bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forage, freedom of movement, and social interactions remain essential fundamentals for the welfare of high-level sport horses
Authors: Phelipon Romane , Hennes Noémie , Ruet Alice , Bret-Morel Alexia , Górecka-Bruzda Aleksandra , Lansade Léa
Published: November 2024

Societal concerns for animal welfare extend to all domestic species, including high-level sport horses. The welfare of these horses, notably highlighted during the recent Olympics, has garnered significant public interest, prompting inquiries into their living conditions. Animal welfare studies have emphasised three key needs crucial to equine welfare: unlimited access to forage, freedom of movement, and social interactions with peers, commonly referred to as the “3Fs”—access to Forage, Freedom of movement, and interactions with Friend conspecifics. However, the feasibility and benefits of satisfying these needs specifically for sport horses remain unexplored. Indeed, they may face unique challenges such as high physical workload, extensive travel, limited time in their home stables, weight management, and high economic value necessitating careful handling. Consequently, restrictions on feeding, freedom of movement, and social contact are often deemed necessary. This field study aims to assess the actual level of implementation of welfare in high-level sport horses by evaluating body condition, injury risk, and behavioural welfare indicators in their home stable. To achieve this objective, the welfare of 56 high-level sport horses competing internationally was assessed using behavioural indicators of welfare through scan sampling (abnormal behaviours, i.e., stereotypies, aggression towards humans, withdrawn behaviour, and alert behaviours; positions of the ears in a backward position while foraging, watching behaviours, and through other Animal Welfare Indicators (AWIN) protocol measures). This study shows that there exists a large variability among horses regarding their access to the 3Fs, with some of them having a lot of restrictions and others not, meaning it is possible to respect them while competing at a high level. Second, we observed that the fewer restrictions the horses experience regarding the 3Fs while in their home stables, the better their welfare, as demonstrated by the indicators we assessed. These results undeniably support the fact that unrestricted access to forage, the ability to move freely outdoors, and the opportunity to interact socially with conspecifics are fundamental needs of horses that could be provided to horses, also to high-performance ones. It is therefore essential that solutions are put in place to ensure that these conditions are met.
Religious Orientation and Optimism: A Quantitative consideration within Pakistani Context
Authors: Younas Sana , Muqtadir Rabia , Khan Maryam
Published: November 2024

The present study aimed to explore Religious Orientation and Optimism in Pakistani religious groups particularly focusing on Muslims and Christians. The instruments used in the current study were Life Orientation Test (LOT) (Scheier& Carver, 1985, translated by Ayub, 2003) and Age Universal Revised Religious Orientation Scale (Gorsuch & McPherson, 1989, translated by Ghous, 2004).The study comprised of (N = 231) individuals. The basic objective of the study was to explore the relationship between Religious Orientation and Optimism among Muslim (n = 118) and Christian (n = 113) adults in. Overall sample incorporated 145 women and 86 men. Their age ranged from 18 - 50 years (M = 39, S.D = .57). Pearson Product Moment Correlation was computed that showed a significant positive correlation with Life Orientation Test in overall sample. Separate relationships were also studied in the Muslim and Christian sample, as well as the overall sample. Religious Orientation holds a significant positive relationship with Life Orientation Test among the Christian sample. It was obvious from the findings that Christian individuals showed more optimistic attitude as compared to Muslim individuals. Furthermore, several other demographic variables (for e.g., gender, age) were also considered. This research addressed the incorporation of religion and optimism for the prosperity of citizens. The findings are discussed in the light of relevant literature.
Linking Personality Traits and School Dropout Tendency: Evidence from Pakistan Orphan and Non-Orphan Students
Authors: Majeed Rimsha , Aqeel Muhammad , Shah Tamkeen Zahra , Komal Rafia
Published: November 2024

Existent research bears scarce evidence of the influence of personality traits on the school dropout tendency of students, particularly indicating the need for a focus on how a combination of various personality traits might precipitate dropout. Furthermore, there is a gap in terms of how personality traits interact with the circumstance of being an orphan student to affect drop-out decisions. Addressing this gap, the current research was designed to investigate the influence of various personality traits on the school dropout tendency of orphan and non-orphan students. Two hundred participants (orphan students, n = 100; non-orphan students, n= 100) were included from different orphanage schools and high schools of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Pakistan. The age of the participants ranged from 12-18 years. Purposive sampling was conducted based on cross-section design. Two scales, the Eysenck personality questionnaire (EPQ: Eysenck, Eysenck, & Barrett, 1985;Naqvi, 2001) and School Refusal Assessment Scale-revised (SARS-R:Kearney, 2002)were employed to respectively measure extraversion-introversion, neuroticism, and psychoticism traits of personality, and students? dropout tendency. This study found that extraversion-introversion was linked to a greater likelihood of school dropout tendency in orphanage students. Furthermore, the study revealed that low prevalence of neuroticism increased probabilities of an early exit. On the other hand, the investigation also indicated that psychoticism and lie traits of personality were associated with higher probabilties of school dropout tendency in orphanage and ordinary students. Notably, the study demonstrated that parental care or its absence (being an orphan or non-orphan)was playing a moderating role in the relationship between personality traits and dropout tendency. Orphan students who exhibited higher levels of extroversion-introversion and psychoticism had the highest tendency of dropout as compared to non-orphan students. This study implicates that personality traits area more important factor for triggering dropout tendency in orphanage students than in ordinary school students. Therefore, the research recommends special intervention by clinical and pedagogical settings in the case of orphanage students to help resolve personality conflicts in order to prevent dropouts. These findings could have profound impact on future policy and program planning for orphans in developing countries.
How do People Approach God during Stressful life Situations: an Empirical Exploration
Authors: Khan Maryam , Aslam Naeem , Younas Sana
Published: November 2024

