bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Working conditions for healthcare workers at a Swedish university hospital infectious disease department during the COVID-19 pandemic: barriers and facilitators to maintaining employee wellbeing
Authors: Veje Malin , Linden Karolina , Sengpiel Verena , Carlsson Ylva , Jonsdottir Ingibjörg H. , Degl’Innocenti Alessio , Ahlstrom Linda , Wijk Helle , Akerstrom Magnus
Published: May 2023

Background

Healthcare workers (HCWs) at infectious disease departments have held the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to maintaining the employees’ wellbeing that may be used to increase preparedness for future pandemics within ID Departments.

Methods

In September 2020, a web-based survey on demographics and work environment was distributed to all HCWs at the Infectious Disease Department at Sahlgrenska University Hospital. Results were compared with a pre-COVID-19 survey from October 2019. A quantitative analysis of the overall effects of the pandemic on the working conditions of HCWs was conducted; in addition, a qualitative content analysis of open-ended responses was performed.

Results

In total, 222 and 149 HCWs completed the pre-COVID-19 and COVID-19 surveys (84 and 54% response rate), respectively. Overall, we found significant changes regarding increased workload, lack of emotional support in stressful work situations, and inability to recover after shifts. These factors correlated both with younger age and concern of becoming infected. The open-ended answers (n = 103, 69%) revealed five generic categories (Workload; Organizational support; Worry and ethical stress; Capability; and Cooperation and unity) with a total of 14 identified factors representing plausible individual and organizational-level barriers or facilitators to sustained employee wellbeing.

Conclusion

Younger HCWs as well as those expressing worries about contracting the infection were found to be particularly affected during the COVID-19 pandemic and these groups may require additional support in future outbreaks. Factors both increasing and decreasing the pandemic-induced negative health consequences for HCWs were identified; this knowledge may be utilized in the future.
Relationship between optimism, emotional intelligence, and academic resilience of nursing students: the mediating effect of self-directed learning competency
Authors: Hwang Eun Hee , Kim Kon Hee
Published: May 2023

Background

The evolution toward future education following the 4th industrial revolution and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic have changed nursing education dramatically. Online classes have become a new paradigm of education, and are expected to develop and be maintained in various forms even after the end of COVID-19. Therefore, attention is focused on finding ways to improve learners’ achievements in a distance learning environment. This study aimed to examine the mediating effects of self-directed learning competency on the relationships between optimism, emotional intelligence and academic resilience among nursing students.

Methods

A cross-sectional descriptive design was conducted using convenience sampling of 195 nursing students in South Korea. Data were analyzed with descriptive statistics, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, multiple regression, and mediation analysis using SPSS/WIN 26.0 program.

Results

There were significant positive correlations among self-directed learning competency, optimism, emotional intelligence and academic resilience. The self-directed learning competency acts as a mediator in explaining relationship between optimism, emotional intelligence and academic resilience, respectively.

Conclusion

This study provides the evidence for the role of self-directed learning competency in the relationship between optimism, emotional intelligence and academic resilience in nursing students. Rapid changes in education are inevitable due to changes in clinical settings and the impact of repeated infectious disease outbreaks including the COVID-19 pandemic. This study suggests strengthening positive psychology and self-directed learning capability of nursing students as a strategy to prepare for changes in education and clinical areas.
The effects of helminth infections on the human gut microbiome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Walusimbi Bridgious , Lawson Melissa A. E. , Nassuuna Jacent , Kateete David P. , Webb Emily L. , Grencis Richard K. , Elliott Alison M.
Published: May 2023

The gut microbiome is important in shaping human health. One key factor that has been proposed to affect the gut microbiome is helminth infection. Unravelling the association and/or interaction between helminth infections and the gut microbiome may reveal new insights into the mechanisms through which parasitic worms impact the prognosis of infections and diseases. While considerable work has gone into reviewing data on the effect of helminth infection on gut microbiome in animal studies, less attention has been given to this area of research in human studies. This study set out to address this through an exhaustive systematic review of literature. Articles were identified through EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science and Science Direct following a registered protocol (PROSPERO). After assessing methodological quality (ICROMS) and publication bias, a random effects meta-analysis was performed to investigate the overall effect that intestinal parasites can have on the human gut microbiome using alpha- and beta-diversity metrics and adjusting for age, sex and antihelminthic treatment taken by individuals. A total of 19 out of 3466 articles were included in the final meta-analysis. Our results show that helminth infection increases the host bacterial diversity, as well as microbial richness. This work further contributes to the understanding of how the gut microbiome structure changes depends on whether one is infected with helminths or not. It also lays the foundation for future research aimed at establishing how these interactions could explain the disparity in phenotypes such as infection, disease and vaccine responses reported in different regions worldwide.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42020192182.
What Happens When We Hear?
Authors: Sumner Christian J. , Akeroyd Michael A. , Sollini Joseph , Hart Caryl
Published: May 2023

