bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probiotic Strategies for Mitigating Heat Stress Effects on Broiler Chicken Performance
Authors: Aydin Sadik Serkan , Hatipoglu Durmus 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of liquid (F-LAB) and commercial (C-LAB) probiotics sourced from Rye-Grass Lactic Acid Bacteria on broiler chickens experiencing heat stress (HS). The research involved 240 broiler chicks divided into six groups: control, F-LAB, C-LAB (raised at 24°C), HS, F-LAB/HS, and C-LAB/HS (exposed to 5–7 hours of 34–36°C daily). While F-LAB and HS/F-LAB groups received a natural probiotic added to their drinking water at a rate of 0.5 ml/L, C-LAB and HS/C-LAB groups were supplemented with a commercial probiotic at the same dosage. No probiotic supplementation was administered to the control and HS groups. The results revealed that without probiotic supplementation, heat stress led to a decrease in body weight gain, T3 levels, citrulline, and growth hormone levels, along with an increase in the feed conversion ratio, serum corticosterone, HSP70, ALT, AST, and leptin levels. Heat stress also adversely affected cecal microbiota, reducing lactic acid bacteria (LABC) while increasing Escherichia coli and coliform bacteria (CBC) counts. However, in the groups receiving probiotic supplementation under heat stress (F-LAB/HS and C-LAB/HS), these effects were alleviated. Particularly noteworthy was the observation that broiler chickens supplemented with natural lactic acid bacteria (F-LAB) exhibited greater resilience to heat stress compared to those receiving the commercial probiotic, as evidenced by improvements in growth, liver function, hormonal balance, intestinal health, and cecal microbiome ecology. These findings suggest that the supplementation of naturally sourced probiotics (F-LAB) may positively impact the intestinal health of broiler chickens exposed to heat stress, potentially supporting growth and health parameters.
Effectiveness and Safety of Combined Pharmacological Therapies for Allergic Rhinitis: protocol for a systematic review with network meta-analysis
Authors: Luo Xufei , Zhu Di , Li Albert Martin , Zhou Bing , Zhao Changqing , Zhang Hairong , Li Zhewei , Liu Hui , Wang Ling , Chen Yaolong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common condition caused by an immune response to allergens such as pollens, dust mites, or pet dander. Its treatment includes a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches, but there is no consensus on the most effective and safe combination of drugs. Network meta-analyses (NMA) can comprehensively evaluate multiple treatments for AR.

Methods

This study will search PubMed (via MEDLINE), Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science without language or time limitations for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that identify the combined use of hormonal drugs or antihistamines for the treatment of AR in adults and adolescents. The primary outcomes of interest are the mean change (am.+pm.) in Reflective Total Nasal Symptom Score (rTNSS) from baseline and total adverse effects. Our findings will be presented in a narrative synthesis, and where possible, we will conduct pairwise or Bayesian network meta-analyses with surface under the cumulative ranking curve analyses. We will test different statistical methods and models. Dichotomous outcomes will be reported as odds ratios, while continuous data will be recorded as mean differences with a 95% confidence interval or credibility interval. To assess the quality of the trials, we will use the Risk of Bias 2.0 tool, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach will evaluate the confidence of the evidence.

Discussion

This systematic review and NMA will provide a comprehensive review of the efficacy and safety of combined pharmacological therapies for treating allergic rhinitis in adults and adolescents. The findings of this study will be better equipped to make informed treatment decisions for patients with allergic rhinitis and aid in the development of evidence-based practice guidelines for the optimal management of this common condition.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42023398953.
