bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of the pyrogenic factor on natural ecosystems of «Podilski Tovtry» National Nature Park
Authors: Mudrak O. , Andrusiak D.
Published: December 2022

«Podilski Tovtry» is the largest national nature park in Ukraine, covering an area of 261,316 hectares, it stands out among all other parks for its dense population. There are 196 rural settlements, 4 villages and 1 city on the territory of the park. A significant number of them have direct contact with protected objects — botanical reserves, geological and botanical monuments of nature. Anthropogenic pressure is significant, human intervention in the functioning of natural ecosystems is active. This situation is aggravated by the influence of the pyrogenic factor. Fires that occur with constant periodicity can at any moment develop to catastrophic proportions for the diversity of the park’s ecosystems. Research shows that the ecological impact of fires in the national park is complex, and possible changes in the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil and microclimatic conditions do not provide good prospects for the preservation of flora and fauna, which leads to their loss. In addition, fires directly affect air quality due to the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere as a result of incomplete combustion of biomass. As a result of water and air migration, geological monuments of nature are further transferred to the nearby wetlands and hydroecosystems of the Dniester River, which contributes to their destruction. Based on the calculation of the integral risk, taking into account the weighting factors of the most unfavorable conditions and factors that determine the maximum risk, it was determined that the share of the anthropogenic factor is decisive (65%) in the occurrence of fires in the NNP «PodilskiTovtry». To the greatest extent, it depends on the presence of nearby rural settlements in the absence of a fire monitoring network and distance from fire stations. Taking into account the features of the terrain, the inaccessibility of certain areas of the park, fires can develop rapidly, covering large areas in minutes. On the basis of the conducted research, it is proposed to carry out calculations of the risks of fire occurrence and spread for each individual object of the nature reserve fund, which will become the information basis for the construction of electronic vector maps of the assessment and forecast of the fire hazard of the entire territory of the NNP «PodilskiTovtry».
Space-time analysis of the phytocenotic cover of the mining and industrial landscapes of the right-bank forest-steppe
Authors: Mudrak O. , Mahdiichuk A.
Published: December 2022

In the proposed article we highlight the peculiarities of the formation of phytocenotic cover within the limits of quarry-dumping complexes of mining and industrial landscapes of Right-Bank Forest-Steppe. It was determined, that the formation of such anthropogenic landscapes depends on the general natural conditions of the territories, production features and the method of mineral extraction. According to the definition of T.A. Rabotnov, within the formed manmade substrates, the emergence of primary succession is possible due to the presence of plant rudiments in the deposits or the ingress of plant diaspores from the outside, which distribution is directly depends on the individual ecotopic conditions within the pits. Therefore, the purpose of our research is to determine the influence of ecotopic conditions on the formation of phytocenotic cover of the mining and industrial landscapes of the Right-Bank Forest-Steppe (on the example of the Andriykovetskyy sand quarry). In order to explore the trends and rates of changes in this area, the dynamics with using photos from different years was determined and landscape maps were created. The Andriykovetskyy sand quarry is a part of the deposits of the Sarmatian layer — the lower geological layer of the upper Miocene of the Neogene period. The investigated territory is characterized by sharp differences in altitude compared to the surrounding agro-ecosystems of related agricultural lands. Breaches, which were caused by mineral extraction processes, are marked by the formed man-made accumulative relief. In the structure of the mining landscape, we highlight the next main areas: the hilly monolithic bottom of the sandpit without vegetation; steep (up to 80°) sandy walls of the quarry without vegetation; hilly loamy-sandy surfaces overgrown with cereal vegetation and various herbs; micro-bumpy surface of sandy loam dumps overgrown with ruderal vegetation; slopes of sandy-loam dumps overgrown with ruderal vegetation, trees and bushes; shaft-shaped embankments overgrown with cereal vegetation and bushes; microbumpy ledges of overburden rocks, overgrown with grass-cereal vegetation and single trees; sloping surfaces overgrown with various herbaceous vegetation; low-lying areas with sufficient moisture, overgrown with moisture-loving vegetation; sandy and loamy areas within the quarry, not occupied by developments. Also, we analyze the changes in vegetation and man-made landscape elements that occurred during the study period: during the three-year observation period, the areas of plant cover within the quarry and the number of species were increased. It was found, that the quarry is characterized by the spread of segetal-ruderal vegetation and the process of synanthropization, which can lead to the loss of typical species diversity
Optimization of methane fermentation of agricultural waste
Authors: Hovorukha V , Havryliuk O. , Bida I. , Gladka G. , Tashyrev O.
Published: December 2022

