bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Existence and Stability of Equilibrium Points in the R3BP With Triaxial-Radiating Primaries and an Oblate Massless Body Under the Effect of the Circumbinary Disc
Authors: Vincent A. E. , Perdiou A. E. , Perdios E. A.
Published: April 2022

The aim of this article is to study the existence, location, and stability of equilibrium points in a generalized restricted three-body problem (R3BP) that consists of an oblate infinitesimal body when the primaries are radiating sources with triaxiality of the two stars surrounded by a belt (circumbinary disc). The existence, number, location, and stability of the collinear and triangular Lagrangian equilibrium points of the problem depend on the mass parameter and the perturbing forces involved in the equations of motion. We find numerically that four additional collinear equilibrium pointsLni,i= 1, 2, 3, 4, exist, in addition to the three Eulerian pointsLi,i= 1, 2, 3, of the classical case, making up a total of up to seven collinear points.Ln1andLn2result due to the potential from the belt, whileLn3andLn4arise from the effect of triaxiality. The positions of the equilibrium points are affected by the presence of perturbations, since they are deviated from the classical R3BP on thex-axis and out of thex-axis, respectively. The stability of the equilibrium points, for a particular set of the parameters, is analyzed, and it is concluded that all the collinear points are unstable exceptLn1, which is always linearly stable. The range of stability of the Lagrangian pointsL4,5is determined analytically and found that being stable for 0 <μ<μcritand unstable forμcrit≤μ≤ 1/2, whereμcritis the critical mass ratio which depends on the combined effects of the perturbing forces. It is noticed that the critical mass ratio decreases with the increase in the values of the radiation pressure, triaxiality, and oblate infinitesimal body; however, it increases with the increase in the value of mass of the disc. All three of the former and the latter one possess destabilizing and stabilizing behavior, respectively. The net effect is that the size of the region of stability that decreases when the value of these parameters increases. In our model, the binary HD155876 system is used, and it is found that there exists one stable collinear equilibrium pointviz. Ln1.
Social Media and the Olympics: A Chance for Improving Gender Equality
Authors: Grabmüllerová Aneta
Published: April 2022

The purpose of this paper is to explore whether social media content by the National Olympic Committees (NOC) during the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games strengthens or weakens the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) gender equality ambitions. As the media play an important role in creating the impressions that people cherish during and after the Olympics, the IOC has since the 1990s increased its responsibility for fair media portrayal of athletes and competitions by revising its own media production. In the past decade, this most notably concerns social media. Not only has it become an inseparable part of global sports consumption, but it is also seen as a tool for changing the biased and stereotypical portrayal of female athletes in news media, even though male and female athletes have become nearly equal in numbers of participants. Studies of media production and equality-informed decisions are, however, rare in sport. Drawing upon a quantitative analysis of social media accounts of three National Olympic Committees (NOC) (Norway, Czech Republic and Switzerland) and qualitative in-depth interviews with key informants—NOCs' and European Olympic Committee's (EOC) social media personnel—this study therefore explored the decisions and processes that influenced gender portrayal during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Findings of the study showed that media personnel have a significant influence on gender portrayal in their respective communication channels. In contrast to news media, they were aware of the frames they apply, and they applied them in alignment with the Olympic values. Consequently, they set a fairer agenda for both male and female athletes and strengthened the gender equality mission of the IOC.
Insights Into Vascular Anomalies, Cancer, and Fibroproliferative Conditions: The Role of Stem Cells and the Renin-Angiotensin System
Authors: Kilmister Ethan J. , Tan Swee T.
Published: April 2022

Cells exhibiting embryonic stem cell (ESC) characteristics have been demonstrated in vascular anomalies (VAs), cancer, and fibroproliferative conditions, which are commonly managed by plastic surgeons and remain largely unsolved. The efficacy of the mTOR inhibitor sirolimus, and targeted therapies that block the Ras/BRAF/MEK/ERK1/2 and PI3KCA/AKT/mTOR pathways in many types of cancer and VAs, further supports the critical role of ESC-like cells in the pathogenesis of these conditions. ESC-like cells in VAs, cancer, and fibroproliferative conditions express components of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) – a homeostatic endocrine signaling cascade that regulates cells with ESC characteristics. ESC-like cells are influenced by the Ras/BRAF/MEK/ERK1/2 and PI3KCA/AKT/mTOR pathways, which directly regulate cellular proliferation and stemness, and interact with the RAS at multiple points. Gain-of-function mutations affecting these pathways have been identified in many types of cancer and VAs, that have been treated with targeted therapies with some success. In cancer, the RAS promotes tumor progression, treatment resistance, recurrence, and metastasis. The RAS modulates cellular invasion, migration, proliferation, and angiogenesis. It also indirectly regulates ESC-like cells via its direct influence on the tissue microenvironment and by its interaction with the immune system.In vitrostudies show that RAS inhibition suppresses the hallmarks of cancer in different experimental models. Numerous epidemiological studies show a reduced incidence of cancer and improved survival outcomes in patients taking RAS inhibitors, although some studies have shown no such effect. The discovery of ESC-like cells that express RAS components in infantile hemangioma (IH) underscores the paradigm shift in the understanding of its programmed biologic behavior and accelerated involution induced by β-blockers and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors. The findings of SOX18 inhibition by R-propranolol suggests the possibility of targeting ESC-like cells in IH without β-adrenergic blockade, and its associated side effects. This article provides an overview of the current knowledge of ESC-like cells and the RAS in VAs, cancer, and fibroproliferative conditions. It also highlights new lines of research and potential novel therapeutic approaches for these unsolved problems in plastic surgery, by targeting the ESC-like cells through manipulation of the RAS, its bypass loops and converging signaling pathways using existing low-cost, commonly available, and safe oral medications.
Modeling and Control of Hysteresis Characteristics of Piezoelectric Micro-Positioning Platform Based on Duhem Model
Authors: Ji Huawei , Lv Bo , Ding Hanqi , Yang Fan , Qi Anqi , Wu Xin , Ni Jing
Published: April 2022