Assessing Climate-Induced Vegetation Dynamics in the Kullu Valley Watershed, Western Himalayas, through Remote Sensing and Machine Learning: Statistical Analysis spanning 2000–2020
Authors: Kashyap Akash , Kumar Ashwani 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The dynamics of vegetation are critical for identifying climate change trends. The current study aims to examine the spatio-temporal changes in vegetation cover in the Kullu valley (Western Himalaya) during the decadal 2000, 2010, and 2020. The objective of the study includes the computation of normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) vegetation spectral indices, the extraction of various classes of vegetation, and statistical analysis of the sequential Mann Kendall test and Mann-Kendall (MK) test on historical metrological data from the study site (specifically precipitation, relative humidity, and temperature). Power data access viewer (NASA) datasets have been used in the statistical analysis of climatological data. The primary feature classes in the study are forest cover, snow, river, and grassland/scrubland. The result indicated that the region's grassland cover declined by 120.57 km2 and its forest cover decreased by 40.6 km2 between 2000 and 2020. The results demonstrate that climatic variables like slopes and increased minimum temperatures by two meters (A), minimum temperatures (B), maximum temperatures (C), relative humidity (D), and annual mean precipitation (E) from 2000-2020 are the main factors limiting vegetation growth. The determined NDVI displays significant variations across the study area. The annual maximum temperature was falling. The study's objectives are to: 1) analyse the spatiotemporal variation of vegetation cover, 2) identify its primary drivers, and 3) examine statistical trends in long-term metrological data. The result of the research presented will be useful in properly managing and monitoring the forest ecosystem.
RETRACTED: Experimental study on the regulation of M1/M2 macrophage polarisation to improve atherosclerosis by Strengthening the Jian-Pi-Qu-Tan Formula
Authors: Han Xiaomeng , Liu Yue , Zhao Yu , Tan Mi , Yu Maosheng , Li ZiWei 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Effects of Nutritional Interventions on Metabolic Syndrome Parameters Among Employees in Higher Education
Authors: Požar Hajnalka , Šumonja Sanja , Sabo Nataša Čamprag , Sekulić Nataša , Puškaš Valentin , Požar Čaba 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of metabolic syndrome parameters among the working population, as well as the change in these parameters after the implementation of nutritional interventions. The research was conducted as a prospective, longitudinal, quasi-experimental evaluation study from May to December 2022. The research sample consisted of employees at the College of Vocational Studies for the Education of Teachers and Sports Coaches in Subotica. The study lasted in three phases: 1. initial measurements (eating habits, anthropometric and biochemical measurements), 2. nutritional interventions (counseling work) and 3. evaluation (four months after the initial assessment). Data analysis included methods of descriptive statistical analysis. Nutritional intervention was conducted for 30 participants. Only 18 employees responded to the evaluation. Two thirds (62%) of the participants were overweight. Elevated cholesterol levels were found in almost two-thirds of the participants. Elevated triglyceride values were registered in more than half of the participants. Hyperglycemia was identified in 13% of participants. The research showed that over a third of the participants had three or four risk factors for the development of metabolic syndrome. The results of this study confirm the high prevalence of metabolic syndrome risk factors in the working age population.
The first successful land-based larviculture of narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson) and the assessment of optimal water conditions for larval survival using response surface methodology
Authors: Chiu Pei-Sheng , Chu Yeong-Torng , Lee Yen-Hong , Chang Ting-Jeng , Chang Che-Cheng , Hseu Jinn-Rong , He Jia-Sin , Weng Jinn-Shing , Wu Feng-Cheng 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The narrow-barred Spanish mackerel, Scomberomorus commerson, is a high economic value fishery resource in various parts of the world including Taiwan, but its population has significantly declined in recent years. Developing aquaculture methods for this species could help counteract the dwindling fisheries resources. This study successfully achieved fertilization through onboard artificial insemination, optimized larval survival conditions using response surface methodology (RSM), and conducted two batches of larviculture in land-based ponds while tracking larval development. Artificial insemination was performed on April 18, 2023, and May 12, 2023, aboard a vessel, resulting in fertilization rates ranging from 90–100%. Fertilized egg diameter was 1.04 ± 0.01 mm, with an oil globule diameter of 0.30 ± 0.00 mm. Optimal larval survival conditions, determined using RSM, were found at 25.17°C and 26.54 ppt salinity, achieving a larval survival of 97.42% with a desirability value of 0.974. Larvae began feeding at 3 days post hatch (dph), measuring 3.57 ± 0.07 mm, and grew to 117.91 ± 16.18 mm by 37 dph. Survival rates for the two batches ranged from 0.17–0.23%. This study represents the successful larviculture of narrow-barred Spanish mackerel in land-based culture ponds, marking a significant advancement in aquaculture for this species.
