bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study with the lattice Boltzmann method on the conversion efficiency of a packed-bed reactor with different oriented packed beads configurations
Authors: Li Haijing , Clercx Herman J. H. , Toschi Federico
Published: October 2022

We consider packed-bed reactors with dielectric beads in a two-dimensional channel geometry, apply an electric field perpendicular to the walls, and explore numerically the sensitivity of reaction conversion efficiencies of a dissociation reaction on system parameters like shape, orientation, and size of the beads and porosity of packed-bed systems. We have developed a lattice Boltzmann (LB) model that allows for simultaneous simulation of the flow field, the electric field within fluid and (solid) beads, and transport of (charged) species, such as ions and reagents. It solves Navier–Stokes for the fluid flow and the concentration field for neutral and charged species by the advection–diffusion and Nernst–Planck equation, respectively, formulated in the LB framework. The model allows to compute electric field strengths in the fluid and in the beads, by solving the Poisson equation. The method is suitable for arbitrary geometries of the flow domain and does not require body-fitted meshes. Two important conclusions can be drawn. First, the proposed LB model enables simulation of a reactive electro-kinetic fluid in a reactor with dielectric packed beads of arbitrary shape, size, and orientation. The LB method is based on Cartesian meshes irrespective of the shape of the beads and is highly parallelizable and can be extended to three-dimensional packed-bed reactors. Second, we show that reactor conversion efficiency is sensitive to shape, orientation, and size of the beads and the porosity of the packed-bed reactor. Present observations will guide the parameter settings for the beads and packed-bed reactor of more realistic three-dimensional configurations.
Algae-mediated synthesis of biogenic nanoparticles
Authors: Jain A
Published: October 2022

In recent era, green trend of synthesising biogenic nanoparticles (NPs) is a sustainable, safe, environment-friendly, and relatively inexpensive substitute to conservative routes of NPs making. Biosynthesis route showcases significant properties such as the absence of poisonous chemical compounds used as stabilising or reducing agents, lack of toxic yields generated from the process, reduced energy consumption, inexpensiveness, and high scalability. This has made green synthesis methods more attractive than other traditional methods. Synthesis of nanomaterials (NMs) using algae extracts is a substantiating ecological, simple, low-priced biosynthesis process. The secondary metabolites from algae have been reported to reduce metal precursors to nanoparticles (metal, metal oxide, or bimetallic NPs). Moreover, they cap and stabilise. Depending on the site of NP formation, synthesis could occur intra or extra-cellularly. Among the varied series of algae mediated synthesis, the most commonly biosynthesised NPs are silver, gold, copper oxide, cuprous oxide and zinc oxide. The algal biosynthesised NPs have been reviewed for numerous biomedical applications, which comprise anti-cancerous, anti-fouling, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, bioremediation, and biosensing activities. The current review draws the major stress on the basis behind the algal-mediated biosynthesis of metallic and metallic oxide NPs from various algae. Furthermore, special attention to critical understanding of biosynthesis mechanism of NPs from algae and their biomedical applications has been reviewed critically.
High performance of magnetically separable and recyclable photocatalyst of green-synthesized CoFe2O4/TiO2 nanocomposites for degradation of methylene blue
Authors: Puspitarum Deska Lismawenning , Istiqomah Nurul Imani , Tumbelaka Rivaldo Marsel , Kusumaatmaja Ahmad , Oshima Daiki , Kato Takeshi , Suharyadi Edi
Published: October 2022

In this study, combination of ferromagnetic and semiconductor CoFe2O4/TiO2 nanocomposites was synthesised using a green synthesis method with Moringa oleifera leaf extract to easily obtain a magnetically separated nanomaterial exhibiting high photocatalytic activity. Nanocomposites with different CoFe2O4/TiO2 molar ratios were identified using x-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, UV–visible spectroscopy, and vibration sample magnetometer. The XRD spectrum confirmed the structure of the cubic spinel ferrite and anatase phases of CoFe2O4 and TiO2, respectively. The crystallite sizes of CoFe2O4, CoFe2O4/TiO2, and CoFe2O4/3TiO2 are 7.2 nm, 8.6 nm, and 11.1 nm, respectively. The magnetic hysteresis curve showed that CoFe2O4/TiO2 had a high saturation magnetisation of 27 emu g−1 and a coercivity of 200 Oe. The optical bandgap energy for CoFe2O4/TiO2 was in the range 3.6–3.8 eV. Photocatalytic investigations were carried out using methylene blue (MB) under UV irradiation. Our results showed an increase in MB degradation with increasing TiO2 concentration. The maximum photodegradations using nanocomposites are 60.8%, 97.7%, 98.4%, 98.5%, and 98.7% at molar ratios of 1:0, 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, and 1:4, respectively, after 20 min. The increase in MB degradation was related to the formation of internal structures between CoFe2O4 and TiO2. The magnetic nanocomposites enabled separation between the photocatalyst and final degraded solution using a permanent magnet. When the degradation was above 90%, the nanocomposites could be recycled three times.
Multiferroic characteristics and microwave absorption properties of La1.5Sr0.5NiO4/BaTiO3 nanocomposites
Authors: Thanh Tran Dang , Lam Dao Son , Linh Dinh Chi , Khuyen Bui Xuan , Manh Do Hung , Dung Dang Duc , Thi Dung Nguyen , Thi Anh Xuan Chu , Tran Ngo
Published: October 2022

