bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Egg Characteristics in Two Strains of Japasese Quail Eggs (Coturnix coturnix japonica)
Authors: Ezekiel Udoh, Jessie , Abayomi Adeoye, Adelani , Ndifreke Mbaba, Ekaette 
Published: February 2020

The study evaluated effect of strain on external and internal egg indices of two strains of Japanese quails (Cinnamon Brown (CBS) and Panda White (PWS) Strains)). 300 birds per Strain were reared in a Completely Randomized Design in an intensive system of management practice with ad libitum feed and water for 10 weeks. Strains were considered treatments. 300 eggs were used for External (Egg Weight (EW), Egg Length (EL), Egg Width (EW), Eggshell Weight (SW), Shell Thickness (ST) and Internal (Yolk Height (YH), Yolk Diameter (YD), Albumen Weight (AW), Albumen Diameter (AD), Albumen Height (AH), Haugh Unit (Hu)) egg parameters. Data were subjected to ANOVA of SAS Ver.9.2. Strain significantly (p < 0.05) affected all external egg parameters of Japanese quails except EW measured. The mean values obtained in EL (2.90 ± 0.01 cm) and ED (2.47 ± 0.01 cm) for PWS were significantly (p < 0.05) higher than that of CBS with 2.86 ± 0.01 (EL) and 2.36 ± 0.0 (ED) while 0.82 ± 0.01 g (SW) and 0.11 ± 0.02 cm (ST) for CBS were higher (p < 0.05) significantly than 0.80 ± 0.01 g (SW) and 0.07 ± 0.01 (ST) for PWS. Strain significantly (p < 0.05) influenced all internal egg parameters of Japanese quails exception of YH and YW measured. CBS had higher mean values of 3.25 ± 0.03 cm (AD), 2.35 ± 0.01 cm (YD) and 1.42 ± 0.06 (YC) than PWS with 3.14 ± 0.02 cm (AD), 2.30 ± 0.01 cm (YD) and 1.16 ± 0.03 (YC) while PWS was superior in AH (0.42 ± 0.01 cm), AW (1.77 ± 0.04 g) and Hu (62.10 ± 0.12%) compared to CBS with AH (0.40 ± 0.00 cm), AW (1.66 ± 0.03 g) and Hu (60.67 ± 0.38%). However, CBS had a better external egg quality because of the heavier and thicker shell mean which protect the internal egg contents while PWS performed better in internal egg parameters as Hu qualifies a good quality egg. In conclusion, Cinnamon brown strain of Japanese quails should be reared for egg production purpose as it has better external egg quality to protect the internal egg contents.
Assessment of a Climate-smart Cropping Combination for Integrated Crop and Livestock Production System
Authors: Tembo Langa , Chabala Lydia M. , Sianangama Pharaoh C. 
Published: February 2020

Aims: To investigate sustainable climate-smart cropping combinations for integrated production of crops and livestock.
Study Design: The mother baby trial design was used. The mother trial being an on-station experiment and the on-farm being baby trials. The experiment was arranged as a split plot design. The main plots were 3 types of soil amendments; cattle manure, fertilizer and a control. The subplots were eight (8) crop combinations, arising from velvet bean, cowpea, rhodes grass and ryegrass.
Place and Duration of Study: The on-station field experiment was located at Liempe farm of the University of Zambia, in Chongwe district. The on-farm experiments were laid in Mazabuka and Chibombo districts of Zambia for two consecutive seasons, 2016/17 and 2017/18 cropping seasons.
Methodology: The cropping combination responses were measured based on variable performance of maize test-crop. The ‘soil amendments type’ and ‘crop combination’ performance were evaluated using analysis of variance. Means were separated using Fisher protected Least Significant Difference (LSD) at α = 0.05. Principal component analysis (PCA), was also undertaken to further understand responses among crop combinations. Farmers reactions arising from experimental implementation was qualitatively analysed using content analysis.
Results: Significant differences (P = .05) across cropping combinations on measured variables (for maize test crop) were exhibited among soil amendments type at an on-station trial during the 2017/ 18 season. Fertilizer soil amendment type was the best performer followed by manure and the control. Significant differences (P = .05) were also obtained among crop combinations across soil amendment type in all experimental sites. Crop combinations with velvet bean performed better than others. Qualitative grass inspection showed that rhodes grass was a better performer than rye grass.
Conclusion: Maize grown in combination with legumes particularly velvet beans and rhodes grass are a viable option as a smallholder farming practice in a changing climate.
Evaluation of Zinc, Vitamin C and Vitamin E Levels in Male Subjects with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ositadinma Ifeanyichukwu Martin , Martina Ngwu Amauche 
Published: February 2020

