bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CRISPR/Cas9 Genome Editing Technology: A Valuable Tool for Understanding Plant Cell Wall Biosynthesis and Function
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Showalter Allan M.
Published: November 2020

For the past 5 years, clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) technology has appeared in the molecular biology research spotlight. As a game-changing player in genome editing, CRISPR/Cas9 technology has revolutionized animal research, including medical research and human gene therapy as well as plant science research, particularly for crop improvement. One of the most common applications of CRISPR/Cas9 is to generate genetic knock-out mutants. Recently, several multiplex genome editing approaches utilizing CRISPR/Cas9 were developed and applied in various aspects of plant research. Here we summarize these approaches as they relate to plants, particularly with respect to understanding the biosynthesis and function of the plant cell wall. The plant cell wall is a polysaccharide-rich cell structure that is vital to plant cell formation, growth, and development. Humans are heavily dependent on the byproducts of the plant cell wall such as shelter, food, clothes, and fuel. Genes involved in the assembly of the plant cell wall are often highly redundant. To identify these redundant genes, higher-order knock-out mutants need to be generated, which is conventionally done by genetic crossing. Compared with genetic crossing, CRISPR/Cas9 multi-gene targeting can greatly shorten the process of higher-order mutant generation and screening, which is especially useful to characterize cell wall related genes in plant species that require longer growth time. Moreover, CRISPR/Cas9 makes it possible to knock out genes when null T-DNA mutants are not available or are genetically linked. Because of these advantages, CRISPR/Cas9 is becoming an ideal and indispensable tool to perform functional studies in plant cell wall research. In this review, we provide perspectives on how to design CRISPR/Cas9 to achieve efficient gene editing and multi-gene targeting in plants. We also discuss the recent development of the virus-based CRISPR/Cas9 system and the application of CRISPR/Cas9 to knock in genes. Lastly, we summarized current progress on using CRISPR/Cas9 for the characterization of plant cell wall-related genes.
Regulation and Subfunctionalization of Flowering Time Genes in the Allotetraploid Oil Crop Brassica napus
Authors: Schiessl Sarah
Published: November 2020

Flowering is a vulnerable, but crucial phase in building crop yield. Proper timing of this period is therefore decisive in obtaining optimal yields. However, genetic regulation of flowering integrates many different environmental signals and is therefore extremely complex. This complexity increases in polyploid crops which carry two or more chromosome sets, like wheat, potato or rapeseed. Here, I summarize the current state of knowledge about flowering time gene copies in rapeseed (Brassica napus), an important oil crop with a complex polyploid history and a close relationship toArabidopsis thaliana. The current data show a high demand for more targeted studies on flowering time genes in crops rather than in models, allowing better breeding designs and a deeper understanding of evolutionary principles. Over evolutionary time, some copies of rapeseed flowering time genes changed or lost their original role, resulting in subfunctionalization of the respective homologs. For useful applications in breeding, such patterns of subfunctionalization need to be identified and better understood.
Interpreting Estonian Demonstratives: The Effects of Referent’s Distance and Visual Salience
Authors: Reile Maria , Averin Kristiina , Põldver Nele
Published: November 2020

Most of the research done with spatial demonstratives (words such as this, here and that, there) have focused on the production, not the interpretation, of these words. In addition, emphasis has been largely on demonstrative pronouns, leaving demonstrative adverbs with relatively little research attention. The present study explores the interpretation of both demonstrative pronouns and demonstrative adverbs in Estonian—a Finno-Ugric language with two dialectal-specific demonstrative pronoun systems. In the South-Estonian (SE) dialectal region, two demonstrative pronouns, see—“this” and too—“that”, are used. In the North-Estonian (NE) region, only one, see—“this/that”, is used. The aim of this study is twofold. First, we test if the distance and the visual salience of a referent have an effect on the interpretation of demonstratives. Second, we explore if there is a difference in the interpretation of demonstratives between native speakers from SE and NE. We used an interpretation experiment with 30 participants per group (total n = 60) and compared the SE and NE group responses. The results clearly show that the distance of the referent has an effect on how demonstratives are interpreted across the two groups, while the effect of visual salience is inconclusive. There is also a difference in the interpretation of demonstratives between the two dialectal groups. When using the Estonian with an influence of the SE dialect, the NE speakers rely on demonstrative adverbs in interpreting the referential utterance that includes demonstrative pronoun and adverb combinations, whereas the SE speakers also take into account the semantics of demonstrative pronouns. We show that, in addition to an already known difference in the production, there is also a difference in the interpretation of demonstratives between the two groups. In addition, our findings support the recognition that languages that have distance neutral demonstrative pronouns enforce the spatial meaning of a referring utterance by adding demonstrative adverbs. Not only is the interpretation of demonstrative pronouns affected, but the interpretation of demonstrative adverbs as well. The latter shows the importance of studying adverbs also, not just pronouns, and contributes to further knowledge of how demonstratives function.
Re-evaluating Phoneme Frequencies
Authors: Macklin-Cordes Jayden L. , Round Erich R.
Published: November 2020