What happens when we hear? Where does the sound go when it enters our ears? Our ears sense the vibrations of the air and convert them into electrical signals the brain can process. But that is only the start. The brain uses tens of thousands of nerve cells to hear even the quietest or simplest sound. With those nerve cells, the brain is solving a never-ending puzzle: figuring out what is going on in the world. To do that, the brain must separate out sounds that are occurring at the same time, recognize them, and describe them in lots of ways, such as how loud a sound is and where it is coming from. This article gives an overview of how the ears and brain work together, so we can live in a world of sound.
“There isn't anybody else like me around here”: the insider-outsider status of LGBT residents in housing with care schemes for older people
Authors: Willis Paul , Beach Brian , Powell Jillian , Vickery Alex , Cameron Alisa , Smith Randall
Published: May 2023

The intersections between aging, social minority status and housing needs in later life is a neglected area of sociological exploration, even more so for older people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT). Recent sociological findings indicate that older LGBT people in housing schemes stress the importance of bonding social capital and look to other people in their social networks who reflect their identities and experiences as sources of support. In this paper, we examine the insider-outsider status occupied by older LGBT residents living in housing schemes that provide some form of care and support, for example extra care and independent living schemes. We present qualitative findings generated from a mixed-methods study of social inclusion practices in housing with care in England and Wales (UK) (2019-22). In this study 15 LGBT residents participated in semi-structured interviews (55–79 years of age) across a total of 31 interviews. Through a queer gerontological lens we examine how older LGBT people are socially situated within mainstream housing schemes in which they experience partial visibility while also encountering exclusionary pressures that locate them as “the other.” This insider-outsider status undermines the premise of housing with care schemes to provide safe, secure spaces to grow old. We discuss three core themes: (1) how LGBT residents navigate their outsider status in scheme life and how the intersection of disability and minority status amplifies this social location; (2) the exclusionary practices exercised by other residents that reinforce boundaries of sexual and gender normalcy; and, (3) the heightened importance of maintaining external social connections among LGBT residents. We conclude by introducing an alternative notion of marginal aging and expanding on the implications for housing providers, reflecting on their responsibilities for promoting and maintaining queer-friendly environments.
Does rural industrial integration improve agricultural productivity? Implications for sustainable food production
Authors: Ye Feng , Qin Shengze , Nisar Nimra , Zhang Qing , Tong Ting , Wang Lang
Published: May 2023

Although the literature demonstrates that rural industrial integration can enhance farmers' income, foster rural development, its impact on agricultural total factor productivity (ATFP), a critical aspect of sustainable food systems remains unclear. Using provincial-level data from 2008 to 2018, this paper constructs a composite index of rural industrial integration and examines its effect, heterogeneity, and spatial spillover on ATFP growth in China. The findings indicate that the levels of rural industry integration and ATFP experienced a gradual increase from 2008 to 2018. Rural industry integration promotes ATFP growth through technical progress and improved technical efficiency. An analysis of regional heterogeneity reveals that rural industry integration has the most significant impact on ATFP promotion in the western region, followed by the central region, with the least impact in the eastern region of China. Unconditional quantile regression suggests that rural industrial integration has a more considerable impact on ATFP in regions with higher ATFP. Furthermore, the spatial Durbin model results demonstrate that rural industry integration directly supports rural industry integration development in a region while simultaneously inhibiting ATFP growth in surrounding areas. Finally, the findings also reveal that enhancing rural industrial integration can have positive impacts on sustainable agricultural production in China. These findings offer valuable insights for other developing countries aiming to promote sustainable consumption and production.
A masked, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial evaluating safety and the effect on cardiac function of low-dose rapamycin in 17 healthy client-owned dogs
Authors: Barnett Brian G. , Wesselowski Sonya R. , Gordon Sonya G. , Saunders Ashley B. , Promislow Daniel E. L. , Schwartz Stephen M. , Chou Lucy , Evans Jeremy B. , Kaeberlein Matt , Creevy Kate E.
Published: May 2023

Introduction:

Geroscience studies of low-dose rapamycin in laboratory species have identified numerous benefits, including reversing age-related cardiac dysfunction. Cardiovascular benefits have been observed in dogs with 10 weeks of treatment, raising questions about possible benefits and adverse effects of long-term use of low-dose rapamycin. The objectives of this study were to assess the impact of 6 months of low-dose rapamycin on echocardiographic indices of cardiac function in healthy dogs and to document the occurrence of adverse events.

Methods:

Seventeen client-owned dogs aged 6–10 years, weighing 18–36 kg, and without significant systemic disease were included in a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, masked clinical trial. Low-dose rapamycin (0.025 mg/kg) or placebo was administered three times per week for 6 months. Baseline, 6-month, and 12-month evaluation included physical examination, cardiology examination, and clinicopathology. Three-month evaluation included physical examination and clinicopathology. Owners completed online questionnaires every 2 weeks.

Results:

There were no statistically significant differences in echocardiographic parameters between rapamycin and placebo groups at 6 or 12 months. No clinically significant adverse events occurred. In 26.8% of the bi-weekly surveys owners whose dogs received rapamycin reported perceived positive changes in behavior or health, compared to 8.1% in the placebo group (p = 0.04).

