bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relevance of pharmacological neuroenhancement for stress and resilience—A multistudy report
Authors: Darwig Julia , Gaum Petra Maria , Pauli Roman , Nassri Lina , Lang Jessica
Published: November 2022

Background

Pharmacological neuroenhancement (PNE) is discussed as coping strategy in academic and work-related contexts. Depending on the definition of PNE and sample population, different prevalence rates for various groups have been reported. In the three parts of the study, prevalence rates for work and student populations in Germany are detected and the reasons for PNE and possible causal associations between PNE, stress and resilience are investigated.

Methods

In part 1 of the study, 152 occupational physicians (OPs) were surveyed about prevalence rates and reasons for PNE. In part 2 of the study, 1,077 German students reported on their PNE behavior. 704 students were then longitudinally considered to draw conclusions on causal associations between PNE, stress, and resilience.

Results

The OPs' estimated prevalence rate of 10.9% in a working population is higher than the prevalence rate of 5.4% for prescription and illicit substances found in the student sample in part 2 of the study. The reason suspected by OPs to be most important for PNE with prescription drugs were performance pressure and long working hours. Using soft enhancers, such as caffeine, is most common with a prevalence rate of 76.8% in the student sample. Stress predicts a higher (β = 0.179, p < 0.001) and resilience a lower use of PNE (β = −0.13, p = 0.001). Resilience predicts a lower (β = −0.35, p < 0.001) and PNE a higher level of stress (β = 0.11, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

OPs suspect a prevalence rate of 10.9% among the working population, while we found a prevalence rate of 5.4% among students. Caffeine is the most used substance for PNE, while the use of prescription and illicit substances remains low. Higher levels of stress and lower levels of resilience result in a higher use of PNE. Universities should therefore include the promotion of resilience and methods for dealing with study stress in health programs to reduce PNE.
Spatial disparities of HIV prevalence in South Africa. Do sociodemographic, behavioral, and biological factors explain this spatial variability?
Authors: Ugwu Chigozie Louisa J. , Ncayiyana Jabulani R.
Published: November 2022

Background

In 2021, an estimated 38 million people were living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) globally, with over two-thirds living in African regions. In South Africa, ~20% of South African adults are living with HIV. Accurate estimation of the risk factors and spatial patterns of HIV risk using individual-level data from a nationally representative sample is invaluable for designing geographically targeted intervention and control programs.

Methods

Data were obtained from the 2016 South Africa Demographic and Health Survey (SDHS16). The study involved all men and women aged 15 years and older, who responded to questions and tested for HIV in the SDHS. Generalized additive models (GAMs) were fitted to our data with a nonparametric bivariate smooth term of spatial location parameters (X and Y coordinates). The GAMs were used to assess the spatial disparities and the potential contribution of sociodemographic, biological, and behavioral factors to the spatial patterns of HIV prevalence in South Africa.

Results

A significantly highest risk of HIV was observed in east coast, central and north-eastern regions. South African men and women who are widowed and divorced had higher odds of HIV as compared to their counterparts. Additionally, men and women who are unemployed had higher odds of HIV as compared to the employed. Surprisingly, the odds of HIV infection among men residing in rural areas were 1.60 times higher (AOR 1.60, 95% CI 1.12, 2.29) as compared to those in urban areas. But men who were circumcised had lower odds of HIV (AOR 0.73, 95% CI 0.52, 0.98), while those who had STI in the last 12 months prior to the survey had higher odds of HIV (AOR 1.76, 95% CI 1.44, 3.68).

Conclusion

Spatial heterogeneity in HIV risk persisted even after covariate adjustment but differed by sex, suggesting that there are plausible unobserved influencing factors contributing to HIV uneven variation. This study's findings could guide geographically targeted public health policy and effective HIV intervention in South Africa.
Entering hyper-reality: “Resonance-In-Sight,” a mixed-reality art installation
Authors: Crolla Kristof , Goepel Garvin
Published: November 2022

Enhanced virtual communicative technologies extend human perception in extraordinary ways that junction in detaching or augmenting its operator from physical reality. Prospects of the metaverse are progressing towards a possibly fully immersive cyberspace in which users will be entirely disconnected from their analogue physical surroundings. As we advance towards such an alternative reality, the practice-based research project discussed in this paper, titled “Resonance-In-Sight,” foresees and demonstrates the near-future of the metaverse to be a blended hyper-reality in which fiction and reality seamlessly blend into a “Mixed Reality” (MR)-based, co-urban design environment. As digital content in such an environment creatively coexists with our physical cityscape, the research question posed by this project is how such media environment can be used as a proactive cultural educational tool to engage with and inform user audiences of otherwise challenging art-historical content. Through this demonstrator project, the article discusses and reflects on applied methods for user experience (UX) design and the development of MR mobile applications for effective mixed-reality installations. It further reports on employed “Simultaneous Localisation And Mapping” (SLAM) techniques, which are essential for merging co-virtual design content in a hybrid metaverse, and concludes with an assessment of the project’s community impact from an analysis of available user data.
15 years of facts and figures on veterinary disciplinary measures in the Netherlands
Authors: Boissevain Iaira E. , van Rooij Myrthe , Jongbloed A. W. , Meijboom Franck L. B. , Hesselink Jan Willem , Mandigers Paul J. J.
Published: November 2022

