The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of BGP-15 ((Z)-N'-(2-hydroxy-3-(piperidin-1-yl) propoxy) nicotinimidamide) on goat sperm during cryopreservation. The semen from six rams was diluted with a soybean lecithin-based extender containing different doses of BGP-15 (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 μM). After the freeze-thawing process, sperm characteristics, plasma membrane integrity and functionality, acrosomal status, mitochondria activity, apoptosis status, and gene expression of post-thawed ram spermatozoa were assessed. Compared to fresh spermatozoa, the ultrastructure of frozen spermatozoa was damaged, and frozen spermatozoa had a reduced number of duplex microtubules with partially asymmetric distributions, localized disappearance of the central microtubule, and ambiguous submicrotubule structures. Moreover, the 100 μM BGP-15 treatment group had the highest percentage of viability, plasma membrane and acrosome integrities, and mitochondrial activity of frozen-thawed spermatozoa when compared to the control (P < 0.05). In the Computer-Assisted Semen Analyzer, sperm motility parameters were significantly increased in the BGP-15 treatment group against the control group (P < 0.05), except wobble. Similarly, BGP-15 treatment increased the levels of T-AOC, SOD, CAT, and GHS-Px and decreased the level of ROS which compared to controls (P < 0.05). Only the 100 μM BGP-15 treatment group had a higher MDA level than the control group (P < 0.05). In all BGP-15 treatment groups, the mRNA expressions of the ROMO1 gene were significantly reduced compared to controls (P < 0.05), and the mRNA expressions of the SMCP, MnSOD, and CuZnSOD genes were significantly increased (P < 0.05). While the difference in the mRNA expression of the SMOX gene between the 50 μM BGP-15 treatment group and the control group was not significant (P > 0.05). Moreover, the apoptosis rate of freeze-thawed spermatozoa significantly decreased in the 100 μM BGP-15 treatment group compared to the control (P < 0.05), while the MMP of freeze-thawed spermatozoa significantly enhanced in the 100 μM BGP-15 treatment group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, BGP-15 enhances cryo-protective effects on goat spermatozoa, and 100 μM BGP-15 addition to the extender during cryopreservation is beneficial to the goat breeding industry.

Existing discussions on the relationship between supply chain digitalization (SCD) and firm development are predominantly theoretical and lack corresponding empirical evidence. To bridge this gap, this study considers the pilot work of supply chain innovation and application carried out in China as the exogenous shock environment for firms to implement supply chain digital transformation. Using a sample of 3208 Chinese listed firms from 2013 to 2022, this study examines the impact of SCD on firm competitiveness through a single time-point difference-in-differences (DID) model. The research results show that SCD enhances firm competitiveness by improving technological innovation and operational efficiency. Meanwhile, internal management capacity and the external supply chain operational environment are identified as essential supporting conditions for SCD to positively influence firm competitiveness. The study further finds that SCD affects firm competitiveness more strongly for non-state-owned firms and for firms located in regions with stronger intellectual property rights protection. This study effectively addresses the measurement limitations of SCD and offers a broader perspective on harnessing the enabling effects of digital technology to enhance firm competitiveness.

Chinese local pig breeds have unique meat flavor. In this study, we investigated the meat quality traits and the characteristics of the nutritional flavor substances such as amino acids (AAs), fatty acids (FAs), thiamine (Vitamin B1, VB1), and inosine monophosphate (IMP) in four Shanghai local pig breeds (MMS, SW, PD, and SHW) and the commercial crossbred Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire (DLY) breed. The results showed that the intramuscular fat (IMF) and protein content in the longissimus dorsi muscle (L) of Shanghai local breeds, especially Shanghai MMS and PD breeds, were significantly higher than those of the DLY breed (p-value < 0.01). The inter-breed differences in amino acid (AA) content were even more significant in the gluteal muscle (G). Total amino acids (TAAs), flavor amino acids (FAAs), and essential amino acids (EAAs) were significantly higher in the G muscle of the four Shanghai local breeds than that in the DLY breed. The results for fatty acids (FAs) revealed that the differences in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were all highly significant (p-value < 0.0001), especially for the MMS breed, where the content of PUFAs in the L and G muscle amounted to (14.86 ± 2.06) g/100 g and (14.64 ± 2.83) g/100 g, respectively, which were significantly higher than those of other breeds. The MMS breed was also found to have the highest IMP content and the lowest thiamine (VB1) content among several pig breeds. Therefore, these differences in meat nutritional flavor substances provide new insights into the characterization of meat flavor in Shanghai local pig breeds.

