bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of online teaching in behavior intention for college students in Taiwan
Authors: Tseng Chih-Hung , Hsu Chin-Hsien , Liu Jing-Wei , Wang Ching-Tang
Published: August 2022

This paper aims to explore the change of learning mode of college students from physical courses to online courses due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire survey method is used to conduct research on the behavior intentions of college students in online teaching under the pandemic. A total of 600 questionnaires are distributed, and 530 questionnaires are collected, for a recovery rate of 88%. A total of 493 supported questionnaires are received, for an effective recovery rate of 93%. Descriptive statistics of data analysis are used to analyze the distribution of background variables of college students, and a structural equation model is used to analyze and verify the impact of external variables (trust, convenience, perceived critical mass) on the technology acceptance model (perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, attitude, and behavior intention). The results found no significant impact of the trust of college students in online teaching on the perceived usefulness, and significant impact of trust on the perceived ease of use. There is significant impact of convenience on perceived usefulness, and no significant impact of convenience on perceived ease of use. There is no significant impact of perceived critical mass on perceived usefulness, and significant impact of perceived critical mass on perceived ease of use. There is significant impact of perceived ease of use on perceived usefulness, and significant impact of perceived usefulness on attitude. There is significant impact of perceived ease of use on attitude, and significant impact of attitude on behavior intention. Based on the research results, practical suggestions and research suggestions are proposed in this research, which can be used as a reference for college students to use online courses for learning.
Farmers’ personality traits and credit exclusion: Evidence from rural China
Authors: Tian Yaqun , Fan Yachen , He Guangwen
Published: August 2022

Unlike existing research from the perspective of financiers or farmers’ financial literacy, this Manuscript investigates the impact of personality traits on Chinese farmers’ credit exclusion using data from 2018 to 2019 of China Agricultural University’s Rural Inclusive Finance Survey. The empirical findings show that farmers’ personality traits significantly affect their credit exclusion. Specifically, conscientiousness and extroversion alleviate the credit exclusion, while agreeableness significantly intensifies the credit exclusion. In addition, the Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition method is used to analyze the contribution of personality traits to each dimension of credit exclusion, and the results of the study show that personality traits mainly affected farmers’ self-exclusion. Therefore, to develop inclusive finance in China, training and improving farmers’ positive personality traits must be fostered.
The effects of tourism e-commerce live streaming features on consumer purchase intention: The mediating roles of flow experience and trust
Authors: Liu Xiaoli , Zhang Lei , Chen Qian
Published: August 2022

Given that tourism e-commerce live streaming has become an important driver of tourism development after the outbreak of Covid-19 but limited attention has been paid to this area, this study examines the impacts of tourism e-commerce live streaming features (interactivity, authenticity, and entertainment) on the consumers’ purchase intention from the perspectives of consumers’ flow experience and trust based on the SOR theory. The authors collected survey data from 357 tourism e-commerce live streaming consumers and used the structural equation model to test the research model. The results reveal that interactivity and authenticity positively affect tourism e-commerce live streaming consumers’ purchase intention, but entertainment does not influence purchase intention positively; interactivity, authenticity, and entertainment each positively affects tourism e-commerce live streaming consumers’ flow experience and trust; both flow experience and trust positively affect tourism e-commerce live streaming consumers’ purchase intention; both flow experience and trust have mediating effects on the relationships between tourism e-commerce live streaming features and consumers’ purchase intention. This study extends existing theoretical research on tourism e-commerce live streaming and provides some managerial implications for tourism enterprises and streamers.
Socioeconomic inequality in rehabilitation service utilization for schizophrenia in China: Findings from a 7-year nationwide longitudinal study
Authors: Ding Ruoxi , He Ping , Zheng Xiaoying
Published: August 2022

Aims

Few studies have focused on the utilization of rehabilitation services among people with schizophrenia. In this study, we aimed to examine the trend of pharmacological and psychotherapy service utilization among adults with schizophrenia and to identify the associated socioeconomic factors.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Second National Sample Survey on Disability in 2006 and from the follow-up investigation in 2007–2013. Individuals with schizophrenia were ascertained by the combination of self-reports and on-site diagnosis by psychiatrists. Random effect logistic regression models were applied to examine the socioeconomic disparity in service utilization and the time trend in the association.

Results

Overall, the percentage of individuals using pharmacological treatment services increased from 23.7 in 2007 to 55.0% in 2013, and the percentage of individuals using psychotherapy services increased from 11.4 to 39.4%. Living in rural areas, being illiterate, living in families with lower income and being uninsured were less likely to receive pharmacological treatment and psychotherapy. The pace of growth in service utilization was higher among individuals with rural residence, illiteracy or low-income status than among their counterparts with advantaged backgrounds.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated an upward trend in pharmacological treatment and psychotherapy service utilization and a downward trend in socioeconomic disparity among Chinese adults with schizophrenia. Future studies to explore the reasons for the observed changes and to identify policies for improving the health service access of this vulnerable group are warranted.
Blind visual quality assessment of light field images based on distortion maps
Authors: Alamgeer Sana , Farias Mylène C. Q.
Published: August 2022

