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Background This study delves into the intricate interplay among paradoxical leadership (PL), employees’ proactive work behaviour (PAB), and perceived psychological contract fulfilment (PPCF). PL, characterized by its simultaneous emphasis on apparently contradictory behaviours, has garnered attention due to its potential to foster innovation, adaptability, and creativity. The study’s main objective is to thoroughly explore the complexities of PL, its influence on PAB, and whether the PPCF serves as a mediator. Methods A survey was distributed to 338 hotel and travel agency employees to gather data. The data was analysed using structural equation modelling through a SmartPLS program. Results The results reveal a positive correlation between PL and PAB. Additionally, PPCF partially mediates this relationship, indicating its vital role in exploring the positive impact of PL on boosting proactive behaviours. Conclusions This research brings forth meaningful contributions to both theoretical and practical dimensions. Theoretically, it enhances our comprehension of how PL manifests in the distinctive landscape of the hospitality and tourism domain, substantiating its potential to drive proactive behaviours among employees. The mediation of PPCF enriches our grasp of the underlying mechanisms, accentuating the significance of maintaining harmonized and consistent leadership practices. From a practical vantage point, these findings offer valuable insights for hospitality and tourism establishments aspiring to optimize their leadership strategies for cultivating proactive work behaviour among their workforces.

Recently, nanomaterials including alumina have been extensively involved in aquaculture for many purposes resulting in potential hazards in fish. However, its effect on the developing metabolic organs and lipid metabolism remains unclear. This study, investigated the effects of aluminium nanoparticles (AL-NPs) on the metabolic organs of the growing zebrafish larvae including intestine, liver, and pancreas in addition to the potential ameliorative role of rosmarinic acid (RA) against AL-NPs - induced toxicity. Briefly, fertilized zebrafish eggs were divided into 4 groups. The 1st group was kept as a control. The 2nd group was exposed to RA (0.5 mg/L). The 3rd group was exposed to AL-NPs (160 mg/L). The 4th group received both RA and AL-NPs at the same concentrations from 1st day post fertilization (dpf) till the 14th dpf. Here, AL-NPs exposed group showed the highest mortality rate, external morphology defects and gastrointestinal malformations after larval-to-juvenile transition. Interestingly, mixing RA to AL-NPs significantly reduced these effects. Additionally, AL-NPs induced intestinal epithelium defects at the histological and genetic levels and abnormal lipid retention via up-regulation of the lipogenesis-related genes and down-regulation of the hepatic fatty acid β-oxidation. However, addition of RA to AL-NPs could reverse these effects. AL-NPs also induce inflammatory response and mediated endoplasmic reticulum ER and cellular oxidative stress indicated by qRT-PCR and western blot analysis which were then be reduced by RA. Collectively, AL-NPs were highly correlated with the induction of steatohepatitis and lipogenesis after the larval-to-juvenile transition and this could be relief in the presence of RA suggesting it as a promising nutrient for fish.

The present research amid to investigate the toxic effect of diazinon (DZN) and assess the modulatory role of chitosan nanoparticle (ChNP), orange peel extract (OPE), spirulina platensis (SP) and curcumin nanoparticles (CNP) as feed additives in O. niloticus fish. A total of 900 fish were divided into six equal groups, each with 3 replicates by random distribution. The 1st group was kept as the control group which was fed a basal diet. The 2nd group (DZN) was given a basic diet and exposed to 1/10th of the 96-hour LC50 of DZN. The 3rd group (DZN+ChNP) was exposed to DZN (0.28 mg/L) + 1 gm ChNP/kg diet. The 4th group (DZN+OPE) was exposed to DZN (0.28 mg/L) + 2 gm OPE/kg diet. The 5th group (DZN+SP) was exposed to DZN (0.28 mg/L) + 5 gm SP/kg diet, while, the 6th group (DZN+SP) was exposed to DZN (0.28 mg/L) + 150 mg CNP/kg diet. Apart from feed conversion, DZN decreased fish's growth performance parameters as compared to the control, while these values were modulated with ChNP, SP or CNP supplement to fish with DZN exposure. Fish exposed to DZN had the lowest values Hb, RBCs WBCs, total protein, albumin and globulin and the highest values of ALT, AST and uric acid while dietary supplementation with ChNP, OPE, SP and CNP to DZN exposed fish restored their levels to the control values. Fish group fed diet supplemented with DZN+OPE or DZN+ChNP recorded the lowest value of ALT among all studied groups. DZN altered the lipid profile of exposed fish while the DZN+SP group had the best values of all lipid profile among all groups followed by DZN+CNP group. Fish exposed to DZN had lower serum lysozyme activity, immunoglobulin (M, A and G) levels and antioxidant parameters (SOD, GSH, CAT and TAC) while dietary supplementation of ChNP or OPE to DZN exposed fish had higher values for these traits but still under control values. The highest level of lipid peroxidation marker malondialdehyde (MDA) was observed in DZN group while dietary supplementation of ChNP or OPE to DZN exposed fish decreased the MDA level. According to the genetic distance and dendrogram for the analysis of genetic diversity between treatments, compared to control; it is clear that the highest genetic diversity was found with DZN group samples (4.80) while dietary treatments with ChNP, OPE or SP to DZN exposed fish showed the lowest diversity of (3.00, 3.32 and 3.87), respectively. It could be concluded that long-term exposure to a sub-lethal DZN dose resulted in growth retardation, haemato-biochemical alteration, immune depression, oxidative stress and genetic material damage of Nile tilapia. Furthermore, the antioxidant and protective properties of ChNP, OPE, SP, and CNP induced nearly total protection in fish exposed to DZN through diet.

