bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The promise and challenge of spatial omics in dissecting tumour microenvironment and the role of AI
Authors: Lee Ren Yuan , Ng Chan Way , Rajapakse Menaka Priyadharsani , Ang Nicholas , Yeong Joe Poh Sheng , Lau Mai Chan
Published: May 2023

Growing evidence supports the critical role of tumour microenvironment (TME) in tumour progression, metastases, and treatment response. However, the in-situ interplay among various TME components, particularly between immune and tumour cells, are largely unknown, hindering our understanding of how tumour progresses and responds to treatment. While mainstream single-cell omics techniques allow deep, single-cell phenotyping, they lack crucial spatial information for in-situ cell-cell interaction analysis. On the other hand, tissue-based approaches such as hematoxylin and eosin and chromogenic immunohistochemistry staining can preserve the spatial information of TME components but are limited by their low-content staining. High-content spatial profiling technologies, termed spatial omics, have greatly advanced in the past decades to overcome these limitations. These technologies continue to emerge to include more molecular features (RNAs and/or proteins) and to enhance spatial resolution, opening new opportunities for discovering novel biological knowledge, biomarkers, and therapeutic targets. These advancements also spur the need for novel computational methods to mine useful TME insights from the increasing data complexity confounded by high molecular features and spatial resolution. In this review, we present state-of-the-art spatial omics technologies, their applications, major strengths, and limitations as well as the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in TME studies.
AGR2: a secreted protein worthy of attention in diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Ke , Li Yuan , Kong Xiangyi , Lei Chuqi , Yang Huaiyu , Wang Nianchang , Wang Zhongzhao , Chang Hu , Xuan Lixue
Published: May 2023

AGR2 is a secreted protein widely existing in breast. In precancerous lesions, primary tumors and metastatic tumors, the expression of AGR2 is increased, which has aroused our interest. This review introduces the gene and protein structure of AGR2. Its endoplasmic reticulum retention sequence, protein disulfide isomerase active site and multiple protein binding sequences endow AGR2 with diverse functions inside and outside breast cancer cells. This review also enumerates the role of AGR2 in the progress and prognosis of breast cancer, and emphasizes that AGR2 can be a promising biomarker and a target for immunotherapy of breast cancer, providing new ideas for early diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer.
The Holistic Model of Labour Retention: The Impact of Workplace Wellbeing Factors on Employee Retention
Authors: Gelencsér Martin , Szabó-Szentgróti Gábor , Kőmüves Zsolt Sándor , Hollósy-Vadász Gábor
Published: May 2023

This paper explores the holistic context of workforce retention. The global labour shortages in developed countries have made employers realise that in a world of scarce resources, employee wellbeing and retention are key factors in competitiveness. The aim of the research is to create a model to identify the key determinants of employee well-being and workforce retention. A quantitative research methodology was applied, using a questionnaire with 58 validated statements, completed online by the research participants (n = 406). The PLS-SEM method was used for data analysis and inner and outer modelling. The measurement model was tested for internal consistency reliability and convergent and discriminant validity. Cronbach’s α and CR values were above the 0.7 threshold for all constructions, indicating high internal consistency of measurements. In our model, there are a total of 36 significant relationships between latent variables. Based on the research results, the effect of organizational commitment on the intention to quit was determined. If the organizational commitment within an organization changes, the intention to resign changes. Thus, critical variables affecting workforce retention (benefits, promotion, communication, nature of work, coworkers, and normative commitment) have been identified, the changing of which will affect organizational commitment. The results support that if employees perceive these factors negatively, their commitment will drastically decrease.
Numerical Investigation of Asymmetric Mach 2.5 Turbulent Shock Wave Boundary Layer Interaction
Authors: Mosele John-Paul , Gross Andreas , Slater John
Published: May 2023

Supersonic shock wave boundary layer interactions are common to inlet flows of supersonic and hypersonic vehicles. This paper reports on wall-resolved implicit large-eddy simulations of a canonical Mach 2.5 turbulent shock wave boundary layer interaction experiment at the NASA Glenn Research Center. The boundary layer upstream of the interaction was nominally axisymmetric and two-dimensional. A conical centerbody with a 16 deg half-angle and a maximum radius of 0.147D of the test section diameter was employed to generate a conical shock wave, where D is the test section diameter. Asymmetric (swept) interactions were obtained by displacing the shock generator away from the test section centerline. The present simulation is for a shock generator displacement of D/6. Results from the asymmetric simulation are compared with results from an earlier simulation of a corresponding axisymmetric interaction. The experimental Reynolds number based on test section diameter was ReD=4×106. For the simulations, the Reynolds number was lowered to ReD=4×105 to keep the computational expense of the simulations within limits. Compared to the axisymmetric interaction, the streamwise extent of the separation varies considerably in the azimuthal direction for the asymmetric interaction. The separation is strongest at the azimuthal location that is closest to the shock generator. The streamwise extent of the separated flow regions is noticeably reduced and substantial crossflow is observed between the locations that are closest and farthest from the shock generator. A Fourier analysis of the unsteady flow data indicates low-frequency content for the separated region that is closest to the shock generator. Away from this region, with increasing sweep angle and cross-flow, the low-frequency content is diminished. A proper orthogonal decomposition captures spanwise coherent structures for the more two-dimensional parts of the interaction.
Design and Simulation of a Neuroevolutionary Controller for a Quadcopter Drone
Authors: Mariani Manuel , Fiori Simone
Published: May 2023

