bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tomato Anomalies Detection in Greenhouse Scenarios Based on YOLO-Dense
Authors: Wang Xuewei , Liu Jun
Published: April 2021

Greenhouse cultivation can improve crop yield and quality, and it not only solves people’s daily needs but also brings considerable gains to the agricultural staff. One of the most widely cultivated greenhouse crops is tomato, mainly because of its high nutritional value and its good taste. However, there are a number of anomalies for the tomato crop that pose a threat for its greenhouse cultivation. Detection of tomato anomalies in the complex natural environment is an important research direction in the field of plant science. Automated identification of tomato anomalies is still a challenging task because of its small size and complex background. To solve the problem of tomato anomaly detection in the complex natural environment, a novel YOLO-Dense was proposed based on a one-stage deep detection YOLO framework. By adding a dense connection module in the network architecture, the network inference speed of the proposed model can be effectively improved. By using the K-means algorithm to cluster the anchor box, nine different sizes of anchor boxes with potential objects to be identified were obtained. The multiscale training strategy was adopted to improve the recognition accuracy of objects at different scales. The experimental results show that the mAP and detection time of a single image of the YOLO-Dense network is 96.41% and 20.28 ms, respectively. Compared with SSD, Faster R-CNN, and the original YOLOv3 network, the YOLO-Dense model achieved the best performance in tomato anomaly detection under a complex natural environment.
Plant SUMO E3 Ligases: Function, Structural Organization, and Connection With DNA
Authors: Jmii Souleimen , Cappadocia Laurent
Published: April 2021

Protein modification by the small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) plays an important role in multiple plant processes, including growth, development, and the response to abiotic stresses. Mechanistically, SUMOylation is a sequential multi-enzymatic process where SUMO E3 ligases accelerate SUMO conjugation while also influencing target identity and interactions. This review explores the biological functions of plant SUMO E3 ligases [SAP AND MIZ1 DOMAIN-CONTAINING LIGASE (SIZs), METHYL METHANESULFONATE-SENSITIVITY PROTEIN 21 (MMS21s), and PROTEIN INHIBITOR OF ACTIVATED STAT-LIKE (PIALs)] in relation to their molecular activities and domains. We also explore the sub-cellular localization of SUMO E3 ligases and review evidence suggesting a connection between certain SUMO E3 ligases and DNA that contributes to gene expression regulation.
Horizontal Local Governance and Social Inclusion: The Case of Municipality-Civil Society Engagement During Refugee Reception in Malmö, Sweden
Authors: Fry Claudia , Islar Mine
Published: April 2021

This study takes its departure from literature on the far-reaching engagements from civil society during the 2015 “refugee crisis” in Europe as it seeks to understand the status of collaborative governance at the local level. It takes an in-depth look of Malmö, a city in Sweden which in 2015 became the centre for the Swedish refugee reception and solidarity initiatives. The study identifies challenges and opportunities of horizontal collaborations to develop the social dimension of city resilience. It includes eleven interviews with key actors from the civil society sector as well as from the municipality and utilizes theory on solidarities in the “refugee crisis” together with social cohesion and inclusion as a framework for analyzing data. This allows for a comprehensive appraisal of the (spatially produced) responses to migration from the city's horizontal alliances. The findings suggest that there are diverse conclusions to be made about the long-term potential of horizontal collaborations in bringing about social resilience. On the one side it is discovered that short-term project collaborations may only serve to “fill the gap” left by neo-liberal local governments and not bring about the structural change needed. On the other side, it is found that horizontal collaborations can be a strategy for civil society actors to influence more inclusive alternatives by bringing the realities of refugees into local policy making, particularly those refugees otherwise rendered invisible due to legal categorizations. Lastly, there are suggestions made for how to enhance the opportunities of horizontal collaborations in creating a socially cohesive, inclusive and resilient city.
Characteristics and Behaviors of Anonymous Users of Dark Web Platforms Suspected of Child Sexual Offenses
Authors: Woodhams Jessica , Kloess Juliane A. , Jose Brendan , Hamilton-Giachritsis Catherine E.
Published: April 2021

International law enforcement have noted a rise in the use of the Dark Web to facilitate and commit sexual offenses against children, both prior to and since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study presented here therefore aimed to investigate the characteristics and behaviors of anonymous users of Dark Web platforms who were suspected of engaging in the sexual abuse of children. Naturally-occurring data on 53 anonymous suspects, who were active on the Dark Web and had come to police attention in the United Kingdom (UK), were sampled. Analysis of the data yielded 462 features that could be coded reliably. Analysis of these features provided novel insights into suspects’ characteristics, their motivations for using the Dark Web, the nature of the offending behavior they reported engaging in, their technical and security precautions, sexual interests, and the content of their interactions with one another. Findings are discussed in relation to theoretical and practical implications, as well as directions for future research.
Prevalence and Stigma of Postpartum Common Mental Disorders in the Gurage Region of Ethiopia: A Mixed-Methods Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Monaghan Sophia , Akale Meseret Ayalew , Demeke Bete , Darmstadt Gary L.
Published: April 2021

Objectives: Mental disorders are vastly underdiagnosed in low-income countries that disproportionately affect women. We aimed to evaluate the prevalence of common mental disorders in newly postpartum women, and stigma associated with mental health reporting in an Ethiopian community using a validated World Health Organization survey.