Accumulation of environmentally hazardous agricultural waste, in particular cow manure without the proper treatment, creates an ecological threat to the environment. During the energy crisis, the search for alternative pathways to obtain energy is also one of the most urgent issues today. Cow manure is promising as a substrate for anaerobic fermentation with the production of a valuable energy carrier — methane. Fermentation of cow manure as a sole substrate is not spread. It takes place due to the low efficiency of the process. We hypothesized that low efficiency is caused by the inhibition of the microbiome of cow manure by the end products of fermentation in the gastrointestinal tract of cows and non-optimal conditions for microbial growth. Thus, the goal of the work was to develop the approach of methane fermentation of cow manure using a conversion succession for its effective degradation with the obtaining of a valuable energy carrier. The following methods were used: potentiometric measurement of pH and Eh, chromatographic determination of the composition of the gas phase. To study the patterns of methane fermentation of cow manure, the following treatments were analyzed: 1. fermentation of manure by the autochthonous microtome without regulation of the pH of the medium; 2. fermentation of manure with the addition of fermented sludge of methane tank as an inoculum without pH regulation; 3. via adding fermented sludge of methane tank and with pH regulation. As a result, the fermentation of cow manure by the autochthonous microbiome was shown to be inefficient. In this case, the methane yield was only 20 L/kg of substrate. The inhibition of the microbiome was suggested to take place due to the accumulation of the end products of fermentation. Conversion succession, i.e., the replacement of the autochthonous microbiome, due to the introduction of biomass of fermented sludge of methane tank, provided the increase in the yield of methane to 230 L/kg of substrate. This result testifies the application of another methanogenic microbiome is useful to increase the efficiency of the process. In this case, compounds that inhibited the autochthonous microbiome serve as the substrate for the introduced one. The regulation of the pH allowed creating of the optimal growth conditions for microorganisms and increased the yield of methane to 280 L/kg of substrate. So, the change of the microbiome, i.e. conversion succession, and the regulation the pH made it possible to 14-fold increase in the efficiency of methane fermentation of cow manure. This approach is promising for the effective degradation of cow manure with the production of a valuable energy carrier, methane. The obtained results can be the basis for the further development of environmental and energy microbial biotechnologies.
Root exometabolites as an ecological factor in the interaction between cultivated plants and soil micro­organisms
Authors: Parfenyuk A. , Kosovska N. , Borodai V. , Turovnik Yu
Published: December 2022

The results of the analysis of scientific literature sources regarding the role of root exometabolites in the interaction between cultivated plants and soil microorganisms are presented. It has been proven that root exometabolites are recognized by rhizospheric microorganisms, which, in turn, produce signaling molecules and initiate various plant reactions in response to colonization. The main functions of root exometabolites are considered and their specific features are given depending on the type of plants and the stage of their development. The results of research on the positive influence of the rhizosphere microbiome on the growth and development of plants, which is due to the secretion of plant growth hormones by growth-stimulating bacteria, solubilization of nutrients, antagonism to pathogens and induction of the plant immune system, are presented. The components of protective metabolic systems of plants against soil phytopathogenic microorganisms that provide biomolecules of phenolic compounds are described. Mechanisms of regulation of interaction both at the level of molecular and ultrastructural changes of the cell, and at the level of biochemical and physiological processes are highlighted. The participation of transporter proteins in the synthesis and exudation of protective phytochemicals, which can be modified by the soil microbiome, is shown. Plant signaling molecules induce hyphal branching of micromycetes and trigger morphogenesis of fungal hyphae, which precedes successful colonization. The peculiarities of vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhiza, the induced root exudates of which contribute to both the development of microbial associations in the rhizosphere and plant growth, are considered. The interaction of plants with soil microorganisms plays an important role in the resistance of plants to heavy metals, for example by reducing their bioavailability in the soil using various mechanisms. The study of root exometabolites of plants will allow a better understanding of the interaction of plants and microorganisms, which determines their role as an ecological factor in microbial-plant associations.
A Pilot Study on the Effect of Virgin Coconut Oil On Serum Lipid Profile and HS CRP Level Among Post Acute Coronary Syndrome Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: MEI CHAN Chong , SH ABDULLAH Sharıfah Shafınaz , ABDULLAH Khatıjah Lım , ZAINAL ABIDIN Imran , BEE WAH Yap
Published: December 2022

ABSTRACT
Introduction: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a leading cause of death in Malaysia and worldwide. Besides, teh current treatment which involves teh prescription of statins is found to TEMPhas several side TEMPeffects on ACS patients. Those side TEMPeffects TEMPhas guided teh author to introduce virgin coconut oil (VCO) as supplemental management of ACS. However, its benefits TEMPhas not been widely tested on humans.
Methodology: dis study examines teh use of VCO among ACS patients via a crossover trial. It seeks to ascertain teh TEMPeffect of VCO on serum lipid profile and hs-CRP level among ACS patients.
Result: VCO was found to be statistically significant in reducing serum lipid level and hs-CRP level (p<0.001). These findings measured from small to moderate Cohen’s d TEMPeffect size, thus proving teh results from dis study as statistically and clinically significant.
Conclusion: These findings suggest dat dietary intake wif saturated fatty acid (C6 to C12) can improve health condition.
Keywords: virgin coconut oil, acute coronary syndrome, saturated fatty acid, medium-chain triglycerides
Gut mycobiome dysbiosis contributes to the development of hypertension and its response to immunoglobulin light chains
Authors: Zou Yeqing , Ge Anxing , Lydia Brako , Huang Chen , Wang Qianying , Yu Yanbo
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Human gut microbiome has gained great attention for its proposed roles in the development of hypertension. The fungal microbiome in the human gut (i.e. the mycobiome) is beginning to gain recognition as a fundamental part of our microbiome. However, the existing knowledge of human mycobiome has never revealed the association between gut mycobiome and hypertension. It is known that inflammation and immunity contribute to human hypertension. Here, we sought to investigate whether gut mycobiome could predict the development of hypertension and its association with immunoglobulin light chains.