Light Field (LF) cameras capture spatial and angular information of a scene, generating a high-dimensional data that brings several challenges to compression, transmission, and reconstruction algorithms. One research area that has been attracting a lot of attention is the design of Light Field images quality assessment (LF-IQA) methods. In this paper, we propose a No-Reference (NR) LF-IQA method that is based on reference-free distortion maps. With this goal, we first generate a synthetically distorted dataset of 2D images. Then, we compute SSIM distortion maps of these images and use these maps as ground error maps. We train a GAN architecture using these SSIM distortion maps as quality labels. This trained model is used to generate reference-free distortion maps of sub-aperture images of LF contents. Finally, the quality prediction is obtained performing the following steps: 1) perform a non-linear dimensionality reduction with a isometric mapping of the generated distortion maps to obtain the LFI feature vectors and 2) perform a regression using a Random Forest Regressor (RFR) algorithm to obtain the LF quality estimates. Results show that the proposed method is robust and accurate, outperforming several state-of-the-art LF-IQA methods.
Capacity development for water reuse in in-formal partnerships in northern Namibia
Authors: Frick-Trzebitzky Fanny , Kluge Thomas , Stegemann Stefan , Zimmermann Martin
Published: August 2022

In central northern Namibia, challenges in water governance related to scarcity meet needs in capacity development on municipal levels. Reuse of treated water in agriculture forms a technical innovation in urbanizing arid regions, because it potentially contributes to both improving water availability and reducing pollution from waste water in arid regions. Governing this transformative approach entails a complexity of processes and actors at different levels and in a range of sectors. The aim of this research is to assess the potential of an informal municipal partnership to (a) support capacity development in implementation of innovation in urban water systems (here: water reuse), and (b) compensate for lack of coordination in governance. Establishing a municipal partnership for wastewater treatment was part of a living lab approach analyzing the potential for water reuse, in collaboration of an interdisciplinary team of researchers, municipal decision-makers, engineers and farmers. Findings show the potential and limitations in capacity development in municipal water governance by means of an informal partnership. The lessons learnt on establishing an informal municipal partnership for learning and capacity development in water governance provide valuable insights for water governance in both research and practice, in particular but not limited to the field of water reuse as means of transforming socio-hydrological relations toward sustainability. The research thus contributes to research on water reuse governance, and to transformative research on water in social-ecological systems.
Biofilms in hoses utilized to divert colostrum and milk on dairy farms: A report exploring their potential role in herd health, milk quality, and public health
Authors: Latorre Alejandra A. , Oliva Ricardo , Pugin Julio , Estay Alexis , Nualart Francisco , Salazar Katterine , Garrido Natacha , Muñoz Marcos A.
Published: August 2022

Biofilms in milking equipment on dairy farms have been associated with failures in cleaning and sanitizing protocols. These biofilms on milking equipment can be a source of contamination for bulk tank milk and a concern for animal and public health, as biofilms can become on-farm reservoirs for pathogenic bacteria that cause disease in cows and humans. This report describes a cross-sectional study on 3 dairy farms, where hoses used to divert waste milk, transition milk, and colostrum were analyzed by culture methods and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) to assess the presence of pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella spp. In addition, the presence of biofilms was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy and confocal spectral microscopy. Biofilms composed of multispecies microbial communities were observed on the surfaces of all milk hoses. In two dairy farms, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Klebsiella oxytoca were isolated from the milk hose samples collected. Cleaning and sanitation protocols of all surfaces in contact with milk or colostrum are crucial. Hoses used to collect waste milk, colostrum, and transition milk can be a source of biofilms and hence pathogenic bacteria. Waste milk used to feed calves can constitute a biosecurity issue and a source of pathogens, therefore an increased exposure and threat for the whole herd health and, potentially, for human health.
Exogenous Proline, Methionine, and Melatonin Stimulate Growth, Quality, and Drought Tolerance in Cauliflower Plants
Authors: EL-Bauome Hemat A. , Abdeldaym Emad A. , Abd El-Hady Mahmoud A. M. , Darwish Doaa Bahaa Eldin , Alsubeie Moodi Saham , El-Mogy Mohamed M. , Basahi Mohammed A. , Al-Qahtani Salem Mesfir , Al-Harbi Nadi Awad , Alzuaibr Fahad Mohammed , Alasmari Abdulrahman , Ismail Ismail A. , Dessoky Eldessoky S. , Doklega Samar M. A.
Published: August 2022

The impact of proline, methionine, and melatonin on cauliflower plants under drought stress is still unclear in the available publications. So, this research aims to study these biochemical compounds’ effects on cauliflower plants grown under well-irrigated and drought-stressed conditions. The obtained results showed that under drought-stressed conditions, foliar application of proline, methionine, and melatonin significantly (p ≤ 0.05) enhanced leaf area, leaf chlorophyll content, leaf relative water content (RWC), vitamin C, proline, total soluble sugar, reducing sugar, and non-reducing sugar compared to the untreated plants. These treatments also significantly increased curd height, curd diameter, curd freshness, and dry matter compared to untreated plants. Conversely, the phenolic-related enzymes including polyphenol oxidase (PPO), peroxidase (POD), and phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL) were significantly reduced compared to the untreated plants. A similar trend was observed in glucosinolates, abscisic acid (ABA), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total phenols. Eventually, it can be concluded that the foliar application of proline, methionine, and melatonin can be considered a proper strategy for enhancing the growth performance and productivity of cauliflower grown under drought-stressed conditions.
Quality Attributes Prediction of Flame Seedless Grape Clusters Based on Nutritional Status Employing Multiple Linear Regression Technique
Authors: Abdel-Sattar Mahmoud , Al-Saif Adel M. , Aboukarima Abdulwahed M. , Eshra Dalia H. , Sas-Paszt Lidia
Published: August 2022