SUMMARY: This study evaluated the effects of pumpkin oil (PKO), a novel feed additive, on growth, carcass, digestive enzymes, blood metabolites, and cecal bacterial load in broiler chickens. 250 one-wk-old chicks were randomly assigned into 5 equal groups. Group 1(control) was fed the basal diet (BD). Groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 were fed the basal diet (BD) with 0.50, 1.00, 1.50, and 2.00 ml of PKO/kg diet, respectively. According to GC-MS analysis, pumpkin oil contains Anthracene, Pyrene, Anethole, Estragole, Oleic Acid, Eugenol, 1-Dodecanamine, N, N-dimethyl- and Hexadecanoic acid, etc. The broilers fed the PKO-supplemented diet had better growth and feed conversion ratio (FCR) than those fed the control diet, with no effect on feed intake (P > 0.05). The highest body weight gain (P < 0.05) was obtained with 1 and 2 ml of PKO/kg diet compared to 0.5 and 1.5 ml/kg. The best FCR (P < 0.05) was achieved with 1 ml of PKO/kg diet compared to other treatments. Ileal lipase, amylase, and protease levels were increased significantly while the reverse was observed for plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatinine, urea, and uric acid (P < 0.05) by PKO-supplemented diets. PKO supplementation did not, however, alter the percentage of giblets, internal organs, dressing, or carcass (P > 0.05). When compared to control birds, broilers' plasma level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) was higher and those of triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) were lower at every tested level of PKO (P < 0.05). Similarly, all PKO levels increased Lactobacilli and decreased the caecal counts of Salmonella, coliforms, and E. coli (P < 0.05). Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly (P < 0.05) increased while the malondialdehyde (MDA) was decreased in broilers fed PKO-supplemented diet vs control birds. PKO enhanced immune response parameters including total protein, globulin, IgA, IgG, and C3 (P < 0.05) dose dependently. It was concluded that adding PKO in the broilers’ diet positively affected growth performance, induced hypolipidemic effect, enhanced immunity, and antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Necrotic enteritis caused by Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) is characterized by poor performance and higher mortality rates in poultry farms. Novel dietary intervention involving bioactive molecules loaded into smart magnetized nano-system with a potent antioxidant function (quercetin-loaded Fe3O4-NPs), was evaluated for their impact on growth performance, intestinal immune and antioxidant defenses, and resistance against Clostridium perfringens in a necrotic enteritis challenge model. Four experimental groups comprising a total of 200 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were fed different diets: a control basal diet, a diet supplemented with quercetin (300 mg/kg), a diet with Fe3O4-NPs (60 mg/kg), and a diet with quercetin-loaded Fe3O4-NPs (300 mg/kg). These groups were then challenged with C. perfringens during the grower period. Dietary inclusion of quercetin-loaded Fe3O4-NPs prominently reduced C. perfringens colonization and its associated virulence genes expression, which subsequently restored the impaired growth performance and intestinal histopathological changes in challenged broilers. Quercetin-loaded Fe3O4-NPs supplemented group displayed higher Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts, upregulation of intestinal host defense antimicrobial peptides related genes (avian β-defensin 6 and 12) and downregulation of intestinal inflammatory regulated genes (Interleukin-1 beta, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8, tumor necrosis factor-α, chemokine C–C motif ligand 20, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cycloox-ygenase-2). Intestinal redox balance was boosted via upregulation of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and heme Oxygenase 1 genes along with simultaneous decrease in hydrogen peroxide, reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde contents in groups fed quercetin-loaded Fe3O4-NPs. Overall, new nutritional intervention with quercetin-loaded Fe3O4-NPs impacted better immune and antioxidant defenses, attenuated C. perfringens induced necrotic enteritis and contributed to better performance in the challenged birds.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effects of dietary butyric acid (BA) on the Japanese quail' performance, immunology, lipid profile, cecal microbiota, and antioxidant levels. 250 unsexed, one-week-old quail chicks were divided into 5 groups, each with fifty chicks (5 replicates of 10 chicks). The first group was given the basal diet (BD), while the 2nd to 5th groups were fed BD with 50, 100, 150, and 200 mg BA/kg, respectively. The results indicated that BA improved weight gain and FCR (p < 0.05) and decreased total FI. The 200 mg BA/kg of diet showed the lowest FI (p < 0.05) and the best FCR (p > 0.05). BA boosted immunity through increasing IgA, IgM, IgG, and Complement 3. Significantly lower alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were observed at 150 and 200 mg BA/kg (P < 0.05) than the control group. The BA-supplemented quail showed lower total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and very low-density lipoprotein (VLDL) than the control one. This effect was more pronounced for 100 and 200 mg of BA/kg. However, high low-density lipoprotein (HDL) did not differ from the control group (p > 0.05). BA at ≥100 mg/kg diet reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) and induced greater levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), globulin, total protein, digestive enzymes than the control group (P < 0.05). BA decreased cecal E. coli, Salmonella, Enterococcus, and Coliforms and increased Lactic acid bacteria (p < 0.05) compared to non-supplemented group. Collectively, the inclusion of 100 mg BA/kg diet is ideal for Japanese quail production and health.

