bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of autumn phytoplankton communities in the Chukchi Sea: resuspension of settled diatoms diatoms to the surface during strong wind events
Authors: Fukai Y , Fujiwara A , Nishino S , Kimura S , Itoh M , Suzuki K
Published: November 2024

Phenological changes in microalgal production and community structure are occurring in the Arctic Ocean. In particular, delayed sea ice formation in autumn can extend the microalgal growth season; however, the succession of phytoplankton communities during this longer photoavailable season is poorly understood. Our objective was to relate oceanographic conditions to the variability in total phytoplankton biomass by examining diatom assemblages in the Chukchi Sea during autumn. We combined scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and DNA metabarcoding techniques to characterize diatom communities, including resting spores of the genus Chaetoceros. The upper layer from the shelf slope to the basin is generally well stratified and influenced by sea-ice meltwater. This stratification prevents the supply of nutrients from the lower layers; therefore, the diatom community is characterized by the typical autumn diatom genus Proboscia near the surface. On the southern shelf, the wind modulates the bottom current, and in turn the current induces the resuspension of sediments and microalgae. Therefore, we speculate that strong winds enhance the currents within the benthic boundary layer, which entrains Chaetoceros resting spore-rich sediments and nutrients (including NH4) to the ocean interior, resulting in a seeding potential for autumn phytoplankton blooms. Multiple data from the cruise and the moorings suggest that the resuspension of sediments and microalgae could commonly occur in the shelf during autumn. The enhanced wind activity in the shallow Chukchi Sea could be important for biogeochemical processes by facilitating the supply of nutrients and viable diatoms from the seafloor to the upper water column.
Seascape structure likely influences marsh-derived resource use by highly abundant estuarine consumers over a small spatial scale
Authors: Ziegler SL , James WR , Alber M , Byers JE
Published: November 2024

Across relatively small spatial scales, differences in seascape structure may influence how species transverse adjacent habitats, with effects on trophic relationships and energy flow dynamics. To understand the effects of seascape structure, we used stable isotope analysis to examine variation in resource use by 2 highly abundant estuarine species, mummichogs Fundulus heteroclitus and grass shrimp Palaemon spp., both of which are known to forage in intertidal areas. We compared the percent contribution of basal resources, trophic position, and trophic niches of mummichogs and grass shrimp from 2 tidal creeks with differing seascape structure located ~10 km apart on Sapelo Island, Georgia, USA. Belle Marsh creekbank edge elevation was on average 0.5 m lower and channel density was 5 times greater than Dean Creek, potentially influencing marsh platform access. Although we found no difference in the contribution of marsh-derived energy to grass shrimp among sites, the contribution of marsh-derived energy to mummichogs was on average 1.9 times higher at Belle Marsh. In addition, both species had higher trophic positions and larger trophic niches at Dean Creek, suggesting a less efficient route of energy transfer to consumer production. There was also little overlap in trophic niche among sites for either species. Our results suggest that species traits, site characteristics, and their interaction may influence resource use by intertidal estuarine consumers. By examining how marsh resource use by estuarine consumers varies across multiple marshes with differing morphologies, we can better predict and quantify how seascape structure may affect secondary productivity of estuarine systems.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Taxpayers in Nigeria
Authors: Sa’adu Hafsat I.
Published: November 2024

There is no doubt that the outbreak of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) strikes the world with unparalleled disruption in economic and business activities. The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic have dealt a serious blow to businesses, households, individuals, and revenue generation by governments across the globe with Nigeria being no exception. As a result, Nigeria introduced certain tax measures through the Emergency Economic Stimulus Bill 2020 to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on taxpayers but these measures are inadequate and in some ways impracticable. The measure includes a temporary relief to companies and individuals to alleviate the adverse financial consequences of a slowdown in economic activities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The article argues that it is clear that the COVID-19 pandemic has drastically reduced business activities and the Bill does nothing to reduce or remove the existing tax burden but simply postpones the same to a later date. This negates section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 as amended which provides that the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government. This raises a critical question as to whether revenue generation by the Nigerian government is more important than preventing hardships and reducing the burden of Nigerian taxpayers whose welfare the government has sworn to protect through the Constitution. The implication is that the Nigerian government needs to revise its tax regime encompassing incentives such as tax credits, write-offs, and tax holidays in a bid to provide adequate relief to the taxpayers pending the eradication of the pandemic and a return to economic stability.
Association between lactate/albumin ratio and 28-day mortality in ICU critical patients with coronary heart disease: a retrospective analysis of the MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Liu Ying
Published: November 2024