Flame Seedless grape is considered one of the most popular and favorite grapes for consumers, since it ripens early, and has good cluster quality. Flame seedless grape marketing value depends upon its desirable appearance, berry, cluster size, and shape. Therefore, it is imperative that the cluster yield and quality are enhanced to ensure profitability. In this study, the prediction of physical characteristics of clusters and berries’ color attributes of Flame Seedless grape grown under different culture practices, in particular fertilization treatments, was carried out using nutritional status concentration (leaf mineral elements, total chlorophyll content, total carotenoids content) and multiple linear regression (MLR). The method was based on the development of two indices: the first is called index 1 (%) and was formulated by combing the mineral elements of N, P, K, Ca, and Mg concentrations; and the second is called index 2 (ppm) and was formulated by combing the elements of Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, and B concentrations in leaf petioles. The results indicated that the established MLR models can obtain variation accuracy, based on values of coefficients of determination (R2) using the test set. The R2 values were in the range of 0.9286 to 0.9972 for cluster weight, cluster length, shoulder length, berries’ color attributes (L*, a*, b*, chroma, hue, and color index for red grapes (CIRG)). This study highlighted that during a grown season, leaf mineral elements, total chlorophyll content, and total carotenoids coupled with a MLR model can be used successfully to evaluate the physical characteristics of the cluster and berries’ color attributes of Flame seedless grape. This method is easy, fast and reliable as it retains the physical appearance of the fruits by adjusting the concentration of mineral elements, total chlorophyll content, and total carotenoids in leaves. Moreover, total chlorophyll had the greatest weight of all the predicted quality attributes.
Comprehensive Profiling of Circular RNAs in Goat Dermal Papilla Cells and Prediction of Their Modulatory Roles in Hair Growth
Authors: Ma Sen , Xu Xiaochun , Wang Xiaolong , Yang Yuxin , Shi Yinghua , Chen Yulin
Published: August 2022

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are capable of finely modulating gene expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional levels; however, their characters in dermal papilla cells (DPCs)—the signaling center of hair follicle—are still obscure. Herein, we established a comprehensive atlas of circRNAs in DPCs and their skin counterparts—dermal fibroblasts (DFs)—from cashmere goats. In terms of the results, a sum of 3706 circRNAs were bioinformatically identified. Subsequent analysis suggested that the detected transcripts exhibited several prominent genomic features, including exons as their main sources. Compared with DFs, 76 circRNAs significantly displayed higher abundances in goat DPCs, with 45 transcripts markedly exhibiting adverse trends (p < 0.05). Furthermore, potential roles and underlying molecular mechanisms of circRNAs in goat DPCs were speculated through constructing their possible regulatory networks with mRNAs and microRNAs (miRNAs). We found that the circRNAs may serve as miRNA sponges to alleviate three hair growth-related functional genes (HOXC8, RSPO1, and CCBE1) of DPCs from miRNAs-imposed post-transcriptional modulation, further facilitating two critical processes (HOXC8 and RSPO1: hair follicle stem cell activation; CCBE1: follicular angiogenesis) closely involved in hair growth. In addition, we also speculated that two intron-derived circRNAs (chi_circ_0005569 and chi_circ_0005570) possibly affect the expression of their host gene CCBE1 at a transcriptional level in the nucleus. The above results demonstrated that circRNAs are abundantly expressed in goat DPCs, and certain circRNAs are potential participators in hair growth via the effects on the levels of related functional genes. Our study offers a preliminary clue for researchers hoping to untangle the roles of non-coding RNAs in hair growth.
Stable Isotope Analysis Supports Omnivory in Bank Voles in Apple Orchards
Authors: Balčiauskas Linas , Stirkė Vitalijus , Garbaras Andrius , Skipitytė Raminta , Balčiauskienė Laima
Published: August 2022

With only periodic and incomplete studies of its diet over time, all with differing methods and conclusions, the degree of omnivory in the bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) is not fully clear. We assessed the trophic niche of the species using isotopic (δ15N and δ13C) compositions from hair samples and analysed how C. glareolus shares trophic space with herbivores, granivores and insectivores living syntopically. According to the numbers trapped, C. glareolus was the fourth most numerous species in the apple orchards that we investigated, accounting for 14.4% of all trapped small mammals with a relative abundance of 1.12 individuals per 100 trap nights. The average values of both δ15N and δ13C in the hair of C. glareolus differed from the other trophic groups, with the average of δ15N in orchards and neighbouring habitats (6.55–6.95‰) being closest to that of insectivores. Intraspecific trophic niche differences (depending on age, gender and reproductive status) were not expressed, while correlations between body mass, body condition index and both δ15N and δ13C values were not consistent. In comparison to analysed basal resources, isotopic signatures in the hair were closest to the values in invertebrates and apple seeds. The degree of omnivory in C. glareolus was not the same in different habitats. This may be an indication of ecological plasticity within the species, allowing its inclusion/success in multi-species small mammal communities.
An Improved YOLOv5-Based Tapping Trajectory Detection Method for Natural Rubber Trees
Authors: Sun Zejin , Yang Hui , Zhang Zhifu , Liu Junxiao , Zhang Xirui
Published: August 2022