The hysteresis characteristic of piezoelectric micro-positioning platforms seriously affects its positioning accuracy in precision positioning. It is important to design an effective hysteresis model and control scheme. Based on the analysis of the Duhem model, this paper proposes to divide the hysteresis curve into two parts, the step-up section and the step-down section, to identify the model parameters, respectively, and a hybrid intelligent optimization algorithm based on the artificial fish swarm algorithm and the bat algorithm is proposed. The simulation experiment verified that the error of the improved model was reduced by 48.97%, which greatly improved the identification accuracy of the Duhem model. Finally, an inverse model of the Duhem model for the segmental identification of the improved artificial fish swarm algorithm is established, and a composite controller integrating feedforward, feedback and decoupling control is designed on the basis of the inverse model, and an experimental verification is carried out. The results show that the displacement errors of the composite controller under different voltage signals are all within 0.25%. Therefore, the established model can accurately express the hysteresis characteristics of the platform, and the use of the composite controller can effectively reduce the accuracy error caused by the hysteresis characteristics.
How to Control Civil Servants: Designing and Testing a Solution Informed by Game Theory
Authors: Romme A. Georges L. , van de Loo Harry , Dankbaar Ben
Published: April 2022

A fundamental challenge in democracy is how to control civil service organizations. This challenge has been primarily addressed by creating horizontal accountability arrangements, in which independent agencies act as auditors and evaluators of civil service organizations. However, horizontal accountability only partially resolves this control challenge. In this paper, we adopt a design science approach and draw on insights from game theory to develop a set of design principles for controlling civil service organizations. Based on these design principles, a system for controlling civil service staff was created and implemented in a medium-sized Dutch municipality. The results obtained in this municipality are rather promising regarding the enhanced efficiency and transparency of the civil service organization, while the high level of job satisfaction among civil servants is sustained. These findings suggest that the benefits of increased transparency in how civil servants are monitored appear to outweigh the fact that they may have less discretion in their work.
Comparison of Yield and Yield Components of Several Crops Grown under Agro-Photovoltaic System in Korea
Authors: Jo Hyun , Asekova Sovetgul , Bayat Mohammad Amin , Ali Liakat , Song Jong Tae , Ha Yu-Shin , Hong Dong-Hyuck , Lee Jeong-Dong
Published: April 2022

Renewable energy generation has attracted growing interest globally. The agro-photovoltaic (APV) system is a new alternative to conventional photovoltaic power plants, which can simultaneously generate renewable energy and increase agricultural productivity by the use of solar panels on the same farmland. The optimization of crop yields and assessment of their environmental sensitivity under the solar panels have not yet been evaluated with various crop species. This study aimed to evaluate the agronomic performances and crop yields under the APV system and the open field with crop species such as rice, onion, garlic, rye, soybean, adzuki bean, monocropping corn, and mixed planting of corn with soybean in South Korea. The results indicated that there was statistically no negative impact of the APV system on the forage yield of rye and corn over two years, suggesting that forage crops under the APV system were suitable to producing forage yield for livestock. In addition, the measured forage quality of rye was not significantly different between the open field and the APV system. However, rice yield was statistically reduced under the APV system. The yield of legume crops and vegetables in this study did not show consistent statistical results in two years. For further study, crop yield trials will still be required for rice, soybean, adzuki bean, onion, and garlic for multiple years under the APV system.
Disease Development and Discovery of Anatomically Resistant Features towards Bacterial Leaf Streak in Rice
Authors: Wahab Waheeda Abd , Talip Noraini , Basir Syazwani , Akbar Muhamad Afiq , Saad Mohd Faiz Mat , Bunawan Hamidun
Published: April 2022

