bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How to promote the development of a green economy: Talent or technology?—Evidence from China’s high-speed rail
Authors: Kang Dongliang , Zhai Xiaoyi , Chen Fengwen , Wang Wei , Lu Jia
Published: September 2022

The green economy is essential in supporting sustainable economic development and relies on talents and technologies. From the perspective of traditional economic theory, this study explores the impact of high-speed rail and innovation on the green economy from the perspectives of talent and technology. Using the data of 281 prefecture-level cities in China from 2008 to 2018, this study constructs empirical models to discuss the driving factors of the green economy. Empirical results show that high-speed rail and innovation can promote the development of a green economy, and the opening of high-speed rail can strengthen the positive association between innovation and a green economy. The accessibility of high-speed rail improves the flow of talent between different cities and greatly stimulates the positive impact of innovation on green economic activities. In the further test, this study explores the impact of high-speed rail and innovation on the green economy from different dimensions, including government policy, economic strength, and administrative level. During China’s 12th Five-Year Plan, high-speed rail and innovation had a positive impact on the green economy, but the impact of innovation can still be significant after this period. Moreover, the opening of high-speed rail may motivate the migration of talents from developed cities to developing ones, while developed cities can rely on technological advantages to support green economic activities. Furthermore, low-administrative level cities will rely on attracting more talents to promote a green economy due to technological disadvantages. Innovation can play a critical role in enhancing the green economy of cities with high administrative levels. Talents and technology are both important to green economic activities, and the construction of high-speed rail changes the impact of technology on the green economy through the flow of talent. Our findings can explain why the opening of high-speed rail can promote the development of a green economy and effectively help governments achieve the goal of sustainable development.
Moving through adulthood: The lived experience of Irish adults with PKU
Authors: O'Shea Mary-Ellen , Sheehan Gilroy Bernadette , Greaney Anna-Marie , MacDonald Anita
Published: September 2022

Background

This paper represents a portion of the findings from one of the first research studies eliciting the lived experience of adults with an early diagnosis of Phenylketonuria (PKU) living in Ireland. Ireland has one of the highest prevalence rates of PKU in Europe, however, little is known about the experience of Irish adults with PKU. Furthermore, Ireland is one of the first countries in the world to introduce neonatal screening followed by the introduction of long-term dietary therapy over 50 years ago. This study presents the first comprehensive assessment of the lived experience of Irish adults with PKU on long term dietary therapy.

Methods

Narrative data was collected from eleven self-selected participants, using semi-structured interviews. The interviews were divided into five sections focused on eliciting a holistic understanding of the lived experience of adults with PKU living in Ireland. Thematic analysis was guided by Colaizzi's Framework (1978) in conjunction with NVivo qualitative data analysis software.

Findings

Findings from the original research encompassed a broad understanding of the lived experience of adults with PKU living in Ireland, including factors influencing dietary therapy and managing PHE blood levels. The themes being discussed within this article are those which appear to be least represented within current literature: living with PKU, including reproductive health, the importance of self-management and establishing routine, support networks in adulthood and concerns regarding aging with PKU.

Conclusion

It was evident from the findings that a diagnosis of PKU can influence how adults with PKU may experience aging and their own mortality. These findings offer new insight into the vulnerability attached to the experience of aging with PKU and may be beneficial to advocacy groups and for future development of policy and practice.
Affective and cognitive brain-networks are differently integrated in women and men while experiencing compassion
Authors: Rodríguez-Nieto Geraldine , Mercadillo Roberto E. , Pasaye Erick H. , Barrios Fernando A.
Published: September 2022

Different theoretical models have proposed cognitive and affective components in empathy and moral judgments encompassing compassion. Furthermore, gender differences in psychological and neural functions involving empathic and moral processing, as well as compassionate experiences, have been reported. However, the neurobiological function regarding affective and cognitive integration underlying compassion and gender-associated differences has not been investigated. In this study, we aimed to examine the interaction between cognitive and emotional components through functional connectivity analyzes and to explore gender differences for the recruitment and interaction of these components. Thirty-six healthy participants (21–56 years; 21 women) were exposed to social images in an fMRI session to judge whether the stimuli elicited compassion. The results showed a different connectivity pattern for women and men of the insular cortex, the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (dmPFC), the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), and the cingulate cortex. The integration of affective and cognitive components follows a complex functional connectivity pattern that is different for both genders. These differences may indicate that men largely make compassionate judgments based on contextual information, while women tend to notably take internal and introspective processes into account. Women and men can use different affective and cognitive routes that could converge in similar learning of moral values, empathic experiences and compassionate acts.
Depressive symptoms in older adult couples: Associations with dyadic physical health, social engagement, and close friends
Authors: Miller Lyndsey M. , Steele Joel S. , Wu Chao-Yi , Kaye Jeffrey , Dodge Hiroko H. , Gonzales Mitzi M. , Lyons Karen S.
Published: September 2022

Objective

The objective of this study was to examine associations between level of depressive symptoms in older adult spouse/partner couples and their physical health and social factors (social activity and number of close friends).

