bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Halochromic Polyaniline as smart detector packaging for fresh food: a review
Authors: Fadhila A N , Warsiki E , Yuliani S
Published: June 2024

Early spoilage is a challenge that is often encountered in fresh food. One prevention that can be done is by using packaging technology. There has been an increasing interest in using smart detector packaging for fresh products. Smart detector has high sensitivity and is responsive to visual changes when exposed to pH, temperature, water activity, or composition. The advantage of using a smart detector is that it can detect and give information on which products are safe to consume and which are not. Overall, the concept of a smart detector is not much different from the function of smart packaging. Smart packaging that is sensitive to pH is called halochromic properties. The mechanism of halochromic depends on the compound or the indicator used. Polyaniline (PANI) is one of the candidates for halochromic materials, which have high stability and sensitivity to pH changes. PANI also has a high sensitivity to volatile compounds such as ammonia, indicated by a change in colour from green to blue. This review will overview the use of PANI as a smart detector halochromic packaging and its potential application in the food industry. It has been found that the application of PANI has opportunities to advance the development of modern smart packaging and better food quality monitoring systems.
Packaging design for ginger leather candy in a small medium enterprise : a design thinking approach
Authors: Darmawan M A , Purwoko  , Pratama T
Published: June 2024

A small medium enterprise is developing a new marketable ginger product differentiation. The proposed product will be made in the form of ginger candy. The ginger candy design was developed in order to find Products need to be made of suitable packaging and packaging labels so that the product can be marketed. This project aims to produce packaging designs that have the ability to protect products from producer to consumers. The method used is engineering design approach which includes the stages of exploration, problem verification, ideation, prototipe development, and prototipe validation. The new ginger product produced is in the form of soft ginger candy, namely ginger leather candy. The results of the design applied to the ginger leather candy product are using PP plastic material which is sealed with an impulse sealer tool as primary packaging, with secondary packaging pouch with zip-lock aluminum foil. On the front of the secondary packaging is affixed with a label displaying product information in accordance with the BPOM label rules.
Socioeconomic and technical feasibility of cajuput oil (Melaleuca cajuput Powell) distillation business
Authors: Mahmudah RN , Dharmawan B , Sujianto S
Published: June 2024

The distillation of cajuput leaves into cajuput oil is a potential business for farmers. However, farmers and distillers still encounter problems that lead to failures in developing the business, such as low yield, price volatility, and technical issues related to agroclimatology suitability, good cultivation, and distillation process. This research was conducted to obtain the socioeconomic and technical feasibility of the cajuput oil business and the information needed to support its sustainability. The research parameters used in the economic aspect include profit level analysis and Net B/C. The financial element used NPV, IRR, Payback Period, sensitivity analysis, and the non-financial aspect, including the employment, suitability of cultivated land, and cajuput oil distillation. The financial analysis results obtained a profit of IDR 2,254,911,000, NPV of IDR 2,478,763,489, Payback Period of 4.6 years, and Net B/C of 8.02. However, the decrease of 40% in yield and increase of 20% in raw material prices did not result in the company’s loss. Socially, the potential for on-farm and off-farm labor absorption reaches 2,500 workers/business unit. The determining factor for the success of the cajuput oil business is land suitability.
Situational analysis of human resources in the Indonesian sugarcane agro-industry in the era of industry 4.0
Authors: Mursiti  , Sailah Illah , Marimin  , Romli Muhammad , Denni Alex
Published: June 2024

The development of Industry 4.0 technology, new challenges need to be faced in developing human resources to work. This research aims to collect, evaluate and organise information about the internal and external environment in the development of human resources in the industrial era 4.0 on the cane sugar production process. A combination of qualitative and quantitative methods was used in this research. The collection of data through literature review, field survey, expert interview and questionnaire from 37 Indonesian sugar factories regarding HR competencies both soft and hard, the application of 4.0 technology in Indonesian sugar factories, the current state of sugar production process technology, and the state of sugar cane land that is important to develop in the future. The findings obtained are that in terms of human resources, the availability of competence infrastructure is needed; in terms of technology 4.0, the need for wider application of artificial intelligence; in terms of sugar production process, the cut-load-transport needs new technology; and from the land aspect, West Nusa Tenggara has the potential to be developed into sugar cane land in the future. The information is then expressed in the form of rich picture, root definition, CATWOE, conceptual model, cause and effect diagram and black box. The description of the state of human resources in the cane sugar agro-industry can be used as a basis for the implementation of human resource development strategies in the cane sugar agro-industry in the industrial era 4.0 in order to increase the productivity of human resources.
Designing Risk Mitigation Strategies for Agricultural Supply Chain: A Supply Chain Finance-Based Approach
Authors: Profita A , Kuncoro D K R , Reza Baihaqi Muhammad
Published: June 2024