Causal processes can give rise to distinctive distributions in the linguistic variables that they affect. Consequently, a secure understanding of a variable's distribution can hold a key to understanding the forces that have causally shaped it. A storied distribution in linguistics has been Zipf's law, a kind of power law. In the wake of a major debate in the sciences around power-law hypotheses and the unreliability of earlier methods of evaluating them, here we re-evaluate the distributions claimed to characterize phoneme frequencies. We infer the fit of power laws and three alternative distributions to 166 Australian languages, using a maximum likelihood framework. We find evidence supporting earlier results, but also nuancing them and increasing our understanding of them. Most notably, phonemic inventories appear to have a Zipfian-like frequency structure among their most-frequent members (though perhaps also a lognormal structure) but a geometric (or exponential) structure among the least-frequent. We compare these new insights the kinds of causal processes that affect the evolution of phonemic inventories over time, and identify a potential account for why, despite there being an important role for phonetic substance in phonemic change, we could still expect inventories with highly diverse phonetic content to share similar distributions of phoneme frequencies. We conclude with priorities for future work in this promising program of research.
Corporate Sustainability Paradox Management: A Systematic Review and Future Agenda
Authors: Luo Ben Nanfeng , Tang Ying , Chen Erica Wen , Li Shiqi , Luo Dongying
Published: November 2020

Increasing evidence suggests that corporate sustainability is paradoxical in nature, as corporates and managers have to achieve economic, social, and environmental goals, simultaneously. While a paradox perspective has been broadly incorporated into sustainability research for more than a decade, it has resulted in limited improvement in our understanding of corporate sustainability paradox management. In this study, the authors conduct a systematic review of the literature of corporate sustainability paradox management by adopting the Smith–Lewis three-stage model of dynamic equilibrium. The results reveal the following: (1) Both environmental and cognitive factors manifest tensions arising from the sustainability paradox. (2) While both proactive and defensive strategies are adopted to manage the tensions embedded in the corporate sustainability, the proactive strategy is more extensively studied in the current literature. (3) Management strategies of corporate sustainability paradox are characterized as multi-level, multi-stage, and dealing with multiple paradoxes. (4) Proactive strategies enable organizations to enjoy short-term and long-term sustainability benefits. The authors call for further research explicitly addressing the following areas: (1) the paradoxical nature of corporate sustainability management; (2) corporate sustainability paradox management of for-profit organizations; (3) the micro-foundations of corporate sustainability paradox management; (4) defensive strategies and new proactive strategies; and (5) a unified standard of sustainability outcomes. The practical implications of this review are then elaborated. In practice, the results imply that organizations would best manage the corporate sustainability paradox by understanding the paradox and its equilibrium stages. This review and proposed research agenda are expected to deepen interdisciplinary knowledge and set the stage for interested scholars to undertake in their future inquiries.
Relationship of Physical Activity With Anxiety and Depression Symptoms in Chinese College Students During the COVID-19 Outbreak
Authors: Xiang Ming-Qiang , Tan Xian-Ming , Sun Jian , Yang Hai-Yan , Zhao Xue-Ping , Liu Lei , Hou Xiao-Hui , Hu Min
Published: November 2020

Introduction

During the COVID-19 outbreak, many citizens were asked to stay at home in self-quarantine, which can pose a significant challenge with respect to remaining physically active and maintaining mental health. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of inadequate physical activity, anxiety, and depression and to explore the relationship of physical activity with anxiety and depression symptoms among Chinese college students during quarantine.

Method

Using a web-based cross-sectional survey, we collected data from 1,396 Chinese college students. Anxiety and depression were assessed with the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS), respectively. The data on physical activity were collected by types of physical activity and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF).

Results

During the COVID-19 outbreak, about 52.3% of Chinese college students had inadequate physical activity. The rates of anxiety and depression symptoms were 31.0 and 41.8%, respectively. A high level of physical activity (β = −0.121, P < 0.001) was significantly closely associated with low anxiety, while a moderate (β = −0.095, P = 0.001), or high (β = −0.179, P < 0.001) level of physical activity was significantly closely associated with reduced depression after adjusting confounding demographic factors. Moreover, specific types of physical activity, such as stretching and resistance training, were negatively correlated with both anxiety and depression; doing household chores was negatively correlated with depression.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight specific levels and types of home-based physical activities that need to be taken into consideration to protect the mental health of college students during the COVID-19 epidemic.
Nrf2 Activators as Dietary Phytochemicals Against Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review
Authors: Yang Jiaxin , Fu Xi , Liao Xiaoli , Li Yamin
Published: November 2020

