Search Results (13,053)

Schizochytrium is often added to feed to enhance the growth and health of farmed animals, yet research on its effects on amphibians remains relatively scarce. Here, this study investigated the effects of dietary Schizochytrium meal on growth, metamorphosis, intermediate metabolism, and intestinal health of bullfrogs. Six compound feeds (S0–S5) containing different gradients of Schizochytrium meal (0.00, 2.00, 5.00, 10.00, 15.00, and 20.00 g/kg diets) were formulated. After 90 days, the S4 group (15.00 g/kg) exhibited significantly superior growth performance, with the weight gain rate (WGR) increasing by up to 23.78% compared to the control (S0). Metamorphosis rate (MR) peaked at 23.33% in the S4 group. The enzyme activities of digestion (amylase (AMS), lipase (LPS), protease), brush border membrane (Na⁺, K⁺-ATPase, alkaline phosphatase (AKP), γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT), creatine kinase (CK), and antioxidation (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT)), as well as microvilli length and mucosal epithelial cell height in the intestine were the highest in the S4 group. Intestinal microbial diversity (Ace index) significantly increased by 41.28% in the S4 group, which also promoted beneficial bacteria. Key genes related to the GH-IGF-1 axis, metabolism, and intestinal barrier function were significantly upregulated with increasing Schizochytrium levels up to 15.00 g/kg, whereas pro-inflammatory genes showed an opposite trend. Overall, dietary supplementation with Schizochytrium meal at 15.00 g/kg promotes growth, metamorphosis, and intestinal health in bullfrog tadpoles by modulating the GH-IGF-1 axis, enhancing digestion and absorption, and improving intestinal integrity. Optimal Schizochytrium meal levels were identified as 13.27 g/kg. Full article

In this numerical and experimental study, the effects of the width, length, and height parameters of a mirror arm on the drag coefficients of two side-view mirror models were investigated. The analyses were performed according to fractional factorial Taguchi L9 experiment plans. In the wind tunnel, a constant-temperature hot-wire anemometer and a pressure scanner system were used to measure velocity and static pressures, respectively. A realizable k-ε turbulence model with a scalable wall function was applied in the simulations, and the velocity was kept constant at 30 m/s. Means of the drag coefficient, signal/noise values, and analysis of variance were used to evaluate the parameters’ effects. The results showed that the drag coefficients increased with arm height. The increase in arm width decreased the drag coefficient to a limited extent, while the aspect ratio (width/height) showed a strong negative correlation with the drag coefficient. The high aspect ratios resulted in streamlined geometries around the mirror arm and delayed flow separations. The numerical analysis results showed good agreement with the experimental values for both mirror models. Full article

Optimizing the neuromechanical determinants of explosive performance remains a key objective in sports science. This study compared the effects of an eight-week movement-pattern-based training program (MPT) with an isometric strength training protocol (ITG) on countermovement jump (CMJ) mechanics in competitive track and field athletes. Thirty-four athletes (19 men, 15 women) with ≥7 years of training experience were randomly allocated to the MPT or ITG. Pre- and post-intervention assessments were conducted using dual force plates to evaluate jump height, musculotendinous stiffness, concentric and eccentric impulses, contraction time, eccentric-to-concentric force ratio, and rate of force development (RFD). The MPT elicited significant gains in stiffness (Δ = +840.94 ± 1302.21 N/m; p = 0.002), maintained concentric peak force, and reduced contraction time (Δ = –64.53 ± 190.32 ms; p = 0.01), suggesting improved elastic efficiency and neuromuscular timing. Conversely, ITG was associated with reductions in concentric peak force (Δ = –66.18 ± 77.45 N; p = 0.003) and stiffness (Δ = –691.94 ± 1414.41 N/m) and an increase in the eccentric-to-concentric force ratio (Δ = +1.99%; p = 0.006). The RFD changes were inconsistent across both groups. These findings indicate that dynamic multi-joint training confers superior neuromechanical adaptations compared to isolated isometric loading. From a performance perspective, programming strategies should prioritize movement-specific dynamic tasks to enhance the explosive qualities critical for sprinting, jumping, and multidirectional field sports. Full article

