bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predicción del rendimiento académico utilizando modelos de aprendizaje automático: Una revisión sistemática de la literatura
Authors: Del Carpio-Mendoza Ronaldo
Published: November 2024

La predicción del rendimiento académico se ha convertido en un área de creciente interés en la educación superior, debido a su potencial para identificar y apoyar a estudiantes en riesgo antes de que enfrenten dificultades académicas. Este estudio se centra en la aplicación de modelos de aprendizaje automático para predecir el rendimiento académico, explorando diferentes variables y técnicas utilizadas en investigaciones recientes. A través de una revisión sistemática de la literatura, se analizaron estudios que emplean ML para predecir el éxito académico, identificando las variables, criterios, técnicas y las metodologías más efectivas. Los resultados destacan el impacto de variables como el historial académico, factores sociodemográficos, económicos y culturales en el rendimiento estudiantil, así como la eficacia de técnicas como las redes neuronales artificiales, los árboles de decisión y las máquinas de vectores de soporte. Finalmente, se discuten las implicaciones de estos hallazgos para el desarrollo de intervenciones educativas más eficientes y personalizadas.
Segmentación y personalización en marketing digital mediante inteligencia de negocios para el sector de comercio minorista en Ecuador
Authors: Salgado-Reyes Nelson , Fajardo-Vanegas Pamela , Vasquez-Guevara Marcelo
Published: November 2024

Este artículo investiga cómo la inteligencia de negocios (BI) facilita una segmentación más precisa y una personalización efectiva en el marketing digital en el sector de comercio minorista en Ecuador. La investigación se centra en tres áreas principales: segmentación avanzada basada en comportamientos y demografía, personalización de contenido y ofertas, y evaluación del impacto de la personalización en las conversiones y la fidelización del cliente. Mediante el análisis de 100 empresas minoristas que utilizan activamente herramientas de BI, se encontraron relaciones significativas entre la implementación de BI y las variables dependientes. Los resultados muestran que la implementación de BI tiene un impacto positivo y significativo en la precisión de la segmentación y la efectividad de la personalización. Las empresas que utilizan BI pueden crear perfiles detallados de los consumidores, lo que permite una segmentación más dirigida y estrategias de marketing personalizadas que mejoran la relevancia del contenido y las ofertas. También se revela que la implementación de BI tiene un impacto significativo en la tasa de conversión y la lealtad del cliente. Aunque se observó una relación negativa con la tasa de conversión, la BI se mostró valiosa para mejorar la lealtad del cliente mediante la oferta de experiencias personalizadas y relevantes. Estos hallazgos subrayan la importancia de la inteligencia de negocios en el marketing digital moderno en el sector minorista ecuatoriano y sugieren que las empresas que invierten en herramientas de BI pueden obtener ventajas competitivas significativas.
Optimización del rendimiento de campañas publicitarias mediante inteligencia de negocios
Authors: Salgado-Reyes Nelson , Fajardo-Vanegas Pamela , Vasquez-Guevara Marcelo
Published: November 2024

Este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar cómo la inteligencia de negocios (BI) puede optimizar campañas publicitarias digitales mediante el análisis de datos en tiempo real, la segmentación avanzada de audiencias y la personalización de anuncios. Para ello, se recolectaron datos de 200 campañas activas en diferentes sectores y tamaños de empresas. Con el fin de evaluar el impacto de las estrategias de BI en el retorno de inversión (ROI), la tasa de conversión y la lealtad del cliente, se emplearon técnicas de análisis multivariado. Los resultados revelan que el análisis de datos en tiempo real mejora significativamente el ROI, ya que permite ajustes oportunos en las campañas. Asimismo, la segmentación avanzada de audiencias se relaciona con una mayor tasa de conversión, debido a que dirige mensajes relevantes a grupos específicos de consumidores. Por otro lado, la personalización de anuncios incrementa la lealtad del cliente, lo que demuestra que los consumidores valoran los mensajes adaptados a sus preferencias. Adicionalmente, el análisis de clúster identificó tres grupos distintos de campañas con características únicas en términos de uso de BI y rendimiento. De hecho, las campañas con altos niveles de análisis en tiempo real y segmentación avanzada presentaron los mejores resultados en términos de ROI y tasa de conversión. En conclusión, estos hallazgos subrayan la importancia de integrar herramientas de BI en el marketing digital para maximizar la efectividad de las campañas. Por consiguiente, las empresas deben invertir en tecnologías que permitan un análisis de datos en tiempo real, una segmentación avanzada de audiencias, además de técnicas de personalización de anuncios.
Comunicación digital y educación: herramientas y retos en la enseñanza virtual
Authors: Salgado-Reyes Nelson , León-Torres Mario , Vasquez-Guevara Marcelo
Published: November 2024