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental disorder with limited available treatments and diverse causes. In ASD patients, numerous researches demonstrated various alterations in inflammation/immune, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, and these alterations could be regulated by Nrf2. Hence, we aimed to systematically review the current evidence about the effects of Nrf2 activator supplementation on ASD objects from in vitro studies, animal studies, and clinical studies. Relevant articles were retrieved through searching for the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science, Scope, Embase, and CNKI databases (through September 23, 2020). Ultimately, we identified 22 preclinical studies, one cell culture study, and seven clinical studies, covering a total of five Nrf2 activators. For each Nrf2 activator, we focused on its definition, potential therapeutic mechanisms, latest research progress, research limitations, and future development directions. Our systematic review provided suggestive evidence that Nrf2 activators have a potentially beneficial role in improving autism-like behaviors and abnormal molecular alterations through oxidant stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. These dietary phytochemicals are considered to be relatively safer and effective for ASD treatment. However, there are few clinical studies to support the Nrf2 activators as dietary phytochemicals in ASD, even though several preclinical studies. Therefore, caution should be warranted in attempting to extrapolate their effects in human studies, and better design and more rigorous research are required before they can be determined as a therapeutic option.
Effect of Psychological–Behavioral Intervention on the Depression and Anxiety of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Kong Xiangyu , Kong Fanyang , Zheng Kailian , Tang Min , Chen Yi , Zhou Jiahuan , Li Yi , Diao Le , Wu Shouxin , Jiao Piqi , Su Tong , Dong Yuchao
Published: November 2020

The COVID-19 epidemic has caused increasing public panic and mental health stress. In this study, we explore the prevalence and factors linked to anxiety and depression in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. A total of 144 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 underwent depression and anxiety assessment by using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Social support level was also evaluated by the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) at admission. Results showed that gender, age, oxygen saturation, and social support were associated with anxiety for COVID-19 patients. In addition, age, family infection with SARS-CoV-2, and social support were the risk factors associated with depression. Moreover, we designed a psychological–behavioral intervention (PBI) program that included psychological support and breathing exercises, and explored its effects on patients with COVID-19. Of the 144 participants, 26 patients with both anxiety and depression symptoms (cutoff score of ≥8 on HADS-A and HADS-D) were randomly assigned to the intervention group and the control group at a 1:1 ratio. After 10-day treatment, the HADS scores of depression and anxiety were significantly reduced in the intervention group, and PSSS scores were also significantly improved. However, no significant differences in HADS and PSSS scores between pre- and post-treatment were found in the control group. Our findings indicate that mental concern and appropriate intervention are essential parts of clinical care for COVID-19 patients.
Competition-Based Success Factors During the Talent Pathway of Elite Male Swimmers
Authors: Born Dennis-Peter , Lomax Ishbel , Horvath Stephan , Meisser Elena , Seidenschwarz Philipp , Burkhardt David , Romann Michael
Published: November 2020

Marginal differences in race results between top swimmers have evoked the interest in competition-based success factors of long-term athlete development. To identify novel factors for the multi-dimensional model of talent development, the aim of the study was to investigate annual variation in competition performance (ACV), number of races per year, and age. Therefore, 45,398 race results of all male participants (n = 353) competing in individual events, i.e., butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke, freestyle, and individual medley, at the 2018 European Long-Course Swimming Championships (2018EC) were analyzed retrospectively for all 10 years prior to the championships with Pearson's correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression analysis. Higher ranked swimmers at the 2018EC showed significant medium correlations with a greater number of races per year and small but significant correlations with higher ACV in 10 and nine consecutive years, respectively, prior to the championships. Additionally, better swimmers were older than their lower ranked peers (r = −0.21, p < 0.001). Regression model explained a significant proportion of 2018EC ranking for 50 m (47%), 100 m (45%), 200 m (31%), and 400 m races (29%) but not for 800 and 1,500 m races with number of races having the largest effect followed by age and ACV. In conclusion, higher performance variation with results off the personal best in some races did not impair success at the season's main event and young competitors at international championships may benefit from success chances that increase with age. The higher number of races swum per year throughout the career of higher ranked swimmers may have provided learning opportunities and specific adaptations. Future studies should quantify these success factors in a multi-dimensional talent development model.
Mathematical Quantification of Transmission in Experiments: FMDV Transmission in Pigs Can Be Blocked by Vaccination and Separation
Authors: Dekker Aldo , van Roermund Herman J. W. , Hagenaars Thomas J. , Eblé Phaedra L. , de Jong Mart C. M.
Published: November 2020

Quantitative understanding of transmission with and without control measures is important for the control of infectious diseases because it helps to determine which of these measures (or combinations thereof) will be effective to reduce transmission. In this paper, the statistical methods used to estimate transmission parameters are explained. To show how these methods can be used we reviewed literature for papers describing foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) transmission in pigs and we used the data to estimate transmission parameters. The analysis showed that FMDV transmits very well when pigs have direct contact. Transmission, however, is reduced when a physical barrier separates infected and susceptible non-vaccinated pigs. Vaccination of pigs can prevent infection when virus is administered by a single intradermal virus injection in the bulb of the heel, but it cannot prevent infection when pigs are directly exposed to either non-vaccinated or vaccinated FMDV infected pigs. Physical separation combined with vaccination is observed to block transmission. Vaccination and separation can make a significant difference in the estimated number of new infections per day. Experimental transmission studies show that the combined effect of vaccination and physical separation can significantly reduce transmission (R < 1), which is a very relevant result for the control of between-farm transmission.
An Assessment of the Site-Specific Nutrient Management (SSNM) Strategy for Irrigated Rice in Asia
Authors: Rodriguez Divina Gracia P.
Published: November 2020