Methods

Using data from 116 community-dwelling couples (age 76.2 ± 8.5), we simultaneously analyzed associations between depressive symptoms (Geriatric Depression Scale, range 0–11) and dyadic physical health, engagement in social activities, and connectedness with close friends.

Results

Greater engagement in social activities was associated with fewer depressive symptoms in men, whereas more close friendships were associated with fewer depressive symptoms in women, controlling for partner effects, age, education, and cognitive function, with good model fit. Additionally, more disparate physical health within the couple (latent incongruence score) was associated with greater depressive symptoms in men.

Discussion

Less social activity and fewer close friends were associated with depressive symptoms in older adult couples, but may be distinctly influential depending on gender and in the context of the older adult couple's physical health.
Modeling the health impact of legislation to limit the salt content of bread in Portugal: A macro simulation study
Authors: Goiana-da-Silva Francisco , Cruz-e-Silva David , Rito Ana , Lopes Carla , Muc Magdalena , Darzi Ara , Araújo Fernando , Miraldo Marisa , Morais Nunes Alexandre , Allen Luke N.
Published: September 2022

Background

Excessive salt consumption—associated with a range of adverse health outcomes—is very high in Portugal, and bread is the second largest source. Current Portuguese legislation sets a maximum limit of 1.4 g salt per 100 g bread, but imported and traditional breads are exempted. In 2017 the Ministry of Health proposed reducing the salt threshold to 1.0/100 g by 2022, however the legislation was vetoed by the European Commission on free-trade grounds.

Aims

To estimate the health impact of subjecting imported and traditional breads to the current 1.4 g threshold, and to model the potential health impact of implementing the proposed 1.0 g threshold.

Methods

We gathered bread sales, salt consumption, and epidemiological data from robust publicly available data sources. We used the open source WHO PRIME modeling tool to estimate the number of salt-related deaths that would have been averted in 2016 (the latest year for which all data were available) from; (1) Extending the 1.4 g threshold to all types of bread, and (2) Applying the 1.0 g threshold to all bread sold in Portugal. We used Monte Carlo simulations to generate confidence intervals.

Results

Applying the current 1.4 g threshold to imported and traditional bread would have averted 107 deaths in 2016 (95% CI: 43–172). Lowering the current threshold from 1.4 to 1.0 g and applying it to all bread products would reduce daily salt consumption by 3.6 tons per day, saving an estimated 286 lives a year (95% CI: 123–454).

Conclusions

Salt is an important risk factor in Portugal and bread is a major source. Lowering maximum permissible levels and removing exemptions would save lives. The European Commission should revisit its decision on the basis of this new evidence.
Equity in maternal and child health care utilization in Guangdong province of China 2009–2019: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhu Yingxian , Liu Jia , Ma Yuanzhu , Birch Stephen
Published: September 2022

Background

Equity is the principal challenge of maternal and child health care (MCH) across the world, especially in China. Existing researches focused on equity in MCH resources and outcomes. There is an evidence gap regarding equity of MCH services utilization, revealing the black box between equity in MCH resources and MCH outcomes. In the study, we evaluate the changes of equity in integrated MCH service utilization in Guangdong province of China during 2009–2019.

Methods

Data used in this study are from the Guangdong Maternal and Child Health Routine Reporting System and the Guangdong Health Statistical Yearbook (2009–2019). The Gini coefficient (G) and Theil index (T) were employed to assess equity and source of inequity in four geographic regions of Guangdong province.

Results

Generally, among the integrated MCH care, coverage of pre-pregnancy care (<50%) is lower than in other stages. In the past decade, inequity of MCH care in the Equalization of Essential Public Health Service (EEPHS) program has gradually reduced to G < 0.1. Screening of genetic metabolic disease and of hearing showed largest reductions of inequity (G reducing from 0.3–0.4 to 0.03–0.04). Inequity in reproductive health tests for brides-to-be, psychological assessment and consultation, education classes for mother-to-be and health management of children under 3 were mainly contributed by intra-region disparities in 2019.

Conclusion

Equity has gradually improved in the last decade in Guangdong. The national EEPHS program and the Integrated Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV, Syphilis and HBV of Guangdong have played important roles in reducing inequity in MCH service utilization. Further strategies, targeting pre-pregnancy reproductive healthcare, psychological assessments and consultations for the pregnant and education classes for mothers-to-be, should be taken to promote coverage and equity.
An evolutionary game-theoretic analysis of construction workers' unsafe behavior: Considering incentive and risk loss
Authors: Huang Jianling , Wu Yidan , Han Yang , Yin Yang , Gao Guangbo , Chen Huihua
Published: September 2022

