bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations Between Employment Changes and Mental Health: US Data From During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: McDowell Cillian P. , Herring Matthew P. , Lansing Jeni , Brower Cassandra S. , Meyer Jacob D.
Published: February 2021

Objectives: To examine associations of changing employment conditions, specifically switching to working from home (WFH) or job loss, with mental health, using data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: Data from 2,301 US adults in employment prior to COVID-19 were collected April 3rd−7th, 2020. Participants reported whether their employment remained unchanged, they were WFH when they had not been before, or they had lost their job due to the pandemic. Outcomes were symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress, loneliness, and positive mental health (PMH) assessed using validated questionnaires. Linear regression quantified associations of employment changes with mental health outcomes, controlling for age, sex, race, BMI, smoking status, screen time, physical activity, marital status, chronic conditions, and current COVID-19 containment strategies being followed.

Results: Compared to participants whose employment remained unchanged, those who switched to WFH did not differ in any measures of mental health (all p ≥ 0.200). Participants who had lost their job reported higher symptoms of depression (g = −0.200, 95%CI = −0.333 to −0.067; p = 0.003), anxiety (g = −0.212, −0.363 to −0.061; p = 0.008), and stress (g = −0.348, −0.482 to −0.214; p < 0.001), and lower PMH (g = −0.212, −0.347 to −0.078; p = 0.002). Loneliness did not differ between groups (p = 0.087).

Conclusion: This study demonstrates (1) that concerns around potential adverse mental health effects, particularly increases in loneliness, should not preclude WFH in the general population, while considering each individual's personal circumstances, and (2) the acute adverse association of job loss with mental health. Tailored and sensitive interventions may be required to prevent deteriorations in mental health associated with job loss during periods of societal stress.
Adaptive Quick Reduct for Feature Drift Detection
Authors: Ferone Alessio , Maratea Antonio
Published: February 2021

Data streams are ubiquitous and related to the proliferation of low-cost mobile devices, sensors, wireless networks and the Internet of Things. While it is well known that complex phenomena are not stationary and exhibit a concept drift when observed for a sufficiently long time, relatively few studies have addressed the related problem of feature drift. In this paper, a variation of the QuickReduct algorithm suitable to process data streams is proposed and tested: it builds an evolving reduct that dynamically selects the relevant features in the stream, removing the redundant ones and adding the newly relevant ones as soon as they become such. Tests on five publicly available datasets with an artificially injected drift have confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed method.
4D Textiles Made by Additive Manufacturing on Pre-Stressed Textiles—An Overview
Authors: Koch Hannah Carlotta , Schmelzeisen David , Gries Thomas
Published: February 2021

Four-dimensional textiles are textiles that can change shape or function over time by the influence of a stimulus, mainly force and heat. In this review, the focus is on 4D textiles made by additive manufacturing which is built on the concept of 4D printing. A literature survey in Web of Science and Scopus was carried out, which resulted in 29 contributions on additive manufacturing on pre-stressed textiles. In this paper, an overview of materials, production technologies and testing methods is given. The concepts of form giving and shape change transferred to 4D textiles are classified. The influencing factors on the properties of the material structure are presented. The main focus of the literature lies in defining process and material properties for improving the adhesion. Only limited research has been conducted on simulating the material behavior. Ideas for applications exist but no research has been conducted on real applications. Therefore, the challenges are identified, and future research directions are derived.
Detecting Bid-Rigging in Public Procurement. A Cluster Analysis Approach
Authors: Busu Mihail , Busu Cristian
Published: February 2021

This paper analyses the public procurement auctions for snow removal contracts to find out whether bid-rigging occurred. Due to the limited participation in the auction processes, detection of anticompetitive agreements was possible. The econometric analysis used in our study supported the findings of a cartel agreement. Cluster analysis, statistical hypothesis, normality and symmetry and nonparametric tests reveal two types of auctions: competitive and noncompetitive bids. The aim of this paper is to analyze the public procurement auctions with nonparametric statistical methods. Our findings are in line with the literature in the field.
Contextualized Behavior for Improving Managerial and Entrepreneurial Decision-Making
Authors: Cristofaro Matteo , Sousa Maria José , Sanchéz-Garcia José Carlos , Larsson Aron
Published: February 2021

Since the conceptualization of bounded rationality by Herbert Simon (1947), management scholars started investigating how people—managers and entrepreneurs—really make decisions within (and for) organizations [...]
Tuning of a Linear-Quadratic Stabilization System for an Anti-Aircraft Missile
Authors: Bużantowicz Witold
Published: February 2021

A description is given of an application of a linear-quadratic regulator (LQR) for stabilizing the characteristics of an anti-aircraft missile, and an analytical method of selecting the weighting elements of the gain matrix in feedback loop is proposed. A novel method of LQR tuning via a single parameter ς was proposed and tested. The article supplements and develops the topics addressed in the author’s previous work. Its added value includes the observation that the solutions obtained are symmetric pairs, and that the tuning parameter ς proposed for the designed linear-quadratic regulator enables the selection of suitable parameters for the airframe stabilizing loop for the majority of the analytical solutions of the considered Riccati equation.
Manganese Supply Improves Bread Wheat Productivity, Economic Returns and Grain Biofortification under Conventional and No Tillage Systems
Authors: Zulfiqar Usman , Hussain Saddam , Ishfaq Muhammad , Ali Nauman , Ahmad Muhammad , Ihsan Fahid , Sheteiwy Mohamed S. , Rauf Abdur , Hano Christophe , El-Esawi Mohamed A.
Published: February 2021