The agricultural supply chain is distinguished from the manufacturing and service supply chains by its complexity and length. These characteristics emphasize the importance of risk management measures for this supply chain, which will increase farmer income, market stability, and food security. This research aims to design risk mitigation strategies, especially demand risk, in the rice farming supply chain in Tana Paser District, Paser Regency, East Kalimantan. Monte Carlo simulation was utilized to predict the average rice demand and conduct sensitivity analysis. Three financial scheme strategies were compared: soft tolling, hard tolling, and contract farming, to assess the best strategy that provides maximum profits for agricultural supply chain actors. From the simulation results, the average predicted value for rice demand was 2.78 tonnes. The optimal quantities of q1 (processed material), q2 (raw material), and q3 (seeds) obtained from sensitivity analysis were 2.2 tons, 2 tons, and 2 tons, respectively. The soft tolling strategy provides maximum profits for all agricultural supply chain players, with a total profit of IDR 17,471,000.00, considering that implementing this strategy involves all supply chain stakeholders in determining the contract decision (q).
Optimizing negotiation process of buyer-supplier collaboration in the gambier supply chain
Authors: Anwar S , Ekawati I , Ramadian D
Published: June 2024

The current gambier supply chain presents the disparity issue in profit distribution between the business actors. This issue could be analyzed regarding the collaboration that exists between the involved parties, particularly in the negotiation process. The present study aims to develop an optimization model of the negotiation process between supplier (farmers) and collector (buyer) in gambier supply chain. In a decentralized supply chain setting, the linear programming is applied to develop the optimization planning model for both players. Optimized models were built to align the order level of buyers and the supply quantity of suppliers. The proposed negotiation process is applied iteratively to align the order and supply quantity. The developed models have been verified through computational testing using both real and estimated data. Practical implication of the research results can assist the related actors in the gambier supply chain.
Phyllanthus niruni (Meniran) Aqueous and Ethanol Extracts Promotes Adipogenic Differentiation in 3T3-L1 Preadipocytes
Authors: Purnamasari Listya , Flores dela Cruz Joseph , Khasanah Himmatul , Gu Hwang Seong , Nam In Sik , Koo Yi Jun
Published: June 2024

Consumers determine intramuscular fat as one of the important factors for the quality and palatability of beef meat. In a recent study, Phyllanthus niruri (meniran) has practical uses for feed additives and was screened for their ability to improve preadipocyte proliferation and differentiation. This study evaluates the effect of meniran aqueous and ethanol extracts on promoting adipogenic differentiation in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes and were investigated via CCK-8 assay, Oil red O-Staining, and RT-PCR analysis. For differentiation to adipocytes, post-confluent 3T3-L1 preadipocytes were stimulated DMEM containing 10% FBS, 5 μg/ml insulin, 0.5mM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine, and 1 μM dexamethasone. 3T3-L1 were cultured with meniran aqueous and ethanol extract (25, 50, 100, and 200 ppm). Intracellular lipid accumulation was significantly increased by meniran extract until 100 ppm and decreased at 200 ppm. The expressions of adipocyte differentiation on mRNA transcription factors PPARγ and C/EBPꭤ were stimulated by 25-100 ppm of meniran both aqueous and ethanol extract but lower at 200 ppm. In the future, these findings may be applied to develop feed additives from natural plant extracts which may be used to increase intramuscular fat accumulation in beef cattle through manipulation of adipocyte differentiation.
Co-existence of mycotoxins in the diet of layer farms in Java Provinces of Indonesia
Authors: Sumantri I , Hidayat A A A , Kusumawardhani E
Published: June 2024

Mycotoxins adversely affect animal health and production. The presence of multiple mycotoxins may exert greater toxicity than exposure to a single mycotoxin. However, data on the co-occurrence of mycotoxins in animal feed is scarce, especially from Indonesia. This study was conducted to investigate the co-occurrence of the major mycotoxins, namely aflatoxin B1, fumonisin, ochratoxin A, zearalenone and T-2 toxin. A total of 146 samples were collected from layer farms in the provinces of West Java, Central Java and East Java. Mycotoxins were determined by ELISA test using commercial ELISA kits for each mycotoxin. The results showed that there are 96% samples contaminated by multiple mycotoxins, which consisted of 51% samples containing 5 mycotoxins, 28% samples containing 4 mycotoxins, 11% samples containing 3 mycotoxins. and 5% samples containing 2 mycotoxins. This survey also showed that fumonisins is the most common mycotoxin in layer diets, found in 100% of the samples, followed by zearalenone (94%), aflatoxin B1 (88%), ochratoxin (73%) and T-2 (68%). It is concluded that the very high co-occurrence of mycotoxin contamination found in layer diets from Java provinces represents a significant risk to animal health and production due to their potential toxic interactions.
Local Community Participation Under Proboscis Monkey Conservation-Based Ecotourism Development in Curiak Island Area
Authors: Hafizh Zuhdi Muhammad , Satya Mastuti Widi Tri , Rezeki Amalia , Romadhoni Surya Putra Ahmad
Published: June 2024