The behavior of construction workers has a significant impact on the overall safety climate of a project. The purpose of this paper is to figure out the evolutionary pattern of workers' unsafe behavior and to minimize its occurrence. We constructed a two-sided evolutionary game model consisting of workers and managers to explore the focal point of interest, strategy equilibrium conditions, and behavior evolution process. The experimental results of stability analysis and system dynamics show that there are two stable states in all four cases, (Safe behavior, Negative management) as well as (Unsafe behavior, Negative management). The lower the initial willingness of workers to behave unsafely, the faster they reach a safe steady state. By contrast, managers' strategy choices have a certain lag. Workers are discouraged from choosing unsafe behavior under both the positive incentive of raising bonuses and the negative incentive of raising fines. And the sensitivity of the two incentives is similar. For indirect effect risk loss, when it is effectively controlled during safe construction, workers quickly gravitate toward safe behavior. These findings provide a reference for construction safety management. Several practical suggestions were proposed from three perspectives: the worker, the manager, and the site safety climate, focus on the theme of reducing unsafe behavior and achieving a virtuous cycle of safety climate.
Paradoxes in practices of inclusion in physical education
Authors: van Doodewaard Corina , Knoppers Annelies
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this paper was to explore how high school PE teachers create norms for inclusion based on gender as it intersected with ethnicity, ability, and effort.
Detection of chronic wasting disease in feces and recto-anal mucosal associated lymphoid tissues with RT-QuIC in a naturally infected farmed white-tailed deer herd
Authors: Tewari Deepanker , Fasnacht Melinda , Ritzman Margaret , Livengood Julia , Bower Jessica , Lehmkuhl Aaron , Nichols Tracy , Hamberg Alex , Brightbill Kevin , Henderson Davin
Published: September 2022

Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is an infectious prion disease affecting the cervids, including white-tailed deer (WTD) (Odocoileus virginianus). CWD is typically diagnosed postmortem in farmed cervids by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Amplification-based detection methods are newer generation tests currently being evaluated to improve the detection of prion disease. In addition to improving sensitivity, antemortem detection by amplification assays is a focus for improving disease control and management. In this study, we evaluate the use of real-time quaking-induced conversion (RT-QuIC) to detect CWD in fecal and recto-anal mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue (RAMALT) samples from naturally infected farmed WTD herds at postmortem. We successfully detected the presence of CWD prions in WTD RAMALT with a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 85.7% (n = 71) and in feces with a specificity of 100% and a sensitivity of 60% (n = 69), utilizing RT-QuIC on samples collected postmortem. Seeding activity detected in RAMALT (15.3 ± 4.2%, n = 18) was much stronger than in feces (44.4 ± 4.2%, n = 15), as measured by cycle threshold (Ct) and rise in relative fluorescence in samples collected from the same WTD. Prion detection in the RAMALT (94.7%) and feces (70.5%) was highest when both obex and retropharyngeal lymph nodes (RPLNs) were positive for CWD via IHC. In the study group, we were also able to test prion protein gene variants and associated disease susceptibility. A majority of tested WTD were the CWD genotype (96 GG) and also harbored the highest percentage of positive animals (43.7%). The second highest population of WTD was the genotype 96 GS and had a CWD positivity rate of 37.5%. Each of these groups showed no difference in RAMALT or fecal detection of CWD.
Pequeñas y medianas empresas latinoamericanas: Dificultades de Internacionalización
Authors: Peralta-Jiménez Nicole Carolina , Tonon-Ordóñez Luis Bernardo
Published: September 2022

Para las pequeñas y medianas empresas, Pymes, nacidas en Latinoamérica, internacionalizarse puede representar dificultades. A fin de crear un aporte a la literatura existente sobre el tema y una base para la generación de nuevos conocimientos, se realizó una revisión sistemática sobre estas dificultades. A partir de las bases de datos: Scopus, Scielo, Elsevier y Redalyc se logró obtener 880 resultados, correspondientes al periodo comprendido entre los años 2000 y 2021, con excepciones puntuales. Estos resultados se filtraron para obtener una lista final de 67 fuentes, cuyo contenido contribuyó a la comprensión de la temática planteada. Determinando así, que, las principales dificultades con las que se pueden encontrar estas Pymes nacidas en países de América Latina y el Caribe son; financiamiento poco disponible; un marco jurídico mal regulado e instituciones poco estables, lo que genera inseguridad para los inversionistas potenciales; innovación insuficiente, resistencia a la transformación y poco conocimiento sobre el mercado; y escaso acceso a personal debidamente cualificado.
Comportamiento del consumidor: Estudio bibliométrico de la base de datos Scopus 2011-2021
Authors: Saravia-Ramos Giuliana del Pilar , Palomino-Flores Javier Valentino , Mercado-Hermenegildo Arturo , Pichilingue-Romero Jean Von Uwe
Published: September 2022

