bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect combination of organic and inorganic fertilizer on okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) growth
Authors: Shampazuraini S , Ameera Z M M Z , Noer Hartini D
Published: June 2023

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is the most commonly and popular vegetables. The application of inorganic fertilizer is very important to increase the productivity of the crop, but overuse of inorganic fertilizer can lead to soil acidification that can affect the plant growth. The purpose of these study is to determine the effectiveness combination rate of organic and inorganic fertilizer toward okra growth and yield performance. This study was conducted in a greenhouse by using Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replicates. The study was used chicken dung as organic fertilizer. The treatments applied were T0 (NPK), T1 (NPK + 20 g chicken dung), T2 (NPK + 40 g chicken dung), and T3 (NPK + 60 g chicken dung). NPK green was applied only one-time during 14 days after sowing (DAS) and was continued with NPK blue. T3 showed an increasing in fresh pod yield. Thus, combination of organic fertilizer and inorganic fertilizer was showed the positive effect to the crop production. The combination of organic and inorganic fertilizer was proven to be the most effective in okra production.
Effect of essential oil type and immersion time on Manalagi apple fruit storability
Authors: Tussaadah S K A , Dinarto W , Astriani D
Published: June 2023

Manalagi apples are easily damaged fruits, so fruit storability is relatively short and yield loss will be high if not handled properly after harvest. This study aims to determine the essential oil type and immersion time that are best for maintaining the storability of Manalagi apple fruit. This study was a factorial experiment arranged in a completely randomized design with three replications. The first factor, essential oil type, consists of three types: citronella oil, coconut oil, and sesame oil. The second factor, immersion time, consists of three levels: 5, 10, and 15 seconds. The additives used to make the emulsion were 1% Tween 80, 0.5% oleic acid, and 3% alcohol. Control without coating treatment. The results showed that apple coating with citronella oil with an immersion time of 5 seconds was the best treatment to maintain the Manalagi apple’s storability for 31 days of storage. The weight loss of apples dipped in citronella oil was lower, and the preference level of the panelists was higher than that of apples dipped in coconut or sesame oil. Manalagi apples that are coated with essential oil have better storability than apples that are not coated.
Characteristics of Physical, Chemical, and Organoleptic Properties of Gulai, Kalio, and Rendang from Rubber Seeds (Hevea Brasiliensis) as Traditional Plant-based Food
Authors: Refdi CW , Rasdiana FZ , Rini  , Deswita R
Published: June 2023

The study aimed to determine the physical, chemical, organoleptic characteristics and safety of rubber seeds (Hevea brasiliensis) which were processed into gulai, kalio, and rendang. This research used a descriptive exploratory method to determine the differences in rubber seeds’ physical, chemical, and organoleptic properties. The treatments in this study were processing rubber seeds into gulai with a cooking time of 1 hour, kalio with a cooking time of 2 hours, and rendang with a cooking time of 3 hours. Physical analysis showed the highest hardness value was in processing rubber seeds into rendang 31.03 N/cm2. Chemical analysis of processed rubber seed products for the highest water content in rubber seed gulai 59.25%, the highest ash content in rubber seed rendang 6.78%, the highest protein content in rubber seed gulai 8.99%, the highest fat content in rubber seed rendang 38.84%, the highest carbohydrate content in rubber seed rendang 16.29%, the tallest free fatty acid number in rubber seed rendang 0.4%, the peroxide value was not detected in each treatment product. The highest cyanide acid was in rubber seed gulai 10.76 mg/kg. Based on the organoleptic test, rendang rubber seed is the most preferred processed rubber seed product from aroma, color, texture, and taste.
Effects of purple sweet potato (Ipomoea Batatas L.) starch addition on characteristics of peel-off gel preparation
Authors: Nguyen N T N , Asben A , Syukri D
Published: June 2023

Purple sweet potato contains a huge amount of carbohydrates and phytochemicals; this tuber is considered a cheap source of anthocyanin, which has been used widely, especially in the food and pharmaceutical industries. However, this fresh crop has a short storage time during postharvest without advanced techniques or a good preservation system. This drawback has led to the quick rotten and reduced value of this tuber. Therefore, this study focused on making and evaluating the characteristics of peel-off gel preparation formulated from purple sweet potato starch to promote the value of this crop. Purple sweet potato starch with the investigated concentrations of 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4% was added into the formulations; a sample without starch was considered a control formula. Organoleptic, physical and chemical characteristics of the gels were assessed. The best formula showed a homogenous consistency, no irritation and had the highest acceptable score. The gel was stated with good spreadability, the peeling time was less than 30 minutes, the pH was 5.6, and the viscosity followed to Indonesian National Standard (SNI 2007) for facial skin products. Moreover, the gels presented active antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus; and antioxidant potential. In conclusion, with the addition of 3% starch concentration, purple sweet potato is suggested to manufacture a good quality peel-off gel mask.
Distinguishing water salinity threshold through irrigation for maize (Zea mays L.) growth and yield
Authors: Ibrahim N A , Wan Ahmed W N , Othman H
Published: June 2023