In most countries, a veterinary disciplinary system is in force to ensure the quality of the veterinary profession and to offer an objective platform for complaints. We present an analysis of 15 years of veterinary disciplinary verdicts (2001–2016) to compare facts and figures and identify which factors are of major influence on the outcome of the verdicts. Rulings were collected from both paper files and the digital database of the veterinary disciplinary council (VDC), categorized, and used to create a database that enabled a statistical analysis. The results showed that complaints pertaining to companion animals are filed predominantly by owners, whereas complaints about livestock are mostly filed by the governmental civil servant (CS). CS complaints mostly address compliance issues. For the complaints made by owners (client complaints, CCs), reporting, communication, and veterinary mistakes appeared to be of statistical significance. Further studies are needed to investigate the impact of the complaints on veterinarians in general and how we can improve the veterinary disciplinary system.
Effects of Sphingobium yanoikuyae SJTF8 on Rice (Oryza sativa) Seed Germination and Root Development
Authors: Jou Ying-Tzy , Tarigan Elmi Junita , Prayogo Cahyo , Kobua Chesly Kit , Weng Yu-Ting , Wang Yu-Min
Published: November 2022

The interaction between plant roots and rhizobacterium communities plays a crucial role in sustainable agriculture. We aimed to assess the effects of Sphingobium yanoikuyae SJTF8 on rice seed germination and development, as well as to observe the effects of different concentrations of S. yanoikuyae SJTF8 on the root systems of rice seedlings. The bacteria are best known for their role in the bioremediation and biodegradation of pollutants, and thus far, there is research that supports their agricultural prospects. The experiment comprised five different S. yanoikuyae SJTF8 concentrations: SP-y 8 (108 CFU/mL); SP-y 7 (107 CFU/mL); SP-y 6 (106 CFU/mL); SP-y 5 (105 CFU/mL); SP-y 4 (104 CFU/mL). We used sterilized water as the control treatment. The bacteria triggered the synthesis of IAA, while the seedling root lengths substantially increased on the 12th day after germination. The high application concentrations of S. yanoikuyae SJTF8 resulted in higher IAA production (with the SP-y 7 and SP-y 8 concentrations ranging from 151,029 pg/mL to 168,033 pg/mL). We found that the appropriate concentrations of S. yanoikuyae SJTF8 when applied as an inoculant were SP-y 7 and SP-y 6, based on the increased root growth and biomass production. The bacteria were also able to solubilize phosphorous. The growth response from the rice seedlings when inoculated with S. yanoikuyae SJTF8 presents the potential of the bacteria as a growth promotor. Its application in rice cultivation could be a sustainable approach to rice production.
Effects of Nitrogen Application Strategy on Nitrogen Enzyme Activities and Protein Content in Spring Wheat Grain
Authors: Wang Rongrong , Wang Haiqi , Jiang Guiying , Yin Haojie , Che Ziqiang
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study was to determine the regulatory effect of different nitrogen (N) fertilizer application rates on the grain N metabolism enzymes and protein content of drip-irrigated spring wheat under the climatic conditions in Xinjiang, China. A split plot experiment was conducted with strong gluten wheat Xinchun 38 (XC 38) and medium gluten wheat Xinchun 49 (XC 49) as experimental materials. We set up seven nitrogen treatments, in amounts of 300 (Nck), 285 (N5), 270 (N10), 255 (N15), 240 (N20), 225 (N25) and 0 (N0) kg hm−2. The effects of N application rate on nitrate reductase (NR), glutamine synthetase (GS), glutamate-pyruvate aminotransferase (GPT), protein content, protein composition, and yield of wheat grain were studied. The results showed that NR, GS, GPT, protein content, albumin, globulin, glutenin, gliadin, and yield first increased and then decreased with the decrease in N application. Furthermore, different responses to different applications between different wheat varieties was also observed. The indexes of XC 38 reached the maximum in the N15 treatment, and the yield increased 2.99~81.45%. XC 49 showed the best indicators under the N25 treatment and the yield increased 0.37~71.29%. Under the same N level, all indicators of XC 38 were better than XC 49. Correlation analysis showed that the yield and protein yield were significantly positively correlated with NR, GS, and GPT. The interaction of N fertilizer and variety had significant effects on NR, GS, GPT, protein content, components, and yield. These results show that the protein content and yield of wheat grain can be improved by reasonably adjusting the N fertilizer application strategy.
Design and Verification of Crab Steering System for High Clearance Self-Propelled Sprayer
Authors: Li Wei , Yang Fan , Mao Enrong , Shao Mingxi , Sui Haochen , Du Yuefeng
Published: November 2022