Este estudio es una revisión bibliométrica del comportamiento del consumidor, que surgió ante la falta de una exploración bibliográfica actualizada sobre esta temática. Actualmente, el interés por esta información es evidente, lo que muestra la tendencia de crecimiento y la oportunidad de una nueva gestión del conocimiento. Por ello, se realizó esta investigación, que incluyó una revisión exhaustiva de la base de datos internacional y multidisciplinar Scopus (Elsevier) entre los años 2011 y 2021, donde se analizaron los temas más relevantes e importantes, los autores más citados y las teorías más utilizadas. Esta recopilación bibliográfica consideró el término "comportamiento del consumidor" para realizar una búsqueda sin restricciones, que obtuvo 45 resultados; y luego se utilizó el término “consumer behavior” para realizar otra indagación, incluyendo todos los documentos contenidos en Scopus, independientemente de la época o área temática, la cual obtuvo un total de 82.745 resultados. Finalmente, se ejecutó un filtro por título de artículo y por temporalidad (2011 – 2021) para optimizar los resultados, donde se hallaron 1258 documentos, que se exportaron en formato CSV para su posterior procesamiento estadístico. Este análisis tiene como objetivo facilitar y contribuir a las futuras investigaciones, además busca generar nuevas oportunidades temáticas para diversas áreas de investigación bibliométrica en marketing.
Projection onto the Set of Rank-Constrained Structured Matrices for Reduced-Order Controller Design
Authors: Nagahara Masaaki , Iwai Yu , Sebe Noboru
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we propose an efficient numerical computation method of reduced-order controller design for linear time-invariant systems. The design problem is described by linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) with a rank constraint on a structured matrix, due to which the problem is non-convex. Instead of the heuristic method that approximates the matrix rank by the nuclear norm, we propose a numerical projection onto the rank-constrained set based on the alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM). Then the controller is obtained by alternating projection between the rank-constrained set and the LMI set. We show the effectiveness of the proposed method compared with existing heuristic methods, by using 95 benchmark models from the COMPLeib library.
Fed-DeepONet: Stochastic Gradient-Based Federated Training of Deep Operator Networks
Authors: Moya Christian , Lin Guang
Published: September 2022

The Deep Operator Network (DeepONet) framework is a different class of neural network architecture that one trains to learn nonlinear operators, i.e., mappings between infinite-dimensional spaces. Traditionally, DeepONets are trained using a centralized strategy that requires transferring the training data to a centralized location. Such a strategy, however, limits our ability to secure data privacy or use high-performance distributed/parallel computing platforms. To alleviate such limitations, in this paper, we study the federated training of DeepONets for the first time. That is, we develop a framework, which we refer to as Fed-DeepONet, that allows multiple clients to train DeepONets collaboratively under the coordination of a centralized server. To achieve Fed-DeepONets, we propose an efficient stochastic gradient-based algorithm that enables the distributed optimization of the DeepONet parameters by averaging first-order estimates of the DeepONet loss gradient. Then, to accelerate the training convergence of Fed-DeepONets, we propose a moment-enhanced (i.e., adaptive) stochastic gradient-based strategy. Finally, we verify the performance of Fed-DeepONet by learning, for different configurations of the number of clients and fractions of available clients, (i) the solution operator of a gravity pendulum and (ii) the dynamic response of a parametric library of pendulums.
Research on Joint Ground Movement Optimization Based on Bilevel Programming
Authors: Sun Ruofei , Li Jie , Niu Kexin , Tian Yong , Xu Can
Published: September 2022

Requirements of digitization, intellectualization, and integration for the programming and management of air transportation have been recommended as information technology booms. A variety of single ground movement optimization problems have been discussed with few taking the impact of other segments into account. In this research, bilevel programming is applied to simultaneously consider three problems including the gate assignment, taxi path scheduling, and pushback time delay. For evaluating the strategy of gate assignment and measuring its connection with taxiing comprehensively, an auxiliary variable and the matching degree of gate and aircraft are introduced. In addition, an algorithm incorporating the genetic algorithm and routing algorithm is designed to obtain a solution with satisfactory performance in both taxi time and conflict risk. The scheme obtained also assigns aircraft to gates more appropriately and maintains the characteristics of environmental protection as well as high efficiency, showing considerable reliability in practice.
Digitalization and Quantitative Flow Visualization of Surrounding Flow over a Specially-Shaped Column-Frame by Luminescent Mini-Tufts Method
Authors: Ma Shuang , Chen Lin
Published: September 2022

The luminescent mini-tufts method is widely used for flow visualization for quantitative field analysis. A set of numerical methods for digitalization of 3D surfaces surrounding flows with luminescent mini-tufts has been developed in this study. The procedure includes digital image pre-processing, mini-tufts recognition, mean field mini-tufts calculation, inclination angle calculation, oscillation area calculation, etc. The model is subjected to a newly proposed digitalization method and realized by in-house code. The time mean angle’s changing mode, along the mini-tuft, are analyzed, which shows that the mini-tuft follows the inflow well. The transient oscillation of mini-tufts is observed as well, which shows that on the middle part of the irregularity cylinder, the flow oscillates more intensively.
Intraspecific Variability and Distribution Difference within the Ribosomal Introns of the Discrete Plasmodiophora brassicae Group in Japan: A Case Study for Complex Dynamics of Intron Evolution
Authors: Lam Anh Tung Phan , Sasaki Kazunori , Yanagi Yukiko , Tanaka Shuhei , Ito Shin-ichi
Published: September 2022