The problem addressed in the present paper is the design of a controller based on an evolutionary neural network for autonomous flight in quadrotor systems. The controller’s objective is to govern the quadcopter in such a way that it reaches a specific position, bearing on attitude limitations during flight and upon reaching a target. Given the complex nature of quadcopters, an appropriate neural network architecture and a training algorithm were designed to guide a quadcopter toward a target. The designed controller was implemented as a single multi-layer perceptron. On the basis of the quadcopter’s current state, the developed neurocontroller produces the correct rotor speed values, optimized in terms of both attitude-limitation compliance and speed. The neural network training was completed using a custom evolutionary algorithm whose design put particular emphasis on the cost function’s definition. The developed neurocontroller was tested in simulation to drive a quadcopter to autonomously follow a complex path. The obtained simulated results show that the neurocontroller manages to effortlessly follow several types of paths with adequate precision while maintaining low travel times.
Experimental Investigation into Closed-Loop Control for HTPB-Based Hybrid Rocket Motors
Authors: Tan Guang , Tian Hui , Wang Zhongshuo , Guo Zihao , Gao Jingfei , Zhang Yuanjun , Cai Guobiao
Published: May 2023

Space exploration greatly facilitates the development of advanced propulsion systems. Extensive research has shown that hybrid rocket motors have bright prospects for use in variable-thrust propulsion systems. However, the variable-thrust precision control of a hybrid rocket motor with a high-mass fraction of aluminum has not been adequately explored. In this paper, we propose a closed-loop control system for a high-performance laboratory-scale hybrid rocket motor, and verify its performance through tests on a hybrid rocket motor containing 98% hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl-terminated polybutadiene with 58% of an aluminum additive. The results show that, first, the average value of thrust in the stable sections in the three stages were 400.7 N, 599.1 N, and 400.1 N when the target values were 400 N, 600 N, and 400 N, respectively. Second, the average thrust was stable, and the control error of the average value was better than 0.5%. Third, the real-time error in thrust was controlled to within ± 20 N with a steady-state error smaller than 5%. These results indicate that the proposed closed-loop control strategy for hybrid rocket motors with a high-mass fraction of aluminum can maintain a constant thrust and smooth transitions in case of variable thrust.
Incipient Fault Detection and Reconstruction Using an Adaptive Sliding-Mode Observer for the Actuators of Fixed-Wing Aircraft
Authors: Wang Lina , Zhao Wen , Liu Zhenbao , Dang Qingqing , Zou Xu , Wang Kai
Published: May 2023

This paper proposes a new method of detection and reconstruction of the incipient fault of fixed-wing actuators based on an adaptive sliding-mode observer. First, a mathematical model of a fixed-wing aircraft is derived under certain assumptions, considering nonlinear terms and system disturbances. Second, by introducing a nonsingular coordinate transformation, the incipient faults are separated from the disturbances. For a subsystem with no disturbances, the Luenberger observer can estimate the incipient fault. For a subsystem with disturbances, the sliding-mode observer is robust against these disturbances. The Lyapunov stability theory guarantees dynamic error convergence and system stability. The evaluation function was designed to realize residual evaluation and threshold judgment. Third, based on the concept of equivalent output injection, an adaptive sliding-mode observer method is proposed to reconstruct actuator faults precisely under the condition of the uncertain system structure. The design steps of the proposed reconstruction method are introduced in the form of a linear matrix inequality problem, which provides an effective method for calculating the design parameters. Finally, the simulation results of the De Havilland DHC-2 “Beaver” aircraft demonstrate the correctness and effectiveness of the proposed method.
Methods for the Calculation and Control of Launch Vehicle Drop Regions
Authors: Kapelyushin Yury , Lazorak Roman , Peshkov Ruslan , Trofimov Evgeny
Published: May 2023

The article aims at reviewing the drop regions (DR) of the launch vehicles (LV) separating parts (SP) and methods of their determination. The DRs include sea and land areas; going beyond them is associated with a number of environmental, economic, and political factors. Their combination dictates the need to ensure the safety of the people, transport, infrastructure, and environment from the negative impact of LV SPs and fuel residues. The Monte Carlo method is mostly used to determine the impact areas. It enables an estimation of the probability of the SPs of LVs falling in certain areas, constituting the DRs. These points are varied according to a set of different initial parameters. The methods of controlling the impact areas are contingently divided into engineering (based on a change in the design appearance of the LV), mathematical (which includes the changes in or optimization of the LV’s trajectory or its SP), and “soft landing” (implying the return of the LV’s to the spaceport or to a certain prepared area). The present analysis can be used as a starting point when choosing a method for determining and controlling the projected LVs and the SPs’ area of impact.
Fast Sizing Methodology and Assessment of Energy Storage Configuration on the Flight Time of a Multirotor Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Chahba Saad , Sehab Rabia , Morel Cristina , Krebs Guillaume , Akrad Ahmad
Published: May 2023