As-prepared samples of La1.5Sr0.5NiO4 (LSNO) and BaTiO3 (BTO) were prepared by ball milling method combined with heat treatment. X-ray diffraction analysis showed the pure phases of LSNO with a tetragonal structure and BTO with a cubic structure. Average crystalline sizes were 15 and 35 nm for the LSNO and BTO samples, respectively. Lattice parameters ​​of LSNO and BTO were almost unchanged after compositing, indicating no diffusion or chemical reaction between them during the compositing process. Adding LSNO to the BTO-based material significantly improved the ferroelectric and ferromagnetic properties, contributing to the enhancement of the electrical polarisation of the composites. These enhancements also boosted the microwave absorption performance of the composites. In detail, 20LSNO/80BTO nanocomposite embedded in acrylic paint could achieve the reflection loss up to −27 dB, meaning 99.8% of the incident microwave being absorbed. This absorber could also reach absorptivity over 60% for almost the whole range of the K
u band frequency, which proved that 20LSNO/80BTO nanocomposite could be used as a good microwave absorber for practical applications.
Realization of T
e0 > 10 keV long pulse operation over 100 s on EAST
Authors: GONG Xianzu , XU Liqing , QIAN Jinping , HUANG Juan , DING Rui , GAROFALO A M , EKEDAHL Annika , ZENG Long , LI Erzhong , ZHANG Bin , LIN Shiyao , SHEN Biao , WANG Mao , XU Handong , ZHANG Xinjun , LI Miaohui , ZUO Guizhong , ZANG Qing , LIU Haiqing , LYU Bo , WANG Liang , SUN Youwen , XU Guosheng , HU Jiansheng , YAO Damao , WU Yu , HU Liqun , XIAO Bingjia , XIANG Nong , LU Kun , SONG Yuntao , WAN Baonian , LI Jiangang
Published: October 2022

In 2021, EAST realized a steady-state long pulse with a duration over 100 s and a core electron temperature over 10 keV. This is an integrated operation that resolves several key issues, including active control of wall conditioning, long-lasting fully noninductive current and divertor heat/particle flux. The fully noninductive current is driven by pure radio frequency (RF) waves with a lower hybrid current drive power of 2.5 MW and electron cyclotron resonance heating of 1.4 MW. This is an excellent experimental platform on the timescale of hundreds of seconds for studying multiscale instabilities, electron-dominant transport and particle recycling (plasma-wall interactions) under weak collisionality.
Complexity of implementing a nationwide advance care planning program: results from a qualitative evaluation
Authors: Malhotra Chetna , Ramakrishnan Chandrika
Published: October 2022

Background

We evaluated Singapore’s national advance care planning (ACP) program to understand challenges to its implementation within multiple clinical settings.

Methods

We conducted focus group discussions (FGDs) with a purposive sample of health care professionals (HCPs) involved in ACP program delivery within acute care hospitals, primary care clinics and nursing homes. FGDs were stratified into three categories based on HCPs’ role within the ACP framework—leaders versus facilitators and advocates versus nursing home heads. Using NVivo 11, we analysed data using thematic analysis and Conceptual Framework for Implementation Research.

Results

A total of 107 HCPs from 25 organisations participated in 22 FGDs. Findings revealed wide variation in ACP implementation among organisations and identified 12 themes organized within four domains—outer setting (lack of public awareness, shortcomings in inter-organisational partnerships, performance driven policies), inner setting (lack of commitment from organisational leadership, paucity of dedicated resources, absence of an institution-wide ACP culture, lack of physician engagement), characteristics of HCPs (language barriers) and process (inadequate training, complexity of conversations and documentations, challenges to retrieving ACP documents, absence of comprehensive monitoring and evaluation).

Conclusion

ACP program implementation is complex and faces multiple health care system challenges. To integrate ACP within routine clinical care, ACP processes should be simplified, training framework be strengthened, physicians be engaged and an ACP supportive culture be created within and outside organisations. Findings will be used to guide ACP implementation within the country and globally.
The neglected barrier to medication use: a systematic review of difficulties associated with opening medication packaging
Authors: Angel Maria , Bechard Louise , Pua Yong Hao , Thilarajah Shamala , Newton Courteney , Sorensen Amelia , Clark Ross
Published: October 2022