Non-linear λ−jordan Triple∗−derivation on Prime ∗−algebras
Authors: Kaheshzad Shuja , Rahnaward Ahmad ramin , Rahimi Sebghatollah 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Let $\mathcal{A}$ be a prime $\ast-$algebra and $\Phi$ a $\lambda-$Jurdan triple derivation on A, that is, for every $A, B, C \in \mathcal{A}$, $\Phi(A\diamond B)=\Phi(A)\diamond B+ A\diamond\Phi(B)$ wher $A\diamond_\lambda B = AB^\ast +\lambda BA$ such that a real scalar $|\lambda|\ne 0, 1,$ and $\Phi$ is additive. moreover, if $\Phi(I)$ and $\Phi(il)$ are selfadjiont then $\Phi$ is a $\ast-$derivation.
Optimal Sizing and Design of a Photovoltaic-Wind-Fuel Cell Storage System Using Zebra Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Said Mokhtar , Gad Doaa A. , El-Gaafary Ahmed , Elbaset Adel , Morad Mohamed 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

An optimum design of Photovoltaic-wind turbine-fuel cell hybrid energy systems (HRES) linked to a stand-alone micro-grid to meet the energy requirements of industrial and residential buildings in the Egyptian city of Siwa with anew algorithm introduced in this paper. The main photovoltaic (PV) and wind turbine (WT) hybrid renewable energy systems (HRESs) provide an affordable means of distributing power in these areas and then there is surplus power, it is efficiently channeled towards the electrolyzer to produce hydrogen. When the generated power cannot provide sufficient power, stored hydrogen is furnished to a proton exchange membrane fuel cell which, smoothly and without interruption, supplies the load. Fuel cells serve as supplemental sources intended to balance out power fluctuations and provide a steady supply of electricity to the load. The Zebra algorithm (ZOA) is used to determine the hybrid system's ideal size and compare results with Cuckoo Search algorithm (CSA). To match the load of the site with high operational reliability, a fitness function is employed loss of power supply probability (LPSP). To have a high-performance, dependable system, the optimization problem's choice variables such as the quantity of PV arrays and WTs are optimized. Based on the findings, 150 FCs, 113 wind turbines, and 82 PV arrays make up the ideal HRES system. The optimization performance has been excellent, even when the unmet load is zero with lowest COE.
Antioxidant and antinutritional potentials of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) leaf meal on blood indices, carcass characteristics and histopathology of broiler chickens
Authors: obakanurhe oghenebrorhie , Irikefe-Ekeke Efe Peterson , Moemeka Adimabua Mike , Onwumelu Ifeoma Jane , Sanubi Oghenenyerhovwo Jovita 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

A feed trial on seven hundred- and twenty-day old Cobb-500 strain broilers finisher chickens on substituting sweet potato leaf meal (SPLM) in broiler chicken diets was conducted. In a completely randomized design, the birds were allocated randomly to five (5) diets with 144 birds per treatment and divided into four replicates of thirty-six birds each. Treatment 1 was designated as the control (0% SPLM) while 3.75% SPLM, 7.5% SPLM, 11.25% SPLM and 15% SPLM serve as T2 – T5 respectively. Data were collected on blood indices, carcass characteristics and histopathology which were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the means were separated using Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. The proximate analysis and phytochemicals in the leaf revealed significant amounts of constituents analysed. The birds blood indices, carcass and organs characteristics on experimental diets recorded significant (p > 0.05) effects on WBC, MCH, MCV, glucose and total cholesterol, live weight, plucked weight and dressed carcass weight values. Treatment 3 had superior carcass values in comparison to the other treatments. The histopathology results recorded significant (p > 0.05) effects at 15%SPLM on the heart and liver respectively but no tissue damage was recorded. Birds on 11.25kg and 15kg SPLM supplemented diets had higher levels of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase (p 0.05) compared to other diets. Also, birds on SPLM supplements showed (p < 0.05) compared to the control. Conclusively, T3 revealed better carcass quality while 15 kg SPLM diet lowers the serum cholesterol concentration, improves the serum superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities of the chickens, and lowers the cholesterol in the meat.