Bacterial leaf streak (BLS) caused by bacterium Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola (Xoc) is one of the most prominent rice diseases. BLS causes a significant reduction in paddy yields. However, there are limited studies and a lack of information regarding the mechanisms and cells affected on leaf tissues severed from this disease. Therefore, in this study, sensitive paddy variety IR24 was inoculated against BLS, and the pathogen colonised mesophyll cells and some bundle sheath cells. The infection spreads rapidly towards the base and apex of the leaf, but rather slowly to the left and right sides of the leaf veins. Another experiment was performed to unravel anatomical characteristics in sensitive paddy varieties (TN1, IR24, IR5) and resistant paddy varieties (IR26, Dular, IR36) against BLS. Susceptible paddy varieties have less thick midrib and leaf lamina, a high number of bundle sheath cells at primary vascular tissue (midrib), one layer of sclerenchyma cells at the secondary vein, and more than two metaxylems at the primary vein. Resistant paddy varieties, on the other hand, consist of a relatively thickened midrib and leaf lamina, fewer bundle sheath cells at the primary vascular tissue (midrib), more than one sclerenchyma layers at the secondary vein, and two metaxylems at the primary vein. This study contributes new knowledge in identifying the level of infection in paddy fields, and helps breeders in producing resistant paddies to this disease.
Combined Application of Lime and a Nitrification Inhibitor (3,4-Dimethylpyrazole Phosphate) Markedly Decreased Nitrous Oxide Emissions from an Acid Soil
Authors: Das Shilpi , Wang Weijin , Reeves Steven , Dalal Ram C. , Dang Yash P. , Kopittke Peter M.
Published: April 2022

High nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions (2–10% of fertiliser N) were observed previously from acid soils cropped with sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum) in Australia. We assessed the impact of lime, a nitrification inhibitor (NI, as 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate, DMPP), and copper (Cu) on N2O emissions from an acid sugarcane soil in a laboratory experiment using (1) urea (U), (2) U + DMPP, (3) U + CuSO4.5H2O (U + Cu), and (4) U + DMPP + Cu. The treatments were applied to both an un-limed soil (pH 5.1) and a limed soil (pH 6.9) and incubated at 25 °C and 55% water holding capacity (WHC) for 28 d, and then increased to 90% WHC for another 8 d to favour denitrification. At 55% WHC, both the addition of the NI (U + DMPP) and the liming of the acid soil significantly decreased cumulative N2O emissions, due to significantly lower net nitrifications. Liming and DMPP decreased N2O emissions by 79% and 90%, respectively. However, where lime and DMPP were applied together, N2O emissions decreased by 94% compared to those in the un-limed (acid) U-treated soil. In contrast, the addition of Cu and the increase in water content to 90% WHC had no significant effect on N2O emissions. Therefore, the combined use of lime and DMPP provides the best option to decrease N2O emissions from the acid soil.
Ectomycorrhizal Mushrooms as a Natural Bio-Indicator for Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution
Authors: Ediriweera Aseni Navoda , Karunarathna Samantha Chandranath , Yapa Pinnaduwage Neelamanie , Schaefer Douglas Allen , Ranasinghe Arani Koshathaki , Suwannarach Nakarin , Xu Jianchu
Published: April 2022

Environmental changes and heavy metal pollution are some of the consequences of anthropogenic activities. Many ecosystems, including edaphic ecosystems, suffer from the effects of pollution. The accurate assessment of soil heavy metal contamination leads to better approaches for remediating soils. The exploration of different ways, including biological methods, to conduct environmental monitoring is still ongoing. Here, we focus on reviewing the potential of ectomycorrhizal fungi as a natural indicator of soil heavy metal pollution. Mycorrhizal fungi fulfill basic criteria required as natural bio-indicators for heavy metal contamination. These fungi use different mechanisms such as avoidance and tolerance to survive in metalliferous soils. Thus, we promote ectomycorrhizal fungi as natural indicators. This review also synthesizes existing research on ectomycorrhizal mushrooms as natural bio-indicators for heavy metal pollution and the elaboration of mechanisms, by which ectomycorrhizal fungi meet the criteria required for a successful bio-indicator.
Restoration of Rice Ecosystem Services: ‘Ecological Engineering for Pest Management’ Incentives and Practices in the Mekong Delta Region of Vietnam
Authors: Horgan Finbarr G. , Vu Quynh , Mundaca Enrique A. , Crisol-Martínez Eduardo
Published: April 2022

Ecological engineering is an agroecological approach to pest management that has been adopted by thousands of rice farmers in the Mekong Delta Region of Vietnam. Farmers adopted the intervention as part of a heuristic approach to developing the technology. This study assesses the knowledge, attitudes and practices related to ecological engineering among participating and non-participating farmers. Interviews with 315 farmers revealed a diversity of practices under the umbrella of ecological engineering, all of which were associated with the establishment of linear vegetation strips as habitat for natural enemies. As a restoring service from society to the rice ecosystem, ecological engineering incorporated significant positive-feedback loops, particularly regarding the production of supplementary foods (provisioning services) and the aesthetic value (cultural services) of planted rice bunds. Participating farmers reported fewer insecticide applications to their main rice crop; they applied insecticides at a later crop growth stage (protecting pest regulating services); and they reported higher rice yields. However, a high dependency on government support, the role of agrochemical extensionists in providing information, a tendency to apply pesticides to vegetation strips and little change in the appreciation of wildlife-related services all threaten the social sustainability of the intervention. We recommend greater attention to optimizing linear strips to not only support natural enemies but to also enhance supplementary farm incomes while reducing material and labor costs.
Inheritance and Genetic Mapping of Late-Bolting to Early-Bolting Gene, BrEb-1, in Chinese Cabbage (Brassica rapa L.)
Authors: Wei Xiaochun , Rahim Md Abdur , Zhao Yanyan , Yang Shuangjuan , Su Henan , Wang Zhiyong , Shahriar Saleh Ahmed , Li Jundang , Yang Zhiyuan , Yuan Yuxiang , Zhang Xiaowei
Published: April 2022

Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa L.) is one of the most important and highly nutritious vegetables in China belonging to the Brassicaceae family. Flowering or bolting is one of the most critical developmental stages in flowering plants. For the spring-sown Chinese cabbage, late-bolting is desirable over early-bolting according to consumer preferences. We determined the inheritance pattern of the late-bolting trait using F1 and F2 generated from a cross between ‘SY2004’ (late-bolting) and ‘CX14-1’ (early-bolting). The genetic analysis revealed that the late-bolting to early-bolting trait was controlled by an incomplete dominant gene that we named BrLb-1. Furthermore, we performed bulked segregant analysis (BSA) via whole genome re-sequencing and the results showed that this gene was harbored on the chromosome A07 at the intersections of 20,070,000 to 25,290,000 bp and 20,330,000 to 25,220,000, an interval distance of 4.89 Mb. In this candidate interval, totals of 2321 and 1526 SNPs with non-synonymous mutations, and 229 and 131 InDels with frameshift mutations, were found between the parents and the bulked pools, respectively. Furthermore, we identified three putative candidate genes for the late-bolting trait, including BraA07g029500, BraA07g029530 and BraA07g030360, which code for the AGAMOUS-like MADS-box protein AGL12, a pentatricopeptide repeat-containing protein and NAC transcription factor 29, respectively; however, further functional analysis is required. These genetic variants could be utilized for the further development of molecular markers for marker-assisted breeding in Chinese cabbage.
Subtotal Epiglottectomy and Ablation of Unilateral Arytenoid Cartilage as Surgical Treatments for Grade III Laryngeal Collapse in Dogs
Authors: Collivignarelli Francesco , Bianchi Amanda , Vignoli Massimo , Paolini Andrea , Falerno Ilaria , Dolce Giulia , Cortelli Panini Paolo , Tamburro Roberto
Published: April 2022

Stage III laryngeal collapse is defined as the collapse of the corniculate processes of the arytenoid cartilages and the destructuration of the dorsal portion of the rima glottidis. The primary cause is chronic upper airway obstruction, and the condition is often present in brachycephalic dogs. The treatment is still controversial; the patients are generally treated with a permanent tracheostomy. This article reports the authors’ experience with 16 dogs affected by stage III laryngeal collapse treated with subtotal epiglottectomy and the ablation of unilateral arytenoid cartilage. Before the surgery, all of the dogs underwent an effort test to classify the clinical severity of the disease and an endoscopic examination of the airways to determine the stage of severity of the laryngeal collapse. One month after surgery, the effort test was repeated in order to evaluate the clinical outcome. One year after surgery, the owners of 12 patients rated their dogs as follows: excellent in five cases, good in five cases, and fair in two cases. According to this pilot study, epiglottectomy associated with the photoablation of unilateral arytenoid cartilage increases airway flow, and thus may be considered a valid surgical procedure to treat dogs affected by grade III laryngeal collapse.
Passive Disease Surveillance of Alpine Chamois (Rupicapra r. rupicapra) in Slovenia between 2000 and 2020
Authors: Vengušt Gorazd , Kuhar Urška , Jerina Klemen , Švara Tanja , Gombač Mitja , Bandelj Petra , Vengušt Diana Žele
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we provide an overview of the causes of death of Alpine chamois (Rupicapra r. rupicapra) diagnosed in the national passive health surveillance of chamois in Slovenia. From 2000 to 2020, 284 free-ranging chamois provided by hunters were necropsied at the Veterinary Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia. Depending on the results of complete necropsy, histopathological, bacteriological, parasitological, and virological examinations, a descriptive data analysis was performed. The most common causes of death in chamois were infectious diseases (82.2%), followed by non-infectious diseases (11.8%). Of all the causes of death, parasitic infections accounted for 70.3%, trauma for 9.7%, and bacterial infections for 9.3% of all cases. Less common diseases were viral infections, neoplasms, winter starvation, and metabolic disorders.
Effects of the In Ovo Vaccination of the ts-11 Strain of Mycoplasma gallisepticum in Layer Embryos and Posthatch Chicks
Authors: Alqhtani Abdulmohsen H. , Fatemi Seyed A. , Elliott Katie E. C. , Branton Scott L. , Evans Jeff D. , Leigh Spencer A. , Gerard Patrick D. , Peebles Edgar D.
Published: April 2022