Discussion:

While no clinically significant change in cardiac function was observed in dogs treated with low-dose rapamycin, the drug was well-tolerated with no significant adverse events.
Evaluation of Spiral Pneumatic Rubber Actuator Using Finite Element Analysis for Radial Transportation
Authors: Jang Yujin , Nabae Hiroyuki , Suzumori Koichi
Published: May 2023

Emerging actuators with various soft materials and a traveling wave motion are frequently discussed. Various configurations have been proposed and their resulting performances investigated, but it remains challenging to realize large strokes. This study presents an experimentally validated nonlinear finite element model to predict the deformation produced by a spiral pneumatic rubber actuator to generate a traveling wave motion. The actuator consists of a membrane mounted on a rubber substrate with three air chambers in a spiral configuration. The sequential deformations of the successive chambers interact with each other and produce radial traveling waves on the membrane surface, driving the objects placed on the actuator. Finite element analysis with ANSYS computer software was used to analyze the elastic movement by considering the influence of different initial structural types. The simulation results indicated an optimal structure with specific ratios. A reasonable correlation was obtained during experimental validation; the predicted displacement values were approximately 17% smaller than the experimental values. Finally, the transportation performance of the prototype was tested, and a velocity of 2.28 mm/s in the desired direction was achieved. We expect that our demonstration will expand the range of applications of the spiral pneumatic rubber actuator to include conveying or worm-like robots.
The Maturity of Strategic Networks’ Governance: Proposal of an Analysis Model
Authors: Winkler Marione , Wegner Douglas , Macagnan Clea Beatriz
Published: May 2023

Strategic Networks (SNs) consist of dozens to hundreds of organizations that work together to achieve common goals but remain legally independent. Because most SNs are managed by hired professionals rather than member companies, more structured governance models are recommended as the number of members grows. In addition, removing the network members from management roles allows for the emergence of a conflict of interest and the problem of information asymmetry. The purpose of this study is to propose a model for assessing the maturity level of SNs’ governance. Using Design Science Research (DSR), a model of 34 items was developed to measure the maturity level of SN governance and serve as a guide for analyzing this type of inter-organizational collaboration. Using these indicators can provide opportunities for governance system improvements, resulting in better management of SNs.
The Pollinators in Agricultural Ecosystems
Authors: Piechowicz Bartosz , Koziorowska Anna
Published: May 2023

The symbiosis of plants and animals is an evolutionary phenomenon that has been established for millions of years [...]
Effect of Biochar on Labile Organic Carbon Fractions and Soil Carbon Pool Management Index
Authors: Qiu Husen , Hu Zhuangzhuang , Liu Jieyun , Zhang Haiyang , Shen Weiliang
Published: May 2023

Biochar is useful for soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration. However, the effects of biochar aging and addition rates on SOC stabilization are unclear. A field experiment with four biochar application rates (0% (control), 1% (LB), 2% (MB), and 4% (HB) of dry fluvo-aquic soil) was conducted. Soil samples were sampled after 8, 12, and 24 months of its application to clarify the question. In general, SOC gradually increased with the biochar application rate. SOC with HB was higher than that in other treatments, while the ratio of microbial biomass carbon (MBC)/SOC and readily oxidizable carbon (ROC)/SOC with HB was lower than that in other treatments (p < 0.05), indicating a positive effect of HB for C stabilization over time. The effects of biochar on the soil carbon pool management index (CPMI) changed from negative to positive after 8 and 24 months of biochar application. The activities of β-D-glucosidase (βG), cellobiohydrolase (CBH), and β-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAG) under HB were higher than with other treatments after 12 and 24 months of biochar application (p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with the ratio of MBC/SOC and ROC/SOC over time. The CPMI was positively related with βG and CBH activities after 8 and 24 months of biochar application, respectively (p < 0.05). HB increased the relative abundance of oligotrophs, including Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflexi, but decreased the relative abundance of copiotrophs, including γ-Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes over time (p < 0.05). The ratio of dissolved organic carbon (DOC)/SOC was positively correlated with the bacterial oligotroph/copiotroph ratio and significantly affected the oligotrophic and copiotrophic bacterial communities, especially after 8 and 12 months of biochar application (p < 0.05). These findings reinforce that increasing the biochar application rate and time enhances SOC stabilization by decreasing the proportions of labile organic carbon and making oligotrophic/copiotrophic communities and enzyme activities more conducive to C sequestration.
Alternative Furrow Irrigation Combined with Topdressing Nitrogen at Jointing Help Yield Formation and Water Use of Winter Wheat under No-Till Ridge Furrow Planting System in Semi-Humid Drought-Prone Areas of China
Authors: Wu Jinzhi , Guan Haoyue , Wang Zhimin , Li Youjun , Fu Guozhan , Huang Ming , Li Guoqiang
Published: May 2023