A crab steering system aiming at improving the steering flexibility and operation efficiency of the high clearance sprayer was designed. First, a steering transmission mechanism of the high clearance sprayer was designed according to the operational and structural characteristics of the sprayer. Meanwhile, a crab steering hydraulic system based on load sensing was designed, and a mathematical model of the steering transmission mechanism and hydraulic system was established to describe the working characteristics of the crab steering system. On the basis of analyzing the operating environment of the sprayer and the operating characteristics of crab steering mode, a control strategy and algorithm of the crab steering system were proposed. The simulation model of the crab steering control system was built according to the established mathematical model, and the simulation analysis of the crab steering system was carried out. The simulation results showed that under the excitation of step signal, the average deviation of the two front wheels is 0.063°, and the absolute value of the maximum deviation is 2.75°, which is within the allowable range of deviation and meets the crab steering demand of the sprayer. Additionally, in order to verify the effectiveness of the designed system, an actual vehicle test platform of the crab steering system was built based on the 3WPG-3000 high clearance self-propelled sprayer independently developed by the research group, and the field test results revealed that the average deviation of the four wheels was 0.285°, the maximum absolute deviation was 2.587°, the rotation deviation was small, within the allowable and reasonable range. Altogether, the results of the simulation and field test verify the accuracy, stability and practicability of the crab steering system, which effectively improved the maneuverability of the sprayer.
In Arid Regions, Forage Mulching between Fruit Trees Rows Enhances Fruit Tree Light and Lowers Soil Salinity
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Liu Tingting , Wei Wenwen , Shen Lei , Wang Xiuyuan , Tuertia Tayir , Li Luhua , Zhang Wei
Published: November 2022

Agroforestry is considered a means to provide sustainable and productive agriculture. This work aims to study the effect of fruit-grass agroforestry patterns on the soil moisture, salinity, growth, and yield of fruit trees, as well as to provide a reference for the development of agroforestry complex systems in Northwest China. The study has been designed with two cropping patterns: monocropped apple and apple-ryegrass intercropping. The results showed that compared to monocropped apples, intercropped apples have increased soil moisture content by 33.38–39.02%, net photosynthetic rate by 35.33–42.26%, transpiration rate by 29.62–29.76%, and stomatal conductance by 15.65–16.55% in the 0–60 cm soil layer. Intercrop reduced the total soil salt content by 36.41–38.58%, and the intercellular CO2 concentration decreased by 5.96–6.61%. In addition, intercropping improves fruit yield and quality by improving the orchard environment and increasing tree height, breast height, north-south crown spread, and east-west crown spread. Therefore, increased yield and quality can be achieved by changing the fruit tree and ryegrass planting method, which is beneficial to the sustainable development of agriculture in Northwest China.
Double-DQN-Based Path-Tracking Control Algorithm for Orchard Traction Spraying Robot
Authors: Ren Zhigang , Liu Zhijie , Yuan Minxin , Liu Heng , Wang Wang , Qin Jifeng , Yang Fuzeng
Published: November 2022

The precise path-tracking control of tractors and trailers is the key to realizing agricultural automation. In order to improve the path-tracking control accuracy and driving stability of orchard traction spraying robots, this study proposed a navigation path-tracking control algorithm based on Double Deep Q-Network (Double DQN). Drawing on the driver’s driving experience and referring to the principle of radar scanning and the principle of image recognition, a virtual radar model was constructed to generate a virtual radar map. The virtual radar map was used to describe the position relationship between the traction spraying robot and the planned path. Combined with the deep reinforcement learning method, all possible robot driving actions under the current virtual radar map were scored, and the best driving action was selected as the output of the network. In this study, a path-tracking algorithm was self-developed with a deep Q-network trained by driving the traction spraying robot in a simulated virtual environment. The algorithm was tested in both simulations and in a field to follow a typical ‘U’-shaped path. The simulation results showed that the proposed algorithm was able to achieve accurate path-tracking control of the spraying trailer. The field tests showed that when the vehicle speed was 0.36 m/s and 0.75 m/s, the maximum lateral deviation of the algorithm was 0.233 m and 0.266 m, the average lateral deviation was 0.071 m and 0.076 m, and the standard deviation was 0.051 m and 0.057 m, respectively. Compared with the algorithm based on the virtual radar model, the maximum lateral deviation was reduced by 56.37% and 51.54%, the average lateral deviation was reduced by 7.8% and 5.0%, and the standard deviation was reduced by 20.31% and 8.1%, respectively. The results showed that the Double-DQN-based navigation path-tracking control algorithm for the traction spraying robot in the orchard had higher path-tracking accuracy and driving stability, which could meet the actual operational requirements of traditional orchards.
Are Lay People Able to Estimate Breeding Bird Diversity?
Authors: Vanhöfen Janina , Schöffski Nick , Härtel Talia , Randler Christoph
Published: November 2022

Studies about biodiversity and well-being used different approaches to assess biodiversity, e.g., scientific counts and censuses or perceived biodiversity estimated by the respondents. Here, we assessed whether laypeople could estimate the breeding bird diversity or species richness at specific places. For comparison, we carried out bird censuses with standard methods of professional ornithologists and used citizen science data from the internet platform Ornitho (Germany). Lay people from the public (1184 respondents) were surveyed between May and July 2022 at 40 different places in southwest Germany between Rottenburg/Tübingen and Stuttgart following the catchment of the river Neckar (30 people surveyed per place). People were asked to estimate the bird species richness/diversity at this current place. Here, we show that the data from the citizen science platform does not correlate with the professional census counts nor with the perceived species richness of laypeople. Laypeople have a generally good assessment of the bird species richness, correlating with the data of professionals (r = 0.325, p = 0.041). On average, the number of species assessed by laypeople lies in between the values of the professional morning and afternoon census. People were most often surveyed in the afternoon; therefore, their assessment must be done on other factors than actual birds present. This result is valuable for future studies on the connection between biodiversity and well-being.
Stress Concepts and Applications in Various Matrices with a Focus on Hair Cortisol and Analytical Methods
Authors: Ghassemi Nejad Jalil , Ghaffari Morteza Hosseini , Ataallahi Mohammad , Jo Jang-Hoon , Lee Hong-Gu
Published: November 2022

