bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aplicação da Teoria dos Jogos no gerenciamento do contexto das altas temperaturas na cidade de Manaus
Authors: Souza Amós Ribeiro de , Alencar David Barbosa de , Santos Eliton Smith dos , Campos Paola Souto , Moraes Nadime Mustafa , Souza Silvia Cristina Matos de
Published: January 2025

A cidade de Manaus enfrenta desafios crescentes relacionados às altas temperaturas, um problema intensificado pelas mudanças climáticas e pela urbanização desordenada. A gestão eficiente desse contexto climático é essencial para minimizar impactos negativos sobre a população e o meio ambiente, promovendo sustentabilidade e bem-estar urbano. Nesse cenário, a Teoria dos Jogos emerge como uma ferramenta estratégica para modelar as interações entre os diversos agentes envolvidos na gestão climática, como governo, empresas e comunidades, possibilitando identificar soluções colaborativas e eficazes. Este estudo empregou um modelo baseado na Teoria dos Jogos para explorar as dinâmicas estratégicas entre os agentes envolvidos na gestão das altas temperaturas em Manaus. A pesquisa utilizou metodologia quantitativa, com simulações que analisaram cenários estratégicos e equilíbrios possíveis, considerando aspectos econômicos, sociais e ambientais. Os resultados revelaram a viabilidade de estratégias cooperativas que podem minimizar os impactos climáticos e orientar políticas públicas mais sustentáveis. O estudo oferece uma contribuição significativa ao propor soluções integradas para o equilíbrio entre desenvolvimento econômico e preservação ambiental em um contexto urbano desafiador.
Sobre distorsiones de la historia y la cuasi ‘leyenda negra’
Authors: Reyes Rodríguez Alixon David , Marcano Fernández Jesús Alejandro
Published: January 2025

Los relatos de la historia de la colonización de la América prehispánica dividen a los historiadores. La expresión ‘leyenda negra’ emerge como postura asumida por quienes cuestionan los relatos que caracterizan el proceso de colonización como uno violento. Así, sostienen que tales relatos han configurado una leyenda negra desprestigiando a los españoles, y afirman, en su defensa, que dicho proceso fue civilizador, de progreso y desarrollo en la renombrada América. Este trabajo tiene como objetivo contrastar la postura defensora del blanqueo de la historia de la colonización, en el marco de dos conjuntos de argumentos, esto es, de quienes defienden el proceso colonizador como uno con fines civilizadores, y de quienes consideran la ocurrencia de un proceso sistemáticamente violento, más aún cuando en los últimos años, parece haber recrudecido la defensa europea por el proceso de invasión y colonización. Se concluye afirmando que, los argumentos de la moción defensora del proceso colonizador, no son suficientes como para considerar la existencia de una leyenda negra, advirtiendo allí un intento por distorsionar la historia.
Quality Characteristics of Yellow Maize-Based Ogi Incorporated with Treated African Locust Bean Seeds Flour
Authors: Saater Ape , Ojotu Eke Mike , Samuel Akpensuen Mfe , Iordye Akua Simon , Zashachia Igbua Francis , Agwu Odey Bessie
Published: January 2025

The effect of treated (boiled unfermented, fermented, sprouted, and toasted) African locust bean seeds on the quality of yellow maize-based Ogi flour was evaluated. Standard methods were used in raw material preparation and analyses. Material balancing was used in the formulation of samples: maize flour/boiled unfermented locust bean seeds flour (MULB), maize flour/fermented locust bean seeds flour (MFLB), maize flour/sprouted locust bean seeds flour (MSLB), and maize flour/toasted locust bean seeds (MTLB) based on the 16% protein requirement by the protein advisory group for complementary food. Results for functional properties showed that, the inclusion of locust bean seed flour had a significant (p<0.05) effect on all the functional properties analyzed. The bulk density, water absorption capacity, swelling capacity, reconstitution index and gelatinization temperature ranged from 0.63-0.78 g/mL, 0.92-1.29 g/g, 3.93-4.75%, 1.27-1.73% and 85.54-88.44 °C respectively. All the Pasting properties increased with inclusion of treated African locust bean seed flour except pasting temperature which decreased. The pasting temperature ranged from 54.16 to 68.42 °C with the control sample (100% maize flour) having the highest value and the sample with toasted African locust bean seed flour inclusion MTLB (82.05% maize flour+ 17.95% Toasted Locust bean seeds flour) having the lowest pasting temperature respectively. The proximate parameters moisture (6.02-7.04%), protein (9.28-16.42 %), fat (1.83-3.62%), fibre (1.56-3.72%), and ash (4.73-8.82%), respectively, increased while carbohydrate significantly decreased from 61.08- 76.59%. The aroma, taste, and overall acceptability decreased with the inclusion of treated African locust beans flour in yellow maize ogi. However, the samples with toasted African locust beans seed flour and boiled unfermented African locust bean seed were within the acceptable range. The study established that acceptable and nutrients dense ogi can be produced from blends of yellow maize and treated African locust bean seed flour blends.
Susceptibility of Mycosphaerella fijiensis to Mefentrifluconazole in Industrial Banana Plantations in Côte d'Ivoire : An In vitro Study
Authors: Edouard YAO Kouadio Jacques , Henri N’GUESSAN Patrick , Seydou TUO , Bertrand GUINAGUI N’Doua , Brahima CAMARA , Jean-Martial KASSI Koffi Fernand , Daouda KONE
Published: January 2025