AIM: To develop normative data for meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) parameters, using non-contact meibography technique of Sirius Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici (CSO) machine, in an Egyptian population sample. METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional, analytic study, in which 104 Egyptian volunteers were included. Both upper lids were examined, using “Sirius CSO” machine. Each eyelid was given a degree of meibomian gland loss (MGL), which was calculated by the software of the machine. RESULTS: Mean percentage MGL in right upper lid was of 30.9%±12.6%, and that of left upper lid was 32.6%±11.8%. Thirty-four volunteers (32.7%) had first-degree MGL in their right upper lid, and 67.3% had second-degree loss. One volunteer (1%) had zero-degree MGL in left upper lid, 28 (26.9%) had first-degree loss, and 75 (72.1%) had second-degree loss. Degree of MGL in right upper eyelid was not related to age, but degree of MGL in left upper eyelid increased with age. There was statistically significant difference between both genders for degree of MGL in right eye (P=0.036) and in left eye (P=0.027). CONCLUSION: Noncontact meibography is a useful non-invasive tool for diagnosing MGL. MGL is diagnosed in 100% of apparently normal individuals; 26.9%-32.7% of which have first-degree MGL, and 67.3%-72.1% have second-degree MGL.

Background This study delves into the intricate interplay among paradoxical leadership (PL), employees’ proactive work behaviour (EPWB), and perceived psychological contract fulfilment (PPCF). PL, characterized by its simultaneous emphasis on apparently contradictory behaviours, has garnered attention due to its potential to foster innovation, adaptability, and creativity. The study’s main objective is to thoroughly explore the complexities of PL, its influence on EPWB, and whether the PPCF serves as a mediator. Methods A survey was distributed to 338 hotel and travel agency employees to gather data. The data was analysed using structural equation modelling through a SmartPLS program. Results The results reveal a positive correlation between PL and EPWB. Additionally, PPCF partially mediates this relationship, indicating its vital role in exploring the positive impact of PL on boosting proactive behaviours. Conclusions This research brings forth meaningful contributions to both theoretical and practical dimensions. Theoretically, it enhances our comprehension of how PL manifests in the distinctive landscape of the hospitality and tourism domain, substantiating its potential to drive proactive behaviours among employees. The mediation of PPCF enriches our grasp of the underlying mechanisms, accentuating the significance of maintaining harmonized and consistent leadership practices. From a practical vantage point, these findings offer valuable insights for hospitality and tourism establishments aspiring to optimize their leadership strategies for cultivating proactive work behaviour among their workforces.

AIM: To study and compare the predisposing factors and clinical features of pediatric, adult, and elderly rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD). METHODS: This is an observational analytic cross-sectional study in which patients with RRD admitted for surgery during 6mo period were divided into 3 age groups: pediatric (60y). Patients' demographic data, clinical features, RRD predisposing factors/features including myopia (axial length ≥26.5 mm), aphakia/pseudophakia, blunt trauma, peripheral retinal degenerations, history of RRD in the fellow eye, and surgical interventions/findings were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Totally 142 patients (142 eyes) were studied: 26 (18.31%) pediatrics, 86 (60.56%) adults, and 30 (21.13%) elderly. Elderly patients had a significantly higher intraocular pressures and cataracts compared to the other 2 groups (P=0.04). The RRD extent was larger in pediatric group (mostly 4 quadrants) compared to adults and elderly (mostly 2 quadrants), but it was not statistically insignificant (P=0.242). There were not statistically significantly differences in proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) rate, posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) rate, number, site, shape, and size of breaks in three groups. All three groups had macular detachment in all eyes. Myopia and peripheral retinal degenerations were found to be more significant in adults (P=0.049, P=0.035, respectively), while blunt trauma was higher but insignificant in pediatric eyes (P=0.052). Pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with silicone oil as a tamponade was the most used surgery in all groups. CONCLUSION: There are no significant difference in PVR rate in pediatric eyes but a significant higher rate of total RRD. Blunt trauma is more frequent in pediatrics eyes while myopia and/or peripheral retinal degenerations are more frequent in older ages. The rate of PPV as a choice for surgery is similar among all age groups.

In the evolving landscape of logistics, drone technology presents a solution to the challenges posed by traditional ground-based deliveries, such as traffic congestion and unforeseen road closures. This research addresses the Truck–Drone Delivery Problem (TDDP), wherein a truck collaborates with a drone, acting as a mobile charging and storage unit. Although the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) can represent the TDDP, it becomes computationally burdensome when nodes are dynamically altered. Motivated by this limitation, our study’s primary objective is to devise a model that ensures swift execution without compromising the solution quality. We introduce two meta-heuristics: the Strawberry Plant, which refines the initial truck schedule, and Genetic Algorithms, which optimize the combined truck–drone schedule. Using “Dataset 1” and comparing with the Multi-Start Tabu Search (MSTS) algorithm, our model targeted costs to remain within 10% of the optimum and aimed for a 73% reduction in the execution time. Of the 45 evaluations, 37 met these cost parameters, with our model surpassing MSTS in eight scenarios. In contrast, using “Dataset 2” against the CPLEX solver, our model optimally addressed all 810 experiments, while CPLEX managed only 90 within the prescribed time. For 20-customer scenarios and more, CPLEX encountered memory limitations. Notably, when both methods achieved optimal outcomes, our model’s computational efficiency exceeded CPLEX by a significant margin. As the customer count increased, so did computational challenges, indicating the importance of refining our model’s strategies. Overall, these findings underscore our model’s superiority over established solvers like CPLEX and the economic advantages of drone-assisted delivery systems.