Irrigation with water containing salt in excess can affect crop development. This can be due to unsustainable irrigation or the water itself had higher salt content. Water scarcity around the globe may also lead in irrigation using water that contains salt. Thus this research was conducted to determine the threshold value of water salinity that enable maize to maintain acceptable growth and to measure the growth and yield of maize with saline irrigation water. Treatments laid out in a Completely Randomized Block (CRD) which consisted of five replications; T0 (control): tap water, T1: 1.5 dS/m (750 ppm), T2: 2.5 dS/m (1250 ppm) and T3: 3.5 dS/m (1750 ppm) of sodium chloride (NaCl). Results showed that salinity of water had a much greater effect on maize growth and yield rate. Factors that were more significantly affected by saline irrigation water were plant height, leaf area, dry weight, corn weight, corn length, and the diameter of cob. This study proven that saltwater started at 2.5 dS/m could affect the growth and yield of maize. However, at 1.5 dS/m, maize still showed a positive growth and yield. Eventhough, saline water can reduce the production, it is still feasible for maize to grow at a certain level of salinity. Therefore, using saline water irrigation in maize cultivation at a concentration of around 1.5 dS/m can be considered in irrigation regimes at agriculture areas that experience water scarcity.
Improving the Shelf Life of Ambon Bananas Lampung Using Static Transportation Method
Authors: Yani A , Budi D S , Novitasari E , Novita D D , Asropi
Published: June 2023

Ambon bananas are one of several types of bananas exported from Lampung to other countries. Due to the distance and the length of time, the bananas undergo ripening before arriving at the destination country. The current research aims to increase the shelf life of bananas so that they are still fresh and fit for consumption by consumers. The experimental design used was a completely randomized design with ethylene absorbent formulation treatment, namely B0 = Control (0 g/kg ethylene absorbent material (KMnO4 + clay), B1 = 1 g/kg ethylene absorbent material (KMnO4 + clay), B2 = 2 g/kg ethylene absorbent material (KMnO4 + clay), and B3 = 3 g/kg ethylene absorbent material (KMnO4 + clay). Storage was performed at a temperature of 16−18°C for 24 days after treatment (DAT). During storage, samples were taken and observed for storage days 0, 4, 7, 10, 14, 17, 21, and 24. The data were statistically analyzed and continued with Duncan’s test at the 5% level. The control treatment (B0) of Ambon bananas can only be stored up to 10 DAT, while the B1 treatment is 14 DAT. For B2 treatment, Ambon bananas can be stored up to 21 DAT, and the best treatment is B3 (3 g/kg KMNO4 + clay), which can withstand banana ripeness until the end of the observation (24 DAT).
The evaluation of supply chain risk management on smallholder layer farms
Authors: Armijal  , Marlina W A , Hadiguna R A
Published: June 2023

The layer farming has been a vital element in our economy as the sector does not only provide large number of employments for smallholder farmers but also supply food provision that support our national’s food security and dignity. However, this sector is prone to risk as high uncertainty lies on the production of eggs. Market price volatility, food scarcity, extreme weather, soaring price of raw materials are some risks that can disrupt the sustainability of the supply chain of egg productions. It is essentially important for smallholder farmers to incorporate risk management approach in their egg productions. This research employs a supply chain operational reference (SCOR) and house of risk (HOR) methodology to identify, assess and evaluate the inherent risk that lies on egg productions managed by smallholder farmers. HOR phase I were able to identify 25 risk events and 45 risk agents, while HOR phase II were able to identify 4 risk agents which represented 20% of ARP score. Finally, this research was able to propose 4 preventive actions (PA) to mitigate the risk of egg productions by smallholder farms.
Alternative to excessive consumption of fossil fuels in Nigeria: a case of solar energy system
Authors: Adagunodo Theophilus Aanuoluwa , Adeniji Adetunji Ayokunnu , Ajao Adekunle Mayowa , Anie Nicholas Oliseloke
Published: June 2023

In both affluent and developing countries, electricity serves as the focal point for all developmental initiatives. Alternative sources of energy must be found in order to ensure a reliable supply of clean energy for everyone as the world, and Nigeria in particular, are facing impending shortage of fossil fuels, most immediately oil, which has created a significant gap between energy demand and supply due to insufficient local production. In this article, the potential for solar energy to increase Nigeria’s energy supply is discussed. Sunlight, a renewable, non-depleting energy source, generates solar energy. The quantity of solar Energy being received by the Earth hourly is abundant to supply the required energy on annual basis. Due to the constant demand for power in our present age, solar energy is incredibly effective and pollution-free. As a result, in this regard, solar energy and its potential to improve Nigeria’s energy supply as well as its future trends are discussed. The article is aimed to cover several uses and strategies for promoting solar energy in our society: Nigeria as a case study.
Statistical optimization strategies on waste substrates for solving high-cost challenges in biosurfactants production: a review
Authors: Sharon Abimbola Bowofoluwa , Ahuekwe Eze Frank , Nzubechi Elughi Gift , Oziegbe Olubukola , Oniha Margaret
Published: June 2023

