Search Results (529)

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects on laying performance, egg quality traits, color, and composition of supplementing a white corn-based diet with Desmodium tortuosum leaf flour. Three hundred 32-week-old hens were distributed to 30 pens of 10 hens each and allocated to six dietary treatments (five replicates per treatment) for 13 weeks. Two control groups of 50 hens received one of either diet Y, based on yellow corn, or diet W, based on white corn. The other groups received a diet based on white corn supplemented with Desmodium tortuosum leaf flour at 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, or 10% (diet D). Diet D improved laying performance and yolk color at a reduced feed cost per egg but had no effect on cholesterol content. In conclusion, the inclusion of Desmodium tortuosum leaf flour, in a white corn-based diet, is effective in lowering feed cost, increasing egg production, and improving yolk color. Full article

Background:Chlamydia trachomatis is the most prevalent bacterial sexually transmitted pathogen in humans worldwide. Since chlamydial infection is largely asymptomatic with the potential for serious complications, a preventative vaccine is likely the most viable long-term answer to this public health threat. Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) utilizes the cellular protein manufacturing machinery decoupled from the requirement for maintaining cellular viability, offering the potential for flexible, rapid, and decentralized production of recombinant protein vaccine antigens. Methods: Here, we use CFPS to produce the full-length putative chlamydial type three secretion system (T3SS) needle-tip protein, CT584, for evaluation as a vaccine antigen in mouse models. High-speed atomic force microscopy (HS-AFM) (RIBM, Tsukuba, Japan) imaging and computer simulations confirm that CFPS-produced CT584 retains a native-like structure prior to immunization. Female mice were primed with CT584 adjuvanted with CpG-1826 intranasally (i.n.) or CpG-1826 + Montanide ISA 720 intramuscularly (i.m.), followed four weeks later by an i.m. boost before respiratory challenge with 10⁴ inclusion forming units (IFU) of Chlamydia muridarum. Results: Immunization with CT584 generated robust antibody responses but weak cell-mediated immunity and failed to protect against i.n. challenge as demonstrated by body weight loss, increased lung weights, and the presence of high numbers of IFUs in the lungs. Conclusion: While CT584 was not a protective vaccine candidate, the speed and flexibility with which CFPS can be used to produce other potential chlamydial antigens make it an attractive technique for antigen production. Full article

Background/Objectives: Meditation induces changes in the nervous system, which presumably underpin positive psychological and physiological effects. Such neural changes include alterations in the arousal fluctuation, as well as in infraslow brain activity (ISA, <0.1 Hz). Furthermore, it is known that fluctuations of arousal over time correlate with the oscillatory phase of ISA. However, whether this arousal–ISA correlation changes after meditation practices remains unanswered.; Methods: The present study aims to address this question by analyzing a publicly available electroencephalogram (EEG) dataset recorded during meditation sessions in the groups of experienced meditators and novices. The arousal fluctuation is measured by galvanic skin responses (GSR), and arousal–ISA correlations are measured by phase synchronization between GSR and EEG ISAs.; Results: While both groups exhibit arousal–ISA correlations, experienced meditators display higher correlations than novices. These increased arousal–ISA correlations in experienced meditators manifest more clearly when oscillatory phase differences between GSR and EEG ISAs are either 0 or π radians. As such, we further investigate the characteristics of these phase differences with respect to spatial distribution over the brain. We found that brain regions with the phase difference of either 0 or π radians form distinct spatial clusters, and that these clusters are spatially correlated with functional organization estimated by the principal gradient, based on functional connectivity.; Conclusions: Since increased arousal–ISA correlations reflect enhanced global organization of the central and autonomic nervous systems, our findings imply that the positive effects of meditation might be mediated by enhanced global organization of the nervous system. Full article