Natural and mixed convection cooling evaluation of a hybrid photovoltaic inverter
Authors: Heckler Otávio Duarte Aires , Annunziato Rafael Christiano , Desan Welington Fernando Lima , Pereira Marcus Vinicius Alves , Souza Jeferson Avila 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Temperature control of embedded systems have become a key factor for the design of more thermal efficient electronic devices. They are becoming smaller and more powerful, what results in a large heat dissipation which must be removed from the system. Heat sinks and forced convection are the usual alternatives used to keep components temperature bellow critical values. In this work, a commercial hybrid photovoltaic inverter is numerically simulated and its thermal behavior is investigated for natural, forced and mixed flow conditions. Experimental results, for a forced convection case, were also reported and used do verify the numerical results. The 3D model accounts for all equipment with high heat dissipation and most of the less important (for thermal analysis) electronic devices, as well as, the fluid regions. A finite volume solution is obtained using the OpenFOAM software, more specifically the chtMultiRegionFoam solver. Flow modeling uses the Boussinesq approximation to account for the natural convection effects, while the k-e formulation was used to close the turbulence model. Results have shown that with current computational capacity, such complex systems (in terms of geometry) can be modeled with just a few simplifications. The inverter could work using only natural convection to cool down the system, however the operating temperatures would be close to the limiting values. In terms of forced convection, it is highlighted the importance of the correct design for the cooling system, avoiding oversizing the overall systems.
An analysis of the Decomposition and driving force of carbon emissions in transport sector in China
Authors: Gu Jing , Jiang Shuhua , Zhang Jing , Jiang Jinde 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

China's transport carbon emissions are increasing quickly and the issue of emission reduction is urgent. This article aims to calculate and decompose China’s transport carbon emissions during 2001–2019. It first measures the China's transport carbon emissions by IPCC carbon emission factor method, and then applys the Logarithmic Mean Divisia Index (LMDI) model for decomposition analysis. The conclusion indicates that: 1) Diesel, gasoline, kerosene, and fuel oil are the major energy sources used in China's transport sector, with the combined consumption of diesel and gasoline exceeding 70%, and the annual growth rate of energy consumption reached 8.92% during 2000–2019. Among them, natural gas and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) have the fastest growth rate, while the only one showing a downward trend is raw coal, indicating that China's transportation energy structure is being optimized. 2) Although China's transport carbon emissions have been increasing, the growth rate has declined since 2013. The proportion of carbon emissions from kerosene, diesel, natural gas, and LPG increased from 2000 to 2019, while that of raw coal, gasoline, and fuel oil decreased. This suggests that the use of clean energy, air transportation, and large-scale transportation is increasing, while the use of heavily polluting fuels and small-scale road transportation is decreasing. 3) Per capita GDP is the driving factor that has the most influence on the increase of China’s transport carbon emissions. Population positively influences transportation carbon emissions too, but issues such as aging, low fertility rates, and insufficient labor force may change the direction of the impact in the next 30 years. 4) The negative effect of energy intensity on transport carbon emissions is the greatest, followed by industrial structure and energy structure. The development of highways, new energy vehicles, railway electrification, multimodal transportation, third-party logistics, and logistics information technology in China has improved the energy structure, reduced energy intensity, and brought China's transport sector into an important stage of innovation driven and pursuit of coordinated development with the environment.
Does the health condition of the common ash tree affect its pollen viability?