The transmission of the ts-11 strain of Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) vaccine (ts-11MGV) between incubated eggs and between hatchlings that was administrated via in ovo injection, and its subsequent effects on their posthatch performance were evaluated. Marek’s disease diluent alone (sham-injected) or containing either 3.63 × 101, 102, 103, or 104 cfu of ts-11MGV was manually in ovo-injected into the amnion on 18 days of incubation. Egg residue analysis, percentage incubational egg weight loss, hatchability of viable injected eggs, and hatchling body weight (BW) were assessed. Selected hatchlings from each treatment replicate group were swabbed in the choanal cleft for MG DNA detection. Female chick live performance was also assessed through 21 days of posthatch age. Unexposed control sentinel chicks were allocated to each treatment replicate group to assess horizontal transmission. Birds were later swabbed and bled respectively, for detection of MG DNA and IgM production at 21 days posthatch. In all birds, no MG DNA was detected and SPA tests for IgM were negative. Among all variables, only 0 to 21 day BW gain was significantly affected by treatment and was lower in the 3.63 × 104 ts-11 MGV treatment in comparison to all the other treatments. Because ts-11MGV does not exhibit vertical or horizontal transmission capabilities under commercial conditions, it may not be a good candidate for in ovo injection.
Exploring the Effects of Different Bacteria Additives on Fermentation Quality, Microbial Community and In Vitro Gas Production of Forage Oat Silage
Authors: Xiong Yi , Xu Jingjing , Guo Linna , Chen Fei , Jiang Dedai , Lin Yanli , Guo Chunze , Li Xiaomei , Chen Yunrong , Ni Kuikui , Yang Fuyu
Published: April 2022

Bacterial inoculants are considered as a good choice for successful ensiling, playing a key role in improving the silage quality. However, the potential of different bacteria, especially the propionic acid bacteria, in forage oat ensiling is yet to be explored. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the regulation effects of different bacterial additives on the fermentation quality of forage oat silage. Four additives (Lactiplantibacillus plantarum F1, LP; Lacticaseibacillus 0rhamnosus XJJ01, LR; Lacticaseibacillus paracasei XJJ02, LC; and Propionibacterium acidipropionici 1.1161, PP; without additives, CK) were inoculated in forage oat silage, and the fermentation quality and organic compounds were determined after 60 days of ensiling. Notably, LR showed higher dry matter preservation compared to other additives and CK. In addition, LP and LR showed strong lactic acid synthesis capacity, resulting in lower pH compared to other additives and CK. The treatments of PP and LC increased the bacterial diversity in silage, while the bacterial community in the LR group was different from that in other groups. In addition, the PP- and LC-treated oat silage showed significantly lower total in vitro gas production and a lower methane content. These results suggest that LP is more favorable for producing high-quality oat silage than LR, LC, or PP. Both the PP- and LC- treated oat silage may reduce rumen greenhouse gas emissions.
Effect of β-Mannanase Supplementation on Growth Performance, Ileal Digestibility, Carcass Traits, Intestinal Morphology, and Meat Quality in Broilers Fed Low-ME Diets
Authors: Yaqoob Muhammad Umar , Yousaf Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Issa , Wang Minqi
Published: April 2022

Experiment was designed to analyze the effect of low caloric diets, supplemented with β-mannanase on growth performance, carcass characteristics, nutrient digestibility, and other parameters in broilers. In this study, 400 broiler chicks were randomly divided into four treatments (Cont: without β-mannanase; LM-30, MM-60, and HM-90: supplemented with 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg β-mannanase, respectively). Dietary metabolizable energy (ME) in Cont was standard (starter diet 3100 kcal/kg; finisher diet 3200 kcal/kg) and reduced by 30, 60, and 90 kcal/kg, correspondingly in β-mannanase-supplemented treatments. The results exhibited that growth performance was not affected by reducing dietary energy levels with supplementation of β-mannanase. Ileal digestibility of DM and CF was improved (p < 0.01) by supplementation of β-mannanase at low dietary ME levels. Concerning carcass traits, the relative weight of breast meat, drumstick, and abdominal fat increased (p < 0.05) with β-mannanase supplementation in low-ME diets. Treatment HM-90 showed significantly (p < 0.05) better results regarding villus height and VH:CD. It could be concluded from the present results that supplementation of β-mannanase could improve the nutrient digestibility so that it is possible to reduce the dietary energy level without compromising production performance, carcass trails, and meat quality in broilers.
Genome-Wide Genomic and Functional Association Study for Workability and Calving Traits in Holstein Cattle
Authors: Jakimowicz Michalina , Szyda Joanna , Zarnecki Andrzej , Jagusiak Wojciech , Morek-Kopeć Małgorzata , Kosińska-Selbi Barbara , Suchocki Tomasz
Published: April 2022