El estudio investiga la influencia de las herramientas de comunicación digital en la educación virtual, con un enfoque en su efectividad, interacción profesor-estudiante, barreras de accesibilidad y estrategias de optimización. Se emplearon métodos cuantitativos y cualitativos, incluyendo análisis de regresión, análisis de componentes principales y entrevistas en profundidad. Los resultados cuantitativos revelan que el uso de plataformas de aprendizaje en línea y la competencia digital de los estudiantes tienen un impacto positivo y significativo en el rendimiento académico. Sin embargo, la satisfacción y motivación de los estudiantes también juegan un papel crucial en su rendimiento. Los análisis cualitativos destacan que la limitada interacción en el entorno virtual afecta negativamente tanto a estudiantes como a docentes, reduciendo la motivación y la comprensión del material. Además, las desigualdades en el acceso a dispositivos y a internet crean una brecha digital que dificulta la igualdad en la educación. Para abordar estos desafíos, se proponen varias estrategias. Entre ellas, el desarrollo de programas de capacitación tecnológica para estudiantes y docentes, la implementación de herramientas que mejoren la interacción en línea, y medidas para cerrar la brecha digital proporcionando dispositivos y asegurando conexiones a internet confiables. Aunque las herramientas de comunicación digital son esenciales para la educación virtual, su efectividad depende de varios factores, incluidos la competencia digital, la interacción profesor-estudiante y la accesibilidad. Implementar estrategias que aborden estos aspectos de manera integral es crucial para crear un entorno de aprendizaje más efectivo, equitativo y motivador para todos los estudiantes y docentes.
Análisis De La Gestión De Comunicación Institucional Y Su Influencia En La Satisfacción De Los Actores Internos De Una Unidad Educativa Del Milenio De Cuenca - Ecuador
Authors: Collaguazo-Montero Víctor , Sarzosa Viera Pablo Ernesto , León-López Perla
Published: November 2024

La comunicación institucional efectiva es crucial para el funcionamiento óptimo de las unidades educativas. Este estudio analiza la gestión de la comunicación institucional y su influencia en la satisfacción de los actores internos en la Unidad Educativa del Milenio en Cuenca, Ecuador. El objetivo general es analizar la gestión de la comunicación institucional y su influencia en la satisfacción de los actores internos en una Unidad Educativa del Milenio en Cuenca, Ecuador. La metodología utilizada fue descriptiva, con una revisión documental y análisis correlacional con un enfoque mixto. Se aplicaron encuestas de percepción a autoridades, docentes y estudiantes de bachillerato, y se revisaron documentos internos de la institución. Se identificaron áreas significativas de mejora en la comunicación institucional, mostrando una correlación positiva entre la calidad de la comunicación y el rendimiento académico y el clima organizacional. Las encuestas aplicadas a docentes y estudiantes describen una insatisfacción general con los canales de comunicación, destacando una dependencia excesiva con canales informales como WhatsApp. De manera general, solo el 31% de estudiantes y docentes están satisfechos con la comunicación. De acuerdo con estos resultados se recomienda un plan comunicacional para la institución que aborde las áreas identificadas como afectadas y así mejorar la satisfacción y el funcionamiento de la comunidad educativa.
Insuficiencia normativa procesal para la implementación, desarrollo y resolución de beneficios penitenciarios en el Ecuador
Authors: Romero-Bravo Allison , Saltos-Rodríguez Jorge
Published: November 2024

Este artículo destaca la importancia de modificar el artículo 708 del Código Orgánico Integral Penal del Ecuador, así como implementación de uno nuevo, en relación con la Insuficiencia normativa procesal para la implementación, desarrollo y resolución de beneficios penitenciarios en el Ecuador. Resaltando la necesidad y trascendencia de unificar criterios y procesos de calificación de las actividades de rehabilitación en los distintos centros de privación de libertad, y tiempos específicos en la instauración y proceso de expedientes para acceso a cambio de régimen de cumplimiento de pena, que salvaguarden los derechos del beneficiario. El objetivo de la investigación es determinar la afectación generada por la deficiencia normativa procesal en esta materia. Se utilizó una metodología de enfoque mixto, con un alcance descriptivo-explicativo-propositivo y un diseño no experimental, transversal, que incluyó métodos empíricos, teóricos y estadísticos para procesar los datos, y, un análisis jurídico comparado para procesar los datos. Estos permitieron abordar el problema desde una perspectiva integral: descriptiva (qué sucede), explicativa (por qué sucede) y propositiva (qué se puede hacer). Como resultado propone la modificación del artículo 708 y la inclusión de un nuevo artículo, en el Código Orgánico Integral Penal, para viabilizar la implementación y resolución de beneficios penitenciarios, la cual fue sometida a criterio de expertos como validación, con una consistencia óptima, lo que respalda su factibilidad de aplicación.
Análisis de las medidas de ejecución en casos de incumplimiento de obligaciones alimenticias en el Ecuador, con una perspectiva de derecho comparado
Authors: Díaz-Donoso Geanella , Freire-Gaibor Fabricio
Published: November 2024

El presente trabajo se enfoca en estudiar las medidas de ejecución en caso de incumplimiento de obligaciones alimenticias en el Ecuador, resaltando que estas medidas de ejecución fueron creadas con la finalidad de hacer cumplir el pago de la pensión alimenticia, priorizando así los derechos de los menores y su interés superior reconocido en nuestra constitución. Para este análisis utilizamos como referencia la normativa legal, jurisprudencial, y doctrinal de Ecuador más derecho comparado con Colombia, Chile y Perú. Identificando si estas medidas de ejecución son rigurosas o indispensables para garantizar el cumplimiento del derecho de alimentos. Estas medidas en Ecuador están reconocidas en el Código Orgánico de la Niñez y Adolescencia siendo estas el registro de deudores alimentarios, prohibición de salida del país, inhabilidades para ejercer un cargo público, ser candidato de elección popular, dar en garantía un bien inmueble, enajenar bienes, y apremio personal como única excepción a la prisión por deudas, por lo que se discutiría su aplicación y se descubrirá que medidas reconoce los demás países analizados.
Análisis de la tuberculosis como una enfermedad nosocomial
Authors: Sudario-Fierro Leydi , Chavez-Garcia Gloria , Del Rosario Jofrre
Published: November 2024