Difficulty opening medication packaging can have serious consequences that can lead to patient harm via medication mismanagement or poor adherence. However, the quality of literature pertaining to these issues has yet to be collated and critiqued. This systematic review examined cross-sectional studies that objectively examined the ability of participants to open different medication packaging. Of the 8,692 studies identified, 12 met the inclusion criteria, all of which were direct observational studies given that prior research has identified a mismatch between self-report and actual ability. Scoring via the Appraisal Tool for Cross Sectional Studies revealed that the methodological quality of included studies was typically low. Study samples mostly consisted of older adults. All studies reported a non-negligible proportion of participants unable to open packaging, with the most difficulty associated with child-resistant containers. Several studies examined associations; however, no factor was consistently found to be significantly associated with the ability to open packaging. Despite these studies spanning >40 years, the packaging types examined remained largely the same. This suggests that, despite decades of research demonstrating that packaging is problematic, there has been a stagnation in medication packaging development. Whether this is attributed to a paucity of high-quality research, and therefore a lack of strong evidence that change is needed, is unclear. Future research should strive for better methodological quality, with generalisable cohorts assessed via observation in their home. If the problems identified in prior research persist, this may provide the impetus for change that is overdue in the medication packaging industry.
Using the recommended summary plan for emergency care and treatment (ReSPECT) in care homes: a qualitative interview study
Authors: Kesten Joanna May , Redwood Sabi , Pullyblank Anne , Tavare Alison , Pocock Lucy , Brant Heather , Hill Elizabeth M , Tutaev Mary , Shum Rui Zhi , Banks Jon
Published: October 2022

Background

The Recommended Summary Plan for Emergency Care and Treatment (ReSPECT) is an advance care planning process designed to facilitate discussion and documentation of preferences for care in a medical emergency. Advance care planning is important in residential and nursing homes.

Aim

To explore the views and experiences of GPs and care home staff of the role of ReSPECT in: (i) supporting, and documenting, conversations about care home residents’ preferences for emergency care situations, and (ii) supporting decision-making in clinical emergencies.

Setting/participants

Sixteen GPs providing clinical care for care home residents and 11 care home staff in the West of England.

Methods

A qualitative research design using semi-structured interviews.

Results

Participants’ accounts described the ReSPECT process as facilitating person-centred conversations about residents’ preferences for care in emergency situations. The creation of personalised scenarios supported residents to consider their preferences. However, using ReSPECT was complex, requiring interactional work to identify and incorporate resident or relative preferences. Subsequent translation of preferences into action during emergency situations also proved difficult in some cases. Care staff played an important role in facilitating and supporting ReSPECT conversations and in translating it into action.

Conclusions

The ReSPECT process in care homes was positive for GPs and care home staff. We highlight challenges with the process, communication of preferences in emergency situations and the importance of balancing detail with clarity. This study highlights the potential for a multi-disciplinary approach engaging care staff more in the process.
Global and regional drivers of abundance patterns in the hart’s tongue fern complex (Aspleniaceae)
Authors: Heo Namjoo , Leopold Donald J , Lomolino Mark V , Yun Seona , Fernando Danilo D
Published: October 2022

Background and Aims

The hart’s tongue fern (HTF) complex is a monophyletic group composed of five geographically segregated members with divergent abundance patterns across its broad geographic range. We postulated hierarchical systems of environmental controls in which climatic and land-use change drive abundance patterns at the global scale, while various ecological conditions function as finer scale determinants that further increase geographic disparities at regional to local scales.

Methods

After quantifying the abundance patterns of the HTF complex, we estimated their correlations with global climate and land-use dynamics. Regional determinants were assessed using boosted regression tree models with 18 potential ecological variables. Moreover, we investigated long-term population trends in the USA to understand the interplay of climate change and anthropogenic activities on a temporal scale.

Key Results

Latitudinal climate shifts drove latitudinal abundance gradients, and regionally different levels of land-use change resulted in global geographic disparities in population abundance. At a regional scale, population isolation, which accounts for rescue effects, played an important role, particularly in Europe and East Asia where several hot spots occurred. Furthermore, the variables most strongly influencing abundance patterns greatly differed by region: precipitation seasonality in Europe; spatial heterogeneity of temperature and precipitation in East Asia; and magnitudes of past climate change, temperature seasonality and edaphic conditions in North America. In the USA, protected populations showed increasing trends compared with unprotected populations at the same latitude, highlighting the critical role of habitat protection in conservation measures.

Conclusions

Geographic disparities in the abundance patterns of the HTF complex were determined by hierarchical systems of environmental controls, wherein climatic and land-use dynamics act globally but are modulated by various regional and local determinants operating at increasingly finer scales. We highlighted that fern conservation must be tailored to particular geographic contexts and environmental conditions by incorporating a better understanding of the dynamics acting at different spatiotemporal scales.
The Gates Foundation, global health and domination: a republican critique of transnational philanthropy
Authors: Blunt Gwilym David
Published: October 2022

The turn of the twenty-first century witnessed a revival of interest in the role of philanthropy in the international system, especially in the fields of global poverty and health. Yet, despite an emergent critical literature in development studies and international studies, philanthropy has barely featured in the debate on global distributive justice. This article uses the republican conception of domination as an analytical framework to precisely articulate concerns of justice raised by transnational philanthropy. Using the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and its role in global health as a test case, it argues that transnational philanthropy is characterized by an asymmetric distribution of power, which is sufficient to produce dependence, and that is uncontrolled insofar as its use either rests on the will of powerful agents or on terms of social cooperation beyond contestation. This arbitrary character is particularly relevant to philanthropy because of its use of epistemic power to produce and legitimize knowledge. In short, transnational philanthropy is dominating. If individuals have the right to exercise control over the social institutions that profoundly affect their basic interests, then philanthropy has a problem of justice that cannot be dismissed.
The Amazon rainforest and the global–regional politics of ecosystem governance
Authors: Paes Lucas de Oliveira
Published: October 2022