Urban air mobility (UAM), defined as safe and efficient air traffic operations in a metropolitan area for manned aircraft and unmanned aircraft systems, is being researched and developed by industry, academia, and government. This kind of mobility offers an opportunity to construct a green and sustainable sub-sector, building upon the lessons learned over decades by aviation. Thanks to their non-polluting operation and simple air traffic management, electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft technologies are currently being developed and experimented with for this purpose. However, to successfully complete the certification and commercialization stage, several challenges need to be overcome, particularly in terms of performance, such as flight time and endurance, and reliability. In this paper, a fast methodology for sizing and selecting the propulsion chain components of an eVTOL multirotor aerial vehicle was developed and validated on a reduced-scale prototype of an electric multirotor vehicle with a GTOW of 15 kg. This methodology is associated with a comparative study of energy storage system configurations, in order to assess their effect on the flight time of the aerial vehicle. First, the optimal pair motor/propeller was selected using a global nonlinear optimization in order to maximize the specific efficiency of these components. Second, five energy storage technologies were sized in order to evaluate their influence on the aerial vehicle flight time. Finally, based on this sizing process, the optimized propulsion chain gross take-off weight (GTOW) was evaluated for each energy storage configuration using regression-based methods based on propulsion chain supplier data.
Small Space Target Detection Based on a Convolutional Neural Network and Guidance Information
Authors: Lin Bin , Wang Jie , Wang Han , Zhong Lijun , Yang Xia , Zhang Xiaohu
Published: May 2023

Although space targets have different shapes, sizes and intensities, their distributions share certain commonalities. However, it is difficult to summarize a generalized distribution function for space targets. Moreover, most of the existing methods based on deep learning are not suitable to use directly because of the size of targets and the cost of manual labeling for a full image. In this paper, we proposed a pattern for space target detection based on a convolutional neural network (CNN) to learn essential features of the targets from data. In the processing stage, the background is estimated and removed. Then, image techniques are used to search and process region proposals. Different sizes of region proposals are recognized by a discriminator, which is built upon a small CNN trained with the data of several specific targets. Finally, a non-maximum suppression (NMS) operation is used to remove redundant targets. In the network structure, to further enhance the influence of the effective area, the parameters calculated from the center region of the input are utilized as guidance information and added to the features before the full connection. Moreover, the bias loss is applied to increase the weights of unique features. The experimental results demonstrate the outstanding performance of the proposed method in terms of the number of detected targets, accuracy rate and false alarm rate compared with baseline methods. In particular, the proposed method has a simple network structure and a lower computational cost which can be further promoted and implemented in actual engineering.
Aerodynamic Exploration for Tandem Wings with Smooth or Corrugated Surfaces at Low Reynolds Number
Authors: Zhang Qing , Xue Rongrong , Li Heng
Published: May 2023

Skin corrugation and tandem configuration are two distinct features that characterize the flow around dragonfly wings. In contrast to the smooth airfoil and single pair of wings of conventional airplanes, corrugated surfaces and tandem wings influence aerodynamics both locally and globally. In this article, several kinds of doubly- tandem wing configurations were designed, then computational investigations based on wind tunnel experiments were conducted to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics of these models. Computational simulations using in-house codes were carried out with a freestream velocity of 20 m/s at an angle of attack from −4° to 16°. Based on these computational results, the effects of airfoil thickness, surface waviness and hindwing decalage on aerodynamic characteristics were compared and presented quantitatively. Final results demonstrate that a tandem wing configuration could eliminate separation close to the trailing edge at angles of attack 8°~10°, or delay the trailing edge separation at angles of attack greater than 10°. Thus, the aerodynamic efficiency of tandem configurations could provide significant improvement compared to configurations with a single wing. The greatest percentage of aerodynamic efficiency improvement for a tandem thick configuration compared to a single thick configuration is 1376% at angle of attack 0°. Surface waviness will stall at a lower angle of attack, but will gain some aerodynamic benefit from the standing separated flow. Hindwing decalage has obvious lift enhancement for the tandem configuration. Therefore, it is concluded that the tandem configuration is attractive and promising for MAVs with flexible structures in the near future.
Integration of Sensing Framework with a Decision Support System for Monitoring Water Quality in Agriculture
Authors: Zainurin Siti Nadhirah , Ismail Wan Zakiah Wan , Mahamud Siti Nurul Iman , Ismail Irneza , Jamaludin Juliza , Ab. Aziz Nor Azlina
Published: May 2023