For a finite field GF(pL) with prime p and L>1, one of the standard representations is L×L matrices over GF(p) so that the arithmetic of GF(pL) can be realized by the arithmetic among these matrices over GF(p). Based on the matrix representation of GF(pL), a conventional linear network coding scheme over GF(pL) can be transformed to an L-dimensional vector LNC scheme over GF(p). Recently, a few real implementations of coding schemes over GF(2L), such as the Reed–Solomon (RS) codes in the ISA-L library and the Cauchy-RS codes in the Longhair library, are built upon the classical result to achieve matrix representation, which focuses more on the structure of every individual matrix but does not shed light on the inherent correlation among matrices which corresponds to different elements. In this paper, we first generalize this classical result from over GF(2L) to over GF(pL) and paraphrase it from the perspective of matrices with different powers to make the inherent correlation among these matrices more transparent. Moreover, motivated by this correlation, we can devise a lookup table to pre-store the matrix representation with a smaller size than the one utilized in current implementations. In addition, this correlation also implies useful theoretical results which can be adopted to further demonstrate the advantages of binary matrix representation in vector LNC. In the following part of this paper, we focus on the study of vector LNC and investigate the applications of matrix representation related to the aspects of random and deterministic vector LNC. Full article

In practical applications, steel single angles are often subjected to eccentric loading when connected to a gusset plate through one leg only, resulting in complex compression behaviour. This behaviour has not been as extensively studied as that of concentrically loaded members. Various international codes of practice offer differed approaches for designing these elements. The literature indicates that the Indian Standard Code IS 800–2007 accurately predicts the axial capacity of eccentrically loaded single angle columns. However, a recent amendment to IS 800 in 2024 introduced modified design provisions. This study is the first to explore the implications of these latest design provisions by comparing them with earlier provisions and experimental strengths reported in the literature. Initially, the design strengths as per the previous and latest design provisions for various Indian Standard Angles (ISA) were presented and compared accounting for varying slenderness ratio, plate slenderness ratio (b/t), and different types of end connections and restraints. The findings reveal that the latest design provisions generally result in much higher design strengths compared to the earlier provisions, with a maximum increase of 104.84%. Upon noticing the significant variation, this study is further extended to compare with the reported data available in the literature. The nominal strengths calculated using the latest provisions were often higher than the strengths reported in the literature considered in this study, indicating potential unsafe design. Full article

This study examines the dietary effect of dried olive pulp (OP) on the overall performance, egg quality, health, and gut microbiota of laying hens during a 36-week trial. A total of 180 Isa Brown layers, aged 23 weeks, were assigned to 15-floor pens and divided into three feeding groups (CON, OP4, and OP6) based on the dietary level of OP. Egg quality and biochemical parameters were assessed in 39- and 59-week-old hens. Fecal samples were collected for microbiota analysis. Data were analyzed with an Analysis of Variance. The percentage of broken eggshells was found to be 15–34% lower in the OP groups compared to the CON groups. At 59 weeks of age, a significant reduction in shell thickness was observed in the CON eggs compared to the OP eggs (p < 0.05). At 39 weeks of age, OP6 eggs had the darkest yolk color of all groups (p < 0.05). Fecal microbial diversity was affected only by hens’ age. However, an enrichment in bacterial species belonging to the genera Megasphaera and Megamonas was found in the OP groups at 59 weeks of age. Our results demonstrate that OP feeding beneficially affects egg quality and promotes the proliferation of bacteria involved in the degradation of complex plant compounds, potentially contributing to the overall health of the gut microbiota. Full article

Aiming at the problem of current flexible integrated scheduling, most of the current research shortens the total processing time of products and ignores the loss of the equipment in the processing, which affects the scheduling ability of the equipment; in this context, a flexible integrated scheduling algorithm considering periodic maintenance (FIS-PM) is proposed. The algorithm flexibly mobilizes the processing sequence of the selected processing equipment, and uniformly maintains all equipment at a certain time. First, the ISA-PM algorithm adopts the strategy combination of the layer priority, the short-time, and the equipment priority strategy to schedule the operations. Then, based on the forest firefighting model, the maintenance start point and duration of the equipment are determined by the relationship between the number of the processed operations and the number of the unprocessed operations and the loss of equipment during the maintenance. Finally, the dynamic adjustment strategy is adopted, which not only realizes the maintenance of the equipment, but also reduces the makespan of the products. The experimental results show that the proposed ISA-PM algorithm realizes the optimization effect of reducing the makespan of complex products, completing the maintenance, and improving the overall utilization rate of equipment systems. Full article