Background

The serum lactate/albumin ratio (LAR) is commonly employed for monitoring and evaluating the prognosis of critically ill patients. Both elevated lactate levels and decreased albumin levels may reflect the body's stress response and inflammatory reaction. Coronary heart disease (CHD), with common complications including myocardial infarction, arrhythmia, heart failure, is one of the leading causes of global death. Therefore, it is crucial to explore biomarkers that can predict the prognosis and mortality of CHD patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective study in which the data is from the MIMIC-IV database. Our study assessed the association between LAR value and mortality within 28 days of admission in a total of 1,902 CHD patients from the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

Results

The results demonstrated a significant increase in 28-day mortality among individuals with higher LAR values. Multivariate analysis by Cox proportional hazard model revealed an incremental rise in mortality across each quartile with the increase of LAR value. Furthermore, restricted cubic spline (RCS) Cox regression analysis further revealed that higher LAR values were associated with increased 28-day mortality in the CHD patients. And subgroup analysis confirmed that the LAR level could serve as an independent predictor of 28-day mortality with CHD patients.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that the LAR value can be an important risk predictor of 28-day mortality in patients with CHD, and a higher LAR associate with increased mortality rate.
Susceptibility assessment of geological hazards in Shenzhen Town, Ninghai county based on the APH-CF model
Authors: Han Shuai , Li Ran , Hui Shujun , Sun Qiang , Zhang Taili
Published: November 2024

Introduction

This work employs a coupled evaluation model that integrates deterministic coefficients with the Analytic Hierarchy Process to conduct a comprehensive assessment of geological disaster susceptibility in Shenzhen Town, Ninghai County.

Methods

Cascading geological disasters induced by typhoons and rainfall in the southeast coastal area of China are a major concern and cause huge losses of life and property every year. To effectively prevent and mitigate such disasters, it is necessary to evaluate the susceptibility of geological disasters. Taking geological disasters in Shenzhen Town, Ninghai County as the research object, eight influencing factors in terms of topographic and geomorphological conditions, engineering geological conditions, and human activities were selected based on the geographic information platform (GIS) in this work. The coupling model of the certainty factor model and analytic hierarchy process method was used to evaluate the susceptibility of geological hazards in the study area.

Results

The evaluation results illustrate that the coupling model can accurately and objectively assess the susceptibility of geological hazards in this region, with a high evaluation accuracy of 80.8%. The susceptibility is greatly affected by slope, stratigraphic lithology, and human activities. The areas with extraordinarily high and high susceptibility were identified in the northwestern part of the study, where the ignimbrite is exposed in the steep topography.

Discussion

The research method provides a reference for evaluating the susceptibility of geological hazards in the southeastern coastal region of China, and the evaluation results can provide recommendations for decision-making on disaster prevention and mitigation in this region.
Critical social perspectives in forest and landscape restoration – a systematic review
Authors: Shelton Madeline R. , Kanowski Peter J. , Kleinschmit Daniela , Ison Ray L.
Published: November 2024