The current trend in dealing with stress has been shifted towards the inclination of individuals to turn before God for experiencing relational comfort and benefits. Empirical evidences have demonstrated the vital impact of religious coping in reducing distress and remorse. The aim of this study is to examine how a person uses to approach God for managing stress. The sample of the study comprised of 53 Muslim Adults with the age range of 20 to 30 years (M= 22.8, SD=1.77). It was a qualitative exploratory study incorporating semi structured interviews in which participants were asked that what particular styles they take on for approaching God for dealing with stress. Major stressors were identified as health issues, death traumas, professional or work related problems, relational clashes and financial losses. In content analysis four major styles of approaching God were found to be(i)visualizing God’s names 35%, (ii)memorizing Quranic Verses 28%, (iii)reciting Quranic Chapters 23%, (iv)performing rituals and practices 71%. Such religious efforts bring the feelings of being connected to God, supporting individuals for dealing effectively with life stressors. Subjective self-reporting nature of data and lack of standardized measures are the limitations of the study. The findings have practical implications in a way that it can be adopted for assisting individuals with mental health problems as well as for enhancing the worth of spiritual experiences.
Relationship of Late Adolescent’s Attachment Styles with Suicidal Ideation and Resilience
Authors: Sharif Suneela , Akhtar Dr. Tanvir
Published: November 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship of late adolescent?s attachment styles with suicidal ideation and resilience. These variables have been examined in various social sectors in Pakistan; the relationship of these variables in educational setting was missing in the literature. A sample of 200 respondents was collected. Age range of the sample was from 17 to 20 years. All were undergraduate students. Three scales were used in the study; Adult Attachment Scale (Collins & Read, 1990), Beck Scale of Suicidal Ideation (Beck & Weismann, 1979), and Connor Davidson Resilience Scale (Connor & Davidson, 2003). Differences on the basis of demographic variables such as gender, socioeconomic status and age were also studied. Data was analyzed through SPSS using Correlation, t-test, Regression and Mediation. The findings suggest that there is positive significant correlation between adolescent?s insecure attachment styles and suicidal ideation, both anxious attachment style and avoidant attachment style can cause suicidal ideation, female show more anxious attachment style whereas both gender are at equal verge of having suicidal ideation but the resilience level is higher in male then female, male reflect more secure attachment style as compared to the female. Attachment styles are an important predictor of suicidal ideation. Counseling and therapeutic interventions may help to increase the stress coping skills and to reduce suicidal ideation in the late adolescents.
Translation and Adaptation of Tolerance for Disagreement Scale among Pakistani Married Couples
Authors: Fatima Naseem , Masood Dr. Sobia , Ahmad Mustanir , Bukhari Sana
Published: November 2024

This study aims to translate, validate and to establish the psychometric properties for the Tolerance for Disagreement Scale, originally developed by Teven, McCroskey, and Richmond (1998) in Urdu language to be used in Pakistan. The scale is a 5-point Likert-type scale consisting of 15 items (7 positive & 8 negative items). The process of scale translation was carried out by following the translation and adaptation guidelines of Brislin (1980). The items were translated in accordance with the local Pakistani cultural values. Initially, the reliability of the translated instrument was tested on a sample of N = 30 married couples (husbands n = 30 & wives n = 30). The translated version showed good reliability (? = .90) which indicated that it was a suitable scale to be used with Pakistani married people. Furthermore, Confirmatory Factor Analysis was performed on a sample of N = 400 people (husbands n = 200 & wives n = 200), in order to validate its factor structure. The Confirmatory factor Analysis indicated that the translated scale was a valid measure to be used in Pakistan. Hence, this study succeeded in the translation and adaptation of the scale for Pakistani population which can be used in research and clinical settings.
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING IN LIFE SATISFACTION AMONG HIJRAS: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF SARGODHA, PAKISTAN
Authors: Khan Anam , Malik Dr Najma Iqbal
Published: November 2024