The object detection algorithm is one of the core technologies of the intelligent rubber tapping robot, but most of the existing detection algorithms cannot effectively meet the tapping trajectory detection of natural rubber trees in the complex forest environment. This paper proposes a tapping trajectory detection method for natural rubber trees based on an improved YOLOv5 model to accomplish fast and accurate detection. Firstly, the coordinate attention (CA) mechanism is added to the Backbone network to embed the location information into the channel attention, which effectively improves the detection accuracy. Secondly, a module called convolution and GhostBottleneck (CGB) is designed, based on the Ghost module, to substitute the Cross Stage Partial Network (CSP) module in the Neck network, which ensures the detection accuracy while reducing model parameters. Finally, the EIoU loss function is introduced to enable a more accurate regression of the model. The experimental results show that the overall performance of the YOLOv5-CCE model outperforms the original YOLOv5 and other classical lightweight detection algorithms. Compared with the original YOLOv5 model, the YOLOv5-CCE model has a 2.1% improvement in mAP value, a 2.5% compression of model parameters, and a 7.0% reduction in the number of floating point operations (FLOPs). Therefore, the improved model can fully meet the requirements of real-time detection, providing a robust detection method for rubber tapping robots.
Application of New-Generation Growth Regulators and Topdressing Nitrogen Fertilizers Increases Improver Winter Wheat Yield and Grain Quality in South Russia
Authors: Pleskachiov Yurii , Voronov Sergey , Kurbanov Serazhutdin , Saquee Francess Sia , Zargar Meisam
Published: August 2022

The need for effective nutrient management is crucial for optimizing wheat production and increasing the plant’s ability to tolerate different environmental stresses. In this study, we assessed the influence of new-generation PGRs and foliar topdressing nitrogen fertilizer and their interactive effects on wheat yield and quality parameters of grain and flour. A three-year field experiment was conducted on the dark chestnut soil of the Rostov region. We estimated the effect of foliar topdressing liquid nitrogen fertilizer on consumption rates of N32 (N32), N64 (N32 + N32), and N96 (N32 + N32 + N32), as well as new-generation plant growth regulators (PGRs), namely, Zirkon, Silk, and Albit, on the productivity and grain quality of winter wheat Tarasovskaya 70. The results of the experiments indicate that the highest average grain yield over three years was 5.34 t/ha−1 with the application of N96 (N32 + N32 + N32) and Albit PGR. In 2020, due to favorable weather conditions, the greatest grain yield was attained at 6.27 t/ha−1 for N96 (N32 + N32 + N32) and Albit PGR. The highest grain quality with the greatest gluten content >28% was obtained when N96 (N32 + N32 + N32) and PGRs were applied. According to the results, using N96 (N32 + N32 + N32) and PGRs made it possible to obtain “valuable” grain in terms of quality, which is suitable for the production of premium flour. The beneficial interactive effects of N application rates and PGRs on winter wheat yield and quality parameters are worthy of further investigation.
What Can Genetics Do for the Control of Infectious Diseases in Aquaculture?
Authors: Sciuto Simona , Colli Licia , Fabris Andrea , Pastorino Paolo , Stoppani Nadia , Esposito Giovanna , Prearo Marino , Esposito Giuseppe , Ajmone-Marsan Paolo , Acutis Pier Luigi , Colussi Silvia
Published: August 2022