Methods and materials

Participants were classified into three cohorts: prehypertension (pre-HTN), hypertension (HTN), and normal-tension (NT) based on their blood pressure. Fresh samples were collected, and the ITS transcribed spacer ribosomal RNA gene sequence was performed. An immunoturbidimetric test was used to examine the serum levels of immunological light chains.

Results

Subjects in both of the states of pre-HTN and HTN had different fungal microbiome community compared to the NT group (FDR<0.05). Slightly higher levels of fungal richness and diversity were observed in the groups of pre-HTN and HTN. The relative abundance of Malassezia increased in the HTN group compared to that in the NT group, and the relative abundance of Mortierella enriched in the NT group. For the pre-HTN group, the relative abundance of Malassezia was positively associated with serum the concentration of light chain (LC) κ (r=0.510, P=0.044); for the HTN group, the relative abundance of Mortierella was positively associated with the serum concentration of LC κ (P<0.05), the relative abundance of Malassezia was positively associated with both the serum concentrations of LC κ and LC λ (r>0.30, P<0.05).

Conclusions

Our present study demonstrated that gut fungal dysbiosis occurred in the state of prehypertension, and fungal dysbiosis can predict the dysregulation of serum light chains in hypertension patients. Further study on modulating gut fungal community should be focused on balancing the immunological features in hypertension.
The role of mathematical modelling in understanding prokaryotic predation
Authors: Summers J. Kimberley , Kreft Jan-Ulrich
Published: December 2022

With increasing levels of antimicrobial resistance impacting both human and animal health, novel means of treating resistant infections are urgently needed. Bacteriophages and predatory bacteria such as Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus have been proposed as suitable candidates for this role. Microbes also play a key environmental role as producers or recyclers of nutrients such as carbon and nitrogen, and predators have the capacity to be keystone species within microbial communities. To date, many studies have looked at the mechanisms of action of prokaryotic predators, their safety in in vivo models and their role and effectiveness under specific conditions. Mathematical models however allow researchers to investigate a wider range of scenarios, including aspects of predation that would be difficult, expensive, or time-consuming to investigate experimentally. We review here a history of modelling in prokaryote predation, from simple Lotka-Volterra models, through increasing levels of complexity, including multiple prey and predator species, and environmental and spatial factors. We consider how models have helped address questions around the mechanisms of action of predators and have allowed researchers to make predictions of the dynamics of predator–prey systems. We examine what models can tell us about qualitative and quantitative commonalities or differences between bacterial predators and bacteriophage or protists. We also highlight how models can address real-world situations such as the likely effectiveness of predators in removing prey species and their potential effects in shaping ecosystems. Finally, we look at research questions that are still to be addressed where models could be of benefit.
Design of a multi-epitope vaccine against Haemophilus parasuis based on pan-genome and immunoinformatics approaches
Authors: Pang Maonan , Tu Teng , Wang Yin , Zhang Pengfei , Ren Meishen , Yao Xueping , Luo Yan , Yang Zexiao
Published: December 2022

Background

Glässer's disease, caused byHaemophilus parasuis(HPS), is responsible for economic losses in the pig industry worldwide. However, the existing commercial vaccines offer poor protection and there are significant barriers to the development of effective vaccines.

Methods

In the current study, we aimed to identify potential vaccine candidates and design a multi-epitope vaccine against HPS by performing pan-genomic analysis of 121 strains and using a reverse vaccinology approach.

Results

The designed vaccine constructs consist of predicted epitopes of B and T cells derived from the outer membrane proteins of the HPS core genome. The vaccine was found to be highly immunogenic, non-toxic, and non-allergenic as well as have stable physicochemical properties. It has a high binding affinity to Toll-like receptor 2. In addition,in silicoimmune simulation results showed that the vaccine elicited an effective immune response. Moreover, the mouse polyclonal antibody obtained by immunizing the vaccine protein can be combined with different serotypes and non-typableHaemophilus parasuis in vitro.

Conclusion

The overall results of the study suggest that the designed multi-epitope vaccine is a promising candidate for pan-prophylaxis against different strains of HPS.
Improved Anomaly Detection by Using the Attention-Based Isolation Forest
Authors: Utkin Lev , Ageev Andrey , Konstantinov Andrei , Muliukha Vladimir
Published: December 2022