The site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) strategy provides guidelines for effective nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium management to help farmers make better decisions on fertilizer input and output levels in rice (Oryza sativa) production. The SSNM fertilizer recommendations are based on the yield goal approach, which has been frequently cited in empirical studies. This study evaluates the assumptions underlying the SSNM strategy for rice in the top rice-producing countries around the world, including India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. Using a generalized quadratic production function, I explore whether major nutrients are substitutes as inputs and if there are complementarities between inorganic fertilizer and soil organic matter (SOM). The results suggest the relationships among major nutrients vary across sites—some inputs are complements, some are substitutes, and some are independent. The SOM also significantly affects the nitrogen fertilizer uptake. I conclude by suggesting that the SSNM strategy can be made to be more adaptive to farmer’s fields if these relationships are accounted for in the fertilizer recommendation algorithm.
Milk Market Integration between Poland and the EU Countries
Authors: Roman Monika , Roman Michał
Published: November 2020

Milk is one of the most essential agricultural products in the EU. One of the major milk producers in the EU is Poland. Polish farmers account for supplying 8% of the total EU production. Nevertheless, Polish milk prices differ from the prices recorded in its western neighbors. The aim of the article has been to evaluate the dynamics of the relationships between milk prices in Poland and in the EU countries. To develop it, the monthly raw milk prices, covering the period January 2005 through December 2018, were applied. The calculations were made for the entire selected period as well as for two sub-periods: 2005–2011 and 2012–2018. The results were used to confirm the milk market integration between Poland and the EU countries. Besides, it must be noted that the relations increased considerably since 2012. The EU countries which have recorded the greatest impact on the prices in Poland are Germany, Ireland, France and Slovakia.
Using Proximal Hyperspectral Sensing to Predict Herbage Nutritive Value for Dairy Farming
Authors: Duranovich Federico N. , Yule Ian J. , Lopez-Villalobos Nicolas , Shadbolt Nicola M. , Draganova Ina , Morris Stephen T.
Published: November 2020

This study focuses on calibrating and validating models for hyperspectral canopy reflectance data that are useful to predict the nutritive value of ryegrass-white clover mixed herbage available to the grazing cow. Hyperspectral measurements and herbage cuts were collected from 286 sampling plots from a dairy farm from July 2017 to May 2018. Hyperspectral data were pre-treated by applying a Savitzky-Golay filter followed by a Gap-segment derivative algorithm. Herbage samples were analyzed for determination of herbage nutritive value traits, digestible organic matter in dry matter (DOMD), metabolizable energy (ME), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF). Partial least squares regression was performed to calibrate the spectra against the five nutritive value traits. Results indicate that accuracy was moderately high for the CP model (R2 = 0.78) and moderate for the DOMD, ME, NDF and ADF models (0.54 < R2 < 0.67). The possibility of being able to use proximal sensing for the estimation of herbage nutritive value in the field could potentially contribute to more efficient grazing management with potential economic benefits for the farm business.
Innovative Controlled-Release Polyurethane-Coated Urea Could Reduce N Leaching in Tomato Crop in Comparison to Conventional and Stabilized Fertilizers
Authors: Incrocci Luca , Maggini Rita , Cei Tommaso , Carmassi Giulia , Botrini Luca , Filippi Ferruccio , Clemens Ronald , Terrones Cristian , Pardossi Alberto
Published: November 2020

Large amounts of fertilizers are being used in agriculture to sustain growing demands for food, especially in vegetable production systems. Soluble fertilizers can generally ensure high crop yields, but excessive leaching of nutrients, mainly as nitrate, can be a major cause of water pollution. Controlled-release fertilizers improve the nutrient use efficiency and lower the environmental hazard, usually without affecting the production. In this study, an innovative controlled-release coated urea fertilizer was compared to conventional nitrogen (N) fertilizers and a soluble ammonium-based fertilizer containing a nitrification inhibitor, in a round table tomato cultivation. Both the water and N balance were evaluated for each treatment, along with the yield and quality of the production. The experiment was repeated in three different seasons (spring, autumn and summer-autumn) in a glasshouse to prevent the effect of uncontrolled rainfall. The results indicated that N leaching decreased by increasing the percentage of coated urea. The application of at least 50% total N as coated urea strongly reduced N leaching and improved N agronomic efficiency in comparison with traditional fertilizers, ensuring at the same time a similar fruit production. Due to reduced leaching, the total N amount commonly applied by growers could be lowered by 25% without detrimental effects on commercial production.
Effects of Aging on Expression of Mic60 and OPA1 and Mitochondrial Morphology in Myocardium of Tibetan Sheep
Authors: Wang Guan , Luo Yuzhu , Hu Jiang , Wang Jiqing , Liu Xiu , Li Shaobin
Published: November 2020