Biosurfactants are bio-based amphiphilic molecules with extensive applications in various industries. These eco-friendly alternatives possess numerous advantages over chemical surfactants. However, high production costs hinder market competitiveness of biosurfactants. Production costs of synthetic surfactants range between $1-3/kg, while biosurfactants cost between $20-25/kg. Principal challenges hindering commercialization of biosurfactants are high costs of media constituents and downstream processing, accounting for 30% and 60-80% of production costs, respectively. Thus, cost-effective biosurfactant production would depend on the utilization of environment-friendly low-cost substrates and efficient product recovery. To this end, statistical tools such as Factorial Designs (FD) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM), are employed to optimize the production processes. FD as effective screening models comprise Plackett-Burman Design (PBD) and Taguchi design; and involves quantification of various significant factor effects including the main effect and level of dependency of one factor on the level of one or more factors. RSM predicts appropriate proportions of media constituents and optimal culture conditions; and is reportedly effective in reducing production cost and consequently, market price. Central Composite Design (CCD) and Box-Behnken Design (BBD) are common RSM for optimizing biosurfactants production. CCD assesses the relationship between one factor or more and a set of experimental variables. BBD is considered more proficient than CCD as it requires fewer experimental runs. Most recently, Artificial Neural Network which uses artificial intelligence-based tools to predict biosurfactant production using dependent variables of the process is gaining attention.
Harnessing wind potential in Covenant University
Authors: Aiyenero E. M. , Usikalu M. R. , Akinwumi S. A. , Adagunodo T. A. , Olawole O. C.
Published: June 2023

Energy is one of the major necessities for economic growth and development of any nation. It is one of the most demanded commodities globally, which measures the growth of both government and private settings. Due to the emission of greenhouse gases from burning fossil fuels in electricity generation, greater attention has been directed towards the generation and application of renewable sources of energy that can be used with little or no carbon and/or greenhouse gas emission. It is therefore necessary to explore the applicability of renewable energy resources in our local domains. The purpose of this study is to explore the feasibility of using wind turbines in the generation of electricity in Covenant University. This study reports the wind potential in Covenant University and explores the utility that is attainable from the use of wind turbines in Covenant University and its environs. The wind data profile for Covenant University was collected from World Weather Online from May 2017 to May 2022 and then compared with some models of wind turbines. The wind speed data for Kano state was acquired and analyzed to gain insight into the turbine efficiency in Covenant University. The average wind speed in Covenant University over the 5-year period was found to be 3.75 m/s, while the average wind speed in Kano State over a 3-year period was found to be 4.02 m/s. The available data revealed that the wind potential is not sufficient to substantially drive wind energy conversion in Covenant University, especially with turbines of higher ratings.
Shortwave infrared surface plasmons in multilayered two-dimensional Ti3C2T
x
MXenes
Authors: Kwon Jisung , Park Changhoon , Kim Hyerim , Park Nu-Ri , Koo Chong Min , Kim Myung-Ki
Published: June 2023

MXene, an ultra-thin two-dimensional conductive material, has attracted considerable interest in various fields due to its exceptional material properties. In particular, Ti3C2Tx MXene exhibits distinct optical properties, enabling it to support surface plasmons in the shortwave infrared (SWIR) region. However, it is challenging to enhance the field confinement of MXene surface plasmons in a single-interface structure due to the substantial intrinsic absorption of Ti3C2Tx MXene. Herein, we explore various multilayer structures capable of supporting high field confinement of Ti3C2Tx MXene plasmons, including insulator–MXene–insulator (IMI), MXene–insulator–MXene (MIM), and insulator–MXene–insulator–MXene (IMIM) configurations. We observe that the field confinement of MXene plasmons improves as the thickness of either the MXene or insulator layers decreases, which is attributed to the strong coupling between plasmons at the multilayer interfaces. Furthermore, the IMIM structure demonstrates the most substantial enhancement in field confinement. In an IMIM structure with a 1.3 nm-thick MXene monolayer and a 1.0 nm thick SiO2 layer, the wavelength and effective field size of the plasmon at a frequency of 150 THz (λ
0 = 2.0 μm) are calculated to be 24.61 nm and 1.50 nm, respectively. These values demonstrate a reduction by factors of 55 and 596, respectively, compared to those obtained in a single SiO2–MXene interface structure. Multilayer-based MXene plasmons provide a solution for enhancing the field confinement of MXene plasmons in the SWIR region, and we expect them to play a crucial role in a variety of 2D material-based SWIR plasmonic applications.
Cumulative Experience of Neighborhood Walkability and Change in Weight and Waist Circumference in REGARDS
Authors: Rundle Andrew G , Neckerman Kathryn M , Judd Suzanne E , Colabianchi Natalie , Moore Kari A , Quinn James W , Hirsch Jana A , Lovasi Gina S
Published: June 2023