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the serum/plasma levels of zinc, vitamin C and E in male subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus to establish their concentration pattern.
Place and Duration of Study: Medical outpatient clinic, Chemical Pathology Laboratory of Enugu State University of Science and Technology Teaching Hospital, between January and December 2016.
Methodology: This prospective cohort study enrolled 40 male individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 40 apparently healthy control, within the age range of 45-75 years. Zinc, vitamin C, vitamin E, and fasting blood glucose levels were determined at pre-treatment, six months and 12 months into treatment.
Results: The mean values of zinc, vitamin E and fasting blood glucose were significantly higher at pre-treatment compared to apparently healthy control values (147. 76 +/- 32.95 vs 114.31+/- 15.58 µg/dl, 11.88 +/- 3.13 vs 3.42 +/- 0.21 mg/dl and 8.08 +/- 3.22 vs 5.25+/- 0.35 mmol/l respectively) (p=<0.001, <0.001, and <0.001 respectively). At 6 month into treatment in comparison to pre-treatment values, there were significant decreases in vitamin C (3.90+/-0.97 vs 5.15+/-1.43 mg/dl) (p= 0.04). At 12 month into treatment in comparison to pre-treatment values, there were significant decreases in vitamin C (3.25+/-0.16 vs 5.15+/-1.43 mg/dl) (p= <0.001). At pre-treatment, vitamin C significantly decrease from 6.49 +/- 0.96 mg/dl in age group 45-64 years to 4.10 +/- 0.76 mg/dl in age >65 years (p=0.01).
Conclusion: The levels of vitamin C were lower at six months, but lowest at 12 month into treatment. Also vitamin C levels were found to be lower in age >65 years.
Adult Learning: A Multifaceted Endeavor
Authors: Baumgartner Lisa M. , Carr‐Chellman Davin 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis article provides an overview of adult learning theory, focusing on the theories covered in this issue of New Directions in Adult and Continuing Education. In offering a brief synopsis of each article and reflecting on the ways adult learning theories have evolved since the first update was published in 1993, this article explains several themes that characterize that evolution: (1) the continued importance of foundational learning theories, (2) the diversity of learners and learning, and (3) the presence of technology in today's world. A combination of these themes is present in every article, which characterizes the current state of the field of adult learning theory.
Distributed System Identification for Linear Stochastic Systems Under an Adaptive Event‐Triggered Scheme
Authors: Geng Xiaoxue , Zhao Wenxiao 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTThis article considers a distributed identification problem for linear stochastic systems whose input and output observations are scheduled by an adaptive event‐triggered scheme. An event detector with time‐varying thresholds is designed to control the transmission of measurements from the sensors to the estimators, which leads to that only a subset of input and output data is available for identification. The estimators exchange information over a network and cooperatively identify the unknown parameters. A distributed recursive identification algorithm under the event‐triggered scheme is proposed based on the distributed stochastic approximation algorithm with expanding truncations (DSAAWET). Under mild assumptions, the strong consistency of the algorithm is proved, that is, the estimates generated from each estimator achieve consensus and converge to the true parameters with probability one. Finally, two numerical examples are provided to validate the theoretical results of the algorithm.
Synergy of In Situ Heterogeneous Interphases with Hydrogen Bond Reconstruction Enabling Highly Reversible Zn Anode at −40 °C
Authors: Zhou Anbin , Wang Huirong , Hu Xin , Hu Zhengqiang , Zhao Yi , Zhang Botao , Huang Yongxin , Cui Yanhua , Cui Yixiu , Li Li , Wu Feng , Chen Renjie 
Published: December 2024