Alleviating supply chain dependence (SCD) is important for maintaining long-term firm stability. Existing literature has gradually focused on the potential risks posed by firms' SCD, but research on how to alleviate SCD remains limited. We use data from 2433 listed manufacturing firms in China spanning the years 2003-2022. Using resource dependence theory and transaction cost theory, we examine the positive role of infrastructure development represented by high-speed railroads (HSR) in alleviating SCD. Our findings reveal that the opening of an HSR can alleviate SCD, but this effect is primarily observed in alleviating downstream large-customer dependence, with no significant impact on alleviating upstream large-supplier dependence. This effect is more pronounced in environments characterized by high levels of economic uncertainty and low levels of digital infrastructure. The opening of an HSR alleviates SCD mainly through two paths: enhancing the competitive market environment and reducing transaction costs. Furthermore, alleviating SCD contributes to enhanced firm resilience. Our research advances the understanding of the relationship between transportation infrastructure and supply chain management, offering insights for academics and practitioners on strategies to alleviate SCD.

Drawing upon resource dependence theory and the transaction cost theory, the research investigates how green supplier integration (GSI) influences economic performance, the mediating roles of knowledge sharing (KS) and inter-organizational conflict (IOC), and the moderating role of organizational compatibility (OC). We use a two-stage questionnaire survey to collect data from managers of green manufacturing enterprises. Using the hierarchical regression method through SPSS software to analyze the collected data, the results showed that KS has a positive mediating effect, while IOC has a negative mediating effect. Additionally, OC strengthens the impact of GSI on KS and IOC. This study contributes to the literature by constructing a dual-path model of the mediating role of KS and IOC. A deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges of GSI can provide practical implications of how to improve economic performance through GSI for manufacturing enterprises. From a perspective of compatibility, examining the boundary conditions for GSI can help managers attend to the heterogeneity of strategies, cultures, and knowledge that need to be addressed in the GSI process, so as to reduce conflicts with partners in green practices and achieve sustainable green goals.

The conservation and utilization of livestock genetic resources is essential for the maintenance of biodiversity and breed innovation. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on 90 samples from Chinese Yangtze River Delta White goats (YRD), sourced from two populations of Chongming island white goats and Haimen white goats, aiming to dissect their genomic characteristics. In addition, 262 WGS data from nine other breeds of goats were downloaded from the NCBI database. These WGS data obtained were used to identify and analyze genetic variation with the goat reference genome, and the genetic structure of goat populations was analyzed. Through selective sweep analysis, the selection-signature genes and their polymorphic features were identified. It was found that the most significant genomic selection region in YRD goats was in the region of 62.9-64.6 Mb on chromosome 13, which contained genes related to the coat color and muscle growth of the goats. Nucleotide diversity of MYH7B, a gene related to the development of the goat's skeletal muscle, within the Yangtze River Delta white goat population was significantly lower than in other domestic and foreign goat breeds, suggesting that the gene was subject to selection. In addition, the IGF2BP2 gene, reported to be associated with litter size in goats, showed clear selection-signature characteristics in the Boer goats compared to the YRD goats.

There are many applications of soybean lecithin (SL) and cholesterol-loaded cyclodextrin (CLC) in sperm freezing processes. To the best of our knowledge, there have been few cases of the combined use of SL and CLC in freezing rooster semen. We investigated the effects of CLC, SL, and their combination on rooster sperm cryodamage. Three experiments were conducted: experiment 1, SL (0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2.0%); experiment 2, CLC (1.25 mg, 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 15 mg); and experiment 3, CLC + SL (2.5 mg + 0.25%, 2.5 mg + 0.5%, 2.5 mg + 1%, 2.5 mg + 1.5%). Semen samples were cryopreserved using a programmed cryostat, followed by the determination of post-thaw sperm quality, antioxidant indices, and hatching. The results showed that the combination of 2.5 mg CLC + 0.5% SL had the most significant synergistic effect on cryodamage, and the viability (56.69%), motility (54.35%), mitochondrial activity (54.23%), plasma membrane integrity (53.52%), acrosome integrity (54.71%), and antioxidant activity (MDA concentration: 5.65 nmol/mL; SOD activity: 152.73 U/mL) were significantly greater than those of the other combinations (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, the combined CLC and SL addition group did not substantially increase the fertilization and hatching rates of frozen semen compared with the addition of 2.5 mg CLC. In conclusion, the addition of 2.5 mg CLC and 2.5 mg CLC + 0.5% SL enhanced the quality and fertility of frozen rooster sperm.

