and tillers per plant values. Likewise, Pb-M-2725, Pb-M-2550, and Pb-M-2728 were found to be the best mutant lines in terms of grain quality; thus, the use of gamma radiation is effective in improving the desirable traits, including yield and grain quality. It is suggested that these traits can be improved beyond the performance of corresponding traits in their parent genotypes. The newly produced mutants can also be used to explore the genetic mechanisms of complex traits in the future.
Study of Variability in Root System Architecture of Spanish Triticum turgidum L. Subspecies and Analysis of the Presence of a MITE Element Inserted in the TtDro1B Gene: Evolutionary Implications
Authors: González Juan M. , Cañas Rodrigo , Cabeza Alejandra , Ruiz Magdalena , Giraldo Patricia , Loarce Yolanda
Published: November 2021

We analysed nine traits of the root system of 223 genotypes of Triticum turgidum (2n = 4x = AABB) subspecies dicoccoides, dicoccum, turgidum, durum and polonicum, finding a large intra and interspecific variability in both the number and size of roots, as well as in their spatial distribution. We studied the presence of an incomplete MITE (Miniature Inverted-repeat Transposable Element) inserted in the TtDro1B gene, which is present in some genotypes of dicoccoides, dicoccum, and turgidum, but not in polonicum and the 97.9% of the durum accessions. Comparison between genotypes shows that genotypes with the MITE element have smaller and shallower roots. Since Aegilops is considered to be the donor of the wheat B genome, the presence of the same MITE element was analysed in 55 accessions of the species Aegilops speltoides, searsii, bicornis and longissima, and in no case was it detected. We propose that after the emergence of T. turgidum subsp. dicoccoides, the insertion of the MITE element probably occurred in a single plant. Subsequent domestication resulted in genotypes of dicoccum with and without the MITE element, which after selection gave rise to the subspecies turgidum, and durum and polonicum, respectively. The MITE element can be used to differentiate turgidum from the durum and polonicum with high reliability.
Protein Supplementation and Grazing Behavior for Cows on Differing Late-Season Rangeland Grazing Systems
Authors: Sprinkle James E. , Sagers Joseph K. , Hall John B. , Ellison Melinda J. , Yelich Joel V. , Brennan Jameson R. , Taylor Joshua B. , Lamb James B.
Published: November 2021

The objective was to determine if low- or high-residual feed intake (LRFI or HRFI, n = 24 for each) Hereford × Angus cows on continuously or rotationally grazed rangeland altered their grazing behavior when provided a protein supplement in late autumn. Treatments included continuously grazed, control (CCON, n = 12); continuously grazed, supplemented (CTRT, n = 12); rotationally grazed, control (RCON, n = 12); and rotationally grazed, supplemented pastures (RTRT, n = 12). Cows in each treatment had grazing time (GT), resting time (RT), and walking time (WLK) measured for 2 years with accelerometers. Bite rate (BR) was also measured. Time distributions of GT and RT differed by year (p < 0.05), being influenced by colder temperatures in 2016. Cattle in 2016 spent more time grazing during early morning and late evening (p < 0.05) and rested more during the day (p < 0.05). In 2017, cattle in the CCON treatment walked more (p < 0.05) during early morning time periods than did the CTRT cattle, indicative of search grazing. All supplemented cattle had greater BR (p < 0.05) than control cattle in 2017. Cattle with increased nutritional demands alter grazing behavior in a compensatory fashion when grazing late-season rangelands.