A new modification of the isolation forest called the attention-based isolation forest (ABIForest) is proposed for solving the anomaly detection problem. It incorporates an attention mechanism in the form of Nadaraya–Watson regression into the isolation forest to improve the solution of the anomaly detection problem. The main idea underlying the modification is the assignment of attention weights to each path of trees with learnable parameters depending on the instances and trees themselves. Huber’s contamination model is proposed to be used to define the attention weights and their parameters. As a result, the attention weights are linearly dependent on learnable attention parameters that are trained by solving a standard linear or quadratic optimization problem. ABIForest can be viewed as the first modification of the isolation forest to incorporate an attention mechanism in a simple way without applying gradient-based algorithms. Numerical experiments with synthetic and real datasets illustrate that the results of ABIForest outperform those of other methods. The code of the proposed algorithms has been made available.
Research Regarding Correlation between the Assured Health State for Laying Hens and Their Productivity
Authors: Usturoi Alexandru , Usturoi Marius-Giorgi , Avarvarei Bogdan-Vlad , Pânzaru Claudia , Simeanu Cristina , Usturoi Mădălina-Iuliana , Spătaru Mihaela , Radu-Rusu Răzvan-Mihail , Doliş Marius-Gheorghe , Simeanu Daniel
Published: December 2022

Predictions show the possibility of banning birds’ rearing in batteries. From this reason, we aimed to study the welfare conditions assured to birds accommodated in lofts in comparison with those reared in improved batteries. The research targeted ISA Brown hybrids monitored over a period of 25–55 weeks. The batches were represented by birds that were differently reared in halls provided with lofts compared to with improved batteries. The research was carried out in real production conditions. Biochemical indicators were determined, using a BA 400 analyzer produced by BioSystems, as well as quantitative ones using specific formulas based on productions, consumptions, and batch outputs. A cumulated production of 199.24 eggs/week/head was realized in the loft, versus 199.98 in the battery, at a mean laying intensity of 91.82% and 92.17%. Batch output was 4.14% (loft) and 2.98% (battery). Mean consumption registered a level of 122.20 g m.f./head/day for birds in the loft and 115.87 g for the ones from the battery, and feed conversion index was 133.09 g m.f./egg, compared to 125.69. The aviary system ensures optimal conditions to express the birds’ natural behaviors, with a positive impact on the metabolic functions, resulting in a good state of health and high productive levels, comparable to those of birds exploited in batteries.
Virtual Fencing Technology for Cattle Management in the Pasture Feeding System—A Review
Authors: Goliński Piotr , Sobolewska Patrycja , Stefańska Barbara , Golińska Barbara
Published: December 2022

Maximizing annual pasture consumption without negatively impacting individual cow performance is of great importance in grass-based dairy and beef systems due to pasture being the most cost-effective nutrient source. However, the disadvantages of conventional and electric fencing include material and labor costs and increased manual labor. Virtual fencing has been developed and evaluated for almost two decades. The evolution of precision livestock farming, specifically virtual fencing, presents new opportunities for maximizing the utilization of available pasture land. Virtual fencing technology decreases the labor involved in physical fencing, provides greater adaptability to changes in pasture conditions, increases precision and efficiency, and offers additional flexibility in grazing management practices. However, that innovative technology should be further developed, and improvements should include decreasing the total costs of the system and increasing its application to other technological groups of ruminants, e.g., suckler cows with calves, increasing the efficiency of the system operation in large areas and a larger number of animals. Recent advancements in electronic communication and device (i.e., collar) design hold the potential to significantly enhance the effectiveness of the technology while also reducing costs. However, it is necessary to conduct a further evaluation to determine their utility in precision agricultural systems. This review paper aims to present an innovative concept of virtual fencing technology for pastures, compare currently available systems of this type, and indicate areas where further research and development should be carried out using Internet of Things (IoT) systems.
Advanced Hybrid Metaheuristic Machine Learning Models Application for Reference Crop Evapotranspiration Prediction
Authors: Ikram Rana Muhammad Adnan , Mostafa Reham R. , Chen Zhihuan , Islam Abu Reza Md. Towfiqul , Kisi Ozgur , Kuriqi Alban , Zounemat-Kermani Mohammad
Published: December 2022

Hybrid metaheuristic algorithm (MA), an advanced tool in the artificial intelligence field, provides precise reference evapotranspiration (ETo) prediction that is highly important for water resource availability and hydrological studies. However, hybrid MAs are quite scarcely used to predict ETo in the existing literature. To this end, the prediction abilities of two support vector regression (SVR) models coupled with three types of MAs including particle swarm optimization (PSO), grey wolf optimization (GWO), and gravitational search algorithm (GSA) were studied and compared with single SVR and SVR-PSO in predicting monthly ETo using meteorological variables as inputs. Data obtained from Rajshahi, Bogra, and Rangpur stations in the humid region, northwestern Bangladesh, was used for this purpose as a case study. The prediction precision of the proposed models was trained and tested using nine input combinations and assessed using root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), and Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency (NSE). The tested results revealed that the SVR-PSOGWO model outperformed the other applied soft computing models in predicting ETo in all input combinations, followed by the SVR-PSOGSA, SVR-PSO, and SVR. It was found that SVR-PSOGWO decreases the RMSE of SVR, SVR-PSO, and SVR-PSOGSA by 23%, 27%, 14%, 21%, 19%, and 5% in Rangpur and Bogra stations during the testing stage. The RMSE of the SVR, SVR-PSO, and SVR-PSOGSA reduced by 32%, 20%, and 3%, respectively, employing the SVR-PSOGWO for the Rajshahi Station. The proposed hybrid machine learning model has been recommended as a potential tool for monthly ETo prediction in a humid region and similar climatic regions worldwide.
Response of Strawberry to the Substitution of Blue Light by Green Light in an Indoor Vertical Farming System
Authors: Avendaño-Abarca Víctor H. , Alvarado-Camarillo Daniela , Valdez-Aguilar Luis Alonso , Sánchez-Ortíz Estanislado A. , González-Fuentes José A. , Cartmill Andrew D.
Published: December 2022