The endeavor of the present study is to explore the factors contributing in life satisfaction among the hijras. In order to investigate the positive and negative causative factors semi structured interviews were performed on those persons who are by birth hijras including Guru who is usually the leader of that particular group (N = 1) and three Chelas who are the followers of guru (N = 4). Sample was collected through the snowball sampling technique. Interpretive phenomenological analysis was used in order to analyze the data qualitatively. For this purpose, all interviews were transcribed first then main themes were extracted from each interview. Major themes were also shown in the form of the table. These major themes were: offended by teasing, rejection from society, bound to this profession, satisfied with life, change thinking of people, dissatisfactory government policies, proximity to God, financial aid to family, love to be family, restrictions in childhood, lack of self-control, different creatures, different attitude of gender, and desire for self-appreciation. The importance, distinctiveness and significance of the chosen sample was well considered before executing the research. The results were discreet as the construct being explored was novel and crucial in terms of investigation with the increasing population of hijras. The findings of the study are supportive and have potential to guide the intervention plans for enhancing the life satisfaction of hijras.
THE IMPACT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS AND SELF-CRITICISM ON AGGRESSION WITH MODERATING ROLE OF LONELINESS IN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Authors: Anwar Sameen , Khan Soulat , Zaheer Sadaf
Published: November 2024

Aggression is a behavior that can harm individual itself and as well as other person. The study aimed to investigate the impact of psychological distress and self-criticism on aggression with moderating role of loneliness in university students. Data was collected from different universities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The sample was comprised of girls (n=150) and boys (n=150) with age range between18-26 years. Purposive sampling technique was used to recruit the research participants. Self-report measures including, The Aggression Scale, Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), Revised Ucla Loneliness Scale and the Self-Rating Scale were used to assess study variables. Result revealed significant positive relationship between self-criticism, psychological distress, loneliness and aggression. Findings revealed self-criticism and loneliness as a significant positive predictors of aggression. Loneliness did not emerge as a significant moderator on the relationship between psychological distress, self-criticism and aggression. Significant gender differences suggested that boys have high level of self-criticism as compared to girls. The research created awareness that decreasing the level of psychological distress, loneliness and self-criticism in university students can help in the management of aggression.
Association Between Unemployment and Suicide During COVID-19
Authors: Shuja Kanwar Hamza , Saluan Jumserna , Mubeen Arfa , Zahoor Tayyaba
Published: November 2024

Background: The current pandemic has disrupted the whole globe in a couple of months and along with it has brought several major issues. One of those global threats is the rapidly increasing unemployment and the impending threat of suicides associated with it.
 
Methods: Through a narrative review analysis the current study has tried to identify the probable rate of suicides by utilizing the findings of previous literature.
 
Results: The findings suggest that during the previous economic recession period of 2008, there was an exponential increase in the suicide rates across the globe between 20% to 30%. Likewise, the current pandemic scenario also indicates towards a massive unemployment rate, which could eventually lead to an increase in the suicidal rates.
 
Conclusions: The present condition is in dire need for policies and interventional strategies to encounter this issue at hand. The current review is an effort for calling out authorities to take necessary precautionary measures to protect several lives at risk.
Impact of Lock down due to COVID-19 Pandemic on General Public in Pakistan
Authors: Rohail Iffat
Published: November 2024

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the impact of lockdown due to COVID-19 from general public’s perspective. People all around the world are facing this unusual challenge of staying home with government’s orders and hence the effects of this lock down situation are still unknown from the point of view of a common man.
Methods: This study was a qualitative descriptive study conducted after two months of lockdown in April-May, 2020. A single question “how do lockdown due to COVID19 impact your life in last two months?” was asked on line from a sample of 114 people (73 males, 41 females) with an age ranged between 17 and 68.
Results: Their response transcripts verbatim were then analyzed by qualitative content analysis. Five themes emerged from the perspective and experiences of the participants comprising both, positive and negative aspects of the situation. These include stressors and uplifts in the domains of Change in life (world is on halt, no deadlines); Social/emotional (emotional setback, connected through network); Personal/psychological (sensitive, more reflective); Professional/economical (financial crises, doing online job); Spiritual (sad to see Haram(Holy Ka’aba) closed, closer to God) and Familial (confined at home, quality time with family increased).
Conclusions: To conclude, the unusual world situation has unexpected results. The uplifts expressed by people indicate that people have the ability to adapt even the worst situations. This ability model should be promoted and people should be taught to improve their skills.
Mediating Role of Perceived Social Support between Locus of Control and Assertiveness among University Undergraduates
Authors: Abid Javaria , Yousaf Anam , Adil Adnan , Tahir Wajeeha
Published: November 2024