Benefiting from the high–farmland construction program in China, one–off irrigation can be guaranteed in most fields in semi–humid drought–prone areas in China. However, little information is available on water and nitrogen (N) management in wheat production under this condition. This study aimed to explore the effects of alternative furrow irrigation (AFI) and topdressing N fertilizer (TN) on wheat productivity under a no–till ridge–furrow planting system in semi–humid drought–prone areas. The experimental design was as follows: two furrow irrigation (FI) methods, namely, EFI (every furrow irrigation) and AFI (alternative furrow irrigation) with 75 mm at the jointing stage were set as the main treatments. Two topdressing N (TN) patterns, namely, NTN (0 kg ha−1 of N) and TN (60 kg ha−1 of N) along with irrigation were set as the secondary treatments. Moreover, a traditional planting practice with no irrigation and no topdressing N (NINTN) was set as control. In 2018–2020, a field experiment was carried out to investigate the effects on soil water, leaf chlorophyll relative content (SPAD) and net photosynthetic rate (Pn), aboveground dry matter assimilates, grain yield, water use efficiency (WUE) and economic benefit. We found that both FI methods and TN patterns significantly influenced soil water content. Compared with NINTN, the soil water content in each combination of the FI method and TN pattern was effectively improved at the booting and anthesis stages, leading to the significant increase in SPAD and Pn in leaves, post–anthesis dry matter accumulation (POA), grain yield, WUE and economic benefit of winter wheat. Compared with the EFI, averaged across years and TN patterns, the AFI technique increased the soil water storage at booting and anthesis stages and significantly improved the Pn at early milk (4.9%) and early dough (7.5%) stages, POA (40.6%) and its contribution to grain (CRPOA, 27.6%), the grain yield (10.2%), WUE (9.1%) and economic benefit (9.1%). In addition, compared with the NTN, the TN pattern significantly increased the water computation by wheat from booting to maturity, enhanced leaf Pn after anthesis and POA, and finally resulted in the increase in grain yield (14.7–21.9%) and WUE (9.6–21.1%). Thus, the greatest improvement in the leaf photosynthetic characteristics, aboveground dry matter assimilates, grain yield, WUE and economic benefit was achieved under AFITN treatment. Above all, it can be concluded that the AFITN with AFI of 75 mm and TN of 60 kg ha−1 at jointing was an alternative management strategy for optimizing yield formation and water use of winter wheat. This study provided new insights into improving wheat productivity in drought–prone areas where one–off irrigation can be guaranteed.
Multi-Environment Genome-Wide Association Studies of Yield Traits in Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) × Tepary Bean (P. acutifolius A. Gray) Interspecific Advanced Lines in Humid and Dry Colombian Caribbean Subregions
Authors: López-Hernández Felipe , Burbano-Erazo Esteban , León-Pacheco Rommel Igor , Cordero-Cordero Carina Cecilia , Villanueva-Mejía Diego F. , Tofiño-Rivera Adriana Patricia , Cortés Andrés J.
Published: May 2023

Assessing interspecific adaptive genetic variation across environmental gradients offers insight into the scale of habitat-dependent heritable heterotic effects, which may ultimately enable pre-breeding for abiotic stress tolerance and novel climates. However, environmentally dependent allelic effects are often bypassed by intra-specific single-locality genome-wide associations studies (GWAS). Therefore, in order to bridge this gap, this study aimed at coupling an advanced panel of drought/heat susceptible common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) × tolerant tepary bean (P. acutifolius A. Gray) interspecific lines with last-generation multi-environment GWAS algorithms to identify novel sources of heat and drought tolerance to the humid and dry subregions of the Caribbean coast of Colombia, where the common bean typically exhibits maladaptation to extreme weather. A total of 87 advanced lines with interspecific ancestries were genotyped by sequencing (GBS), leading to the discovery of 15,645 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Five yield traits were recorded for each genotype and inputted in modern GWAS algorithms (i.e., FarmCPU and BLINK) to identify the putative associated loci across four localities in coastal Colombia. Best-fit models revealed 47 significant quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) distributed in all 11 common bean chromosomes. A total of 90 flanking candidate genes were identified using 1-kb genomic windows centered in each associated SNP marker. Pathway-enriched analyses were done using the mapped output of the GWAS for each yield trait. Some genes were directly linked to the drought tolerance response; morphological, physiological, and metabolic regulation; signal transduction; and fatty acid and phospholipid metabolism. We conclude that habitat-dependent interspecific polygenic effects are likely sufficient to boost common bean adaptation to the severe climate in coastal Colombia via introgression breeding. Environmental-dependent polygenic adaptation may be due to contrasting levels of selection and the deleterious load across localities. This work offers putative associated loci for marker-assisted and genomic selection targeting the common bean’s neo-tropical lowland adaptation to drought and heat.
Reducing Moral Stress in Veterinary Teams? Evaluating the Use of Ethical Discussion Groups in Charity Veterinary Hospitals
Authors: Ashall Vanessa
Published: May 2023