Analysis of the ribosomal introns of Plasmodiophora brassicae populations infecting the cruciferous weed Cardamine occulta revealed the complex dynamics of size, intraspecific variability, and distribution. The results showed that P. brassicae populations from the weed have lost multiple introns in the small and large subunits of the ribosomal RNA genes. Moreover, the retained introns, despite a largely mutual share of conserved parts with the cosmopolitan strains, contained numerous novel structures. These structural differences comprise a high level of polymorphisms, such as transversion point mutations occurring at sites involving the intronic splicing sites or insertions/deletions at the binding sites. Two geographical P. brassicae populations from C. occulta carried a lengthy intron-encoded ORF and putative mobile elements established in the large subunit. A few P. brassicae populations from the Brassica crops also harbored polymorphic introns that shared common mutated motifs with the weed-affecting group. The diversity of ribosomal introns observed from those investigated populations demonstrated the genetic distinction of the P. brassicae populations from C. occulta. The genetic variations might play a key role in the adaptability of the weed-infecting populations and are more likely related to the process of pathogenesis for the cosmopolitan P. brassicae infecting the Brassica crops.
First Report of Septicaemic Listeriosis in a Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) Stranded along the Adriatic Coast: Strain Detection and Sequencing
Authors: Di Renzo Ludovica , De Angelis Maria Elisabetta , Torresi Marina , Di Lollo Valeria , Di Teodoro Giovanni , Averaimo Daniela , Defourny Sabrina Vanessa Patrizia , Di Giacinto Federica , Profico Chiara , Olivieri Vincenzo , Pomilio Francesco , Cammà Cesare , Ferri Nicola , Di Francesco Gabriella
Published: September 2022

Although there are increasing reports on the prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes in wild species, this is the first case of listeriosis in sea turtle. An adult female Caretta caretta was rescued after being stranded alive along the coast of the Abruzzo region (Italy) in summer 2021. The turtle died in 6 days due to respiratory failure. The necropsy showed widespread organ lesions, such as yellow foci of necrosis in many organs, gastrointestinal erosions, pericarditis, and granulomatous pneumonia. Microbiological and histological analyses were performed on several organs. Listeria monocytogenes was isolated from multiple organs, indicating a case of septicaemic listeriosis, and the genome was sequenced and characterized. All the colonies analysed belonged to the same strain serogroup IVb, ST388, and CC388.
chi-miR-99b-3p Regulates the Proliferation of Goat Skeletal Muscle Satellite Cells In Vitro by Targeting Caspase-3 and NCOR1
Authors: Liao Rongrong , Lv Yuhua , Dai Jianjun , Zhang Defu , Zhu Lihui , Lin Yuexia
Published: September 2022

We previously found that chi-miR-99b-3p was highly expressed in the skeletal muscle of 7-month-old (rapid growth period) goats and speculated that it may be associated with muscle development. To further investigate the role of chi-miR-99b-3p in goats, we found that chi-miR-99b-3p acted as a myogenic miRNA in the regulation of skeletal muscle development. Dual-luciferase reporter assays, qRT-PCR, and Western blot results confirmed that Caspase-3 and nuclear receptor corepressor 1 were direct targets for chi-miR-99b-3p as their expression was inhibited by this miR. Cell proliferation and qRT-PCR assays showed that chi-miR-99b-3p promoted proliferation through relevant targets and intrinsic apoptosis-related genes in goat skeletal muscle satellite cells (SMSCs), whereas inhibition of chi-miR-99b-3p had the opposite effect. Furthermore, integrative transcriptomic analysis revealed that overexpression of chi-miR-99b-3p induced various differentially expressed (DE) genes mainly associated with the cell cycle, relaxin signaling pathway, DNA replication, and protein digestion and absorption. Notably, most of the cell-cycle-related genes were downregulated in SMSCs after miR-99b-3p upregulation, including the pro-apoptosis-related gene BCL2. In addition, 47 DE miRNAs (16 upregulated and 31 downregulated) were determined by Small RNA-sequencing in SMSCs after chi-miR-99b-3p overexpression. Based on the KEGG enrichment analysis, we found that these DE miRNAs were involved in the biological pathways associated with the DE genes. Our study demonstrated that chi-miR-99b-3p was an effective facilitator of goat SMSCs and provided new insights into the mechanisms by which miRNAs regulate skeletal muscle growth in goats.
Mapping Soil and Pasture Attributes for Buffalo Management through Remote Sensing and Geostatistics in Amazon Biome
Authors: Valente Gislayne Farias , Ferraz Gabriel Araújo e Silva , Santana Lucas Santos , Ferraz Patrícia Ferreira Ponciano , Mariano Daiane de Cinque , dos Santos Crissogno Mesquita , Okumura Ricardo Shigueru , Simonini Stefano , Barbari Matteo , Rossi Giuseppe
Published: September 2022