Banana Sigatoka, caused by Mycosphaerella fijiensis, severely impacts banana production in Côte d'Ivoire. This study evaluates the susceptibility of M. fijiensis isolates to mefentrifluconazole, a new triazole fungicide, compared to difenoconazole. In vitro tests on 17 isolates from industrial plantations revealed IC50 values ranging from 0.005 to 0.073 mg/L (average 0.037 mg/L), indicating high sensitivity. Growth inhibition rates were higher for mefentrifluconazole, demonstrating its superior efficacy. These results suggest mefentrifluconazole as a promising alternative for managing black spot and mitigating resistance development.
Corrosion Inhibition Activity of Transition Metal (II) Complexes of a Bidentate Ligand for Mild Steel in Acidic Medium Pertinent to Green Chemistry
Authors: Ayush Madhuram , Shilpa
Published: January 2025

A new bidentate amide ligand 2-(2-acetylaminophenyl)-N-benzothiazol-2-oxo-acetamide (apba) and its complexes with Co2+, Ni2+ and Cu2+ have been synthesized using microwave-assisted synthesis (MAS) under mild conditions with excellent yields (up to 85%) in shorter reaction times (in 5-10 min). All compounds have been characterized by spectro-analytical techniques. The corrosion inhibitory effects of the investigated ligand and its metal (II) complexes on mild steel were studied in 1.0 M HCl at different concentrations using the 'weight loss method' which revealed the high inhibition efficiency of the complexes compared to the free ligand. The data show that the inhibitory efficiency obtained by the investigated compounds increased as the concentration of the compounds increased and follow the order Co>Ni>Cu>ligand.
Advances in Basalt Fiber Reinforced Cement-based Composites: Mechanical Properties and Durability Insights
Authors: Liu Guanfeng , Wang Xiaoqi
Published: January 2025

Basalt fiber cement-based composite materials represent a novel category of building materials that have garnered significant attention in recent years, finding extensive application in water conservancy projects and infrastructure construction. This review examines the development status of basalt fiber both domestically and internationally, as well as the advancements in its mechanical properties and durability. The findings indicate that incorporating an optimal amount of basalt fiber can lead to a maximum increase in compressive strength and splitting tensile strength of approximately 7%. Furthermore, the 7-day strength can achieve 55% to 64% of the 28-day strength. The addition of basalt fiber not only enhances the tensile strength, impact resistance, and durability of composite materials but also reduces the cracking sensitivity of concrete, thereby extending the service life of structures. These characteristics render basalt fiber cement-based composites particularly advantageous in extreme environments, such as bridges, tunnels, high-rise buildings, and ocean engineering. Future research directions should prioritize investigating the reaction mechanisms and technological advancements associated with basalt fiber in concrete.
Impact of Frontline Demonstrations on Productivity and Economics of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Sonipat District of Haryana, India
Authors: Antil Sundeep Kumar , Kumar Anil , Singh Kuldeep , Kumar Mukesh , Singh Jogender
Published: January 2025

The Krishi Vigyan Kendra Sonipat has conducted the 205 frontline demonstrations on wheat crop during the year 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23 in 73 villages at farmers’ field in district Sonipat and demonstrated the improved agricultural practices and analysed the received economic benefits over the farmers’ practices. The recommended agronomic and engineering practices like in-situ residue incorporation, optimum seed rate, optimised line sowing, use of bio-fertilizer, recommended integrated nutrient and insect pest management over the farmers practice were followed to evaluate the yield and economic performance of wheat varieties HD 2967, HD 3086 and DBW 222 during the rabi season in each year. The three years data revealed that the frontline demonstrations of improved technologies gave mean yield of 46.26 qha-1 while the mean yield of farmers practice was observed as 42.25 qha-1 with overall increased in yield over the farmers practice as 9.81 percent. The extension and technological gap showed a variable trend in each year which indicated that problem centric approach to educate the farmers should be emphasized in the district so as to obtain a stable and reversible trend in gaps. The mean extension gap was observed as 4.06 qha-1 while the mean technological gap was observed as 26.73 qha-1. The benefit cost ratio under frontline demonstrations was 2.66 and under farmers practice was 2.28. The farm operations under improved practices saved gross expenditure of Rs. 2644 Rsha-1 and additional returns due to demonstration of improved technologies were received as 9773 Rsha-1. The major constraint faced by the farmer (95%) was shortage of time for sowing of wheat due to late harvesting of paddy crop followed by inconvenience in paddy crop residue management (92%) although farmers were satisfied with availability of latest farm machinery in the district.
Conclusions, Consequences, Challenges
Authors: Polak Regina
Published: July 2023