In response to increasing calls for better consideration of social dimensions in Forest (and) Landscape Restoration (FLR), this systematic literature review identifies and synthesises relevant themes associated with critical social perspectives in FLR. Critical perspectives are methodologically diverse but generally share an intention to interrogate power and knowledge, challenge the ‘status quo’ and ‘taken-for-granted’ assumptions, alongside promoting social justice. Critical perspectives therefore play a key role in illuminating complex social dimensions in global environmental governance. This review asks: What is the role of critical social perspectives within the academic discourse on FLR, and what key insights about FLR have these perspectives provided over the period 2000–2023? A total of 449 relevant academic papers were published during this period. An initial assessment of the abstracts, title and keywords found social dimensions were addressed in some way, even if only negligibly, in 211 of the 449 papers, and themes associated with critical social perspectives were evident in only 40 papers. These 40 papers were then read in full, and six key topic areas emerged: 1) Assumptions underpinning the links between FLR and human-wellbeing, particularly the tendency to measure human-wellbeing using simple economic indicators, were challenged as naïve and potentially misleading; 2) Tenure issues appear to be frequently under-appreciated, with serious consequences such as displacement of communities; 3) Top-down, technocratic models of governance are problematised for neglecting the socio-political contexts of FLR, which are laden with value and power asymmetries, as well as the implications of historical legacies (e.g., colonialism); 4) While there has been a proliferation of discursive intent to better ‘engage local stakeholders’, doing so remains opaque in principle and practice; 5) The heterogeneity of ‘local stakeholders’ emphasises the need to consider multiple intersections of social identities and diversity, and attend to gendered dimensions of FLR; 6) Accepting epistemological pluralism is considered fundamental to incorporating local and Indigenous Peoples’ knowledges into more people-centred, locally-relevant FLR governance and practice. The review concludes that, if FLR is to genuinely pursue the imperative to enhance human-wellbeing alongside the goal of regaining ecological integrity, a recalibration of research priorities toward interdisciplinary social sciences, and better representation of locally-situated stakeholders, are required. This will involve deliberation between researchers, from both social and natural sciences, as well as practitioners; and making concerted efforts to steer away from simplistic framings of the issues, toward more nuanced understandings of and responses to the systemic complexities embedded in FLR.
A spatiotemporal analysis framework of the ecological security pattern based on the ecological “source–surface–corridor” and its implications
Authors: Zhang Shuai , Chen Yihao , Li Jiwei , Ye Qingqing , Chen Weiqiang , Wang Xiuli , Wei Hejie , Jiang Qinghu , Guo Long
Published: November 2024

A reasonable ecological security pattern can improve landscape connectivity, promote biological circulation, maintain ecological processes, and improve regional ecosystem service functions and human well-being. Accordingly, systematically and scientifically analyzing the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of the regional ecological security pattern has essential theoretical and practical significance. This research proposed that the analysis framework of the ecological security pattern should include a complete system composed of ecological sources, resistance surfaces, and corridors. Thus, this research uses the ecological network method to systematically analyze the spatiotemporal evolution characteristics of the ecological security pattern in the Qinba–Dabie intersection zone in China, a complete natural ecological unit across administrative regions, from 2000 to 2020. Results revealed the following: (1) The distribution change law of the ecological sources in the study area was consistent with the distribution change law of their centrality. (2) In the northeast of the study area, the disappearance of the small ecological sources, which play a stepping stone role, led to a longer length and a weaker centrality of ecological corridors. (3) The resistance surface in the study area showed an overall growth trend, while the ecological corridor network showed an overall deterioration trend. Based on the results, this research suggests that the systematic analysis and targeted protection of ecological sources are the basis for maintaining the ecological security pattern, and targeted improvement of ecological resistance surface is the key to improving the ecological security pattern. Therefore, measures such as the protection of core ecological sources, the rational layout of ecological sources as stepping stones, and the improvement of resistance values at ecological key points should be paid attention to in the future.
Maternal high fat diet exposure modifies amniotic fluid metabolites and expands group 3 innate lymphoid cells dependent on the maternal microbiome and MyD88-signaling
Authors: Niu Xinying , Lu Dongmei , Jaleel Sana , Palmer Suzette N. , Mahendroo Mala , Zhan Xiaowei , Mirpuri Julie
Published: November 2024

Background

Maternal high fat diet (mHFD) exposure expands IL-17 producing group 3 innate lymphoid cells (IL17+ve ILC3) in the small intestine of neonatal murine offspring and increases their susceptibility to intestinal inflammation. How mHFD modulates innate immunity in the fetal offspring remains unclear.