Methods: The Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ) for psychological distress was administered in Amharic by nurses to 118 women aged 18–37 years who had given birth in the prior 3 months in the Glenn C. Olsen Memorial Primary Hospital in Yetebon. Mental health stigma among the four nursing staff was assessed using Link and Phelan's Components of Stigma.

Results: Among 118 women surveyed, 18% had a probable common mental disorder using the SRQ 4/5 cutoff and 2% admitted to suicidal thoughts. Presence of stigma in the healthcare staff was verified, including labeling, stereotyping, separating, and status loss and discrimination.

Conclusion: Postpartum mental health disorders as well as stigma against such diagnoses are common in the Yetebon community. There is an urgent need for increased availability of properly trained and supervised healthcare staff in the identification and referral of postpartum women with common mental disorders.
The Experiences of Mid-career and Seasoned Orchestral Musicians in the UK During the First COVID-19 Lockdown
Authors: Cohen Susanna , Ginsborg Jane
Published: April 2021

The introduction of social distancing, as part of efforts to try and curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, has brought about drastic disruption to the world of the performing arts. In the UK the majority of professional orchestral musicians are freelance and therefore self-employed. These players, previously engaged in enjoyable, busy, successful, portfolio careers, are currently unable to earn a living carrying out their everyday work of performing music, and their future working lives are surrounded by great uncertainty. The aim of the present study was to examine how established professional musicians are experiencing this period, and to look for similarities and differences between the experiences of musicians in the middle of their performing careers (aged 35–45), with those of older players (aged 53 and over). Single semi-structured interviews were carried out over Zoom with 24 freelance, self-employed orchestral musicians; 12 mid-career musicians aged 35–45, and 12 seasoned musicians aged 53 and over. Thematic analysis identified themes common to both groups: the loss of a much-loved performing career, missing music making and colleagues, and anxiety about the future of the music profession. It also identified differences between the two groups: challenges to their identity as a musician, the extent of their anxiety about finances, the extent of their emotional distress, attitudes toward practicing and engaging in collaborative music making, and confusion over future career plans. Findings are discussed with reference to lifespan models of musicians' career development, the PERMA model of wellbeing, and the concept of resilience.
Training in Rhythmic Gymnastics During the Pandemic
Authors: Bobo-Arce Marta , Sierra-Palmeiro Elena , Fernández-Villarino María A. , Fink Hardy
Published: April 2021

The pandemic caused by the COVID 19 Virus creates an unprecedented situation of global confinement altering the development of competition and sports training at all levels of participation and in all sports, including rhythmic gymnastics (RG). To avoid possible effects of physical, technical and psychological detraining, coaches looked for home training alternatives. The objectives of the study were to know how rhythmic gymnastics training developed during the lockdown period (the conditions, type of training, performance monitoring means, and determinants of gymnasts’ participation) and to provide recommendations for a possible future lockdown. Three hundred and two RG coaches from twenty-six different countries throughout the five continents and four professional levels took part in the study: national team (28), international (26), national (172) and regional (75). The data collection tool was a questionnaire consisting of 39 closed questions structured in three dimensions: identification data of the coaches, training data during confinement and gymnast participation data. The independent variable was the gymnasts’ performance levels and the dependent variables organized in four categories: the technical media used to conduct and monitor the training sessions, the type of training done, the mechanisms for monitoring training performance and the aspects that determined participation. Most coaches kept their gymnasts training during confinement, although 76.5% confirm abandonment of any of their gymnasts. The main means used were real-time video conferencing, although at the lower practice levels the media stand out in deferred time. The contents of the training were mainly body technique, physical preparation and body difficulties. For performance monitoring, challenges, physical, and technical tests were predominant. The determinants for the development of training in the confinement vary depending on the level of the gymnasts, connectivity and electronic resources at the highest level, and the availability of spaces and social distancing at lower levels. For future lockdowns, it is necessary to review the content of the trainings, as well as the performance evaluation and the means necessary for it.
Cyberbullying Among School Adolescents in an Urban Setting of a Developing Country: Experience, Coping Strategies, and Mediating Effects of Different Support on Psychological Well-Being
Authors: Ngo Anh Toan , Tran Anh Quynh , Tran Bach Xuan , Nguyen Long Hoang , Hoang Men Thi , Nguyen Trang Huyen Thi , Doan Linh Phuong , Vu Giang Thu , Nguyen Tu Huu , Do Hoa Thi , Latkin Carl A. , Ho Roger C. M. , Ho Cyrus S. H.
Published: April 2021

Background: This study examined the cyberbullying experience and coping manners of adolescents in urban Vietnam and explored the mediating effect of different support to the associations between cyberbullying and mental health issues.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed on 484 students at four secondary schools. Cyberbullying experience, coping strategies, psychological problems, and family, peer, and teacher support were obtained. Structural equation modeling was utilized to determine the mediating effects of different support on associations between cyberbullying and psychological problems.

Results: There were 11.6 and 28.3% of students who reported that they experienced and observed at least one cyberbullying act in the last 3 months, respectively. Among the victims, only 48.2% tried to stop the perpetrators. Meanwhile, the majority of observers belonged to the “Intervene” group who tried to report cyberbullying acts or help victims. Family support was found to partially mediate associations between cyberbullying experience and observation with levels of psychological problems among adolescents.