This article examines the global–regional politics of ecosystem governance through the case of the Amazon rainforest. Despite the bourgeoning literature on global and regional environmental politics, the interplay of these dynamics in ecosystem governance has still received limited attention. I here propose that the politics of ecosystem governance are rooted in a dispute over the realization of alternative ecosystem services. When global actors become invested in promoting ecosystem preservation to secure the realization services with diffuse benefits, it can affect cooperation at the regional level. Ecosystem-adjacent states can perceive external interest as a threat, building regional cooperation as a tool to defend sovereignty, but also as an opportunity, using it to bargain the terms of their stewardship. I use this framework to trace the evolution of regional cooperation in the Amazon, demonstrating how it was developed in response to this ecosystem's growing global salience. Through defensive sovereignty and bargained stewardship, regional cooperation helped Amazon states to cap international commitment and limit external influence in the region but also allowed for building some form of coordinated ecosystem protection. The research sheds new light on both the potential and the limitations of global–regional engagements for the preservation of the Amazon and other analogous cross-border ecosystems.
Explaining the failure of global health governance during COVID-19
Authors: Jones Lee , Hameiri Shahar
Published: October 2022

Global health governance (GHG) was one of COVID-19's earliest victims. Soon after the novel coronavirus escaped China, the World Health Organization (WHO) was marginalized, and the International Health Regulations became practically irrelevant, as nations adopted uncoordinated, ad hoc responses. Existing explanations of GHG's collapse are largely utopian, criticizing states for failing to empower the WHO with sufficient supranational authority. This misunderstands how GHG was supposed to work in the first place and hence mistakenly diagnoses the causes of failure. We argue that COVID-19 exposed the pathologies of an entire, neoliberal approach to global governance: metagovernance and state transformation. In this approach, international organizations are hollowed out and their role shifts to metagovernance—developing and disseminating ‘best practice’ policies, institutions and rules for states to embed domestically. Such global regimes' efficacy, therefore, depends on states' capacity to enforce global disciplines. However, nation-states are also hollowed out by neoliberal strictures, undermining practical implementation. Consequently, GHG was failing long before COVID-19, leaving the system dependent on ad hoc interventions by dominant states. With the latter also affected by COVID-19, GHG was left in disarray. Reform proposals should therefore focus less on global institutions and rules and more on building domestic capabilities.
Delayed bowel necrosis due to inferior mesenteric artery occlusion in Stanford type A acute aortic dissection
Authors: Kawaguchi Yasuhiko , Fukumoto Yuichiro , Tamaki Mototsugu , Kitamura Hideki
Published: October 2022

Although inferior mesenteric artery occlusion due to acute aortic dissection sometimes occurs, it is usually not considered an important finding. Herein, we present an extremely rare case of delayed bowel ischaemia due to inferior mesenteric artery occlusion in Stanford type A acute aortic dissection that highlights the need for cardiac surgeons to be mindful of inferior mesenteric artery occlusion in patients with superior mesenteric artery dissection or vascular anomalies in the mesenteric arteries.
7 Evaluation of Finishing Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Beef Heifers with Variable Degrees of Heart Failure Risk and Differing Reproductive Tract Type
Authors: Markel Chase , Schults Madison , Ritchie Clara , Newman Courtney , Bedke Clayton , Mills Bryson , Holt Timothy N , Lake Scott , Cunningham-Hollinger Hannah C , Gifford Cody
Published: October 2022

Tremendous economic loss is attributed to high altitude disease mortality of calves in the Mountain West and Great Plains region. Additional economic losses may be associated with changes in feed efficiency and carcass quality in animals at higher risk of heart failure during the finishing phase. Thus, the objective of the current study is to evaluate economically relevant traits throughout the finishing period to determine inefficiencies associated with variable levels of heart failure risk and reproductive tract type of beef heifers. Both intact reproductive tract (n = 19) and ovariectomized (n = 18) heifers were stratified by risk category, where initial pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) levels at or below 42 mmHg were designated as low risk and those above 42 mmHg as moderate/high risk. Heifers were fed a grain-based diet for 125 d before transportation to the harvest facility on d 126. All heifers were weighed in 2 wk intervals. Heifers were PAP tested by a qualified veterinarian in approximately 3 mo intervals during the feeding period. Feed intake data was collected for the last 55 d prior to harvest using the Vytelle SENSETM bunk system. Time of harvest was determined based on live weight and final ultrasound 12th rib fat thickness. Data were analyzed using the ANOVA function of R with tract type and risk as fixed effects. Comparisons were tested using a significance level of α = 0.05 and 0.05 (P ≤ 0.10) were considered tendencies. There were no interactions of risk category and tract type on performance or carcass characteristics (P ≥ 0.14). There was a tendency for higher total intake (P = 0.07) and relative growth rate (P = 0.04) among moderate/high risk heifers compared to the low-risk category. Hot carcass weight, marbling score, ribeye area, and USDA yield grade were not impacted (P ≥ 0.16) by risk category. Intact heifers had greater (P = 0.02) total gain than their ovariectomized contemporaries. However, marbling scores were higher (P = 0.04) among ovariectomized heifers compared to those from intact heifers. These data suggest that risk category and tract type minimally influence performance and carcass characteristics in a population that selects sires with low PAP scores. It remains unclear if more initial divergence in PAP scores would elicit greater impacts on performance and carcass characteristics in feedlot heifers.
10 Utilizing1H NMR Spectroscopy to Quantify and Identify Biomarkers in Finishing Sheep
Authors: Adeyemi James , Toussaint Lily , Copié Valérie , O’Shea-Stone Galen , Boles Jane A , Thomson Jennifer M
Published: October 2022