In order to investigate the effects of aging on the expression of Mic60 and OPA1 and mitochondrial morphology in plateau animals, the expression of Mic60 and OPA1 genes and proteins, and the morphology of mitochondria in the myocardium of adult and aged Tibetan sheep were investigated. The expression of Mic60 and OPA1 genes and OPA1 protein were higher (p < 0.05) in the myocardium of adult Tibetan sheep than in those of the aged ones. The number of mitochondrial cristae in the myocardium of adult was higher than that in aged (p < 0.05). The density of mitochondria in the myocardium of adult was higher than that in aged (p < 0.01). Compared with the adult Tibetan sheep, the mitochondrial crista of aged were relatively sparse, the crista membrane was wide, and the mitochondria were not closely linked, showing fragmentation. These results suggest that the myocardial mitochondria of the adult have better energy supply ability, indicating that aging can lead to the weakening of oxygen supply in the myocardial mitochondria of Tibetan sheep.
A Systematic Literature Review on Depopulation Methods for Swine
Authors: Arruda Andréia G. , Beyene Tariku J. , Kieffer Justin , Lorbach Joshua N. , Moeller Steven , Bowman Andrew S.
Published: November 2020

Swine mass depopulation refers to the destruction of large numbers of pigs and may include not only animals affected with a disease but also healthy pigs in a facility or surrounding areas. Emerging applications of mass depopulation include reducing welfare issues associated with slaughter delays, which was observed in the United States in 2020 as a result of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic. The objectives of this review were to summarize the available literature on swine depopulation methods and to highlight critical gaps in knowledge. Peer-reviewed articles were identified through a systematic search in electronic databases including Web of Science, MEDLINE, and PubMed. A total of 68 publications were assessed. Gaseous carbon dioxide inhalation was the most commonly reported depopulation method for both small- and large-scale trials. Measurements of consciousness state, which serves to assess suffering and humaneness, appeared to be lacking in a high proportion of the studies. None of the published studies demonstrated an ideally reliable and safe way to induce rapid unconsciousness in large groups of pigs. Development of rapid mass depopulation methods applicable to large groups of pigs is necessary to provide industry partners with suitable and low-cost emergency preparedness procedures while adhering to personnel safety and animal welfare standards. Lastly, there is an urgent need to standardize comprehensive reporting guidelines for depopulation studies.
Intravenous Administration of Heat Shock-Treated MSCs Can Improve Neuroprotection and Neuroregeneration in Canine Spinal Cord Injury Model
Authors: Kim Woo Keyoung , Kim Wan Hee , Kweon Oh-Kyeong , Kang Byung-Jae
Published: November 2020

Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a promising treatment for spinal cord injury (SCI). However, many transplanted cells die within a few days, eventually limiting the efficacy of cellular therapy. To overcome this problem, we focused on the potential of heat shock (HS) proteins in facilitating recovery from cell damage and protecting against cytotoxicity. PCR results showed that the expression of neurotrophic factor, anti-inflammatory, stemness, and homing genes increased in HS-treated MSCs. We investigated whether HS-treated MSCs could promote recovery of hindlimb function in an acute canine SCI model. We compared the effects of intravenous transplantation with (i) lactated Ringer’s solution as a control, (ii) green fluorescent protein-expressing MSCs (MSCs-GFP), and (iii) GFP-expressing and HS-treated MSCs (MSCs-GFP-HS). Spinal cords were harvested at four weeks and used for Western blot and histopathological analyses. The MSCs-GFP-HS group showed significant improvements in hindlimb function from weeks 3 and 4 compared with the other groups. This group also showed higher expression of neural markers, fewer intervening fibrotic changes, and pronounced myelination. These results suggest that induction of an HS response in MSCs could promote neural sparing. In conclusion, transplantation of HS-treated MSCs could improve neuroprotection and neuroregeneration in acute SCI.
Twin Pregnancies in Dairy Cattle: Observations in a Large Herd of Holstein-Friesian Dairy Cows
Authors: López-Gatius Fernando , Garcia-Ispierto Irina , Hunter Ronald H. F.
Published: November 2020