This study was conducted to identify local participation under proboscis monkey conservation-based ecotourism development in Curiak Island Area and the relationship between their socio-demographic characteristics. A total of 20 respondents participated in the study. The data taken included respondents’ profiles and local community participation in proboscis monkey ecotourism development. The data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics analysis and rank Spearman correlation analysis. The results showed that local community participation in proboscis monkey conservation-based ecotourism is at a medium level with an average mean score of 3.34. The correlation coefficient between age and local community participation is −0.223 with a significance value of 0.345 so that it can be said that there is no significant relationship (p>0.05) between age and local community participation and are at a very low category, the correlation coefficient value between gender and local community participation is 0.286 with a significance value of 0.221 so that it can be said that there is no significant relationship (p>0.05) between gender and community participation local and are at a low category, the correlation coefficient value between education and local community participation is 0.296 with a significance value of 0.205 so that it can be said that there is no significant relationship (p>0.05) between education and local community participation and are at a low category, and the correlation coefficient value between income and local community participation is 0.496 with a significance value of 0.026 so that it can be said that there is a real relationship (p<0.05) between income and local community participation and are at a medium category. It can be concluded that local community participation in proboscis monkey conservation-based ecotourism is at a medium level. The socio-demographic characteristic that has a real relationship with local community participation is monthly income. Socio-demographic characteristics that have no significant relationship with local community participation are age, education, and educational background.
Relationship between parturition and body condition score on estrus expression of tropical Saanen Crossbred does
Authors: Diatmono D F F , Padmawati F G , Magistrama M E , Kumala S , Sitaresmi P I , Widyobroto B P , Widayati D T
Published: June 2024

Saanen Crossbred goats are an excellent livestock commodity with great potential for development in Indonesia. This excellent potential is not optimal due to the limitations of farmers in detecting estrus for mating program. This study aimed to determine the relationship between body condition score (BCS) and parturition on the characteristics of estrus. This study included 18 non-pregnant Saanen Crossbred does aged 3 years. Does were grouped based on parturition number (1 and 2) and BCS (2.5 and 3). The variables measured including vulva color, swelling, mucus secretion, vaginal pH, vaginal temperature, and salivary ferning. Data were analysed using independent sample T-Test and correlation analysis. The results showed that does with parturition 2 (2.16±0.40) had higher swelling parameter values (p<0.01) than parturition 1 (1.16±0.38), and does with BCS 3 (2.11±0.33) had higher color parameter values (p<0.01) than dose with BCS 2.5 (1.33±0.50). Additionally, the results indicated a positive correlation for several estrus characteristics, including color with swelling (0.58), color with mucus (0.531), and pH with ferning (0.501). It has also been found that the ferning method may be an easier estrus detection tool. Based on these findings, both parturition and BCS affect some estrus expressions, and several estrus characteristics are correlated.
Electrodeposition of Zn/TiO2 coatings on Ti6Al4V produced by selective laser melting, the characterization and corrosion resistance
Authors: Gündüz Demet Özaydın , Küçüktürk Gökhan , Pul Muharrem , Salunkhe Sachin , Kaya Duran , Kabalcı Mehmet , Čep Robert , Abouel Nasr Emad
Published: June 2024

Recently, additive manufacturing techniques have begun to be implemented extensively in the production of implants. Ti6Al4V alloy is a material of choice for implants due to its low density and high biocompatibility. Recent research, however, has demonstrated that Ti6Al4V alloy emits long-term ions (such as Al and V) that are hazardous to health. Surface modifications, including coating, are therefore required for implants. The electrodeposition method was utilized to deposit Zn-doped TiO2 onto the surfaces of Ti6Al4V samples, which were manufactured via the selective laser melting method. The effects of processing time, amount of TiO2 addition, microstructure of anode materials, and resistance to wear and corrosion were investigated. The coating hardness and thickness increased with increasing processing time and TiO2 concentration. It has been observed that the addition of TiO2 to zinc anode coatings results in an increase in wear and a decrease in corrosion rate. It was noted that the specimens exhibiting the most significant wear also possessed the highest hardness value. The specimens were generated utilizing a graphite anode, underwent a 30-min processing time, and comprised 10 g l−1 of TiO2.
Enhanced photoluminescence and structural properties of Zn-doped anatase TiO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Yihunie Moges Tsega
Published: June 2024

Undoped and zinc-doped TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by the sol–gel method. The XRD spectra revealed that both synthesized undoped and Zn-doped TiO2 NPs remain in the anatase phase after calcined at 500 °C. The crystallite size was increased from 17 to 52 nm as the Zn content was increased from 0 to 0.2 mol%, which implies also a decrease of the micro-strain and surface area. The agglomerated spherical-like morphology with a diameter of roughly 10–20 nm was shown by SEM and TEM micrographs. The bandgap values were found to be decreased from 3.2 to 3.0 eV when Zn concentration increased from 0 to 0.2 mol%. A reduction in bandgap with an increase in dopant concentration may due to the increased in crystallite size along with enhanced lattice parameters (i.e., a and c) and d-spacing. From PL spectra, all samples exhibited a broad emission band in the visible region of about 400–500 nm centered at 430 nm. The highest PL emission was obtained for 0.2 mol% Zn doping. The broad PL emission over the visible range is greatly reduced at 0.4 mol% Zn due to concentration quenching. It is suggested that the Zn2+ doping induced oxygen vacancies which could promote the photoluminescence processes.
Study on notch tensile properties of Fe-Mn-Si shape memory alloy
Authors: Niu Haojie , Sun Yubin , Lin Chengxin
Published: June 2024