Multiple studies have provided evidence that the hospitality and tourism sector is experiencing a growing reliance on information and communication technology (ICT). Consequently, employees in this industry are facing an escalating expectation to stay connected and address work-related communication even outside their regular working hours. Little is known about how using ICTs during off-job can raise employee unfairness perceptions and job overload and how managers can control this. The primary focus of the current study is to examine the association between work-related ICT use after hours and employees' perceived injustice and the mediating role of work-role overload and the moderating role of psychological detachment in this relationship within the hospitality and tourism industry. By convenient sampling method, 400 employee responses were collected. The collected data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) with the ''Partial least squares (PLS)'' technique, employing SmartPLS-4 software. The empirical findings demonstrate a positive association between work-related ICT use after hours and employees' perceived injustice (EPI) and work role overload (WRO). Similarly, the mediating role of work-role overload and the moderating role of psychological detachment were supported. The study concludes by providing theoretical and practical implications and discusses how these findings can be applied within the tourism and hospitality industry.

Abstract The use of metal phosphides, particularly aluminum phosphide, poses a significant threat to human safety and results in high mortality rates. This study aimed to determine mortality patterns and predictive factors for acute zinc and aluminum phosphide poisoning cases that were admitted to Menoufia University Poison and Dependence Control Center from 2017 to 2021. Statistical analysis revealed that poisoning was more common among females (59.7%), aged between 10 and 20 years, and from rural regions. Most cases were students, and most poisonings were the result of suicidal intentions (78.6%). A new hybrid model named Bayesian Optimization-Relevance Vector Machine (BO-RVM) was proposed to forecast fatal poisoning. The model achieved an overall accuracy of 97%, with high positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) values of 100% and 96%, respectively. The sensitivity was 89.3%, while the specificity was 100%. The F1 score was 94.3%, indicating a good balance between precision and recall. These results suggest that the model performs well in identifying both positive and negative cases. Additionally, the BO-RVM model has a fast and accurate processing time of 379.9595 s, making it a promising tool for various applications. The study underscores the need for public health policies to restrict the availability and use of phosphides in Egypt and adopt effective treatment methods for phosphide-poisoned patients. Clinical suspicion, positive silver nitrate test for phosphine, and analysis of cholinesterase levels are useful in diagnosing metal phosphide poisoning, which can cause various symptoms.

Grass pea is a promising crop with the potential to provide food and fodder, but its genomics has not been adequately explored. Identifying genes for desirable traits, such as drought tolerance and disease resistance, is critical for improving the plant. Grass pea currently lacks known R-genes, including the nucleotide-binding site-leucine-rich repeat (NBS-LRR) gene family, which plays a key role in protecting the plant from biotic and abiotic stresses. In our study, we used the recently published grass pea genome and available transcriptomic data to identify 274 NBS-LRR genes. The evolutionary relationships between the classified genes on the reported plants and LsNBS revealed that 124 genes have TNL domains, while 150 genes have CNL domains. All genes contained exons, ranging from 1 to 7. Ten conserved motifs with lengths ranging from 16 to 30 amino acids were identified. We found TIR-domain-containing genes in 132 LsNBSs, with 63 TIR-1 and 69 TIR-2, and RX-CCLike in 84 LsNBSs. We also identified several popular motifs, including P-loop, Uup, kinase-GTPase, ABC, ChvD, CDC6, Rnase_H, Smc, CDC48, and SpoVK. According to the gene enrichment analysis, the identified genes undergo several biological processes such as plant defense, innate immunity, hydrolase activity, and DNA binding. In the upstream regions, 103 transcription factors were identified that govern the transcription of nearby genes affecting the plant excretion of salicylic acid, methyl jasmonate, ethylene, and abscisic acid. According to RNA-Seq expression analysis, 85% of the encoded genes have high expression levels. Nine LsNBS genes were selected for qPCR under salt stress conditions. The majority of the genes showed upregulation at 50 and 200 μM NaCl. However, LsNBS-D18, LsNBS-D204, and LsNBS-D180 showed reduced or drastic downregulation compared to their respective expression levels, providing further insights into the potential functions of LsNBSs under salt stress conditions. They provide valuable insights into the potential functions of LsNBSs under salt stress conditions. Our findings also shed light on the evolution and classification of NBS-LRR genes in legumes, highlighting the potential of grass pea. Further research could focus on the functional analysis of these genes, and their potential use in breeding programs to improve the salinity, drought, and disease resistance of this important crop.

Abstract Objectives To investigate the association between anemia and depression and whether the treatment of anemia modifies the effect of the association between anemia and depression. Methods This secondary data analysis is based on data from the Enquête sur la santé des aînés (ESA)‐Services study conducted in 2011–2013 on community‐dwelling older adults recruited in primary care and have given access to their medico‐administrative data (n = 1447). The presence of anemia was self‐reported, as was depression (major and minor) aligned with symptoms of the DSM‐5. Treated anemia was based on the presence of medications delivered to participants. Cross‐sectional associations were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression, controlling for confounders. Results The prevalence of self‐reported anemia in our sample was estimated at 6.7%. Self‐reported anemia was associated with increased odds of depression. Individuals with untreated anemia had a 2.6‐fold increased odds of depression compared to those with no anemia. In contrast, the odds of depression in individuals with treated anemia were not different from individuals with no anemia. Conclusion The findings underline the importance of treating anemia in older adults. Future longitudinal studies are needed to replicate the findings and further explore the role of treating anemia on symptoms of depression.