Water is an essential element for every plant to survive, absorb nutrients, and perform photosynthesis and respiration. If water is polluted, plant growth can be truncated. The aim of this research is to develop a water quality monitoring system for agriculture purposes based on integration of sensing framework with a smart decision support method. This research consists of three stages: (1) the first stage: developing sensing framework which has four different water quality parameter sensors such as potential hydrogen (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), temperature, and oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), (2) the second stage: developing a hardware platform that uses an Arduino for sensor array of data processing and acquisition, and finally (3) the third stage: developing soft computing framework for decision support which uses python applications and fuzzy logic. The system was tested using water from many sources such as rivers, lakes, tap water, and filtered machine. Filtered water shows the highest value of pH as the filtered machine produces alkaline water, whereas tap water shows the highest value of temperature because the water is trapped in a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe. Lake water depicts the highest value of EC due to the highest amount of total suspended solids (TSS) in the water, whereas river water shows the highest value of ORP due to the highest amount of dissolved oxygen. The system can display three ranges of water quality: not acceptable (NA), adequate (ADE) and highly acceptable (HACC) ranges from 0 to 9. Filtered water is in HACC condition (ranges 7–9) because all water quality parameters are in highly acceptable ranges. Tap water shows ADE condition (ranges 4–7) because one of the water quality parameters is in adequate ranges. River and lake water depict NA conditions (ranges 0–4) as one of the water quality parameters is in not acceptable ranges. The research outcome shows that filtered water is the most reliable water source for plants due to the absence of dissolved solids and contaminants in the water. Filtered water can improve pH and reduce the risk of plant disease. This research can help farmers to monitor the quality of irrigated water which eventually prevents crop disease, enhances crop growth, and increases crop yield.
Comparative Evaluation of Pyrus Species to Identify Possible Resources of Interest in Pear Breeding
Authors: Simionca Mărcășan Leontina I. , Pop Rodica , Somsai Peter A. , Oltean Ion , Popa Sergiu , Sestras Adriana F. , Militaru Mădălina , Botu Mihai , Sestras Radu E.
Published: May 2023

Pear is one of the most important fruit species grown in the temperate zones of the globe. Besides fruit production, pear species are highly valued in forestry and agroforestry systems; in landscaping, as ornamental features; as fruits of ecological value, and in other areas. The Pyrus species, obtained from a gene bank, were evaluated for the different morphological traits of the trees, leaves, flowers, and fruits, as well as their responses to attacks from principal diseases and pests. Phenotypic data were examined using correlation and multivariate analyses, and a dendrogram of morphological traits was completed via molecular investigations at the DNA level using the RAPD markers. The findings revealed the complexities of the phenotypic and genetic connections among Pyrus species, as well as the difficulty in establishing phylogenetic relationships among pear species. The findings also demonstrated that the wide variability between species with different geographical origins, and their multiple peculiarities of interest, represents a cornerstone as the source of genes of great utility for pear breeding or for utilizing trees for different edible crops and for silvocultural, landscape, or ecological purposes.
Accurate and Rapid Measurement of Soil Dry Depth Using Ultrasonic Reflection Waves
Authors: Liang Zhongwei , Zhao Chunhui , Zhang Yupeng , Long Sheng , Xiao Jinrui , Zhao Zhuan
Published: May 2023

Soil dry depth is a key parameter that determines soil fertility and nutrient availability, ultimately affecting crop yield and quality. However, accurately measuring the dry depth of soil has been a challenge. In this work, we propose using reflective ultrasonic waves to measure dry depth in soil. Four soil types, including clay, sandy loam, silty loam, and sandy were prepared and the feasibility of the method was demonstrated through theoretical analysis. An experimental measurement system was established to verify the consistency between ultrasonic measurements and manually measured values. Two statistics were used in Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression to evaluate the model fit: R-square (R2) and Root mean square error (RMSE). The results indicate that the proposed method provides a higher accuracy in estimating the dry depth of sandy loam and silty loam (R2 values of 0.9899 and 0.992 for sandy loam, RMSE values of 1.57% and 1.5% for silty loam) than those of the clay and sandy samples (R2 values of 0.9896 and 0.9874 for clay, RMSE values of 1.66% and 1.77% for sandy). The maximum measurement errors for all the soil type predictions are below 6%; the overall accuracy was acceptable. Our findings suggest that ultrasonic measurement is an efficient and cost-effective approach for measuring soil dry depth, which could enable the precise control of irrigation water usage and the conservation of valuable water resources.
Compensatory Structural Growth Responses of Early-Succession Native Warm-Season Grass Stands to Defoliation Management
Authors: Temu Vitalis W. , Kering Maru K.
Published: May 2023