In order to investigate the effect of stress concentration on the mechanical properties of Fe-Mn-Si shape memory alloy, Fe17Mn5Si10Cr5Ni shape memory alloy was selected as the research object in this study. Specimens with different notch types and sizes were designed, and uniaxial tensile tests were conducted on the notched specimens at room temperature. The effects of notch parameters on stress–strain curve, the notch tensile strength, notch sensitivity, and fracture mode were studied. The results indicate that Fe-Mn-Si shape memory alloy is sensitive to notches. V-shaped notch specimens with the same notch radius exhibit stronger ductility and larger fracture strain than U-shaped notch specimens. The tensile strength of the notch increases with the decrease of the notch radius. The stress concentration caused by the notch limits the plastic deformation ability of the material, resulting in significantly lower ductility of the notched specimen compared to the smooth specimen. The presence of notches does not change the tensile fracture type of the alloy, which is ductile fracture. Compared with Q235 steel, Fe-Mn-Si shape memory alloy has better ductility. The stress–strain curve of Q235 steel shows a clear yield plateau and slight hardening behavior, while the yield plateau of Fe-Mn-Si shape memory alloy is not obvious.
Inkjet-printed low temperature co-fired ceramics: process development for customized LTCC
Authors: Jäger Jonas , Ihle Martin , Gläser Kerstin , Zimmermann André
Published: June 2024

This paper investigates the utilization of digital printing technologies for the fabrication of low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC). LTCC offer great opportunities for applications such as antennas, sensors or actuators due to their outstanding properties like low dielectric loss, low permittivity, low coefficient of thermal expansion and at the same time high reliability in harsh environments (heat, humidity, and radiation). LTCC are multilayer circuits that are typically functionalized by screen-printing. This publication investigates the replacement of screen-printing by digital printing processes, such as inkjet and Aerosol Jet printing, to facilitate a more resource-friendly and customizable manufacturing of LTCC. The use of digital printing technologies not only streamlines small-scale productions and development processes but also offers the advantage of achieving miniaturization down to single-digit microns. In this publication, digital printing processes, filling of vias, lamination processes, co-firing at 850 °C and printing on fired LTCC were investigated. Three layers of nanoparticle silver ink were printed on green LTCC tape and 100% of the embedded printed structures were conductive after co-firing. Filling of vias with inkjet printing was investigated and the most important process parameters were found to be the clustering of vias, the amount of active nozzles and the substrate temperature. Printing on fired LTCC demonstrated high precision, and sintering at 600 °C achieved strong adhesion of printed structures to LTCC. These successful findings culminate in presenting a process chain for fully maskless structured, multilayer LTCC.
Severe COVID-19 in pregnant women: Analysis of placental features and perinatal outcomes
Authors: Farias Arcos Júnior Gelson , Pulcineli Vieira Francisco Rossana , Kill Beatriz , Verzinhasse Peres Stela , B. C. Gibelli Maria Augusta , Ibidi Silvia Maria , Brunow de Carvalho Werther , Braz Simões Angélica , Brizot Maria de Lourdes , Schultz Regina , Azevedo Carvalho Mariana ,   HC-FMUSP-Obstetric COVID-19 Study Group, Waissman Adriana Lippi , Bassi Aline Scalisse , de Souza Ana Claudia Rodrigues Lopes Amaral , Farche Ana Claudia Silva , Igai Ana Maria Kondo , Martins Carlos Eduardo do Nascimento , Paganoti Cristiane de Freitas , Domingues Danielle Rodrigues , Mikami Fernanda Cristina Ferreira , Baptista Fernanda Spadotto , Cippiciani Jacqueline Kobayashi , Albertini Jéssica Gorrão Lopes , de Andrade Joelma Queiroz , Niigaki Juliana Ikeda , Pereira Lucinda Cristina , Galletta Marco Aurélio Knippel , Miyadahira Mariana Yumi , Barbosa Mariana Vieira , de Barros Monica Fairbanks , Garavazzo Sckarlet Ernandes Biancolin , Martinelli Silvio , Arrym Tiago Pedromonico , Gomez Ursula Trovato , Franco Veridiana Freire
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Changes in placental features, such as maternal and fetal vascular malperfusion, are associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. The anatomopathologic study of the placenta is crucial for understanding pregnancy and fetal complications. To that end, this study aimed to describe placental features and analyze the association between placental findings and perinatal outcomes in a cohort of pregnant women with severe COVID-19.

Methods

This nested study within a prospective cohort study consisted of 121 singleton pregnant women with a diagnosis of severe COVID-19. Placental pathologic findings were described, and the associations between severe COVID-19 and clinical parameters and perinatal outcomes were assessed.

Results

The prevalence of maternal vascular malperfusion was 52.1%, followed by fetal vascular malperfusion at 21.5%, ascending intrauterine infections at 11.6%, and inflammatory lesions at 11.6%. Other lesions were observed in 39.7% of the placentas examined. Inflammatory lesions were an independent factor (P = .042) in 5-minute Apgar scores below 7. Ascending infection was associated with fetal death (P = .027).