AbstractAqueous Zn2+ ion batteries (AZIBs) are considered promising candidates for large‐scale energy storage systems. However, the critical technical bottlenecks, including Zn dendrite, corrosion reactions, and poor low‐temperature performance, significantly impede their commercialization. Here, γ‐valerolactone (γ‐GVL), a bioactive polar biomass‐based green solvent derived from lignocellulose, is introduced into electrolyte as a co‐solvent to improve the electrochemical stability of Zn anode and enhance its low‐temperature cycling performance. The non‐toxic γ‐GVL, serving as a strong hydrogen‐bonding ligand, coordinates with H2O to reconstruct the electrolyte's hydrogen bond network, broadening the electrochemical stability window and enhancing the anti‐frost properties of aqueous electrolytes. Moreover, γ‐GVL facilitates in situ formation of a heterogeneous solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) composed of ZnF2 and ZnS inorganic components. The heterogeneous interphases maintain superior ionic conductivity for Zn2+ transportation and hydrophobicity for H2O repulsion, synergistically enabling highly stable and dendrite‐free Zn deposition. Consequently, Zn||Zn cells exhibit improved cycling performance across a wide temperature range, achieving an extended cycle life of 5060 h at 25 °C and 2300 h at −40 °C. Zn||VO2 full cells show enhanced low‐temperature cyclability, retaining 97.0% capacity after 300 cycles at −20 °C, demonstrating substantial potential for advancing the commercialization of low‐temperature aqueous electrolytes.
Meso‐Scale Nanofibrillar Organization in Spider's Orb‐Web Radial Fibers
Authors: Riekel Christian , Grünewald Tilman A. 
Published: December 2024

AbstractSpider's orb‐web radial fibers absorb most of the impact energy of flying insects. The blend of extensibility, toughness, and strength of these dragline‐type fibers relies on structural proteins, called spidroins. The fibers hierarchical structural organization is attributed to crystalline β‐sheet nanodomains, assembling with less‐ordered protein chains into nanofibrils. Here, it is shown that radial fibers develop upon bending deformation structured core‐surface and core–core interfaces based on nanofibrillar bundles. The bundles at the core‐surface interface show meso‐scale diameters. Their short length appears to be due to interactions of nanofibrils with surface‐layer proteins. Meso‐scale diameter bundles at the interface of an outer and inner core–shell are, however, of extended length, coexisting with ordered domains of nanofibrillar clusters. Modeling supports an intermediary assembly level of nanofibrils clusters, composed of a central nanofibril surrounded by a shell of six nanofibrils.
TP8, A Novel Chondroinductive Peptide, Significantly Promoted Neo‐Cartilage Repair without Activating Bone Formation
Authors: Zhu Mingjing , Jiang Siqing , Li Xingyang , Zhong Wenchao , Cao Wei , Luo Qianting , Wu Antong , Wu Gang , Zhang Qingbin 
Published: December 2024

AbstractThe repair of large cartilage defects remains highly challenging in the fields of orthopedics and oral and maxillofacial surgery. A chondroinductive agent is promising to activate endogenous mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) so as to facilitate cartilage regeneration. In this study, we analyze the crystallographic data of the critical binding domain of transforming growth factor β3 (TGF‐β3) with its type II receptor and successfully develop a novel chondroinductive peptide — TGF‐β3‐derived peptide No. 8 (TP8) that can induce an ectopic cartilage formation without obvious bone formation. TP8 shows a comparable capacity as TGF‐β3 in enhancing glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and proteoglycans (PGs) secretion in the micromass of bone marrow MSCs (BMSCs) and promoting the expression of chondrogenic markers in comparison with the Control group. TP8 induces a significantly higher expression of the SRY‐box transcription factor 9 (Sox9) gene than TGF‐β3. Moreover, TP8 significantly upregulates the phosphorylation of Smad1/5 but not MAPK/JNK or Smad 2/3. The knockdown of low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) ‐related protein‐1 (Lrp1), a transmembrane endocytosis receptor, nullifies the TP8‐induced Sox9 expression. In the critical‐size cartilage defects in rabbit medial femoral condyles, TP8 can induce neo‐cartilage formation with a significantly thicker deep zone in comparison with the TGF‐β3 and Control. These findings suggest a promising application potential of TP8 in cartilage tissue engineering.
The Na+,K+,2Cl− Cotransporter, Not Aquaporin 1, Sustains Cerebrospinal Fluid Secretion While Controlling Brain K+ Homeostasis
Authors: Jensen Dennis Bo , Toft‐Bertelsen Trine L. , Barbuskaite Dagne , Stubbe Jane , Nietzsche Sandor , Capion Tenna , Norager Nicolas H. , Olsen Markus H. , Sørensen Andreas T. , Dimke Henrik , Hübner Christian A. , Juhler Marianne , MacAulay Nanna 
Published: December 2024