Conclusion: The 3-month rate of cyberbullying experience and observation among urban adolescents aged 11–14 was low. However, current coping strategies against cyberbullying were not sufficient. Family support is an important factor that should be considered for designing interventions to mitigating the impacts of cyberbullying on the mental health of adolescents.
Mental Symptoms and Stress of Hospitalized Schizophrenia Patients With 2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease: An Observation Study
Authors: Ma Jun , Jiang Tao , Huang Hanjun , Li Ruihua , Zhang Lin , Liu Lianzhong , Liu Xuebing
Published: April 2021

Background: The 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an extremely rapidly spreading respiratory infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. Many schizophrenic patients were infected with COVID-19 in Wuhan City, Hubei Province. This study took hospitalized schizophrenia patients with COVID-19 as the research subjects and observed the changes in psychopathology and stress of patients with COVID-19 and the accompanying social isolation.

Methods: To sort and isolate potential COVID-19-infected patients, an isolated ward was set up from January 30, 2020, to March 30, 2020. Schizophrenia patients with COVID-19 were referred to this ward, and long-term hospitalized cases were included in this study. The Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and Perceived Stress Scale were used to evaluate the severity of mental symptoms and psychological stress in the early stage of the outbreak of COVID-19, after the diagnosis of COVID-19 and after recovery. At the time of diagnosis, we also extracted the patient's routine blood, biochemical and other indicators and asked the patient's perception of COVID-19.

Results: 21 hospitalized schizophrenia patients with COVID-19 were recruited in this study. The changes in PANSS scores were not significant (p = 0.225 baseline vs. diagnosed, p = 0.399 cured vs. diagnosed). The CPSS scores increased significantly after diagnosis and transfer to the isolation ward (p < 0.001 baseline vs. diagnosed, p < 0.001 cured vs. diagnosed). The course of schizophrenia was a protective factor of stress levels to cases (t = −3.25, p = 0.006), and patients' perception of COVID-19 was a risk factor (t = 2.48, p = 0.038). The final multiple linear regression model was statistically significant (F = 8.16, p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Hospitalized schizophrenia patients with COVID-19 had increased stress levels and negative symptoms but alleviated positive symptoms after medical isolated treatment. This reminds us that in the face of major epidemics, we must specifically alleviate the psychological burden at the peak of the epidemic and improve the prognosis of patients after the epidemic.
The Relationship Between Different Aspects of Theory of Mind and Symptom Clusters in Psychotic Disorders: Deconstructing Theory of Mind Into Cognitive, Affective, and Hyper Theory of Mind
Authors: Dorn Laura M.-L. , Struck Nele , Bitsch Florian , Falkenberg Irina , Kircher Tilo , Rief Winfried , Mehl Stephanie
Published: April 2021

Background:Several meta-analyses highlight pronounced problems in general Theory of Mind (ToM), the ability to infer other persons' mental states, in patients with psychosis in comparison to non-clinical controls. In addition, first studies suggest associations between Hyper-ToM, an exaggerated inference of mental states to others, and delusions. Research on different ToM subtypes (Cognitive ToM, Affective ToM, and Hyper-ToM) and symptom clusters of psychosis (positive, negative, and disorganized symptoms) have gathered conflicting findings. Thus, the present study examined group differences between patients with psychosis and non-clinical controls concerning Cognitive ToM/Affective ToM and Hyper-ToM. Further, the association between ToM subtypes and symptom clusters (positive, negative, and disorganized symptoms) were examined.

Methods:Patients with psychotic disorders (n= 64, 1/3 with present delusions indicated by a minimum score of four in thePANSSP1 item) and non-clinical controls (n= 21) were examined with assessments of Cognitive ToM and Affective ToM abilities and Hyper-ToM errors using the Frith-Happé animations. Psychopathology was assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale.

Results:Patients with psychosis presented more pronounced problems in Cognitive and Affective ToM in comparison to non-clinical controls, whereas there were no group differences with regard to Hyper-ToM errors. Furthermore, deficits in Cognitive ToM were associated with general delusions, whereas problems in Affective ToM were associated with negative and disorganized symptoms. In addition, there was no association between Hyper-ToM errors and any symptoms when controlling for years of education.

Conclusions:Our findings suggest that deficits in ToM subtypes might not be directly related to delusions and positive symptoms and are in line with more recently developed cognitive models of delusions. In addition, our results support the well-established finding of associations between ToM alterations and negative or disorganized symptoms. Our results shed light on the role of different dimensions of ToM in specific symptoms of psychosis.
The Mediating Roles of Emotional Regulation on Negative Emotion and Internet Addiction Among Chinese Adolescents From a Development Perspective
Authors: Liang Lijuan , Zhu Mingrui , Dai Jiali , Li Min , Zheng Ya
Published: April 2021