Background: Mixed martial arts (MMA) is becoming increasingly popular and is developing dynamically in terms of training methods and number of participants involved, while weightlifting, powerlifting, and other kinds of strength disciplines are well established. In this study, the aim was to compare the body composition, as an anthropometric effect of training in MMA fighters and strength athletes, and then analyze and find reasoning for observed differences. Methods: Thirty-four young healthy male participants (body weight 84.9 ± 10.2 kg, body height 182.0 ± 6.8 cm, BMI 25.8 ± 2.51 kg/m², tier 2/3 in McKay’s sports level classification) represented two groups: MMA (n = 17) and powerlifting athletes (STR, n = 17). The measured anthropometric characteristics were skeletal muscle mass (SMM), percentage of body fat (PBF), body fat mass (FM) and visceral fat mass (VFM). Phase angle (º) was measured as an indicator of tissue quality and we performed detailed investigations of soft fat-free tissue mass (SLM) and of fat mass in body parts separately in each lower and upper limb and trunk. Results: The groups did not differ in terms of body weight, height, BMI, SMM, PBF, FM, VFM, SLM in upper limbs and trunk, FM in the body parts, or the phase angle (all p > 0.05). The statistically significant differences were only observed in the SLM of both lower limbs (greater in STR, p < 0.05) but, after statistical correction with the Holm’s method, these parameters also did not show statistically significant differences despite high effect sizes. Conclusions: The MMA athletes do not differ significantly from strength training athletes in measured anthropometric parameters despite distinct differences in training methodology. The reasons for these observations need future research, combining anthropometric measurements with training and competing load monitoring. Full article

Microwave-driven quantum logic gates in trapped-ion systems offer a scalable and laser-free alternative to optical control, with the potential for robust integration into surface-electrode trap architectures. In this work, we present a systematic design guideline for planar ion traps optimized for fast two-qubit microwave gates using chip-integrated conductors. We investigate two electrode configurations, one employing a single microwave line for driving $\sigma$ transitions, and another with two symmetric lines for $\pi$ transitions. Through finite-element simulations, we analyze ion height, magnetic field gradients, heating effects, and gate durations under realistic cryogenic conditions. Our results show that both configurations can achieve two-qubit gate times in the order of 10 μs for ${}^9\mathrm{Be}^{\mathrm{+}}$ and ${}^{40}\mathrm{Ca}^{\mathrm{+}}$ ions. Full article

This study investigated the effects of dietary baicalin on the growth and health of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco). Five diets with the addition of 0 (control), 100, 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg of baicalin were fed to juvenile yellow catfish (11.19 ± 0.07 g) for 56 days. Dietary supplementation with 200 or 400 mg/kg baicalin increased weight gain (p < 0.05) and reduced the feed conversion ratio (FCR) (p < 0.05). The BA400 group exhibited higher total antioxidant capacity, catalase, superoxide dismutase activity, and lower malondialdehyde level in the liver and intestine than the control (p < 0.05). In the 400 mg/kg baicalin group, the hepatic vacuolization rate was lower (p < 0.05), and the intestinal villus width and villus height were higher than those in the control (p < 0.05). In terms of intestinal microbiota composition, the 400 mg/kg baicalin group demonstrated lower abundances of Proteobacteria and Actinobacteria (phylum level) and Cetobacterium, Candidatus_Arthromitus, and Plesiomonas (genus level) than the control (p < 0.05), while the relative abundances of Fusobacteriota and Lactobacillus (ZOR0006) increased in this group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary baicalin supplementation significantly improved the growth, antioxidant capacity, and intestinal morphology and positively modulated the intestinal microbiota composition of yellow catfish. The optimal dietary supplementation level of baicalin is 400 mg/kg for yellow catfish. Full article