Backfat and carcass fatness is an important quality attribute in meat animals. A substantial economic gain in the livestock industry may result from the discovery of metabolites, which can improve methods for predicting desirable livestock traits before harvest. Complex phenotypes can be identified for genetic selection or precision management using metabolic and genetic biomarkers. An analysis of ovine samples collected before harvest from wethers with different degrees of back fat was conducted using serum samples obtained from 15 sheep (5 from each back fat class), 60 d, 30 d, and just before harvest. This study quantified 55 serum metabolites that play important roles in ovine metabolism by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. An RNAseq dataset was generated from each sheep's muscle and adipose tissue at harvest. A statistical analysis of the data was performed using MetaboAnalyst Version 5.0 software in R. The results of multiple analyses showed that three metabolites, betaine, choline, and dimethylamine, are associated with sheep's fat class at a significance of (P < 0.01). Integration with gene expression datasets is still underway due to the limitations of annotating sheep genes. In addition, these metabolites are novel and have never been shown to modulate fat class in sheep. To elucidate methods of predicting which livestock produce ideal carcasses, further research is needed to investigate how betaine and choline impact fatness in sheep.
18 Heritability Estimates for Boer Goat Birth Weights
Authors: Baty Sydney K , Thomas Milton G , Enns R Mark , Speidel Scott E
Published: October 2022

Historically, the North American Boer goat industry has focused on visual appraisal for genetic improvement with little objective data recording; however, birth weight and birth type have been recognized as important in Boer goat production systems. The objective of this study was to analyze Boer goat birth weight from a private cooperator to determine the heritability and potential implementation of a genetic evaluation for the trait. A total of 1254 birth weights were recorded between 2014 and 2021 on a breeding farm in Colorado. Given the dry climate, parturitions occurred from November until May depending on the year. There were 84 different sires and 301 unique dams represented in this dataset. All birthweights not collected within 24 hours of birth were excluded from the analysis. Birth weight averaged 3.73 ± 0.86 kg, with a variance of 1.64 kg2, and minimum and maximum birth weights were 0.68 kg and 6.35 kg respectively. The data were cleaned and organized by giving each animal a unique identifier, associated with birth date, sex, and different birth types (singles, twins, triplets, etc.). This was used to create contemporary groups made up of birth year, birth type and sex. A single generation pedigree was included in the evaluation as additional ancestry is still being accumulated from written records. This was an initial genetic evaluation of the dataset; therefore, embryo transfer kids were included in the analysis with no accounting for maternal genetic effects. We acknowledge this model approach has the potential to introduce bias into the evaluation due to the fact that embryo transfer kids experience different in-utero environments and are phenotypically heavier than natural service kids. For these reasons, the maternal genetic effect on birth weight was ignored in this initial analysis. Data were analyzed using a single trait, additive genetic effects animal model and the statistical software package ASReml 3.0. Fixed effects included in the model were birth year, birth type and kid sex. Individual animal was the sole random effect. The birth weight heritability estimate was found to be 0.41 ± 0.08. Comparatively, this is a high heritability when collated to additional estimates reported for other small domestic ruminants, such as sheep. These results provide a foundation for future studies which will include additional pedigree information, the addition of a maternal genetic effect and the exclusion of data from embryo transfer kids.
PS-7 Service-Learning Positively Impacts College Students’ Professional Development
Authors: Thornburgh Jesica , Anderson Ryan , Drewery Merritt L
Published: October 2022