The mapping of pastures can serve to increase productivity and reduce deforestation, especially in Amazon Biome regions. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to explore precision agriculture technologies for assessing the spatial variations of soil pH and biomass indicators (i.e., Dry Matter, DM; and Green Matter, GM). An experiment was conducted in an area cultivated with Panicum maximum (Jacq.) cv. Mombaça in a rotational grazing system for dairy buffaloes in the eastern Amazon. Biomass and soil samples were collected in a 10 m × 10 m grid, with a total of 196 georeferenced points. The data were analyzed by semivariogram and then mapped by Kriging interpolation. In addition, a variability analysis was performed, applying both the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and Normalized Difference Water Index (NDWI) derived from satellite remote sensing data. The Kriging mapping between DM and pH at 0.30 m depth demonstrated the best correlation. The vegetative index mapping showed that the NDVI presented a better performance in pastures with DM production above 5.42 ton/ha−1. In contrast, DM and GM showed low correlations with the NDWI. The possibility of applying a variable rate within the paddocks was evidenced through geostatistical mapping of soil pH. With this study, we contribute to understanding the necessary premises for utilizing remote sensing data for pasture variable analysis.
Stress-Induced Immunosuppression Affects Immune Response to Newcastle Disease Virus Vaccine via Circulating miRNAs
Authors: Tian Yufei , Liu Yang , Wang Qiuyuan , Wen Jie , Wu Yiru , Han Jianwei , Man Chaolai
Published: September 2022

Studies have shown that circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are important players in the immune response and stress-induced immunosuppression. However, the function and mechanism of stress-induced immunosuppression affecting the immune response to the Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccine remain largely unknown. This study analyzed the changes of 15 NDV-related circulating miRNAs at different immune stages by qRT-PCR, aiming to explore the key timepoints, potential biomarkers, and mechanisms for the functional regulation of candidate circulating miRNAs under immunosuppressed conditions. The results showed that stress-induced immunosuppression induced differential expressions of the candidate circulating miRNAs, especially at 2 days post immunization (dpi), 14 dpi, and 28 dpi. In addition, stress-induced immunosuppression significantly affected the immune response to NDV vaccine, which was manifested by significant changes in candidate circulating miRNAs at 2 dpi, 5 dpi, and 21 dpi. The featured expressions of candidate circulating miRNAs indicated their potential application as biomarkers in immunity and immunosuppression. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the candidate circulating miRNAs possibly regulated immune function through key targeted genes, such as Mg2+/Mn2+-dependent 1A (PPM1A) and Nemo-like kinase (NLK), in the MAPK signaling pathway. This study provides a theoretical reference for studying the function and mechanism of circulating miRNAs in immune regulation.
GPS Tracking to Monitor the Spatiotemporal Dynamics of Cattle Behavior and Their Relationship with Feces Distribution
Authors: Hassan-Vásquez Jessica A. , Maroto-Molina Francisco , Guerrero-Ginel José E.
Published: September 2022

The sustainability of agrosilvopastoral systems, e.g., dehesas, is threatened. It is necessary to deepen the knowledge of grazing and its environmental impact. Precision livestock farming (PLF) technologies pose an opportunity to monitor production practices and their effects, improving decision-making to avoid or reduce environmental damage. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of the data provided by commercial GPS collars, together with information about farm characteristics and weather conditions, to characterize the distribution of cattle dung in paddocks, paying special attention to the identification of hotspots with an excessive nutrient load. Seven animals were monitored with smart collars on a dehesa farm located in Cordoba, Spain. Dung deposition was recorded weekly in 90 sampling plots (78.5 m2) distributed throughout the paddock. Grazing behavior and animal distribution were analyzed in relation to several factors, such as terrain slope, insolation or distance to water. Animal presence in sampling plots, expressed as fix, trajectory segment or time counting, was regressed with dung distribution. Cattle showed a preference for flat terrain and areas close to water, with selection indices of 0.30 and 0.46, respectively. The accumulated animal presence during the experimental period explained between 51.9 and 55.4% of the variance of dung distribution, depending on the indicator used, but other factors, such as distance to water, canopy cover or ambient temperature, also had a significant effect on the spatiotemporal dynamics of dung deposition. Regression models, including GPS data, showed determination coefficients up to 82.8% and were able to detect hotspots of dung deposition. These results are the first step in developing a decision support tool aimed at managing the distribution of dung in pastures and its environmental effects.
Development of a ZTD Vertical Profile Model Considering the Spatiotemporal Variation of Height Scale Factor with Different Reanalysis Products in China
Authors: Wang Xin , Zhu Ge , Huang Liangke , Wang Haoyu , Yang Yunzhen , Li Junyu , Huang Ling , Zhou Lv , Liu Lilong
Published: September 2022