Based on the empirical results of the European Values Study 2017 and on discussion with our authors and experts, the article highlights four thematical areas that raise critical questions and require practical consequences in society, politics, education, and research as well as within religious communities. The selected topics aim at stimulating values debates and focus on a broader audience of disseminators who are concerned about promoting a qualified values discourse in Europe in the context of contemporary multifold global crises. First, the results document a severe crisis of liberal democracy, which is fuelled by the ambivalent power of values and requires, for example, more attention being paid to subsidiarity in values communication, the struggle between universal and particular values, and the values division between Western and Eastern Europe. Second, the role of religion as a problem or a component for solving the crises of liberal democracy is discussed. The extent to which religion can be a resource for promoting universal and normative values is shown, with consideration of the challenges that religious communities and actors face in this regard. Third, the need for values education is highlighted, including the strengthening of the role of religion and religious values, which is considered to be of social, and political concern. Fourth, challenges for inter- and transdisciplinary research are identified. These include revising the concepts of the European Values Study, the need to think beyond the ‘secularisation box’, and the necessity for increased communication between values research, society, and politics.
A Critical History of the Use of ‘European Values’
Authors: Weymans Wim
Published: July 2023

This chapter examines how the use, content, and impact of the notion of ‘European values’ in European institutions has changed over time. It especially focuses on when and why (and in what context) the term has been used and distinguishes between a conservative Christian and a more inclusive secular definition of the term. After a brief word about the method, a conservative Cold War use of the term by Christian politicians in the post-war years is examined. The chapter then explores how, after the end of the Cold War, the term was also used in a second, more inclusive and secular sense as it became mainstream when European institutions and politicians increasingly started using it to legitimise the European project (also because rival notions such as that of a ‘European identity’ or ‘social Europe’ proved less useful). Moving closer to the present, the chapter then shows how some of today’s tensions surrounding the concept of European values can be explained by their history. The chapter ends by proposing a possible way out of today’s predicament, pleading for more room for political debate around European values.
Reasonable Accommodation: James Madison and Governmental Noncognizance of Religion
Authors: Ashbach Jonathan
Published: July 2023

Scholars have long contested James Madison's position on religious liberty. Madison believed in governmental noncognizance of religion. The dominant view, voiced by Vincent Muñoz, interprets that to mean that government should take no notice of religion either to target it or to allow religious objectors exemptions from neutral and generally applicable laws. While there is much to commend Muñoz's view, it fails to accurately convey Madison's position. Noncognizance, for Madison, meant not that government should not notice religion, but that it should assume no authority over it. Consequently, Madison believed government should not interfere with religious duties unless to achieve important ends via carefully tailored policies.
Managed Retreat: An Introduction and Exploration of Policy Options
Authors: White Lauren
Published: July 2023

As sea levels rise, 100-year floods occur more frequently than ever, and permafrost melts at unprecedented rates, these phenomena (and others) inflict change in our environment that may necessitate action. Proactive measures against environmental threats include protection, accommodation, and relocation. Protective and accommodating actions such as building sea walls and elevating structures can often be sufficient, but some communities may be at greater risk for hazards. Managed retreat is a tool for community adaptation to repeated environmental threats that involves the physical relocation of people, structures, and infrastructures away from areas exposed to repeat hazards. Though conversations surrounding managed retreat are becoming more commonplace in academic literature and public policy vernacular, the practice has been around for decades, as explained in the case studies at the end of this document. Managed retreat is not particularly a popular choice: much of our human experience is tied to the place where we live, our neighbors, shared location-based history and culture, and a sense of belonging. There are four main goals for this document: 1) to provide relevant, useful, introductory information to demystify retreat for decision-makers; 2) to encourage and enable conversations around this adaptive strategy; 3) to promote a framework of continual education and emphasize that progress on managed retreat is grounded in iterative processes instead of a one-time activity; and 4) to provide a range of potential actionable next steps tailored to community and local audiences.
The Dark
Authors: Walter Jess
Published: July 2023

Abstract: The Summer 2023 Issue. Ploughshares is an award-winning journal of new writing. Since 1971, Ploughshares has discovered and cultivated the freshest voices in contemporary American literature, and now provides readers with thoughtful and entertaining literature in a variety of formats. Find out why the New York Times named Ploughshares "the Triton among minnows." The Summer 2023 Issue, guest-edited by Tom Perrotta, features poetry and prose by Marianne Leone, Cheryl Lu-Lien Tan, Andre Dubus III, Fabio Morabito, Jen Trynin, Olufunke Grace Bankole, and Jess Walter, among others.
Self-adherence to post-colonoscopy consults in patients undergoing diagnostic colonoscopy: Findings from a cross-sectional, quantitative survey at a South African quaternary hospital
Authors: Moodley Yoshan , van Wyk Jacqueline , Ning Yuming , Wexner Steven , Gounden Cathrine , Naidoo Vasudevan , Kader Shakeel , Neugut Alfred I. , Kiran Ravi P.
Published: July 2023