Neighborhood walkability—features of the built environment that promote pedestrian activity—has been associated with greater physical activity and lower body mass index (BMI; calculated as weight (kg)/height (m)2) among neighborhood residents. However, much of the literature has been cross-sectional and only a few cohort studies have assessed neighborhood features throughout follow-up. Using data from the Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke Study (2003–2016) and a neighborhood walkability index (NWI) measured annually during follow-up, we assessed whether the cumulative experience of neighborhood walkability (NWI-years) predicted BMI and waist circumference after approximately 10 years of follow-up, controlling for these anthropometric measures at enrollment. Analyses were adjusted for individual-level sociodemographic covariates and the cumulative experience of neighborhood poverty rate and neighborhood greenspace coverage. Almost a third (29%) of participants changed address at least once during follow-up. The first change of residence, on average, brought the participants to neighborhoods with higher home values and lower NWI scores than their originating neighborhoods. Compared with those having experienced the lowest quartile of cumulative NWI-years, those who experienced the highest quartile had 0.83 lower BMI (95% confidence interval, –1.5, −0.16) and 1.07-cm smaller waist circumference (95% confidence interval, –1.96, –0.19) at follow-up. These analyses provide additional longitudinal evidence that residential neighborhood features that support pedestrian activity are associated with lower adiposity.
Concha-Type Microtia: New Surgical Incision
Authors: Ibrahiem Saad Mohamed Saad
Published: June 2023

Background

Reconstruction of auricles for conchal-type microtia is challenging but rewarding. Many plastic surgeons consider autogenous rib cartilage as the standard material for framework fabrication. A healthy, scar-free skin envelope and a defined cartilaginous framework are also critical to successful ear reconstruction.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to improve the outcome of the reconstruction and minimize complications by proposing a new surgical incision.

Methods

Thirty-three patients who underwent auricular reconstruction of concha-type microtia of various etiologies with the new skin flap incision between 2017 and 2022 were included in the study. Patients’ clinical data, detailed surgical techniques, and postoperative care were recorded.

Results

Thirty-three patients (21 male, 12 female) were enrolled in the study. The mean age of the patients was 21.51 years at the time of reconstruction. The microtia was on the right side in 17 cases, on the left side in 12 cases, and 4 cases were bilateral; 12 cases were traumatic amputations of the helical component of the auricle, 11 cases were deformities after a burn, and 10 cases were congenital. The mean follow-up time was 17.43 months. A good initial projection without obvious scarring on the anterior surface of the auricle was achieved, with an overall complication rate of 5.42%.

Conclusions

The surgical incision recommended in the study improves the final aesthetic result of the technique without any additional surgical risk.

Level of Evidence: 4
Deep enhanced constraint clustering based on contrastive learning for scRNA-seq data
Authors: Gan Yanglan , Chen Yuhan , Xu Guangwei , Guo Wenjing , Zou Guobing
Published: June 2023

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) measures transcriptome-wide gene expression at single-cell resolution. Clustering analysis of scRNA-seq data enables researchers to characterize cell types and states, shedding new light on cell-to-cell heterogeneity in complex tissues. Recently, self-supervised contrastive learning has become a prominent technique for underlying feature representation learning. However, for the noisy, high-dimensional and sparse scRNA-seq data, existing methods still encounter difficulties in capturing the intrinsic patterns and structures of cells, and seldom utilize prior knowledge, resulting in clusters that mismatch with the real situation. To this end, we propose scDECL, a novel deep enhanced constraint clustering algorithm for scRNA-seq data analysis based on contrastive learning and pairwise constraints. Specifically, based on interpolated contrastive learning, a pre-training model is trained to learn the feature embedding, and then perform clustering according to the constructed enhanced pairwise constraint. In the pre-training stage, a mixup data augmentation strategy and interpolation loss is introduced to improve the diversity of the dataset and the robustness of the model. In the clustering stage, the prior information is converted into enhanced pairwise constraints to guide the clustering. To validate the performance of scDECL, we compare it with six state-of-the-art algorithms on six real scRNA-seq datasets. The experimental results demonstrate the proposed algorithm outperforms the six competing methods. In addition, the ablation studies on each module of the algorithm indicate that these modules are complementary to each other and effective in improving the performance of the proposed algorithm. Our method scDECL is implemented in Python using the Pytorch machine-learning library, and it is freely available at https://github.com/DBLABDHU/scDECL.
GRETTA: an R package for mapping in silico genetic interaction and essentiality networks
Authors: Takemon Yuka , Marra Marco A
Published: June 2023

Mapping genetic interactions and essentiality networks in human cell lines have been used to identify vulnerabilities of cells carrying specific genetic alterations and to associate novel functions to genes, respectively. In vitro and in vivo genetic screens to decipher these networks are resource-intensive, limiting the throughput of samples that can be analyzed. In this application note, we provide an R package we call Genetic inteRaction and EssenTiality neTwork mApper (GRETTA). GRETTA is an accessible tool for in silico genetic interaction screens and essentiality network analyses using publicly available data, requiring only basic R programming knowledge.

Availability and implementation

The R package, GRETTA, is licensed under GNU General Public License v3.0 and freely available at https://github.com/ytakemon/GRETTA and https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.6940757, with documentation and tutorial. A Singularity container is also available at https://cloud.sylabs.io/library/ytakemon/gretta/gretta.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Association between Kidney Donor Risk Index, kidney graft function and histological changes in early post-transplant graft biopsy
Authors: Słabiak-Błaż Natalia , Kujawa-Szewieczek Agata , Kolonko Aureliusz , Ziółkowska Joanna , Karkoszka Henryk , Więcek Andrzej , Piecha Grzegorz
Published: June 2023

Background

Proper assessment of donor organ quality is crucial for optimal kidney allocation and best long-term outcomes. The aim of this study was to analyze the association between the Kidney Donor Risk Index (KDRI) and histological parameters in early post-transplant graft biopsy in a Polish cohort of kidney transplant recipients.