Previous researches indicated that emotional regulation can be associated with depression and anxiety, which may be an important mediating factor between emotional regulation and internet addiction. However, the mechanism between these associations has received little attention and it is still unclear. This study has examined 716 Chinese adolescents, 341 were males (47.6%), aged 13 to 18(Mean = 14.58, SD = 1.50), using a cross-sectional survey involving Young's Diagnostic Questionnaire for Internet Addiction, the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the seven-item Generalized Anxiety (GAD-7) scale, and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire (ERQ). Correlation analysis, multiple-group analysis and structural equation modeling were carried out in SPSS Statistics version 23 (IBM, Armonk, NY) and AMOS version 21. Cognitive reappraisal had a significantly negative direct effect on Internet addiction (β = −0.118,p< 0.05). Furthermore, negative emotions mediated the relationships between expression suppression and Internet addiction [β = 0.149, 95% CI = (0.099, 0.212)] and the relationship between cognitive reappraisal and Internet addiction [β = −0.101, 95% CI = (−0.147, −0.065)]. The differences in the structure path coefficients for different development stages demonstrated that recognitive reappraisal showed more protective roles for negative emotion (p< 0.01), and negative emotion also predict Internet addiction more effectively in high school students (p< 0.001). However, cognitive reappraisal directly predicted negative Internet addiction in junior high school students. Therefore, the intervention on adolescents for internet addiction should not only focus on emotional regulation and negative emotion, but also development stages of adolescents.
Salty Crackers as Fortuitous Dosimeters: A Novel PSL Method for Rapid Radiation Triage
Authors: Maltar-Strmečki Nadica , Vidotto Monica , Della Monaca Sara , Erceg Ina , Fattibene Paola , Vojnić Kortmiš Maja , Quattrini Maria Cristina , Bortolin Emanuela
Published: April 2021

When a radiological and nuclear (R/N) emergency occurs, the categorization of individuals into those who are unaffected and those requiring medical intervention is a high priority. At times, a professional dosimeter is not available and therefore some common belongings may be used as fortuitous dosimeters. The preparation of these objects for the measurement should be such as to give the most accurate and precise results. This paper focused on the Photo-Stimulated Luminescence (PSL) response of salty crackers confronts the problem of sample preparation (mass, grain size), dose response and signal stability. The dose response was determined for doses up to 5 Gy, which allowed the calculation of the limit of detection. Additionally, the signal stability was investigated for samples irradiated with 0.3 and 3 Gy. The observed decrease of the signal does not prevent the detection in the dose range typical for R/N emergency. The main dosimetric characteristics were investigated by using two different models of PSL readers equipped with single (infrared) or double (infrared, blue light) stimulation. The results indicated that the limit of detection can be improved by applying blue light stimulation. Moreover, strong correlation of the measurements performed in the two different instruments, as well as the rapidity of the analysis and the simplicity of the operations, suggest that this method can be suitable for a rapid radiation triage of a large number of civilians in a mass casualty event. The study was simultaneously conducted by two laboratories (Ruder Bošković Institute, RBI, Croatia and Istituto Superiore di Sanità, ISS, Italy) involved in the BioPhyMeTRE project (grant No. G5684) supported by NATO Science for Peace and Security Programme.
An Overcomplete Approach to Fitting Drift-Diffusion Decision Models to Trial-By-Trial Data
Authors: Feltgen Q. , Daunizeau J.
Published: April 2021

Drift-diffusion models or DDMs are becoming a standard in the field of computational neuroscience. They extend models from signal detection theory by proposing a simple mechanistic explanation for the observed relationship between decision outcomes and reaction times (RT). In brief, they assume that decisions are triggered once the accumulated evidence in favor of a particular alternative option has reached a predefined threshold. Fitting a DDM to empirical data then allows one to interpret observed group or condition differences in terms of a change in the underlying model parameters. However, current approaches only yield reliable parameter estimates in specific situations (c.f. fixed drift rates vs drift rates varying over trials). In addition, they become computationally unfeasible when more general DDM variants are considered (e.g., with collapsing bounds). In this note, we propose a fast and efficient approach to parameter estimation that relies on fitting a “self-consistency” equation that RT fulfill under the DDM. This effectively bypasses the computational bottleneck of standard DDM parameter estimation approaches, at the cost of estimating the trial-specific neural noise variables that perturb the underlying evidence accumulation process. For the purpose of behavioral data analysis, these act as nuisance variables and render the model “overcomplete,” which is finessed using a variational Bayesian system identification scheme. However, for the purpose of neural data analysis, estimates of neural noise perturbation terms are a desirable (and unique) feature of the approach. Using numerical simulations, we show that this “overcomplete” approach matches the performance of current parameter estimation approaches for simple DDM variants, and outperforms them for more complex DDM variants. Finally, we demonstrate the added-value of the approach, when applied to a recent value-based decision making experiment.
Current Management of Post-radical Prostatectomy Urinary Incontinence
Authors: Rahnama'i Mohammad S. , Marcelissen Tom , Geavlete Bogdan , Tutolo Manuela , Hüsch Tanja
Published: April 2021

