bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differences across Playing Levels for Match-Play Physical Demands in Women’s Professional and Collegiate Soccer: A Narrative Review
Authors: Choice Erin , Tufano James , Jagger Kristen , Hooker Kayla , Cochrane-Snyman Kristen C.
Published: September 2022

Advancements in sport technology have made quantifying match-play external load (e.g., total distance, sprint distance, number of sprints) a popular option for athletics personnel. These variables of volume and intensity are useful for both objectively monitoring training in field-based sports and for designing training programs. As physical abilities differ across playing levels, match-play demands likely also differ. This narrative review compiles and compares the match-play external load data for women’s soccer at the professional and collegiate levels. Databases were searched through July 2022, yielding 13 primary articles that assessed the match-play demands of women’s soccer (3 professional, 8 Division I, 1 Division II, and 1 Division III). The results indicate that the average total distance covered were similar between the professional, Division I and Division III levels, but the variability was greater among Division III compared to professional and Division I players. Data for Division II are scarce, but the total distance covered appears to be less than for professional, Division I and Division III. There was also large variability for sprint distance and number of sprints across data at all playing levels. Considering the lack of studies of Division II and Division III players, more research is necessary to determine how playing level may affect external load profiles, as isolated studies likely only reflect data from isolated teams.
Exploring the Acute Effects of the Daily Mile™ vs. Shuttle Runs on Children’s Cognitive and Affective Responses
Authors: Martins Ricardo M. G. , Duncan Michael J. , Clark Cain C. T. , Eyre Emma L. J.
Published: September 2022

Background: This study investigated the acute effects of two physical activity (PA) bouts on children’s cognitive and affective responses. Methods: Twenty-nine participants (16 boys and 13 girls; Mage = 9.34 years, SD = 0.48), using a within-subjects crossover design, performed three 15-min conditions: (a) TDM—The Daily Mile™; (b) 12 repeated 30–45-s shuttle runs at ≥ 85% HRMAX; and (c) a sedentary control condition. Cognitive performance (i.e., Stroop, Digit Span, and Corsi blocks) was measured before PA and 1 and 30 min post-PA. Felt Arousal and Feeling Scale self-report scales were administered before, during, and after PA. Results: The results show no changes following the TDM condition relative to the sedentary control condition in cognitive responses. However, when comparing the shuttle runs condition to the sedentary control condition, participants showed higher arousal, an improved reaction time, and lower self-reported pleasure at 1 min post-PA. Nevertheless, at 30 min post-PA, participants’ pleasure values were higher in the shuttle runs condition than they were before PA. Conclusions: When comparing PA conditions, shuttle runs enhanced reaction time and might thus be seen as an option to implement or modify PA opportunities in school settings.
What Is the Relationship between Collective Memory and the Commoning Process in Historical Building Renovation Projects? The Case of the Mas di Sabe, Northern Italy
Authors: Cittati Valentina-Miriam , Balest Jessica , Exner Dagmar
Published: September 2022

In Italy, an increasing number of historical buildings have been abandoned in the last decades. As a response, some local administrations decided to foster renovation projects to preserve their heritage for future generations. Among them, the northern municipality of Val di Zoldo (Veneto) relies on the European Shelter Project, which covers a part of the costs of renovating an ancient private barn called Mas di Sabe, which the community considers an identity symbol of local history and culture. For this reason, the local administration decided to acquire the structure through donations and expropriation, activating a commoning process of the Mas di Sabe. This process is based on the involvement of local inhabitants to identify the building’s future uses, which will inform the renovation project and the integration of renewable energy plants. Through thirteen semi-structured interviews, the study investigates how the collective memories of the building influence and are influenced by the commoning process of the Mas di Sabe. By analyzing the results and identifying five categories (future visions, collective memory, commoning process, energy, and resources), the study shows that collective memory and commoning process have a crucial role in determining people’s visions and imaginaries on historical buildings’ renovation.
The Influence of Roadmap for China Phasing Out Incandescent Lamps on the Promotion of Energy-Efficient Lighting Products
Authors: Ji Zhongyang , Yu Huiru , Zhu Jingyi , Li Jiwen
Published: September 2022

To test the energy-saving effect of command-and-control policies, this research evaluates the impact of “Roadmap for China Phasing Out Incandescent Lamps” on the promotion of energy-efficient lighting products. We use the difference-in-difference (DID) model to investigate the influence of the policy on the promotion of LED lighting products at home and abroad based on 440 panel data from 22 LED lighting companies from 2011 to 2020. The results indicate that, compared with the control group, the sales revenue of LED lighting products in the treatment group increased in China and in foreign markets. In addition, the policy has had a more significant impact on the promotion of LED lighting abroad than in China.
Pluralistic Valuation of Codling Moth Regulation by Brown Long-Eared Bats in English Apple Orchards
Authors: Murphy Francis , Ament Joe
Published: September 2022