Authors: Kahlenberg Georgia , Buchner Lisa , Jochner-Oette Susanne , Eisen Anna-Katharina 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Pollen viability plays a crucial role in reproduction. Given the enormous threat posed to the common ash (Fraxinus excelsior L.) by ash dieback, it is important to investigate the disease's effects on pollen viability and germination. Thus, we conducted an analysis of these pollen characteristics across three distinct forest stands in southern Bavaria, with a maximum of 23 ash trees per study site. These ash trees exhibited varying degrees of ash dieback-related damage symptoms, enabling us to assess differences between mildly and severely affected trees (via Mann-Whitney-U/Wilcoxon test). Pollen viability was assessed using the TTC test, while pollen germination capacity was evaluated using a sucrose agar solution. Our findings revealed no significant differences in pollen viability between healthy and diseased trees, as indicated by both the TTC test and pollen germination assay. However, a tendency towards higher pollen viability was observed in healthier, more robust ash trees across both methods. Non-significant differences, however, suggest that ash trees can produce viable pollen necessary for successful fertilisation irrespective of their health status. Nonetheless, it was observed that severely diseased trees were linked to less inflorescences, as the severely diseased or dead shoots produced few to no flowers. Consequently, the likelihood of pollen from severely diseased trees fertilising other ash trees is substantially diminished. In conclusion, it is evident that flower and pollen production are most important in the reproductive ecology of ash trees.
Potential use of different organic fertilizers in lettuce cultivation
Authors: Tütüncü Aslıhan Çilingir , SAKA Andaç Kutay , AY Abdurrahman , Özer Mehtap Özbakır , YILMAZ Hakan , OZER Harun 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to determine the effects of different organic fertilizers on organic lettuce cultivation in greenhouses under ecological conditions in the Samsun province of Türkiye. Three different organic fertilizers (compost solution, nettle solution and wood ash solution) were experimented with as an alternative to chemical fertilizers. A control treatment without any fertilizers was also included.
Results: Wood ash solution and nettle extract treatments significantly increased soil and plant nutrients. The highest SSC (3.8%) and vitamin C (61 mg 100g-1) values were determined in the nettle solution, while the highest total phenolic (1650 g GAE kg-1 fw) and total flavonoids (408 g QE kg-1 fw) values were determined in the compost solution. The highest yield was obtained from wood ash solution treatments (6169 kg da-1).
Conclusions: The results showed that nettle extract and wood ash solution could provide effective fertilizers to achieve high yield and quality in organic lettuce cultivation. It is recommended to investigate combinations of nettle and wood ash solutions in different proportions for edible leafy species.
Infrared Neuroglial Modulation of spinal locomotor networks
Authors: Dumas Nathan , Pecchi Emilie , O'Connor Rodney P. , Bos Rémi , Moreau David R. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Infrared neural stimulation (INS) emerges as a promising tool for stimulating the nervous system by its high spatial precision and absence of the use of exogenous agents into the tissue, which led to the first successful proof of concept in human brain. While neural networks have been the focal point of INS research, this technique is also non cell type specific as it triggers activity in non electrically excitable cells. Despite increasing interest, there remains to demonstrate well defined simultaneous astrocytic and neuronal signals in response to INS. Using intravital calcium imaging, we show that INS has the capacity to initiate calcium signaling in both astrocytes and neurons simultaneously from the rostral lumbar spinal cord, each exhibiting distinct temporal and amplitude characteristics. Importantly, the mechanism underlying infrared-induced neuronal and astrocytic calcium signaling differ, with neuronal activity relying on sodium channels, whereas induced astrocytic signaling is predominantly influenced by extracellular calcium and TRPV4 channels. Furthermore, our findings demonstrate the frequency shift of neuronal calcium oscillations through infrared stimulation. By deepening our understanding in INS fundamentals, this technique holds great promise for advancing neuroscience, deepening our understanding of pathologies, and potentially paving the way for future clinical applications.