Post-colonoscopy consults empower patients to make informed decisions around their subsequent treatment, and non-compliance with these consults (“no-shows”) hinders disease management. There is a paucity in the literature regarding self-adherence to post-colonoscopy consults in resource-limited settings such as South Africa. An understanding of self-adherence to post-colonoscopy consults in this setting is required to establish whether improved interventions are needed, and what specific elements of self-adherence should be addressed with these interventions. The objective of this hypothesis-generating, cross-sectional, quantitative survey was to conduct a baseline assessment of cognitive, motivational, social, and behavioural variables related to self-adherence to post-colonoscopy consults in patients who underwent diagnostic colonoscopy at a South African quaternary hospital. The Adherence Determinants Questionnaire (ADQ) was administered in 47 patients to establish a baseline assessment of elements related to self-adherence to post-colonoscopy consults, including interpersonal aspects of care, perceived utility, severity, susceptibility, subjective norms, intentions, and supports/barriers. ADQ scores were transformed to a percentage of the maximum score for each element (100.0%). The overall mean transformed ADQ score was 57.8%. The mean transformed scores for specific ADQ components were as follows: subjective norms (40.8%), perceived severity (55.4%), perceived utility (56.6%), intentions (59.4%), supports/barriers (59.9%), interpersonal aspects (62.2%), and perceived susceptibility (65.9%). There were no statistically significant differences in overall mean transformed ADQ scores and individual ADQ elements across categories of participant age (p-values ranging between 0.180 and 0.949 when compared between participants ≤40 years and >40 years old), gender (p-values ranging between 0.071 and 0.946 when compared between males and females), and race (p-values ranging between 0.119 and 0.774 when compared between Black Africans and non-Black Africans). Our findings suggest a general need for appropriate interventions to improve self-adherence to post-colonoscopy consults in our setting.
KEARIFAN TEMPATAN CHE WONG
Authors: Razali Jamal Rizal , Jamilah Bebe Mohamad  , Anis Nabilla Ahmad  , Hasmadi Hasan  , Imaduddin Abidin
Published: July 2023

This paper discusses about the local wisdom of the society Che Wong (CW). This community is one of the 18 tribes of indigenous peoples and belongs to Senoi subgroup. These people are experiencing shrinking number of members of its community. Up to 2014, the number of members of the society CW estimated only about 650 people (JAKOA). This will affect the process of their cultural inheritance to the next generation which leads to obsolescence, dying and cultural extinction. For CW community who lived in Kuala Gandah, Temerloh, there are skills that are inherited from previous generations which still practiced until now can be categorized as local wisdom (local wisdom). This term refers to the explicit knowledge that already exists for a long time ago and it evolved with society as well as their identification. However, based on data collected using a qualitative approach, there are a number of local communities skills is currently undergoing the process of aging. This is related to many factors that threat CW communities internal and externally. If the process of documentation and inheritance take place, the local knowledge of these communities may be lost forever. Nevertheless, the culture of a society that stores a variety of information such as philosophy, thinking, worldview, medical information, lineage or "weltanschauung" of relevant community.
 
Makalah ini membincangkan perihal kearifan tempatan yang dimiliki oleh masyarakat Che Wong (CW). Masyarakat ini adalah salah satu daripada 18 suku kaum Orang Asli (OA) dan tergolong dalam Senoi subgroup. Kaum ini sedang mengalami penyusutan jumlah anggota komunitinya. Sehingga tahun 2014, jumlah anggota masyarakat CW dianggarkan hanya tinggal sekitar 650 orang (JAKOA). Hal ini akan mempengaruhi proses pewarisan budaya mereka kepada generasi berikutnya yang mendorong kepada keusangan, kenazakan dan seterusnya kepupusan budaya tersebut. Bagi masyarakat OA CW yang tinggal di Kuala Gandah, Temerloh ini, terdapat beberapa kemahiran yang diwarisi daripada generasi terdahulu yang masih diamalkan sehingga kini yang dikategorikan sebagai kearifan tempatan (local wisdom). Istilah ini merujuk kepada pengetahuan eksplisit yang telah wujud dalam jangka waktu yang panjang dan berevolusi dengan masyarakat serta menjadi tanda pengenal mereka. Walau bagaimanapun, berdasarkan data yang dikutip menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif, terdapat beberapa kemahiran tempatan masyarakat ini sedang mengalami proses pengusangan. Hal ini berlaku kerana terdapat pelbagai faktor yang sedang melanda komuniti CW ini dari dalam dan luar. Sekiranya tiada sebarang usaha pendokumentasian dan pewarisan, kearifan tempatan milik masyarakat ini mungkin akan pupus buat selama-lamanya. Hal ini demikian kerana budaya sesebuah masyarakat itu menyimpan pelbagai maklumat seperti falsafah pemikiran, pandangan dunia, maklumat perubatan, garis keturunan atau lebih besar lagi “weltanschauung” masyarakat berkaitan.
Zum Gedenken an Gerhard Fezer (1938-2014)
Authors: Nicolaysen Rainer , Repgen Tilman , Köhler Michael , Degener Wilhelm , Wohlers Wolfgang , Meyer Frank , Labe Michael
Published: July 2023

Dieser Band dokumentiert die Reden, die am 30. Oktober 2015 im Rahmen der Akademischen Gedenkfeier zur Würdigung des Strafrechtswissenschaftlers Gerhard Fezer (1938–2014) im Flügelbau West des Hauptgebäudes der Universität Hamburg gehalten wurden. Ergänzt um die Begrüßung durch den Dekan der Fakultät für Rechtswissenschaft vermitteln die fünf Reden mit je unterschiedlichem Akzent ein eindrucksvolles Bild des am 15. August 2014 im Alter von 75 Jahren verstorbenen Kollegen und akademischen Lehrers. Gerhard Fezer, der 1978 eine Professur für Strafrecht und Strafprozessrecht in Hamburg übernommen hatte und hier 2004 emeritiert wurde (aber noch darüber hinaus gelehrt hat), war 36 Jahre lang, nahezu sein halbes Leben, Mitglied der Universität Hamburg.
Criminalization of insurance fraud against the background of Polish and Norwegian legal order
Authors: Sadowski Marcin
Published: July 2023