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. Radical prostatectomy and radiation beam therapy are the most common treatment options for localized prostate cancer and have different associated complications. The etiology of post prostatectomy incontinence is multifactorial. There is evidence in the literature that anatomic support and pelvic innervation are important factors in the etiology of post-prostatectomy incontinence. Among the many surgical and technical factors proposed in the literature, extensive dissection during surgery, damage to the neurovascular bundle and the development of postoperative fibrosis have a substantial negative impact on the continence status of men undergoing RP. Sparing of the bladder neck and anterior, and possibly posterior, fixation of the bladder-urethra anastomosis are associated with better continence rates. Overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) is multifactorial and the exact role of prostate surgery in the development of OAB is still under debate. There are several variables that could contribute to detrusor overactivity. Detrusor overactivity in patients after radical prostatectomy has been mainly attributed to a partial denervation of the bladder during surgery. However, together with bladder denervation, other hypotheses, such as the urethrovesical mechanism, have been described. Although there is conflicting evidence regarding the importance of conservative treatment after post-prostatectomy urinary incontinence, pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) is still considered as the first treatment choice. Duloxetin, either alone or in combination with PFMT, may hasten recovery of urinary incontinence but is often associated with severe gastrointestinal and central nervous side effects. However, neither PFMT nor duloxetine may cure male stress urinary incontinence. The therapeutic decision and the chosen treatment option must be individualized for each patient according to clinical and social factors. During the recent years, the development of new therapeutic choices such as male sling techniques provided a more acceptable management pathway for less severe forms of urinary incontinence related to radical prostatectomy. Following this perspective, technological improvements and the emergence of new dedicated devices currently create the premises for a continuously positive evolution of clinical outcomes in this particular category of patients.
Effect of Dried Distillers Grains With Solubles and Red Osier Dogwood Extract on Fermentation Pattern and Microbial Profiles of a High-Grain Diet in an Artificial Rumen System
Authors: Gomaa Walaa Mohamed Sayed , Saleem Atef Mohamed , Ran Tao , Jin Long , Samir Mohamed , McGeough Emma J. , Ominski Kim , Chen Lingyun , Yang Wenzhu
Published: April 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) and red-osier dogwood (ROD) extract on in vitro fermentation characteristics, nutrient disappearance, and microbial profiles using the rumen simulation technique. The experiment was a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments and four replicates per treatment. A basal diet [10% barley silage, 87% dry-rolled barley grain, and 3% vitamin and mineral supplement, dry matter (DM) basis] and a DDGS diet (as per basal diet with 25% of wheat DDGS replacing an equal portion of barley grain) were supplemented with ROD extract at 0 and 1% (DM basis), respectively. The experimental period was 17 d, consisting 10 days of adaptation and 7 days of data and sample collection. The substitution of wheat DDGS for barley grain did not affect gas production; disappearances of DM, organic matter, and crude protein; total volatile fatty acid (VFA) production; and microbial protein production. However, replacing barley grain with wheat DDGS increased (P = 0.01) fermenter pH and molar proportion of branched-chain VFA, switched (P = 0.06) the fermentation pattern to higher acetate production due to increased (P = 0.01) disappearance of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and decreased (P = 0.08) methane (CH4) production. In the basal barley diet, the ROD extract increased the acetate to propionate (A:P) ratio (P = 0.08) and reduced the disappearance of starch (P = 0.06) with no effect on any other variables. No effects of ROD in the DDGS diet were observed. The number of operational taxonomic unit (OTUs) and the Shannon diversity index of the microbial community had little variation among treatments. Taxonomic analysis revealed no effect of adding the ROD extract on the relative abundance of bacteria at the phylum level with either the basal diet or DDGS diet, while at the genus level, the microbial community was affected by the addition of both DDGS and the ROD extract. Prevotella and Fibrobacter were the most abundant genera in the basal diet; however, Treponema became the most abundant genus with the addition of the ROD extract. These results indicated that the substitution of wheat DDGS for barley grain may mitigate enteric CH4 emissions. The trend of reduced starch fermentability and increased NDF disappearance with the addition of ROD extract suggests a reduced risk of rumen acidosis and an improvement in the utilization of fiber for cattle-fed high-grain diet.
Changes in Cell Vitality, Phenotype, and Function of Dromedary Camel Leukocytes After Whole Blood Exposure to Heat Stress in vitro
Authors: Hussen Jamal
Published: April 2021

The dromedary camel (Camelus dromedarius) is well-adapted to the desert environment with the ability to tolerate increased internal body temperatures rising daily to 41–42°C during extreme hot. This study was undertaken to assess whether in vitro incubation of camel blood at 41°C, simulating conditions of heat stress, differently alters cell vitality, phenotype, and function of leukocytes, compared to incubation at 37°C (normothermia). Using flow cytometry, the cell vitality (necrosis and apoptosis), the expression of several cell markers and adhesion molecules, and the antimicrobial functions of camel leukocytes were analyzed in vitro. The fraction of apoptotic cells within the granulocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes increased significantly after incubation of camel whole blood at 41°C for 4 h. The higher increase in apoptotic granulocytes and monocytes compared to lymphocytes suggests higher resistance of camel lymphocytes to heat stress. Functionally, incubation of camel blood at 41°C for 4 h enhanced the phagocytosis and ROS production activities of camel neutrophils and monocytes toward S. aureus. Monocytes from camel blood incubated at 41°C for 4 h significantly decreased their expression level of MHC class II molecules with no change in the abundance of CD163, resulting in a CD163high MHC-IIlow M2-like macrophage phenotype. In addition, heat stress treatment showed an inhibitory effect on the LPS-induced changes in camel monocytes phenotype. Furthermore, in vitro incubation of camel blood at 41°C reduced the expression of the cell adhesion molecules CD18 and CD11a on neutrophils and monocytes. Collectively, the present study identified some heat-stress-induced phenotypic and functional alterations in camel blood leukocytes, providing a paradigm for comparative immunology in the large animals. The clinical relevance of the observed changes in camel leukocytes for the adaptation of the camel immune response to heat stress conditions needs further in vitro and in vivo studies.
Hybrid Capture-based Genomic Profiling of Circulating Tumor DNA From Patients With Advanced Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Shen Wenbin , Shan Boer , Liang Shanhui , Zhang Junling , Yu Yangyang , Zhang Yuzi , Wang Guoqiang , Bai Yuezong , Qian Bing , Lu Jin , Jiang Zhi
Published: April 2021