Spinal cord injury (SCI) often results in long-term locomotor impairments, and strategies to enhance functional recovery remain limited. While epidural electrical stimulation (EES) has shown clinical promise, our understanding of the mechanisms by which it improves function remains incomplete. Here, we use genetic tools in an animal model to perform neuromodulation and treadmill rehabilitation in a manner similar to EES, but with the benefit of the genetic tools and animal model allowing for targeted manipulation, precise quantification of the cells and circuits that were manipulated, and the gathering of extensive kinematic data. We used a viral construct that selectively transduces large diameter afferent fibers (LDAFs) with a designer receptor exclusively activated by a designer drug (hM3Dq DREADD; a chemogenetic construct) to increase the excitability of large fibers specifically, in the rat contusion SCI model. As changes in locomotion with afferent stimulation can be subtle, we carried out a detailed characterization of the kinematics of locomotor recovery over time. Adult Long-Evans rats received contusion injuries and direct intraganglionic injections containing AAV2-hSyn-hM3Dq-mCherry, a viral vector that has been shown to preferentially transduce LDAFs, or a control with tracer only (AAV2-hSyn-mCherry). These neurons then had their activity increased by application of the designer drug Clozapine-N-oxide (CNO), inducing tonic excitation during treadmill training in the recovery phase. Kinematic data were collected during treadmill locomotion across a range of speeds over nine weeks post-injury. Data were analyzed using a mixed effects model chosen from amongst several models using information criteria. That model included fixed effects for treatment (DREADDs vs. control injection), time (weeks post injury), and speed, with random intercepts for rat and time point nested within rat. Significant effects of treatment and treatment interactions were found in many parameters, with a sometimes complicated dependence on speed. Generally, DREADDs activation resulted in shorter stance duration, but less reduction in swing duration with speed, yielding lower duty factors. Interestingly, our finding of shorter stance durations with DREADDs activation mimics a past study in the hemi-section injury model, but other changes, including the variability of anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) height, showed an opposite trend. These may reflect differences in injury severity and laterality (i.e., in the hemi-section injury the contralateral limb is expected to be largely functional). Furthermore, as with that study, withdrawal of DREADDs activation in week seven did not cause significant changes in kinematics, suggesting that activation may have dwindling effects at this later stage. This study highlights the utility of high-resolution kinematics for detecting subtle changes during recovery, and will enable the refinement of neuromechanical models that predict how locomotion changes with afferent neuromodulation, injury, and recovery, suggesting new directions for treatment of SCI. Full article

Background: Bone health in youth is influenced by both modifiable factors, such as nutrition and physical activity, and non-modifiable factors, such as biological maturation and heredity. Understanding how these elements interact to predict body composition may enhance the effectiveness of early interventions. Importantly, the integration of both supervised and unsupervised machine learning models enables a data-driven exploration of complex relationships, allowing for accurate prediction and subgroup discovery. Methods: This cross-sectional study examined 94 male athletes during the developmental period. Anthropometric, performance, and nutritional data were collected, and bone parameters were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Three supervised machine learning models (Random Forest, Gradient Boosting, and Support Vector Regression) were trained to predict Total Body-Less Head (TBLH) values. Nested cross-validation assessed model performance. Unsupervised clustering (K-Means) was also applied to identify dietary intake profiles (calcium, protein, vitamin D). SHAP analysis was used for model interpretability. Results: The Random Forest model yielded the best predictive performance (R² = 0.71, RMSE = 0.057). Weight, height, and handgrip strength were the most influential predictors. Clustering analysis revealed two distinct nutritional profiles; however, t-tests showed no significant differences in TBLH or regional BMD between the clusters. Conclusions: Machine learning, both supervised for accurate prediction and unsupervised for nutritional subgroup discovery, provides a robust, interpretable framework for assessing adolescent bone health. While dietary intake clusters did not align with significant differences in bone parameters, this finding underscores the multifactorial nature of skeletal development and highlights areas for further exploration. Full article

Accurate prediction of earthquake—induced building damage is essential for timely disaster response and effective risk mitigation. This study explores a machine learning (ML)-based classification approach using data from the 2015 Gorkha, Nepal earthquake, with a specific focus on reinforced concrete (RC) structures. The original dataset from the 2015 Nepal earthquake contained 762,094 building entries across 127 variables describing structural, functional, and contextual characteristics. Three ensemble ML modelsGradient Boosting Machine (GBM), Extreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and Light Gradient Boosting Machine (LightGBM) were trained and tested on both the full dataset and a filtered RC-only subset. Two target variables were considered: a three-class variable (damage_class) and the original five-level damage grade (damage_grade). To address class imbalance, oversampling and undersampling techniques were applied, and model performance was evaluated using accuracy and F1 scores. The results showed that LightGBM consistently outperformed the other models, especially when oversampling was applied. For the RC dataset, LightGBM achieved up to 98% accuracy for damage_class and 93% accuracy for damage_grade, along with high F1 scores ranging between 0.84 and 1.00 across all classes. Feature importance analysis revealed that structural characteristics such as building area, age, and height were the most influential predictors of damage. These findings highlight the value of building-type-specific modeling combined with class balancing techniques to improve the reliability and generalizability of ML-based earthquake damage prediction. Full article