Indoor production systems with light emitting diode (LED) lamps are a feasible alternative for increasing strawberry productivity by reducing the incidence of pests and diseases and the damage caused by extreme weather events. Blue (BL) and red (RL) LED light are considered the most important light spectra for photosynthesis and crop yield; however, recent studies have demonstrated that the beneficial effects of green light (GL) have been underestimated. This information would be of particular importance for strawberry production in controlled-environments/vertical farming systems as it may lower input costs and enhance production efficiency and quality and marketability. The present study aimed to define the effect of GL in combination with BL in strawberry. A proportion of 20% GL (20% BL + 60% RL) of total photosynthetic photon flux density was beneficial for plant growth and productivity; however, a 27% GL (12% BL + 61% RL) proportion was detrimental or comparable to that with 6% GL (36% BL + 58% RF). Total dry mass increased 51% when plants were illuminated with 20% GL lamps compared to those with 6% GL; the most impacted plant part was the root as it increased by 155%. The higher yield was observed with GL at 20%, but further increasing GL to 27% resulted in reduced yield. GL at 20% and 27% exhibited higher photosynthesis but reduced transpiration, stomatic conductance, and internal CO2, which in turn increased instantaneous and intrinsic water-use efficiency. Plants with the highest yield (20% GL) exhibited lower total soluble solids in fruits but still the values obtained were acceptable (8.25 °Brix); these fruits contained a high total sugars and phenolics concentration but a reduced antioxidant scavenging capacity. High proportions of GL were associated with a higher leaf and fruit Ca and a higher leaf P and K, which may be due to the increased allocation of biomass to the roots. In conclusion, GL at 20% and BL at 20% resulted in the best growth and yield parameters, enhanced net photosynthesis rate, water-use efficiency and fruit quality attributes. The effects of GL observed in this study may also be important for other high-value horticultural crops suitable for indoor vertical farming.
Dissecting the Genotype × Environment Interaction for Potato Tuber Yield and Components
Authors: Scavo Aurelio , Mauromicale Giovanni , Ierna Anita
Published: December 2022

In the Mediterranean Basin, potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is a major staple crop, the yield performance of which can vary dramatically based on pedo-climatic conditions and genotype. Hence, dissecting the genotype × environment interaction (GEI) in this region is mandatory for the setup of high-yielding and stable potato genotypes, also considering its importance for local potato breeding and the development of protected geographical identifications. Therefore, this research evaluated the marketable tuber yield (MY) and several yield components of five potato genotypes (Arizona, Generosa, Levante, Paradiso, and Vogue) over 4 years (2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022) and three locations in Sicily (Southern Italy) by additive main effects and multiplicative interactions (AMMI) and genotype main effects + genotype × environment interaction (GGE) biplot analyses. From combined ANOVA emerged a high significance of GEI, with the environment that provided the most considerable extent of variation for the most of the productive traits. The AMMI and GGE analyses identified Arizona as the best leading genotype in the studied area by virtue of its high productivity (44.5 t ha−1 of mean MY) coupled with stability, followed by Generosa (46.5 t ha−1). Ideal environments (location × year) were highly dependent on the productive trait, but most of them belonged to Acireale, characterized by fertile soils. According to our results, this approach could be recommended for breeding programs and commercial cultivation in the studied regions, along with the setup of potato protected geographical identifications.
Galectinology of Equine Pregnancy
Authors: Fedorka Carleigh E. , Ali Hossam El-Sheikh , Troedsson Mats H. T.
Published: December 2022

Galectins are a family of proteins that bind to glycans, acting in a cytokine-like manner throughout the body. In the majority of mammalians, galectins have been found to be involved in pregnancy maintenance, but few studies have evaluated this in the horse. Therefore, the objective of this study was to examine the expression of various galectins in pregnant and nonpregnant mares. Next-generation RNA sequencing was performed on the chorioallantois and endometrium of healthy pregnant mares at 120, 180, 300, and 330 days of gestation (n = 4/stage), as well as 45-day chorioallantois (n = 4), postpartum chorioallantois (n = 3), and diestrus endometrium (n = 3). In the endometrium, galectin-1 and galectin-13 were found in the highest expression in the nonpregnant mare, with decreasing levels of expression noted throughout gestation. In contrast, galectin-8 and galectin-12 were found to be the lowest in the nonpregnant mare and reached the highest expression levels in mid-gestation before declining as parturition neared. In the chorioallantois, galectin-1, galectin-3, and galectin-3BP were found to have heightened expression levels at 45 d of gestation, with lesser expression levels noted throughout gestation. In contrast, galectin-9, galectin-12, and galectin-13 experienced the highest expression levels in the late-term chorioallantois (300 d/330 d), with lesser expression noted in early- to mid-gestation. Of note, galectin-1, galectin-3BP, galectin-9, galectin-12, and galectin-13 all experienced the lowest expression levels in the postpartum placenta, with heightened expression noted during gestation. In conclusion, galectins appear to be involved in equine pregnancy, and this is dependent on both the tissue within the feto-maternal interface and the specific galectin involved.
The Benefits and Challenges of Conducting Primate Research in Different Settings
Authors: Lopresti-Goodman Stacy M. , Villatoro-Sorto Brandon
Published: December 2022