This study examines experiences of veterinary moral stress in charity veterinary practice and qualitatively evaluates the role of ethical discussion in reducing veterinary moral stress. Results are drawn from a thematic data analysis of 9 focus groups and 15 individual interviews with veterinary team members from 3 UK charity veterinary hospitals. Moral stress is described as an everyday experience by participants and is caused by uncertainty about their ability to fulfill their ethical obligations. Moral stress is shown to be cumulative and can interact with other forms of stress. Distinct practical and relational barriers to ethical action are identified and proposed as contributors to moral stress, and different team members experience different barriers within their roles. The potential impact of moral stress on team members’ quality of life and mental health is highlighted. Results show that regular facilitated ethical group discussions may reduce moral stress in the hospital setting, particularly through familiarization with others’ roles and ethical perspectives and through supporting one another’s ethical decision-making. The article concludes that moral stress is an important and poorly understood problem in veterinary practice and that further development of regular facilitated ethical group discussion may be of considerable benefit to team members.
Inter-Rater Reliability of Scoring Systems for Abomasal Lesions in Quebec Veal Calves
Authors: Van Driessche Laura , Fecteau Gilles , Arsenault Julie , Miana Léa , Chorfi Younes , Villettaz-Robichaud Marianne , Hélie Pierre , Buczinski Sébastien
Published: May 2023

The objective of this study was to determine the inter-rater reliability of current scoring systems used to detect abomasal lesions in veal calves. In addition, macroscopic lesions were compared with corresponding histological lesions. For this, 76 abomasa were retrieved from veal calves in a slaughterhouse in Quebec and scored by four independent raters using current scoring systems. The localisations of the lesions were separated into pyloric, fundic, or torus pyloricus areas. Lesions were classified into three different types, i.e., erosions, ulcers, and scars. To estimate the inter-rater reliability, the coefficient type 1 of Gwet’s agreement and Fleiss κ were used for the presence or absence of a lesion, and the intra-class correlation coefficient was used for the number of lesions. All veal calves had at least one abomasal lesion detected. Most lesions were erosions, and most of them were located in the pyloric area. Overall, a poor to very good inter-rater agreement was seen for the pyloric area and the torus pyloricus regarding the presence or absence of a lesion (Fleiss κ: 0.00–0.34; Gwet’s AC1: 0.12–0.83), although a higher agreement was observed when combining all lesions in the pyloric area (Fleiss κ: 0.09–0.12; Gwet’s AC1: 0.43–0.93). For the fundic area, a poor to very good agreement was also observed (Fleiss κ: 0.17–0.70; Gwet’s AC1: 0.90–0.97). Regarding the inter-rater agreement for the number of lesions, a poor to moderate agreement was found (ICC: 0.11–0.73). When using the scoring system developed in the European Welfare Quality Protocol, a poor single random rater agreement (ICC: 0.42; 95% CI: 0.31–0.56) but acceptable average random rater agreement (ICC: 0.75; 95% CI: 0.64–0.83) was determined. Microscopic scar lesions were often mistaken as ulcers macroscopically. These results show that the scoring of abomasal lesions is challenging and highlight the need for a reliable scoring system. A fast, simple, and reliable scoring system would allow for large scale studies which investigate possible risk factors and hopefully help to prevent these lesions, which can compromise veal calves’ health and welfare.
Feed Efficiency and Physiological Parameters of Holstein and Crossbred Holstein × Simmental Cows
Authors: Knob Deise Aline , Scholz Armin Manfred , Perazzoli Laiz , Mendes Bruna Paula Bergamaschi , Kappes Roberto , Alessio Dileta Regina Moro , Rech Ângela Fonseca , Thaler Neto André
Published: May 2023

This study aimed to compare the feed efficiency (FE) and physiological parameters of Holstein and crossbred Holstein × Simmental cows in a confinement system during winter and summer. The study was conducted in a dairy farm in southern Brazil by including a total of 48 multiparous cows. The cows were studied for 21 days in two periods, summer and winter, and their daily dry matter intake (DMI), milk yield (MY), rectal temperature (RT), respiratory rate (RR), body weight, and body condition score were recorded. An analysis of variance was conducted using the SAS statistical package. The results showed that crossbred Holstein × Simmental cows have a similar FE as Holstein cows in a high-production system (1.83 × 1.81 kg DMI/kg MY, respectively), and they can achieve the same production levels as purebred Holstein cows (43.8 vs. 44.5 milk/cow/day). Our findings indicated a difference for the period as both genetic groups achieved higher FE in winter than in summer (1.98 vs. 1.67 DMI/kg MY, respectively). In addition, we found evidence that crossbred cows are better at dissipating body heat during heat-stress situations, as they have higher RR in summer compared to purebred cows, while Holstein cows have higher RT in summer afternoons than crossbred cows. Therefore, using crossbred Holstein × Simmental cows is an alternative for high-production systems.
Pre-Ride Biomarkers and Endurance Horse Welfare: Analyzing the Impact of the Elimination of Superoxide Dismutase, δ-Aminolevulinic-Dehydratase, Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances, Iron, and Serum Amyloid A Levels in Elite 160 km Endurance Rides
Authors: Bollinger Lena , Bartel Alexander , Weber Corinna , Gehlen Heidrun
Published: May 2023