Manganese is an important essential micronutrient, and its deficiency causes latent health issues in humans. Agronomic biofortification can promisingly improve the plant nutrient concentration without changing the genetic makeup of plants. This study was designed to assess the best method of Mn application to enhance productivity and grain Mn contents under conventional tillage (CT) and no tillage (NT) systems. Manganese was delivered through seed coating (250-mg kg−1 seed), osmopriming (0.1-M Mn solution), soil application (1 kg ha−1), and foliar application (0.25-M Mn solution). A general control with no seed Mn application was included, whereas hydropriming and water spray were used as positive control treatments for Mn seed priming and Mn foliar spray, respectively. No tillage had a higher total soil porosity (9%), soil organic carbon (16%), soil microbial biomass carbon (4%), nitrogen (2%), and soil nutrients in the CT system. Manganese nutrition through various methods significantly enhanced the yield, grain biofortification, and net benefits for CT and NT systems. Averaged across two years, the maximum improvement in grain productivity was recorded with osmopriming (28%) followed by foliar application (26%). The highest grain Mn concentration (29% over no application) was recorded with Mn foliar applications under both tillage systems. Moreover, the highest economic returns and marginal net benefits were recorded with osmopriming. To improve the wheat production, profitability, and grain Mn concentration, Mn application through priming and foliar application may be opted.
Genome-Wide Identification and Evolutionary Analysis of AOMT Gene Family in Pomegranate (Punica granatum)
Authors: Zhang Xinhui , Yuan Weicheng , Zhao Yujie , Ren Yuan , Zhao Xueqing , Yuan Zhaohe
Published: February 2021

Gene duplication is the major resource with which to generate new genes, which provide raw material for novel functions evolution. Thus, to elucidate the gene family evolution after duplication events is of vital importance. Anthocyanin O-methyltransferases (AOMTs) have been recognized as being capable of anthocyanin methylation, which increases anthocyanin diversity and stability and improves the protection of plants from environmental stress. Meanwhile, no detailed identification or genome-wide analysis of the AOMT gene family members in pomegranate (Punicagranatum) have been reported. Three published pomegranate genome sequences offer substantial resources with which to explore gene evolution based on the whole genome. Altogether, 58 identified OMTs from pomegranate and five other species were divided into the AOMT group and the OMT group, according to their phylogenetic tree and AOMTs derived from OMTs. AOMTs in the same subclade have a similar gene structure and protein conserved motifs. The PgAOMT family evolved and expanded primarily via whole-genome duplication (WGD) and tandem duplication. PgAOMTs expression pattern in peel and aril development by qRT-PCR verification indicated that PgAOMTs had tissue-specific patterns. The main fates of AOMTs were neo- or non-functionalization after duplication events. High expression genes of PgOMT04 and PgOMT09 were speculated to contribute to “Taishanhong” pomegranate’s bright red peel color. Finally, we integrated the above analysis in order to infer the evolutionary scenario of AOMT family.
A Tool Derived from the Vicia faba Micronucleus Assay, to Assess Genotoxicity, Cytotoxicity or Biostimulation of Novel Compounds Used in Agriculture
Authors: Klein Perrine , Chauvey Lorelei , Kallerhoff Jean , Pinelli Eric , Morard Marie , Silvestre Jérome
Published: February 2021

The increased use of biostimulants in conventional agriculture and organic farming requires the implementation of rapid tests to determine their effectiveness in enhancing plant growth and protection against abiotic stresses. However, their innocuity to plant health has rarely been demonstrated. We used the Vicia faba Micronucleus Assay, as described by the standard AFNOR EN ISO 29200(2020-05) to reveal biostimulant, genotoxic and cytotoxic effects of four commercialized wood-based products by comparing mitotic indices and micronucleus frequencies with respect to the controls. Neither genotoxicity, as measured by micronucleus frequency (MN), nor cytotoxicity, assessed by Mitotic index counts, was observed. Additionally, one of these stimulants (BHS®) conferred protective effects against contaminants (maleic hydrazide or lead nitrate). We describe that plotting micronuclei frequency against mitotic indices allows discrimination between cytotoxic/genotoxic effects from growth levels. Vicia faba experiments were successfully transposed to other agronomical important crops such as corn and sunflower. This technique can be valuable to industrials, to assess growth, potential cytoxicity and genotoxicity effects of any new biostimulant or organic.
Apparent Digestibility of Macronutrients and Fatty Acids from Microalgae (Schizochytrium sp.) Fed to Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss): A Potential Candidate for Fish Oil Substitution
Authors: Bélanger Amélie , Sarker Pallab K. , Bureau Dominique P. , Chouinard Yvan , Vandenberg Grant W.
Published: February 2021