Conclusions

Maternal vascular malperfusion was the most prevalent placental feature in patients with severe COVID-19. Chorangiosis is associated with poor perinatal outcomes.
Evaluation of an electronic health record Drug Interaction Customization Editor (DICE)
Authors: Romero Andrew , Gomez-Lumbreras Ainhoa , Villa-Zapata Lorenzo , Tan Malinda , Horn John , Malone Daniel C
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Due to the low specificity of drug-drug interaction (DDI) warnings, hospitals and healthcare systems would benefit from the ability to customize alerts, thereby reducing the burden of alerts while simultaneously preventing harm. We developed a tool, called the Drug Interaction Customization Editor (DICE), as a prototype to identify features and functionality that could assist healthcare organizations in customizing DDI alerts.

Methods

A team of pharmacists, physicians, and DDI experts identified attributes expected to be useful for filtering DDI warnings. A survey was sent to pharmacists with informatics responsibilities and other medication safety committee members to obtain their opinions about the tool. The survey asked participants to evaluate the 4 sections of the DICE tool (General, Medication, Patient, and Visit) on a scale ranging from 0 (not useful) to 100 (very useful). The survey provided an opportunity for participants to express their opinions on the overall usefulness of the DICE tool and to provide other comments.

Results

The 50 survey respondents were mainly pharmacists (n = 47, 94%) with almost half (n = 23, 47%) having health information technology/informatics training. Most respondents (n = 33, 80%) were employed by organizations with over 350 beds. Respondents indicated the most useful features of the DICE tool were the ability to filter DDI warnings based on routes of administrations (mean [SD] rating scale score, 86.5 [21.6]), primary drug properties (85.7 [20.5]), patient attributes (85.6 [16.7]) and laboratory attributes (88.8 [18.0]). The overall impression of the DICE tool was rated at 82.8 (19.0), and when asked about the potential to reduce DDI alerts, respondents rated the tool at 83.7 (21.8).

Conclusion

The ability to customize DDI alerts using data elements currently within the electronic health records (EHRs) has the potential to decrease alert fatigue and override rates. This prototype DICE tool could be used by end users and vendors as a template for developing a more advanced DDI filtering tool within EHR systems.
The Social Aesthetics of Digital Diplomacy
Authors: Møller Anna Helene Kvist , Adler-Nissen Rebecca , Golovchenko Yevgeniy , Eggeling Kristin Anabel
Published: June 2024

This article presents a theory and analysis of the social aesthetics of digital diplomacy. Drawing inspiration from the sociology of taste and visual theory, we conceptualize social aesthetics as the encoding of social norms and hierarchies into visual representations. Through this lens, we examine how the multitude of images uploaded by diplomats on social media daily contribute to the symbolic authority of their profession, ritually conveying ideals of international mediation and sovereign equality. Using advancements in computer vision methods, we analyze over 55,000 images sourced from tweets by more than 1,000 ambassadors globally. In contrast to prevailing research highlighting how social media images disrupt traditional diplomatic norms, facilitate strategic nation-branding, or promote individuals, our large-scale analysis reveals a remarkable uniformity in these images across diplomats from different countries. We demonstrate how diplomatic images perpetuate a Western visual canon, thereby reinforcing structures of power and distinction, and delineating the normative boundaries of diplomacy as a global institution. The article contributes to debates about diplomacy, aesthetics, taste, rituals, and power in international relations. Furthermore, it underscores the value of computer vision and convolutional neural networks in uncovering large-scale social patterns and relationships within practices previously perceived as highly personalized or strategic.
The State of the Discipline: How Far Along Are We in Developing an IR Theory Based on Southeast Asia’s Experiences
Authors: na Thalang Chanintira , Chong Ja Ian , Do Thuy Thi , Kraft Herman Joseph S , Kuik Cheng-Chwee , Wicaksana I Gede Wahyu , Chheang Vannarith , Santoso Yohanes William , Benny Guido
Published: June 2024

Based on reflexive stocktaking and data collected from a cross-country survey distributed in seven Southeast Asian academic communities, namely Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam, this article explores how much progress Southeast Asian international relations (IR) academic communities have made in advancing a theory or concept based on local experiences. It is argued that while mainstream IR remains dominant, debates since the early 2000s have introduced new concepts. At the same time, new theoretical proposals are rare due to the vast diversity in Southeast Asia and a general interest in producing policy- and empirical-oriented work. Nevertheless, there are opportunities for constructing a Southeast Asian theory based on the region’s distinct perspectives on international relations shaped by ASEAN norms and institutions and the complex interactions between politics at the domestic and international levels. Any new conceptual or theoretical framework must also provide useful implications beyond the region.
On the utility of using the All of Us Research Program as a resource to study military service members and veterans
Authors: Porter Ben
Published: June 2024

Objectives

To illustrate the utility of the All of Us Research Program for studying military and veteran health.

Materials and Methods

Results were derived from the All of Us Researcher Workbench Controlled Tier v7. Specific variables examined were family history of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), medical encounters, and body mass index/body size.