Internationally, primate research takes place in laboratories, zoos, sanctuaries, and the wild. All of these settings present unique advantages and challenges in terms of methodology, translatability, animal welfare, and ethics. In this novel commentary, we explore the scientific and ethical benefits and drawbacks of conducting non-invasive psychological research with primates in each setting. We also suggest ways to overcome some of the barriers. We argue that while there may be greater experimental control in laboratory-based research, settings that more closely mirror primates’ natural habitats are generally better suited to meet their specialized needs. More naturalistic research settings, including field studies, may also circumvent some ethical concerns associated with research in captivity, and yield more ecologically valid data.
Ceftolozane/Tazobactam In-Vitro Activity against Clinical Isolates from Complicated Intra-Abdominal Infection Patients in Three Indonesian Referral Hospitals
Authors: Karuniawati Anis , Ambarwulan Merry , Shahab Selvi Nafisa , Moenadjat Yefta , Lalisang Toar J. M. , Kurniati Neneng Dewi , Kuntaman  , Budipramana Vicky Sumarki , Lesmana Tomy , Puspitasari Iva , Prabowo Erik , Sasmitasari Dwi Putranti Chitra , Putri Dian Oktavianti , Badawi Amrilmaen
Published: December 2022

Complicated intra-abdominal infections (cIAIs) lead to high morbidity and mortality, especially if poorly managed. However, Indonesia’s microbial pattern and susceptibility data are limited, especially for new antibiotics. Ceftolozane/tazobactam (C/T) is reported to be a new potent antibiotic against various pathogens. Thus, we aim to investigate C/T in vitro activity against clinical isolates from cIAI patients. This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted in three major referral hospitals in Indonesia, including Dr. Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital (Jakarta), Dr. Kariadi Hospital (Semarang), and Dr. Soetomo Hospital (Surabaya), enrolling those diagnosed with cIAIs. Blood specimens were collected before or after at least 72 h of the last antibiotic administration. Meanwhile, tissue biopsy/aspirate specimens were collected intraoperatively. These specimens were cultured, followed by a susceptibility test for specific pathogens. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of isolates was determined according to CLSI M100. Two-hundred-and-eighty-four patients were enrolled from 2019–2021. Blood culture was dominated by Gram-positive bacteria (GPB, n = 25, 52.1%), whereas abdominal tissue culture was dominated by Gram-negative bacteria (GNB, n = 268, 79.5%). The three most common organisms were GNB, including E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa. C/T was susceptible in 96.7%, 70.2%, and 94.1% of the E. coli, K. pneumoniae, and P. aeruginosa isolates, respectively. In addition, C/T also remained active against ESBL Enterobacterales and carbapenem-non-susceptible P. aeruginosa. Overall, C/T demonstrates a high potency against GNB isolates and can be considered an agent for carbapenem-sparing strategy for cIAI patients as the susceptibility is proven.
A Clinical Case of Nosocomial Pneumonia as a Complication of COVID-19: How to Balance Benefits and Risks of Immunosuppressive Therapy?
Authors: Rachina Svetlana , Kiyakbaev Gairat , Antonova Elena , Mescheryakov Alexey , Kupryushina Olga , Hewathanthirige Girindu , Palagin Ivan , Kozhevnikova Elena , Sukhorukova Marina , Strelkova Daria
Published: December 2022

We report a Russian case of a 61-year-old male patient with confirmed COVID-19 infection who developed nosocomial pneumonia complicated by lung abscess associated with multi-drug-resistant isolates of Klebsiella pneumoniae and Acinetobacter baumannii, which could have been provoked due to the immunosuppressive therapy. We discuss the existing literature highlighting the issue of the prudent balance between benefits and risks when prescribing immunomodulators to hospitalized patients with COVID-19 due to the risk of difficult-to-treat nosocomial infections caused by MDR Gram-negative bacterial pathogens. Currently, there is evidence of a substantial positive effect of dexamethasone on the course of COVID-19 in patients requiring supplemental oxygen or anti-interleukin-6 drugs in individuals with prominent systemic inflammation. However, it seems that in real clinical practice, the proposed criteria for initiating treatment with immunomodulators are interpreted arbitrarily, and the doses of dexamethasone can significantly exceed those recommended.
Antibacterial and Antibiofilm Activity of Nanostructured Copper Films Prepared by Ionized Jet Deposition
Authors: Ghezzi Daniele , Sassoni Enrico , Boi Marco , Montesissa Matteo , Baldini Nicola , Graziani Gabriela , Cappelletti Martina
Published: December 2022