The need to protect material possessions is determined by the fact that they present high real value. This is done by expensive and often compulsory insurance. The obligatory nature and high price of individual insurance products in recent years have become one of the motives for committing crimes referred to in criminal law as insurance fraud, insurance frauds or insurance crimes. For being subject to stipulation in the legislator’s intention, which results from art. 298 § 1 of the Penal Code, is to make an event located at the place and time which is the basis for payment of damages, which, taking into account the actual circumstances of the event, would be undue. The aim of the work is a comparative analysis of Polish and Norwegian code regulations regarding insurance fraud for the purposes of demonstrating differences and similarities between them, taking into account the social aspect of the assurance of crime in both countries. To achieve this goal, the following assumptions were made: regulations regarding the crime of insurance fraud contained in the Polish and Norwegian Code, are complete and provide effective protection in the event of an insurance fraud crime; insurance fraud is significant in terms of the social perception of its commitment, which is determined by social and economic factors.
Prevalence of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in endotracheal aspirate samples: Experience at a tertiary hospital
Authors: Jha Dharnish Kumar , Khanal Basudha , Baral Ratna
Published: July 2023

The emergence of resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents in pathogenic bacteria poses a significant public health threat because few or no effective antimicrobials are available for infectious diseases. is a major cause of device-associated infections that pose a serious threat to critically ill patients. Resistance patterns are thought to result in very limited treatment options and high mortality. We examined the prevalence of in endotracheal aspirates samples and explored their antibiotics susceptibility.

To determine the value of routine endotracheal aspirate cultures performed prior to the onset of the likely onset of ventilator-associated pneumonia (PVAP) in predicting pathogenic microorganisms and susceptibility to their antibiotics

Patients admitted to the ventilatory intensive care unit were tested daily, and endotracheal aspirated (ET) specimens from suspected patients were sent to a microbiology laboratory for culture and sensitivity measurements. 

Of the 52 patients, only twenty five (48%) developed PVAP. Endotracheal aspirate cultures were positive in all PVAP cases. The most commonly isolated bacteria was 14 (56%), followed by 6 (24%) and 4 (16%). Almost all isolates of are multidrug resistant (MDR). ICU stays greater than 16 days were observed for the pathogen . 

We believe that multidrug-resistant is a widespread epidemic, leading to high mortality, long ICU stays, and a difficult case for ICU physicians. Further prospective studies are needed to tackle this threat
The philosophical Generation of the Era of Change
Authors: Sineokaja J.V.
Published: July 2023

The author considers the concept of “philosophical generation” as a powerful intellectual pattern with its own optics, problems and research methods. The article tells about the formation of the first post-Soviet philosophical generation that came to the profession at the turn of the 1980s and 1990s, analyzes the change of scientific guidelines and the restructuring of the philosophical community of that time. The continuity between the philosophical generations of the nineties and sixties is traced. The main directions of the work of Russian philosophers of the late twentieth century are presented in the socio-cultural context of the perestroika era.
Библиотека Удружењa ликовних уметника Србије
Authors: Живановић Владимир
Published: July 2023

Удружење ликовних уметника Србије (УЛУС) основано је 1919. године. Током Другог светског рата није деловало, али је обновило рад 1945. године. Иако је идеја о оснивању библиотеке била присутна од самог формирања УЛУС-а, она је реализована тек 2021–2022. године, уз подршку Министарства културе Републике Србије. Новоосновану библиотеку чине три фонда. Први је збирка Друштва пријатеља уметности „Цвијета Зузорић“, други се састоји од продукције УЛУС-а, док се трећи попуњава путем размене и поклона. Највећи број библиотечких јединица ове новоосноване библиотеке представљају уметнички каталози у издању Удружења, као и књиге из области уметности. Део збирке попуњен је и публикацијама које су настале као резултат његовог савременог издавачког и уметничког деловања. Будући да је Библиотека делимично инвентарисана и каталогизована, претпоставља се да ће бројати преко 3000 библиотечких јединица. Збирка је постављена у полице и уређен је простор за корисничка места и смештај фонда. Циљ рада је да се представи новооснована библиотека и укаже на њен значај како за визуелне уметнике, тако и за публику.
Environmentally relevant concentrations of chlorpyrifos affect behavior and physiological responses of Girardia tigrina
Authors: Saraiva Althieris de Souza , Reis Eloisa Borges dos , Farnese Fernanda dos Santos , Oliveira Marilene S. , Rodrigues Andreia C. M. , Dornelas Aline S. P. , Sarmento Renato A. , Souza João Carlos P. , Resende Erika C. , Saraiva Althiéris S.
Published: July 2023

Chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate insecticide widely used to control agricultural pests, poses a significant environmental threat due to its toxicity and persistence in soil and water, causing deleterious effects on non-target organisms. In this context, our work aimed to evaluate the acute (survival) and chronic (regeneration, locomotion and reproduction) toxicity of chlorpyrifos in tropical freshwater planarians Girardia tigrina. The 48h lethal concentration (LC50) of the commercial formulation, containing 480 g L− 1 of chlorpyrifos active ingredient, was determined to be 622.8 µg a.i. L− 1 for planarians. Sublethal effects were also observed, with a significant reduction in locomotion and delayed head regeneration (equal lowest observed effect concentration – LOEC = 3.88 µg a.i. L− 1). Our study highlight the importance of employing physiological and behavioral parameters as effective tools for assessing the ecotoxicological impact of organophosphate insecticides on non-target tropical freshwater organisms, such as G tigrinia. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of chlorpyrifos-based insecticides to harm natural populations of freshwater planarians at environmentally relevant concentrations. The observed toxicity serves as a cause for concern, emphasizing the need for stricter regulations and careful management of chlorpyrifos usage to mitigate its deleterious effects on aquatic ecosystems. By understanding the specific impacts on non-target organisms like G. tigrina, we can make more informed decisions regarding using and regulating organophosphate insecticides, ultimately promoting sustainable agricultural practices and environmental conservation.
Investigating DOCK9 as a Potential Prognostic Marker: Implications for Angiogenesis and Immunity in Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Pan Yaqiang , Xiao Ying , Chen Dai , Li Shuang , Sun Yangyong , Hu Ge , Ding Jifei
Published: July 2023

Background
Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains a significant public health concern worldwide due to its high incidence and mortality rates. Consequently, developing a robust predictive risk model centered on RNA expression and identifying novel target genes in ESCC is paramount. While previous studies have implicated DOCK9 in tumor prognosis, its specific role in ESCC remains to be elucidated. This study aims to investigate the prognostic significance of DOCK9 and its biological functions in ESCC.
Methods
We reanalyzed RNA microarray datasets (GSE67269, GSE20347, GSE53625) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to identify potential survival-associated genes and assess their expression in ESCC. We also comprehensively analyzed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data from GSE160269, GSE188990, and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) ESCC cohorts to explore potential molecular mechanisms. Kaplan-Meier analysis determined the correlation between DOCK9/CD31 and prognosis. Protein expression of DOCK9 in ESCC tissues was examined through immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses in a small cohort of six ESCC patients. The co-expression of DOCK9 and CD31 was verified using Immunofluorescence (IF) analysis. Additionally, we investigated the functional impact of DOCK9 on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) proliferation, migration, and tube formation using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining assay, wound-healing assay, and tube formation assay.
Results
Our study identified 21 genes from GSE67269, GSE20347, and GSE53625 datasets based on differential and univariate COX analyses, enabling us to construct a prognostic risk model for ESCC where DOCK9 plays a central role. DOCK9 expression was markedly lower in cancerous tissues than in ESCC patients' paracancerous tissues. Furthermore, DOCK9 emerged as a survival-related risk factor in ESCC, exhibiting high expression in tumo endothelial cells (TECs) and playing a role in angiogenesis and tumor-associated fibroblasts development. Our immunity analysis suggested that DOCK9 might influence the immune landscape, and the DOCK9/CD31 ratio could serve as an indicator for assessing the response to immunotherapy in ESCC. Functionally, our assays indicated that inhibiting DOCK9 expression curtailed the proliferation, migration, and tube formation of ANG-2-stimulated HUVECs, a process potentially related to the ANG-2/Tie2 axis.
Conclusions
Our study provides evidence that DOCK9 could serve as a potential prognostic biomarker associated with angiogenesis and immune therapy in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, thereby opening avenues for improved therapeutic strategies.
What have we learned about milk quality and udder health in automatic milking systems?
Authors: Kelton David , Hand Karen
Published: July 2023

The adoption of automatic milking systems (AMS) continues to increase across North America. An analysis of milk quality data from more than 3,000 dairy farms in Ontario, Canada sug­gests that while AMS herds have a slightly higher average raw bacteria count and higher risk of incurring a bacterial or freez­ing point penalty, the bulk tank somatic cell count is similar among farms using pipeline, parlor and AMS systems. These results indicate that farms milking with AMS can produce milk of similarly high quality as those milking with conventional milking systems (CMS). A panel of individuals shared their opinions about advantages and disadvantages of AMS and CMS, with a number of AMS attributes appearing in both lists, sug­gesting that the perception will depend on the context and the attributes of the AMS.
Putting research to the test: Implementing selective dry cow therapy on farms across New York State
Authors: Potter Tracy , Forrestal Amber , Capel Michael , Nydam Daryl
Published: July 2023

Selective dry cow therapy (SDCT) has been shown to be an ef­fective way of using antimicrobials judiciously on dairy farms while decreasing treatment costs and maintaining herd health. However, adoption of the practice has been slow in the U.S. In order to improve the adoption of this practice in New York State, we formed a team of veterinarians to help interested dairy producers and their herd veterinarians to implement SDCT successfully. Not all farms are a good fit for SDCT. An in-depth discussion between the herd veterinarian and farm stakeholders before adoption is necessary. This discussion should include current practices, data available to make the selection process, best practices for dry off and dry-pen man­agement, and how to monitor progress going forward. Our team enrolled 24 farms over the course of a year. Seventeen out of 24 farms are still using SDCT at the time of publishing. A variety of SDCT methods were used, and on average, herds decreased dry cow antibiotic use by 53%. The metrics we used to monitor herd infection dynamics before and after SDCT included aver­age monthly somatic cell count, fresh cow mastitis incidence, average herd prevalence of a high first test, average herd preva­lence of subclinical infection, average new infection risk, and cure risk. For all but a few herds, 95% confidence intervals overlapped for all outcomes before and after starting SDCT and differences were relatively small. In our experience, SDCT, if employed on the right farm, is an effective way to use antibiot­ics judiciously at dry off without disrupting herd health.
Interpretation of the bovine CBC and chemistry
Authors: Jones Meredyth
Published: July 2023