There is a growing recognition of the significance of unique morphological and physiological adaptation of native warm-season grasses (NWSG) of North America as summer forage resources and major grassland ecosystem components. Defoliation management plays a major role in ensuring eco-friendly utilization of grassland natural resources. To assess sward structural responses of big bluestem (BB, Andropogon gerardii Vitman), eastern gamagrass (GG, Tripsacum dactyloides L.), indiangrass (IG, Sorghastrum nutans L. Nash), and switchgrass (SG, Panicum virgatum L.) stands to seasonal changes in harvest regimes, a five-year forage harvesting trial was conducted, in a randomized complete block design, at Virginia State University’s research farm. Vegetation structural response attributes (sward-height, canopy closure, stand density and basal cover) of newly established the NWSG stands to second year changes in harvest regimes were monitored. In 2013, 64 plots of year-old stands of transplanted BB, GG, IG, and SG separated by ≥120-cm alleys were cut once in early-August and mid-November to suppress weeds and promote tillering. Starting June 2014, each plot had three 1.5-m wide side-by-side harvest-strips cut once-, twice-, or thrice year−1 (frequencies) ending mid-Oct for four consecutive years followed by a single mid-summer harvest in 26 June 2018, using a forage plot-harvester. In 2015, harvest frequencies for the three- and single-cut strips, in plots 32–64, were switched/flipped once and never reverted. Data was recorded on four early-summer and late-fall sward heights, from each strip at 60-cm intervals before the first and the last harvest, each year. early-spring basal- and canopy-diameter, for mid-April 2015 and 2016, concurrent early-spring canopy light interception, using the LI-191 Line Quantum Sensor, and season-end visual obstruction heights, for stand density in 2016 and 2017. All regrowth sward-heights showed effects of harvest frequency and exhibited compensatory structural responses to the change in harvest regimes. Basal and canopy diameters tended to be greater for the single-cut strips that were previously cut thrice.
The Impacts of Nitrogen Accumulation, Translocation, and Photosynthesis on Simultaneous Improvements in the Grain Yield and Gluten Quality of Dryland Wheat
Authors: Chen Yufeng , Chen Haolan , Chen Renhua , Yang Hongkun , Zheng Ting , Huang Xiulan , Fan Gaoqiong
Published: May 2023

The effects of nitrogen (N) accumulation and translocation on photosynthesis have been widely reported, while the impacts of N accumulation, translocation, and photosynthesis on simultaneous improvements in the grain yield and gluten quality of dryland wheat still remain unclear. For this reason, the relationships between photosynthesis, N use efficiency (NUE), and related traits and grain yield, gluten quality, and the related traits of 11 representative wheat genotypes in the 2018–2021 cropping years were examined. The results show that the grain weights per spike accounted for 58.7% and 42.4% of genetic variations in the grain yield and grain protein contents, respectively. Meanwhile, N accumulation at the maturity stage caused a 49.5% genetic variation in the grain protein contents. The gluten index of MY26 and NM101 significantly decreased with a decrease in the grain number per spike in the 2018–2019 cropping season. The precipitation reduced by 53.8% in the 2019–2020 cropping season, resulting in a gluten index that increased by 13.0%. CY25 and NM101 showed high gluten quality without reducing the yield due to the high net photosynthetic rate, big grain size, large leaf area index, and high grain number per spike, respectively. Our results indicated that increasing the grain weight per spike and individual N accumulation at the maturity stage via genotype selection for a big grain size, large leaf area index, and high net photosynthetic rate simultaneously improved the grain yield and gluten quality of dryland wheat. Moreover, the effect of the genotype–environment interaction on the gluten index was related to the N translocation regulated by canopy senescence, and N translocation was affected by the source N supply associated with the net photosynthetic rate and sink N demands in relation to the grain number per spike under dryland soil conditions.
An Increase in Solar Radiation in the Late Growth Period of Maize Alleviates the Adverse Effects of Climate Warming on the Growth and Development of Maize
Authors: Wei Zhongbo , Bian Dahong , Du Xiong , Gao Zhen , Li Chunqiang , Liu Guangzhou , Yang Qifan , Jiang Aonan , Cui Yanhong
Published: May 2023