Objective: We conducted this study to characterize somatic genomic alterations in circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) from patients with ovarian cancer and compare GAs detected in ctDNA with tissue databases.

Methods: Hybrid capture-next generation sequencing genomic profiling of 150 genes was performed on ctDNA from 138 patients with ovarian cancer with 1,500× sequencing depth. The GAs detected in ctDNA were compared with those in our ovarian cancer tissue database (N = 488) and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database (N = 489).

Results: 115 patients (83%) had at least 1 GA detected in ctDNA. The most frequently altered genes detected in ctDNA were TP53 (72%), KRAS (11%), LRP1B (10%), ZNF703 (9%) and NF1 (8%). Comparative analysis with our tissue database showed similar frequencies of GAs per gene, although PIK3CA and KRAS mutations were more frequent in tissue and ctDNA, respectively (p < 0.05). Gene amplification and rearrangement were more frequent in ctDNA samples. The mutation frequency of homologous recombination repair associated-genes, VEGF signal/angiogenesis pathways, RAS pathways, NOTCH pathways and MSI-H ratio was not statistically different either in ctDNA or in tissue database. However, the mutation frequency of AKT, PIK3CA, PTEN and STK11 in PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway was significantly lower than that in tissue samples (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Our results suggest that genomic profiling of ctDNA could detect somatic GAs in a significant subset of patients with ovarian cancer. Hybrid capture-NGS based on liquid biopsy has the potential capability to serve as a substitute to tissue biopsy and further studies are warranted.
Bearing Strength and Failure Mechanisms of Riveted Woven Carbon Composite Joints
Authors: Torres-Arellano Mauricio , Bolom-Martínez Manuel de Jesus , Franco-Urquiza Edgar Adrian , Pérez-Mora Ruben , Jiménez-Arévalo Omar A. , Olivier Philippe
Published: April 2021

This research aimed to determine riveted carbon/epoxy composites’ mechanical performance when fabricated by resin transfer molding (RTM). As this manufacturing process is gaining importance in the aeronautics and automotive industries, assembly methods and their reliability must be studied in terms of their airworthiness and transportation implementation. The study case resumes the determination of the bearing strength of RTM-woven carbon composites for different rivet joint diameters (1/8, 5/32 and 3/16 in). The joint shear strength was obtained following the ASTM D5961 instructions, and post-failure analysis was carried out by a computerized tomography scan. A residual strength curve is provided with the results to infer the bearing strength for the riveted composites as a function of the rivet width-to-diameter ratio. A discussion of the fracture mechanism and tensile strength is carried out to assess the understanding of the riveted woven composites.
Topdressing Nitrogen Demand Prediction in Rice Crop Using Machine Learning Systems
Authors: Iatrou Miltiadis , Karydas Christos , Iatrou George , Pitsiorlas Ioannis , Aschonitis Vassilis , Raptis Iason , Mpetas Stelios , Kravvas Kostas , Mourelatos Spiros
Published: April 2021

This research is an outcome of the R&D activities of Ecodevelopment S.A. (steadily supported by the Hellenic Agricultural Organization—Demeter) towards offering precision farming services to rice growers. Within this framework, a new methodology for topdressing nitrogen prediction was developed based on machine learning. Nitrogen is a key element in rice culture and its rational management can increase productivity, reduce costs, and prevent environmental impacts. A multi-source, multi-temporal, and multi-scale dataset was collected, including optical and radar imagery, soil data, and yield maps by monitoring a 110 ha pilot rice farm in Thessaloniki Plain, Greece, for four consecutive years. RapidEye imagery underwent image segmentation to delineate management zones (ancillary, visual interpretation of unmanned aerial system scenes was employed, too); Sentinel-1 (SAR) imagery was modelled with Computer Vision to detect inundated fields and (through this) indicate the exact growth stage of the crop; and Sentinel-2 image data were used to map leaf nitrogen concentration (LNC) exactly before topdressing applications. Several machine learning algorithms were configured to predict yield for various nitrogen levels, with the XGBoost model resulting in the highest accuracy. Finally, yield curves were used to select the nitrogen dose maximizing yield, which was thus recommended to the grower. Inundation mapping proved to be critical in the prediction process. Currently, Ecodevelopment S.A. is expanding the application of the new method in different study areas, with a view to further empower its generality and operationality.
Optimizing Grain Yield and Water Use Efficiency Based on the Relationship between Leaf Area Index and Evapotranspiration
Authors: Zhang Guoqiang , Ming Bo , Shen Dongping , Xie Ruizhi , Hou Peng , Xue Jun , Wang Keru , Li Shaokun
Published: April 2021