Metal coatings represent good strategies to functionalize surfaces/devices and limit bacterial contamination/colonization thanks to their pleiotropic activity and their ability to prevent the biofilm formation. Here, we investigated the antibacterial and antibiofilm capacity of copper coatings deposited through the Ionized Jet Deposition (IJD) on the Calgary Biofilm Device (CBD) against the growth of two gram-negative and two gram-positive pathogenic strains. Three areas (i.e., (+)Cu, (++)Cu, and (+++)Cu based on the metal amount) on the CBD were obtained, presenting nanostructured coatings with high surface homogeneity and increasing dimensions of aggregates from the CBD periphery to the centre. The coatings in (++)Cu and (+++)Cu were efficient against the planktonic growth of the four pathogens. This antibacterial effect decreased in (+)Cu but was still significant for most of the pathogens. The antibiofilm efficacy was significant for all the strains and on both coated and uncoated surfaces in (+++)Cu, whereas in (++)Cu the only biofilms forming on the coated surfaces were inhibited, suggesting that the decrease of the metal on the coatings was associated to a reduced metal ion release. In conclusion, this work demonstrates that Cu coatings deposited by IJD have antibacterial and antibiofilm activity against a broad range of pathogens indicating their possible application to functionalize biomedical devices.
Session-Based Recommendations for e-Commerce with Graph-Based Data Modeling
Authors: Delianidi Marina , Diamantaras Konstantinos , Tektonidis Dimitrios , Salampasis Michail
Published: December 2022

Conventional recommendation methods such as collaborative filtering cannot be applied when long-term user models are not available. In this paper, we propose two session-based recommendation methods for anonymous browsing in a generic e-commerce framework. We represent the data using a graph where items are connected to sessions and to each other based on the order of appearance or their co-occurrence. In the first approach, called Hierarchical Sequence Probability (HSP), recommendations are produced using the probabilities of items’ appearances on certain structures in the graph. Specifically, given a current item during a session, to create a list of recommended next items, we first compute the probabilities of all possible sequential triplets ending in each candidate’s next item, then of all candidate item pairs, and finally of the proposed item. In our second method, called Recurrent Item Co-occurrence (RIC), we generate the recommendation list based on a weighted score produced by a linear recurrent mechanism using the co-occurrence probabilities between the current item and all items. We compared our approaches with three state-of-the-art Graph Neural Network (GNN) models using four session-based datasets one of which contains data collected by us from a leather apparel e-shop. In terms of recommendation effectiveness, our methods compete favorably on a number of datasets while the time to generate the graph and produce the recommendations is significantly lower.
Research on Rigid–Elastic Coupling Flight Dynamics of Hybrid Wing Body Based on a Multidiscipline Co-Simulation
Authors: Wang Yucheng , Liu Gang
Published: December 2022

Due to the special aerodynamic layout and mass distribution, the natural frequency differences between the hybrid wing body (HWB)’s rigid-body motion modes and the fuselage structure elastic modes are smaller compared to conventional aircraft, resulting in the disappearance of the decoupling relationship between the HWB’s rigid-body motion and the elastic motion of the airframe structure. For the above reason, the traditional analysis approach based on the rigid-body assumption is no longer applicable when analyzing the flight dynamics of an HWB aircraft, and a shift must be made to an analysis method that takes into account aeroelastic effects. Therefore, in this paper, a time-domain co-simulation program combining the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method with computational structure dynamics (CSD) and rigid-body dynamics (RBD) is developed to investigate the effect of a rigid–elastic coupling effect on the flight dynamics of the HWB and this co-simulation method is more advantageous in the calculation of unsteady aerodynamics compared to existing methods of rigid–elastic coupling dynamics analysis. By means of the co-simulation technology, this paper completed a series of simulations, based on which the influence of rigid–elastic coupling effect on the short-period dynamic characteristics of aircraft was studied.
Free Vibration Analysis of Three Layered Beams with a Soft-Core Using the Transfer Matrix Method
Authors: Lee Jung Woo
Published: December 2022

In this study, the free vibration characteristics of symmetric three-layered beams with a soft core, whereby the mass of the core could be ignored, were investigated. The coupling effect of the axial and bending displacements owing to the presence of the soft core was considered. Classical beam theory was employed for analyzing the top and bottom layers, and only the shear deformation was applied for the core layer. The frequency determinant was deduced using the transfer matrix method. The efficacy of the method was demonstrated through a comparison with the natural frequencies obtained in previous studies. To determine the physical phenomena caused by the exchange process in the order of modes of such beams, a new analytical method is proposed. As an example, the dynamic behavior of a three-layered beam was analyzed by examining the changes in the strain energies related to the natural frequencies and mode shapes. All bending-dominated modes were accompanied by the axial displacements because of the existence of a core layer, whereas the axial-dominated modes were uncoupled with the bending displacements. In addition, the efficiency of the proposed method was demonstrated through relevant discussions of the predicted results.
Tomato Maturity Estimation Using Deep Neural Network
Authors: Kim Taehyeong , Lee Dae-Hyun , Kim Kyoung-Chul , Choi Taeyong , Yu Jun Myoung
Published: December 2022