When studying stress in animals, it is important to understand the types of stress and their classification, and how to assess the stress levels in different animal species using different matrices accurately and precisely. The classification of stress types helps to distinguish between good stress (eustress) and bad stress (distress). Hence, first, it is crucial to assess the animal’s level of stress in a non-intrusive manner and second to identify the type of stress that is best suited to its environment. Third, it is also important to analyze the obtained samples using a suitable method to increase the validity of stress hormone measurements. Therefore, in this review, we aim to: (1) explain the classification of stress, (2) discuss the wide range of body matrices (e.g., saliva, milk, hair, urine, feces, sweat, fins, etc.) that can be used as samples to evaluate stress levels, as well as their comparisons and limitations, and present the reliable matrices for measuring stress hormones with special emphasis on hair, (3) compare the analytical methods for measuring stress hormones after sample preparation. Despite some literature that does not include hair as a reliable matrix for evaluating stress levels, hair is one of the matrices for measuring long-term stress hormone accumulations. This review discusses some factors that influence the level of stress hormones in the hair. By understanding these issues, the scientific community will not only be able to improve the understanding of stress and biomarker evaluation but also suggest how to deal with the consequences of stress in future research.
Characterizing the Gut Microbiota of Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra chinensis) and Snub-Nosed Monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) to Enhance Conservation Practices in the Foping National Nature Reserve of China
Authors: Zhu Dapeng , Xie Tongtong , Du Ruifang , Guo Long
Published: November 2022

Understanding the interaction between the microbial composition in the habitat and the gut of wildlife will contribute to conservation efforts since changes in the gut microbiome have been proven to influence the healthy and nutritional status of the host. This study analyzed the relationship between soil microbes and the microbial diversity and structure of the distal gut of the terrestrial golden snub-nosed monkey and Eurasian otter in the Foping National Nature Reserve (FNNR). A total of 15 otter fecal samples and 18 monkey fecal samples were collected from which 5 and 6 samples, respectively, were randomly selected for microbiome analysis. The remaining samples were used for fecal short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) analysis. Soil samples from the otter and monkey habitats at each sampling point (eight in total) were also collected for microbiome analysis. The microbial phyla with the greatest relative abundance in soil or animal samples were Proteobacteria (41.2, 32.7, and 73.3% for soil, otters, and monkeys, respectively), Firmicutes (0.4% soil, 30.1% otters, and 14.4% monkeys), Bacteroidota (5.6% soil, 17.0% otters, and 8.3% monkeys), and Acidobacteriota (24.6% soil, 1.7% otters, and 0.1% monkeys). The estimation of alpha diversity indices revealed that the feature, Chao1, and Shannon indices of the soil microbiome were the greatest (p < 0.01) among the three groups, followed by those of the otter microbiome and those of the monkey microbiome (p < 0.01). Beta diversity analyses confirmed differences in the microbiota of the three types of samples. The determination of SCFA concentration in feces revealed that total volatile fatty acids, acetic acid, and isovaleric acid were greater (p < 0.05) in otters than in monkeys, while propionic acid followed the opposite pattern (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis of the microbiome and SCFA contents showed that propionic acid was positively correlated with significantly different bacterial groups, while acetic and butyric acid and total volatile acids were negatively correlated. This study confirmed that the fecal microbes of Eurasian otters and golden snub-nosed monkeys in the reserve are related to the soil microbial communities of their habitats, but they have different bacterial community structures and compositions, and there are different SCFA metabolic patterns in the gut of the two animals. The present study will help to improve wildlife protection in the FNNR.
Protective Effect of Litchi chinensis Peel Extract-Prepared Nanoparticles on Rabbits Experimentally Infected with Eimeria stiedae
Authors: Metwally Dina M. , Alkhuriji Afrah F. , Barakat Ibrahim A. H. , Baghdadi Hanadi B. , El-Khadragy Manal F. , Al-Megrin Wafa Abdullah I. , Alanazi Abdullah D. , Alajmi Fatemah E.
Published: November 2022