Tropospheric delay is one of the key factors that may affect high-precision satellite navigation and positioning and water vapor retrieval performance. Its variation in the vertical direction is much greater than that in the horizontal direction. Therefore, the vertical profile model of zenith total delay (ZTD) is important for the spatial interpolation of high-precision ZTD products and the development of ZTD models. However, in China, low spatial and temporal resolutions remain persistent in ZTD vertical profile models and limit their application. In this study, ZTD vertical profile grid models (CZTD-H model: CZTD-HM and CZTD-HE models) were developed by considering the time-varying height scale factor for China and employing ZTD layered profile information with high temporal-spatial resolution calculated using MERRA-2 data and ERA5 data based on the integration method during 2012–2016. The CZTD-H model accuracy was verified using the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) data acquired from the Crustal Movement Observation Network of China (CMONOC) and radiosonde data as reference and was compared with the canonical GPT3 model accuracy. The applicability of CZTD-HM and CZTD-HE models was discussed. The results showed that: (1) CZTD-HM and CZTD-HE models exhibited excellent performance for ZTD layered vertical interpolation in northwestern and southeastern China, respectively. Among ZTD layered profiles from 84 radiosonde stations, the RMSE of ZTD data interpolated using CZTD-HM and CZTD-HE models improved by 12.9/16.23% and 13.8/17.16% compared with GPT3-1 and GPT3-5 models, respectively. (2) The CZTD-H model maintained high performance for the spatial interpolation of GGOS grid ZTD data. Validation with ZTD data from 249 GNSS stations showed that the RMSEs of both CZTD-HM and CZTD-HE models improved by 2.8 mm (19.7%) and 2.6 mm (18.6%) compared with those of the GPT3-1 and GPT3-5 models, respectively. The CZTD-HE model showed excellent performance in summer among all the models. Only the location and day of the year were required for the application of the CZTD-H model, which showed excellent ZTD vertical correction performance in China. With the different performances of the CZTD-HE and CZTD-HM models in China, the ERA5 model can be recommended for practical applications. Therefore, these results can provide a reference for the data source selection of ZTD vertical profile model construction on the basis of high-precision reanalysis data, GNSS real-time high-precision positioning, and GNSS meteorology in China.
A Multi Criteria Decision Analysis Approach for Regional Climate Model Selection and Future Climate Assessment in the Mono River Basin, Benin and Togo
Authors: Hounguè Nina Rholan , Almoradie Adrian Delos Santos , Evers Mariele
Published: September 2022

Regional climate models (RCMs) are key in the current context of global warming, and they are increasingly used to support decision-making and to identify adaptation measures in response to climate change. However, considering the wide range of available RCMs, it is important to identify the most suitable ones prior to climate impact studies, especially at small scales like catchments. In this study, a multicriteria decision analysis approach, namely the technique for order preferences by similarity to an ideal solution (TOPSIS) was applied to select the best performing RCMs in the Mono River Basin of Benin and Togo (West Africa). The TOPSIS method was used to systematically rank 15 RCMs accessed from the coordinated regional downscaling experiment (CORDEX) database. Six RCMs were finally selected and averaged into an ensemble to assess the future climate in the Mono River Basin until 2070 compared to the period 1966–2015. Two climate change scenarios, RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, were considered. The results show that under both climate change scenarios, the annual temperature has an increasing trend during the period 1966–2070, whereas annual rainfall for the next 50 years presents high variability and no statistically significant trend. Furthermore, seasonal cycles of rainfall are expected to change in the different parts of the catchment with delayed onset of rainfall, longer dry seasons, and rainfall intensification. In response to the projected changes, impact studies and risk assessments need to be carried out to evaluate potential implications for human security in the Mono River Basin and to provide adequate adaptation measures.
Mild Positive Pressure Improves the Efficacy of Benzalkonium Chloride against Staphylococcus aureus Biofilm
Authors: Tahir Shamaila , Emanuel Sarah , Inglis David W. , Vickery Karen , Deva Anand K. , Hu Honghua
Published: September 2022

Current protocols using liquid disinfectants to disinfect heat-sensitive hospital items frequently fail, as evidenced by the continued isolation of bacteria following decontamination. The contamination is, in part, due to biofilm formation. We hypothesize that mild positive pressure (PP) will disrupt this biofilm structure and improve liquid disinfectant/detergent penetration to biofilm bacteria for improved killing. Staphylococcus aureus biofilm, grown on polycarbonate coupons in the biofilm reactor under shear at 35 °C for 3 days, was treated for 10 min and 60 min with various dilutions of benzalkonium chloride without PP at 1 atmosphere (atm), and with PP at 3, 5, 7, and 10 atm. The effect on biofilm and residual bacterial viability was determined by standard plate counts, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Combined use of benzalkonium chloride and PP up to 10 atm significantly increased biofilm killing up to 4.27 logs, as compared to the treatment using disinfectant alone. Microscopy results were consistent with the viability plate count results. PP improved disinfectant efficacy against bacterial biofilm. The use of mild PP is possible in many flow situations or if equipment/contaminated surfaces can be placed in a pressure chamber.
A Protein Microarray-Based Respiratory Viral Antigen Testing Platform for COVID-19 Surveillance
Authors: Beck Sungjun , Nakajima Rie , Jasinskas Algis , Abram Timothy J. , Kim Sun Jin , Bigdeli Nader , Tifrea Delia F. , Hernandez-Davies Jenny , Huw Davies D. , Hedde Per Niklas , Felgner Philip L. , Zhao Weian
Published: September 2022