Si bien la TB es principalmente una enfermedad de transmisión comunitaria, su potencial de transmisión en entornos hospitalarios la convierte en un riesgo significativo como enfermedad nosocomial. La presente revisión sistemática de literatura se centra en analizar la transmisión de tuberculosis nosocomial en entornos sanitarios, identificando los factores que influyen en el riesgo de transmisión y evaluando la efectividad de las medidas de control de infecciones. Se siguió la metodología PRISMA para la revisión sistemática y se incluyeron estudios publicados en inglés y español en los últimos cinco años. Se realizó una búsqueda exhaustiva utilizando bases de datos como Google Scholar, Scopus, Springerlink, Science Direct, PubMed, Medline y Elsevier. Tras la revisión, se preseleccionaron 200 artículos, de los cuales 62 fueron seleccionados por su relevancia. La mayoría de los artículos se centraron en la investigación de campo y el control de la infección. Los resultados destacaron la vulnerabilidad de los trabajadores de la salud, la frecuencia de brotes de tuberculosis en hospitales y la importancia de estrategias integrales de control. Se identificaron brechas en la implementación de medidas de control de la tuberculosis y se destacó la necesidad de investigar el impacto de comorbilidades como el VIH y COVID-19 en la transmisión y manejo de la tuberculosis. En conclusión, se resalta la importancia de implementar estrategias integrales para reducir la transmisión nosocomial de la tuberculosis y proteger a pacientes y trabajadores de la salud.
¿Están los institutos universitarios en Ecuador preparados para los ciberataques?
Authors: Derenzin-Martinez Feddor
Published: November 2024

En el último año, las instituciones educativas se han convertido en uno de los sectores más atacados a nivel mundial, según el Check Point Security Report ​(2024a)​. Esto pone en peligro la seguridad de los datos y la continuidad de las operaciones académicas. En Ecuador, datos de ESET ​(2023)​ revelan que el país ocupa el primer lugar en ataques de phishing en Latinoamérica, lo que evidencia su vulnerabilidad ante múltiples amenazas, incluyendo malware, ransomware y ataques de ingeniería social. A pesar de la creciente preocupación, la falta de datos específicos sobre el impacto en las universidades ecuatorianas limita la comprensión plena de la magnitud del problema. Las herramientas de código abierto han emergido como una solución viable para mejorar la ciberseguridad, siempre que se cuente con personal capacitado para su implementación. No obstante, la automatización sin supervisión puede generar riesgos adicionales, lo que resalta la importancia de combinar la tecnología con la intervención humana. La colaboración internacional es fundamental para fortalecer la seguridad cibernética en las universidades, permitiendo el intercambio de conocimientos y recursos. La creación de Centros de Operaciones de Seguridad (SOC) basados en tecnologías abiertas ha demostrado ser una estrategia eficaz para el monitoreo y la respuesta a incidentes en tiempo real, ofreciendo también oportunidades de formación práctica. En Ecuador, la colaboración con el Equipo de Respuesta a Emergencias Informáticas (EcuCERT) podría fortalecer aún más la seguridad en el ámbito universitario.
Global trends in importance of 24-hour movement behaviors to pediatric health: implications for South Korea
Authors: Lee Eun-Young , Jayawardena Reyana , Park Seiyeong , Jeon Justin Y , Kim Yeon-Soo , Tremblay Mark S.
Published: November 2024

Cultivating a 24-hour movement behavioral profile conducive to health and well-being, marked by adequate levels of physical activity, limited screen time, and sufficient sleep, has emerged as an important avenue for promoting pediatric health. We aimed to provide evidence of this potential, this multiphase, multimethod, and integrative review comprehensively investigated the global trends in health promotion initiatives and status of the Korean pediatric population. This integrative review comprised 3 phases employing various review methods: an environmental scan of existing guidelines for 24-hour movement behaviors worldwide, a rapid review of physical activity–related indicators from Global Matrix data, and a systematic review of 24-hour movement behaviors among children and adolescents in South Korea. The growing recognition of a holistic approach to the 24-hour movement behavior paradigm in pediatric health promotion has led to the establishment and adoption of 24-hour movement guidelines in different countries and by the World Health Organization (WHO). Korean health authorities have also responded to this need by releasing a translated report of the WHO guidelines for physical activity and sedentary behavior as well as the 2024 update of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Koreans. Accordingly, actions must be followed in policy, research, and practice. This is critical considering that Korean children and adolescents exhibit an unfavorable profile of 24-hour movement behaviors compared to the global average. Among those aged 0–6 years, the weighted averages for guideline adherence were 18.2% for physical activity, 38.1% for sedentary behavior, and 76.2% for sleep. For those aged 12–18 years, the weighted averages for guideline adherence were 20.4% for physical activity, 55.9% for sedentary behavior, and 26.2% for sleep. Building on these current findings, this integrative review provides 3 priorities for pediatric health promotion policy and practice and 3 recommendations for future research.
Clinical characteristics and associated factors of pediatric acute necrotizing encephalopathy: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Huiling , Wang Yilong , Ding Qianyun , Li Xuekun , Ye Sheng
Published: November 2024