Results

There are 37 363 military and veteran participants enrolled in the All of Us Research Program. The population is older (M = 63.3 years), White (71.3%), and male (83.2%), consistent with military and veteran populations. Participants reported a high prevalence of PTSD (13.4%), obesity (40.2%), and abdominal obesity (77.1%).

Discussion and Conclusion

The breadth and depth of health data from service members and veterans enrolled in the All of Us Research Program allow researchers to address pressing health questions in these populations. Future enrollment and data releases will make this an increasingly powerful and useful study for understanding military and veteran health.
The Role of Quota Systems in Realising Planetary Boundaries
Authors: Dupont Valérie , Largey Thierry , Nahrath Stéphane , Weyermann Céline
Published: June 2024

A strong vision of sustainable development requires respect for the limits imposed by the functioning of the planet to ensure its resilience. The framework of planetary boundaries is increasingly relied on to design quantifiable objectives that can guide policy- and decisionmakers to enact measures to ensure such a sustainable society. Yet, to effectively guide, the framework requires a reformulation to make it applicable to human activities. Concretely, planetary boundaries need to be transposed into planetary quotas, which express the maximum absolute quantity of emissions, withdrawals or use that is admissible so as not to exceed the planetary limits. Furthermore, the achievement of planetary quotas depends on the fair allocation of national, sectoral, or even individual quotas. In this context, we question whether and under which institutional conditions environmental quotas could be an appropriate tool to implement planetary boundaries. This article proposes a legal and political theory of quota systems and applies it to the establishment of planetary quota systems in international environmental law.
Assessing the Use of Radiographs Alone to Determine Air Force Dental Readiness Classification
Authors: Irwin Scott P , Ryan J Brett , Baluyot Rondre F , Solivan-Ortiz Aida M , Schindler David K , Graver Jay D , Vandewalle Kraig S
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The Air Force Dental Service is responsible for ensuring that airmen are dentally ready to support military operations worldwide by delivering top-tier dental care. As the military healthcare landscape undergoes significant changes, the Air Force Dental Service has explored innovative approaches to dental care delivery. One consideration involves the potential use of radiographs as the primary tool for assessing service members’ dental conditions, specifically focusing on identifying nondeployable conditions and periodontal health.

Materials and Methods

Providers who previously participated as examiners in the 2018 Air Force Recruit Oral Health Study were recruited to re-evaluate randomly selected de-identified records, this time making assessments exclusively based on radiographs. Their evaluations included Dental Readiness Classification (DRC) determinations, total caries counts, and Periodontal Screening and Recording (PSR) index scores, providers also rated their confidence in these conclusions using a 5-point Likert scale. The study then computed sensitivity and specificity to assess the diagnostic performance of providers using radiographs only compared to the original study results that use the gold standard of radiographs with a clinical examination.

Results

Providers exceled at ruling out most DRC 3 conditions, with specificities surpassing 70%. Positively identifying those with DRC 3, particularly radiographically identifying periodontal conditions posed challenges with computed sensitivity rates as low as 8%. Discrepancies in PSR scores also accentuated limitations in relying solely on radiographs, where provider’s radiographically determined PSR scores that matched less than one third of the time. In general, providers had low to very low confidence in their assessments.

Conclusions

The study strongly cautions against relying solely on radiographs for determining the dental health of U.S. Air Force personnel. While providers effectively ruled out the absence of certain conditions, the challenge of positively identifying DRC 3 conditions poses significant risks to oral health if such a workflow was utilized. Particularly, the high probability of false negatives would be detrimental to the operational readiness of military personnel. Therefore, results support the continued use of radiographic and clinical examinations for comprehensive dental exams.
Conceptualizing and Developing Competence in Newborn Medicine Among Military Pediatricians
Authors: Ponnapakkam Adharsh , Krick Jeanne , Brink Hannah , Koslow Elizabeth , Cervero Ronald , Martin Paolo C
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Competence in neonatal care is especially important for military pediatricians because military pediatricians can be asked to serve in remote duty locations with limited resources. We sought to understand how this competence is defined, developed, and assessed by military pediatric training programs.

Materials and Methods

After Institutional Review Board approval was obtained, we interviewed educators and recent graduates from every pediatric military training program to construct a shared definition of competence. We then used Kern’s Six Steps for curriculum development to understand how competence is taught and assessed.

Results

Participants felt that competence for military pediatricians in the neonatal setting meant that learners should be able to provide a full spectrum of newborn care in any military setting. Participants confirmed that this competence was particularly important for military pediatricians because of the possibility of remote duty locations. Participants felt that specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes supported competence. Knowledge domains include distinguishing normal newborns from abnormal newborns, managing normal newborn care, managing common newborn abnormalities, and creating a safe escalation plan for complicated or uncommon newborn abnormalities. Specific skills that support competence are newborn resuscitation, delivery of effective ventilation, and neonatal circumcision. Specific attitudes that support competence are, understanding the personal limits of knowledge and understanding the resources for escalation of care. Educators use a variety of modalities to teach toward competence, including the structured curricula, bedside teaching, and simulation. According to participants, the assessment of learners occurs primarily through narrative assessment and feedback but would ideally occur through direct observation.