The benefits humans utilise from the ecological interactions of the Brown Long-eared bat (Plecotus auritus) have gone relatively unnoticed in the UK. This study aimed to expose one such interaction through a pluralistic valuation of Codling moth (Cydia pomonella) regulation by P. auritus in the context of English apple orchards. A stage-structured model linking C. pomonella population dynamics through consumption by P. auritus was created to understand crop loss reduction estimates due to this predation. The model found that the presence of a single P. auritus individual resulted in a significant reduction of 81.06–83.68% crop lost per hectare. The results of the avoided costs methods yielded a range of economic estimates with between GBP 307.59 and 604.95/ha private, ecological and social costs being avoided. Traditional biodiverse apple orchards that support P. auritus habitats are at risk from land development and agricultural intensification which would have serious consequences on biodiversity. The findings of this study could form the basis of further research that informs apple orchard managers, local communities dependent on apple production and policymakers of the importance of ecosystem services in sustainable agriculture.
Fuzzy Sensitivity Analysis of Structural Performance
Authors: Javidan Mohammad Mahdi , Kim Jinkoo
Published: September 2022

Despite the versatility and widespread application of fuzzy randomness in structural and mechanical engineering, less attention has been paid to the formulation of sensitivity analysis for this uncertainty model. In this research, a brief review of the application of sensitivity analyses in structural engineering is provided, and then the concept of local sensitivity analysis is developed for the fuzzy randomness theory. Several sensitivity tests based on the classical probability theory are extended to this uncertainty model, namely, Monte Carlo simulation (MCS), tornado diagram analysis (TDA), and first-order second-moment method (FOSM). The multidisciplinary application of these methods in engineering is shown using a numerical example, a truss structure, and finally, seismic performance evaluation of a framed structure from a full-scale experimental test. The way of visualizing the results is also provided, which helps the interpretation and better understanding. The results show that the established tools can provide detailed insight into the uncertainty of fuzzy random models. The formulated fuzzy local sensitivity can show how the output uncertainty is affected by the uncertainty of input parameters and the effectiveness of each parameter on the output variability. The provided visualization technique can show variability, the fuzziness of variability, and the order of most influential parameters. Furthermore, efficient methods such as TDA and FOSM can substantially reduce the computational time compared to the MCS while providing an acceptable trade-off for accuracy.
Sustainable Proposal for Regulating Organophosphate Pesticides in Wastewater Treatment Plants in South Korea
Authors: Ryu Hong-Duck , Han Hyeyeol , Park Ji-Hyoung , Kim Yong Seok
Published: September 2022

Organophosphate pesticides (OPs) are highly toxic; their presence in surface waters is a matter of great concern. To the best of our knowledge, OPs in wastewater from agrochemical manufacturing facilities (AMFs) and influents and effluents from agrochemical wastewater treatment plants (AWWTPs) have not been previously investigated. Therefore, we investigated the presence of 8 OPs (5 of which are regulated under the Water Environment Conservation Act (WECA)) in 15 AMFs and 13 AWWTPs detected through surface water monitoring and proposed measures for effectively regulating these OPs in AWWTPs. Five OPs (chlorpyrifos, diazinon, dichlorvos, EPN, and fenitrothion) were detected in the AMF and AWWTP influents; three (methyldemeton, parathion, and phenthoate) were not. Of the five detected OPs, chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos, and fenitrothion are not currently regulated via effluent limitations for WWTPs under WECA; thus, additional regulations are required. The most effective process configuration for the removal of these OPs was biological treatment through activated sludge processes, followed by activated carbon adsorption. In the system, 100% OP removal from the AWWTP influents was observed. This treatment technology can be implemented in AWWTPs to minimize the presence of OPs in surface waters, thereby protecting human health and aquatic life.
Energy Conservation for Indoor Attractions Based on NRBO-LightGBM
Authors: Zhao Debin , Hu Zhengyuan , Yang Yinjian , Chen Qian
Published: September 2022

In the context of COVID-19, energy conservation is becoming increasingly crucial to the overwhelmed tourism industry, and the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system (HVAC) is the most energy-consuming factor in the indoor area of scenic spots. As tourist flows are not constant, the intelligent control of an HVAC system is the key to tourist satisfaction and energy consumption management. This paper proposes a noise-reduced and Bayesian-optimized (NRBO) light-gradient-boosting machine (LightGBM) to predict the probability of tourists entering the next scenic spot, hence adopting the feedforward dynamic adaptive adjustment of the ventilation and air conditioning system. The customized model is more robust and effective, and the experimental results in Luoyang City Hall indicate that the proposed system outperforms the baseline LightGBM model and a random-search based method concerning prediction loss by 5.39% and 4.42%, respectively, and saves energy by 23.51%. The study illustrates a promising step in the advancement of tourism energy consumption management and sustainable tourism in the experimental area by improving tourist experiences and conserving energy efficiently, and the software-based system can also be smoothly applied to other indoor scenic spots.
Classical and Quantum Cosmological Solutions in Teleparallel Dark Energy with Anisotropic Background Geometry
Authors: Paliathanasis Andronikos
Published: September 2022

We investigate exact and analytic solutions for the field equations in the teleparallel dark energy model, where the physical space is described by the locally rotational symmetric Bianchi I, Bianchi III and Kantowski-Sachs geometries. We make use of the property that a point-like Lagrangian exists for the description of the field equations, and variational symmetries are applied for the construction of invariant functions and conservation laws. The latter are used for the derivation of new analytic solutions for the classical field equations and exact function forms for the wavefunction in the quantum limit.
Introducing Urdu Digits Dataset with Demonstration of an Efficient and Robust Noisy Decoder-Based Pseudo Example Generator
Authors: Khan Wisal , Raj Kislay , Kumar Teerath , Roy Arunabha M. , Luo Bin
Published: September 2022