Against the background of long-term climate change, quantifying the response of maize growth and development to climate change during critical growth stages will contribute to future decision-making in maize production. However, there have been few reports on the impact of climate change on maize dry matter accumulation and yield formation using long-term field trial data. In this study, field trial data from 13 agricultural meteorological stations in the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei region from 1981 to 2017 were analyzed using partial correlation analysis and multiple regression models to investigate the effects of climate change on maize growth and yield. The results showed that the average temperature (Tavg) and accumulated effective precipitation (EP) during the maize growing season increased while the accumulated solar radiation (SRD) decreased from 1981 to 2017. During the seedling stage (GS1, VE-V8) and ear development stage (GS2, V8-R1), Tavg increased by 0.34 °C and 0.36 °C/decade, respectively, and EP increased by 1.83 mm and 3.35 mm/decade, respectively. The significant increase in Tavg during GS1 was the main reason for the inhibitory effect of climate change on maize growth, development, and biomass accumulation. However, the increase in SRD during the grain formation stage (GS3, R1–R3) and grain filling stage (GS4, R3–R6) was favorable for yield formation, increasing the grain number per ear (GN) and grain weight (GW) by 5.00% and 2.84%, respectively. SRD significantly increased after the silk stage, partially offsetting the adverse effects of temperature on maize yield formation, but the final result was a 0.18% and 0.94% reduction in maize plant dry weight (TDW) and grain yield (GY), respectively, due to the combined effects of the three climate factors. Spatially, climate change mainly had a negative impact on maize in the eastern and western parts of the central region of Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei, with a maximum GY reduction of up to 34.06%. The results of this study can provide a scientific basis for future decision-making in maize production against the background of climate change.
Genome-Wide Association Study Using Genotyping by Sequencing for Bacterial Leaf Blight Resistance Loci in Local Thai Indica Rice
Authors: Danaisilichaichon Chananton , Vejchasarn Phanchita , Patarapuwadol Sujin , Tondelli Alessandro , Valè Giampiero , Toojinda Theerayut , Jantasuriyarat Chatchawan
Published: May 2023

Bacterial leaf blight (BLB) is a devastating disease caused by Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo), which poses a significant threat to global rice production. In this study, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted using the genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS) approach to identify candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with BLB resistance genes. The study utilized 200 indica rice accessions inoculated with seven distinct Xoo isolates and filtered highly significant SNPs using a minor allele frequency (MAF) of >5% and a call rate of 75%. Four statistical models were used to explore potential SNPs associated with BLB resistance, resulting in the identification of 32 significant SNPs on chromosomes 1–8 and 12 in the rice genome. Additionally, 179 genes were located within ±100 kb of the SNP region, of which 49 were selected as candidate genes based on their known functions in plant defense mechanisms. Several candidate genes were identified, including two genes in the same linkage disequilibrium (LD) decay as the well-known BLB resistance gene (Xa1). These findings represent a valuable resource for conducting further functional studies and developing novel breeding strategies to enhance the crop’s resistance to this disease.
Agronomic and Yield Performance of Maize-Mungbean Intercropping with Different Mungbean Seed Rates under Loamy Sand Soils of Cambodia
Authors: Ro Sophoanrith , Roeurn Siranet , Sroy Chav , Prasad P. V. Vara
Published: May 2023

Increasing crop productivity through crop diversification under the same unit area has been considered as a way for sustainable intensification of cropping systems. This research was conducted on loamy sand soil at the Crop Research Station of Royal University of Agriculture (RUA) in Cambodia. The objective was to evaluate the growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.) and mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) crops and land-equivalent ratio (LER) of maize-mungbean intercropping system using different seed rates of mungbean at 0% (0 kg ha−1), 25% (10 kg ha−1), 50% (20 kg ha−1), 75% (30 kg ha−1), 100% (40 kg ha−1) of recommended rates. The experiment was laid out using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. The agronomic traits and yield of both crops were measured at harvest. The weeds were removed three times to measure biomass. The results showed that there was no significant difference in agronomic traits and yield of maize under either maize-mungbean intercropping or maize monocropping irrespective of different mungbean seed rates. The highest mungbean seed rates as recommended did not decrease the growth and yield of intercropped maize. In contrast, the presence of mungbean in the intercropping suppressed weed growth significantly and the trend of weed biomass decreased with increasing mungbean seed rates. The intercropped mungbean grain yield decreased in comparison with monocropping mungbean. Overall, the land equivalent ratio (LER) was higher than 1 under the intercropping, showing its agronomic benefits, compared to monocropping. Therefore, maize-mungbean intercropping is a potential practice for improving productivity and managing weeds. Further research needs to be investigated under different ecological and social-economical niches to determine overall potential benefits and opportunities for scaling.
An Inflammatory Myopathy in the Dutch Kooiker Dog
Authors: Opmeer Yvet , Grinwis Guy C. M. , Shelton G. Diane , Rosati Marco , Alf Vanessa , Fieten Hille , Leegwater Peter A. J. , Matiasek Kaspar , Mandigers Paul J. J.
Published: May 2023

The Dutch Kooiker dog (het Nederlandse Kooikerhondje) is one of nine Dutch dog breeds. As of 1960, a number of heritable diseases have been noted in this breed. One is an inflammatory myopathy that emerged in 1972, with numbers of affected dogs gradually increasing during the last few decades. The objective of this paper is to describe clinical signs, laboratory results, electromyography and histopathology of the muscle biopsies of the affected dogs. Method: Both retrospectively as well as prospectively affected Kooiker dogs were identified and categorized using a Tiered level of Confidence. Results: In total, 160 Kooiker dogs—40 Tier I, 33 Tier II and 87 Tier III—were included. Clinical signs were (1) locomotory problems, such as inability to walk long distances, difficulty getting up, stiff gait, walking on eggshells; (2) dysphagia signs such as drooling, difficulty eating and/or drinking; or (3) combinations of locomotory and dysphagia signs. CK activities were elevated in all except for one dog. Histopathology revealed a predominant lymphohistiocytic myositis with a usually low and variable number of eosinophils, neutrophils and plasma cells. It is concluded that, within this breed, a most likely heritable inflammatory myopathy occurs. Further studies are needed to classify this inflammatory myopathy, discuss its treatment, and unravel the genetic cause of this disease to eradicate it from this population.
First Records of Picobiine Mites Associated with Birds-of-Paradise: Can Interspecific Sexual Behaviour of Hosts Play a Role in the Distribution of Quill Mite Parasites?
Authors: Sikora Bozena , Unsoeld Markus , Melzer Roland R. , Friedrich Stefan , Skoracki Maciej
Published: May 2023