In this study, we propose a tomato maturity estimation approach based on a deep neural network. Tomato images were obtained using an RGB camera installed on a monitoring robot and samples were cropped to generate a dataset with which to train the classification model. The classification model is trained using cross-entropy loss and mean–variance loss, which can implicitly provide label distribution knowledge. For continuous maturity estimation in the test stage, the output probability distribution of four maturity classes is calculated as an expected (normalized) value. Our results demonstrate that the F1 score was approximately 0.91 on average, with a range of 0.85–0.97. Furthermore, comparison with the hue value—which is correlated with tomato growth—showed no significant differences between estimated maturity and hue values, except in the pink stage. From the overall results, we found that our approach can not only classify the discrete maturation stages of tomatoes but can also continuously estimate their maturity. Furthermore, it is expected that with higher accuracy data labeling, more precise classification and higher accuracy may be achieved.
Performance Evaluation of Available Strains of Nile Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) Fed Commercial and Locally-Made Feeds in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Yossa Rodrigue , Basiita Rose Komugisha , Mushagalusa Namegabe Janvier , Trinh Trong Quoc , Matempa Doline , Manzwanzi Priscile , Bwamayama Léon , Cole Steven M. , Matungulu Paul , Dontsop Nguezet Paul Martin , Vanlauwe Bernard , Ndavi Malu , Benzie John A. H.
Published: December 2022

The performance of two strains of Nile tilapia (the Nyakabera and Lake Kivu) fed a commercial feed or either a fishmeal-based or a fishmeal-free feed formulated using local ingredients was evaluated for 99 days in Bukavu, eastern highlands of the DR Congo (Experiment 1). Strain × feed interaction was significant (p < 0.05) for final body weight (FBW) and condition factor (CF). Growth of both strains was best with the commercial feed. Fish-meal free formulated feed resulted in similar or better fish growth than a local fishmeal-based formulated feed depending on the strains. Lake Kivu strain had significantly (p < 0.05) higher FBW when fed the commercial and fishmeal-free feeds than the Nyakabera strain, but when fed the fishmeal-based feed the difference was not significant. The performance of the other three Nile tilapia strains (the GIFT-Congo Futur, GIFT-RATALBI and Tihange strains) fed a single commercial feed was evaluated for 84 days in Kinshasa, western lowlands of the DRC (Experiment 2). Male GIFT-Congo Futur and GIFT-RATALBI did not differ significantly (p > 0.05) in FBW and CF, but both performed better than the Tihange. FBW of the female GIFT-Congo Futur was significantly higher than that of the other two strains, while CF was not significantly (p > 0.05) different among strains in females.
Elusive Users: The Presence of Physically Disabled Users within Architectural Design Processes
Authors: Merit Marcus Tang , Kajita Masashi , Krarup Jonna Majgaard
Published: December 2022

This paper is based on 8 months of sociological participatory fieldwork at the office of Gottlieb Paludan Architects, following the design process of a new concourse area for Ny Ellebjerg Station in Copenhagen, Denmark. The study aims to trace what presence users with physical disabilities possessed during a design process in which they were not physically present or explicitly involved. The study bases its findings on the visual material produced during the design process by the employees of Gottlieb Paludan Architects as well as the thoughts and discussions of practitioners. Drawing on actor-network theory, the study describes and analyses these human and non-human actors as they constitute and contribute to the design process. The study finds that users with physical disabilities were present within the design process through an implicit generalized presence and an explicit required presence. Generalized presence refers to those instances where the architectural qualities that were strived for in the project implicitly aligned with the needs of users with physical disabilities. Required presence refers to those instances during the design process where accessibility demands from client guidelines or building regulations played an important role.
Identification of Wind-Induced Particle Resuspension in Urban Environment Using CFD Modelling
Authors: Linda Jakub , Pospíšil Jiří , Köbölová Klaudia
Published: December 2022

Air pollution caused by particulate matter (PM) is a current problem in many cities. With the introduction of strict emission limits and electric cars, lower particle production is expected in the future. However, there are sources of particles that cannot be easily influenced. These include resuspension, where particles deposited on surfaces re-enter the air, causing pollution multiple times. Resuspension can account for up to 18% of the total emissions in some cases. The present paper focuses on the use of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools to describe the flow in a street canyon where resuspension by wind occurs. Based on the calculated flow, a resuspension model is applied to see where resuspension occurs and how far the particles can travel. The shear stresses on the surfaces and the character of the flow field in the boundary layer are evaluated. Different building configurations and flow parameters are tested using a simple 2D model. The model makes it possible to see in which parts of the street canyon resuspension can occur. It shows that the particles leave the street canyon only from the surfaces where the conditions are suitable for resuspension. These particles then enter the mainstream. However, most of the particles stay in the canyon, which can cause resuspension to pollute the air repeatedly. This effect can have a severe impact on human health. The total dispersion of particles in the urban environment is evaluated. The results may be useful for cities that clean the streets, as it is clear which areas will benefit most from the cleaning.