High-throughput and rapid screening testing is highly desirable to effectively combat the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic co-presents with influenza and seasonal common cold epidemics. Here, we present a general workflow for iterative development and validation of an antibody-based microarray assay for the detection of a respiratory viral panel: (a) antibody screening to quickly identify optimal reagents and assay conditions, (b) immunofluorescence assay design including signal amplification for low viral titers, (c) assay characterization with recombinant proteins, inactivated viral samples and clinical samples, and (d) multiplexing to detect a panel of common respiratory viruses. Using RT-PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 positive and negative pharyngeal swab samples, we demonstrated that the antibody microarray assay exhibited a clinical sensitivity and specificity of 77.2% and 100%, respectively, which are comparable to existing FDA-authorized antigen tests. Moreover, the microarray assay is correlated with RT-PCR cycle threshold (Ct) values and is particularly effective in identifying high viral titers. The multiplexed assay can selectively detect SARS-CoV-2 and influenza virus, which can be used to discriminate these viral infections that share similar symptoms. Such protein microarray technology is amenable for scale-up and automation and can be broadly applied as a both diagnostic and research tool.
Detection of Pb2+ in Tea Using Aptamer Labeled with AIEgen Nanospheres Based on MOFs Sensors
Authors: Gao Li , Deng Yixi , Liu Haolu , Solomon King , Zhang Bianjiang , Cai Huimei
Published: September 2022

Tea is an important economic crop and health beverage in China. The presence of heavy metal ions in tea poses a significant threat to public health. Here, we prepared an aptamer biosensor labelled with AIEgen nanospheres to detect Pb2+ in tea. The dsDNA modified by amino and phosphoric acid was combined with the carboxylated AIEgen NPs to form AIEgen-DNA with a fluorescence group, which was then fixed to the surface of Zr-MOFs to quench the fluorescence of AIEgen NPs. At the same time, PEG was added to remove nonspecific adsorption. Then Pb2+ was added to cut the DNA sequences containing the cutting sites, and AIEgen NPs and part of the DNA sequences were separated from the Zr-MOFs surface to recover the fluorescence. By comparing the fluorescence changes before and after adding Pb2+, the detection limit of Pb2+ can reach 1.70 nM. The fluorescence sensor was applied to detect Pb2+ in tea, and the detection results showed that the tea purchased on the market did not contain the concentration of Pb2+ within the detection range. This study provides new insights into monitoring food and agriculture-related pollutants based on fluorescent biosensors.
EEG Evaluation in a Neuropsychological Intervention Program Based on Virtual Reality in Adults with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Muñoz Daniela , Barria Patricio , Cifuentes Carlos A. , Aguilar Rolando , Baleta Karim , Azorín José M. , Múnera Marcela
Published: September 2022

Nowadays, several strategies for treating neuropsychologic function loss in Parkinson’s disease (PD) have been proposed, such as physical activity performance and developing games to exercise the mind. However, few studies illustrate the incidence of these therapies in neuronal activity. This work aims to study the feasibility of a virtual reality-based program oriented to the cognitive functions’ rehabilitation of PD patients. For this, the study was divided into intervention with the program, acquisition of signals, data processing, and results analysis. The alpha and beta bands’ power behavior was determined by evaluating the electroencephalography (EEG) signals obtained during the execution of control tests and games of the “Hand Physics Lab” Software, from which five games related to attention, planning, and sequencing, concentration, and coordination were taken. Results showed the characteristic performance of the cerebral bands during resting states and activity states. In addition, it was determined that the beta band increased its activity in all the cerebral lobes in all the tested games (p-value < 0.05). On the contrary, just one game exhibited an adequate performance of the alpha band activity of the temporal and frontal lobes (p-value < 0.02). Furthermore, the visual attention and the capacity to process and interpret the information given by the surroundings was favored during the execution of trials (p-value < 0.05); thus, the efficacy of the virtual reality program to recover cognitive functions was verified. The study highlights implementing new technologies to rehabilitate people with neurodegenerative diseases.
Validating a Portable Device for Blinking Analyses through Laboratory Neurophysiological Techniques
Authors: Paparella Giulia , De Biase Alessandro , Cannavacciuolo Antonio , Colella Donato , Passaretti Massimiliano , Angelini Luca , Guerra Andrea , Berardelli Alfredo , Bologna Matteo
Published: September 2022

Blinking analysis contributes to the understanding of physiological mechanisms in healthy subjects as well as the pathophysiological mechanisms of neurological diseases. To date, blinking is assessed by various neurophysiological techniques, including electromyographic (EMG) recordings and optoelectronic motion analysis. We recorded eye-blink kinematics with a new portable device, the EyeStat (Generation 3, blinktbi, Inc., Charleston, SC, USA), and compared the measurements with data obtained using traditional laboratory-based techniques. Sixteen healthy adults underwent voluntary, spontaneous, and reflex blinking recordings using the EyeStat device and the SMART motion analysis system (BTS, Milan, Italy). During the blinking recordings, the EMG activity was recorded from the orbicularis oculi muscles using surface electrodes. The blinking data were analyzed through dedicated software and evaluated with repeated-measure analyses of variance. The Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient served to assess possible associations between the EyeStat device, the SMART motion system, and the EMG data. We found that the EMG data collected during the EyeStat and SMART system recordings did not differ. The blinking data recorded with the EyeStat showed a linear relationship with the results obtained with the SMART system (r ranging from 0.85 to 0.57; p ranging from <0.001 to 0.02). These results demonstrate a high accuracy and reliability of a blinking analysis through this portable device, compared with standard techniques. EyeStat may make it easier to record blinking in research activities and in daily clinical practice, thus allowing large-scale studies in healthy subjects and patients with neurological diseases in an outpatient clinic setting.