Aquaculture feed formulation has recently turned its focus to reduce the reliance on marine-derived resources and utilise alternative feedstuffs, as an approach to improve the environmental sustainability of the aquaculture sector. The fish oil market is highly volatile, and availability of this commodity is continuously decreasing for use in aquaculture. Currently, a growing number of commercial efforts producing microalgae are providing omega 3-rich oil for sustainable aquaculture feed. This study was focused to determine the nutrient digestibility of a marine microalga, Schizochytrium spp., which is rich in docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA), as a novel dietary lipid source that could be utilized effectively by rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). A whole-cell Schizochytrium spp. biomass was used in the digestibility experiment at two different temperatures, 8 °C and 15 °C. No significant differences were detected between the two temperatures for the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of the dry matter (94.3 ± 4.9%), total lipids (85.8 ± 0.0%), crude proteins (89.5 ± 1.8%), energy (83.1 ± 1.7%) and fatty acids (85.8 ± 7.5%). The ADCs of the nutrients, energy, DHA and other fatty acids showed that Schizochytrium spp. is a high-quality candidate for fish oil substitution and supplement of LC-PUFA in fish feed with vegetable oils.
Tissue Harvesting Site Effect on the Canine Adipose Stromal Vascular Fraction Quantity and Quality
Authors: Hendawy Hanan , Uemura Akiko , Ma Danfu , Namiki Ryosuke , Samir Haney , Ahmed Mahmoud F. , Elfadadny Ahmed , El-Husseiny Hussein M. , Chieh-Jen Cheng , Tanaka Ryou
Published: February 2021

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) constitute a great promise for regenerative therapy, but these cells are difficultly recovered in large amounts. A potent alternative is the stromal vascular fraction (SVF), non-cultured MSCs, separated from adipose tissue (AT). We aim to evaluate AT harvesting site effect on the SVF cells’ quantity and quality in dogs. Subcutaneous abdominal fat, falciform ligament and peri-ovarian fat were sampled. After SVF isolation, the trypan blue exclusion test and a hemocytometer were used to assess the cell viability and cellular yield. SVF cells were labeled for four surface antigenic markers, clusters of differentiation CD90, CD44, CD29, and CD45, and then examined by flow cytometry. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR was used to evaluate the gene expression of the former markers in addition to OCT-4 and CD34. SVF cells in the peri-ovarian AT recorded the highest viability% (99.63 ± 0.2%), as well as a significantly higher cellular yield (36.87 ± 19.6 × 106 viable cells/gm fat, p < 0.001) and a higher expression of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells AD-MSCs surface markers than that of other sites. SVF cells from the peri-ovarian site revealed a higher expression of MSC markers (CD90, CD44, and CD29) and OCT-4 compared to the other sites, with weak CD45 and CD34 expressions. The positive OCT-4 expression demonstrated the pluripotency of SVF cells isolated from different sites. To conclude, the harvesting site is a strong determinant of SVF cells’ quantity and quality, and the peri-ovarian site could be the best AT sampling site in dogs.
Seasonal Changes of Nuclear DNA Fragmentation in Boar Spermatozoa in Spain
Authors: Ausejo Raquel , Martínez Juan Manuel , Soler-Llorens Pedro , Bolarín Alfonso , Tejedor Teresa , Falceto María Victoria
Published: February 2021

There are numerous cases when conventional spermiogram parameters are all within an acceptable range but boar subfertility persists. The total sperm nuclear DNA fragmentation index (tDFI) is a trait related to fertility and prolificacy problems that is not routinely evaluated in commercial AI boars. The aim of this research was to study the effect of the photoperiod, season and reproductive age of the boar on tDFI (measured by SCSA) of 1279 ejaculates from 372 different boars belonging to 6 different breeds located in 6 AI studs in Spain. tDFI data ranged from 0.018% to 20.1%. Although there was a significant single boar effect in the tDFI occurrence, a negative correlation between the tDFI and the age of the boar was found (p < 0.001). tDFI would decrease due to aging of the boar 0.66% each year old within the observed age range. After including age as a covariate in the ANCOVA, no differences were found in tDFI between photoperiods when the sperm collection date was evaluated. However, when the date of the production of semen in the testis was evaluated, the total percentage of spermatozoa with fragmented nuclear DNA was 1.46% higher in the increasing photoperiod in comparison to the decreasing photoperiod (p < 0.0001). On the other hand, for both dates, the lowest tDFI values corresponded to minimum day length for decreasing photoperiod phase (autumn), while the highest tDFI values were found in summer (maximum day length for decreasing photoperiod phase).
European Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) as Vectors and Reservoirs of Pathogens Affecting Humans and Domestic Livestock
Authors: Cabe Paul R.
Published: February 2021

European starlings are an abundant, widespread avian species frequently found in close association with human development and agriculture. The ability of starlings to carry and disperse pathogens of humans and domesticated livestock has received considerable attention, including studies of enteric bacteria, viruses, and some fungi. To investigate the importance of European starlings as disease vectors, I reviewed and assessed the available literature, comprising several hundred published papers. Although a wide variety of potential pathogens have been reported in starlings, the strongest evidence suggests that they may be responsible for harboring and dispersing some species of enteric bacteria, with Escherichia coli and Campylobacter jejuni of perhaps greatest interest, and primarily in the context of dairies, concentrated animal feeding operations, and other intensive livestock agriculture.
The Impact of Whole Sesame Seeds on the Expression of Key-Genes Involved in the Innate Immunity of Dairy Goats
Authors: Mitsiopoulou Christina , Sotirakoglou Kyriaki , Skliros Dimitrios , Flemetakis Emmanouil , Tsiplakou Eleni
Published: February 2021