To address the safety problems posed by the transportation of boar semen using LN, this study was conducted on the short-term storage of frozen boar semen in dry ice (−79 °C). Boar semen frozen in LN was transferred to dry ice, kept for 1 day, 3 days, 5 days, 7 days, or 8 days, and then moved back to LN. The quality of frozen semen stored in LN or dry ice was determined to evaluate the feasibility of short-distance transportation with dry ice. The results showed that 60 °C for 8 s was the best condition for thawing frozen semen stored in dry ice. No significant differences in spermatozoa motility, plasma membrane integrity, or acrosome integrity were observed in semen after short-term storage in dry ice compared to LN (p > 0.05). There were no significant changes in antioxidant properties between storage groups either (p > 0.05). In conclusion, dry ice could be used as a cold source for the short-term transportation of frozen boar semen for at least 7 days, without affecting sperm motility, morphological integrity, or antioxidant indices.

Building on resource-based view (RBV) and contingency theory (CT), the purpose of this study is to explore how entrepreneurial alertness (EA) can promote entrepreneurial bricolage (EB), and then contributes to improving the new venture performance, with the environmental dynamism as the moderating variable. This study adopted a hierarchical regression analysis to test our hypotheses, using data from 463 founders of new ventures in China. The study found that: (1) EA has a positive effect on new venture performance, (2) EB mediates the effect of EA on new venture performance, (3) environmental dynamism (ED) moderates the relationship between EB and new venture performance, and (4) the mediating effect of EB is also moderated by ED. This article provides valuable and novel insights both theoretically and practically, that makes outstanding contributions to improving the performance of new ventures.

BACKGROUND:The transcriptome and metabolome dissection of the skeletal muscle of high- and low- growing individuals from a crossbred population of the indigenous Chongming white goat and the Boer goat were performed to discover the potential functional differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differential expression metabolites (DEMs). RESULTS:A total of 2812 DEGs were detected in 6 groups at three time stages (3,6,12 Month) in skeletal muscle using the RNA-seq method. A DEGs set containing seven muscle function related genes (TNNT1, TNNC1, TNNI1, MYBPC2, MYL2, MHY7, and CSRP3) was discovered, and their expression tended to increase as goat muscle development progressed. Seven DEGs (TNNT1, FABP3, TPM3, DES, PPP1R27, RCAN1, LMOD2) in the skeletal muscle of goats in the fast-growing and slow-growing groups was verified their expression difference by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Further, through the Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) approach, a total of 183 DEMs in various groups of the muscle samples and these DEMs such as Queuine and Keto-PGF1α, which demonstrated different abundance between the goat fast-growing group and slow-growing group. Through weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA), the study correlated the DEGs with the DEMs and identified 4 DEGs modules associated with 18 metabolites. CONCLUSION:This study benefits to dissection candidate genes and regulatory networks related to goat meat production performance, and the joint analysis of transcriptomic and metabolomic data provided insights into the study of goat muscle development.

This paper presents an investigation of the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on entrepreneurial activity (EA) using panel data from 284 Chinese cities over the period 2010-2019. The study finds that AI has a positive and significant effect on EA, and this result remains robust after conducting a series of tests, including the endogeneity test, the exogenous shock test, and the robustness test. The study also conducts mechanistic and heterogeneity tests, which show that AI promotes technological innovation and drives consumer demand, leading to a positive effect on EA. Moreover, the entrepreneurial effect of AI is more significant in the eastern region, in regions with net population inflows, and in the service sector. These findings provide insights into the entrepreneurial impact of AI, and suggest the need to strengthen the top-level design and application of AI in the entrepreneurial system.

The meat of local livestock breeds often has unique qualities and flavors. In this study, three Shanghai native pig breeds (MSZ, SWT, and SHB) exhibited better meat quality traits than globalized commercial pig breeds (DLY). Subsequently, metabolomic and lipidomic differences in the longissimus dorsi (L) and gluteus (T) muscles of the Shanghai native pig breeds and DLY pig breed were compared using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS). The results demonstrated that the metabolites mainly consisted of (28.16%) lipids and lipid-like molecules, and (25.87%) organic acids and their derivatives were the two most dominant groups. Hundreds of differential expression metabolites were identified in every compared group, respectively. One-way ANOVA was applied to test the significance between multiple groups. Among the 20 most abundant differential metabolites, L-carnitine was significantly different in the muscles of the four pig breeds (p-value = 7.322 × 10−11). It was significantly higher in the L and T muscles of the two indigenous black pig breeds (MSZ and SWT) than in the DLY pigs (p-value < 0.001). Similarly, lipidomic analysis revealed the PA (18:0/18:2) was significantly more abundant in the muscle of these two black breeds than that in the DLY breed (p-value < 0.001). These specific metabolites and lipids might influence the meat quality and taste properties and lead to customer preferences. Therefore, this study provided insights into the characterization of meat metabolites and lipids in Shanghai native pig breeds.