In the present work, we propose a novel method utilizing only a decoder for generation of pseudo-examples, which has shown great success in image classification tasks. The proposed method is particularly constructive when the data are in a limited quantity used for semi-supervised learning (SSL) or few-shot learning (FSL). While most of the previous works have used an autoencoder to improve the classification performance for SSL, using a single autoencoder may generate confusing pseudo-examples that could degrade the classifier’s performance. On the other hand, various models that utilize encoder–decoder architecture for sample generation can significantly increase computational overhead. To address the issues mentioned above, we propose an efficient means of generating pseudo-examples by using only the generator (decoder) network separately for each class that has shown to be effective for both SSL and FSL. In our approach, the decoder is trained for each class sample using random noise, and multiple samples are generated using the trained decoder. Our generator-based approach outperforms previous state-of-the-art SSL and FSL approaches. In addition, we released the Urdu digits dataset consisting of 10,000 images, including 8000 training and 2000 test images collected through three different methods for purposes of diversity. Furthermore, we explored the effectiveness of our proposed method on the Urdu digits dataset by using both SSL and FSL, which demonstrated improvement of 3.04% and 1.50% in terms of average accuracy, respectively, illustrating the superiority of the proposed method compared to the current state-of-the-art models.
Brain Symmetry in Alpha Band When Watching Cuts in Movies
Authors: Andreu-Sánchez Celia , Martín-Pascual Miguel Ángel , Gruart Agnès , Delgado-García José María
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study is to determine if there is asymmetry in the brain activity between both hemispheres while watching cuts in movies. We presented videos with cuts to 36 participants, registered electrical brain activity through electroencephalography (EEG) and analyzed asymmetry in frontal, somatomotor, temporal, parietal and occipital areas. EEG power and alpha (8–13 Hz) asymmetry were analyzed based on 4032 epochs (112 epochs from videos × 36 participants) in each hemisphere. On average, we found negative asymmetry, indicating a greater alpha power in the left hemisphere and a greater activity in the right hemisphere in frontal, temporal and occipital areas. The opposite was found in somatomotor and temporal areas. However, with a high inter-subjects variability, these asymmetries did not seem to be significant. Our results suggest that cuts in audiovisuals do not provoke any specific asymmetrical brain activity in the alpha band in viewers. We conclude that brain asymmetry when decoding audiovisual content may be more related with narrative content than with formal style.
How Facial Symmetry Influences the Learning Effectiveness of Computer Graphic Design in Makeup Design
Authors: Hsu Hsiu-Hui
Published: September 2022

This study explored the learning effectiveness of drawing makeup designs by computer graphic design and compared the learning differences between traditional hand-drawn and computer-assisted teaching in cosmetology students at universities. The statistical analysis methods of factor analysis, descriptive statistical analysis, and paired sample t-test are used to analyze the difference in students’ learning attitudes before and after the course. It also explored students’ learning effectiveness. The subjects were 55 students from a cosmetology department of a university in Taiwan. The results showed that using a computer tool to create makeup designs improved the overall student learning effectiveness and effectively promoted students’ interest in learning. Moreover, through focus group interviews, changes in the learning effectiveness that were brought about by the use of computer graphic design tools were obtained. Among them, the mirror function could best meet the needs of students for makeup symmetry and design drawing speed and improve their satisfaction with computer graphic makeup. The results of this study are improving the learning effectiveness, maintaining a positive attitude and increasing willingness to learn, and the systematization and digitization of makeup design, and the results could promote teachers to obtain more efficient teaching quality, improve students’ professional skills, and result in better learning results.
Effects of Zearalenone on Production Performance, Egg Quality, Ovarian Function and Gut Microbiota of Laying Hens
Authors: Yuan Tao , Li Junyi , Wang Yanan , Li Meiling , Yang Ao , Ren Chenxi , Qi Desheng , Zhang Niya
Published: September 2022