The goal of our study was to identify the SNPs, metabolic pathways (KEGG), and gene ontology (GO) terms significantly associated with calving and workability traits in dairy cattle. We analysed direct (DCE) and maternal (MCE) calving ease, direct (DSB) and maternal (MSB) stillbirth, milking speed (MSP), and temperament (TEM) based on a Holstein-Friesian dairy cattle population consisting of 35,203 individuals. The number of animals, depending on the trait, ranged from 22,301 bulls for TEM to 30,603 for DCE. We estimated the SNP effects (based on 46,216 polymorphisms from Illumina BovineSNP50 BeadChip Version 2) using a multi-SNP mixed model. The SNP positions were mapped to genes and the GO terms/KEGG pathways of the corresponding genes were assigned. The estimation of the GO term/KEGG pathway effects was based on a mixed model using the SNP effects as dependent variables. The number of significant SNPs comprised 59 for DCE, 25 for DSB and MSP, 17 for MCE and MSB, and 7 for TEM. Significant KEGG pathways were found for MSB (2), TEM (2), and MSP (1) and 11 GO terms were significant for MSP, 10 for DCE, 8 for DSB and TEM, 5 for MCE, and 3 for MSB. From the perspective of a better understanding of the genomic background of the phenotypes, traits with low heritabilities suggest that the focus should be moved from single genes to the metabolic pathways or gene ontologies significant for the phenotype.
Hydroalcoholic Leaf Extract of Punica granatum, alone and in Combination with Calcium Hydroxide, Is Effective against Mono- and Polymicrobial Biofilms of Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans
Authors: Sousa Monica Naufel , Macedo Alessandra Teixeira , Ferreira Gabriella Freitas , Furtado Haryne Lizandrey Azevedo , Pinheiro Aruanã Joaquim Matheus Costa Rodrigues , Lima-Neto Lídio Gonçalves , Fontes Valéria Costa , Ferreira Rayana Larissa Pinheiro Soares , Monteiro Cristina Andrade , Falcai Angela , Gomes Lillian Nunes , Bragança Queila da Silva Rosa , Torres Dennyse de Sousa Brandão , Galvão Lívia Câmara de Carvalho , Holanda Rodrigo Assuncao , Santos Julliana Ribeiro Alves
Published: April 2022

Failures in endodontic treatments are mostly associated with the difficulty in eradicating microbes of the root canal system, highlighting the need to develop novel effective antimicrobials. Punica granatum (pomegranate) leaf hydroalcoholic extract may be a potential alternative in canal dressing, owing to its antimicrobial properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Punica granatum (HEPg) alone or in combination with calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans in isolation and in mono- and polymicrobial biofilms. Microdilution tests in broth and assays for inhibition of biofilm formation were carried out to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of HEPg and HEPg + Ca(OH)2 against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida albicans. The cytotoxicity of HEPg in HaCaT cells was evaluated by MTT assay. HEPg and HEPg + Ca(OH)2 exerted significant antimicrobial activity against planktonic cells and mono- and polymicrobial biofilms. The combination of Punica granatum extract with Ca(OH)2 appears to be a promising alternative in endodontic treatments, which could be tested in vivo to confirm the efficacy of this mixture in disinfecting root canal systems.
Phenotypic and Molecular Characterization of Carbapenem-Heteroresistant Bacteroides fragilis Strains
Authors: Baaity Zain , von Loewenich Friederike D. , Nagy Elisabeth , Orosz László , Burián Katalin , Somogyvári Ferenc , Sóki József
Published: April 2022

Carbapenem-resistant Bacteroides fragilis strains usually emerge by an insertion sequence (IS) jump into the upstream region of the cfiA carbapenemase gene. However, intermediate or fully resistant cfiA-positive strains also exist. These do not have such IS element activations, but usually have heterogeneous resistance (HR) phenotypes, as detected by a disc diffusion or gradient tests. Heteroresistance is a serious antibiotic resistance problem, whose molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. We aim to characterize HR and investigate diagnostic issues in the set of cfiA-positive B. fragilis strains using phenotypic and molecular methods. Of the phenotypic methods used, the population analysis profile (PAP) and area under curve (AUC) measurements were the best prognostic markers for HR. PAP AUC, imipenem agar dilution and imipenemase production corresponded well with each other. We also identified a saturation curve parameter (quasi-PAP curves), which correlated well with these phenotypic traits, implying that HR is a stochastic process. The genes, on a previously defined ‘cfiA element’, act in a complex manner to produce the HR phenotype, including a lysine-acetylating toxin and a lysine-rich peptide. Furthermore, imipenem HR is triggered by imipenem. The two parameters that most correlate with the others are imipenemase production and ‘GNAT’ expression, which prompted us to suspect that carbapenem heteroresistance of the B. fragilis strains is stochastically regulated and is mediated by the altered imipenemase production.
Redox Profiling of Selected Apulian Red Wines in a Single Minute
Authors: Thomaz Douglas Vieira , do Couto Renê Oliveira , Goldoni Riccardo , Malitesta Cosimino , Mazzotta Elisabetta , Tartaglia Gianluca Martino
Published: April 2022

Wine is a complex bioproduct whose chemical composition is highly variable across production regions. In order to shed light on affordable ways to promote the characterization of wines and explore the physicochemical basis of their antioxidant capacity, this work reported on the quick and easy redox profiling of selected red wines from Apulia, Italy. Therefore, an affordable and quickly performed semiempirical quantum chemistry approach, i.e., the extended Hückel method, was used to compute the bandgaps of the main phytochemical markers attributed to red wines. The findings of these calculations were then compared to an electroanalytical investigation in the form of cyclic and square-wave voltammetry, and the electric current of the redox profiles was used as the input dataset for principal component analysis. Results showcased that the semiempirical quantum chemistry calculations allowed the correlation of the bandgaps to the observed faradaic signals upon voltammetry; thereby, also providing insights on their antioxidant appeal by highlighting the feasibility of charge-transfer processes at low electric potentials. Furthermore, the principal component analysis showed that the electric current dataset gathered in a time span of 55 s allowed the appropriate separation of the samples, which hints at the possible use of quick voltammetric assays as fingerprinting tools.
The Antimicrobial Potential of Hexane Oils and Polyphenols-Rich Extracts from Pistacia vera L.
Authors: Gervasi Teresa , D’Arrigo Manuela , Rando Rossana , Sciortino Maria Teresa , Carughi Arianna , Barreca Davide , Mandalari Giuseppina
Published: April 2022

Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) nuts contain nutrients and phytochemicals which have been linked to several positive outcomes. The aim of this research was to examine the antimicrobial effect of natural raw and roasted unsalted polyphenols-rich pistachio extracts (NRRE and RURE) and hexane oil fractions. American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), food and clinical isolates of Gram-positive bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus), Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecium) and yeasts (Candida albicans) were used. In addition, the influence of the extraction method was evaluated. Generally, NRRE extracts were richer in polyphenolic compounds compared with RURE extracts. NRRE extracted with n-hexane was the most effective on Listeria monocytogenes food isolates strains (MIC values between 0.25 and 2.0 mg mL−1). All extracts, except for RURE extracted with n-hexane, were active against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 13932. Both hexane oil fractions were active against Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 13932 and Enterococcus faecium DSZM 17050. The oil obtained from natural pistachio was active against three food isolates of Listeria monocytogenes. In conclusion, the present study indicates an inhibitory effect of pistachio polyphenols against Listeria monocytogenes, one of the most serious pathogens causing foodborne disease.
Mode Choice Effects on Bike Sharing Systems
Authors: Kowald Matthias , Gutjar Margarita , Röth Kai , Schiller Christian , Dannewald Till
Published: April 2022

Bike-sharing systems (BSS) are offered in many cities and urban municipalities and urban areas without such systems are thinking about their introduction. In addition, many studies on BSS are available; however, neither mode nor route choice parameters are available for station-based BSS, which are required for the implementation of BSS in local and regional transport demand models. As a result, this makes it impossible to simulate demand model-based effects of these systems on other transport modes and e.g., calculate scenario-guided modal shifts. The paper presents results obtained from a survey study, which aims to estimate BSS-related choice parameters. The study combined computer-assisted telephone interviews (CATI) for a collection of revealed preferences (RP) on the use of BSS with a follow-up paper-and-pencil survey on stated preferences (SP) of 220 BSS users and non-users from the Rhine-Neckar area in mid-west Germany. Considering the three transport modes BSS, public transport (PT), and private motorized transport (PMT), results from this choice experiment and, according to behavioural parameters, allow integration of BSS in transport demand models and a simulation of modal shifts. Survey design, mode-choice experiment, and choice models are presented in this paper.
Synthetic Data Generation for the Development of 2D Gel Electrophoresis Protein Spot Models
Authors: Matuzevičius Dalius
Published: April 2022

Two-dimensional electrophoresis gels (2DE, 2DEG) are the result of the procedure of separating, based on two molecular properties, a protein mixture on gel. Separated similar proteins concentrate in groups, and these groups appear as dark spots in the captured gel image. Gel images are analyzed to detect distinct spots and determine their peak intensity, background, integrated intensity, and other attributes of interest. One of the approaches to parameterizing the protein spots is spot modeling. Spot parameters of interest are obtained after the spot is approximated by a mathematical model. The development of the modeling algorithm requires a rich, diverse, representative dataset. The primary goal of this research is to develop a method for generating a synthetic protein spot dataset that can be used to develop 2DEG image analysis algorithms. The secondary objective is to evaluate the usefulness of the created dataset by developing a neural-network-based protein spot reconstruction algorithm that provides parameterization and denoising functionalities. In this research, a spot modeling algorithm based on autoencoders is developed using only the created synthetic dataset. The algorithm is evaluated on real and synthetic data. Evaluation results show that the created synthetic dataset is effective for the development of protein spot models. The developed algorithm outperformed all baseline algorithms in all experimental cases.
Microfluidic Microcirculation Mimetic as a Tool for the Study of Rheological Characteristics of Red Blood Cells in Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Asuquo Marcus Inyama , Effa Emmanuel , Gbotosho Oluwabukola , Otu Akaninyene , Toepfner Nicole , Ameh Soter , Bhayankaram Sruti-Prathivadhi , Zetocha Noah , Nwakama Chisom , Egbe William , Guck Jochen , Ekpenyong Andrew
Published: April 2022

Sickle cell disorder (SCD) is a multisystem disease with heterogeneous phenotypes. Although all patients have the mutated hemoglobin (Hb) in the SS phenotype, the severity and frequency of complications are variable. When exposed to low oxygen tension, the Hb molecule becomes dense and forms tactoids, which lead to the peculiar sickled shapes of the affected red blood cells, giving the disorder its name. This sickle cell morphology is responsible for the profound and widespread pathologies associated with this disorder, such as vaso-occlusive crisis (VOC). How much of the clinical manifestation is due to sickled erythrocytes and what is due to the relative contributions of other elements in the blood, especially in the microcapillary circulation, is usually not visualized and quantified for each patient during clinical management. Here, we used a microfluidic microcirculation mimetic (MMM), which has 187 capillary-like constrictions, to impose deformations on erythrocytes of 25 SCD patients, visualizing and characterizing the morpho-rheological properties of the cells in normoxic, hypoxic (using sodium meta-bisulfite) and treatment conditions (using hydroxyurea). The MMM enabled a patient-specific quantification of shape descriptors (circularity and roundness) and transit time through the capillary constrictions, which are readouts for morpho-rheological properties implicated in VOC. Transit times varied significantly (p < 0.001) between patients. Our results demonstrate the feasibility of microfluidics-based monitoring of individual patients for personalized care in the context of SCD complications such as VOC, even in resource-constrained settings.
Research into Possibilities of Reducing Noise Emissions in the Sandy Gravel Production Process—Case Study
Authors: Bogdanovská Gabriela , Molnár Vieroslav , Fedorko Gabriel , Bednárová Dagmar
Published: April 2022