Background. Assertiveness is one’s capacity to stand for one’s views, opinions, and rightswithout being manipulated by others or manipulating others for building effective socialrelationships. Pertinent literature proposes that locus of control and perceive social support playimportant role in fostering one’s level of assertiveness. The present study proposed a mediating roleof perceived social support between locus of control and assertiveness among universityundergraduates.Method. A sample of 314 undergraduates from the University of Sargodha was purposivelyrecruited for this study. Levenson Multidimensional Locus of Control Scale (Levenson, 1973),Self-Assertiveness Scale (Zahid, 2003), and Interpersonal Support Evaluation List (Cohen,Mermelstein, Kamarck, & Hoberman, 1985) were used to operationalize locus of control,self-assertiveness, and social support respectively.Results. Multiple regression analysis provided empirical support for the proposed model, andperceived social support and internal locus of control positively predicted assertiveness. Moreover,perceived social support positively mediated the relationships between internal locus of control andnegatively between external locus of control and assertiveness.Conclusion. Our findings indicated the differential mediating role of perceived social supportbetween internal/external locus of control and assertiveness. Therefore, we may conclude thatpeople with internal locus of control are more likely to perceive high degree of social support,which in turn make them more assertive. In contrast, people with external locus of control are morelikely to perceive low degree of social support, which may in tum reduces their chances of beingassertive.
Organization Sustainability through Employee Green Behaviour and Ethical Leadership: The Influencing Role of Employee Machiavellianism
Authors: Aftab Shafaq , Mustafa Muhammad Bilal , Farhan Muhammad , Saleem Muhammad
Published: November 2024

Objectives. The objective of the present research is to investigate the impact of ethical leadershipon employee green behaviour and sustainability, along with the moderating role ofMachiavellianism. In today’s global era, it is challengeable for the employees to practice greenbehaviour in the workplace. The current study analytically analyses the relationships amongethical leadership, employee green behaviour, Machiavellianism and sustainability.Method. Self-administered questionnaires were administered to gather data from 390 manageriallevel employees of Pakistan Telecommunication Company. Five-point Likert scale has been usedas a measurement scale.Results. Partial least square (PLS) SEM is used to test the survey results of the proposed model.The study findings support the argument that ethical leadership has a significant positive effect onemployee green behaviour. Also, Employee green behaviour positively mediates the relationshipbetween ethical leadership and sustainability. Besides, Machiavellianism and green practicenegatively moderates the relationship on sustainability. The present study is one of its kind toexpand the scope of employee Machiavellianism by revealing that Machiavellianism negativelyinfluences green behaviour and sustainability.Conclusion. Our findings show various ways which will help the organisations to focus onemployee green behaviour and reduce the effect of employee Machiavellianism to get sustainableenvironment. Also, the present study suggests human resource managers to understand employeegreen behaviour in the workplace more better.
Experimental Identification of a New Secondary Wave Pattern in Transonic Cascades with Porous Walls
Authors: Drăgan Valeriu , Dumitrescu Oana , Gall Mihnea , Prisăcariu Emilia Georgiana , Gherman Bogdan
Published: November 2024

Turbomachinery shock wave patterns occur as a natural result of operating at off-design points and are accountable for some of the loss in performance. In some cases, shock wave–boundary layer (SW-BLIs) interactions may even lead to map restrictions. The current paper refers to experimental findings on a transonic linear cascade specifically designed to mitigate shock waves using porous walls on the blades. Schlieren visualization reveals two phenomena: Firstly, the shock waves were dissipated in all bladed passages, as predicted by the CFD studies. Secondly, a lower-pressure wave pattern was observed upstream of the blades. It is this phenomenon that the paper reports and attempts to describe. Attempts to replicate this pattern using Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) calculations indicate that the numerical method may be too dissipative to accurately capture it. The experimental campaign demonstrated a 4% increase in flow rate, accompanied by minimal variations in pressure and temperature, highlighting the potential of this approach for enhancing turbomachinery performance.
Lessons Learned for Developing an Effective High-Speed Research Compressor Facility
Authors: Kormanik Nicholas J. , Matthews Douglas R. , Key Nicole L. , King Aaron J.
Published: November 2024

Few universities in the world conduct experimental research on high-speed, high-power turbomachinery. The Purdue High-Speed Compressor Research Laboratory has a longstanding tradition of partnering with industry sponsors to perform high-TRL (technology readiness level) experiments on axial and radial compressors for aerospace applications. Early work in the laboratory with Professor Sanford Fleeter and Professor Patrick Lawless involved aeromechanics and the addition of a multistage axial compressor facility to support compressor performance studies. This work continues today under the guidance of Professor Nicole Key. While other universities may operate a single-stage transonic compressor or a low-speed multistage compressor, the Purdue 3-Stage (P3S) Axial Compressor Research Facility provides a unique environment to understand multistage effects at speeds where compressibility is important. Over the last two decades, several areas of important research within the gas-turbine engine industry have been explored: vane clocking, stall/surge inception, tip-leakage/stator-leakage (cavity leakage) flow characterization, and forced response, to name a few. This paper addresses the different configurations of the facility chronologically so that existing datasets can be matched with correct boundary conditions and provides an overview of the different upgrades in the facility as it has developed in preparation for the next generation of small-core compressor research.
A Fully Autonomous On-Board GNC Methodology for Small-Body Environments Based on CNN Image Processing and MPCs
Authors: Peñarroya Pelayo , Escalante Alfredo , Frekhaug Thomas , Sanjurjo Manuel
Published: November 2024