Necrotic enteritis caused by Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) is characterized by poor performance and higher mortality rates in poultry farms. Novel dietary intervention involving bioactive molecules loaded into smart magnetized nano-system with a potent antioxidant function (quercetin-loaded Fe3O4-NPs), was evaluated for their impact on growth performance, intestinal immune and antioxidant defenses, and resistance against Clostridium perfringens in a necrotic enteritis challenge model. Four experimental groups comprising a total of 200 one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were fed different diets: a control basal diet, a diet supplemented with quercetin (300 mg/kg), a diet with Fe3O4-NPs (60 mg/kg), and a diet with quercetin-loaded Fe3O4-NPs (300 mg/kg). These groups were then challenged with C. perfringens during the grower period. Dietary inclusion of quercetin-loaded Fe3O4-NPs prominently reduced C. perfringens colonization and its associated virulence genes expression, which subsequently restored the impaired growth performance and intestinal histopathological changes in challenged broilers. Quercetin-loaded Fe3O4-NPs supplemented group displayed higher Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts, upregulation of intestinal host defense antimicrobial peptides related genes (avian β -defensin 6 and 12) and downregulation of intestinal inflammatory regulated genes (Interleukin-1 beta, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 8, tumor necrosis factor- α , chemokine C–C motif ligand 20, inducible nitric oxide synthase and cycloox-ygenase-2). Intestinal redox balance was boosted via upregulation of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and heme Oxygenase 1 genes along with simultaneous decrease in hydrogen peroxide, reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde contents in groups fed quercetin-loaded Fe3O4-NPs. Overall, new nutritional intervention with quercetin-loaded Fe3O4-NPs impacted better immune and antioxidant defenses, attenuated C. perfringens induced necrotic enteritis and contributed to better performance in the challenged birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several optimization problems can be abstracted into many-objective optimization problems (MaOPs). The key to solving MaOPs is designing an effective algorithm to balance the exploration and exploitation issues. This paper proposes a novel many-objective African vulture optimization algorithm (MaAVOA) that simulating the African vultures' foraging and navigation behaviours to solve the MaOPs. MaAVOA is an updated version of the African Vulture Optimization Algorithm (AVOA), which was recently proposed to solve the MaOPs. A new social leader vulture for the selection process is introduced and integrated into the proposed model. In addition, an environmental selection mechanism based on the alternative pool is adapted to improve the selection process to maintain diversity for approximating different parts of the whole Pareto Front (PF). The best-nondominated solutions are saved in an external Archive based on the Fitness Assignment Method (FAM) during the population evolution. FAM is based on a convergence measure that promotes convergence and a density measure that promotes variety. Also, a Reproduction of Archive Solutions (RAS) procedure is developed to improve the quality of archiving solutions. RAS has been designed to help reach out to the missing areas of the PF that the vultures easily miss. Two experiments are conducted to verify and validate the suggested MaAVOA's performance efficacy. First, MaAVOA was applied to the DTLZ functions, and its performance was compared to that of several popular many-objective algorithms and according to the results, MaAVOA outperforms the competitor algorithms in terms of inverted generational distance and hypervolume performance measures and has a beneficial adaptation ability in terms of both convergence and diversity performance measures. Also, statistical tests are implemented to demonstrate the suggested algorithm's statistical relevance. Second, MaAVOA has been applied to solve two real-life constrained engineering MaOPs applications, namely, the series-parallel system and overspeed protection for gas turbine problems. The experiments show that the suggested algorithm can tackle many-objective real-world applications and provide promising choices for decision-makers.

Abstract Background This study was conducted to estimate the impacts of using varied feeding regimens with or without protease supplementation on the growth performance, apparent amino acid ileal digestibility (AID%), economic efficiency, intestinal histology, and blood biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. Three hundred one-day-old chicks (Ross 308 broiler) were randomly allotted to a 3 × 2 factorial design. The experimental design consisted of three feeding regimens; FR1: a recommended protein SBM diet, FR2: a low-protein SBM diet, and FR3: a low-protein diet with the inclusion of 5% DDGS and 5% SFM, with or without protease supplementation (250 mg/kg). Results Increased feed intake and feed conversion ratio were observed in the FR3 treatment during the starter stage and decreased body weight and body weight gain during the grower stage. However, there was no significant effect of the different feeding regimens, protease supplementation, or interaction on the overall performance. The economic value of diets also remained unaffected by the different feeding regimens, protease supplementation, or interaction. Protease supplementation resulted in lowering the AID% of tryptophan and leucine. Reduced AID% of methionine was evident in the FR2 + VE and FR3 − VE treatments. Histological findings substantiated the FR3 treatment mediated a decrease in the duodenal and jejunal villous height (VH), jejunal villous width (VW), and ileal VW, whereas, increase in the ileal crypt depth (CD). The FR2 + VE treatment reduced the VH:CD ratio in the duodenum. The duodenal CD and the jejunal goblet cell count were reduced as a consequence of protease supplementation. The FR3 + VE treatment documented a rise in duodenal CD, while an increase in the jejunal goblet cell count was observed in the FR3 − VE treatment. The FR3 treatment enhanced the IgM serum levels compared to the FR1 and FR2 treatments. IgM serum levels were also elevated following protease supplementation. FR3 + VE treatment increased IgM serum levels. The highest serum ALP was found in the FR3 treatment, whereas the lowest level was obtained in the FR2 treatment. Conclusion Low-protein SBM-based diets could be used without affecting the birds’ growth. Altered morphometric measures of the intestine and increased IgM and ALP levels indicated the low-protein SBM/DDGS-SFM diet-induced damage of the intestinal histoarchitecture and immune system of birds. These different diets and protease supplementation failed to affect economic efficiency positively.