Achieving optimal balance between maize yield and water use efficiency is an important challenge for irrigation maize production in arid areas. In this study, we conducted an experiment in Xinjiang China in 2016 and 2017 to quantify the response of maize yield and water use to plant density and irrigation schedules. The treatments included four irrigation levels: 360 (W1), 480 (W2), 600 (W3), and 720 mm (W4), and five plant densities: 7.5 (D1), 9.0 (D2), 10.5 (D3), 12.0 (D4), and 13.5 plants m−2 (D5). The results showed that increasing the plant density and the irrigation level could both significantly increase the leaf area index (LAI). However, LAI expansion significantly increased evapotranspiration (ETa) under irrigation. The combination of irrigation level 600 mm (W3) and plant density 12.0 plants m−2 (D4) produced the highest maize yield (21.0–21.2 t ha−1), ETa (784.1–797.8 mm), and water use efficiency (WUE) (2.64–2.70 kg m−3), with an LAI of 8.5–8.7 at the silking stage. The relationship between LAI and grain yield and evapotranspiration were quantified, and, based on this, the relationship between water use and maize productivity was analyzed. Moreover, the optimal LAI was established to determine the reasonable irrigation level and coordinate the relationship between the increase in grain yield and the decrease in water use efficiency.
A Dieldrin Case Study: Another Evidence of an Obsolete Substance in the European Soil Environment
Authors: Tsiantas Petros , Tzanetou Evangelia N. , Karasali Helen , Kasiotis Konstantinos M.
Published: April 2021

Soil constitutes a central environmental compartment that, due to natural and anthropogenic activities, is a recipient of several contaminants. Among them, organochlorine pesticides are of major concern, even though they have been banned decades ago in the European Union, due to their persistence and the health effects they can elicit. In the presented work, a gas chromatographic tandem mass spectrometric (GC-MS/MS) developed method was applied to soil samples after the suspected and potential use of formulations containing organochlorine active substance. One soil sample was positive to dieldrin at 0.018 mg kg−1. Predicted environmental concentration in soil (PECsoil) considering a single application of this active substance potentially attributed the finding in its past use. The subsequent health risk assessment showed negligible non-carcinogenic risk and tolerable carcinogenic risk. The latter signifies that repetitive and prolonged sampling can unveil the pragmatic projection of persistent chemicals’ residues in the soil.
EC Sensitivity of Hydroponically-Grown Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) Types in Terms of Nitrate Accumulation
Authors: Kappel Noémi , Boros Ildikó Fruzsina , Ravelombola Francia Seconde , Sipos László
Published: April 2021

The goal of this research was to investigate the effect of electrical conductivity (EC) levels of the nutrient solution on the fresh weight, chlorophyll, and nitrate content of hydroponic-system-grown lettuce. The selected cultivars are the most representative commercial varieties grown for European markets. Seven cultivars (‘Sintia,’ ‘Limeira,’ ‘Corentine,’ ‘Cencibel,’ ‘Kiber,’ ‘Attiraï,’ and ‘Rouxaï’) of three Lactuca sativa L. types’ (butterhead, loose leaf, and oak leaf) were grown in a phytotron in rockwool, meanwhile the EC level of the nutrient solutions were different: normal (<1.3 dS/m) and high (10 dS/m). The plants in the saline condition had a lower yield but elevated chlorophyll content and nitrate level, although the ‘Limeira’ and ‘Cencibel’ cultivars had reduced nitrate levels. The results and the special characteristic of the lollo-type cultivars showed that the nitrate level could be very different due to salinity (‘Limeira’ had the lowest (684 µg/g fresh weight (FW)) and ‘Cencibel’ had the highest (4396 µg/g FW)). There was a moderately strong negative correlation (−0.542) in the reverse ratio among the chlorophyll and nitrate contents in plants treated with a normal EC value, while this relationship was not shown in the saline condition. Under the saline condition, cultivars acted differently, and all examined cultivars stayed under the permitted total nitrate level (5000 µg/g FW).
Nitrogen Yields and Biological Nitrogen Fixation of Winter Grain Legumes
Authors: Neugschwandtner Reinhard W. , Bernhuber Alexander , Kammlander Stefan , Wagentristl Helmut , Klimek-Kopyra Agnieszka , Lošák Tomáš , Zholamanov Kuanysh K. , Kaul Hans-Peter
Published: April 2021