Multiple pregnancies have devastating consequences on the herd economy of dairy cattle. This observational study examines incidence patterns based on data from the ultrasonographic examination of 1130 multiple pregnancies in cows in their third lactation or more carrying twins (98.8%), triplets (1.1%), or quadruplets (0.08%), and 3160 of their peers carrying singletons. Cows became pregnant following a spontaneous estrus with no previous hormone treatments. Irrespective of a significant decrease (p < 0.0001) in the conception rate (28–34 days post-insemination) during the warm period of the year, the multiple pregnancy rate was similar for both warm (26.5%) and cool (26.3%) periods. The incidence of unilateral multiple pregnancies (all embryos in the same uterine horn) was higher than that of bilateral pregnancies (at least one embryo in each uterine horn): 54.4% versus 45.6% (p < 0.0001). This difference rose to 17% during the warm season (p = 0.03). Pregnancy was monitored in unilateral multiple pregnancies until abortion or parturition (n = 615). In the warm period, the parturition rate was 43% compared to 61% recorded in the cool period (p < 0.0001). Thus, a warm climate is the main factor compromising the fate of multiple pregnancies. Some clinical suggestions are provided.
Ileal Digestibility and Total Tract Retention of Phosphorus in Inorganic Phosphates Fed to Broiler Chickens Using the Direct Method
Authors: An Su Hyun , Sung Jung Yeol , Kong Changsu
Published: November 2020

The objective of this study was to determine and compare the phosphorus (P) utilization of inorganic phosphates fed to broiler chickens using the direct method. On day 15 of age, six hundred forty 15-day-old male Ross 308 broiler chickens (initial body weight = 399 ± 38 g) were assigned to five experimental diets with 16 birds per cage in a randomized complete block design. The experimental diets consisted of four semi-purified diets containing monocalcium phosphate, monodicalcium phosphate, dicalcium phosphate, and tricalcium phosphate as the sole P sources. Additionally, a P-free diet was prepared to measure basal endogenous P loss. Chromic oxide was added to the experimental diets as an indigestible index. Excreta were collected per cage on days 17 to 18 of age, and all birds were asphyxiated with carbon dioxide on day 19 of age for ileal digesta collection. The cage was an experimental unit, and the number of replications per each treatment was eight except for the tricalcium phosphate treatment (n = 4). There was no interaction observed between the P source and the collection site (ileal digestibility vs. total tract retention). Phosphorus utilization differed (p < 0.05) among inorganic phosphates and the ileal digestibility of P was greater (p < 0.05) than the total tract retention. In conclusion, the standardized ileal digestibility of P in inorganic phosphates ranged from 56.7% to 89.8% and ileal digestibility was greater than the total tract retention.
Scorpion-Venom-Derived Antimicrobial Peptide Css54 Exerts Potent Antimicrobial Activity by Disrupting Bacterial Membrane of Zoonotic Bacteria
Authors: Park Jonggwan , Oh Jun Hee , Kang Hee Kyoung , Choi Moon-Chang , Seo Chang Ho , Park Yoonkyung
Published: November 2020

Antibiotic resistance is an important issue affecting humans and livestock. Antimicrobial peptides are promising alternatives to antibiotics. In this study, the antimicrobial peptide Css54, isolated from the venom of C. suffuses, was found to exhibit antimicrobial activity against bacteria such as Listeria monocytogenes, Streptococcus suis, Campylobacter jejuni, and Salmonella typhimurium that cause zoonotic diseases. Moreover, the cytotoxicity and hemolytic activity of Css54 was lower than that of melittin isolated from bee venom. Circular dichroism assays showed that Css54 has an α-helix structure in an environment mimicking that of bacterial cell membranes. We examined the effect of Css54 on bacterial membranes using N-phenyl-1-naphthylamine, 3,3′-dipropylthiadicarbbocyanine iodides, SYTOX green, and propidium iodide. Our findings suggest that the Css54 peptide kills bacteria by disrupting the bacterial membrane. Moreover, Css54 exhibited antibiofilm activity against L. monocytogenes. Thus, Css54 may be useful as an alternative to antibiotics in humans and animal husbandry.
Redox Potential of Antioxidants in Cancer Progression and Prevention
Authors: George Sajan , Abrahamse Heidi
Published: November 2020

The benevolent and detrimental effects of antioxidants are much debated in clinical trials and cancer research. Several antioxidant enzymes and molecules are overexpressed in oxidative stress conditions that can damage cellular proteins, lipids, and DNA. Natural antioxidants remove excess free radical intermediates by reducing hydrogen donors or quenching singlet oxygen and delaying oxidative reactions in actively growing cancer cells. These reducing agents have the potential to hinder cancer progression only when administered at the right proportions along with chemo-/radiotherapies. Antioxidants and enzymes affect signal transduction and energy metabolism pathways for the maintenance of cellular redox status. A decline in antioxidant capacity arising from genetic mutations may increase the mitochondrial flux of free radicals resulting in misfiring of cellular signalling pathways. Often, a metabolic reprogramming arising from these mutations in metabolic enzymes leads to the overproduction of so called ’oncometabolites’ in a state of ‘pseudohypoxia’. This can inactivate several of the intracellular molecules involved in epigenetic and redox regulations, thereby increasing oxidative stress giving rise to growth advantages for cancerous cells. Undeniably, these are cell-type and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) specific, which is manifested as changes in the enzyme activation, differences in gene expression, cellular functions as well as cell death mechanisms. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using light-activated photosensitizing molecules that can regulate cellular redox balance in accordance with the changes in endogenous ROS production is a solution for many of these challenges in cancer therapy.
A Review of the Influence of Steel Furnace Slag Type on the Properties of Cementitious Composites
Authors: Brand Alexander S. , Fanijo Ebenezer O.
Published: November 2020