Infectious diseases place an economic burden on aquaculture and a limitation to its growth. An innovative approach to mitigate their impact on production is breeding for disease resistance: selection for domestication, family-based selection, marker-assisted selection, and more recently, genomic selection. Advances in genetics and genomics approaches to the control of infectious diseases are key to increasing aquaculture efficiency, profitability, and sustainability and to reducing its environmental footprint. Interaction and co-evolution between a host and pathogen can, however, turn breeding to boost infectious disease resistance into a potential driver of pathogenic change. Parallel molecular characterization of the pathogen and its virulence and antimicrobial resistance genes is therefore essential to understand pathogen evolution over time in response to host immunity, and to apply appropriate mitigation strategies.
Effects of Yeast Culture Supplementation in Wheat–Rice-Based Diet on Growth Performance, Meat Quality, and Gut Microbiota of Growing–Finishing Pigs
Authors: Lin Yan , Yu Chenglong , Ma Zhao , Che Lianqiang , Feng Bin , Fang Zhengfeng , Xu Shengyu , Zhuo Yong , Li Jian , Zhang Junjie , Yang Min , Chen Peng , Wu De
Published: August 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of yeast culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation on the growth performance, meat quality, gut health, and microbiota community of growing–finishing pigs. A total of 45 growing–finishing pigs were randomly allocated to three treatments: a corn–soybean-based diet (CON, n = 15), a wheat–rice-based diet (GRA, n = 15), and GRA supplemented with 500 mg/kg yeast culture (YC, n = 15). The results show that compared to the CON group, the GRA group exhibited no significant differences in feed intake, daily gain, or feed conversion ratio, but had significantly reduced feed cost per kilogram BW gain of the finishing pigs (p < 0.05). Compared to that of the CON group, the GRA and YC groups showed an increase in the dressing percentage (p < 0.1). The meat color redness of the YC group increased (p < 0.1), whereas the b* value at 24 h decreased (p < 0.1). Meanwhile, the addition of YC significantly increased total superoxide dismutase activity on day 30 and catalase activity on day 60 (p < 0.05), and decreased serum urea nitrogen content on day 60 (p < 0.05). Furthermore, YC supplementation increased the gene expression of the duodenal anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 (p < 0.05), while it significantly decreased the gene expression of the ileal pro-inflammatory factor IL-8 (p < 0.05). The intestinal microbial identification results show that compared to the CON group, the YC group showed an increase in the relative abundances of Lactobacillus, Streptococcus, and Clostridium in the colon, and a decrease in the relative abundances of Bacteroidea, Clostridae, and Prevotella in the cecum. In conclusion, the growth performance of pigs on a wheat–rice-based diet was similar to that of pigs on a corn–soybean-based diet. Supplementation of 0.5% YC in the wheat–rice-based diet could improve the dressing percentage and meat color of growing–finishing pigs, which might be due to the increase in nitrogen utility and antioxidant capacity, and the improvement of the immune system and changes in microbiota communities.
Genetic Variation in Schizothorax kozlovi Nikolsky in the Upper Reaches of the Chinese Yangtze River Based on Genotyping for Simplified Genome Sequencing
Authors: He Jiayang , He Zhi , Yang Deying , Ma Zhijun , Chen Hongjun , Zhang Qian , Deng Faqiang , Ye Lijuan , Pu Yong , Zhang Mingwang , Yang Song , Yang Shiyong , Yan Taiming
Published: August 2022

Schizothorax kozlovi Nikolsky is a unique cold−water fish in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River in China and has high economic value. In our study, genetic diversity and population structure analyses were performed on seven wild populations (originating from the Jinsha River, Yalong River, and Wujiang River) in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River by genotyping by sequencing (GBS). The results indicated that a total of 303,970 single−nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified from the seven wild populations. Lower genetic diversity was exhibited among the intrapopulations of the three tributaries, and the Wujiang River population had significant genetic differentiation when compared to the Jinsha River and Yalong River populations. Furthermore, the selected SNPs were enriched in cellular processes, environmental adaptation, signal transduction, and related metabolic processes between the Wujiang population and the other two populations. The above results indicate that the populations of S. kozlovi have different degrees of tolerance and selection pressure in response to temperature and altitude. The Wujiang intrapopulation has greater genetic diversity and differentiation than the Jinsha River and Yalong River populations, which demonstrates that the Jinsha and Yalong populations require more attention and resources for their protection. The results of this study will increase our understanding of the diversity of S. kozlovi in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River and provide a basis for the conservation and utilization of wild resources.
Turtles in Malaysia: A Review of Conservation Status and a Call for Research
Authors: Mohd Salleh Mohd Hairul , Esa Yuzine , Salleh Sarahaizad Mohd , Mohd Sah Shahrul Anuar
Published: August 2022

Approximately 356 species of turtles inhabit saltwater and freshwater habitats globally, except in Antarctica. Twenty-four species of turtles have been reported in Malaysia, four of which are sea turtles. The state of Terengganu harbored the highest number of turtles, with 17 different reported species. Based on the IUCN Red List, 29% of turtle species in Malaysia are critically endangered. In comparison, another 25% are classified as endangered. Likewise, CITES reported that 67% of Malaysia’s turtles are threatened, while 25% are classified as critically endangered. This review discusses the checklists, molecular genetics work, conservation status, recent trends, and recommendations for future research. Factors contributing to their population declines and current endangered status are also discussed.
Effects of Essential Oil Blends on In Vitro Apparent and Truly Degradable Dry Matter, Efficiency of Microbial Production, Total Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Two Dairy Cow Diets
Authors: Brice Rosetta M. , Dele Peter A. , Ike Kelechi A. , Shaw Yasmine A. , Olagunju Lydia K. , Orimaye Oluteru E. , Subedi Kiran , Anele Uchenna Y.
Published: August 2022