Whole sesame seeds (WSS) are rich in both linoleic acid (LA) and lignans. However, their impact on the innate immunity of goats is not well studied. Twenty-four goats were divided into three homogeneous sub-groups; comprise one control (CON) and two treated (WWS5 and WWS10). In the treated groups, WSS were incorporated in the concentrates of the CON at 5 (WSS5) and 10% (WSS10) respectively, by partial substitution of both soybean meal and corn grain. The expression levels of MAPK1, IL6, TRIF, IFNG, TRAF3, and JUND genes in the neutrophils of WSS10 fed goats were reduced significantly compared with the CON. The same was found for the expression levels of IFNG and TRAF3 genes in the neutrophils of WSS5 fed goats. Both treated groups primarily affected the MYD88-independent pathway. The dietary supplementation of goats with WSS might be a good nutritional strategy to improve their innate immunity.
Genetic Association Analysis for Relative Growths of Body Compositions and Metabolic Traits to Body Weights in Broilers
Authors: Zhang Ying , Zhang Hengyu , Zhao Yunfeng , Zhou Xiaojing , Du Jie , Yang Runqing
Published: February 2021

In animal breeding, body components and metabolic traits always fall behind body weights in genetic improvement, which leads to the decline in standards and qualities of animal products. Phenotypically, the relative growth of multiple body components and metabolic traits relative to body weights are characterized by using joint allometric scaling models, and then random regression models (RRMs) are constructed to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for relative grwoth allometries of body compositions and metabolic traits in chicken. Referred to as real joint allometric scaling models, statistical utility of the so-called LASSO-RRM mapping method is given a demonstration by computer simulation analysis. Using the F2 population by crossing broiler × Fayoumi, we formulated optimal joint allometric scaling models of fat, shank weight (shank-w) and liver as well as thyroxine (T4) and glucose (GLC) to body weights. For body compositions, a total of 9 QTLs, including 4 additive and 5 dominant QTLs, were detected to control the allometric scalings of fat, shank-w, and liver to body weights; while a total of 10 QTLs of which 6 were dominant, were mapped to govern the allometries of T4 and GLC to body weights. We characterized relative growths of body compositions and metabolic traits to body weights in broilers with joint allometric scaling models and detected QTLs for the allometry scalings of the relative growths by using RRMs. The identified QTLs, including their highly linked genetic markers, could be used to order relative growths of the body components or metabolic traits to body weights in marker-assisted breeding programs for improving the standard and quality of broiler meat products.
Identification of Genomic Regions for Carcass Quality Traits within the American Simmental Association Carcass Merit Program
Authors: Hieber Jordan K. , Endecott Rachel L. , Boles Jane A. , Thomson Jennifer M.
Published: February 2021

USDA quality and yield grade are primary driving forces for carcass value in the United States. Carcass improvements can be achieved by making selection decisions based on the results of genetic evaluations in the form of expected progeny differences (EPD), real-time ultrasound imaging, and physical evaluation of candidate breeding animals. In an effort to advance their ability to accurately predict the breeding value of potential sires for carcass traits, the American Simmental Association launched the Carcass Merit Program as a means to collect progeny sire group carcass information. All records were extracted from the American Simmental Association database. Progeny data were organized by sire family and progeny performance phenotypes were constructed. Sire genotypes were filtered, and a multi-locus mixed linear model was used to perform an association analysis on the genotype data, while correcting for cryptic relatedness and pedigree structure. Three chromosomes were found to have genome-wide significance and this conservative approach identified putative QTL in those regions. Three hundred ninety-three novel regions were identified across all traits, as well as 290 novel positional candidate genes. Correlations between carcass characteristics and maternal traits were less unfavorable than those previously reported.
Abattoir Factors Influencing the Incidence of Dark Cutting in Australian Grain-Fed Beef
Authors: Steel Cameron C. , Lees Angela. M. , Bowler D. , Gonzalez-Rivas P. A. , Tarr G. , Warner R. D. , Dunshea F. R. , Cowley Frances C. , McGilchrist P.
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of carcass traits, lairage time and weather conditions during lairage and abattoir factors that impact the incidence of dark cutting in 142,228 grain-fed carcasses, as defined by Meat Standards Australia (MSA) guidelines. This study was conducted over a 12-month period analysing data from cattle that were supplied from seven feedlots and processed at three abattoirs. Abattoir data indicated that the average incidence of dark cutting within the study was 2.8%. Increased wind speeds (WSs) and rain during lairage at the abattoir was associated with an increased risk of dark cutting, whereas variation in ambient temperature and/or relative humidity did not influence dark cutting. Heavier carcasses with whiter fat, larger hump heights, more rib fat, higher marble scores and lower ossification had lower incidences of dark cutting. The factors abattoir, time in lairage, time to grading and grader within Abattoir had significant effects on the incidence of dark cutting. The results from this study suggest that reducing the time in lairage and increasing the time between slaughter and grading are the two major ways to reduce dark cutting in MSA carcasses.
Does the Low-Field MRI Appearance of Intraosseous STIR Hyperintensity in Equine Cadaver Limbs Change when Subjected to a Freeze-Thaw Process?
Authors: Johnston Georgina C. A. , Ahern Benjamin J. , Woldeyohannes Solomon M. , Young Alex C.
Published: February 2021