Digital transformation has become a core competency for enterprises. Based on the data of Chinese A-share companies from 2010 to 2021, this study examines the impact of open public data on enterprises' digital transformation using the DID model. The findings indicate that public data openness has a significant influence on driving enterprises' digital transformation and extensive robustness checks confirm the reliability of the results. Mechanism tests reveal that public data openness can drive enterprise digital transformation by reducing operating costs, strengthening managements' strategic perceptions, and intensifying competition in local markets. The results of the heterogeneity analysis indicate that the facilitating effect of public data openness on enterprises' digital transformation is more pronounced in regions that are not data trading centers, firms with a low degree of intelligence, and labor-intensive industries. The findings of our study offer new insights into the practical implications of public data openness, while also providing valuable guidance for other developing countries seeking to drive enterprises' digital transformation.

Improving supply chain resilience is the foundation of the stable cycle of the national economy,and it is also an inevitable requirement to ensure the long-term stable and high-quality development of the economy and society.Based on the data of prefecture-level cities and class A-share listed companies in China from 2010 to 2020,this paper examines the impact of intelligent logistics on supply chain resilience.The research results show that intelligent logistics improves supply chain resistance and the recovering ability of the supply chain,that is,intelligent logistics can significantly promote supply chain resilience,while expanding the strategic layout of the enterprise market,reducing transaction costs and improving supply chain efficiency are important influence mechanisms.Heterogeneity analysis shows that for enterprises with low market position,downstream of the industrial chain,and regions with convenient transportation conditions and high spatial connection intensity of intelligent logistics,intelligent logistics has a more significant role in promoting supply chain resilience.The research in this paper expands the research scope of intelligent logistics effects and provides a useful reference for the Chinese government to optimize intelligent logistics policies and improve supply chain resilience.

猪卵母细胞脂质含量高被认为是其冷冻效率低下的重要因素之一.本文通过在猪卵母细胞体外成熟过程中添加化学降脂剂毛喉素(forskolin),检测冷冻前后成熟卵母细胞的脂滴含量、脂滴超微结构、线粒体膜电位、活性氧水平、早期凋亡指标、冻后存活率及发育潜能变化等,研究其对猪卵母细胞降脂和冷冻保护的效果.结果显示,成熟过程中毛喉素处理可部分提高卵母细胞成熟率,但差异不显著(P＞0.05).尼罗红荧光染色显示,毛喉素处理后卵母细胞内脂滴数量及面积在冷冻前后均极显著低于未处理组(P＜0.01);超微结构观察发现,经毛喉素处理的卵母细胞中非均质脂滴数量与均质脂滴数量的比例扩大,且比均质脂滴面积更大;冷冻后,卵母细胞中以非均质脂滴为主,脂滴变小变少,分布不均匀,毛喉素处理后非均质与均质间的脂滴数量比例进一步增加.毛喉素处理极显著上调冻后卵母细胞线粒体膜电位(1.04vs.0.51,P＜0.01),减轻氧化应激,降低早期凋亡率(68.30％vs.86.03％,P＜0.01),从而有效提高了冷冻后卵母细胞的存活率(71.17％vs.51.47％,P＜0.01)和孤雌激活卵裂率(16.63％vs.8.23％,P＜0.05).本研究表明,在猪卵母细胞体外成熟过程中添加毛喉素可有效降低细胞内脂质含量,并通过降低氧化损伤和改善线粒体功能,达到提高冻后存活率和发育能力的目的.

在数字技术加速与供应链融合的背景下,厘清数字技术赋能供应链的机制及效果是深入推进现代供应链体系建设的前提,对促进供给侧结构性改革和加快构建双循环新发展格局具有重要意义.借助供应链创新与应用试点工作构建的外生冲击环境,本文基于2013-2020年A股上市公司数据,系统考察了供应链数字化对企业绩效的影响.研究发现:供应链数字化显著提升了企业绩效,管理赋能和创新赋能是供应链数字化驱动企业绩效提升的具体路径机制,较高的公司治理水平和政府营造的良好供应链运营环境是不可或缺的支撑条件.异质性分析结果表明,供应链数字化对产业链中游企业和非国有企业的绩效驱动作用更显著.进一步研究中,利用新冠肺炎疫情构造风险危机的外生冲击,通过事件研究法和三重差分模型研究发现,供应链数字化提高了企业对危机风险的事前防范能力和事后化解能力,增强了风险冲击下企业绩效的稳定性,实现了有韧性的增长.本文不仅为加快构建现代供应链体系提供了经验支撑,更对提升产业链供应链韧性以及推动经济实现质的有效提升和量的合理增长具有重要的政策启示.