Grain legumes are valuable sources of protein and contribute to the diversification and sustainability of agricultural systems. Shifting the sowing date from spring to autumn is a strategy to address low yields of spring grain legumes under conditions of climate change. A two-year field experiment was conducted under Pannonian climate conditions in eastern Austria to assess the nitrogen yield and biological N2 fixation of winter peas and winter faba beans compared to their spring forms. The grain nitrogen yields of winter peas and winter faba beans were 1.83-fold and 1.35-fold higher compared to their spring forms, respectively, with a higher value for winter peas. This was mainly due to higher grain yields of winter legumes, as winter faba beans had a 1.06-fold higher grain nitrogen concentration than spring faba bean. Soil mineral nitrate after harvest was similar for all grain legumes, with by 2.85- and 2.92-fold higher values for peas and faba beans than for cereals, respectively. The N2 fixation of winter peas and winter faba beans were 3.90-fold and 2.28-fold higher compared to their spring forms, with winter peas having a 1.60-fold higher N2 fixation than winter faba beans. The negative nitrogen balance of winter peas was smaller than that of winter faba beans as they demonstrated the ability to overcompensate for higher nitrogen removal with grain through higher N2 fixation. The cultivation of winter grain legumes, especially winter peas, can be recommended under Pannonian climate conditions as they achieve high nitrogen yields and high levels of N2 fixation.
Inheritance of Pod Length and Other Yield Components in Two Cowpea and Yard-Long Bean Crosses
Authors: Edematie Victoria E. , Fatokun Christian , Boukar Ousmane , Adetimirin Victor O. , Kumar P. Lava
Published: April 2021

This study determined the gene effects involved in the inheritance of pod length and other yield-related traits and relationships among traits in crosses between two cowpea lines (TVu 2280 and TVu 2027) and a yard-long bean (TVu 6642) line with long pods. Plants of six generations (P1, P2, F1, F2, BC1P1, and BC1P2) derived from TVu 2280 × TVu 6642 and TVu 2027 × TVu 6642 were evaluated under field conditions. Data collected on 14 yield components of each cross were used for generation mean analysis. Gene effects and their magnitudes varied with the crosses; digenic epistatic gene effects were detected for 10 traits in TVu 2280 × TVu 6642 and 11 traits in TVu 2280 × TVu 6642. Only additive gene effect was significant for pod length in TVu 2280 × TVu 6642 while additive, dominant, and two of the three digenic epistatic gene effects were significant in TVu 2027 × TVu 6642. Models that incorporated only significant additive, dominant, and digenic epistasis were adequate for all 14 traits in TVu 2280 × TVu 6642 and eight of the 12 traits in TVu 2027 × TVu 6642 for which model-fitting was possible. Across segregating generation of the two crosses, pod length (PodLNT) was significantly (p < 0.001) correlated with three major yield components viz. pod weight (0.84, 0.77), number of seeds per pod (0.41, 0.30) and seed weight per pod (0.61, 0.29). Significant correlation of PodLNT with seed yield per plant was moderate and significant (p < 0.01–0.001) in the BC1P1 of the two crosses (0.31 and 0.41). An improvement in cowpea seed yield is feasible through selection for long pods in segregating generations involving crosses with yard-long bean.
Suitability of Different Thermometers for Measuring Body Core and Skin Temperatures in Suckling Piglets
Authors: Schmid Simone M. , Büscher Wolfgang , Steinhoff-Wagner Julia
Published: April 2021

Monitoring the temperature of piglets after birth is critical to ensure their well-being. Rectal temperature measurement is time-consuming, requires fixation of the animal and is stressful for piglets. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of infrared thermometry and thermography as compared to rectal temperatures. We investigated digital thermometers for rectal measurements, infrared ear thermometers, infrared forehead thermometers, infrared laser thermometers and an infrared camera during field trials with piglets aged 1–13 days. Temperatures differed between the left and right ear and ear base (p < 0.01), but not between temples. Three forehead and laser devices yielded different temperatures (p < 0.01). Temperatures assessed with a laser thermometer decreased with distance from the target (p < 0.01). The highest correlation observed was between the rectal and tympanic temperatures (r = 0.89; p < 0.01). For temperatures assessed with the camera, inner thigh and abdomen correlated most closely to core temperature (0.60 ≤ r ≤ 0.62; p < 0.01). Results indicate that infrared ear thermometry commonly used in humans is also suited for assessing temperature in piglets. The inner thigh and abdomen seem promising locations for estimating core temperature with an infrared camera, but this approach needs to be adapted to reduce time exposure and stress for the piglets to be used under practical conditions.
Perceptions and Attitudes towards Mules in a Group of Soldiers
Authors: Lagos Javiera , Rojas Manuel , Rodrigues Joao B. , Tadich Tamara
Published: April 2021

Mules are essential for pack work in mountainous areas, but there is a lack of research on this species. This study intends to assess the perceptions, attitudes, empathy and pain perception of soldiers about mules, to understand the type of human–mule relationship. For this, a survey was applied with closed-ended questions where the empathy and pain perception tools were included and later analyzed through correlations. Open-ended questions were analyzed through text mining. A total of 73 soldiers were surveyed. They had a wide range of ages and years of experience working with equids. Significant positive correlations were found between human empathy, animal empathy and pain perception. Soldiers show a preference for working with mules over donkeys and horses. Text mining analysis shows three clusters associated with the mules’ nutritional, environmental and health needs. In the same line, relevant relations were found for the word “attention” with “load”, “food”, and “harness”. When asked what mules signify for them, two clusters were found, associated with mules’ working capacity and their role in the army. Relevant relations were found between the terms “mountain”, “support”, and “logistics”, and also between “intelligent” and “noble”. To secure mules’ behavioral and emotional needs, future training strategies should include behavior and welfare concepts.