Methods

In 418 consecutive kidney transplant recipients, a histological evaluation of very early [at median 11 (9–13) post-transplant day] protocol core needle biopsy was performed and analyzed according to the Banff classification. Subjects were divided into quartiles of the KDRI value. Kidney graft function, patient and graft survival were also analyzed over a median follow-up period of 44 (26–56) months.

Results

There was a significant trend toward greater intensity of chronic histology changes along the KDRI quartiles (χ2 = 20.8; P < .001), including interstitial fibrosis, tubular atrophy, mesangial matrix increase and arteriolar hyalinosis. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis revealed that only higher KDRI value independently increased the severity of chronic graft injury (rpartial = 0.340, P < .001). KDRI values were valuable in the determination of both early and long-term graft function.

Conclusion

The KDRI values correlate with chronic histological changes found in early post-implantation kidney biopsies and can also be helpful in the prediction of graft outcome.
Correlation distances in social networks
Authors: MacCarron Pádraig , Mannion Shane , Platini Thierry
Published: June 2023

In this work, we explore degree assortativity in complex networks, and extend its usual definition beyond that of nearest neighbours. We apply this definition to model networks, and describe a rewiring algorithm that induces assortativity. We compare these results to real networks. Social networks in particular tend to be assortatively mixed by degree in contrast to many other types of complex networks. However, we show here that these positive correlations diminish after one step and in most of the empirical networks analysed. Properties besides degree support this, such as the number of papers in scientific coauthorship networks, with no correlations beyond nearest neighbours. Beyond next-nearest neighbours we also observe a disassortative tendency for nodes three steps away indicating that nodes at that distance are more likely different than similar.
Realizing credible remote agricultural auditing with trusted video technology
Authors: Mahmud Redowan , Scarsbrook Joshua D , Ko Ryan K L , Jarkas Omar , Hall Josh , Smith Stuart , Marshall Jonathan
Published: June 2023

The conventional approaches of auditing agricultural commodities from the production and transportation level to the retailers and consumers often get obstructed by the lack of human resources, delayed response, and high frequency of location updates—resulting in poor quality and safety compliance. Its digital transformation, known as remote auditing, could address these limitations to a greater extent; however, it is still subject to diverse cyberattacks, including tampering with the video streams provided for verification. Since a detailed and concurrent forensic examination of videos during remote auditing significantly increases the computational burden on the network and infrastructure, alternative or complementary solutions should be developed. This paper outlines the technical feasibility of applying digital signatures over live video streams as a way to authenticate the source during remote auditing and thus contributes to limiting the scope of potential cyber threats. It proposes design options for realizing the authentication process with trusted computing technologies at different phases, from signing the videos to transmitting them through unreliable networks. A reference prototype is also developed based on the proposed end-to-end design to quantify the performance of trusted remote agricultural auditing in terms of the frame signing time, attack resistance, and resource overhead.
Douglas-fir Exhibits High Growth Performance and Survival in Southern Chile
Authors: Espinoza Sergio E , Quiroz Iván A , Magni Carlos R , Yáñez Marco A , Ivkovic Milos , Ipinza Roberto H
Published: June 2023

We evaluated the potential of 19 provenances of the coastal variety of Douglas-fir for commercial plantation development in Southern Chile. Seedlings from 668 families were planted in two trials differing in site preparation and previous land use conditions. Height (H), diameter at breast height (DBH), stem volume index (VOL), and survival (SUR) were measured on all trees at the age of 10 years. Provenances from west of the Cascade Crest in Washington and Oregon performed the best at both sites, whereas provenances from east of the Cascade Crest were among the worst. Differences among provenances were not large and average H, DBH, VOL, and SUR across all provenances were 7.3 m, 11.9 cm, 0.06 m3, and 82%, respectively. The results indicate good potential of the species at sites in Southern Chile characterized by high levels of precipitation. Seed sources from coastal Washington and Oregon could provide appropriate planting material under current climate conditions.

Study Implications: This study examined the performance in growth and survival of different provenances of Douglas-fir with the intention to inform foresters which are the most appropriate provenances for planting activities. The provenances tested had an average survival of 82%. Provenances originating from west of the Cascade Crest in Washington and Oregon were the best performing provenances in the study area and can be used as planting material for the establishment of large-scale plantations.
Evolution of chemosensory and detoxification gene families across herbivorous Drosophilidae
Authors: Peláez Julianne N , Gloss Andrew D , Goldman-Huertas Benjamin , Kim Bernard , Lapoint Richard T , Pimentel-Solorio Giovani , Verster Kirsten I , Aguilar Jessica M , Nelson Dittrich Anna C , Singhal Malvika , Suzuki Hiromu C , Matsunaga Teruyuki , Armstrong Ellie E , Charboneau Joseph L M , Groen Simon C , Hembry David H , Ochoa Christopher J , O’Connor Timothy K , Prost Stefan , Zaaijer Sophie , Nabity Paul D , Wang Jiarui , Rodas Esteban , Liang Irene , Whiteman Noah K
Published: June 2023