Spun piles adjacent to the pile cap need sufficient confinement to ensure the formation of plastic hinges during severe earthquakes. However, the high confinement ratio required for precast piles according to ACI 318-19 results in tightly spaced spirals, which are difficult to implement. Since higher confinement is only needed at specific regions of the pile, external transverse reinforcement using steel jacketing has been proposed as an alternative solution. An experimental and numerical study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness. The experimental results showed that the jacket enhanced both the strength and energy dissipation of the connection, but had only a minor effect on its ductility. A parametric study using finite element analysis was performed to investigate the parameters influencing connection behavior. The results indicated that variations in jacket thickness did not significantly impact the connection’s performance. A jacket height equal to 1.53 times the pile diameter was found to be the maximum effective height. It was also observed that higher axial loads led to a sudden loss of connection strength, thereby reducing ductility. Partial bonding between the jacket, grout, and pile was found to be acceptable within a certain range. The numerical analysis found that the steel jacket increases the ductility. Full article

The aim of the study was to determine correlations between performance of vertical jumps and dolphin kick sprints, and between the results of a dry-land butterfly arm pull test and butterfly arms-only swimming. The study recruited competitive junior male swimmers (15.9 (0.7) years, 179.3 (5.3) cm body height, 64.6 (4.3) kg body mass). On dry land, we measured jump height, lower-limb work and power, as well as peak velocity, power, and force in the butterfly arm pull test. In swimming tests, time, velocity, power, force, and work were assessed during the dolphin kick and butterfly arms-only trials. Pearson’s correlation coefficients and the coefficients of determination were calculated between measurements. The findings showed correlations between swimming velocity and power recorded during the dolphin kick test with jump height, work and power measured in the jump tests (maximum r = 0.90, r² = 0,81, p < 0.05). The best correlations between the results of the jump tests and swim variables were determined for the CJ30s test. The butterfly arm pull test was not associated with all parameters measured by the butterfly arms-only test. Our study demonstrates that targeted dry-land training programmes using exercises like vertical jumps can enhance competitive swimmers’ performance and offer coaches an accessible means of tracking athlete progress. Moreover, such simple drills may serve as a cost-effective approach for early evaluation of strength and power potential and for preventing musculoskeletal injuries, all without requiring pool access or specialized underwater equipment. However, the small and homogeneous sample (n = 12, junior males only) and the absence of reliability analyses limit the generalizability of the results. Full article

This study investigated the effects of individual and combined supplementation of eucalyptus essential oil (EEO) and soy isoflavones (SI) on the growth performance, intestinal health and meat quality of weaned meat rabbits. A total of 120 Ira female rabbits were stratified by body weight (BW) and randomly allocated into four treatment groups. The rabbits were fed for 35 days using (a) basal diet (Control), (b) basal diet + 150 mg/kg EEO, (c) basal diet + 25 mg/kg SI, or (d) basal diet + 150 mg/kg EEO + 25 mg/kg SI. The results showed that supplementing EEO and SI in the diet had a synergistic effect on production performance by increasing BW and average daily gain and reducing the feed intake/gain ratio. The EEO + SI group exhibited the most pronounced improvement in growth performance. Compared with the Control group, individual or combined supplementation significantly increased both semi-clean slaughter and total eviscerated slaughter rates, and showed a synergistic effect when supplemented together. The antioxidant capacity of the rabbits was enhanced, with the EEO + SI group showing the largest improvement. Serum biochemical analysis revealed that the combined treatment improved hepatic and cardiovascular functions. Additionally, we observed that the combined addition of EEO and SI has a synergistic effect on increasing the height of intestinal villi and the villus height/crypt depth ratio. Moreover, EEO and SI synergistically improved meat quality by elevating pH value, water-holding capacity, tenderness, and fat proportion. Notably, supplementation of EEO and SI in the diet regulated the composition of the intestinal microbiota, demonstrating increased relative abundance of beneficial Bacteroides and Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group. In conclusion, the combination of EEO and SI outperformed individual supplements in promoting growth and intestinal barrier function, potentially through enhancing antioxidant activity, attenuating oxidative stress, protecting the hepatic/cardiovascular systems, and improving intestinal morphology and microbial composition, thereby collectively enhancing growth performance, slaughter traits, and meat quality. Full article