Background: In the clinic, pediatric acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) primarily affects children under 5 years of age and is characterized by severe brain damage and high mortality. However, some challenges remain regarding the diagnosis and treatment of ANE. In the present study, we analyzed the clinical characteristics and related factors of ANE with the aim of providing improved diagnostic and treatment strategies.Purpose: The main purpose of this study is to gain a deeper understanding of the clinical characteristics and pathophysiology of ANE through a retrospective study, and to provide clinical practitioners with more effective. diagnostic and treatment strategies to improve patient survival rates and quality of life.Methods: Thirty-four pediatric ANE patients admitted to Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hospital between February 2019 and December 2023 were included in this study. To identify the factors associated with mortality, clinical, laboratory and imaging data were analyzed with independent-sample t tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Fisher exact probability tests and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses.Results: In this cohort of 34 patients, the most common symptoms were fever, seizures, altered consciousness, vomiting, diarrhea and shock. The mortality rate was 55.9%. Laboratory tests revealed that patients who died had higher creatinine, lactate, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, creatine kinase, and D-dimer than survivors. Imaging examinations predominantly revealed symmetrical lesions in the thalamus. The fatal group displayed lower Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores and severe complications. Other factors related to mortality included the arterial pH, GCS score and hospitalization duration.Conclusion: The most common symptoms of ANE are fever, seizures, altered consciousness, vomiting, diarrhea and shock, and ANE has a high mortality rate. The GCS score and arterial pH are critical biomarkers for assessing the severity of ANE.
Great shearwater Ardenna gravis attendance at commercial fisheries in the Argentine economic fishing zone
Authors: Paz JA , Seco Pon JP , Copello S , Mariano-Jelicich R , Ronconi RA , Ryan PG , Dilley B , Davies D , Favero M
Published: November 2024

The great shearwater Ardenna gravis is a pelagic seabird that forages in waters of the southwestern Atlantic Ocean mainly during the pre-laying and chick-rearing periods. There, the species has been reported in the bycatch of longline and trawl fisheries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fishing effort on the foraging behavior of shearwaters, analyzing the distribution and behavior of birds and fishing effort and using evidence from isotope analysis to assess their use of fishery discards and facilitated prey. Tracking data of immature and adult shearwaters and fishing effort of different Argentine commercial fishing fleets were used to determine the effect of fishing effort on the foraging behavior of the species through generalized additive mixed models. Adult and immature shearwaters are more likely to forage when the fishing effort of demersal high-seas ice-trawlers increases and that of coastal demersal ice-trawlers decreases (and mid-water ice-trawlers for immatures). The isotope analysis showed higher contribution of zooplanktonic species and mid-water fish, followed by demersal species (which can be only available through the consumption of discards and offal). These results are related to the common use of highly productive waters and the attraction of shearwaters generated by prey captured in nets and by discards as a predictable source of food. Understanding the impact of fisheries on seabird behavior is essential for implementing measures aimed at reducing the incidental capture of seabirds by fishing fleets.
IMPROVEMENT OF NEURAL NETWORK MODEL TOPOLOGY FOR OBJECT SEGMENTATION IN DIGITAL IMAGES BASED ON CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors:   MIREA - Russian Technological University, Moscow, Russian Federation, KULIKOV A.A. ,   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation
Published: November 2024

Nowadays, convolutional neural networks have demonstrated significant performance gains over traditional machine learning methods for various real-world computational intelligence tasks such as digital image classification. However, to achieve the best accuracy, the network topology should be modeled using different architectures with different number of filters, kernel size, number of layers, etc., which actualizes the problem of developing and justifying appropriate selection methods. Taking into account the above mentioned, the aim of the paper is to justify an approach that will improve the topology of the neural network model for object segmentation in digital images based on convolutional neural networks. The research methods are system analysis, modeling, machine learning and fuzzy logic theory, and decision-making theory. As a result of the analysis, the paper proposes an algorithm to improve the topology of the neural network model based on differential evolution to optimize the accuracy of image segmentation and the training time of the network. Differential evolution is applied to determine the optimal number of layers in the network topology, which promotes faster convergence. Within the proposed algorithm, an encoding step was identified to represent the structure of each network using a fixed-length integer array, after which it is proposed to utilize differential evolution processes (mutation, recombination, and selection) to efficiently explore the search space. Prospects for further research are to develop methods and techniques to encode a candidate solution using different numbers of hidden blocks in each convolution.
Improved physiological responses and stress tolerance in cotton against Fusarium wilt with Trichoderma harzianum treatment
Authors: Mahmood Tahir , Adnan Muhammad , Moosa Anam , Mahmood Muhammad , Khan Atta ur Rehman , Riaz Muhammad , Qammar Shurmeen , Qayyum Abdul , Qammar Ghulam Muhammad , Shoukit Muhammad Shoaib , Bilal Muhammad Saqib , Luqman Muhammad , Afzal Muzamil
Published: November 2024