The complete blood count (CBC) and serum chemistry can be an important extension of the physical examination and may be used to suggest certain disease processes when exam find­ings are vague and can be useful for establishing a prognosis in many cases. The CBC is of greatest value in ruminants for char­acterizing anemia and in cases where inflammatory processes are suspected. The serum chemistry may be used to provide a direct diagnosis of organ dysfunction, but is also useful in help­ing to determine supportive care, prognosis and progression of a case over time.
Selection and interpretation of diagnostic testing
Authors: Jones Meredyth
Published: July 2023

It has been said that making a diagnosis is the most difficult undertaking of humans. It can be easy with an overwhelming case to run a battery of diagnostic tests searching for an answer in a challenging case. Further, it can be tempting to enter into a herd-level diagnostic undertaking without a real plan for what to do with the results. As veterinarians, it is our responsibility to perform diagnostic tests with strategy and a plan for each of the possible outcomes. This is what separates us from layper­sons who submit samples directly to a diagnostic lab expecting a printout with a plan.
Sinus trephination and horn problems
Authors: Schleining Jennifer A.
Published: July 2023

Conditions of the head requiring surgery in cattle are not un­common when considering the incidence of conditions such as ocular squamous cell carcinoma, surgical dehorning, sinusitis and trauma-related injury. Surgery involving the eyes in cattle is relatively common, whereas surgery of the paranasal sinuses is less common. Surgery for conditions of the head tend to have a more favorable prognosis when there is early intervention.
Setting up yearly preventive health plan for sheep, goats, camelids
Authors: Miller Blake
Published: July 2023

The objective of this presentation is to provide useful and ap­plicable information about preventative medicine that can be imparted in an oral or written form to clients that own small ruminants or camelids. Owners often have serious issues re­quiring immediate attention that could have been avoided if proper husbandry and maintenance was provided prior to the incident, further reinforcing the idea that preventative medi­cine is the best medicine.
Investigation of the relationship between differential somatic cell count and milk culture
Authors: Peña Mosca F. , Florentino C. , Rial C. , Laplacette A. , Masic A. , Borchers M. , Asper D. , Caixeta L.
Published: July 2023

Milk culture is the gold standard for detection of intramam­mary infections (IMI) in dairy cows. Somatic cell count (SCC) is widely used for diagnosing subclinical mastitis, but its predic­tive value for detecting IMI is limited. Differential SCC (DSCC) provides information about the changes in the relative abun­dance of different cell types during the inflammatory response and is a potential alternative for the identification of quarters with IMI. However, its ability to detect IMI is unclear and re­quires further investigation. Thus, the objective of this study was to investigate the predictive value of DSCC in the identifica­tion of quarters with IMI.
National and regional effects of value-added vaccination programs on prices of calves sold through the Superior Livestock Auction
Authors: De Aguiar Veloso V. , Tonsor G. T. , Hutcheson J. P. , Renter D. G.
Published: July 2023

Several programs have been established for cow-calf producers to market benefits of high health and management standards. Our objective was to estimate effects of value-added vaccina­tion (VAC) programs on calf prices sold through Superior Live­stock Auctions (SLA), the largest video cattle marketing network in North America. Superior Livestock Auctions VAC programs specify types and timing of vaccinations, qualifying vaccines, if calves were home raised, and/or minimum number of days weaned prior to delivery. Estimates of value added by VAC pro­grams may help improve management and marketing decisions.
Characterization of placentome vascular perfusion in relation to pregnancy associated glycoproteins throughout gestation in pregnant beef heifers
Authors: Griffin C. K. , Lear A. , Lemley C.
Published: July 2023

During pregnancy, blood flow to the uterus and placenta changes to support fetal demand. The placentomes serve as vascular attachment sites for exchange of gases, nutrients and fetal metabolic products. In human and veterinary medicine, non-invasive methods of ultrasonography and biomarkers have been described to assess placental health and fetal viability. Pregnancy associated glycoproteins (PAGs) are produced by the ruminant placenta and detected in maternal circulation. Current literature suggests that changes in circulating PAG con­centrations may be a useful biomarker for assessing placental health. The objective of this study is to determine the associa­tion between placentome blood perfusion and circulating PAG concentrations as they relate to the health of the developing fetal calf. The hypothesis states that placentome perfusion and PAG concentration will be positively correlated and associated with neonatal outcome.
Evaluating the efficacy of two local anesthetics to extend analgesia in Holstein calves after dehorning
Authors: Viscardi A. , Kleinhenz M. , Martin M. , Montgomery S. , Cull C. , Seagren J. , Lechtenberg K. , Coetzee J.
Published: July 2023