High elimination rates and concerns for horse welfare are important issues in endurance riding. Improved understanding of the causes of elimination could increase completion rates in this sport. We have identified pre-ride laboratory risk factors that enable an assessment of potential elimination before the ride. A longitudinal cohort study was performed among 49 healthy horses competing in the 160 km endurance ride at the 2016 World Championship of Endurance Riding in Samorin/Slovakia. Blood samples were taken before the event. For statistical evaluation, horses were categorized into three groups: finishers, lame horses, and metabolically eliminated horses. Risk factors were calculated for each group using multinominal logistic regression. δ-Aminolevulinic-dehydratase (ALAD), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs), iron, and serum amyloid A (SAA) were measured and did not show an impact on the race outcome, but elevated pre-ride superoxide dismutase (SOD) was shown to have an effect on lameness elimination (p = 0.011). It might serve as an indicator for withdrawing horses at risk of later elimination before endurance rides, ultimately resulting in lower elimination rates and an increase in overall horse welfare.
Effect of Maternal or Formulated Transition Milk on the Health and Performance of Dairy Calves
Authors: da Silva Ana Paula , Cezar Amanda M. , Toledo Ariany F. , Dondé Sophia C. , Coelho Marina G. , Tomaluski Cristiane R. , Virgínio Júnior Gercino F. , Bittar Carla M. M.
Published: May 2023

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of maternal or formulated transition milk with colostrum powder on the performance and health of dairy calves. After receiving 12% of their birth weight in high-quality colostrum, 36 Holstein calves (17 males and 19 females) were blocked according to sex, birth date and birth weight (29.16 kg ± 1.34) and randomly distributed into three treatments: (1) Milk: supplying 4 L/d of whole milk (WM) for three days (n = 12); (2) Transition milk (TM): supplying 4 L/d of maternal transition milk for three days (n = 12); (3) Formulated transition milk (FTM): supplying 4 L/d of whole milk enriched with 280 g/d of colostrum powder, for three days (n = 12). Daily feeding was split into two feedings, and after the sixth feeding of the transition diet calves were fed 6 L/d of whole milk and had ad libitum access to water and calf starter until 56 d, when the study ended. Calves fed TM or FTM presented a higher total solids intake (p < 0.05). Concentrations of glucose (p = 0.096) and lactate (p = 0.063), evaluated from 0 h to 72 h, tended to be higher in WM-fed calves compared to TM. There were no effects on calf’s health or performance and weight; at the week 8 averaged 65.06 kg ± 1.85. All treatments resulted in adequate performance and good health, however, the potential benefits of providing TM or FTM were not seen in this study. The transition milk composition and the number of meals after colostrum feeding need more investigation.
A Simple Telemetry Sensor System for Monitoring Body Temperature in Rabbits—A Brief Report
Authors: Chen Yajie , Niimi Manabu , Zhang Lan , Tang Xiangming , Lu Jian , Fan Jianglin
Published: May 2023

Continuous body temperature measurement is an important means of studying inflammation and metabolic changes using experimental animals. Although expensive telemetry equipment for collecting multiple parameters is available for small animals, readily used devices for mediate- or large-sized animals are rather limited. In this study, we developed a new telemetry sensor system that can continuously monitor rabbit body temperature. The telemetry sensor was easily implanted subcutaneously in rabbits housed in the animal facility while temperature changes were continuously recorded by a personal computer. Temperature data obtained by the telemetry was consistent with the rectal temperature measured by a digital device. Analysis of body temperature changes of unstrained rabbits, either under the normal condition or fever induced by endotoxin confirms the reliability and usefulness of this system.
Ghrelin Modulates Differential Expression of Genes Relevant to Immune Activities and Antimicrobial Peptides in Primary Head Kidney Cells of Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Han Yueh-Chiang , Leaman Douglas W. , Shepherd Brian S.
Published: May 2023

Ghrelin is a peptide hormone/cytokine that regulates metabolic processes and plays essential roles in the immune system. To evaluate the immunomodulatory actions of ghrelin isoforms in rainbow trout (RT), an in vitro model was utilized with primary cells isolated from fish head kidney (HKD). These RT-HKD cells were treated with synthetic rainbow trout ghrelin and its truncated isoform, desVRQ-ghrelin, over time (0, 2, 4, and 24 h). Reverse transcriptase-coupled qPCR was used to measure the differential expression patterns of genes relevant to various immune processes and genes of antimicrobial peptides. Ghrelin isoform treatments resulted in functional perturbations that displayed overlapping and divergent patterns of gene expression. The differing actions between the two ghrelin isoforms on various assessed genes, and at differing time points, suggested that the two analogs may activate unique pathways, thereby eliciting distinct responses in fish immunity.
Effect of Indole-Containing Pyrazino[2,1-b]quinazoline-3,6-diones in the Virulence of Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Almeida Mariana C. , Szemerédi Nikoletta , Durães Fernando , Long Solida , Resende Diana I. S. P. , Martins da Costa Paulo , Pinto Madalena , Spengler Gabriella , Sousa Emília
Published: May 2023