Sustainability assurance (SA), an independent third-party evaluation aimed at enhancing the credibility of corporate sustainability disclosure, plays a vital role in fostering corporate green transformation. This paper systematically examines the impact of SA on corporate green transformation and the mechanisms through which it operates, using data on SA reports and green patents from A-share listed companies in China between 2010 and 2022. The findings reveal that SA significantly promotes corporate green transformation, particularly when conducted in accordance with standard ISAE 3000. Mechanism analysis indicates that SA facilitates green transformation by reducing the cost of credit and promoting risk-taking behaviors. Heterogeneity analysis further demonstrates that the positive effects of SA on green transformation are more pronounced in heavily polluting and competitive industries as well as in firms with weaker internal and external governance. This study not only underscores the beneficial impact and underlying mechanisms of SA on corporate green transformation but also contributes to the broader literature on the drivers of corporate green transformation. Full article

This paper presents a new algorithm to solve the optimal reconfiguration problem in distribution networks, using the algorithm called Improved Simulated Annealing combined with Hybrid Cooling (ISA-HC) and Selective Space Search, which leverages the capabilities of the Open Distribution System Simulator (OpenDSS) software and the selective space search concept to enhance performance and reduce the search space. The ISA-HC algorithm determines an adequate starting point for the temperature and initial solution according to the size of the system. For adequate cooling, a three-stage cooling approach was employed to achieve effective cooling, combining two methods widely used in the literature. Overall, the ISA-HC algorithm is a promising method for solving the optimal reconfiguration problem in distribution networks. The algorithm was tested on the systems of 5, 33, 69, and 94 buses and compared to other existing methods in the literature. The results show that the proposed method is more robust and efficient, providing better convergence and reliably achieving good quality global solutions. Full article

Measuring pH with an optical sensor requires the immobilization of a chemical recognition phase on a solid surface. Neutral red (NR), an acid base indicator was used to develop two different optical probe configurations. The chemistry of aryl diazonium salts was chosen for the elaboration of this chemical phase, as it enables strong covalent bonds to be established on the surface of metallized glass or metallic surfaces. It also allows the formation of a thick film required to obtain an exploitable spectral response. The surfaces of interest (metallized optical fiber and 316 L stainless-steel mirror) are modelized by flat surfaces (metallized glass plates and 316 L stainless-steel plates). The analytical characterizations carried out (IR, XPS, UV-Visible, and profilometry) show that NR was covalently grafted onto the model surfaces as well as on the surfaces of interest. The supports grafted with NR to develop optical pH probes exhibit spectral changes, particularly the values of pKa, the pH range, and the isosbestic point wavelength. The experimental results show that the optical probe can be used for pH measurements between 4 and 8. Full article

In South Korea, a mandatory nation-wide foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccination policy is in place. However, a major side effect of the current method of intramuscular (IM) administration of oil-adjuvanted FMD vaccines is the formation of granulomas in the muscles of pigs. To address this issue, we assessed the possible application of intradermal (ID) vaccination. Initially, we compared the serological immune response in specific pathogen-free pigs inoculated with FMD vaccines formulated with eight different adjuvants, administered twice at the neck site using a syringe with a needle via the ID route. Among the formulations (water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W), oil-in-water (O/W), and polymer nanomaterials), ISA 207 of W/O/W was the most effective in inducing immunogenicity followed by ISA 201 of W/O/W. ISA 207 was further tested in formulations of different antigen doses (12 or 1.2 μg) delivered via both IM and ID routes. All four treatments successfully protected the pigs against FMD virus challenges. To assess the feasibility of the field application of the vaccines with ISA 207, we conducted ID vaccination of conventional pigs using a needle-free device, resulting in the detection of significant levels of neutralizing antibodies. ISA 207 was shown to be superior to ISA 201 in inducing immunogenicity via the ID route. In conclusion, ISA 207 could be a suitable adjuvant for ID vaccination in terms of vaccine efficacy for FMD, allowing for alternate use of ID vaccination and subsequent reduction in the incidences of granuloma formation in the field. Full article