Service-learning is a pedagogical approach that integrates community service with academic study. Students apply skills and knowledge in practical situations and reflect on their experiences. Our 3000-level service-learning college course, Leadership Development in Agricultural Sciences, involved student-led development and execution of a one-day event, “AgCamp”, held on university campus for high school students (n = 23). Early in the semester, college students (n = 42) were divided into one of ten cohorts. Throughout the semester, cohorts worked together to define and execute deliverables for AgCamp. The day of AgCamp included lectures and demonstrations in Animal Science, Horticulture, and Agricultural Mechanics; lunch; a lecture on careers in agriculture; and small group discussions about college. The objective of our study was to evaluate if participating in a service-learning course affected college students’ development and perceptions of the value of service-learning for society. Texas State University IRB approved this research (#7980). An electronic mixed methods questionnaire-based survey was developed and distributed to college students enrolled in Leadership Development in Agricultural Sciences as a pre- and post-test at the beginning and end of the Spring 2022 semester. Prior to distribution, survey validity and reliability were established. Questions were scored on a five-point Likert scale where 1=Strongly agree and 5=Strongly disagree. Data were analyzed in SPSS 26.0 using measures of central tendency and paired sample t-tests. As a result of participating in the service-learning course, students significantly increased (P ≤ 0.01) their agreement with “I believe I have strong leadership skills,” from a pre-test mean of 2.25 ± 0.67 to a post-test mean of 1.55 ± 0.68. There was also a trend (P = 0.08) for an increase in agreement with “I feel service-learning makes a positive impact on individuals’ lives,” from a pre-test mean of 1.68 ± 0.76 to a post-test mean of 1.45 ± 0.55. In the post-test, we asked students the degree to which they agreed with: “I feel I would have learned more if more time was spent in the classroom instead of a service-learning platform;” 58% of students disagreed or strongly disagreed. We also asked them to respond to “I felt what I learned in this course will be valuable for my future;” 86% agreed or strongly agreed. Further, 79% of students agreed or strongly agreed that they “developed a greater sense of personal responsibility” and 54% agreed or strongly agreed that they “developed a sense of purpose or direction in life” as a result of participation in the course. Ultimately, our data indicate participating in a service-learning course positively impacts college students professional development, in addition to their perceptions of the benefits of service-learning for society.
PSII-5 Endotoxin-Induced Inflammation on Immune Markers and Steroidogenesis in Granulosa Cells
Authors: Castro Briza , Austin Molly , Gifford Craig A , Hernandez Gifford Jennifer A
Published: October 2022

Reproductive performance is central to profitability in beef cattle operations. Pathogenic stress can result from gram-negative bacteria release of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) endotoxin which has the potential to accumulate in follicular fluid and impair folliculogenesis and steroidogenesis, leading to reduced fertility. Elevated LPS concentrations observed in acute clinical bacterial infections are recognized to have detrimental effects on female fertility, however, definitive effects of low concentrations of LPS present in subclinical or undetectable infection remains to be fully elucidated. This study investigated the effect of varying concentrations of LPS on mechanisms regulating ovarian function and subsequent steroidogenesis. A granulosa cell line (KGN) was cultured with or without increasing doses of LPS (0.0001 to 10 µg/mL) for 30 min or 48 h. Cells collected 30 min after treatment were analyzed for abundance of phosphorylated proteins and cells collected 48 h after treatment were analyzed for total protein abundance and gene expression. Media were analyzed by radioimmunoassay for steroid hormone concentrations. Quantitative and semi-quantitative PCR was used to evaluate aromatase, beta-catenin, and cytokines IL-6 and IL-8, respectively. No differences were detected among LPS treatment groups compared to vehicle-treated controls for protein abundance of total beta-catenin (P = 0.99) or active beta-catenin lacking phosphorylation at serine 33/37 (P = 0.95) evaluated at 48 h. Similar results were observed in protein abundance of phosphorylated forms of beta-catenin at serine 552 (P = 0.98) and 675 (P = 0.85) evaluated at 30 min. Additionally, estradiol concentrations were not different at 0.0001 to 1.0 µg/mL LPS; however, estradiol was significantly decreased at 10 µg/mL LPS treatment compared to the vehicle-treated control (P = 0.03). Progesterone concentrations were also similar within 0.0001 to 1.0 µg/mL LPS treatment groups with a tendency to decrease at 10 µg/mL LPS treatment (P = 0.08) compared to the vehicle-treated control. Varying concentrations of LPS did not change mRNA expression of beta-catenin (P = 0.28), aromatase (P = 0.32), and IL-6 (P = 0.35). However, a significant increase in cytokine IL-8 mRNA expression was observed at 10 µg/mL LPS compared to the vehicle-treated control (P = 0.04). These findings suggest that inflammatory response against LPS at higher concentrations may influence distinct cytokine expression and steroidogenesis. Conversely, basal expression of key steroidogenic enzymes and ovarian steroidogenic modulators are less affected by low concentrations of LPS. Therefore, immune response of granulosa cells is dependent on concentration of LPS exposure that has the ability to impact fertility by modulating the ovarian hormonal and follicular environment.
PSII-12 Change in College Students’ Sense of Belonging as a Result of a Beef Cattle Production Tour
Authors: Drewery Merritt L , Cooper Jade , Wickersham Tryon A
Published: October 2022