IntroductionThe gastrointestinal tract plays a major role in regulating glucose homeostasis and gut endocrine function. The current study examines the effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on intestinal GLP-1, glucose transporter expression and function in the obese Zucker rat (ZR).MethodsTwo groups of ZRs were studied: RYGB and sham surgery pair-fed (PF) fed rats. Body weight and food intake were measured daily. On post-operative day (POD) 21, an oral glucose test (OGT) was performed, basal and 30-minute plasma, portal venous glucose and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) levels were measured. In separate ZRs, the biliopancreatic, Roux limb (Roux) and common channel (CC) intestinal segments were harvested on POD 21.ResultsBody weight was decreased in the RYGB group. Basal and 30-minute OGT plasma and portal glucose levels were decreased after RYGB. Basal plasma GLP-1 levels were similar, while a 4.5-fold increase in GLP-1 level was observed in 30-minute after RYGB (vs. PF). The increase in basal and 30-minute portal venous GLP-1 levels after RYGB were accompanied by increased mRNA expressions of proglucagon and PC 1/3, GPR119 protein in the Roux and CC segments. mRNA and protein levels of FFAR2/3 were increased in Roux segment. RYGB decreased brush border glucose transport, transporter proteins (SGLT1 and GLUT2) and mRNA levels of Tas1R1/Tas1R3 and α-gustducin in the Roux and CC segments.ConclusionsReductions in intestinal glucose transport and enhanced post-prandial GLP-1 release were associated with increases in GRP119 and FFAR2/3 after RYGB in the ZR model. Post-RYGB reductions in the regulation of intestinal glucose transport and L cell receptors regulating GLP-1 secretion represent potential mechanisms for improved glycemic control.

Nonylphenol (NP) is a common toxicant that constitutes a potential hazard to the aquatic system. This study assessed the protective role of Salvia officinalis leaves powder (SOLP) against NP toxicity. We addressed mortalities, growth retardation, hepato-renal dysfunction, immune-antioxidant suppression, histopathological degeneration, and gene down-regulation induced by NP-toxicity. And the potential activity of SOLP against these negative impacts in Mirror carp (Cyprinus carpio var specularis). Acute toxicity assay (static 96-h) was primarily performed to investigate the 96-h LC50 of NP in C. carpio and it was recorded at 1.01 mg/L reckoned by Finney probit analysis. Fish (N = 240) were assigned to 4 treatments for 2 months. The first (control) and the second (SOLP) groups were fed on basal diets that were enriched with 0.0 and 4 g/kg of diet SOLP without NP exposure. The third (NP) and fourth (SOLP+NP) groups were provided with the same diets plus exposed to 1/10 of the 96 h-LC50 of NP (0.1 mg/L). The outcomes revealed that NP induced higher mortalities (46), significantly (p

Abstract The present study involved in vivo evaluation of the growth promoting effects of thymol and thymol nanoemulsion and their protection against Salmonella Typhimurium infection in broilers. One-day old 2400 chicks were randomly divided into eight groups; negative and positive control groups fed basal diet without additives and thymol and thymol nanoemulsion groups (0.25, 0.5 and 1% each). At d 23, all chicks except negative control were challenged with S. Typhimurium. Over the total growing period, birds fed 1% thymol nanoemulsion showed better growth performance even after S. Typhimurium challenge, which came parallel with upregulation of digestive enzyme genes (AMY2A, PNLIP and CCK). Additionally, higher levels of thymol nanoemulsion upregulated the expression of MUC-2, FABP2, IL-10, IgA and tight junction proteins genes and downregulated IL-2 and IL-6 genes expression. Moreover, 1% thymol nanoemulsion, and to lesser extent 0.5% thymol nanoemulsion and 1% thymol, corrected the histological alterations of cecum and liver postinfection. Finally, supplementation of 1% thymol, 0.5 and 1% thymol nanoemulsion led to increased Lactobacilli counts and decreased S. Typhimurium populations and downregulated invA gene expression postinfection. This first report of supplying thymol nanoemulsion in broiler diets proved that 1% nano-thymol is a potential growth promoting and antibacterial agent.

The article focuses on evaluating the correlation between component size asymmetry and functional knee outcomes in patients undergoing simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty (simBTKA). Topics include the rate of asymmetry in component sizes, the impact on Knee Society Score (KSS) and range of motion (ROM), and the incidence of complications associated with the procedure.

Proposing a new precise price forecasting method is still a challenging task as electricity price signals generally exhibit various complex features. In this paper, a new approach for electricity price forecasting called hybrid local general regression neural network, and harmony search algorithm (LGRNN-HSA) is proposed. The proposed LGRNN-HSA is developed by combining the coordinate delay (CD) method, local forecasting paradigm, general regression neural network (GRNN) and harmony search algorithm (HSA). The CD is employed in the proposed method to reconstruct the time series dataset. Then the local forecasting paradigm is utilized with GRNN to predict the future price based on the nearest neighbours only so that the shortcomings in global forecasting methods can be overcome. To enhance the forecasting accuracy, the HSA is employed to optimize not only the parameters of local forecasting paradigm but also the smooth parameter which has a great effect on the accuracy of GRNN. In LGRNN-HSA, a different smooth parameter for every training point is utilized instead of utilizing a constant value in GRNN. To verify the forecasting accuracy of the LGRNN-HSA, a real-world price and demand dataset is employed. The simulation results prove that the LGRNN-HSA significantly improved forecasting accuracy compared to other methods.