The type of steel furnace slag (SFS), including electric arc furnace (EAF) slag, basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag, ladle metallurgy furnace (LMF) slag, and argon oxygen decarburization (AOD) slag, can significantly affect the composite properties when used as an aggregate or as a supplementary cementitious material in bound applications, such as concretes, mortars, alkali-activated materials, and stabilized soils. This review seeks to collate the findings from the literature to express the variability in material properties and to attempt to explain the source(s) of the variability. It was found that SFS composition and properties can be highly variable, including different compositions on the exterior and interior of a given SFS particle, which can affect bonding conditions and be one source of variability on composite properties. A suite of tests is proposed to better assess a given SFS stock for potential use in bound applications; at a minimum, the SFS should be evaluated for free CaO content, expansion potential, mineralogical composition, cementitious composite mechanical properties, and chemical composition with secondary tests, including cementitious composite durability properties, microstructural characterization, and free MgO content.
A Novel Three-Dimensional Non-Destructive Beam-Monitoring Detector
Authors: Belver-Aguilar Carolina , Braccini Saverio , Carzaniga Tommaso , Gsponer Andreas , Häffner Philipp , Scampoli Paola , Schmid Matthias
Published: November 2020

A novel three-dimensional non-destructive beam monitor named π3 was conceived, realized and tested. It is based on a thin aluminum foil coated with P47 scintillating material mounted on a support, together with a miniaturized CCD camera, both moving along the beam axis. This detector allows reconstructing of the beam distribution along the beam path, providing either an on-line video or a graphical reconstruction of the beam envelope in 3D. The π3 detector is a general-purpose instrument suitable for any ion accelerator facility. As it is constructed with non-magnetic materials, it can be used to investigate the behavior of the beam inside beam optics components such as magnets. In this paper, we report the development of the first prototype of the π3 detector, its associated software and the results of the beam tests performed at the Bern medical cyclotron laboratory.
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Web News Archives for Crime Prediction
Authors: Umair Areeba , Sarfraz Muhammad Shahzad , Ahmad Muhammad , Habib Usman , Ullah Muhammad Habib , Mazzara Manuel
Published: November 2020

In today’s world, security is the most prominent aspect which has been given higher priority. Despite the rapid growth and usage of digital devices, lucrative measurement of crimes in under-developing countries is still challenging. In this work, unstructural crime data (900 records) from the news archives of the previous eight years were extracted to predict the behavior of criminals’ networks and transform it into useful information using natural language processing (NLP). To estimate the next move of criminals in Pakistan, we performed hotspot-based spatial analysis. Later, this information is fed to two different classifiers for possible identification and prediction. We achieved the maximum accuracy of 92% using K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) and 62% using the Random Forest algorithm. In terms of crimes, the results showed that the most prevalent crime events are robberies. Thus, the usage of digital information archives, spatial analysis, and machine learning techniques can open new ways of handling a peaceful and sustainable society in eradicating crimes for countries having paucity of financial resources.
Design of Anchorage Zones of Pretensioned Concrete Girders: A Comparison of Nonlinear 3D FEM Results with Measurements on a Full Scale Beam
Authors: De Corte Wouter , Van Meirvenne Kizzy , Boel Veerle , Taerwe Luc
Published: November 2020

Pretensioned concrete beams are widely used for constructing large load-bearing structures and bridging long spans. Crack formation may occur in the end zones of these elements due to tensile splitting, spalling and bursting actions. Investigation of these zones is typically done by means of analytical methods, strut and tie modelling, 2D linear or nonlinear analysis, or full 3D nonlinear analysis. Especially challenging in this last approach is the modelling of the force transfer from the strands to the surrounding concrete as it strongly influences the magnitude of the tensile stresses. This paper presents a 3D nonlinear analysis of the anchorage zone of a pretensioned girder, and a comparison with experimental results (mechanical strain measurements, embedded strain gauges). Material modelling, steel-concrete interaction properties, as well as convergence problems are addressed systematically. The comparison indicates that a good agreement is found, both for concrete and rebar strains, and that a friction coefficient of 0.7 can be adopted, although the results for values from 0.5 to 0.9 do not differ that much. The results demonstrate that a 3D nonlinear analysis provides an excellent insight in the behavior of the end zones of pretensioned girders which opens perspectives for an optimization of the end zone design based on this type of analysis.
Customer-Oriented Quality of Service Management Method for the Future Intent-Based Networking
Authors: Beshley Mykola , Veselý Peter , Pryslupskyi Andrii , Beshley Halyna , Kyryk Marian , Romanchuk Vasyl , Kahalo Ihor
Published: November 2020