Equine advanced imaging research involving racehorse fetlock pathology commonly uses cadaver limbs and a freeze-thaw process. The presence of short tau inversion recovery (STIR) signal intensity in the distal third metacarpal/metatarsal bone is of particular interest and may be clinically relevant in the diagnosis of horses at risk of fracture. However, little is known about the effect of the freeze-thaw process on the MRI appearance of STIR hyperintensity in these bones. This study compares the low-field MRI appearance of the distal third metacarpal/metatarsal bone from cadaver limbs of Thoroughbreds in race training before and after a freeze-thaw protocol. Blinded and unblinded comparisons were made using objective SNR values and subjective grading. Fifteen cadaver limbs with STIR hyperintensity in the distal third metacarpal/metatarsal bone were included. No overall clinical or statistical significance was detected in STIR signal intensity and distribution after freeze-thaw. Three limbs from one horse had individual changes in STIR hyperintensity that were hypothesized to be attributable to ante-mortem haemodynamic abnormalities caused by anaesthesia. These results indicate that the distribution and intensity of STIR hyperintensity in freeze-thawed cadaver fetlocks can be considered representative of the appearance of pathology in the recently euthanized horse. However, care should be taken with horse selection and handling of the cadaver limbs to ensure reliable appearance of STIR signal after freeze-thaw.
Modulation of Serum Protein Electrophoretic Pattern and Leukocyte Population in Horses Vaccinated against West Nile Virus
Authors: Arfuso Francesca , Giudice Elisabetta , Di Pietro Simona , Piccione Giuseppe , Giannetto Claudia
Published: February 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the hematological and serum protein electrophoretic profiles of horses after inactivated West Nile virus (WNV) vaccine administration. Blood samples were collected from 10 horses before (T0), after 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 1 week, 2 weeks and 3 weeks (T1I, T2I, T3I, T4I, T5I and T6I) from the first WNV vaccine-dose administration, before the vaccine-booster (TPREII), and after 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, 1 week, 2 weeks and 3 weeks (T1I I, T2II, T3II, T4II, T5II, T6II) from the WNV vaccine-booster. There was a significant increase in lymphocytes and a decrease in neutrophils after both the first vaccine-dose and vaccine-booster administration compared to the baseline values (p < 0.01). Monocytes showed higher values after 72 h, 1 week and 2 weeks from the vaccine-booster (p < 0.01). Higher serum total protein values were found in horses after both the first vaccine-dose and booster administration (p < 0.05). α1-lobulins increased after the vaccine-booster with the highest levels measured at T4II (p < 0.05); α-2- and β-globulin fractions increased throughout the post-vaccine period compared to the baseline values (p < 0.05); and higher γ-globulin values were found before the vaccine-booster (TPREII) and after 24 h, 72 h and 3 weeks from the vaccine-booster (T1II, T3II and T6II). The findings allow us to conclude that the WNV vaccine used in the current study does not alter the overall hemogram picture of horses although it is associated with modulation of leukocyte populations and the serum protein electrophoretic pattern.
Monitoring of Unhatched Eggs in Hermann’s Tortoise (Testudo hermanni) after Artificial Incubation and Possible Improvements in Hatching
Authors: Dovč Alenka , Stvarnik Mateja , Lindtner Knific Renata , Gregurić Gračner Gordana , Klobučar Igor , Zorman Rojs Olga
Published: February 2021

The causes of embryonic mortality in Hermann’s tortoises (Testudo hermanni) during artificial incubation were determined. Total egg failure at the end of the hatching period was investigated. The hatching artefacts represented 19.2% (N = 3557) of all eggs (N = 18,520). The viability rate of incubated eggs was 80.8%. The eggs, i.e., embryos, were sorted according to the cause of unsuccessful hatching and subsequently analyzed. Some of the eggs were divided into two or more groups. Unfertilized eggs were confirmed in 61.0%, infected eggs in 52.5%, and eggs in various stages of desiccation in 19.1%. This group also included mummified embryos. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus sp., Purpureocillium lilacinum, and Escherichia coli were frequently confirmed in infected eggs. Embryos were divided into three groups: embryos up to 1.0 cm—group 1 (2.2%), embryos from 1.0 cm to 1.5 cm—group 2 (5.4%) and embryos longer than 1.5 cm—group 3 (7.3%) of all unhatched eggs. Inability of embryos to peck the shell was found in 1.3%. These tortoises died shortly before hatching. Embryos still alive from the group 2 and group 3 were confirmed in 0.7% of cases. Dead and alive deformed embryos and twins were detected in the group 3 in 0.5% and 0.1% of cases, respectively. For successful artificial hatching, it is important to establish fumigation with disinfectants prior to incubation and elimination of eggs with different shapes, eggs with broken shells, and eggs weighted under 10 g. Eggs should be candled before and periodically during artificial incubation, and all unfertilized and dead embryos must be removed. Heartbeat monitor is recommended. Proper temperature and humidity, incubation of “clean” eggs on sterile substrate and control for the presence of mites is essential. Monitoring of the parent tortoises is also necessary.
Estimation of Additive and Dominance Genetic Effects on Body Weight, Carcass and Ham Quality Traits in Heavy Pigs
Authors: Bonfatti Valentina , Rostellato Roberta , Carnier Paolo
Published: February 2021