Conclusions

Competence in the neonatal setting is particularly important for military pediatricians. Essential skills undergo differential assessment and current assessment methods differ from ideal assessment methods. Future work should focus on how these facets can support a unified curriculum in newborn medicine.
The impact of free-streaming on dwarf galaxy counts in low-density regions
Authors: Meshveliani Tamar , Lovell Mark R , Crain Robert A , Pfeffer Joel
Published: June 2024

We study the statistics of dwarf galaxy populations as a function of environment in cold dark matter (CDM) and warm dark matter (WDM; sterile neutrino model mass $M_{{\rm s}}=7.1~{\rm keV}$; half-mode mass $M_{{\rm hm}} = 6.3\times 10^8$ ${\rm M}_\odot$; and thermal relic equivalent mass $m_{{\rm th}} = 2.8~{\rm keV}$) cosmogonies, using the Evolution and Assembly of GaLaxies and their Environments (EAGLE) galaxy formation model in two counterpart simulations. We measure the abundance of dwarf galaxies within 3 Mpc of DM haloes with a present-day halo mass similar to the Milky Way, finding that the number of galaxies $M_{*}\gt 10^7$ ${\rm M}_\odot$ is nearly identical for WDM and CDM. However, the cumulative mass function becomes shallower for WDM at lower masses, yielding 50 per cent fewer dwarf galaxies of $M_{*}\gtrsim 10^{5}$ ${\rm M}_\odot$ than CDM. The suppression of low-mass halo counts in WDM increases significantly from high- to low-density regions for haloes in the $[0.5,2] \times M_ {\rm hm}$ range. The fraction of haloes hosting resolvable galaxies ($M_*\gtrsim 10^{5}$  ${\rm M}_\odot$ ) also diverges from overdense to underdense regions for $M\gt 2M_ {\rm hm}$, as the increased collapse delay at small densities pushes the collapse to after the reionization threshold. However, the stellar mass of WDM haloes at $[0.5,2]\times M_ {\rm hm}$ is 30 per cent higher per unit halo mass than CDM haloes in underdense regions. We conclude that the suppression of galaxies with $M_{*}\gtrsim 10^5$ ${\rm M}_\odot$ between WDM and CDM is independent of density: the suppression of halo counts and fraction of luminous haloes is balanced by an enhancement in stellar mass–halo mass relation.
Epigenomic landscapes during prefrontal cortex development and aging in rhesus
Authors: Ning Chao , Wu Xi , Zhao Xudong , Lu Zongyang , Yao Xuelong , Zhou Tao , Yi Lizhi , Sun Yaoyu , Wu Shuaishuai , Liu Zhenbo , Huang Xingxu , Gao Lei , Liu Jiang
Published: June 2024

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) is essential for higher-level cognitive functions. How epigenetic dynamics participates in PFC development and aging is largely unknown. Here, we profiled epigenomic landscapes of rhesus monkey PFCs from prenatal to aging stages. The dynamics of chromatin states, including higher-order chromatin structure, chromatin interaction and histone modifications are coordinated to regulate stage-specific gene transcription, participating in distinct processes of neurodevelopment. Dramatic changes of epigenetic signals occur around the birth stage. Notably, genes involved in neuronal cell differentiation and layer specification are pre-configured by bivalent promoters. We identified a cis-regulatory module and the transcription factors (TFs) associated with basal radial glia development, which was associated with large brain size in primates. These TFs include GLI3, CREB5 and SOX9. Interestingly, the genes associated with the basal radial glia (bRG)-associated cis-element module, such as SRY and SOX9, are enriched in sex differentiation. Schizophrenia-associated single nucleotide polymorphisms are more enriched in super enhancers (SEs) than typical enhancers, suggesting that SEs play an important role in neural network wiring. A cis-regulatory element of DBN1 is identified, which is critical for neuronal cell proliferation and synaptic neuron differentiation. Notably, the loss of distal chromatin interaction and H3K27me3 signal are hallmarks of PFC aging, which are associated with abnormal expression of aging-related genes and transposon activation, respectively. Collectively, our findings shed light on epigenetic mechanisms underlying primate brain development and aging.
Effectiveness of Health Action Interventions in Enhancing Diet Quality and Glycemic Control Among Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review of Randomized Clinical Trials
Authors: Santos Beatriz C , Alves Luana F , Rocha Vivianne S , Hernandez-Ruiz Ángela , Silva Ana Mara O , Pires Liliane V
Published: June 2024

Context

Diet quality is directly related to glycemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The use of dietary indices can provide a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between diet quality and clinical outcomes.

Objective

The aim was to evaluate the relationship between diet quality, measured using dietary indices, and its impact on improving glycemic control in individuals with T2DM through health interventions.

Data Source

This study was conducted using 6 databases, including Web of Science, MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, Bireme, Scopus, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), as well as the gray literature (Google Academic).

Data Extraction

Randomized clinical trials that evaluated the effectiveness of health interventions in adult and older adult individuals with T2DM and presented data on diet quality evaluated using dietary indices and the percentage of glycated hemoglobin (%HbA1c) were included.