The continuous process industry is an important area of the economy. In addition to its undeniable societal benefits, its operation is associated with several factors that are often perceived negatively and have an adverse impact on the environment, noise emissions being one of them. Accordingly, noise emissions have been the subject of numerous studies and always have to be approached in the context of a specific industrial area. In this paper, a case study is presented to illustrate the results of research aimed at reducing noise emissions in the sandy gravel production process. The research identified causes and effects of noise emissions arising from the gravel treatment process. Based on these, practical solutions were subsequently investigated and proposed, and their implementation brought noise emissions below 50 dB. The results obtained during the research can be generalized for further study of the issue and can be used to make general valid recommendations applicable in the continuous process industry.
Six-Wheel Robot Design Methodology and Emergency Control to Prevent the Robot from Falling down the Stairs
Authors: Pico Nabih , Park Sang-Hyeon , Yi June-sup , Moon Hyungpil
Published: April 2022

This paper proposes a design methodology for a six-wheeled rover that adapt to different stairs and maintain its stability based on the robot’s parameters, the kinematics constraints, the maximum height, and the minimum length of the step required to climb up and down. We also propose an emergency controller to prevent falls during the climb up or down using the contact angle measurement between wheel–ground by a laser scanner sensor on each side of the robot. Thus, the geometry terrain information and the wheel contact loss detection with the ground can be obtained. This loss of contact with the ground is a determining factor in an emergency case where the robot’s stability is at risk. Therefore, the controllers kick in to regain the wheel contact with the step, preventing the robot from falling. Simulations and experimental results when the robot climbs up and down stairs demonstrate the ability to react to possible falls.
The Interface of Privacy and Data Security in Automated City Shuttles: The GDPR Analysis
Authors: Benyahya Meriem , Kechagia Sotiria , Collen Anastasija , Nijdam Niels Alexander
Published: April 2022

The fast evolution and prevalence of driverless technologies has facilitated the testing and deployment of automated city shuttles (ACSs) as a means of public transportation in smart cities. For their efficient functioning, ACSs require a real-time data compilation and exchange of information with their internal components and external environment. However, that nexus of data exchange comes with privacy concerns and data protection challenges. In particular, the technical realization of stringent data protection laws on data collection and processing are key issues to be tackled within the ACSs ecosystem. Our work provides an in-depth analysis of the GDPR requirements that should be considered by the ACSs’ stakeholders during the collection, storage, use, and transmission of data to and from the vehicles. First, an analysis is performed on the data processing principles, the rights of data subjects, and the subsequent obligations for the data controllers where we highlight the mixed roles that can be assigned to the ACSs stakeholders. Secondly, the compatibility of privacy laws with security technologies focusing on the gap between the legal definitions and the technological implementation of privacy-preserving techniques are discussed. In face of the GDPR pitfalls, our work recommends a further strengthening of the data protection law. The interdisciplinary approach will ensure that the overlapping stakeholder roles and the blurring implementation of data privacy-preserving techniques within the ACSs landscape are efficiently addressed.
Research on the Hand–Eye Calibration Method of Variable Height and Analysis of Experimental Results Based on Rigid Transformation
Authors: Su Shaohui , Gao Shang , Zhang Dongyang , Wang Wanqiang
Published: April 2022

In view of the phenomenon that camera imaging will appear large up close and small from afar in the eye-to-hand hand-calibration system, one hand–eye calibration is carried out. The manipulator is only suitable for grasping objects of the same height, and the calibration results cannot be applied to grasping products with variable height. Based on the study of the pinhole camera model and the rigid transformation model between coordinate systems, the introduction of the calibration height parameters, the relationship between parameters of the rigid transformation matrix between image the coordinate system and the robot coordinate system, and sampling height are established. In the experiment, firstly, through the calibration of camera parameters, the influence of camera distortion on imaging quality is eliminated, and the influence of calibration height is ignored. Then, the machine coordinate system and image coordinate system of the calibration plate at different heights are calibrated using the four-point calibration method. The parameters of the rigid transformation matrix at different heights (H) are calculated. Finally, through experimental analysis, the high linear relationship between the parameters of the rigid transformation matrix from the image coordinate system to the robot coordinate system and the calibration height is fitted. By analyzing the random error of the experiment, the linear relationship between calibration height and pixel density is further established, and the systematic error of the experimental process is deeply analyzed. The experimental results show that the hand–eye calibration system based on this linear relationship is precise and suitable for grabbing products of any height, and the positioning error is less than 0.08%.