Zearalenone (ZEN) is a ubiquitous contaminant in poultry feed, since ZEN and its metabolites can interfere with estrogen function and affect the reproductive ability of animals. The estrogen-like effect of ZEN on mammal is widely reported, while little information is available, regarding the effect of relatively low dose of ZEN on estrogen function and production performance of laying hens, and the relationship between them. This work was aimed to investigate the effects of ZEN on the production performance, egg quality, ovarian function and gut microbiota of laying hens. A total of 96 Hy-line brown laying hens aged 25-week were randomly divided into 3 groups including basal diet group (BD group), basal diet supplemented with 250 μg/kg (250 μg/kg ZEN group) and 750 μg/kg (750 μg/kg ZEN group) ZEN group. Here, 750 μg/kg ZEN resulted in a significant increase in the feed conversion ratio (FCR) (g feed/g egg) (p < 0.05), a decrease in the egg production (p > 0.05), albumen height and Haugh unit (p > 0.05), compared to the BD group. The serum Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels significantly decreased in ZEN supplemented groups (p < 0.05). Serum Luteinizing hormone (LH) and Progesterone (P) levels in the 750 μg/kg ZEN group were significantly lower than those in the BD group (p < 0.05). 16S rRNA sequencing indicated that ZEN reduced cecum microbial diversity (p < 0.05) and altered gut microbiota composition. In contrast to 250 μg/kg ZEN, 750 μg/kg ZEN had more dramatic effects on the gut microbiota function. Spearman’s correlation analysis revealed negative correlations between the dominant bacteria of the 750 μg/kg ZEN group and the production performance, egg quality and ovarian function of hens. Overall, ZEN was shown to exert a detrimental effect on production performance, egg quality and ovarian function of laying hens in this study. Moreover, alterations in the composition and function of the gut microbiota induced by ZEN may be involved in the adverse effects of ZEN on laying hens.
Diagnostic Methods of Common Intestinal Protozoa: Current and Future Immunological and Molecular Methods
Authors: Fitri Loeki Enggar , Candradikusuma Didi , Setia Yulia Dwi , Wibawa Purwa Adrianta , Iskandar Agustin , Winaris Nuning , Pawestri Aulia Rahmi
Published: September 2022

Intestinal protozoan infection is a persisting public health problem affecting the populations of developing countries in the tropical and subtropical regions. The diagnosis of intestinal protozoa remains a challenge especially in developing countries due to a shortage of laboratory facilities, limited health funding, and the remoteness of communities. Despite still being widely used, conventional diagnoses using microscopy and staining methods pose important limitations, particularly due to their low sensitivities and specificities. The selection of diagnostic methods needs to be carefully considered based on the objective of examination, availability of resources, and the expected parasite to be found. In this review, we describe various immunodiagnosis and molecular diagnostic methods for intestinal protozoa infection, including their advantages, disadvantages, and suitability for different settings, with a focus on Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia duodenalis, and Cryptosporidium spp.
Dynamical Signature: Complex Manifolds, Gauge Fields and Non-Flat Tangent Space
Authors: Bondarenko Sergey
Published: September 2022

Theoretical possibilities of models of gravity with dynamical signature are discussed. The different scenarios of the signature change are proposed in the framework of Einstein-Cartan gravity. We consider, subsequently, the dynamical signature in the model of the complex manifold with complex coordinates and complex metrics are introduced, a complexification of the manifold and coordinates through new gauge fields, an additional gauge symmetry for the Einstein-Cartan vierbein fields, and non-flat tangent space for the metric in the Einstein-Cartan gravity. A new small parameter, which characterizes a degree of the deviation of the signature from the background one, is introduced in all models. The zero value of this parameter corresponds to the signature of an initial background metric. In turn, in the models with gauge fields present, this parameter represents a coupling constant of the gauge symmetry group. The mechanism of metric determination through induced gauge fields with defined signatures in the corresponding models is considered. The ways of the signature change through the gauge field dynamics are reviewed, and the consequences and applications of the proposed ideas are discussed as well.
H0 Tensions in Cosmology and Axion Pseudocycles in the Stringy Universe
Authors: Patrascu Andrei T.
Published: September 2022

The tension between early and late H0 is revised in the context of axion dark matter arising naturally from string theoretical integrations of antisymmetric tensor fields over non-trivial cycles. Certain early universe cycles may appear non-trivial from the perspective of a homology analysis focused on the early universe, while they may become trivial when analysed from the perspective of a homology theory reaching out to lower energies and later times. Such phenomena can introduce variations in the axion potential that would explain the observed H0 tension. The decay of such pseudo-axions when the pseudo-cycles dissipate trigger axion-two-photon (otherwise having an extremely long lifetime) and axion-gravitational processes mediated by Chern–Simons couplings with observable electromagnetic or gravitational wave signals originating in the early universe.
A Prospective Cohort Study on Pregnancy Outcomes of Persons Immunized with a Seasonal Quadrivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine during Pregnancy
Authors: Robinson Christopher , Oberye Janine , van Boxmeer Josephine , Albano Jessica D. , Tilson Hugh , Scialli Anthony , Vanchiere John A. , Ides Ellis , Sawlwin Daphne , Hohenboken Matthew , Edelman Jonathan
Published: September 2022

This US-based, prospective observational cohort study evaluated the safety of a quadrivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV4; Afluria Quadrivalent) in pregnant persons immunized over four influenza seasons between 2017 and 2021. Pregnancy outcomes included live birth, stillbirth, spontaneous abortion, and elective termination. Infant events of interest were major congenital malformations (MCMs), preterm birth (<37 weeks gestational age), and low birth weight (LBW). Data were descriptive; prevalence point estimates were reported with 95% confidence intervals (CI). A total of 483 pregnant persons were given IIV4 and evaluated; 477 (98.8%) reported a live birth, and there were 2 stillbirths, 4 spontaneous abortions, and no elective terminations or maternal deaths. The prevalence rates of infant events were as follows: preterm birth, 7.2% (upper 95% CI, 9.6%); LBW, 5.4% (upper 95% CI, 7.4%); and MCMs, 0.8% (upper 95% CI, 1.9%). Point estimates and upper 95% CIs of the observed prevalence rates were lower than or similar to background prevalence in the general US population. Our findings suggest no evidence of a safety concern with vaccinating this group at high risk of influenza complications and are consistent with published data from databases and surveillance systems that monitor the safety of influenza vaccines in pregnant persons.
Outer Membrane Vesicles: An Emerging Vaccine Platform
Authors: Kashyap Dharmendra , Panda Mrutyunjaya , Baral Budhadev , Varshney Nidhi , R Sajitha , Bhandari Vasundhra , Parmar Hamendra Singh , Prasad Amit , Jha Hem Chandra
Published: September 2022