The current study evaluated nine essential oil blends (EOBs) for their effects on ruminal in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), efficiency of microbial production, total short-chain fatty acid concentration (SCFA), total gas, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions using two dietary substrates (high forage and high concentrate). The study was arranged as a 2 × 2 × 9 + 1 factorial design to evaluate the effects of the nine EOBs on the two dietary substrates at two time points (6 and 24 h). The inclusion levels of the EOBs were 0 µL (control) and 100 µL with three laboratory replicates. Substrate × EOBs × time interactions were not significant (p > 0.05) for total gas and greenhouse gas emissions. The inclusion of EOBs in the diets resulted in a reduction (p < 0.001) in GHG emissions, except for EOB1 and EOB8 in the high concentrate diet at 6 h and for EOB8 in the high forage diet at 24 h of incubation. Diet type had no effect on apparent IVDMD (IVADMD) whereas the inclusion of EOBs reduced (p < 0.05) IVADMD with higher values noted for the control treatment. The efficiency of microbial production was greater (p < 0.001) for EOB treatments except for EOB1 inclusion in the high forage diet. The inclusion of EOBs affected (p < 0.001) the total and molar proportion of volatile fatty acid concentrations. Overall, the inclusion of the EOBs modified the rumen function resulting in improved efficiency of microbial production. Both the apparent and truly degraded DM was reduced in the EOB treatments. The inclusion of EOBs also resulted in reduced GHG emissions in both diets, except for EOB8 in the high forage diet which was slightly higher than the control treatment.
Estimates of Genetic Parameters for Shape Space Data in Franches-Montagnes Horses
Authors: Gmel Annik Imogen , Burren Alexander , Neuditschko Markus
Published: August 2022

Conformation traits such as joint angles are important selection criteria in equine breeding, but mainly consist of subjective evaluation scores given by breeding judges, showing limited variation. The horse shape space model extracts shape data from 246 landmarks (LM) and objective joint angle measurements from triplets of LM on standardized horse photographs. The heritability was estimated for 10 joint angles (seven were measured twice with different LM placements), and relative warp components of the whole shape, in 608 Franches-Montagnes (FM) horses (480 stallions, 68 mares and 60 geldings born 1940–2018, 3–25 years old). The pedigree data comprised 6986 horses. Genetic variances and covariances were estimated by restricted maximum likelihood model (REML), including the fixed effects birth year, age (linear and quadratic), height at withers (linear and quadratic), as well as postural effects (head, neck, limb position and body alignment), together with a random additive genetic animal component and the residual effect. Estimated heritability varied from 0.08 (stifle joint) to 0.37 (poll). For the shape, the type was most heritable (0.36 to 0.37) and evolved from heavy to light over time. Image-based phenotyping can improve the selection of horses for conformation traits with moderate heritability (e.g., poll, shoulder and fetlock).
Phenol-Rich Botanicals Modulate Oxidative Stress and Epithelial Integrity in Intestinal Epithelial Cells
Authors: Toschi Andrea , Piva Andrea , Grilli Ester
Published: August 2022

Botanicals are mainly known for their role as antimicrobials and anti-inflammatories. Thus, the dual purpose of the study was to verify the antioxidant potential of the tested botanicals and to evaluate their possible modulation of intestinal barrier integrity. As the effects of various phenol-rich extracts were screened, the human Caco-2 cell line was determined to be most suitable for use as the in vitro model for the intestinal epithelium. The tested botanicals, all approved as feed additives, are ginger essential oil, tea tree oil, grape seed extract, green tea extract, olive extract, chestnut extract, pomegranate extract, thyme essential oil, and capsicum oleoresin. The cells were treated with incremental doses of each botanical, followed by measurements of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), gene expression of tight junctions (TJs), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). The results showed how different phenol-rich botanicals could modulate barrier functions and oxidative stress in different ways. Interestingly, all the botanicals tested exerted an antioxidant potential by dropping the cytoplasmatic ROS, while the beneficial effect was exerted at different concentrations for each botanical. Our data support the role of plant extracts and essential oils in controlling gut barrier function and in reducing the negative effects of oxidative stress in intestinal epithelial cells, thereby supporting gut barrier functionality.
Molecular Characterization and Phylogenetic Analysis of a Variant Recombinant Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus Strain in China
Authors: Hu Xiaoliang , Lian Yuexiao , He Yucan , Liu Xiangxiao , Tian Zhige , Dai Yi , Liu Mengyuan , Fan Huayan , Shi Yue , Cong Feng
Published: August 2022

Since 2010, a variant of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) has re-emerged in several provinces of China, resulting in severe economic losses for the pork industry. Here, we isolated and identified a variant PEDV strain, SC-YB73, in Guangdong Province, China. The pathological observations of jejunum showed atrophy of villi and edema in the lamina propria. The sequence analysis of the viral genome identified a six-nucleotide insertion in the E gene, which has not previously been detected in PEDV strains. Furthermore, 50 nucleotide sites were unique in SC-YB73 compared with 27 other PEDV strains. The phylogenetic analysis based on the complete genome showed that SC-YB73 was clustered in variant subgroup GII-a, which is widely prevalent in the Chinese pig population. The recombination analysis suggested that SC-YB73 originated from the recombination of GDS47, US PEDV prototype-like strains TW/Yunlin550/2018, and COL/Cundinamarca/2014. In the present study, we isolated and genetically characterized a variant PEDV strain, thus providing essential information for the control of PED outbreaks in China.
Description of an Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block and Comparison to a Blind Proximal Paravertebral Nerve Block in Cows: A Cadaveric Study
Authors: D’Anselme Olivia , Hartnack Amanda , Andrade Jose Suarez Sanchez , Alfaro Rojas Christian , Ringer Simone Katja , de Carvalho Papa Paula
Published: August 2022