The present study used Litchi chinensis peel extract to synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). This technique is eco-friendly and can be performed in a single step; thus, it has attracted great attention for NPs biosynthesis. Herein, we biosynthesized AgNPs with L. chinensis peel extract and examined their anticoccidial activity in rabbit hepatic coccidiosis induced by E. stiedae infection. Thirty-five rabbits were allocated into seven groups: a healthy group (G1), an infected control group (G2), four groups infected before treatment with 10 mg/kg L. chinensis peel extract-biosynthesized AgNPs (G3, G5) or 50 mg/kg amprolium (G4, G6), and rabbits infected after two weeks of pretreatment with 10 mg/kg L. chinensis eel extract-biosynthesized AgNPs (G7). In this study, both pre-and post-treatment with AgNPs produced a substantial reduction in fecal oocyst output, liver enzyme levels, and histopathological hepatic lesions relative to the infected group. In conclusion, L. chinensis peel extract-prepared AgNPs should be considered harmless and efficient in the cure of hepatic coccidiosis in rabbits.
Analysis of Family Structure and Paternity Test of Tan Sheep in Yanchi Area, China
Authors: Li Ling , Li Yefang , Ma Qing , Liu Shuqin , Ma Yuehui , Jiang Lin
Published: November 2022

Tan sheep is a special breed of locally protected sheep in China, one of the best quality meat sheep in the world. Due to the unclear pedigree of the rams on the Ningxia Tan sheep breeding farm, we investigated 74 rams in the field and explored a new method for family division. Genomic DNA was extracted from the blood of breeding rams. Using Plink software, GCTA tools and R language, we analyzed the genetic structure, kinship, and inbreeding coefficient of the breeding sheep, which revealed the genetic relationship between the individuals. The results showed that there was no obvious clustering phenomenon in the PCA, and the genetic background of the samples was similar. The G matrix and IBS distance matrix indicated that most individuals were far away from each other. Paternity testing identified 24 pairs of unknown parent–child pairs, and all the Tan sheep could be divided into 12 families, which provided a reference for sheep breeding. The average inbreeding coefficient based on the ROH of this population was 0.049, so there was a low degree of inbreeding and the rams in the field were able to maintain high genetic diversity. Overall, we explored a more accurate method through paternity and kinship analysis; it provides a scientific basis for pedigree construction, which has an important application value for Tan sheep breeding.
A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Occurrence of Toxoplasmosis in Animals Slaughtered in Brazilian Abattoirs
Authors: Rossi Gabriel Augusto Marques , de Freitas Costa Eduardo , Gabriël Sarah , Braga Fábio Ribeiro
Published: November 2022

Toxoplasmosis is mainly transmitted to human beings through the consumption of contaminated food, and several outbreaks caused by infected meat consumption have been reported in Brazil. We performed a systematic literature review on the prevalence and risk factors for toxoplasmosis in slaughtered animals and performed a meta-analysis of its prevalence for different species and regions. Furthermore, we also discussed the infectivity of seropositive animals, risk factors, and preventive strategies. In the meta-analysis, the overall prevalence estimates for poultry, ostrich, goats, swine, equids, sheep, and bovines were 42.4, 40.4, 23.0, 19.9, 19.1, 17.3, and 16.2%, respectively. Regarding the Brazilian regions, the highest prevalence values were detected for bovines and equids in the South (32.3 and 34.4%, respectively) and swine, goats, sheep, and poultry in the Northeast (29.3, 23.0, 22.9, and 69.8%%, respectively). High proportions of Toxoplasma gondii viability in bioassay conducted on seropositive animals were seen for sheep (34/40 = 85%) and swine (12/15 = 80%). Toxoplasma gondii infections are widespread on Brazilian farms, and the summarized data allow the establishment of high-priority areas and/or species for the adoption of preventive strategies to control this parasite at different levels of the food chain.
Higher Concentration of Dietary Selenium, Zinc, and Copper Complex Reduces Heat Stress-Associated Oxidative Stress and Metabolic Alteration in the Blood of Holstein and Jersey Steers
Authors: Son A-Rang , Kim Seon-Ho , Islam Mahfuzul , Oh Song-Jin , Paik Man-Jeong , Lee Sung-Sill , Lee Sang-Suk
Published: November 2022

This study investigated the influence of high concentrations of dietary minerals on reducing heat stress (HS)-associated oxidative stress and metabolic alterations in the blood of Holstein and Jersey steers. Holstein steers and Jersey steers were separately maintained under a 3 × 3 Latin square design during the summer conditions. For each trial, the treatments included Control (Con; fed basal TMR without additional mineral supplementation), NM (NRC recommended mineral supplementation group; [basal TMR + (Se 0.1 ppm + Zn 30 ppm + Cu 10 ppm) as DM basis]), and HM (higher than NRC recommended mineral supplementation group; [basal TMR + (Se 3.5 ppm + Zn 350 ppm + Cu 28 ppm) as DM basis]). Blood samples were collected at the end of each 20-day feeding trial. In both breeds, a higher superoxide dismutase concentration (U/mL) along with lower HSP27 (μg/L) and HSP70 (μg/L) concentrations were observed in both mineral-supplemented groups compared to the Con group (p < 0.05). The HM group had significantly higher lactic acid levels in Jersey steers (p < 0.05), and tended to have higher alanine levels in Holstein steers (p = 0.051). Based on star pattern recognition analysis, the levels of succinic acid, malic acid, γ-linolenic acid, 13-methyltetradecanoic acid, and tyrosine decreased, whereas palmitoleic acid increased with increasing mineral concentrations in both breeds. Different treatment groups of both breeds were separated according to the VIP scores of the top 15 metabolites through PLS–DA analysis; however, their metabolic trend was mostly associated with the glucose homeostasis. Overall, the results suggested that supplementation with a higher-than-recommended concentration of dietary minerals rich in organic Se, as was the case in the HM group, would help to prevent HS-associated oxidative stress and metabolic alterations in Holstein and Jersey steers.
Pharmacokinetics of Carboplatin in Combination with Low-Dose Cyclophosphamide in Female Dogs with Mammary Carcinoma
Authors: Machado Marília Carneiro , Yamamoto Priscila Akemi , Pippa Leandro Francisco , de Moraes Natália Valadares , Neves Fabiane Maria Fernandes , Portela Ricardo Dias , Barrouin-Melo Stella Maria , Hielm-Björkman Anna , Godoy Ana Leonor Pardo Campos , Estrela-Lima Alessandra
Published: November 2022