The rapid development and spread of communication technologies is now becoming a global information revolution. Customers have a need for communication services, which could be flexibly configured in accordance with their Quality of Experience (QoE) requirements. Realizing the close connection between customer experience and profitability, the service provider has been placing more and more attention on customer experience and QoE. The traditional quality of service management method based on SLA (Service Level Agreement) is not sufficient as a means to provide QoE-related contracts between service providers and customers. The current SLA method is mostly limited and focused on technical aspects of QoS (Quality of Service). Furthermore, they do not follow on the network the principles and semantic approach to the QoS specification for a communication service using QoE parameters. In this paper, we propose a customer-oriented quality of service management method for future IBN (Intent-Based Networking). It is based on a new QoE metric on a scale from 1 to 5, which allows one to take into account the commercial value of e-services for customers. Based on this approach, the network configuration and functionality of network equipment automatically changes depending on customer requirements. To implement the new method of service quality management, an algorithm for routing data packets in the network was developed, taking into account the current load of the forecast path. The algorithm of billing system functioning in conditions of customer-oriented quality management in telecommunication networks has been created. To investigate the effectiveness of the proposed method of service quality management with the traditional SLA method, we developed a simulation network model with the implementation of two approaches. By conducting a simulation, it was determined that the proposed method gives an average gain of 2–5 times for the criterion of the number of customers who require high quality of experience of the service.
A Scoping Review on Virtual Reality-Based Industrial Training
Authors: Naranjo Jose E. , Sanchez Diego G. , Robalino-Lopez Angel , Robalino-Lopez Paola , Alarcon-Ortiz Andrea , Garcia Marcelo V.
Published: November 2020

The fourth industrial revolution has forced most companies to technologically evolve, applying new digital tools, so that their workers can have the necessary skills to face changing work environments. This article presents a scoping review of the literature on virtual reality-based training systems. The methodology consisted of four steps, which pose research questions, document search, paper selection, and data extraction. From a total of 350 peer-reviewed database articles, such as SpringerLink, IEEEXplore, MDPI, Scopus, and ACM, 44 were eventually chosen, mostly using the virtual reality haptic glasses and controls from Oculus Rift and HTC VIVE. It was concluded that, among the advantages of using this digital tool in the industry, is the commitment, speed, measurability, preservation of the integrity of the workers, customization, and cost reduction. Even though several research gaps were found, virtual reality is presented as a present and future alternative for the efficient training of human resources in the industrial field.
Design and Application of Cellular Concrete on a Mexican Residential Building and Its Influence on Energy Savings in Hot Climates: Projections to 2050
Authors: Borbon-Almada Ana C. , Lucero-Alvarez Jorge , Rodriguez-Muñoz Norma A. , Ramirez-Celaya Manuel , Castro-Brockman Samuel , Sau-Soto Nicolas , Najera-Trejo Mario
Published: November 2020

The thermal performance of economical housing located in hot climates remains a pending subject, especially in emerging economies. A cellular concrete mixture was designed, considering its thermophysical properties, to apply the new material into building envelopes. The proposed materials have low density and thermal conductivity to be used as a nonstructural lightweight construction element. From the design stage, a series of wall systems based on cellular concrete was proposed. Whereas in the second phase, the materials were analyzed to obtain the potential energy savings using dynamic simulations. It is foreseen that the energy consumption in buildings located in these climates will continue to increase critically due to the temperature increase associated with climate change. The temperatures predicted mean vote (PMV), electric energy consumption, and CO2 emissions were calculated for three IPCC scenarios. These results will help to identify the impact of climate change on the energy use of the houses built under these weather conditions. The results show that if the conventional concrete blocks continue to be used, the air conditioning energy requirements will increase to 49% for 2030 and 61% by 2050. The proposed cellular concrete could reduce energy consumption between 15% and 28%, and these saving rates would remain in the future. The results indicate that it is necessary to drive the adoption of lightweight materials, so the impact of energy use on climate change can be reduced.
Method for Characterization of a Multirotor UAV Electric Propulsion System
Authors: Piljek Petar , Kotarski Denis , Krznar Matija
Published: November 2020

Due to their abilities, multirotor unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) can be used in various missions that require complex and precise movements, so they are a typical representative of aerial robots. Since this type of UAV is characterized by high energy consumption, it is of most importance to precisely choose the system parameters and components in order to achieve the required flight performance that meets the mission requirements. In this paper, a method for characterization of the multirotor UAV propulsion system is proposed, which is a fundamental step in the design process of this type of UAV. For the purpose of method validation, experimental measurements and signal acquisition were performed, and the measurement results for the considered electric propulsion units were shown. An identification procedure is presented, which is used to process the measurement results or manufacturer’s data and display them as propulsion unit static maps. Based on static maps, the characterization process of the electric propulsion system is performed, and the propulsion unit characteristics are shown.