Cybercrime is currently rapidly developing, requiring an increased demand for information security knowledge. Attackers are becoming more sophisticated and complex in their assault tactics. Employees are a focal point since humans remain the ‘weakest link’ and are vital to prevention. This research investigates what cognitive and internal factors influence information security awareness (ISA) among employees, through quantitative empirical research using a survey conducted at a Dutch financial insurance firm. The research question of “How and to what extent do cognitive and internal factors contribute to information security awareness (ISA)?” has been answered, using the theory of situation awareness as the theoretical lens. The constructs of Security Complexity, Information Security Goals (InfoSec Goals), and SETA Programs (security education, training, and awareness) significantly contribute to ISA. The most important research recommendations are to seek novel explaining variables for ISA, further investigate the roots of Security Complexity and what influences InfoSec Goals, and venture into qualitative and experimental research methodologies to seek more depth. The practical recommendations are to minimize the complexity of (1) information security topics (e.g., by contextualizing it more for specific employee groups) and (2) integrate these simplifications in various SETA methods (e.g., gamification and online training). Full article

To ensure the timely execution of hard real-time applications, scheduling analysis techniques must consider safe upper bounds on the possible execution durations of tasks or runnables, which are referred to as Worst-Case Execution Times (WCET). Bounding WCET requires not only program path analysis but also modeling the impact of micro-architectural features present in modern processors. In this paper, we model the ARMv8 ISA and micro-architecture including instruction cache, branch predictor, instruction prefetching strategies, out-of-order pipeline. We also consider the complex interactions between these features (e.g., cache misses caused by branch predictions and branch misses caused by instruction pipelines) and estimate the WCET of the program using the Implicit Path Enumeration Technique (IPET) static WCET analysis method. We compare the estimated WCET of benchmarks with the observed WCET on two ARMv8 boards. The ratio of estimated to observed WCET values for all benchmarks is greater than 1, demonstrating the security of the analysis. Full article

Coffee leaf rust (CLR), a fungal disease caused by Hemileia vastatrix, represents Peru’s most significant threat to coffee production. The CLR epidemic (2012–2013) led Peru to implement an emergency plan under which coffee plantations underwent renewal using rust-resistant varieties derived from a Timor hybrid (HDT; Coffea arabica × canephora hybrid) like Catimors. Nevertheless, new pathogenic rust races capable of infecting these varieties have been recorded. Eighteen rust samples from coffee genotypes, such as Caturra, Typica, and Catimor, were collected in various Peruvian regions and sent to CIFC/ISA/UL (Centro de Investigação das Ferrugens do Cafeeiro/Instituto Superior de Agronomia/Universidade de Lisboa) in Portugal for race characterization. Assessing the virulence spectra of rust samples on a set of 27 coffee differentials resulted in the identification of 5 known and 2 new races. This study emphasizes the significance of conducting surveys on the diversity of H. vastatrix races in Peru for effective disease management. Moreover, Catimor lines, widely cultivated in coffee-growing countries, are susceptible to the 2 new races and to races XXXIV and XXXV identified in this study. Thus, coffee farmers need to know the resistance spectrum of new varieties before introducing them to CLR-affected regions. Full article

Road traffic accidents pose significant challenges to sustainable urban safety and intelligent transportation management. The effective hazard identification of crash hotspots is crucial in implementing targeted safety measures. A severity-weighted system was adopted to quantify crash hazard levels. Using 1059 valid crash records of the City of London, the spatial correlations of crash points were first examined via average nearest neighbor analysis. Then, the optimal KDE bandwidth was determined via ArcGIS’s automatic extraction method, multi-distance spatial cluster analysis, and incremental spatial autocorrelation (ISA) analysis. The predictive accuracy index (PAI) was used to evaluate the accuracy of KDE results at various bandwidths. The results revealed a clustered spatial distribution of crash points. The optimized KDE bandwidth obtained via ISA analysis was 134 m, and the yielded PAI was 4.381, indicating better predictive accuracies and balanced hotspot distributions and reflecting both local concentrations and the overall continuity of crash hazard hotspots. Applying this bandwidth to the validation data allowed the successful identification of most high-risk areas and potential crash hazard hotspots attributed to traffic environmental factors; this method exhibits reliability, accuracy, and robustness over medium to long time scales. This workflow can serve as an analytical template for assisting planners in improving the identification accuracy of hazard hotspots, thereby reducing crash occurrences, actively promoting sustainable traffic safety development, and providing valuable insights for targeted crash prevention and intelligent traffic safety management in urban areas. Full article