This prospective study aimed to evaluate the effect of metronomic cyclophosphamide on carboplatin’s tolerability, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics in dogs with mammary carcinoma. Sixteen female dogs with mammary carcinoma were divided into groups: 300 mg/m2 intravenous (i.v.) carboplatin therapy (G1 = 8) or 300 mg/m2 i.v. carboplatin which was associated with 12.5 mg/m2 oral cyclophosphamide in a metronomic regimen (G2 = 8). The investigated animals underwent a clinical evaluation, a mastectomy, a carboplatin chemotherapy, and serial blood sampling for the pharmacokinetic analysis. The adverse events and survival rates were monitored. A non-compartmental analysis was applied to calculate the pharmacokinetic parameters of carboplatin in the 2nd and 4th chemotherapy cycles. Carboplatin PK showed high interindividual variability with a 10-fold variation in the area under the plasma concentration–time curve (AUC) in G1. The systemic plasma exposure to carboplatin was equivalent in both of the treatments considering the AUC and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) values. Although the red blood cells (p < 0.0001), platelets (p = 0.0005), total leukocytes (p = 0.0002), and segmented neutrophils (p = 0.0007) were reduced in G2, the survival rate increased (p = 0.0044) when it was compared to G1. In conclusion, adding low daily doses of cyclophosphamide to a carboplatin therapy showed promising outcomes in female dogs with mammary tumors.
Fin Whale (Balaenoptera physalus) Mortality along the Italian Coast between 1624 and 2021
Authors: Manfrini Valerio , Pierantonio Nino , Giuliani Alessandro , De Pascalis Federico , Maio Nicola , Mancia Annalaura
Published: November 2022

The Mediterranean Sea hosts a population of fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), the only species of Mysticete regularly occurring in the basin. Observed and inferred mortality suggests that the population is likely declining. Accordingly, understanding the causes of mortality and assessing the health status is pivotal to the survival of this endangered population. While such studies are inherently difficult for a highly roaming species with a pelagic distribution, mortality events provide the opportunity to investigate biological and epidemiological traits linked to these events, and evaluate the footprint of human activity, especially when long-term data series exist. We present a comprehensive spatial–temporal overview of fin whale mortality events along the Italian coast encompassing four centuries (1624–2021). Time series analysis was used to highlight structural changes in the evolution of mortality through time, while spatial–temporal patterns in the distribution of mortality events were assessed through emerging hot spot analysis methods. Recent mortality events (1964–2021) were further explored to evaluate, where possible, the primary causes of mortality and to identify anthropogenic threats of conservation concerns. This long-term survey offers the basis for an understanding of the health status of this B. physalus population and provides much-needed information for developing an effective management and conservation plan for the species in the region.
Suckling Induces Differential Gut Enzyme Activity and Body Composition Compared to Feeding Milk Replacer in Piglets
Authors: Amdi Charlotte , Pedersen Marie Louise M. , Larsen Christina , Klaaborg Joanna , Williams Andrew R. , Madsen Johannes Gulmann
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study was to investigate differences in growth, hematology, metabolism, small intestine (SI) morphology, and enzyme activity of sow-reared piglets (SOW) compared to artificially reared piglets (MILK) given milk replacers in two different environments. Thirty-six piglets were selected at birth based on their birth weight; eighteen were kept on a commercial farm, another eighteen transferred to an animal research facility for artificial rearing. Differences were observed in enzymatic activity, with a larger amount of sucrase in the SOW compared with MILK group across the SI. SOW piglets also had a body composition with a larger amount of fat, muscle, and bone mass content. Differences in hematology were observed, suggesting environmental influences, biochemistry differences reflective of the diets given, and finally, an increased dry matter (DM) intake in SOW piglets was estimated. No differences were observed in immune function and only small differences in the gut integrity were found between the two groups. It can be concluded that body composition and enzyme activity can be manipulated through dietary intervention and that an increase in DM during lactation is beneficial for gut function. The study warrants further investigation into what this means for the subsequent weaning period.
In-Vitro and In-Vivo Antibacterial Effects of Frankincense Oil and Its Interaction with Some Antibiotics against Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens
Authors: Almutairi Megren Bin Faisal , Alrouji Mohammed , Almuhanna Yasir , Asad Mohammed , Joseph Babu
Published: November 2022