Cotton is a vital cash crop in the agricultural economy. Many abiotic stresses and pathogenic diseases reduce cotton yield, with cotton wilt being a major threat caused by Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum (FOV). In the present study, the antagonistic potential of Trichoderma harzianum, along with its extracted volatile and non-volatile compounds, was evaluated against FOV. In a dual culture assay, T. harzianum showed 71.4% inhibition of FOV. The volatile compounds extracted from T. harzianum showed 54.9% inhibition of FOV, while the non-volatile compounds reduced the growth of F. oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum by 64.21%. The evaluation of vegetative traits of cotton plants indicated increased biomass when treated with T. harzianum. The activity of antioxidant defense enzymes Catalase activity (CAT), Superoxide dismutase activity (SOD), and Peroxidase activity (POX) was highest in cotton plants treated with both T. harzianum and F. oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum, indicating an activation of the plant defense mechanisms in response to these treatments. Protein content, Malondialdehyde Content (MDA), proline content, electrolyte leakage, and H2O2 content, which are stress markers, were at their maximum under F. oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum stress. Physiological features, including stomatal conductance, photosynthesis rate, Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) chlorophyll value, and relative water content, were highest in plants treated with T. harzianum, as T. harzianum improves and boosts plant growth. Hence, T. harzianum is an effective biological control agent against FOV.
Comparative efficacy of five insecticides against key insect pests of dry-season onion (Allium cepa L.) in Meskine, Far North Cameroon
Authors: Sakatai Dérik Pierre , Seini Djibrilla
Published: November 2024

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of five insecticides for controlling the primary insect pests of dry-season onions in Meskine, Far North of Cameroon. The goal was to identify the insecticide that ensures a better yield for late-transplanted dry-season onion crops. To achieve this objective, a trial was conducted using a completely randomized experimental block design, with six treatments replicated three times. The treatments consisted of Cypercal (Cypermethrin 120 g/L, Profenofos 600 g/L), Neem oil solution + Neem cake (Azadirachtin), Optimal (Acetamiprid 200 g/Kg), Pacha (Lambda-cyhalothrin 15 g/L, Acetamiprid 10 g/L), Rapax (Bacillus thuringiensis), and a control. Applications of the treatments were carried out using an ULVA sprayer on the leaves between 6 a.m. and 7 a.m. Observations focused on growth and yield parameters, which were evaluated based on the various treatments applied. Data collected were analyzed using STATGRAPHIC Centurion XVI.I software at a 5% significance rate. Results showed that among the four insect species recorded on the leaves, thrips were the most prevalent, constituting 33.37% of the total population, followed by caterpillars (23.82%), aphids (22.32%), and locusts (20.48%). The analysis of variance revealed that among the growth parameters, only plant height was significantly affected by the application of the different insecticides. The highest marketable bulb yield was achieved with Cypercal, yielding 13.53 tons per hectare, compared to the control’s 6 tons per hectare. Consequently, Cypercal has been identified as an effective alternative to Optimal, which is commonly used by growers to enhance yields of this dry-season crop.
Implementation of environmentally friendly methods for the management of stored product insects
Authors: Ali Azher M
Published: November 2024

Postharvest losses can be caused by insects infesting stored products, with estimates ranging from up to 9% in industrialized countries to 20% or more in underdeveloped ones. Due to the potential harm of insecticides, including regulatory restrictions and insect resistance, as well as the increasing consumer demand for insect-free and insecticide-free products, there is significant interest in developing alternatives to traditional insecticides for eliminating insects in stored products. Sanitation may be the first line of defense for stored grain, as well as for food processing companies and warehouse operations. For farm-stored grain, manipulating temperature and utilizing biological control are two of the most promising biologically derived management strategies. Various biologically derived methods for protecting stored plant products against infestation are currently recognized and partially employed. However, these techniques require further refinement to enhance their efficacy in practical applications. This involves the use of semiochemicals to monitor and regulate pest populations and the introduction of natural enemies (namely parasitoids) as biological control agents for stored-product pests. Some modern techniques can be implemented in grain elevators. In this article, we review the biologically derived substances that have proven successful in managing stored product insects.
Evaluation of biological traits, morphometric characteristics, feeding preferences, and infestation potential of pulse beetle (Callosobruchus maculatus fab.) on various pulse crops
Authors: Mal Bhugro , Mangrio Wali Muhammad , Sahito Hakim Ali , Jatoi Ghulam Hussain , Siddique Aqeel , Mastoi Abdul Hafeez , Chachar Masroor Ahmed , Pathan Kamran Ahmed , Sahito Fahmeeda Imdad
Published: November 2024