Vaccine adjuvants are substances that improve the immune capacity of a recombinant vaccine to a great extent and have been in use since the early 1900s; they are primarily short-lived and initiate antigen activity, mainly an inflammatory response. With the developing technologies and innovation, early options such as alum were modified, yet the inorganic nature of major vaccine adjuvants caused several side effects. Outer membrane vesicles, which respond to the stressed environment, are small nano-sized particles secreted by gram-negative bacteria. The secretory nature of OMV gives us many benefits in terms of infection bioengineering. This article aims to provide a detailed overview of bacteria’s outer membrane vesicles (OMV) and their potential usage as adjuvants in making OMV-based vaccines. The OMV adjuvant-based vaccines can be a great benefactor, and there are ongoing trials for formulating OMV adjuvant-based vaccines for SARS-CoV-2. This study emphasizes engineering the OMVs to develop better versions for safety purposes. This article will also provide a gist about the advantages and disadvantages of such vaccines, along with other aspects.
In Vitro Evaluation of Leuconostoc mesenteroides Cell-Free-Supernatant GBUT-21 against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Alzahrani Othman R. , Hawsawi Yousef M. , Alanazi Abdullah D. , Alatwi Hanan E. , Rather Irfan A.
Published: September 2022

The unprecedented health catastrophe derived from the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2 infection) met with a phenomenal scientific response across the globe. Worldwide, the scientific community was focused on finding a cure for the deadly disease. A wide range of research studies has consistently revealed the link between SARS-CoV-2 infection severity and abnormal gut microbiomes, suggesting its potential in developing novel therapeutic approaches. Probiotics have been extensively studied to promote health in human hosts and reestablish a balance in the dysbiotic gut microbiome; however, there is strong skepticism about their safety and efficacy. Consequently, the metabolic signatures of probiotics, often referred to as "postbiotics", could prove of paramount importance for adjuvant cures in patients with SARS-CoV-2. Postbiotics exhibit safety, enhanced shelf-life, and stability and, therefore, could be implemented in SARS-CoV-2 prophylactic strategies with no undue adverse side effects. The current study is a preliminary investigation of the antiviral properties of postbiotic metabolites derived from Leuconostoc mesenteroides GBUT-21. The study focuses on the potential biological role in inactivating SARS-CoV-2 and reducing related inflammatory pathways.
Nonhuman Primates Are Protected against Marburg Virus Disease by Vaccination with a Vesicular Stomatitis Virus Vector-Based Vaccine Prepared under Conditions to Allow Advancement to Human Clinical Trials
Authors: Cooper Christopher L. , Morrow Gavin , Yuan Maoli , Coleman John W. , Hou Fuxiang , Reiserova Lucia , Li Shui L. , Wagner Denise , Carpov Alexei , Wallace-Selman Olivia , Valentin Kristie , Choi Yesle , Wilson Aaron , Kilianski Andrew , Sayeed Eddy , Agans Krystle N. , Borisevich Viktoriya , Cross Robert W. , Geisbert Thomas W. , Feinberg Mark B. , Gupta Swati B. , Parks Christopher L.
Published: September 2022

Vaccines are needed to disrupt or prevent continued outbreaks of filoviruses in humans across Western and Central Africa, including outbreaks of Marburg virus (MARV). As part of a filovirus vaccine product development plan, it is important to investigate dose response early in preclinical development to identify the dose range that may be optimal for safety, immunogenicity, and efficacy, and perhaps demonstrate that using lower doses is feasible, which will improve product access. To determine the efficacious dose range for a manufacturing-ready live recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus vaccine vector (rVSV∆G-MARV-GP) encoding the MARV glycoprotein (GP), a dose-range study was conducted in cynomolgus macaques. Results showed that a single intramuscular injection with as little as 200 plaque-forming units (PFUs) was 100% efficacious against lethality and prevented development of viremia and clinical pathologies associated with MARV Angola infection. Across the vaccine doses tested, there was nearly a 2000-fold range of anti-MARV glycoprotein (GP) serum IgG titers with seroconversion detectable even at the lowest doses. Virus-neutralizing serum antibodies also were detected in animals vaccinated with the higher vaccine doses indicating that vaccination induced functional antibodies, but that the assay was a less sensitive indicator of seroconversion. Collectively, the data indicates that a relatively wide range of anti-GP serum IgG titers are observed in animals that are protected from disease implying that seroconversion is positively associated with efficacy, but that more extensive immunologic analyses on samples collected from our study as well as future preclinical studies will be valuable in identifying additional immune responses correlated with protection that can serve as markers to monitor in human trials needed to generate data that can support vaccine licensure in the future.
Rapid In-Process Measurement of Live Virus Vaccine Potency Using Laser Force Cytology: Paving the Way for Rapid Vaccine Development
Authors: McCracken Reilly , Al-Nazal Noor , Whitmer Travis , Yi Sijia , Wagner James M. , Hebert Colin G. , Lowry Matthew J. , Hayes Peter R. , Schneider James W. , Przybycien Todd M. , Mukherjee Malini
Published: September 2022