Drug resistance is rising to alarming levels, constituting one of the major threats to global health. The overexpression of efflux pumps and the formation of biofilms constitute two of the most common resistance mechanisms, favoring the virulence of bacteria. Therefore, the research and development of effective antimicrobial agents that can also counteract resistance mechanisms are extremely important. Pyrazino[2,1-b]quinazoline-3,6-diones, from marine and terrestrial organisms and simpler synthetic analogues, were recently disclosed by us as having relevant antimicrobial properties. In this study, using a multi-step approach, it was possible to synthesize new pyrazino[2,1-b]quinazoline-3,6-diones focusing on compounds with fluorine substituents since, to the best of our knowledge, the synthesis of fluorinated fumiquinazoline derivatives had not been attempted before. The new synthesized derivatives were screened for antibacterial activity and, along with previously synthetized pyrazino[2,1-b]quinazoline-3,6-diones, were characterized for their antibiofilm and efflux-pump-inhibiting effects against representative bacterial species and relevant resistant clinical strains. Several compounds showed relevant antibacterial activity against the tested Gram-positive bacterial species with MIC values in the range of 12.5–77 μM. Furthermore, some derivatives showed promising results as antibiofilm agents in a crystal violet assay. The results of the ethidium bromide accumulation assay suggested that some compounds could potentially inhibit bacterial efflux pumps.
Combined Influence of Gate Oxide and Back Oxide Materials on Self-Heating and DIBL Effect in 2D MOS2-Based MOSFETs
Authors: Atamuratov Atabek E. , Saparov Khushnudbek Sh. , Yusupov Ahmed , Chedjou Jean Chamberlain
Published: May 2023

In this paper, degradation effects, such as self-heating effect (SHE) and drain-induced barrier lowering (DIBL) effect in 2D MoS2-based MOSFETs are investigated through simulations. The SHE is simulated based on the thermodynamic transport model. The dependence of the DIBL effect and the lattice temperature in the middle of the channel on the gate length is considered for transistors with different gate oxide and back oxide (BOX) materials. The effects of Al2O3 and HfO2 as gate oxide and SiO2 and HfO2 as BOX materials are compared. Transistors, in which the channel is fully and partially (i.e., just below the gate) covered by a gate oxide, are considered. It is shown that the transistors with Al2O3 as gate oxide and SiO2 as BOX materials have higher immunity to DIBL effect and transistors with HfO2 as gate oxide and HfO2 as BOX materials have higher immunity to SHE.
Multi-Class Document Classification Using Lexical Ontology-Based Deep Learning
Authors: Yelmen Ilkay , Gunes Ali , Zontul Metin
Published: May 2023

With the recent growth of the Internet, the volume of data has also increased. In particular, the increase in the amount of unstructured data makes it difficult to manage data. Classification is also needed in order to be able to use the data for various purposes. Since it is difficult to manually classify the ever-increasing volume data for the purpose of various types of analysis and evaluation, automatic classification methods are needed. In addition, the performance of imbalanced and multi-class classification is a challenging task. As the number of classes increases, so does the number of decision boundaries a learning algorithm has to solve. Therefore, in this paper, an improvement model is proposed using WordNet lexical ontology and BERT to perform deeper learning on the features of text, thereby improving the classification effect of the model. It was observed that classification success increased when using WordNet 11 general lexicographer files based on synthesis sets, syntactic categories, and logical groupings. WordNet was used for feature dimension reduction. In experimental studies, word embedding methods were used without dimension reduction. Afterwards, Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) algorithms were employed to perform classification. These studies were then repeated with dimension reduction performed by WordNet. In addition to the machine learning model, experiments were also conducted with the pretrained BERT model with and without WordNet. The experimental results showed that, on an unstructured, seven-class, imbalanced dataset, the highest accuracy value of 93.77% was obtained when using our proposed model.
Expert System Integrating Rule-Based Reasoning to Voltage Control in Photovoltaic-Systems-Rich Low Voltage Electric Distribution Networks: A Review and Results of a Case Study
Authors: Dandea Vasilica , Grigoras Gheorghe
Published: May 2023

Nowadays, in low voltage electric distribution networks, the distribution network operators are encountering a high number of connected small-scale distributed generation units, mainly photovoltaic prosumers. The intermittent nature of the prosumers, together with the degree of uncertainty of the requested and injected powers associated with all end-users from low voltage electric distribution networks, can cause voltage variations that violate the allowable limits. In this context, this paper developed an efficient and resilient expert system integrating rule-based reasoning applied to the on-load tap changer-fitted transformer to improve the efficiency of the voltage control in the PV-rich LV EDNs. An in-depth analysis based on 75 scenarios, resulting from the combinations of three indicators—the penetration degree of the photovoltaic prosumers, the consumption evolution associated with the consumers, and the energy production of the photovoltaic systems—was performed to demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed expert system in a low voltage electric distribution network from a rural area belonging to a Romanian distribution network operator. The success rate of the expert system was 86.7% (65 out of 75 scenarios did not have voltage issues). All voltages were between the allowable limits in 100% of the time slots associated with the analysed period. For the other scenarios (representing 13.3%), voltages were inside the range [−10%, +10%] in at least 95% of the time slots.
Performance Analysis of Ambient Backscatter NOMA Systems
Authors: Zhang Ce , Yue Xinwei , Yao Yuanyuan , Li Xuehua
Published: May 2023