The increasing need for autonomy in space exploration missions is becoming more and more relevant in the design of missions to small bodies. The long communication latencies and sensitivity of the system to unplanned environmental perturbations mean autonomous methods could be a key design block for this type of mission. In this work, a fully autonomous Guidance, Navigation, and Control (GNC) methodology is introduced. This methodology relies on published CNN-based techniques for surface recognition and pose estimation and also on existing MPC-based techniques for the design of a trajectory to perform a soft landing on an asteroid. Combining Hazard Detection and Avoidance (HDA) with relative navigation systems, a Global Safety Map (GSM) is built on the fly as images are acquired. These GSMs provide the GNC system with information about feasible landing spots and populate a longitude–latitude map with safe/hazardous labels that are later processed to find an optimal landing spot based on mission requirements and a distance-fromhazard metric. The methodology is exemplified using Bennu as the body of interest, and a GSM is built for an arbitrary reconnaissance orbit.
Design and Verification of Continuous Tube Forming Process Parameters for PEEK-Based Rod Aimed at Space Manufacturing Applications
Authors: Li Peng , Tian Shuai , Duan Yingjia , Yan Jiayong , Zhang Lixin
Published: November 2024

To meet the in-orbit construction needs of super-large spacecraft for ultra-long rod structures, this paper proposes an innovative on-orbit roll forming method for polyetheretherketone (PEEK)-based rod stock. This method ingeniously integrates temperature gradient control into a continuous deformation surface cavity design to achieve an efficient forming of resin rod components. A parametric model of the forming die cavity was established based on the comprehensive bending and downhill methods, and the boundary conditions for the temperature distribution gradient within the cavity were determined. Through the simulation and analysis of the PEEK rod curling and stitching forming process, the influence of the cavity configuration parameters on the forming load was determined. By constructing a test platform for the roll forming characteristics of resin rod components, the effects of different forming methods, stitching temperatures, and feed rates on forming quality and load were verified, and the main factors affecting the width of the welding zone, the roundness of the rod, and the straightness of the weld were analyzed. Experimental results show that the proposed continuous roll forming scheme can achieve an efficient and continuous forming of resin rod structures. When the length of the member is processed to 300 mm, at a formed rod diameter of 20 mm, by employing a cavity deformation zone length of 210 mm, a cavity clearance of 0.1 mm, a sheet width of 61 mm, a feed rate of 1 mm/s, and a sealing zone temperature setting of 335 °C, optimal rod forming quality can be achieved, characterized by a straightness error of 0.0133 ± 0.005 mm and a roundness error of 0.19 ± 0.07 mm. The proposal of this scheme provides a reliable basis for the continuous manufacturing of rod structures in the on-orbit construction of large space structures in terms of both the scheme and the parameter selection.
Genetic Dissection of Isoleucine and Leucine Contents in the Embryo and Maternal Plant of Rapeseed Meal Under Different Environments
Authors: Xu Jianfeng , Xu Haiming , Shi Chunhai , Zang Yunxiang , Zhu Zhiyu , Wu Jianguo
Published: November 2024

The genetic basis controlling the content of two essential amino acids (isoleucine and leucine) in rapeseed meal was investigated through a replicated trial of the two BC1F1 populations from a two-way backcross between 202 TN DH population strains and their parents (‘Tapidor’ and ‘Ningyou7′). Given the impact of rapeseed embryos and maternal plants on seed qualities, a multi-genetic-system QTL mapping method was employed, incorporating both genetic main effects and environmental interaction effects. The results demonstrated the presence of nine QTLs associated with isoleucine and leucine content in the A1, A4, A5, A7, A9, and C2 linkage groups. These included six QTLs controlling isoleucine content and three QTLs controlling leucine content, which collectively explained 55.49% and 56.06% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. Of these, four QTLs were identified as the main QTL, which collectively explained over 10% of the phenotypic variation. All of the identified QTLs exhibited a highly significant additive and dominant effects on seed embryos. Additionally, one of the QTLs demonstrated had a particularly significant additive effect derived from the maternal genome. QTLs controlling isoleucine and leucine were identified in the A1, A4, and C2 linkage groups. Moreover, two QTL clusters influencing these essential amino acid contents were identified in the A4 and C2 linkage groups, situated between molecular markers HS-K02-2 and HBR094 and between EM18ME6-220 and NA12C03, respectively.
Genome-Wide Identification of the PAP Gene Family in Potatoes and Its Expression Response to Phosphorus-Solubilizing Bacteria, Freezing Stresses, and Phytohormonal Regulation
Authors: Li Chengchen , Liu Jitao , Liao Yongshan , Luo Huanming , Wang Li , Shan Jianwei , Suo Haicui , An Kang , Yang Kun , Li Xiaobo
Published: November 2024