AbstractDisturbances in the brain fluid balance can lead to life‐threatening elevation in intracranial pressure (ICP), which represents a vast clinical challenge. Targeted and efficient pharmaceutical therapy of elevated ICP is not currently available, as the molecular mechanisms governing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) secretion are largely unresolved. To resolve the quantitative contribution of key choroid plexus transport proteins, this study employs mice with genetic knockout and/or viral choroid plexus‐specific knockdown of aquaporin 1 (AQP1) and the Na+, K+, 2Cl− cotransporter 1 (NKCC1) for in vivo determinations of CSF dynamics, ex vivo choroid plexus for transporter‐mediated clearance of a CSF K+ load, and patient CSF for [K+] quantification. CSF secretion and ICP management occur independently of choroid plexus AQP1 expression, whereas both parameters are reduced by 40% upon choroid plexus NKCC1 knockdown. Elevation of [K+]CSF increases the choroid plexus Na+/K+‐ATPase activity, and favors inwardly‐directed net NKCC1 transport, which, together, promote CSF K+ clearance, while maintaining undisturbed CSF secretion rates. CSF from patients with post‐hemorrhagic hydrocephalus does not display elevated [K+]CSF, suggesting that NKCC1 maintains net outward transport direction during post‐hemorrhagic hydrocephalus formation. Direct or indirect therapeutic modulation of choroid plexus NKCC1 can thus be a potential promising pharmacological approach against brain pathologies associated with elevated ICP.
Tailoring Ion Transport in Li3‐3yHo1+yCl6‐xBrx via Transition‐Metal Free Structural Planes and Charge Carrier Distribution
Authors: Ogbolu Bright O. , Poudel Tej P. , Dikella Thilina N. D. D. , Truong Erica , Chen Yudan , Hou Dewen , Li Tianyi , Liu Yuzi , Gabriel Eric , Xiong Hui , Huang Chen , Hu Yan‐Yan 
Published: December 2024