While birds-of-paradise (Passeriformes: Paradisaeidae) are a well-known group of birds, our understanding of their parasites is still limited. This study reports on parasitic quill mites of the subfamily Picobiinae (Acariformes: Syringophilidae), which have never before been recorded on this group of birds. The mite specimens presented in this paper were collected from birds-of-paradise that had been captured in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia in the years 1910–1911 and are now deposited in the Bavarian State Collection of Zoology, Munich, Germany. Two syringophilid species are described as new to science: (i) Picobia frankei sp. n. from the magnificent riflebird Lophorina magnifica, the glossy-mantled manucode Manucodia ater, and the crinkle-collared manucode Manucodia chalybatus, and (ii) Gunabopicobia garylarsoni sp. n. from the twelve-wired bird-of-paradise Seleucidis melanoleucus and the lesser bird-of-paradise Paradisaea minor. We hypothesise that the presence of both picobiine species on phylogenetically unrelated paradisaeids may be caused by the sexual behaviour of these birds, where interspecific copulations may play a role in the switching of parasites between non-closely related host species.
Potential of Full-Fat Silkworm-Based Diets for Laying Quails: Performance and Egg Physical Quality
Authors: Singh Yazavinder , Cullere Marco , Bertelli Davide , Segato Severino , Franzo Giovanni , Frangipane di Regalbono Antonio , Catellani Paolo , Taccioli Cristian , Cappellozza Silvia , Dalle Zotte Antonella
Published: May 2023

The present research was conducted to determine the optimal inclusion level of full-fat silkworm chrysalis meal (SWM) into laying quails’ diets, focusing on performance traits and egg physical quality. A total of 240 31-day-old female Japanese quails were randomly assigned to four dietary groups (12 replicates/treatment; 5 quails/replicate); quails were initially fed a standard commercial diet for pullets until 63 days of age. When oviposition started, the experimental groups received the following diets: a conventional corn and soybean-based diet (control diet—C) and three other diets, including 4%, 8%, or 12% of full-fat SWM (SWM4, SWM8, SWM12, respectively). Experimental diets were provided until quails reached 119 days of age. Birds displayed satisfactory productive performance throughout the trial. SWM12 and SWM8 had higher (p < 0.001) egg production but also a higher feed conversion ratio compared to C. At the end of the trial, the eggs edible portion increased, and shell weight decreased with increasing the SWM dietary inclusion level (p < 0.001). At the same time, SWM12 displayed an increase in albumen pH (p < 0.05), even though in the normal range for quail egg. Overall, full-fat SWM (up to 12%) can be considered a promising feed ingredient for laying quails, although higher inclusion levels (>8%) require special attention because SWM also contains anti-nutritional factors.
Development and Application of a Physiologically Based Pharmacokinetic Model for Diclazuril in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Yang Fang , Zhang Mei , Jin Yang-Guang , Chen Jun-Cheng , Duan Ming-Hui , Liu Yue , Li Ze-En , Li Xing-Ping , Yang Fan
Published: May 2023

Withdrawal periods for diclazuril in broilers have traditionally been determined through regression analysis. However, over the last two decades, the physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model has gained prominence as a predictive tool for veterinary drug residues, which offers an alternative method for establishing appropriate withdrawal periods for veterinary drugs. In this current study, a flow-limited PBPK model was developed to predict diclazuril concentrations in broilers following long-duration administration via medicated feed and water. This model consists of nine compartments, including arterial and venous plasma, lung, muscle, skin + fat, kidney, liver, intestine contents, and the rest of the body compartment. Physiological parameters such as tissue weights (Vcxx) and blood flow (Qcxx) were gathered from published studies, and tissue/plasma partition coefficients (Pxx) were calculated through the area method or parameter optimization. Published diclazuril concentrations were compared to the predicted values, indicating the accuracy and validity of the model. The sensitivity analysis showed that parameters associated with cardiac output, drug absorption, and elimination significantly affected diclazuril concentrations in the muscle. Finally, a Monte Carlo analysis, consisting of 1000 iterations, was conducted to calculate the withdrawal period. Based on the Chinese MRL values, we calculated a withdrawal period of 0 days for both recommended dosing regimens (through mediated water and feed at concentrations of 0.5–1 mg/L and 1 mg/kg, respectively). However, based on the European MRLs, longer periods were determined for the mediated feed dosing route. Our model provides a foundation for scaling other coccidiostats and poultry species.
Recombinant Antimicrobial Peptide OaBac5mini Alleviates Inflammation in Pullorum Disease Chicks by Modulating TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Pathway
Authors: Shen Shanshan , Ren Fei , He Junping , Wang Jie , Sun Yawei , Hu Jianhe
Published: May 2023