Vaccinations to prevent infectious diseases are given to target the body’s innate and adaptive immune systems. In most cases, the potency of a live virus vaccine (LVV) is the most critical measurement of efficacy, though in some cases the quantity of surface antigen on the virus is an equally critical quality attribute. Existing methods to measure the potency of viruses include plaque and TCID50 assays, both of which have very long lead times and cannot provide real time information on the quality of the vaccine during large-scale manufacturing. Here, we report the evaluation of LumaCyte’s Radiance Laser Force Cytology platform as a new way to measure the potency of LVVs in upstream biomanufacturing process in real time and compare this to traditional TCID50 potency. We also assess this new platform as a way to detect adventitious agents, which is a regulatory expectation for the release of commercial vaccines. In both applications, we report the ability to obtain expedited and relevant potency information with strong correlation to release potency methods. Together, our data propose the application of Laser Force Cytology as a valuable process analytical technology (PAT) for the timely measurement of critical quality attributes of LVVs.
A Clinical Trial of Entolimod a TLR-5 Adjuvant for Vaccines Using Diphtheria or Tetanus as Carrier Proteins
Authors: Kosten Thomas R. , Domingo Coreen B. , Haile Colin N. , Nielsen David A.
Published: September 2022

Anti-drug vaccines previously failed clinical trials because they did not provide a sufficient titer or duration of antibodies (AB), but new adjuvants enhance both AB titers and efficacy duration. This clinical trial assessed AB titers after a single booster of commercial tetanus-diphtheria (Td) vaccine in 40 males randomized as 15 to Td alone and 25 to Td combined with the TLR5 adjuvant, Entolimod (Ent). Ent significantly increased ABs against diphtheria (DPT) (0.46 vs. 0.29 IU/mL increase; n = 40, p < 0.05), but against tetanus (TT) only if baseline TT AB was below 3 IU/mL (3.1 vs. 2.1 IU/mL; n = 20; p < 0.05). These 20 participants also showed a two-fold increase in anti-TT AB titer more often when given Ent than non-Ent (33% vs. 82%) (p < 0.03). Anti-Ent AB was low and appeared unlikely to reduce Ent efficacy after repeated Ent administration. Medical safety was excellent, and a TLR5 missense polymorphism reduced anti-DPT AB production, but Ent increased anti-DPT AB titers to levels induced in subjects with genetically “normal” TRL5 functioning. Further clinical testing of TLR5 adjuvants like Ent seems warranted for anti-drug vaccines.
Monitoring the Subolesin Vaccine Field Trial for Safer Control of Cattle Ticks Amidst Increasing Acaricide Resistance in Uganda
Authors: Kabi Fredrick , Dhikusooka Moses , Matovu Moses , Mugerwa Swidiq , Kasaija Paul , Emudong Patrick , Kirunda Halid , Contreras Marinela , Gortazar Christian , De la Fuente Jose
Published: September 2022

A collaboration program was established between the group of Health and Biotechnology (SaBio) of the IREC Institute of Game and Wildlife Research (CSIC-UCLM-JCCM, Spain) and the National Agricultural Research Organization of Uganda (NARO) for the development of vaccines for the control of cattle ticks in Uganda. Controlled pen trials identified a tick protective antigen, Rhipicephalus appendiculatus Subolesin, and a cross-species-effective vaccine formulation. As the next step, a controlled vaccine field trial has been approved by Ugandan state regulatory authorities, the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (UNCST) and the National Drug Authority (NDA), to evaluate the efficacy and effectiveness of the vaccine formulation for the control of cattle tick infestations under field conditions. The results of this trial may lead to the approval of the vaccine for application in Uganda to improve cattle health and production while reducing the use of acaricides.
Immunogenicity and Effectiveness of Primary and Booster Vaccine Combination Strategies during Periods of SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron Variants
Authors: Moghnieh Rima , El Hajj Claude , Abdallah Dania , Jbeily Nayla , Bizri Abdul Rahman , Sayegh Mohamed H.
Published: September 2022