Powder Bed Fusion-Laser Beam/Metals (PBF-LB/M) enables the layer-by-layer fabrication of complex parts; however, non-uniform thermal transients during the process induce high stresses. Geometric constraints dominate stress–relaxation behavior, which is the primary mechanism leading to part distortion. Therefore, the printing structure serves as a major factor influencing the distortion of PBF-LB/M-fabricated components, of which the forming angle and support structure parameters are the two key factors affecting the printing structure. This study investigates the effects of forming angles and support parameters on the distortion behavior of oral stents manufactured via PBF-LB/M. The results indicate that the magnitude of distortion varies significantly with the forming angle, with the minimum distortion of 0.667 mm occurring at 75°, while the maximum distortion reaches 1.706 mm at 30°. Combined stiffness theory and thermal stress analysis reveal that the thermal stress peaks at a forming angle of 30°, which is governed mainly by the printed cross-sectional area per layer and the cumulative build height. Meanwhile, structural stiffness gradually decreases as the forming angle increases. The study also confirms that support parameters significantly affect distortion, confirming that larger support mesh size and spacing directly contribute to increased maximum distortion. Based on stiffness theory and thermal stress analysis, it is concluded that support structures reduce distortion primarily through two mechanisms: enhancing the overall structural stiffness and facilitating force transmission. Full article

The long-term application of traditional chemical herbicides has caused a significant escalation in herbicide resistance of barnyard grass (Echinochloa crus-galli). As an eco-friendly alternative, biological herbicides demonstrate substantial application potential. Acknowledging the growing herbicide resistance of E. crus-galli, this study aimed to screen target bacteria with inhibitory effects on the growth for bio-herbicide development. By using ungerminated E. crus-galli seeds as the screening substrate, a bacterial strain (BFYBC-8) with potent inhibitory activity was isolated and identified as Brucella pseudorignonensis. Pot experiments revealed that inoculation with B. pseudorignonensis BFYBC-8 significantly suppressed E. crus-galli growth, reducing plant height by 16.7% and root length by 85.1%, while markedly inhibiting biomass accumulation. Fluorescent labeling with green fluorescent protein (GFP) showed that BFYBC-8 successfully colonized the root intercellular spaces of E. crus-galli and extended continuously along the tissue matrix. Additionally, the strain’s supernatant metabolic products exhibited exceptional thermostability: inhibitory activity against E. crus-galli was maintained after thermal treatment at 28 °C, 60 °C, 80 °C, and 100 °C. Crucially, the bacterium displayed no toxicity to agronomically important crops such as rice, wheat, and corn. This study highlights B. pseudorignonensis BFYBC-8 as a promising candidate for bioherbicide development and provides an important reference for applying seed-associated pathogenic bacteria in developing bioherbicides for sustainable weed management. Full article

Musa haekkinenii is a compact wild banana species with emerging value in ornamental horticulture, yet its adaptive responses to environmental factors remain underexplored. This study investigated the morpho-physiological and anatomical responses of M. haekkinenii to contrasting light regimes and irrigation water qualities to identify optimal cultivation conditions. A 210-day factorial experiment was conducted under subtropical greenhouse conditions using a split-plot design, with light intensity (full sun vs. shade) and irrigation water quality (reverse osmosis vs. well water) as treatment factors. Plants grown under shaded conditions and irrigated with reverse osmosis water exhibited significant increases in plant height, pseudostem diameter, leaf number, and sucker production, alongside enhanced pigment accumulation and photosynthetic performance. In contrast, full-sun plants irrigated with well water showed reduced growth, lower photosynthetic efficiency, and increased substrate salinity, indicating additive effects of light and osmotic stress. Leaf anatomical analysis revealed greater stomatal size and density under shade, particularly when combined with high-quality irrigation. Multivariate analysis further supported the association of favorable trait expression with shaded conditions and reverse osmosis water. These findings highlight the importance of microenvironmental management in enhancing the physiological stability and ornamental quality of M. haekkinenii, supporting its potential application in sustainable urban landscaping. Full article