Neglecting dominance effects in genetic evaluations may overestimate the predicted genetic response achievable by a breeding program. Additive and dominance genetic effects were estimated by pedigree-based models for growth, carcass, fresh ham and dry-cured ham seasoning traits in 13,295 crossbred heavy pigs. Variance components estimated by models including litter effects, dominance effects, or both, were compared. Across traits, dominance variance contributed up to 26% of the phenotypic variance and was, on average, 22% of the additive genetic variance. The inclusion of litter, dominance, or both these effects in models reduced the estimated heritability by 9% on average. Confounding was observed among litter, additive genetic and dominance effects. Model fitting improved for models including either the litter or dominance effects, but it did not benefit from the inclusion of both. For 15 traits, model fitting slightly improved when dominance effects were included in place of litter effects, but no effects on animal ranking and accuracy of breeding values were detected. Accounting for litter effects in the models for genetic evaluations would be sufficient to prevent the overestimation of the genetic variance while ensuring computational efficiency.
Inter-Specific and Intra-Specific Competition of Two Sympatrically Breeding Seabirds, Chinstrap and Gentoo Penguins, at Two Neighboring Colonies
Authors: Lee Won Young , Park Seongseop , Kim Kil Won , Kim Jeong-Hoon , Gal Jong-Ku , Chung Hosung
Published: February 2021

Theory predicts that sympatric predators compete for food under conditions of limited resources. Competition would occur even within the same species, between neighboring populations, because of overlapping foraging habits. Thus, neighboring populations of the same species are hypothesized to face strong competition. To test the hypothesis that intra-specific competition is more intense than inter-specific competition owing to a lack of niche partitioning, we estimated the foraging area and diving depths of two colonial seabird species at two neighboring colonies. Using GPS and time-depth recorders, we tracked foraging space use of sympatric breeding Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins at Ardley Island (AI) and Narębski Point (NP) at King George Island, Antarctica. GPS tracks showed that there was a larger overlap in the foraging areas between the two species than within each species. In dive parameters, Gentoo penguins performed deeper and longer dives than Chinstrap penguins at the same colonies. At the colony level, Gentoo penguins from NP undertook deeper and longer dives than those at AI, whereas Chinstrap penguins did not show such intra-specific differences in dives. Stable isotope analysis of δ13C and δ15N isotopes in blood demonstrated both inter- and intra-specific differences. Both species of penguin at AI exhibited higher δ13C and δ15N values than those at NP, and in both locations, Gentoo penguins had higher δ13C and lower δ15N values than Chinstrap penguins. Isotopic niches showed that there were lower inter-specific overlaps than intra-specific overlaps. This suggests that, despite the low intra-specific spatial overlap, diets of conspecifics from different colonies remained more similar, resulting in the higher isotopic niche overlaps. Collectively, our results support the hypothesis that intra-specific competition is higher than inter-specific competition, leading to spatial segregation of the neighboring populations of the same species.
Bacteriophage-Derived Depolymerases against Bacterial Biofilm
Authors: Topka-Bielecka Gracja , Dydecka Aleksandra , Necel Agnieszka , Bloch Sylwia , Nejman-Faleńczyk Bożena , Węgrzyn Grzegorz , Węgrzyn Alicja
Published: February 2021

In addition to specific antibiotic resistance, the formation of bacterial biofilm causes another level of complications in attempts to eradicate pathogenic or harmful bacteria, including difficult penetration of drugs through biofilm structures to bacterial cells, impairment of immunological response of the host, and accumulation of various bioactive compounds (enzymes and others) affecting host physiology and changing local pH values, which further influence various biological functions. In this review article, we provide an overview on the formation of bacterial biofilm and its properties, and then we focus on the possible use of phage-derived depolymerases to combat bacterial cells included in this complex structure. On the basis of the literature review, we conclude that, although these bacteriophage-encoded enzymes may be effective in destroying specific compounds involved in the formation of biofilm, they are rarely sufficient to eradicate all bacterial cells. Nevertheless, a combined therapy, employing depolymerases together with antibiotics and/or other antibacterial agents or factors, may provide an effective approach to treat infections caused by bacteria able to form biofilms.
Carbapenem Therapeutic Drug Monitoring in Critically Ill Adult Patients and Clinical Outcomes: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lechtig-Wasserman Sharon , Liebisch-Rey Hans , Diaz-Pinilla Nicolas , Blanco Jhosep , Fuentes-Barreiro Yuli-Viviana , Bustos Rosa-Helena
Published: February 2021