The pulse beetle, Callosobruchus maculatus (Fab.), is a major invasive pest of stored legume seeds in Pakistan. This study aimed to investigate the biology, morphometrics, feeding potential, and seed damage caused by the beetle on different pulses under laboratory conditions in 2023. The insect laid the highest number of eggs on Vigna unguiculata (8.53±0.95), followed by V. radiata (7.55±0.78), V. mungo (6.66±0.75), Phaseolus vulgaris (6.61±0.63), and Cicer arietinum (5.02±0.37). The mean egg incubation periods were recorded as follows: black gram (5.60±0.54), cowpeas (5.50±0.21), chickpea (4.00±0.72), green gram (4.00±0.37), and kidney bean (0.00±0.00) days, respectively. The egg hatching rates were (39.30%) green gram, (36.10%) cowpeas, (19.50%) chickpea, (5.10%) black gram, and (0.00%) for kidney beans. Notably, while (23.30%) of the eggs were laid on kidney beans, none hatched, and no adults emerged due to the smooth surface of the seed coat. The larvae and pupae development period lasted (24-27) days on black gram, (23-25) days on white gram, (19-21) days on cowpeas, and (18-20) days on green gram. Adult females survived for (14-15) days on cowpeas, (10-15) days on green gram, (12-14) days on black gram, and (10-11) days on chickpea. The mean fecundity was recorded at (6.12±3.17) eggs when two males fertilized one female and (8.73±4.22) eggs when one male fertilized two females. Cowpea seeds were identified as the preferred food source for C. maculatus compared to other pulses. Therefore, effective control of this pest is crucial to protect legume crops.
Appraisal of antifungal potential of chemicals and plant extracts against brown leaf spot of soybean caused by Septoria glycine
Authors: Manzoor Faizan , Atiq Muhammad , Aleem Muqadas , Naveed Khalid , Khan Nasir Ahmad , Kachelo Ghalib Ayaz , Ali Muhammad Usman , Ali Faizan , Haris Muhammad , Rajput Nasir Ahmed
Published: November 2024

Soybean is a legume crop originating in China. Its nutritional value, characterized by high-quality protein and unsaturated fats, makes it an excellent cholesterol-free diet option. Brown leaf spot of soybean, caused by Septoria glycine, is one of the most devastating diseases, resulting in significant yield losses. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of new chemical fungicides (Topsin-M, Recado, Evito, Polyram-DF, and Curzate-M) at concentrations of 50, 100, and 150 ppm, and phyto-extracts (neem, clove, eucalyptus, ficus, and datura) at concentrations of 3, 5, and 7% against S. glycine under in vitro conditions. The most effective treatments from the in vitro tests were further investigated under greenhouse conditions using a completely randomized design with three replications per treatment. The results indicated that, among the fungicides, Topsin-M showed the lowest mycelial growth (3.5, 2.73, and 2.34 mm) at concentrations of 50, 100, and 150 ppm, respectively. Among the phyto-extracts, clove demonstrated the most effective results, with the least fungal growth (3.95 mm) at 7% concentration. Under greenhouse conditions, the best results were achieved with a combination of Topsin-M and clove, resulting in the lowest disease incidence (10.27%), followed by Topsin-M (17.65%) and clove (26.76%). This study suggests that new chemical fungicides and phyto-extracts can be effectively used as part of an integrated management strategy against brown leaf spot of soybean.
Impact of leaf trichomes and stomatal density on the response of three soybean varieties to sucking pest infestation
Authors: Abdelhamid Nourelhoda Mohammed Rasmey , Khalil Bagy Nihal Magdy Mohammed , Hashem Hanaa Fadl
Published: November 2024

Chemical pesticides disrupt local ecosystems, reduce populations of natural predators, and contribute to the evolution of pest resistance. Therefore, developing pest-resistant crop varieties is one of the most promising and environmentally friendly alternatives for pest control today. In the present study field experiments were conducted over two consecutive growing seasons in 2022 and 2023 to explore pest resistance among three soybean varieties viz. Crawford, Giza 111, and Giza 22. The research aimed to assess pest infestation resistance among these varieties, considering various leaf morphological factors. Four key pests were evaluated in the study viz. whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci Genn), spider mites (Tetranychus urticae Koc), aphids (Aphis gossypii Glover), and thrips (Thrips tabaci Lind)). The soybean varieties exhibited differences in susceptibility, and pest density varied across the two growing seasons. Crawford and Giza 111 demonstrated lower resistance, characterized by reduced leaf hair density and an increased number of stomata per leaflet. In contrast, Giza 22 was the most susceptible, featuring a higher density of trichomes and lower stomata density. In terms of field yield, Crawford produced the highest yield, followed by Giza 111, while Giza 22 yielded the least. The results of this study underscore the importance of selecting resistant plant varieties in future pest resistance improvement programs.
Repellent and toxic effects of indigenous plant seed extracts on fungus-growing subterranean termites (Blattodea: Termitidae)
Authors: Nisar Muhammad Shahid , Maqbool Muhammad Mudassar , Khan Ahmad Kamran , Ud Din Syed Farhan
Published: November 2024