Purple acid phosphatases (PAPs) are multifunctional proteins implicated in various aspects of plant biology, including flowering, seed development, senescence, carbon metabolism, and the response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Although PAPs have been reported in potatoes, the gene features and expression under phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria and freezing stresses remain unclear. In the present study, we identified 29 StPAPs with molecular weights ranging from 27.96 to 85.40 kDa, which were classified into three distinct groups based on a phylogenetic analysis. Integrating gene chromosomal localization, gene duplication events, intergenic collinearity, and gene selection pressure analysis, we found that the expansion of the potato PAP gene family was primarily driven by genome-wide duplication events, with the majority of the PAP genes undergoing purifying selection. Promoter cis-acting element analysis and RNA-Seq data revealed that a total of 89 cis-acting elements were associated with plant hormones, and the seven StPAP genes for low phosphorous response were associated with responses to abscisic acid, gibberellin, and abiotic stresses. Tissue expression pattern analyses indicated that the expression of StPAP genes were regulated in response to varying phosphorus levels. A co-expression network analysis identified eight StPAP genes involved in symbiosis with phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria, and seven StPAP genes exhibited significantly higher expression in response to freezing stress and abiotic stresses (drought, heat, darkness, and N/K/Ca/Fe/Mg/Zn deficiencies). In conclusion, the StPAP may synergistically modulate phytohormone levels in response to stress by regulating plant phosphorus homeostasis; StPAP12 and abscisic acid are key phosphorus-regulated genes and phytohormones in response to freezing stress. This study represents the first report to demonstrating the responsiveness of StPAPs to phytohormones, revealing a potential new function for these genes in plant stress responses and nutrient management. These findings provide novel insights into the multifaceted roles of PAPs in plant adaptation and stress tolerance.
Railway Infrastructure as a Substitute Habitat for Valuable Medicinal Plant Species Using the Example of Bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi
Authors: Bacler-Żbikowska Barbara , Hutniczak Agnieszka , Bierza Wojciech , Bakr Jawdat , Błońska Agnieszka , Piekarska-Stachowiak Anna , Olszewski Paweł , Pieprzyca Anna , Kucharski Piotr , Stebel Adam , Woźniak Gabriela
Published: November 2024

The secondary, substitute habitats are becoming more important for the survival of many valuable plant species, including medicinal plants—for example, bearberry Arctostaphylos uva-ursi. The aim of the conducted research is to compare the ability of A. uva-ursi to accumulate heavy metals in leaves from railways (anthropogenic substitute habitat) and the natural habitats (pine forests). We measured the concentration of five heavy metals (Cd, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in plant material and in the soil. The bioaccumulation factor was also calculated. Moreover, we measured biotic factors including A. uva-ursi height and abundance, along with the plant diversity indices, in the investigated plots. The presented results reveal that (1) none of the parameters concerning the content of the selected heavy metals described in the currently applicable legal acts were exceeded, (2) A. uva-ursi does not show the potential for heavy metal accumulation, except for zinc and partially mercury, (3) its individuals in the natural habitats are lower, (4) the abundance (percentage cover) of A. uva-ursi is the lowest in the natural habitat, and (5) the value of the Shannon–Wiener diversity index is the highest in the vegetation patches with A. uva-ursi developed in natural habitats.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Seed Quality and Yield Traits in a Soybean Collection from Southeast Kazakhstan
Authors: Doszhanova Botakoz , Zatybekov Alibek , Didorenko Svetlana , Fang Chao , Abugalieva Saule , Turuspekov Yerlan
Published: November 2024

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) is a vital agricultural crop and a key source of protein and oil for food and feed production. The search for new genetic factors affecting the main agronomic traits of soybean is a significant step for efficient breeding strategies. This study aimed to identify marker–trait associations (MTAs) for seed protein and oil content and yield by conducting a genome-wide association study (GWAS). The collection of 252 soybean accessions of five different origins was analyzed over a period of five years. The GWAS was conducted using 44,385 SNP markers extracted from whole-genome resequencing data using Illumina HiSeq X Ten. The multiple-locus mixed linear model (MLMM) facilitated the identification of 38 stable MTAs: nine for protein content, nine for oil content, seven for the number of fertile nodes, six for the number of seeds per plant, four for thousand seeds weight, and three for yield per plant. Fifteen of these MTAs are presumed to be novel, with one linked to seed protein content, three linked to seed oil content, and the remaining MTAs linked to yield-related traits. These findings offer valuable insights for soybean breeding programs aimed at developing new, competitive cultivars with improved seed quality and yield characteristics.
Learning and Evolution: Factors Influencing an Effective Combination
Authors: Pagliuca Paolo
Published: November 2024