Sense of belonging is a student’s sense of feeling accepted, valued, encouraged, and included by others in their discipline. Sense of belonging fundamentally influences behavior and is linked to academic and career outcomes. Recent projections indicate there will not be enough qualified college graduates for requisite STEM agriculture careers. Further, there is an ethnic disparity in STEM agriculture degree recipients. As Black and Hispanic students have higher attrition than White students in STEM, there is an opportunity to implement educational interventions to improve their sense of belonging and increase matriculation into the agriculture workforce. The objective of this study was to evaluate if an experiential learning opportunity, a five-day tour of the beef cattle industry, changed students’ sense of belonging with a focus on ethnicity. Procedures involving human subjects were approved by Texas State University IRB (#8309). Students from two universities attended a beef cattle industry tour in the Texas Panhandle in May 2022. Students toured facilities, interacted with industry professionals, and reflected on their experiences through daily entries in journals. Pre- and post-tests were administered via Qualtrics as identical questionnaire-based survey instruments immediately before and after the tour. Questions were adapted from previously validated instruments. Sense of belonging metrics were scored on a 5-point Likert scale where 1=Strongly disagree and 5=Strongly agree. Cronbach’s alpha for the pre-survey was 0.71 and for the post-survey was 0.74. Statistical analyses were conducted with SPSS v.26. Independent sample t-tests were used to evaluate the change from pre- to post-survey responses and one-way ANOVA was used to evaluate the difference in responses between ethnicities. Students (n = 21) were predominantly female (81%); attended Texas A&M University (67%) or Texas State University (33%); and were White (52%), Hispanic (33%), or Black (14%). We combined “Hispanic” and “Black” into a single independent variable to analyze differences between White (52%) and non-White (48%) students. Before the tour, there was a difference (P = 0.05) in sense of belonging between White (4.33 ± 0.16) and ethnic minority (3.73 ± 0.23) students such that White students had a stronger sense of belonging in agriculture. There was no change (P = 0.55) in White students’ sense of belonging as a result of the tour, from 4.33 ± 0.16 to 4.39 ± 0.44. However, there was a change (P ≤ 0.01) in ethnic minority students’ sense of belonging, from 3.73 ± 0.23 to 4.37 ± 0.27. Ultimately, participating in the tour increased Hispanic and Black, but not White, students’ sense of belonging. One potential benefit of implementing experiential learning opportunities in dynamic social environments is improving students’ sense of belonging, especially in careers/industries where ethnic minorities are underrepresented.
PSIII-7 Late-Breaking: Improving Heifer Development Programs Using Precision Supplementation
Authors: Dagel Anna , Menendez Hector M , Ehlert Krista , Olson Ken , Brennan Jameson R
Published: October 2022

Improving individual animal efficiency is important for livestock producers to run financially sustainable operations. Developing heifers to replace a cow in the herd is expensive and reducing costs during the growing and reproductive phases is critical to increase profitability. Precision livestock management technologies can help reduce feed waste and optimize individual animal intake on extensive rangeland systems. Precision supplementation for heifer development programs aims to provide proper nutrition management and develop heifers to meet target body weight without over or under conditioning. With conventional feeding methods, animals are able to over consume feed and may be overdeveloped. Therefore, the objective of our study was to compare differences in yearling heifer performance between conventional and precision supplementation on winter rangeland pastures. The study was conducted at the South Dakota State University Cottonwood Field Station, located near Philip, SD. Angus heifer calves (Bos taurus, n = 60) born in the spring of 2021were utilized for the project. Following fall weaning, initial weight was used to randomly assign heifers to one of two treatments: control (n = 30) or precision (n = 30). Treatment groups were separated into different pastures to graze dormant native range from November to June and were rotated monthly to reduce pasture influence. Both groups were offered 2.27 kg/hd/d dried distillers grain pellets; the control group was bunk fed, allowing for normal variation in consumption and the precision group was fed individually using the Super SmartFeed Producer. Individual daily BW was measured using SmartScale technology and used to calculate daily rate of gain. Heifers were supplemented to reach 60% of their mature body weight (MBW; 635 kg) at time of breeding. Heifers were bred in June using estrus synchronization with fixed time artificial insemination. Statistical analysis was conducted in Program R, which included an ANOVA to evaluate the differences in ADG between the control and precision treatments. Our results indicated a significant difference in average daily gain between the control (P < 0.05), mean ADG of 1.94 and 1.76 lb/d, respectively. Further, the control group utilized 5,600 lb more feed compared to the precision group. The number of heifers that achieved estrous was similar for both control (27) and precision groups (25) based on visual qualitative assessment of heat detection patches. At completion of the winter grazing season, the control group was developed to 64.9% MBW with an average weight of 909.37 lb and the precision group reached 62.2% MBW with an average weight of 870.37 lb. Successful implementation of precision supplementation has the potential to develop more uniform heifers at breeding, reduce intake variation, and reduce supplement overconsumption.
A New Defense of Brain Death as the Death of the Human Organism
Authors: McGee Andrew , Gardiner Dale , Jansen Melanie
Published: October 2022

This paper provides a new rationale for equating brain death with the death of the human organism, in light of well-known criticisms made by Alan D Shewmon, Franklin Miller and Robert Truog and a number of other writers. We claim that these criticisms can be answered, but only if we accept that we have slightly redefined the concept of death when equating brain death with death simpliciter. Accordingly, much of the paper defends the legitimacy of redefining death against objections, before turning to the specific task of defending a new rationale for equating brain death with death as slightly redefined.
High frequency root dynamics: sampling and interpretation using replicated robotic minirhizotrons
Authors: Nair Richard , Strube Martin , Hertel Martin , Kolle Olaf , Rolo Victor , Migliavacca Mirco
Published: October 2022