The indiscriminate use of synthetic pesticides to control fungus-growing termites has led to biological and environmental hazards and has contributed to the development of resistance in these pests. In the search for environmentally safe alternatives, plant-derived biopesticides have been explored as replacements for synthetic insecticides. The present study aims to shed light on the use of naturally occurring anti-termite compounds extracted from the seeds of indigenous plants. Specifically, seed extracts from Moringa oleifera (sohanjna) and Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple) were tested using methanol and water as solvents in bioassays against fungus-growing subterranean termites. The entomotoxic properties of the methanolic and aqueous extracts from these plant seeds were examined to determine their effects on termite mortality, repellency, and foraging behavior. The results revealed that both plant seed extracts negatively impacted the survival and repellency of termites. C. colocynthis showed better results in terms of termite mortality and had lower LT50 values compared to M. oleifera. However, in terms of tunneling behavior, M. oleifera) showed more significant effects than C. colocynthis. Based on the outcomes of these trials, both C. colocynthis and M. oleifera demonstrated significant potential as effective termiticides. Therefore, it is recommended that these native plant seed extracts be incorporated into termite control strategies.
Community Empowerment in Stunting Prevention: Implementation of the UBaMa Method (Ultra Violet Rays and Baby Massage)
Authors: Handayani Tinuk Esti , Rahayu Teta Puji
Published: November 2024

Babies are an age group that is vulnerable to stunting. The incidence of stunting in Ngariboyo District in 2022 was 185 (13.14%) children under five, the highest occurred in Mojopurno Village, which was 49 (19.91%) children under five. The purpose of this activity is to improve the understanding, attitude and behavior of baby mothers in stimulation with the UBaMa method. The method carried out is to conduct a pre-test for baby mothers, followed by providing explanations and training on the UBaMa method. After that, the baby's mother was asked to carry out UBaMa at home, evaluated at the second meeting and so on until the fourth meeting. After the fourth meeting, a post-test was carried out. The results achieved were an improvement in the skills of mothers under five to do stimulation with the UBaMa Method with a proficiency of 68%.  Knowledge Improvement with pre-test 49 and post-test 83.75. The UBaMa Stimulation Method (Ultra Violet and Baby Massage) can improve the growth and development of babies. It is recommended that the baby's mother periodically stimulate UBaMa at least 3 times a week to increase breast milk production so that it can be used to prevent stunting.
Non-invasive real-time investigation of colorectal cells tight junctions by Raman microspectroscopy analysis combined with machine learning algorithms for organ-on-chip applications
Authors: Calogiuri A. , Bellisario D. , Sciurti E. , Blasi L. , Esposito V. , Casino F. , Siciliano P. , Francioso L.
Published: November 2024

Introduction

Colorectal cancer is the third most common malignancy in developed countries. Diagnosis strongly depends on the pathologist’s expertise and laboratory equipment, and patient survival is influenced by the cancer’s stage at detection. Non-invasive spectroscopic techniques can aid early diagnosis, monitor disease progression, and assess changes in physiological parameters in both heterogeneous samples and advanced platforms like Organ-on-Chip (OoC).

Methods

In this study, Raman microspectroscopy combined with Machine Learning was used to analyse structural and biochemical changes in a Caco-2 cell-based intestinal epithelial model before and after treatment with a calcium chelating agent.

Results

The Machine Learning (ML) algorithm successfully classified different epithelium damage conditions, achieving an accuracy of 91.9% using only 7 features. Two data-splitting approaches, “sample-based” and “spectra-based,” were also compared. Further, Raman microspectroscopy results were confirmed by TEER measurements and immunofluorescence staining.

Discussion

Experimental results demonstrate that this approach, combined with supervised Machine Learning, can investigate dynamic biomolecular changes in real-time with high spatial resolution. This represents a promising non-invasive alternative technique for characterizing cells and biological barriers in organoids and OoC platforms, with potential applications in cytology diagnostics, tumor monitoring, and drug efficacy analysis.
Intestinal microbiome changes and mechanisms of maintenance hemodialysis patients with constipation
Authors: Zhang Aiping , Chen Shilei , Zhu Yanqin , Wu Mengqi , Lu Bin , Zhou Xin , Zhu Yan , Xu Xinyu , Liu Hong , Zhu Fenggui , Lin Riyang
Published: November 2024

Background

Constipation is a common symptom in maintenance hemodialysis patients and greatly affects the quality of survival of hemodialysis patients. Fecal microbiota transplantation and probiotics are feasible treatments for functional constipation, but there is still a gap in the research on the characteristics of gut flora in patients with maintenance hemodialysis combined with constipation. The aim of this study is to clarify the characteristics of the intestinal flora and its changes in maintenance hemodialysis patients with constipation.

Methods

Fecal samples were collected from 45 participants, containing 15 in the maintenance hemodialysis constipation group,15 in the maintenance hemodialysis non-constipation group and 15 in the healthy control group. These samples were analyzed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The feature of the intestinal microbiome of maintenance hemodialysis constipation group and the microbiome differences among the three groups were elucidated by species annotation analysis, α-diversity analysis, β-diversity analysis, species difference analysis, and predictive functional analysis.

Results

The alpha diversity analysis indicated that maintenance hemodialysis constipation group was less diverse and homogeneous than maintenance hemodialysis non-constipation group and healthy control group. At the genus level, the top ten dominant genera in maintenance hemodialysis constipation group patients were Enterococcus, Escherichia-Shigella, Bacteroides, Streptococcus, Bifidobacterium, Ruminococcus_gnavus_group, Lachnospiraceae_unclassified, Faecalibacterium, Akkermansia and UCG-002. Compared with non-constipation group, the Enterococcus, Rhizobiales_unclassified, Filomicrobium, Eggerthella, Allobaculum, Prevotella_7, Gordonibacter, Mitochondria_unclassified, Lachnoanaerobaculum were significantly higher in constipation group (p<0.05). Compared with non-constipation group, the Kineothrix, Rhodopirellula, Weissella were significantly lower in constipation group (p<0.05). The predictive functional analysis revealed that compared with non-constipation group, constipation group was significantly enriched in pathways associated with pyruate metabolism, flavonoid biosynthesis.