(1) Background: The mutual relationship between evolution and learning is a controversial argument among the artificial intelligence and neuro-evolution communities. After more than three decades, there is still no common agreement on the matter. (2) Methods: In this paper, the author investigates whether combining learning and evolution permits finding better solutions than those discovered by evolution alone. In further detail, the author presents a series of empirical studies that highlight some specific conditions determining the success of such combination. Results are obtained in five qualitatively different domains: (i) the 5-bit parity task, (ii) the double-pole balancing problem, (iii) the Rastrigin, Rosenbrock and Sphere optimization functions, (iv) a robot foraging task and (v) a social foraging problem. Moreover, the first three tasks represent benchmark problems in the field of evolutionary computation. (3) Results and discussion: The outcomes indicate that the effect of learning on evolution depends on the nature of the problem. Specifically, when the problem implies limited or absent agent–environment conditions, learning is beneficial for evolution, especially with the introduction of noise during the learning and selection processes. Conversely, when agents are embodied and actively interact with the environment, learning does not provide advantages, and the addition of noise is detrimental. Finally, the absence of stochasticity in the experienced conditions is paramount for the effectiveness of the combination. Furthermore, the length of the learning process must be fine-tuned based on the considered task.
Machine Learning in Active Power Filters: Advantages, Limitations, and Future Directions
Authors: Chahine Khaled
Published: November 2024

Machine learning (ML) techniques have permeated various domains, offering intelligent solutions to complex problems. ML has been increasingly explored for applications in active power filters (APFs) due to its potential to enhance harmonic compensation, reference signal generation, filter control optimization, and fault detection and diagnosis. This paper reviews the most recent applications of ML in APFs, highlighting their abilities to adapt to nonlinear load conditions, improve fault detection and classification accuracy, and optimize system performance in real time. However, this paper also highlights several limitations of these methods, such as the high computational complexity, the need for extensive training data, and challenges with real-time deployment in distributed power systems. For example, the marginal improvements in total harmonic distortion (THD) achieved by ML-based methods often do not justify the increased computational overhead compared to traditional control methods. This review then suggests future research directions to overcome these limitations, including lightweight ML models for faster and more efficient control, federated learning for decentralized optimization, and digital twins for real-time system monitoring. While traditional methods remain effective, ML-based solutions have the potential to significantly enhance APF performance in future power systems.
The Foot Musculature of the Rhesus Monkey (Macaca mulatta): An Anatomical Study
Authors: Casteleyn Christophe , Bosmans Max , Muylle Sofie , Bakker Jaco
Published: November 2024

The rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta) is a non-human primate with a genome that is 93.5% identical to that of humans. Both species, therefore, have numerous phenotypical similarities in common. Consequently, this non-human primate is regularly studied in biomedical research. Not only does the rhesus monkey play an important role as an animal model for studying human disease, but it is also often featured in zoos, and there are substantial feral populations that live in Asia. Since they are exploited as research subjects, their appropriate housing and husbandry and the validation of obtained research data benefit from the comprehension of the rhesus monkey anatomy. Unexpectedly, the number of anatomical documents on the rhesus monkey are largely outnumbered by publications on the anatomy of domestic animals. In addition, the limited number of available anatomical books and atlases are, unfortunately, outdated, e.g., by presenting black-and-white photographs and using archaic nomenclature, or failing to cover the in-depth anatomy of various anatomical systems. Since state-of-the-art data on the rhesus monkey anatomy are requested by biomedical researchers and veterinarians responsible for the daily care of these captive animals, the present study describes the musculature of the foot of the rhesus monkey. It builds on a recently published manuscript on the topographical anatomy of the pelvic limb of this non-human primate. Full-color anatomical (stereomicroscopic) photographs are taken during layer-by-layer dissections of the feet of three rhesus monkeys. All the muscles, from the superficial to the deepest layer, are described using veterinary anatomical nomenclature and annotated on multipaneled figures. Although the foot musculature of the rhesus monkey largely parallels that of its human counterparts, the small number of dissimilarities should be recognized when extrapolating these research data. In addition, a solid understanding of the rhesus monkey anatomy by veterinarians can be valuable during medical interventions, such as surgery for foot injuries.
Genetic Diversity, Runs of Homozygosity, and Selection Signatures in Native Japanese Chickens: Insights from Single-Nucleotide Polymorphisms
Authors: Velasco Vanessa V. , Tsudzuki Masaoki , Hashimoto Norikazu , Goto Naoki , Ishikawa Akira
Published: November 2024

Understanding genetic diversity, runs of homozygosity (ROH), and selection signatures is critical for the conservation and breeding management of native Japanese chickens. In this study, genetic diversity, ROH, and selection signatures in 11 populations of seven native Japanese breeds and three foreign breeds with different genetic and behavioral backgrounds were investigated using 11,493 SNPs identified through restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing. The Oh-Shamo (OSM), an aggressive cockfighting breed, exhibited the highest genetic diversity. Six native Japanese breeds, Ingie (IG), Ryujin-Jidori (RYU), Tosa-Jidori (TJI), Tosa-Kukin (TKU), Nagoya (NAG), and Ukkokei (UK), showed intermediate levels of genetic diversity and ROH. Population analyses grouped the 11 populations into four distinct clusters: (1) five populations comprising three foreign breeds (the Fayoumi inbred line, closed-colony G line of White Leghorn, commercial T line of WL, and White Plymouth Rock) and the IG Japanese breed; (2) OSM and two old Jidori breeds (RYU and TJI); (3) TKU and UK; and (4) the meat-type Nagoya breed. ROH and Fst analyses identified seven SNPs on chromosomes 13, 17, 20, 24, and 26, five of which were candidate genetic variants for fear-related behavior. These findings provide insights into genetic diversity and conserved genomic segments valuable for breeding and conservation in Japanese chicken breeds.
Modulation of Canine Gut Microbiota by Prebiotic and Probiotic Supplements: A Long-Term In Vitro Study Using a Novel Colonic Fermentation Model
Authors: Gramenzi Alessandro , Clerico Luana , Belà Benedetta , Di Leonardo Meri , Fusaro Isa , Pignataro Giulia
Published: November 2024