Long-term load forecasting (LTLF) is an essential process for strategical planning of the future needed extension in the power systems of any country. Besides, deep learning has become the heart of the machine learning paradigm, which is wildly used nowadays in many fields, and it also has become the current revolution in Artificial Intelligence (AI). In this paper, an optimized deep learning model based on Stacked Long Short-Term Memory Network (SLSTMN) is proposed. The architecture of the model is optimized to get the best configuration using Genetic Algorithm (GA). In addition, the hyperparameters of the model network are optimized using many deep learning techniques. During the optimization process, hundreds of model configurations are tested. The accuracy of this model is compared with many deep learning models and is compared against the related work in the field of LTLF. The dataset of the South Australia State (SA) power system is used to test the compared models. This data includes maximum daily load, daily maximum temperature, daily minimum temperature, weekday, the month, and holidays for 12 years from 2005 to 2016. SLSTMN achieves excellent accuracy and the lowest error value (almost 1%) when compared with other models on the same dataset and with related work models on different datasets.

Detection of transformer faults avoids the transformer’s undesirable loss from service and ensures utility service continuity. Diagnosis of transformer faults is determined using dissolved gas analysis (DGA). Several traditional DGA techniques, such as IEC code 60599, Rogers’ ratio method, Dornenburg method, Key gas method, and Duval triangle method, but these DGA techniques suffer from poor diagnosis transformer faults. Therefore, more research was used to diagnose transformer fault and diagnostic accuracy by combining traditional DGA techniques with artificial intelligence and optimization techniques. In this paper, a proposed Adaptive Dynamic Polar Rose Guided Whale Optimization algorithm (AD-PRS-Guided WOA) improves the classification techniques’ parameters that were used to enhance the transformer diagnostic accuracy. The results showed that the proposed AD-PRS-Guided WOA provides high diagnostic accuracy of transformer faults as 97.1%, which is higher than other DGA techniques in the literature. The statistical analysis based on different tests, including ANOVA and Wilcoxon’s rank-sum, confirms the algorithm’s accuracy.

Recently, the use of essential oils (EOs) or their bioactive compounds encapsulated by nanoparticles as alternative supplements for in-feed antimicrobials is gaining attention, especially in organic poultry production. Focusing on eugenol, its incorporation into the nanoformulation is a novel strategy to improve its stability and bioavailability and thus augment its growth-boosting and antimicrobial activities. Therefore, we explored eugenol nanoemulsion activities in modulating growth, digestive and gut barrier functions, immunity, cecal microbiota, and broilers response to avian pathogenic E. coli challenge (APEC) O78. A total of 1,000 one-day-old broiler chicks were allocated into five groups; negative control (NC, fed basal diet), positive control (PC), and 100, 250, and 400 mg/kg eugenol nanoemulsion supplemented groups. All groups except NC were challenged with APEC O78 at 14 days of age. The results showed that birds fed eugenol nanoemulsion displayed higher BWG, FI, and survivability and most improved FCR over the whole rearing period. Birds fed 400 mg/kg of eugenol nanoemulsion sustained a higher growth rate (24% vs. PC) after infection. Likely, the expression of digestive enzymes' genes (AMY2A, CCK, CELA1, and PNLIP) was more prominently upregulated and unaffected by APEC O78 challenge in the group fed eugenol nanoemulsion at the level of 400 mg/kg. Enhanced gut barrier integrity was sustained post-challenge in the group supplemented with higher levels of eugenol nanoemulsion as evidenced by the overexpression of cathelicidins-2, β-defensin-1, MUC-2, JAM-2, occludin, CLDN-1, and FABP-2 genes. A distinct modulatory effect of dietary eugenol nanoemulsion was observed on cytokine genes (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, and IL-10) expression with a prominent reduction in the excessive inflammatory reactions post-challenge. Supplementing eugenol nanoemulsion increased the relative cecal abundance of Lactobacillus species and reduced Enterobacteriaceae and Bacteriods counts. Notably, a prominent reduction in APEC O78 loads with downregulation of papC, iroN, iutA, and iss virulence genes and detrimental modifications in E. coli morphological features were noticed in the 400 mg/kg eugenol nanoemulsion group at the 3rd-week post-challenge. Collectively, we recommend the use of eugenol nanoemulsion as a prospective targeted delivery approach for achieving maximum broilers growth and protection against APEC O78 infection.

This study evaluated the immunotoxic effects of thallium (Tl) in Nile tilapia fingerlings and the recovery role of dietary Astragalus membranaceus polysaccharides (ASs). An 8-week experiment was designed where 180 fishes were randomly and equally assigned in triplicates into the six groups: the control group (CNT) was reared in unpolluted water and fed a commercial diet, two groups were fed a well-balanced commercial diet plus 1.5 and 3.0 g AS/kg diet (AS0.15 and AS0.30), respectively, the fourth group was exposed to a sublethal dose of Tl (41.9 μg l−1) [equal to 1/10 of 96-h lethal concentration 50 (LC50)], and the last two groups were fed 0.15 and 0.3% AS, respectively, and concurrently exposed to Tl (41.9 μg l−1) (AS0.15+Tl and AS0.30+Tl). Fish hematobiochemical parameters, serum immunity [nitric oxide, total immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels, and lysozyme activity], transcription of hepatic interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and resistance to Aeromonas hydrophila (A. hydrophila) were assessed. Hematobiochemical parameters and serum immune indices were significantly decreased in the fish group exposed to sublethal Tl concentration compared to the CNT group. Furthermore, Tl exposure significantly induced overexpression of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IFN-γ genes (4.22-, 5.45-, and 4.57-fold higher, respectively) compared to CNT values. Tl exposure also increased the cumulative mortality (%) in Nile tilapia challenged with A. hydrophila. Remarkably, the groups fed AS0.15+Tl and AS0.30+Tl significantly ameliorated all the aforementioned parameters, but did not reach CNT values. Our findings suggest the possible immunomodulating roles of dietary AS in recovering the immunotoxic effects of Tl in Nile tilapia. We can conclude that dietary AS would be useful for maintaining the immunity of Nile tilapia fingerlings.

Silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) are a new class of nanomaterials with unique properties due to their nanoscale size. Currently, SiNPs constitute a potential value in aquaculture; nonetheless, misuse induces toxicity to fisheries and ecosystems. Hence, the present prospective is a pioneer study that illustrates the acute toxicity of SiNPs to African catfish, Clarias gariepinus (B.) and the behavioral response in a renewal static system. Moreover, the influence of SiNPs on neuro-related, stress, immune-related, and oxidative stress indices was investigated. Fish groups of average body weights (73.09 ± 2.20 g) were exposed to 96-h of various concentrations of SiNPs including 0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, and 300 mg L−1 without water exchange. The value of 96-h LC50 of SiNPs was computed using Finney's probit analysis. Here we show that the exposure of fish to SiNPs resulted in remarkable ethological alterations such as lethargic, surfacing, inactive, slow swimming manner, and nervousness. By increasing the SiNPs concentration, the behavior scores and mortalities reached the upper limit of top values. The comparison with the control revealed a significant dose-dependent effect by increasing in the activity of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and malondialdehyde (MDA) with a concomitant elevation in the stress-controlled parameters (cortisol and nor-epinephrin) of all the fish groups undergone the SiNPs exposure. In contrast, there was a clear reduction in the acetylcholine esterase (AChE) level, immunological biomarkers (lysozymes and nitric oxide), and antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) of the exposed groups and the reduction elevated by increasing the SiNPs exposure concentration in comparison to the control group. Based on the study outcomes, the 96-h LC50 of SiNPs recorded 144.54 mg L−1 in C. gariepinus. We anticipate our assay to be a starting point for further applying the one-tenth of 96-h LC50- as an alternative safe treatment in therapy after considering the acute toxicity to preserve the aquaculture production and sustain human health. Additionally, it was approved that, the toxicity by the exposure to SiNPs observed clear alterations in fish behavior, neurological activity, immune and oxidative responses reflecting physiological disturbance.

Abstract Objective eCTAS is a real‐time electronic decision‐support tool designed to standardize the application of the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS). This study addresses the variability of CTAS score distributions across institutions pre‐ and post‐eCTAS implementation. Methods We used population‐based administrative data from 2016–2018 from all emergency departments (EDs) that had implemented eCTAS for 9 months. Following a 3‐month stabilization period, we compared 6 months post‐eCTAS data to the same 6 months the previous year (pre‐eCTAS). We included triage encounters of adult (≥17 years) patients who presented with 1 of 16 pre‐specified, high‐volume complaints. For each ED, consistency was calculated as the absolute difference in CTAS distribution compared to the average of all included EDs for each presenting complaint. Pre‐eCTAS and post‐eCTAS change scores were compared using a paired‐samples t‐test. We also assessed if eCTAS modifiers were associated with triage consistency. Results There were 363,214 (183,231 pre‐eCTAS, 179,983 post‐eCTAS) triage encounters included from 35 EDs. Triage scores were more consistent (P

The present study assessed the protective aspects of the dietary exposure to black cumin (Nigella sativa, NS) powder on immune response, liver and kidney enzymes, tissue antioxidant capacity, gene expression, and testing the antibacterial activity against Burkholderia cepacia (B. cepacia, BC). Nile tilapia (O. niloticus) (n = 150) were divided into 5 groups, the first was control (Cont) neither challenged nor treated, and fed a basal diet for 59 days. The second one received 30 g kg−1 of NS-incorporated diet and farmed for 45 days (45NS). The third (Cont-BC) and the fourth (14NS-BC) groups were fed a basal diet, while the fifth (59NS-BC) was fed NS-supplemented diet for 45 days. Then, the last three groups were intraperitoneally inoculated with 0.2 mL of virulent BC, and kept under observation for 14 days. During the observation period, Cont-BC group was continuously received a basal diet, while 14NS-BC and 59NS-BC were fed on NS-supplemented diet. Results showed that fish received NS-dietary supplement exhibited significantly (P

The experiment investigated the effect of dietary orange pulp (OP) with or without enzymes supplementation on the performance parameters, chemical composition, serum biochemistry, and some liver gene expression in tilapia for twelve weeks. The studied fish (n = 300) were allotted into six groups according to OP level (0%, 10%, and 20%) with or without enzymes supplementation (+/-). The performance results indicated that the inclusion level of OP by 20% negatively affected FCR and decreased final body weight. The dietary enzymes did not alleviate the unfavorable effect of OP on the final body weight. Higher dietary replacement levels of OP reduced serum lipid profile, serum proteins, and carcass fat, but increased carcass protein and ash compared to the control. The dietary enzymes produced higher serum lipids and proteins as compared to non-supplemented groups. Fish-fed the control diet supplemented with enzymes (G2) expressed higher RNA levels of GHR and IGF1 genes compared to the other groups. Excess dietary OP lowered the RNA level of FAS and LPL genes but improved simultaneously when supplemented with enzymes. Overall, the higher dietary OP (20%) with or without enzymes supplementation, did not benefit the tilapia performance, metabolic, and genetic indices, and the chemical composition of the carcass. But, the lower level of OP (10%) supplemented with enzymes could be used in tilapia diets without adverse effects on performance, health, and carcass composition.