Herbivorous insects are exceptionally diverse, accounting for a quarter of all known eukaryotic species, but the genomic basis of adaptations that enabled this dietary transition remains poorly understood. Many studies have suggested that expansions and contractions of chemosensory and detoxification gene families—genes directly mediating interactions with plant chemical defenses—underlie successful plant colonization. However, this hypothesis has been challenging to test because the origins of herbivory in many insect lineages are ancient (>150 million years ago (mya)), obscuring genomic evolutionary patterns. Here, we characterized chemosensory and detoxification gene family evolution across Scaptomyza, a genus nested within Drosophila that includes a recently derived (<15 mya) herbivore lineage of mustard (Brassicales) specialists and carnation (Caryophyllaceae) specialists, and several nonherbivorous species. Comparative genomic analyses revealed that herbivorous Scaptomyza has among the smallest chemosensory and detoxification gene repertoires across 12 drosophilid species surveyed. Rates of gene turnover averaged across the herbivore clade were significantly higher than background rates in over half of the surveyed gene families. However, gene turnover was more limited along the ancestral herbivore branch, with only gustatory receptors and odorant-binding proteins experiencing strong losses. The genes most significantly impacted by gene loss, duplication, or changes in selective constraint were those involved in detecting compounds associated with feeding on living plants (bitter or electrophilic phytotoxins) or their ancestral diet (fermenting plant volatiles). These results provide insight into the molecular and evolutionary mechanisms of plant-feeding adaptations and highlight gene candidates that have also been linked to other dietary transitions in Drosophila.
On Some Systems of Equations in Abelian Varieties
Authors: Gallinaro Francesco Paolo
Published: June 2023

We solve a case of the Abelian Exponential-Algebraic Closedness Conjecture, a conjecture due to Bays and Kirby, building on work of Zilber, which predicts sufficient conditions for systems of equations involving algebraic operations and the exponential map of an abelian variety to be solvable in the complex numbers. More precisely, we show that the conjecture holds for subvarieties of the tangent bundle of an abelian variety $A$, which split as the product of a linear subspace of the Lie algebra of $A$ and an algebraic variety. This is motivated by work of Zilber and of Bays–Kirby, which establishes that a positive answer to the conjecture would imply quasiminimality of certain structures on the complex numbers. Our proofs use various techniques from homology (duality between cup product and intersection), differential topology (transversality), and o-minimality (definability of Hausdorff limits), hence we have tried to give a self-contained exposition.
Determinants of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence: A Meta-Reanalysis Distinguishing Two Classes of Zero Observations
Authors: Ju Changwook
Published: June 2023

Existing databases on conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) feature a disproportionate number of “zero” observations, which conflate a true absence of CRSV with an unknown presence of CRSV. Empirical studies model such zeros as solely indicating a lack of CRSV, thereby obscuring what needs to be known about its determinants and patterns. In this article, I present a comprehensive meta-reanalysis of quantitative CRSV studies that have disregarded the two-fold nature of excessive zeros in their data. To redress this neglect, I differentiate the two types of zeros probabilistically and then estimate the prevalence of CRSV conditional on the statistical partitioning of its two zero types. My meta-reanalysis refines previous findings, restoring confidence in intuitive theoretical expectations and resolving inconclusive and unexpected results in the field. It also dispels potential misconceptions by providing alternative evidence and explanations. Overall, distinguishing the two classes of zeros in estimation yields more informed results, making substantial contributions to scholarly understanding of CRSV while avoiding spurious confirmations and disconfirmations.
P20 Addition of a pharmacy technician to the ward team improves antimicrobial stewardship and patient care and safety
Authors: Rodger R , Coulter Jonathan , Thompson Sharon
Published: June 2023

Background

Antimicrobial stewardship (AS) is essential in reducing the risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR).1,2 Prospective feedback of AS issues and adopting a multidisciplinary approach are beneficial to patient care and safety.3 Within the multidisciplinary team, antimicrobial pharmacy technician (AMPT) roles are evolving and offer an excellent opportunity to support everyday AS.4 Documenting antibiotic stop dates and allergy status on the prescribing chart and restricting broad spectrum antimicrobials to ‘protected’ status can improve AS by ensuring patients receive the correct antibiotic for the appropriate duration.5 In addition, management of common antibiotic drug interactions with cation products such as oral iron and enteral feeds is important in preventing treatment failure and AMR.6

Objectives

This study set out to determine if introduction of an AMPT to the multidisciplinary team can improve AS, patient care and safety and reduce AMR risk.

Methods

A quality improvement approach was used to introduce an AMPT ward service to the Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) over a period of 6 months. The service was developed, standardized, piloted and agreed. The AMPT visited medical, surgical and older people service wards daily and screened prescribing charts for the following: (i) documented allergy status, (ii) documented antibiotic stop/review dates, (iii) completion of ‘protected’ antimicrobial order forms, and (iv) management of antibiotic cation interactions. AS issues identified were shared prospectively with the ward team and data displayed on run charts to measure improvement.