The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in dogs’ health, influencing immune function, digestion, and protection against pathogens. This study evaluates the effects of three canine dietary supplements—Microbiotal (prebiotic), Lactobacillus reuteri (probiotic), and a combination of both—on the gut microbiota composition of a healthy canine donor using an in vitro colonic fermentation model. The SCIME™ platform, adapted to simulate the canine gastrointestinal tract, was used to monitor microbial shifts in the luminal and mucosal environments of the proximal and distal colon over a 2-week treatment period. The microbial communities were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing to assess changes at various taxonomic levels. Alpha- and beta-diversity indices were calculated, while LEfSe and treeclimbR were employed to identify taxa-driving microbial shifts. Results indicated that all treatments led to significant modulations in key microbial groups, with enrichment of Limosilactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Prevotella, and Faecalibacterium. These changes suggest improved saccharolytic fermentation and butyrate production, particularly when prebiotics and probiotics were co-administered. This study highlights the promising benefits of combined prebiotic and probiotic supplementation in promoting gut health and microbial diversity, providing a basis for future studies targeting the metabolic activity of the gut microbiota using the same supplements and technology.
Multi-Objective Framework for Resilient Post-Disaster Self-Built Residential Buildings
Authors: Ghimire Prashnna , Paneru Suman , Pokharel Sudan , Kandel Ayushma , Ehlert Rick , Burke Kyle
Published: November 2024

The 2015 seismic events in Nepal highlighted critical challenges in constructing earthquake-resilient, self-built stone masonry houses in rural mountain areas. The Department of Urban Development and Building Construction (DUDBC), however, provided designs that failed to preserve the local architectural landscape and craftsmanship while adding unfamiliar knowledge and technology. To address the shortcomings of DUDBC model houses related to architecture, structure, and socio-economic concerns in designing and implementing post-earthquake houses, a need-based building development framework is required for standardized practice. This study proposes a novel framework to assess, design, and implement a self-built house after a disaster, consisting of five stages: (1) post-disaster problem assessment, (2) need identification, (3) material selection, (4) design development, and (5) validation and implementation. Based on this framework, we proposed a novel gabion building construction technology for two-story stone masonry structures that effectively mitigate post-disaster challenges such as logistic, resilience, and socio-economic aspects while improving disaster resiliency specifically in the high-elevation rural areas of Nepal. The proposed two-story gabion building preserves local architectural values, enhances structural integrity, and provides cost-effectiveness when compared with its DUDBC peer models while providing much-needed relief to the vulnerable community. The proposed resilient house, G-2.1, utilizes locally sourced materials and craftsmanship, and innovative gabion technology that ensures affordability and facilitates knowledge transfer. The contribution of this study includes a multi-objective framework for a two-story gabions house that is most suitable for self-built resilient homes that preserves the local architecture and socio-economic conditions while providing structural integrity and safety.
AI-Driven Crack Detection for Remanufacturing Cylinder Heads Using Deep Learning and Engineering-Informed Data Augmentation
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Mohammad , Kremer Gül E. Okudan , Olafsson Sigurdur , Kremer Paul A.
Published: November 2024

Detecting cracks in cylinder heads traditionally relies on manual inspection, which is time-consuming and susceptible to human error. As an alternative, automated object detection utilizing computer vision and machine learning models has been explored. However, these methods often face challenges due to a lack of sufficiently annotated training data, limited image diversity, and the inherently small size of cracks. Addressing these constraints, this paper introduces a novel automated crack-detection method that enhances data availability through a synthetic data generation technique. Unlike general data augmentation practices, our method involves copying cracks from one location to another, guided by both random and informed engineering decisions about likely crack formations due to cyclic thermomechanical loads. The innovative aspect of our approach lies in the integration of domain-specific engineering knowledge into the synthetic generation process, which substantially improves detection accuracy. We evaluate our method’s effectiveness using two metrics: the F2 score, which emphasizes recall to prioritize detecting all potential cracks, and mean average precision (MAP), a standard measure in object detection. Experimental results demonstrate that, without engineering insights, our method increases the F2 score from 0.40 to 0.65, while maintaining a stable MAP. Incorporating detailed engineering knowledge further enhances the F2 score to 0.70 and improves MAP to 0.57, representing increases of 63% and 43%, respectively. These results confirm that our approach not only mitigates the limitations of traditional data augmentation but also significantly advances the reliability and precision of crack detection in industrial settings.