Drug monitoring is one strategy of antibiotic stewardship to face antimicrobial resistance. This strategy could have a determinant role in critically ill patients treated with carbapenems to overcome pharmacokinetic variability, reduce the risk of subtherapeutic dosage or toxicity, and reduce the risks inherent to treatment. However, the effectiveness of therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is unknown. This paper aims to identify TDM effectiveness in critically ill patients treated with carbapenems. English and ClinicalTrials.gov databases were searched to identify relevant studies evaluating carbapenem TDM. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative cohort studies were selected for inclusion if they compared carbapenem TDM to standard care in adult critically ill or sepsis/septic shock patients. The primary outcome was mortality. Secondary outcomes included morbidity, clinical cure, microbiological eradication, antimicrobial resistance, drug-related side effects, and achievement of target plasma concentrations. Overall, performing carbapenem TDM was not associated with a decrease in mortality. However, it could be evidence for a relationship with clinical cure as well as target attainment. Some studies found favorable outcomes related to clinical and microbiological responses, such as lower procalcitonin levels at the end of the monitored therapy compared to standard care. For the primary and secondary outcomes analyzed, strong evidence was not identified, which could be due to the size, risk of bias, and design of selected studies.
Impact of an Antibiotic Stewardship Program on the Incidence of Resistant Escherichia coli: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Ziv-On Elad , Friger Michael D , Saidel-Odes Lisa , Borer Abraham , Shimoni Orly , Nikonov Anna , Nesher Lior
Published: February 2021

Infections caused by multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria increase hospitalizations and mortality rates; antibiotic pressure increases resistance rates. We evaluated the impact of the antibiotics stewardship program (ASP) on Escherichia coli resistance rates, evaluating all antibiotic use and patients with positive cultures hospitalized between 2011 and 2018. Data on antibiotics were collected quarterly as the defined daily dose (DDD)/100 days hospitalization. In 2014, an intervention was introduced, targeting the reduction of overall antibiotic use as well as specifically targeting quinolones and other broad-spectrum antibiotics. Using interrupted time series analysis (ITS), we compared the rates and trends of antibiotic use and resistant E. coli. We included 6001 patients, 3182 pre-ASP and 2819 post-ASP. We observed significant changes in absolute numbers as well as in trends for use of DDD/100 days of all antibiotics by 31% from 76 to 52, and by 52% from 10.4 to 4.9 for quinolones. ITS demonstrated that before the ASP intervention, there was a slope pattern for increased E. coli resistance to antibiotics. This slope was reversed following the intervention for quinolones −1.52, aminoglycosides −2.04, and amoxicillin clavulanate (amox/clav) −1.76; the effect of the intervention was observed as early as three months after the intervention and continued to decrease over time until the end of the study, at 48 months. We conclude that the ASP can positively impact the resistance rate of Gram-negative infections over time, regardless of the targeted combination of antibiotics, if the overall use is reduced.
Measurement of the Intestinal pH in Mice under Various Conditions Reveals Alkalization Induced by Antibiotics
Authors: Shimizu Kouki , Seiki Issei , Goto Yoshiyuki , Murata Takeshi
Published: February 2021

The intestinal pH can greatly influence the stability and absorption of oral drugs. Therefore, knowledge of intestinal pH is necessary to understand the conditions for drug delivery. This has previously been measured in humans and rats. However, information on intestinal pH in mice is insufficient despite these animals being used often in preclinical testing. In this study, 72 female ICR mice housed in SPF (specific pathogen-free) conditions were separated into nine groups to determine the intestinal pH under conditions that might cause pH fluctuations, including high-protein diet, ageing, proton pump inhibitor (PPI) treatment, several antibiotic treatment regimens and germ-free mice. pH was measured in samples collected from the ileum, cecum and colon, and compared to control animals. An electrode, 3 mm in diameter, enabled accurate pH measurements with a small amount of gastrointestinal content. Consequently, the pH values in the cecum and colon were increased by high-protein diet, and the pH in the ileum was decreased by PPI. Drastic alkalization was induced by antibiotics, especially in the cecum and colon. The alkalized pH values in germ-free mice suggested that the reduction in the intestinal bacteria caused by antibiotics led to alkalization. Alkalization of the intestinal pH caused by antibiotic treatment was verified in mice. We need further investigations in clinical settings to check whether the same phenomena occur in patients.
In Vitro Efficacy of Flomoxef against Extended-Spectrum Beta-Lactamase-Producing Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae Associated with Urinary Tract Infections in Malaysia
Authors: Ngoi Soo Tein , Teh Cindy Shuan Ju , Chong Chun Wie , Abdul Jabar Kartini , Tan Shiang Chiet , Yu Lean Huat , Leong Kin Chong , Tee Loong Hua , AbuBakar Sazaly
Published: February 2021

The increasing prevalence of extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae has greatly affected the clinical efficacy of β-lactam antibiotics in the management of urinary tract infections (UTIs). The limited treatment options have resulted in the increased use of carbapenem. However, flomoxef could be a potential carbapenem-sparing strategy for UTIs caused by ESBL-producers. Here, we compared the in vitro susceptibility of UTI-associated ESBL-producers to flomoxef and established β-lactam antibiotics. Fifty Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae strains isolated from urine samples were subjected to broth microdilution assay, and the presence of ESBL genes was detected by polymerase chain reactions. High rates of resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanate (76–80%), ticarcillin-clavulanate (58–76%), and piperacillin-tazobactam (48–50%) were observed, indicated by high minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values (32 µg/mL to 128 µg/mL) for both species. The ESBL genes blaCTX-M and blaTEM were detected in both E. coli (58% and 54%, respectively) and K. pneumoniae (88% and 74%, respectively), whereas blaSHV was found only in K. pneumoniae (94%). Carbapenems remained as the most effective antibiotics against ESBL-producing E. coli and K. pneumoniae associated with UTIs, followed by flomoxef and cephamycins. In conclusion, flomoxef may be a potential alternative to carbapenem for UTIs caused by ESBL-producers in Malaysia.
Sequential Recommendations on GitHub Repository
Authors: Kim JaeWon , Wi JeongA , Kim YoungBin
Published: February 2021