Results

Following introduction of the AMPT service documentation of allergy status and oral antibiotic stop dates improved from baseline in all wards. IV antibiotic stop/review documentation increased in all downstream medical and surgical wards with the greatest improvement achieved in the respiratory ward, increasing from a 0% baseline to a median of 37% after service introduction. Awareness and management of antibiotic cation interactions increased from a 41% baseline to a median of 86% and total antibiotic doses compromised by this interaction reduced from 66% at baseline to 21% post change. Completion of ‘protected’ antimicrobial forms improved from a baseline median of 53% to a median of 85% after service introduction.

Conclusions

Introduction of an AMPT service resulted in improved documentation of allergy status, oral and IV antibiotic stop/review dates, recognition and management of antibiotic cation interactions and compliance with the local ‘protected’ antimicrobial policy. These results demonstrate that introduction of an AMPT to the ward team can improve AS, patient care and safety and reduce the risk of AMR.
Successful antibiotic stewardship in the electronic era
Authors: Kiapi Gloria , Gonzalez Laura , Woodard Sarah-Louise , Urch Jonathan
Published: June 2023

A multi-faceted antimicrobial stewardship programme contributed to a 17.8% reduction in antibiotic consumption for our English NHS Trust. This dramatic achievement could be partially attributed to an empirical antibiotic guideline change, introduction of procalcitonin testing to guide in antibiotic decisions in SARS-CoV-2 inpatients and use of electronic antibiotic stewardship strategies.

In this article, we describe the multifaceted, step-by-step antibiotic stewardship approach that weathered the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic and led to this dramatic improvement. Also included for completeness are interventions that did not pass the plan, do, study, act (PDSA) cycle and were therefore discontinued.
Compound organic acid could improve the growth performance, immunity and antioxidant properties, and intestinal health by altering the microbiota profile of weaned piglets
Authors: Li Zhiqing , Liu Shuhan , Zhao Yirun , Wang Jiayi , Ma Xiaokang
Published: June 2023

This study aimed to investigate the impact of compound organic acid (COA) and chlortetracycline (CTC) on serum biochemical parameters, intestinal health, and growth performance of weaned piglets. Twenty-four piglets (24 d of age) were randomly allocated into three treatments with eight replicate pens (one piglet per pen). Feed the basal diet or a diet containing 3,000 mg/kg COA or 75 mg/kg CTC, respectively. Results showed that both COA and CTC significantly increased average daily gain and reduced diarrhea rates (P < 0.05). They also upregulated serum total antioxidant capacity and downregulated serum interleukin (IL-10) levels (P < 0.05), increased crude protein digestibility and propionic acid concentration in the colon, and decreased spermidine and putrescine contents (P < 0.05). Intestinal microbiota analysis revealed that both COA and CTC increased the Shannon and Chao1 index and decreased the relative abundance of Blautia and Roseburia, but increased the relative abundance of Clostridium-sensu-stricto-1. Correlation analysis indicated that Clostridium-sensu-stricto-1 may be closely related to inflammation levels and microbial metabolites in piglets. Based on the results, COA may be a potential substitute for CTC to reduce antibiotic use and biogenic amine emission while improving piglet growth and intestinal health.
Protective effects of genistein on the production performance and lipid metabolism disorders in laying hens with fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome by activation of the GPER–AMPK signaling pathways
Authors: Li Longlong , Wang Yulei , Wang Huihui , Yang Ying , Ma Haitian
Published: June 2023

The aim of this study was to evaluate the beneficial effects and potential mechanisms of genistein (GEN) on production performance impairments and lipid metabolism disorders in laying hens fed a high-energy and low-protein (HELP) diet. A total of 120 Hy-line Brown laying hens were fed with the standard diet and HELP diet supplemented with 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg GEN for 80 d. The results showed that the declines in laying rate (P < 0.01), average egg weight (P < 0.01), and egg yield (P < 0.01), and the increase of the ratio of feed to egg (P < 0.01) induced by HELP diet were markedly improved by 100 and 200 mg/kg of GEN treatment in laying hens (P < 0.05). Moreover, the hepatic steatosis and increases of lipid contents (P < 0.01) in serum and liver caused by HELP diet were significantly alleviated by treatment with 100 and 200 mg/kg of GEN in laying hens (P < 0.05). The liver index and abdominal fat index of laying hens in the HELP group were higher than subjects in the control group (P < 0.01), which were evidently attenuated by dietary 50 to 200 mg/kg of GEN supplementation (P < 0.05). Dietary 100 and 200 mg/kg of GEN supplementation significantly reduced the upregulations of genes related to fatty acid transport and synthesis (P < 0.01) but enhanced the downregulations of genes associated with fatty acid oxidation (P < 0.01) caused by HELP in the liver of laying hens (P < 0.05). Importantly, 100 and 200 mg/kg of GEN supplementation markedly increased G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) mRNA and protein expression levels and activated the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway in the liver of laying hens fed a HELP diet (P < 0.05). These data indicated that the protective effects of GEN against the decline of production performance and lipid metabolism disorders caused by HELP diet in laying hens may be related to the activation of the GPER–AMPK signaling pathways. These data not only provide compelling evidence for the protective effect of GEN against fatty liver hemorrhagic syndrome in laying hens but also provide the theoretical basis for GEN as an additive to alleviate metabolic disorders in poultry.
An adaptive marine predator algorithm based optimization method for hood lightweight design
Authors: Zhang Chenglin , He Zhicheng , Li Qiqi , Chen Yong , Chen Shaowei , Nie Xin
Published: June 2023