Frankincense (Boswellia sacra oleo gum resin) is reported to possess antimicrobial activity against several pathogens in-vitro. The antimicrobial effects of frankincense oil and its interaction with imipenem and gentamicin against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and multidrug-resistant P. aeruginosa were determined through in-vitro methods and an in-vivo study using a rat pneumonia model. Frankincense oil was subjected to GC-MS analysis to determine the different volatile components. Antibacterial effects against MRSA and MDR-P. aeruginosa was evaluated and its MIC and MBC were determined. For the rat pneumonia model (in-vivo), oil was administered at a dose of 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg followed by determination of CFU in lung tissue and histological studies. Frankincense oil did not show a very potent inhibitory effect against MRSA or MDR-P. aeruginosa; the oil did not affect the zone of inhibition or FIC when combined with imipenem or gentamicin indicating a lack of interaction between the oil and the antibiotics. Furthermore, there was no interaction between the antibiotics and the frankincense oil in the in-vivo model. The result of the study revealed that frankincense oil has a weak inhibitory effect against MRSA and MDR-P. aeruginosa, and it did not show any interaction with imipenem or gentamicin.
Performance and Optimization of a Dual-Stage Vibration Isolation System Using Bio-Inspired Vibration Isolators
Authors: Huang Zhou , Shi Xianjie , Mu Dong , Huang Xin , Tong Weihao
Published: November 2022

This paper thoroughly investigates the performance and multi-parameter optimization of a dual-stage vibration isolation system with bio-inspired isolators (BI-DSVI) under different base excitations. The dynamic equations of the BI-DSVI are derived. Then, the optimization problem is defined, where three types of base excitation (translation and rotations around the two horizontal axes) are studied. The optimization results show that the vibration transmissibility can be greatly reduced (more than 30 dB) by multi-parameter optimization, and an optimal configuration of structural parameters exists for the bio-inspired isolators. The effective vibration isolation bandwidth is significantly widened. Finally, the paper thoroughly discusses the influence of the structural parameters of the bio-inspired isolators and the base excitation types on the vibration isolation performance. The parameter studies provide useful guidelines for the application of the bio-inspired isolator in dual-stage vibration isolation.
CircleVis: A Visualization Tool for Circular Labeling Arrangements and Overlap Removal
Authors: Fadloun Samiha , Meshoul Souham , Choutri Kheireddine
Published: November 2022

Information visualization refers to the practice of representing data in a meaningful, visual way that users can interpret and easily comprehend. Geometric or visual encoding shapes such as circles, rectangles, and bars have grown in popularity in data visualization research over time. Circles are a common shape used by domain experts to solve real-world problems and analyze data. As a result, data can be encoded using a simple circle with a set of labels associated with an arc or portion of the circle. Labels can then be arranged in various ways based on human perception (easy to read) or by optimizing the available space around the circle. However, overlaps can occur in one or more arrangements. This paper proposes CircleVis, a new visualization tool for label arrangement and overlap removal in circle visual encoding. First, a mathematical model is presented in order to formulate existing arrangements such as angular, path, and linear. Furthermore, based on user interaction, a new arrangement approach is proposed to optimize available space in each circle arc and delete label overlaps. Finally, users test and evaluate the designed tool using the COVID-19 dataset for validation purposes. The obtained results demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method for label arrangement and overlapping removal in circular layout.
Clustering Method of Large-Scale Battlefield Airspace Based on Multi A * in Airspace Grid System
Authors: Cai Ming , Wan Lujun , Jiao Zhiqiang , Lv Maolong , Gao Zhizhou , Qi Duo
Published: November 2022

Aiming at the problem of the wide range and great difficulty in the future of battlefield airspace control, based on the unique advantages of an airspace grid system in an airspace grid representation and time–space binary computing, this paper designs a pre-clustering method for mission airspace based on airspace location correlation under the condition of future large-scale air combat missions in order to realize the block control of battlefield airspace. This method reduces the whole 3D battlefield space projection to a 2D plane and regards the task airspace projection as “obstacles” in the task area; Multi-A * algorithm is used to generate the airspace clustering line surrounding the task airspace, and the airspace association clustering problem is transformed into a multiple “start point-end point” path planning problem with autonomous optimization. Through the experiment, it was found that clustering the airspace can effectively improve the management and control efficiency of large-scale battlefield airspace.
Assessment of Heavy Metals and Radionuclides Concentration in Selected Mineral Waters Available on the Polish Market
Authors: Wojtkowska Małgorzata , Wojtkowski Karol , Długosz-Lisiecka Magdalena
Published: November 2022