The proximal paravertebral nerve block is commonly used to provide anaesthesia to the flank during standing surgical procedures in adult cattle. It has been reported that additional anaesthetic infiltration may be necessary to provide complete anaesthesia. In humans as well as animal species, another technique—the ultrasound (US)-guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB)—has been described. The goal of the present study was to develop and investigate an US-guided ESPB in comparison to a blind proximal paravertebral nerve block (PPNB) in cow cadavers. In 10 cadaver specimens, injections of methylene blue-lidocaine (1:1) were performed at the level of T13, L1 and L2 vertebras, on one side doing an ESPB block and, on the other side, a PPNB. Five cadavers were injected with high (40 mL per injection for PPNB and 20 mL for ESPB) and five with low (20 and 15 mL, respectively) volumes of injectate. For the ESPB, the ultrasound probe was oriented craniocaudally, and the ventral-cranial aspect of the articular processes (T13, L1 and L2) was targeted for injection. The dye spreading was evaluated by dissection. The landmarks for US-guided injection were easily visualized; however, injections were accidentally performed at T12, T13 and L1. Nevertheless, L2 was stained in 60% of ESPBs. Epidural spreading was observed with both techniques and all volumes. Viscera puncture was reported in two PPNBs. The ESPB resulted in similar nerve staining compared to the PPNB while using a lower volume of injectate. Even better staining is expected with a T13-L2 instead of a T12-L1 ESPB approach. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the clinical efficacy.
NRF2 Mediates Cellular Resistance to Transformation, Radiation, and Inflammation in Mice
Authors: Schaue Dörthe , Micewicz Ewa D. , Ratikan Josephine A. , Iwamoto Keisuke S. , Vlashi Erina , McDonald J. Tyson , McBride William H.
Published: August 2022

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is recognized as a master transcription factor that regulates expression of numerous detoxifying and antioxidant cytoprotective genes. In fact, models of NRF2 deficiency indicate roles not only in redox regulation, but also in metabolism, inflammatory/autoimmune disease, cancer, and radioresistancy. Since ionizing radiation (IR) generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), it is not surprising it activates NRF2 pathways. However, unexpectedly, activation is often delayed for many days after the initial ROS burst. Here, we demonstrate that, as assayed by γ-H2AX staining, rapid DNA double strand break (DSB) formation by IR in primary mouse Nrf2–/– MEFs was not affected by loss of NRF2, and neither was DSB repair to any great extent. In spite of this, basal and IR-induced transformation was greatly enhanced, suggesting that NRF2 protects against late IR-induced genomic instability, at least in murine MEFs. Another possible IR- and NRF2-related event that could be altered is inflammation and NRF2 deficiency increased IR-induced NF-κB pro-inflammatory responses mostly late after exposure. The proclivity of NRF2 to restrain inflammation is also reflected in the reprogramming of tumor antigen-specific lymphocyte responses in mice where Nrf2 k.o. switches Th2 responses to Th1 polarity. Delayed NRF2 responses to IR may be critical for the immune transition from prooxidant inflammation to antioxidant healing as well as in driving cellular radioresistance and survival. Targeting NRF2 to reprogram immunity could be of considerable therapeutic benefit in radiation and immunotherapy.
Metabolite Profiling Analysis and the Correlation with Biological Activity of Betalain-Rich Portulaca grandiflora Hook. Extracts
Authors: Spórna-Kucab Aneta , Tekieli Anna , Grzegorczyk Agnieszka , Świątek Łukasz , Rajtar Barbara , Skalicka-Woźniak Krystyna , Starzak Karolina , Nemzer Boris , Pietrzkowski Zbigniew , Wybraniec Sławomir
Published: August 2022

The aim of the study was to evaluate the possible correlation between the bioactivity and the phytochemical profile of four betalain-rich extracts from Portulaca grandiflora Hook. The HPLC-DAD-ESI-MS analysis indicated the presence of 19 betaxanthins and two betacyanins. The highest concentrations of betaxanthins (982 mg/100 g DE) and betacyanins (650 mg/100 g DE) were noticed in orange and purple flowers extracts, respectively. The HPLC-DAD-ESI-HRMS/MS analyses revealed the presence of a total of 71 compounds. Fifteen new betaxanthins and fifty other metabolites were identified for the first time. The antioxidant activity of the studied flower extracts increased in the sequence of yellow < orange < purple < red (0.066–0.176 mM TE/g DE). Betalains showed less effect on the antioxidant activity of extracts than other metabolites did. Extracts from yellow and orange flowers were more active against Gram-positive bacteria (MIC = 4–16 mg/L), whereas extracts from red and purple flowers were slightly more active against Gram-negative bacteria (MIC = 16–32 mg/L). All the extracts showed the same activity against yeasts (MIC = 32 mg/L). Betaxanthins were active against Gram-positive bacteria, whereas betacyanins were active against Gram-negative bacteria. Remaining metabolites also exhibited antimicrobial activities. The cytotoxicity assessment showed that the P. grandiflora extracts were non-toxic to normal VERO cells. No significant antiviral activity towards Human Herpesvirus type 1 was observed (62 µg/mL). Among the tested varieties, the purple one showed anticancer selectivity towards colon carcinoma cells (RKO).
Application of Unconstrained Cobalt and Aluminium Metal Powders in the Alloying of Carbon Steel in Submerged Arc Welding: Thermodynamic Analysis of Gas Reactions
Authors: Coetsee Theresa , De Bruin Frederik
Published: August 2022