The dehorning of dairy calves is a painful procedure routinely done in commercial production systems, to facilitate handling and increase human and animal safety. The American Associa­tion of Bovine Practitioners recommends the use of procedures and practices that reduce or eliminate pain associated with de­horning to improve on-farm animal welfare. This study aimed to 1) determine if the addition of bupivacaine lipsome inject­able suspension or ethanol to lidocaine would provide extended pain relief to dairy calves post-dehorning, and 2) determine which local anesthetic most effectively reduced pain biomark­ers and behaviors post-dehorning.
Time-course RNA-Seq analysis defines immunological and inflammatory mechanisms influenced by bovine respiratory disease
Authors: Scott M. A. , Woolums A. R. , Thompson A. C. , Karisch B. B.
Published: July 2023

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) remains the leading disease in beef cattle. Host gene expression at facility arrival may indi­cate BRD risk, however, time-course RNA-Seq could define how BRD development influences immunological and inflammatory responses. Here, we evaluated blood transcriptomes of high-risk beef cattle at 3 timepoints to illustrate BRD-associated host response.
Effect of prophylactic calcium supplementation on regulators of calcium homeostasis in multiparous Holstein cows
Authors: Frost I. R. , Seely C. R. , Callero K. R. , Seminara J. A. , McCray H. A. , Reid A. M. , Martinez R. M. , McArt J. A. A.
Published: July 2023

Post-parturient subclinical hypocalcemia (SCH) in dairy cows, a common metabolic disease which arises from the increased calcium demands of early lactation, has been associated with decreased milk production and negative health outcomes. Our objective was to determine how postpartum calcium supple­mentation methods, and the timing of their administration, affect blood calcium concentrations and regulators of calcium homeostasis, specifically parathyroid hormone and calcitonin.
Assessment of the relationship between differential somatic cell count and presence of subclinical mastitis
Authors: Pena Mosca F. , Florentino C. , Rial C. , Laplacette A. , Masic A. , Borchers M. , Asper D. , Caixeta L.
Published: July 2023

Somatic cell count (SCC) is commonly used for the identifica­tion of cows with subclinical mastitis. Differential somatic cell count (DSCC) represents a novel diagnostic method that allows for the identification and quantification of the different types of inflammatory cells in milk samples (neutrophils (NEU), lym­phocytes (LYM) and macrophages (MAC)) and thus the propor­tions of different cell types could be utilized for subclinical mastitis screening. The objective of this study was to investi­gate if the counts and abundance of different leukocytes types could be used for the identification of cows with subclinical mastitis.
Investigation of the relationship between manure processing method and levels of mastitis pathogens in recycled manure solids bedding on Midwest dairy farms
Authors: Godden S. M. , Pena Mosca F. , Royster E. , Albrecht D. , Crooker B.
Published: July 2023

While many dairies use green (GRN) recycled manure solids (RMS) bedding, some first process slurry through an anaerobic digester (DIG), while others have adopted secondary (SEC) pro­cessing methods such as mechanical composters (COM), hot air dryers (DRY) or, more recently, infrared drying (IR), in an effort to lower mastitis pathogen counts in ready to use (RTU) solids. A previous study reported that Midwest herds using DIG as the sole processing method had lower levels of coliforms and Kleb­siella spp. (Kleb), but no reduction in streptococci or strep-like organisms (SSLO) in RTU solids, and no improvement in ud­der health, as compared to herds using GRN RMS. In contrast, herds using COM or DRY RMS bedding had lower bacteria levels and improved udder health as compared to herds using GRN solids. However, the latter study included a limited number of herds using DIG RMS. The objective of this observational study was to investigate the relationship between use of DIG and other SEC processing methods and levels mastitis pathogens in RTU RMS, as well as bulk tank (BT) SCC, when compared to herds using GRN RMS bedding.
A randomized non-inferiority study evaluating the efficacy of two commercially available teat sealants in dairy cows
Authors: Buckley M. P. , Bayne J. , Silva G. S. , Tomazi T. , Miller B. E. , Godden S. M. , Gorden P. J.
Published: July 2023

The primary objective of this study was to compare the effi­cacy of a new internal teat sealant (ShutOutTM, Merck Animal Health, Madison, NJ) (SO) to the current U.S. industry leader (Orbeseal®, Zoetis, Parsippany, NJ) (ORB). This comparison was based on a non-inferiority evaluation of quarter-level new in­fection risk during the dry period, with secondary comparisons of cure risk, incidence of clinical mastitis at the cow level dur­ing the first 120 days in milk, as well as cow-level performance in early lactation based on milk production, somatic cell count (SCC), and risk for removal from the herd.
Trends in quarter-level somatic cell count and implications for quarter milk separation
Authors: Koebel K. J. , Reed K. F. , Nydam D. V. , Watters R. D. , Wieland M. , Virkler P. D.
Published: July 2023

The sale of quarter-separated milk is prohibited under the Pas­teurized Milk Ordinance; all milk harvested from a cow with 1 or more abnormal quarters must be discarded. However, the milk produced by unaffected quarters may still be of acceptable quality, i.e. low somatic cell count (SCC). With the increasing popularity of automatic milking systems (AMS) and real-time udder-level SCC monitoring, milk quality must be investigated as future technology may allow for automated quarter-level testing and separation. This study sought to evaluate SCC trends in quarter-separated milk samples from cows with differing numbers of high SCC quarters, in order to determine if unaf­fected quarters continue to produce low SCC milk.