Pullorum disease (PD), caused by Salmonella Pullorum (S. Pullorum), is a serious threat to the poultry industry worldwide. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have drawn extensive attention as new-generation antibiotics because of their broad antimicrobial spectrum, low resistance, and low cytotoxicity. AMP OaBac5mini exhibits strong antibacterial activity against Gram-negative bacteria, but its efficacy and anti-inflammatory effects on chicks with PD remain unclear. The aim of this study was to generate recombinant OaBac5mini via the Escherichia coli (E. coli) recombinant expression system and evaluate its antibacterial effect against S. Pullorum in vitro and in vivo. Real-time cellular analysis (RTCA) results showed that recombinant OaBac5mini exhibited no cytotoxicity on IPEC-J2 and RAW 264.7 cells and significantly alleviated the drop in the cell index of S. Pullorum-infected cells (p < 0.0001). In the chick model of PD, recombinant OaBac5mini significantly attenuated the increase in organ indexes (heart, liver, spleen, and kidney) and bacterial loads (liver and spleen) induced by S. Pullorum. Histopathology examination showed that recombinant OaBac5mini ameliorated histopathological changes and inflammation in chicks with PD, including impaired epithelium of duodenal villi, infiltration of pseudoacidophilic granulocytes in the cecum and bursa of Fabricius, congested blood clots and increased macrophages in the liver, and increased lymphoid nodule and B lymphocytes in the spleen. Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) results indicated that recombinant OaBac5mini alleviated inflammation by modulating innate immunity through the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and by suppressing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These results suggested that recombinant OaBac5mini has good potential as a clinical substitute for antibiotics in PD intervention.
Skin Cortisol and Acoustic Activity: Potential Tools to Evaluate Stress and Welfare in Captive Cetaceans
Authors: Wong Chung-Hei , Tsai Ming-An , Ko Fung-Chi , Wang Jiann-Hsiung , Xue Yi-Jing , Yang Wei-Cheng
Published: May 2023

As people’s focus broadens from animals on farms to zoos and aquaria, the field of welfare science and the public’s concern for animal welfare continue to grow. In captive animals, stress and its causes are topics of interest in welfare issues, and the identification of an objective method that can be used to assess animals’ stress as a physiological state is essential. Both behavioral and physiological parameters can be used as indicators in order to assess animal stress quantitatively. To validate this approach, acoustic activity and the sloughed scrape skin cortisol concentration were used to evaluate the animal welfare of captive beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas). The acoustic activity (5 min at 10:00 am) of three captive D. leucas was routinely recorded by a transducer and analyzed using audio editing software. The calls were separated into three main categories: whistles, pulses, and combo calls. The sloughed scrape skin samples were collected non-invasively once a week from all three animals’ fluke and/or flipper. Cortisol was extracted using a modified skin steroid extraction technique, and detected via commercially available enzyme immunoassays. The results showed that the cortisol concentration increased by varying levels when the whales encountered the same event. In addition, the number and distribution of the calls changed along with the events. This indicated that the changes in the cortisol concentration and acoustic behavior may have reflected the fluctuations in the environment and body condition. Therefore, the scrape cortisol measurement and acoustic recordings could be used to monitor stress levels in captive beluga whales. We recommend that aquaria consider incorporating skin scrape cortisol and acoustic activity monitoring into their standards for animal welfare.
Impact of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Strategy on Surgical Hospital Discharge: Improving Antibiotic Prescription in the Transition of Care
Authors: Jover-Sáenz Alfredo , Santos Rodríguez Carlos , Ramos Gil Miguel Ángel , Palomera Fernández Meritxell , Invencio da Costa Liliana Filippa , Torres-Puig-gros Joan , Castellana Perelló Dolors , Montiu González Elisa , Schoenenberger-Arnaiz Joan Antoni , Bordalba Gómez Juan Ramón , Galindo Ortego Xavier , Ramirez-Hidalgo María
Published: May 2023

Antimicrobial stewardship programs (AMSPs) are essential elements in reducing the unnecessary overprescription of antibiotics. Most of the actions of these programs have focused on actions during acute hospitalization. However, most prescriptions occur after hospital discharge, which represents a necessary and real opportunity for improvement in these programs. We present an AMSP multifaceted strategy implemented in a surgical department which was carried out by a multidisciplinary team to verify its reliability and effectiveness. Over a 1-year post-implementation period, compared to the pre-intervention period, a significant reduction of around 60% in antibiotic exposure occurred, with lower economic cost and greater safety.