Data Analysis

A total of 3735 articles were retrieved, 4 of which were included in the study selection stages. The quality indices assessed in the studies were the Alternate Healthy Eating Index (AHEI), Healthy Eating Index–2010 (HEI-2010), Diet Quality Index–International (DQI-I), and Diet Quality Index–Revised (DQI-R). A reduction in %HbA1c was observed in 2 studies, which correlated with the AHEI and DQI-I scores in the intervention groups. The approach of using food labels to improve diet quality reduced %HbA1c by 0.08% in the intervention group compared with the control group. Only 1 study found no significant association between the DQI-R index and %HbA1c. Additionally, negative correlations were observed between body weight and the AHEI and DQI-I scores.

Conclusion

Health interventions improved diet quality, glycemic control, and weight loss in individuals with T2DM.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO no. CRD42023430036.
Nascent Pairs and Virtual Possibilities
Authors: Wright Aaron Sidney
Published: June 2024

In the chaos of the 1930s, physicists reacted to Paul Dirac’s “hole” theory with multiple and ambiguous interpretations and uses of the vacuum. This chapter focuses on the work of three younger physicists and the interplay of vacuum research and pedagogy: Wendell Furry, Hans Euler, and Victor Weisskopf. Was Dirac’s vacuum real? Did it have observable effects? Archival evidence documents Furry’s struggles with Dirac’s theories and his collaboration with J. Robert Oppenheimer; they deployed a strategic ambiguity that resulted in some of Furry’s results being withheld from publication. Correspondence between Weisskopf and Euler sheds light on their research with Wolfgang Pauli and Werner Heisenberg, respectively. Weisskopf showed how a theorist could “leapfrog” over inconsistent, and inconvenient, experimental evidence. Overall, this chapter argues that in the 1930s the interpretation of the vacuum was less important than its usefulness; the vacuum resource for theorists to develop their theories and apply their techniques.
Positive Fantasies about the Future Breed Hope
Authors: Oettingen Gabriele
Published: June 2024

Hope can be defined as a future-oriented emotion that powerfully affects our behavior. In psychology, however, the presently most prominent conceptualizations of hope emphasize its cognitive components and define hope as a positive expectation for the future. Contrary to this view, the present chapter describes how hope can emerge from positive fantasies (vis-à-vis expectations of an uncertain future). Such positive fantasies, in contrast to expectations, freely appear in one’s stream of thought, unconstrained by the perceived probability that the desired future will occur. On the behavioral level, positive fantasies have different consequences depending on whether people indulge in these fantasies or mentally contrast them with reality. A large body of research shows that indulging in positive fantasies leads to unchanged engagement, whereas mentally contrasting leads to both the pursuit of reachable futures and disengagement from unreachable ones, allowing people to invest their resources wisely when action alternatives exist. When facing unreachable futures with no action alternatives, however, indulging in positive fantasies seems to be the apt self-regulatory option as indulging allows people to stay in the field by providing hope for a better future.
Hope and the Utopian Impulse
Authors: Webb Darren
Published: June 2024

This chapter presents a framework for understanding both hope as a differentiated human experience and the relationship between hope and utopia(nism). Offering a rigorous analysis and synthesis of literature from across various disciplines (including philosophy, theology, psychology, sociology, political studies, and the health sciences), a taxonomy of modes of hoping is developed. While “hope” and “utopia” are often said to go hand in hand—utopias offering visions of hope, hope driving the utopian impulse—the chapter argues that hope is a complex category of human experience that is not always or necessarily aligned with a utopian sensibility. Put simply, different modes of hoping possess different utopian orientations. Hope in its transformative mode most clearly aligns with the utopian impulse, and the chapter argues that pedagogical intervention is required to mobilize transformative hope. The chapter concludes with a case study of Occupy Wall Street in order to illustrate the utility of the modes of hoping framework as an analytical tool.
Uncovered
Authors: Hempstead Katherine
Published: June 2024

This book is a history of the insurance business and the regulation of that business in the United States. It begins by describing the early days of life, fire, and casualty insurance and the development of state regulation in the late nineteenth century, after a Supreme Court ruling exempted the insurance business from federal regulation. From the outset, insurers adopted a quasi-public persona, emphasized the social benefits of their work, and sought to control the terms by which they interacted with government. Early political leaders agreed that insurers played an important role in the largely voluntary social safety net. Yet insurance is a business, and over time, periodic crises in life, fire, health, auto, and liability insurance highlighted gaps between the coverage that insurers were willing to provide and what the public demanded. The Depression was an inflection point, after which the federal government began to assume a greater role in the provision of insurance. Insurers enthusiastically pursued the growing business of employee benefits. A Supreme Court decision in 1944 created an opportunity to undo the state-based system, but Congress instead chose to preserve the status quo. Yet there are significant constraints on the ability of state regulators to solve important problems in insurance markets, as was made clear by cyclical problems in auto and property markets. As the twentieth century progressed, insurers and government have become interdependent; government serves as a financial backstop and relies on the insurance industry to participate in markets, including many that are publicly funded.