AbstractLocalized atomistic disorder in halide‐based solid electrolytes (SEs) can be leveraged to boost Li+ mobility. In this study, Li+ transport in structurally modified Li3HoCl6, via Br− introduction and Li+ deficiency, is explored. The optimized Li3‐3yHo1+yCl6‐xBrx achieves an ionic conductivity of 3.8 mS cm−1 at 25 °C, the highest reported for holmium halide materials. 6,7Li nuclear magnetic resonance and relaxometry investigations unveil enhanced ion dynamics with bromination, attaining a Li+ motional rate neighboring 116 MHz. X‐ray diffraction analyses reveal mixed‐anion‐induced phase transitions with disproportionate octahedral expansions and distortions, creating Ho‐free planes with favorable energetics for Li+ migration. Bond valence site energy analysis highlights preferred Li+ transport pathways, particularly in structural planes devoid of Ho3+ blocking effects. Molecular dynamics simulations corroborate enhanced Li+ diffusion with Br− introduction into Li3HoCl6. Li‐Ho electrostatic repulsions in the (001) plane presumably drive Li+ diffusion into the Ho‐free (002) layer, enabling rapid intraplanar Li+ motion and exchange between the 2d and 4h sites. Li3‐3yHo1+yCl6‐xBrx also demonstrates good battery cycling stability. These findings offer valuable insights into the intricate correlations between structure and ion transport and will help guide the design of high‐performance fast ion conductors for all‐solid‐state batteries.
Health Monitoring of Invasive Pink Salmon Oncorhynchus gorbuscha in Norway in 2023
Authors: Garseth Åse Helen , Furnesvik Lisa , Nielsen Kristoffer Vale , Olsen Anne Berit , Svendsen Julie Christine , Moldal Torfinn 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTSince 2019, the Norwegian Veterinary Institute (NVI) has conducted health monitoring of pink salmon in Norway. The primary purpose of health monitoring has been to examine the presence of selected notifiable infections in pink salmon, but also to gain general knowledge regarding the health of pink salmon to inform assessments of risks to wild and farmed native salmonids. In 2023, post‐mortem examinations were performed on 184 pink salmon captured in rivers Lakselv, Tana, Neiden, Komagelva, Kongsfjordelva and Karpelv in the County of Finnmark, Norway. Tissue samples from 161 of these were analysed with specific PCR assays aimed at detecting infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV), viral haemorrhagic septicaemia virus (VHSV), infectious hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHNV), piscine orthoreovirus genotype 1 (PRV‐1) and Renibacterium salmoninarum. In addition, cultivation methods were applied to detect the presence of cultivable virus and bacteria. ISAV, VHSV, IHNV PRV‐1 and R. salmoninarum were not detected by PCR. Furthermore, R. salmoninarum, Aeromonas salmonicida subsp. salmonicida and cultivable virus were not detected by cultivation. With the exception of the absence of PRV‐1, the results correspond to previous years' health‐monitoring projects.
The Effect of Prey Size and Prey Density on Paralarval Feeding Success of the Common Sydney Octopus, Octopus tetricus
Authors: Good Jeffrey , Jeffs Andrew , Spreitzenbarth Stefan 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTGlobal demand for octopus seafood has been increasing over the past 30 years. This demand is projected to increase further as coastal communities and seafood consumers seek alternative sources of protein as finfish stocks decline. The establishment of a sustainable octopus aquaculture would have the potential to alleviate fishing pressures from wild populations. Commercial‐scale octopus aquaculture, however, has not been achieved due to the difficulty of successfully rearing octopus paralarvae on an efficacious diet. This study investigated the prey size and density preferences of Octopus tetricus paralarvae to understand the characteristics that improve food acquisition during rearing. Groups of octopus paralarvae from multiple broods were observed for a range of feeding behaviour including positioning, attack, capture loss, successful capture and handling time when given different treatments of Artemia prey. Prey size experiments used treatments of Artemia with total lengths of < 0.5, 0.9–1.0 and 1.4–1.6 mm, while prey density experiments used 0.2, 0.6, 1.0, 1.4, 1.8 and 2.2 Artemia mL−1. Increased numbers of successful feeding behaviours (e.g., positionings, attacks and successful captures) were directly observed with increasing prey size. Octopus paralarvae performed 52% more positionings, 100% more attacks and 175% more successful captures when given large Artemia (1.4–1.6 mm) than when given small Artemia (< 0.5 mm). Likewise, the number of observed successful feeding behaviours tended to increase with increasing Artemia density but sharply decreased at the highest density treatment (2.2 Artemia mL−1). Paralarvae performed up to 109% more positionings, 307% more attacks and 300% more successful captures when given prey densities of 1.0–1.8 Artemia mL−1 than when given lower prey density treatments and 2.2 Artemia mL−1. The results from this study indicate that prey size and density are crucial for the successful feeding of octopus paralarvae. Based on the greatest numbers of successful feeding behaviours, O. tetricus paralarvae prefer prey between 1.4 and 1.6 mm in length and at densities between 1.0 and 1.8 prey mL−1. The use of these optimal prey characteristics can be used to promote efficient paralarval octopus prey capture and feeding to greatly increase food intake in octopus paralarvae when reared in aquaculture.
Occupational Injury and Suicide in Washington State, Adjusting for Pre‐Injury Depression
Authors: Applebaum Katie M. , Asfaw Abay , O'Leary Paul K. , Fox Matthew P. , Tripodis Yorghos , Busey Andrew , Gradus Jaimie L. , Boden Leslie I. 
Published: December 2024

ABSTRACTIntroductionOccupational injuries have been associated with increased suicide mortality, but prior studies have not accounted for pre‐injury depression.MethodsWe linked injuries that occurred from 1994 to 2000 in the Washington State workers' compensation system with Social Security Administration data on earnings and mortality through 2018. We estimated the subdistribution hazard ratio (sHR) and 95% confidence interval using competing risks regression of suicide deaths with lost time compared with medical‐only injuries separately for men and women, adjusting for age, pre‐injury annual earnings, and industry. We further adjusted for pre‐injury diagnosis of major depressive disorder by using a quantitative bias analysis (QBA), with the prevalence of this disorder in workers derived from an external health insurance claims data set.ResultsElevated suicide mortality was observed following lost‐time injuries compared with medical‐only injuries for men (sHR = 1.49, 95% CI [1.14, 1.93]) and women (sHR = 1.30, 95% CI [1.00, 1.69]), adjusting for age, pre‐injury earnings, and industry. Adjusted for pre‐injury depression using a QBA, elevated suicide risk in men remained statistically significant (median sHR = 1.33, simulation interval [1.18, 1.47]) but not for women.DiscussionWorkplace injury requiring time off work appeared to remain influential in increasing suicide risk among men, even after controlling for pre‐injury depression. The relationship between mental health before and after occupational injury is complex and studies should better integrate mental health pre‐injury.ConclusionsThough many questions remain on the complex relationship between work, depression, injuries, and suicide, employers should work to prevent injuries and consider implementing mental health programs, which could be helpful in reducing suicide risk.