Conclusions

This study describes for the first time the intestinal microbiome characteristics of maintenance hemodialysis patients with constipation. The results of this study suggest that there is a difference in the intestinal flora between maintenance hemodialysis patients with constipation and maintenance hemodialysis patients without constipation.
Extending access for all chemistry students with extended reality
Authors: Gallardo-Williams Maria T. , Dunnagan Cathi
Published: November 2024

Equal access to instructor’s time and attention in chemistry classes and laboratories can be a barrier experienced by students from historically excluded groups. An instructor’s own biases will determine the nature of their interaction with students, and even well-meaning instructors can interact with students in slightly different ways, which might prevent certain students from having access to all the available instructional resources for the class. This is an additive problem, which may or may not be recognized in peer and student evaluations, and an issue that might escape self-reflection even in educators that are committed to diversity, inclusion, and justice. This issue conflates both actual and perceived biases, introducing a complex dynamic between instructor and student. Extended reality (XR) provides an avenue to generate materials that can be used to enhance or replace classroom instruction with a great degree of realism. In this paper we will discuss the implementation of a set of virtual reality (VR) organic chemistry labs. We will show that XR learning tools are by their very nature accessible and inclusive of a wide variety of students and will provide evidence from student reflections that shows that students from historically excluded groups find the XR content offered in our virtual reality labs more personal than in-person activities covering the same material.
Do clean fuel and trade-openness reduce environmental degradation in China: evidence from asymmetric model
Authors: Shakeel Muhammad , Nobre Catarina
Published: November 2024

Introduction

This study investigates the relationship between economic growth, clean fuel utilization, trade, and environmental pollution. By focusing on the potential of clean fuels and trade in reducing pollution, this research aims to understand their role in promoting environmental sustainability in China from 1990 to 2020.

Methods

The study employs the Nonlinear Autoregressive Distributed Lags (NARDL) approach to analyze time series data. This method enables the decomposition of impacts from clean fuels and trade on pollution levels, facilitating an understanding of their distinct contributions to environmental outcomes.

Results

Findings indicate that economic growth is associated with an increase in pollution levels, while clean fuel usage exhibits a modest but significant reduction effect. Nonetheless, the relatively small coefficients highlight the need for a greater share of clean fuels in China’s energy mix. Additionally, trade shows a significant negative relationship with pollution emissions, with data reflecting a gradual decline in pollution over time.

Discussion

These results underscore the benefits of clean fuel adoption and trade promotion as effective measures for mitigating pollution. However, they also highlight the necessity for stronger regulatory policies, public awareness initiatives, and investments in sustainable technologies to ensure China’s long-term environmental sustainability.
Architecting a digital twin for wind turbine rotor blade aerodynamic monitoring
Authors: Marykovskiy Yuriy , Clark Thomas , Deparday Julien , Chatzi Eleni , Barber Sarah
Published: November 2024

Digital twins play an ever-increasing role in maximising the value of measurement and synthetic data by providing real-time monitoring of physical systems, integrating predictive models and creating actionable insights. This paper presents the development and implementation of the Aerosense digital twin for aerodynamic monitoring of wind turbine rotor blades. Employing low-cost, easy-to-install microelectromechanical (MEMS) sensors, the Aerosense system collects aerodynamic and acoustic data from rotor blades. This data is analysed through a cloud-based system that enables real-time analytics and predictive modelling. Our methodological approach frames digital twin development as a systems engineering problem and utilises design patterns, design thinking, and a co-design framework from applied category theory to aid in the development process. The paper details the architecture, deployment, and validation of a ‘Digital Shadow’-type twin with simulation/prediction functionalities. The solution pattern is discussed in terms of its implementation challenges and broader applicability. By providing a practical solution to integrating all the digital twin components into a holistic system, we aim to help wind energy specialists learn how to transform a conceptual idea of a digital twin into a functional implementation for any application.
Can smart city construction be the answer to sustainable development? Evidence from Chinese corporates
Authors: Peng Weihui , Li Jie , Ren Xiang
Published: November 2024

The construction of smart cities plays a pivotal role in promoting regional sustainability by utilizing technology-driven urban development in the digital era. This study employs the difference-in-differences model to empirically analyze the impact of the smart city pilot policy on corporate carbon intensity, using data from Chinese A-share listed corporates from 2009 to 2021. The findings are as follows: First, the smart city pilot policy significantly reduces corporate carbon intensity in pilot cities, and this conclusion remains robust after a series of sensitivity tests. Second, the policy exhibits heterogeneous effects on corporate carbon intensity across different industries and city locations, with more pronounced effects observed in central cities, traditional industries, and heavily polluting industries. Third, mechanism analysis reveals that the policy reduces corporate carbon intensity through three channels: promoting technological innovation, increasing external market attention, and providing ex-ante government subsidies.