The application of cobalt and aluminium powders in unconstrained format, not as metal powder in tubular wire nor as pre-alloyed powder, is used in this work to simplify weld metal alloying. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the application of unconstrained cobalt and aluminium powders in Submerged Arc Welding SAW to alloy the weld metal and to control the weld metal oxygen content. Aluminium powder is used to control the oxygen potential at the weld pool-slag interface in order to prevent oxidation of cobalt. The results presented here show that with the addition of Aluminium powder, 70% yield of Cobalt was achieved from the cobalt powder to the weld metal. The carbon steel base-plate material and weld wire materials combination were alloyed to 5.3% Co and 4.2% Al, whilst controlling the weld metal total oxygen content to 230 ppm. Thermodynamic analysis is applied to investigate the possible chemical interaction reactions between Co and Al compounds, as well as the role of the reactions on Co yield to the weld pool. The application of unconstrained metal powders ensures productivity gains in the overall SAW process because the time consuming and expensive manufacturing of alloyed wire and alloyed powder are eliminated.
Fault Diagnosis Method for Rolling Bearings Based on Two-Channel CNN under Unbalanced Datasets
Authors: Qin Yufeng , Shi Xianjun
Published: August 2022

As a critical component in industrial systems, timely and accurate fault diagnosis of rolling bearings is closely related to reliability and safety. Since the equipment usually operates in normal conditions with few fault samples, unbalanced data distribution problems lead to poor fault diagnosis ability. To address the above problems, a two-channel convolutional neural network (TC-CNN) model is proposed. Firstly, the frequency spectrum of the vibration signal is extracted using the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT), and the frequency spectrum is used as the input to the one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN). Secondly, the time-frequency image of the vibration signal is extracted using generalized S-transform (GST), and the time-frequency image is used as the input to the two-dimensional convolutional neural network (2D-CNN). Then, feature extraction in the convolution and pooling layers is performed in the above two CNN channels, respectively. The feature vectors obtained from the two CNN models are stitched together in the fusion layer, and the fault classes are identified using an SVM classifier. Finally, using the rolling bearing experimental dataset of Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), the fault diagnosis effect of the proposed TC-CNN model under various data imbalance conditions is verified. In comparison with other related works, the experimental results demonstrate the better fault diagnosis results and robustness of the method.
Aerodynamic Benefits by Optimizing Cycling Posture
Authors: Schaffarczyk Alois , Koehn Silas , Oggiano Luca , Schaffarczyk Kai
Published: August 2022

An approach to aerodynamically optimizing cycling posture and reducing drag in an Ironman (IM) event was elaborated. Therefore, four commonly used positions in cycling were investigated and simulated for a flow velocity of 10 m/s and yaw angles of 0–20° using OpenFoam-based Nabla Flow CFD simulation software software. A cyclist was scanned using an IPhone 12, and a special-purpose meshing software BLENDER was used. Significant differences were observed by changing and optimizing the cyclist’s posture. Aerodynamic drag coefficient (CdA) varies by more than a factor of 2, ranging from 0.214 to 0.450. Within a position, the CdA tends to increase slightly at yaw angles of 5–10° and decrease at higher yaw angles compared to a straight head wind, except for the time trial (TT) position. The results were applied to the IM Hawaii bike course (180 km), estimating a constant power output of 300 W. Including the wind distributions, two different bike split models for performance prediction were applied. Significant time saving of roughly 1 h was found. Finally, a machine learning approach to deduce 3D triangulation for specific body shapes from 2D pictures was tested.
Regional Analysis of Hotspot and Coldspot Areas Undergoing Nonstationary Drought Characteristics in a Changing Climate
Authors: Wu Dian , Yoon Hyeon-Cheol , Lee Joo-Heon , Kim Jong-Suk
Published: August 2022

Conventional drought indices based on stationary assumptions are no longer appropriate for drought assessments conducted under conditions with climate change or anthropogenic influences. In this study, a time-varying Nonstationary Standardized Precipitation Index (NSPEI) was developed by fitting a time covariate with the Generalized Additive Models for Location, Scale, and Shape (GAMLSS), with a time-scale of six months. Daily precipitation, maximum temperature, and minimum temperature datasets from 1979–2020 that were based on the Climate Prediction Center (CPC) global unified gauge-based analysis with a resolution of 0.5° × 0.5° were used. The results of the study indicated that both precipitation and evapotranspiration in China had increased significantly over the past 42 years in China and that Northwest China would become drier. By extracting the return objects of the GAMLSS, this study identified Northwest China (Continental River Basin) as the main region wherein the distribution parameters of the non-stationary models changed; this region was identified as the one concentrated with nonstationary hotspot response areas. A comparison of drought duration and severity showed that the stationary SPEI under-estimated the severity of the drought. The severity was under-estimated in the spring–summer and fall–winter seasons for Northwest and Southwest of China, respectively; more attention should be paid to these regions. This study provides results that can support nonstationary drought research; droughts can be identified more precisely, and early warnings can be provided for them.