The software development platform is an increasingly expanding industry. It is growing steadily due to the active research and sharing of artificial intelligence and deep learning. Further, predicting users’ propensity in this huge community and recommending a new repository is beneficial for researchers and users. Despite this, only a few researches have been done on the recommendation system of such platforms. In this study, we propose a method to model extensive user data of an online community with a deep learning-based recommendation system. This study shows that a new repository can be effectively recommended based on the accumulated big data from the user. Moreover, this study is the first study of the sequential recommendation system that provides a new dataset of a software development platform, which is as large as the prevailing datasets. The experiments show that the proposed dataset can be practiced in various recommendation tasks.
Historically Based Room Acoustic Analysis and Auralization of a Church in the 1470s
Authors: Autio Hanna , Barbagallo Mathias , Ask Carolina , Bard Hagberg Delphine , Lindqvist Sandgren Eva , Strinnholm Lagergren Karin
Published: February 2021

Worship space acoustics have been established as an important part of a nation’s cultural heritage and area of acoustic research, but more research is needed regarding the region of northern Europe. This paper describes the historical acoustics of an important abbey church in Sweden in the 1470s. A digital historical reconstruction is developed. Liturgical material specific to this location is recorded and auralized within the digital reconstruction, and a room acoustic analysis is performed. The analysis is guided by liturgical practices in the church and the monastic order connected to it. It is found that the historical sound field in the church is characterized by the existence of two distinct acoustical subspaces within it, each corresponding to a location dedicated to the daily services of the monastical congregations. The subspaces show significantly better acoustic conditions for liturgical activities compared to the nave, which is very reverberant under the conditions of daily services. Acoustic transmission from the two subspaces is limited, indicating that the monastic congregations were visually and acoustically separated from the visitors in the nave and each other.
Efficient Sulfate Adsorption on Modified Adsorbents Prepared from Zea mays Stems
Authors: Tejada-Tovar Candelaria , Villabona-Ortíz Ángel , Gonzalez-Delgado Angel Dario , Herrera Adriana , Viera De la Voz Andrea
Published: February 2021

The effect of temperature on the sulfate adsorption capacity of adsorbents prepared from corn stalks (Zea mays) was evaluated. Two bioadsorbents were prepared from biomass: a biochar modified with H2SO4 with mass: volume ratio 1:1 (B 1:1), and cellulose modified with cetyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CTAC). There were also determined thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔS° and ΔH°) and it was studied the adsorption kinetics and isotherm. At 25 °C was obtained the highest adsorption capacity of 16.4 and 7.4 mg/g with mass/volume ratio B 1:1 and modified corn (MC) respectively; it was observed an adverse effect of temperature increase on bioadsorbents’ performance. The thermodynamic parameters showed that the adsorption process is exothermic, not spontaneous, and it was given by chemisorption. Adsorption kinetics showed that equilibrium was reached at 420 min and that the pseudo-second-order model adjusted the experimental data with R2 > 0.98 and qe of 16.64 and 7.48 mg/g for B 1:1 as well as MC. The adsorption isotherm showed a good fit to Freundlich’s model when using B 1:1, whereas using MC as adsorbents the data was adjusted by Dubinin-Radushkevich’s model. Zea mays stems are an abundant agricultural residue and are a good source for the preparation of biochar type bioadsorbents as well as the extraction of cellulose, its use is recommended in the removal of sulfates in solution.
Plasmonic Effect on the Magneto-Optical Property of Monolayer WS2 Studied by Polarized-Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Liu Wuguo , Lin Zhongtao , Tian Shibing , Huang Yuan , Xue Huaqing , Zhu Ke , Gu Changzhi , Yang Yang , Li Junjie
Published: February 2021

In recent years, the magneto-optical properties of two-dimensional transition metal disulfides have attracted more and more attention due to their further device applications in spintronics and valleytronics. However, to our knowledge, the plasmonic effect on the magneto-optical properties of WS2 has not been studied. In this work, monolayer WS2 transferred on SiO2/Si substrate and Au film were investigated respectively using polarized-Raman spectroscopy at 4 K under different magnetic fields. Prominent magnetic field–induced variations in the Raman intensities of WS2 samples were observed, which also exhibited significant differences in the spectral evolution versus magnetic field. The resonance magnetic field was 5 T and 5.5 T for the WS2 on SiO2/Si substrate and Au film, respectively. Remarkably, the magneto-optical Raman intensities of A1′  and 2LA(M) modes for WS2 on Au film were reduced to approximately 60% compared with that of WS2 on SiO2/Si. These results suggest that the plasmonic effect–induced charge transfer plays an important role in the magneto-optical Raman effect of WS2.