The lightweight design of the hood is crucial for the structural optimization of an entire vehicle. However, traditional high-fidelity-based lightweight methods are time-consuming due to the complex structures of the hood, and the lightweight results heavily rely on engineering experiences. To this end, an improved adaptive marine predator algorithm (AMPA) is proposed to solve this problem. Compared to the original marine predator algorithm (MPA), the proposed AMPA adapts to optimization problems through three enhancements, including chaotic theory-based initialization, a mixed search strategy, and dynamic partitioning of iteration phases. Experimental comparisons of AMPA, MPA, and eight state-of-the-art algorithms are conducted on IEEE CEC2017 benchmark functions. AMPA outperforms the others in both 30- and 50-dimensional experiments. Friedman and Wilcoxon’s sign-rank tests further confirm AMPA’s superiority and statistical significance. An implicit parametric model of the hood is generated, and the critical design variables are determined through global sensitivity analysis to realize hood lightweight. The stacking method is employed to construct a surrogate meta-model of the hood to accelerate the optimization efficiency of the vehicle hood. Utilizing the meta-model and the proposed AMPA, the hood mass is reduced by 7.43% while all six static and dynamic stiffness metrics are enhanced. The effectiveness of the proposed optimization method is validated through finite element analysis.
The Role of Children in Household Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Across Four Waves of the Pandemic
Authors: Fuller Trevon L , Bastos Leonardo , Carvalho Marilia Sá , Resende Paola Cristina , Damasceno Luana , Cruz Oswaldo Gonçalves , Medeiros Fernando , Calvet Guilherme , Guaraldo Lusiele , Nielsen-Saines Karin , Whitworth James , Smith Christopher , Siqueira Marilda , Brasil Patrícia
Published: June 2023

Background

It is important to understand the dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 transmission in close-contact settings such as households. We hypothesized that children would most often acquire SARS-CoV-2 from a symptomatic adult caregiver.

Methods

This prospective cohort study was conducted from April 2020 to July 2022 in a low-resource, urban settlement in Brazil. We recruited families who brought their children to a public clinic. We collected nasopharyngeal and oral swabs from household members and tracked symptoms and vaccination.

Results

In total, 1256 participants in 298 households were tested for SARS-CoV-2. A total of 4073 RT–PCR tests were run with 893 SARS-CoV-2 positive results (21.9%). SARS-CoV-2 cases were defined as isolated cases (N = 158) or well-defined transmission events (N = 175). The risk of household transmission was lower if the index case was a child (OR: 0.3 [95% CI: 0.16–0.55], P < .001) or was vaccinated (OR: 0.29 [95% CI: 0.1–0.85], P = .024), and higher if the index was symptomatic (OR: 2.53 [95% CI: 1.51–4.26], P < .001). The secondary attack rate for child index cases to child contacts was 0.29, whereas the secondary attack rate for adult index cases to child contacts was 0.47 (P = .08).

Conclusions

In this community, children were significantly less infectious to their household contacts than adolescents or adults. Most children were infected by a symptomatic adult, usually their mother. There was a double benefit of vaccination as it protected the vaccine from severe illness and prevented onward transmission to household contacts. Our findings may also be valid for similar populations throughout Latin America.
From sodium-vapour to LEDs: how an outdoor lighting retrofit affects insects in Singapore
Authors: Coleman Joanna L , Lum Deon Wen Hao , Yao Xinyi
Published: June 2023

In the Anthropocene, the planet is warming and global biodiversity, including of insects, is being lost at an unprecedented rate. One largely urban sustainability solution, shifting to energy-efficient, light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs on outdoor lighting, has impacts on insects that are inadequately understood, especially in the tropics and brightly lit cities. Working in Singapore—a highly urbanised and light-polluted tropical city-state—we performed a field experiment to test the hypothesis that newly retrofitted LED lights are more attractive (i.e., detrimental) to insects compared to the high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps they replace. Instead, our sticky traps, which we mounted on both light types, caught statistically equal numbers of arthropods (individuals and families). Traps on LED lamps also attracted proportionally fewer dipterans and more hemipterans and hymenopterans, but these effects were site-specific. Overall, we found no support for our hypothesis—our findings may reflect differential emissions of ultraviolet wavelengths by both light types and/or the possibility that urban insect assemblages with historic exposure to light pollution may not respond as expected to the retrofit. We caution against extrapolating findings from impact studies to untested contexts and highlight the need for (1) more studies in the rapidly urbanising tropics and (2) field tests of the effectiveness of measures to limit any negative ecological impacts of LED lighting, including other lethal and sublethal effects that we did not assess. We also discuss possible implications for ecosystem services and insect conservation.