This paper analyzed the performance of an ambient-backscatter-(AmBC)-assisted non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) system, where a backscatter device (BD) broadcasts its signal to numerous users. More specifically, the realistic assumptions of imperfect successive interference cancellation (ipSIC) and residual hardware impairments (RHIs) for AmBC–NOMA systems were taken into consideration. We further derived the closed-form and asymptotic expressions of outage probability for the BD and the d-th user. Based on the asymptotic expressions, the diversity orders of the BD and the d-th user were obtained in the high SNR regime. Furthermore, throughput and energy efficiency are further discussed for AmBC-assisted orthogonal multiple access (OMA) systems in the delay-limited transmission model. The numerical results revealed that: (i) AmBC–NOMA systems have the ability to achieve better outage behavior than AmBC–OMA; (ii) due to the existence of the backscatter link, the error floors of outage probability for the BD and the d-th user appear at a high signal-to-noise ratio; (iii) AmBC–NOMA systems are able to achieve higher energy efficiency and throughput than AmBC–OMA systems.
Microencapsulation of Antimicrobial trans-Cinnamaldehyde: Effect of Emulsifier Type, pH, and Drying Technique
Authors: Baghi Fatemeh , Ghnimi Sami , Dumas Emilie , Gharsallaoui Adem
Published: May 2023

Two plant-based emulsifiers, soybean lecithin and pea protein isolate, were studied for their emulsifying and encapsulating capacities of an antimicrobial molecule, trans-cinnamaldehyde (TC), at two different pH values, three and seven, and after drying with two different techniques, spray-drying and freeze-drying. To characterize the obtained capsules, various physicochemical tests were conducted to examine particle size, encapsulation efficiency, thermal and moisture stability, and powder morphology. The spray-dried (SD) and freeze-dried (FD) powders had an average particle size of 8.35 µm and 144.49 µm, respectively. The SD powders showed similar encapsulation efficiency (EE) for soybean lecithin and pea protein isolate with an average value of 95.69%. On the other hand, the FD powders had lower EE compared to SD powders, with an average of 58.01% for lecithin-containing powders and 83.93% for pea-protein-containing powders. However, the water content of FD powders (2.83%) was lower than that of SD powders (4.72%). The powders prepared at pH 3 showed better thermal stability. Morphological analysis showed spherical particles for SD powders and irregular shapes for FD powders. Nanoemulsions as well as dried powders showed interesting antimicrobial activities against Escherichia coli and Listeria innocua, confirming their potential use as natural preservatives in foods.
An Analysis of Optimization for Car PBS Scheduling Based on Greedy Strategy State Transition Algorithm
Authors: Yu Fengxiao , Peng Yipu , Li Jian , Zhou Guangqi , Chen Li
Published: May 2023

The differences in constraints between an automotive painting workshop and a final assembly workshop can lead to production scheduling disruptions, and using the Painted Body Store (PBS) in automotive manufacturing can optimize production scheduling to meet the production requirements of the final assembly workshop. This is achieved by establishing a multi-objective mixed-integer optimization scheduling model for PBS and solving the model using a state transition algorithm based on the greedy strategy; finally, a comparison was made with the classical genetic algorithm. The results show that the optimal objective function is achieved when the body sequence movement iterations for data sets N and R are 34 and 54, respectively. At this point, the highest objective function scores are 23.46 and 49.79, and vehicles entering the PBS scheduling system from the painting-to-assembly line require 31 and 38 sequence adjustments, respectively. Compared with the classical genetic algorithm, the simulation results show that the state transition algorithm based on the greedy strategy is significantly better; it can also perform well in discrete sequence movement operations, demonstrating strong global search capabilities and fast convergence. It provides a new approach for optimizing vehicle scheduling in the automotive painting-to-assembly line.
Predicting Animal Welfare Labels from Pork Fat Using Raman Spectroscopy and Chemometrics
Authors: Szykuła Katarzyna M. , Offermans Tim , Lischtschenko Oliver , Meurs Joris , Guenther Derek , Mattley Yvette , Jaeger Martin , Honing Maarten
Published: May 2023

The awareness of the origin of meat that people consume is rapidly increasing today and with that increases the demand for fast and accurate methods for its distinction. In this work, we present for the first time the application of Raman spectroscopy using a portable spectrometer for the classification of pork. Breeding conditions were distinguished from spectral differences of adipose tissues. The pork samples were obtained from Dutch vendors, from supermarkets with quality marks of 1 and 3 stars, and from a local butcher shop. In total, 60 fat samples were examined using a fiber-optic-coupled Raman spectrometer. Recorded spectra were preprocessed before being subjected to multivariate statistical analysis. An initial data exploration using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed a separation of adipose tissue samples between the lower supermarket quality grade and the samples from the local butcher. Moreover, predictive modeling using Partial Least Squares Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) resulted in 96.67% classification accuracy for all three sources, demonstrating the suitability of the presented method for intraspecies meat classification and the potential on-site use.
Transforming Circe: Latin Influences on the Depiction of a Sorceress in Renaissance Cassone Narratives
Authors: Franklin Margaret
Published: May 2023

This article addresses the use of Latin accounts of Homer’s archetypal sorceress, Circe, in visual narratives constructed to embellish quattrocento marriage chests (cassoni). I argue that Apollonio di Giovanni employed the writings of both ancient (Virgil) and late medieval (Boccaccio) Latin authors to construct a characterization of Circe that rendered her power to transform men into beasts relevant to the functioning of Early Renaissance homes and societies.