智慧物流是现代供应链的重要支撑,对我国深度参与全球产业链、价值链分工合作具有关键作用.基于政策、理论和现实依据构建多维度物流业智慧化水平评价指标体系,借助熵权与变异系数综合赋权法测度2006—2020年全国及三大地区、30个省份的物流业智慧化水平.在此基础上,利用核密度估计法、达古姆基尼系数、全局莫兰指数以及基于空间计量模型的β收敛性检验方法,揭示物流业智慧化水平的分布动态、空间差异与收敛性.研究发现,我国及三大地区物流业智慧化水平不断提升,但整体偏低,空间差异明显,呈现东部>全国>中部>西部的发展格局.从核密度估计结果看,全国及三大地区物流业智慧化水平的空间差异并未得到有效缩减,存在极化现象,但相比于东部地区,中西部地区物流业智慧化水平增速更快,有助于全国空间差异的缩小.从达古姆基尼系数相关计算结果看,物流业智慧化水平的全国总体差异以及东部和西部地区内差异较大,但呈波动缩小态势,中部地区内差异较小但呈小幅波动扩大态势,东部与西部、东部与中部地区间差异较大.从差异来源及贡献率看,物流业智慧化水平的全国总体差异主要源自地区间系数,地区内系数对其贡献次之.从收敛特征看,物流业智慧化水平在全国及三大地区均存在绝对β收敛和条件β收敛特征,朝着各自的稳态水平演进,收敛速度整体呈现中西部>东部态势.鉴于此,在全国层面,应探索新一代信息技术与交通运输业深度融合解决方案,提高干线运输效率,扩大干线运输规模与支线运输网络覆盖面;在地区层面,应制定有梯度的区域发展策略,构建区域合作机制;在省份层面,应以点带面,充分发挥智慧物流在国内大循环中的"链"接能力.

提升产业链韧性是推进产业链现代化的重要内容.基于2006-2021年我国30个省份(未包括西藏、香港、澳门、台湾地区)面板数据,研究智慧物流对产业链韧性的影响效应、作用机制和异质性表现.研究发现,智慧物流显著促进产业链韧性提升,在采用工具变量法克服内生性问题和通过替换核心解释变量等方法进行稳健性检验后,该结论依然成立.异质性分析表明,智慧物流对产业链韧性的影响具有时间异质性和区域异质性,在样本期后期(2015-2021年)、东部地区以及西部地区,智慧物流对产业链韧性的影响更显著.机制检验表明,智慧物流可以提高信息传递效率和运输效率,降低交易成本,推动资源要素顺畅流动,缓解行政壁垒,促进市场整合,从而增强产业链的资金可得性和上下游关联关系,提高产业链韧性.因此,在我国产业链韧性需要迫切提升的关键阶段,应完善物流基础设施建设,推动智慧物流持续健康发展;提高自主创新能力,打造完整且有韧性的产业链;以降低交易成本和促进市场整合作为提升产业链韧性的着力点,更好发挥智慧物流对产业链韧性的促进作用.

China has rich genetic resources of local pig breeds. In this study, whole-genome resequencing was performed on five Shanghai local pig breeds, aiming to analyze their population genetic structure and unique genomic characteristics. Tens of millions of single nucleotide variants were obtained through the resequencing of a total of 150 individual pigs from five local pig breeds (Meishan, Fengjing, Shawutou, Pudong White, and Shanghai White) after mapping them with the pig reference genome of Sus scrofa 11.1. The results of admixture structure analysis also clearly demonstrated the genetic differences between the Shanghai local pig breeds and the three commercial pig breeds (Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire). The genetic infiltration of Landrace and Yorkshire pig breeds in the SHW breed was detected, which is consistent with the early history of crossbreeding in this breed. Selective sweep analysis between four indigenous Shanghai pig breed populations and three commercial pig breed populations identified 270 and 224 genes with selective signatures in the commercial and indigenous Shanghai pig populations, respectively. Six genes (TGS1, PLAG1, CHCHD7, LCORL, TMEM68, and TMEM8B) were found to be associated with animal growth in the commercial pig population through gene enrichment and protein–protein interaction analysis. In contrast, the MSRB3 gene in the indigenous Shanghai pig population was significantly under selection, which correlated with the long pendulous ear phenotype of the indigenous Shanghai pig population. In conclusion, this study is the first genomic profiling of five representative local pig breeds in Shanghai, which provides molecular genetic data and foundations for better conservation and utilization of local pig breed resources in Shanghai, China.