This research examined samples of mineral water available on the Polish market. The contents of radionuclides in 12 samples of water were determined: cesium 137Cs, thorium 232Th, potassium 40K, and radium 226Ra; and heavy metals: zinc, copper, chromium, nickel, lead, cadmium, and mercury. Spectrometric analysis showed the presence of a 232Th track in one sample (Franciszek water) with a concentration of 2.4 ± 2.1 mBq/L above the LLD (low limit of detection); 40K potassium was detected in all samples. In the case of radium 226Ra, its presence above the detection threshold was found in nine water samples. No artificial element 137Cs was found in the mineral waters. The tests showed the concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, and Pb) present in the waters. The limit values are specified by the Ministry of Health Regulation. Copper, cadmium, and chromium did not exceed the permissible values. In the case of nickel, the normalized values (20 μg/L) were exceeded in only two waters: Słotwinka and Józefowianka. Only in the Amita water did we find that the value of 1.0 μg/L was exceeded. The concentration of zinc, for which no limit is set in the regulation, was the highest, ranging from 287 to 1.30 μg/L. The greatest threat to people drinking the studied mineral waters is lead, which in eight waters exceeded the permissible value of 10 μg/L.
An Easy-to-Prepare Conductive Hydrogel for Smart Wearable Materials Based on Acrylic Derivatives and Acrylamide
Authors: Chen Zhixin , Cai Ke , Zhang Xiang , Lv Na
Published: November 2022

Electrically conductive hydrogel materials can be used as materials for wearable sensors, which can quickly and accurately detect the activities of human joints and convert these movements into electrical signals. More specifically, they have potential for application in wearable electronic devices and electronic skins. However, a number of challenges remain regarding the preparation of conductive hydrogel materials. In this study, we synthesized the P(BHMP-AM)-Zn2+ hydrogel material in situ via a one-pot method using acrylic monomer derivatives, acrylamide, and zinc ions. The resulting hydrogel exhibited a high cytocompatibility (89%), excellent cyclic tensile properties, satisfactory adhesion properties (3.4 kPa), and good electrical conductivity. Furthermore, the addition of Zn2+ ions imparted antibacterial properties to the hydrogel, with sterilization rates of 65.9 and 10.9% being determined against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. The hydrogel was able to sense the activities of joints or other parts of the human body when attached to the skin, converting these movements into electrical signals to allow the real-time monitoring of motion. This conductive hydrogel material, therefore, exhibits potential for use in wearable electronic devices and electronic skins, among other devices.
FGCM: Noisy Label Learning via Fine-Grained Confidence Modeling
Authors: Yan Shaotian , Tian Xiang , Jiang Rongxin , Chen Yaowu
Published: November 2022

A small portion of mislabeled data can easily limit the performance of deep neural networks (DNNs) due to their high capacity for memorizing random labels. Thus, robust learning from noisy labels has become a key challenge for deep learning due to inadequate datasets with high-quality annotations. Most existing methods involve training models on clean sets by dividing clean samples from noisy ones, resulting in large amounts of mislabeled data being unused. To address this problem, we propose categorizing training samples into five fine-grained clusters based on the difficulty experienced by DNN models when learning them and label correctness. A novel fine-grained confidence modeling (FGCM) framework is proposed to cluster samples into these five categories; with each cluster, FGCM decides whether to accept the cluster data as they are, accept them with label correction, or accept them as unlabeled data. By applying different strategies to the fine-grained clusters, FGCM can better exploit training data than previous methods. Extensive experiments on widely used benchmarks CIFAR-10, CIFAR-100, clothing1M, and WebVision with different ratios and types of label noise demonstrate the superiority of our FGCM.
Updating the FMEA Approach with Mitigation Assessment Capabilities—A Case Study of Aircraft Maintenance Repairs
Authors: Anes Vitor , Morgado Teresa , Abreu António , Calado João , Reis Luis
Published: November 2022

This paper proposes a qualitative model to overcome the limitations of conventional failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), which does not consider risk mitigation capabilities when prioritizing risks. Failure to consider these capabilities can lead to unrealistic risk estimates, especially when the level of uncertainty is high. In the proposed model, the original applicability of conventional FMEA was retained along with the three conventional risk variables, namely, severity, occurrence, and detectability. In addition, a fourth variable was added to account for risk mitigation capabilities. A case study in the project selection of aircraft repairs was used to demonstrate the implementation of the model and its applicability. The results show that the inclusion of mitigation options leads to more realistic risk scenarios, suggesting that the original FMEA approach may lead to non-conservative risk estimates.
Buckling of Composite Structures with Delaminations—Laminates and Functionally Graded Materials
Authors: Muc Aleksander
Published: November 2022

In the present paper, buckling problems of constructions with single delamination are examined. Structures were made of unidirectional laminates and functionally graded materials (FGM). Two types of delaminations (closed and opened) were both investigated in experiments both in rectangular plates and axi-symmetric shells. The first part of the work is devoted to the formulation of contact problems (embedded, closed delaminations) with the aid of various functional inequalities. Then, computational models are discussed. To study the influence of the variable material configuration of FGMs, the fourth-order plate/shell relations were adopted. Finally, three particular problems examined are the buckling of flat rectangular plates, spherical shells, and compressed rectangular plates with elliptical delaminations. The experiments were conducted using imperfection sensitivity analysis and post-buckling non-linear analysis. The results demonstrate that the unsymmetric configurations of FGM structures lead to the reduction of buckling loads for structures with delaminations. For FG structures, those effects are described by the simple coefficient. Linear fracture mechanics were employed to distinguish the form of unilateral boundary problems (closed or opened). In the first case, the stable variations of the strain energy release rate GI with the delamination length variations were observed, whereas in the second case the unstable variations were observed.