Automating dynamic fine root data collection in the field is a longstanding challenge with multiple applications for co-interpretation and synthesis for ecosystem understanding. High frequency root data are only achievable with paired automated sampling and processing. However, automatic minirhizotron (root camera) instruments are still rare and data are often not collected in natural soils or analysed at high temporal resolution. Instruments must also be affordable for replication and robust under variable natural conditions. Here, we show a system built with off-the-shelf parts which samples at sub-daily resolution. We paired this with a neural network to analyse all images collected. We performed two mesocosm studies and two field trials alongside ancillary data collection (soil CO2 efflux, temperature, and moisture content, and ‘PhenoCam’-derived above-ground dynamics). We produce robust and replicated daily time series of root dynamics under all conditions. Temporal root changes were a stronger driver than absolute biomass on soil CO2 efflux in the mesocosm. Proximal sensed above-ground dynamics and below-ground dynamics from minirhizotron data were not synchronized. Root properties extracted were sensitive to soil moisture and occasionally to time of day (potentially relating to soil moisture). This may only affect high frequency imagery and should be considered in interpreting such data.
Infrastructure, health and urban planning: rethinking the past and exploring future possibilities as a response to Harris & De Leeuw (2022)
Authors: McManus Phil
Published: October 2022

All infrastructure is health infrastructure, but not everything should be labelled infrastructure. This distinction, given (renewed) awareness of infrastructure, volumetric urbanism and environmental factors, is important for understanding infrastructure and health relationships. Building on an etymology of infrastructure and a summary of volumetric urbanism, this article explores selected historical urbanist programs and their intersection with concerns about infrastructure and health. Understanding history should foster humility yet enable us to research and call out infrastructures that are deleterious to health, avoid displacing negative health impacts through infrastructure provision and promote infrastructures that simultaneously provide hope, enable physical and emotional regeneration and heal the planet.
Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine does not increase the risk of relapse in patients with clinically inactive adult-onset Still’s disease
Authors: Hong Xinyue , Pan Haoyu , Su Yutong , Hu Qiongyi , Sun Yue , Liu Honglei , Cheng Xiaobing , Ye Junna , Shi Hui , Meng Jianfen , Zhou Zhuochao , Jia Jinchao , Liu Tingting , Wang Mengyan , Chen Xia , Ma Yuning , Tang Zihan , Wang Fan , Zhang Hao , You Yijun , Zhu Dehao , Chen Longfang , Yang Chengde , Teng Jialin , Chi Huihui
Published: October 2022

Objective

A succession of cases have reported flares of adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD) after vaccination against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), raising concerns. We aimed to investigate the impact of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines on disease activity in patients with AOSD.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled clinically inactive AOSD patients visiting the outpatient clinics of our department. The patients received SARS-CoV-2 vaccines (BBIBP-CorV, Sinopharm, Beijing, China) voluntarily. The occurrence of relapse in the participants was recorded during the follow-up period, and a propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to compare the relapse rates between vaccinated and unvaccinated patients. Localized and systemic symptoms were assessed in the vaccinated patients.

Results

A total of 122 patients with inactive AOSD were included, of which 49.2% (n = 60) voluntarily received the inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine. The relapse rate did not increase significantly in vaccinated patients in comparison with unvaccinated patients (after PSM: 6.8% vs 6.8%), and no relapse occurred within 1 month after vaccination. No obvious adverse reactions were reported in 75.0% of the participants, and none of the patients reported severe reactions.

Conclusion

Increased disease activity or relapse following vaccination with inactivated SARS–CoV-2 was rare in patients with inactive AOSD. Local and systemic adverse reactions were found to be mild and self-limiting. These safety profiles of inactivated SARS–CoV-2 vaccines in patients with AOSD may assist in eliminating vaccine hesitancy and increase the vaccination rate against SARS-CoV-2.
CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated gene knockout of Sj16 in Schistosoma japonicum eggs upregulates the host‐to‐egg immune response
Authors: Zhang Lichao , Wang Lifu , Xiang Suoyu , Hu Yunyi , Zhao Siyu , Liao Yao , Zhu Zifeng , Wu Xiaoying
Published: October 2022

Schistosomiasis is an important, neglected tropical disease. Schistosoma japonicum can evade host attacks by regulating the host's immunity, causing continuous infection. However, interactions between the host's immune system and S. japonicum are unclear. Our previous research found that the Sj16 protein isolated from S. japonicum has an anti‐inflammatory effect in the host. However, the role of Sj16 in the regulation of host immunity in S. japonicum infection is not clear. Here, we applied the CRISPR/Cas9 technique to knockout Sj16 in S. japonicum eggs and investigated the effect of Sj16 in regulating host immunity. We found egg viability decreased after Sj16 knockout. In addition, we found granulomatous inflammation increased, the T‐cell immune response enhanced and the immune microenvironment changed in mice model injected with Sj16‐knockout eggs by tail vein. These findings suggested that S. japonicum could regulate host immunity through Sj16 to evade the host immune attack and cause continuous infection. In addition, we confirmed the application of CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated gene reprogramming for functional genomics in S. japonicum.