In this study involving a cohort of employees of the National Airline company in Lebanon, we assessed humoral immunity levels and the effectiveness of two COVID-19 vaccines, Gam-COVID-Vac versus BNT162b2, after two doses and after a homologous and heterologous BNT162b2 booster, in addition to the impact of hybrid immunity. Vaccine effectiveness (VE) was retrospectively determined against laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection during the periods of Delta and Omicron variants’ predominance, separately, and was calculated based on a case–control study design. The humoral immune response, measured by a SARS-CoV-2 anti-spike receptor-binding domain (RBD) IgG titer, was prospectively assessed after the aforementioned vaccination schemes at different time points. This study showed higher effectiveness of BNT162b2 after two doses (81%) compared to two doses of Gam-COVID-Vac (41.8%) against the Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2, which correlated with anti-spike antibody levels. Regarding the Omicron variant, protection against infection and antibody levels were severely compromised and the correlation between an anti-spike IgG titer and effectiveness was lost, unlike the situation during the Delta wave. Considering the booster vaccination schemes, a homologous BNT162b2 booster after a BNT162b2 primary vaccination induced a higher humoral immune response when compared to that induced by a heterologous BNT162b2 booster after a Gam-COVID-Vac primary vaccination. However, the VE of both booster regimens against the Omicron variant was almost equal (64% in the homologous regimen and 57% in heterologous regimen). Hybrid immunity evidenced a better humoral response and a greater and longer protection against Delta and Omicron infections compared to vaccination-induced immunity in COVID-19-naïve individuals. Finally, the findings show that VE waned with time during the same wave, highlighting the importance of reinforcing primary and booster COVID-19 vaccination mainly at the beginning of each wave during the surge of a new variant of concern.
Suitability Assessment of NOx Emissions Measurements with PTI Equipment
Authors: Fernández Eugenio , Ortego Abel , Valero Alicia , Alba Juan J.
Published: September 2022

The measurement of NOx emissions in vehicles has so far been exclusively carried out during the type-approval process. For this purpose, high-precision gas measurement laboratory equipment and Portable Emission Measurement Systems (PEMS) are used. Both types of equipment are costly in terms of price, maintenance, complexity, and time of use (calibration and maintenance requirements). Currently, NOx emissions measurements in Periodic Technical Inspections (PTIs) are being considered, but PEMS or laboratory equipment is unsuitable for this function, and PTI-grade equipment has to be used. Although CO and O2 are currently being reliably measured with this equipment, there is not enough information about its accuracy for NOx measurements. Accordingly, in this paper, simultaneous measures have been performed over the same engine in a test cell, with a laboratory and a PTI gas analyser to assess the accuracy of the latter. When performing the test with the most similar conditions found in PTI, our results show that the PTI gas analyser shows an average deviation of 2.6 ppm and 9% rel. with respect to high-precision laboratory equipment for concentrations below 700 ppm NOx, which can be considered acceptable for periodic technical inspections.
Assessment of Semen Respiratory Activity of Domesticated Species before and after Cryopreservation: Boars, Bulls, Stallions, Reindeers and Roosters
Authors: Nikitkina Elena , Shapiev Ismail , Musidray Artem , Krutikova Anna , Plemyashov Kirill , Bogdanova Sofia , Leibova Victoria , Shiryaev Gennadiy , Turlova Julia
Published: September 2022

To assess sperm quality, it is important to evaluate energy metabolism. The test substance 2.4-dinitrophenol (2.4-DNP) is an agent for destroying oxidative phosphorylation. 2.4-DNP shuts off the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) from oxidation and then, the respiration rate increases. If the respiratory chain is damaged, there is little or no response to adding 2.4-DNP. The aim of this study was to analyze the respiratory activity and oxidative phosphorylation in semen before and after freezing and compare the obtained data with the fertilizing ability of sperm. There was a reduction in sperm respiration rates in all species after thawing. The respiration of spermatozoa of boars, bulls, stallions, reindeers and chicken showed responses to 2.4-dinitrophenol. The only difference is in the strength of the response to the test substance. After freezing and thawing, respiratory stimulation by 2.4-DNP decreased. The results of our study show that respiration rate is not correlated with pregnancy rates and egg fertility. However, there was a high correlation between the stimulation of respiration by 2.4-dinitrophenol and pregnancy rates. The test for an increase in respiration rate after adding 2.4-dinitrophenol could be a suitable test of the fertilizing ability of sperm.
First Case of a Cerebrocortical Ganglioglioma in a Dog
Authors: Martín Laura , Pumarola Martí , Altuzarra Raúl , Espinosa Javier , Ortega María
Published: September 2022

Gangliogliomas are extremely rare tumors of the nervous system composed of neoplastic glial and neuronal cells. The aim of the present paper is to describe the clinical presentation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and histopathological and immunophenotypical characteristics of a cerebral cortex ganglioglioma in a 7-year-old Border Collie. The dog presented an acute onset of tonic-clonic epileptic seizures. MRI revealed a well-defined large intra-axial mass located on the left forebrain, mainly affecting the frontal cortex. Following humane euthanasia, the histopathological examination of the mass revealed a diffuse proliferation of neoplastic glial cells mixed with anomalous neuronal bodies. Immunohistochemical analyses confirmed the presence of two different populations of neoplastic cells. Most neoplastic glial cells were immunoreactive to glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and the other subset of neoplastic cells were positive to neuronal markers such as PGP 9.5, synaptophysin (SYN) and neuron-specific enolase (NSE), suggestive of neuronal cells. These findings confirmed the diagnosis of a cerebrocortical ganglioglioma. To the authors knowledge, this is the first description of a ganglioglioma of the cerebral cortex in a dog.
Special Issue: Honey Bee Pathogens and Parasites
Authors: Ebeling Julia , Fünfhaus Anne , Gisder Sebastian
Published: September 2022

Honey bees are important pollinators of agricultural crops and despite the reports about elevated local colony losses over the last few decades [...]
Effects of Anesthesia on Cerebral Blood Flow and Functional Connectivity of Nonhuman Primates
Authors: Zhang Xiaodong
Published: September 2022

Nonhuman primates (NHPs) are the closest living relatives of humans and play a critical and unique role in neuroscience research and pharmaceutical development. General anesthesia is usually required in neuroimaging studies of NHPs to keep the animal from stress and motion. However, the adverse effects of anesthesia on cerebral physiology and neural activity are pronounced and can compromise the data collection and interpretation. Functional connectivity is frequently examined using resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI) to assess the functional abnormality in the animal brain under anesthesia. The fMRI signal can be dramatically suppressed by most anesthetics in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, rsfMRI studies may be further compromised by inter-subject variations when the sample size is small (as seen in most neuroscience studies of NHPs). Therefore, proper use of anesthesia is strongly demanded to ensure steady and consistent physiology maintained during rsfMRI data collection of each subject. The aim of this review is to summarize typical anesthesia used in rsfMRI scans of NHPs and the effects of anesthetics on cerebral physiology and functional connectivity. Moreover, the protocols with optimal rsfMRI data acquisition and anesthesia procedures for functional connectivity study of macaque monkeys are introduced.
Effectiveness of a Modified Administration Protocol for the Medical Treatment of Feline Pyometra
Authors: Attard Simona , Bucci Roberta , Parrillo Salvatore , Pisu Maria Carmela
Published: September 2022

Pyometra is a common uterine disease of dogs and cats, typical of the luteal phase. Traditionally, ovariohysterectomy was considered the elective treatment for pyometra, but in some cases, such as breeding subjects or patients with a high anesthesiologic risk, medical treatment is preferred. Aglepristone is a progesterone receptor blocker and its use proved to be effective for the medical treatment of pyometra in bitches and queens. The aim of this work is to report the effectiveness, in the feline species, of a modified aglepristone administration protocol. Five intact queens were referred to veterinary care centers for pyometra. Aglepristone (15 mg/kg) was administered at D0, D2, D5, and D8, as described by Contri and collaborators for dogs. An antibiotic treatment (marbofloxacin, 3 mg/kg) was associated, and uterine conditions were checked with regular ultrasonographic exams. The uterus returned to its normal condition 10 days after starting the treatment and no adverse effects were reported. After treatment, three queens had an uneventful pregnancy. Even if the treated group was restricted and homogeneous, the proposed modified protocol proved to be useful and promising for the medical treatment of pyometra in cats; further studies are planned to verify its effectiveness in the long-term prevention of recurrence.
Influence of Substrates on the Quality of Hermetia Meal for Fish Meal Substitution in Nile Tilapia Oreochromis niloticus
Authors: Wuertz Sven , Pahl Cem Hinrich , Kloas Werner
Published: September 2022

Commercially produced black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens) represent a promising fish meal substitute, particularly in the context of using agricultural by-products and waste. Here, the culture of Hermetia maggots on five selected substrates (potato protein (P) as a by-product of starch production, rapeseed oil cake (R) from rape oil production, maize silage (M), soybean (S) meal and, as a control, concentrated chicken feed (C)) were evaluated, assessing the growth performance of Hermetia maggots related to the overall production and the nutritional composition of the respective meal. Subsequently, their use as ingredients in aquafeed formulations was evaluated in a feeding trial with juvenile Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus, assessing the growth performance of the fish. Substrates used for Hermetia culture significantly affected the growth and development of the maggots, revealing substantial differences in the meal quality. Still, if incorporated in isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets (33% crude protein, 21–22 MJ/kg) replacing 75% of the fishmeal protein in the formulated diets, no significant differences in growth performance of the fish were observed compared to the fishmeal control. As a conclusion, substrates clearly affect the production yield and the composition of maggots. Nevertheless, this can be compensated by feed formulation as demonstrated by the feeding trial.
A Novel GRA-NARX Model for Water Level Prediction of Pumping Stations
Authors: Liu Xiaowei , Ha Minghu , Lei Xiaohui , Zhang Zhao
Published: September 2022

It is necessary but difficult to accurately predict the water levels in front of the pumping stations of an open-channel water transfer project because of the complex interactions among hydraulic structures. In this study, a novel GRA-NARX (gray relation analysis—nonlinear auto-regressive exogenous) model is proposed based on a gray relation analysis (GRA) and nonlinear auto-regressive exogenous (NARX) neural network for 2 h ahead for the prediction of water levels in front of pumping stations, in which an improved algorithm of the NARX neural network is used to obtain the optimal combination of the time delay and the hidden neurons number, and GRA is used to reduce the prediction complexity and improve the prediction accuracy by filtering input factors. Then, the sensitivity to changes of the training algorithm is analyzed, and the prediction performance is compared with that of the NARX and GRA-BP (gray relation analysis back-propagation) models. A case study is performed in the Tundian pumping station of the Miyun project, China, to demonstrate the reliability and accuracy of the proposed model. It is revealed that the GRA-NARX-BR (gray relation analysis—nonlinear auto-regressive exogenous—Bayesian regularization) model has higher accuracy than the model based only on a NARX neural network and the GRA-BP model with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.9856 and a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.00984 m. The proposed model is effective in predicting the water levels in front of the pumping stations of a complex open-channel water transfer project.