Methods

Dams were exposed to 60% high fat diet or maintained on regular diet (RD) prior to and during mating. Amniotic fluid (AF) was collected during mid-pregnancy and metabolites examined by global non-targeted mass spectrometry in conventional wild-type (WT) and germ-free pregnant dams. Offspring were delivered by C-section or vaginally and fecal contents examined for major bacterial phyla and small intestinal lamina propria cells (LP) by flow cytometry. Susceptibility to intestinal inflammation was determined using a lipopolysaccharide and platelet-activating factor model (LPS/PAF) in WT, germ-free and MyD88 deficient offspring. Neonatal germ-free pups were exposed to HFD or RD AF by gavage and LP examined by flow cytometry.

Results

We identified differentially produced metabolites in mHFD AF when compared to RD AF in conventionally raised mice, with no difference seen in germ-free mice. C-section delivery maintained the mHFD phenotype of expansion of IL17+ve ILC3 and increased susceptibility to inflammation in neonatal offspring. In addition, mHFD offspring had expansion of IL17+ve ILC3 at birth and 2 weeks of life, which was not seen in germ-free and MyD88 KO mice exposed to mHFD. Germ-free and MyD88 KO mice were protected from mHFD induced LPS/PAF injury and IL17+ve ILC3 expansion, demonstrating that the maternal microbiome and MyD88 are prenatally necessary for the expansion of IL17+ve ILC3 in mHFD offspring. Furthermore, introduction of mHFD AF to neonatal germ-free pups by gavage was sufficient to expand IL17+ve ILC3 in the small intestine.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that mHFD interacts with the maternal microbiome to modify AF metabolites and signal via MyD88 to expand IL17+ve ILC3 in murine neonatal offspring.
Seasonal variation and fundamental characteristics of baroclinic tides in the Arabian Gulf
Authors: Guo Daquan , Zhan Peng , Ma Jingyi , Vasou Panagiotis , Krokos George , Alghamdi Hamed , Hoteit Ibrahim
Published: November 2024

In the Arabian Gulf, baroclinic tides significantly impact physical and biological phenomena, shaping the region’s marine ecosystem. This study provides the first high-resolution investigation of the baroclinic tides using the three-dimensional, nonhydrostatic MIT general circulation model (MITgcm). The simulation outputs were validated against data from Oregon State University’s Tidal Inversion Software (OTIS), tidal stations, and mooring observations, showing high agreement and confirming the model’s accuracy. We further examined the characteristics of baroclinic and barotropic tides, identifying four key regions with high-intensity baroclinic tides based on energy budget analysis: 1) the narrow Strait of Hormuz; 2) the strait’s entrance along the trough, including the islands Farur, Siri, Abumusa, and Greater Tunb; 3) the central axial trough area with sea-bottom ridges; and 4) the northern area following a secondary ridge. Most baroclinic tides dissipate quickly due to interactions with complex bottom topography and do not propagate far from their sources. Significant seasonal variation shows that in winter, only the Strait of Hormuz and the area around the four islands showed significant baroclinic tidal energy, likely due to well-mixed upper layer seawater that hinders thermocline disturbances. The strong correlation between the simulation results and satellite images of internal waves suggests that intense baroclinic tides generate internal solitary waves in the Gulf.
The impact of a polyphenol-rich supplement on epigenetic and cellular markers of immune age: a pilot clinical study
Authors: Perlmutter Austin , Bland Jeffrey S. , Chandra Arti , Malani Sonia S. , Smith Ryan , Mendez Tavis L. , Dwaraka Varun B.
Published: November 2024

Age-related alterations in immune function are believed to increase risk for a host of age-related diseases leading to premature death and disability. Programming of the immune system by diet, lifestyle, and environmental factors occurs across the lifespan and influences both makeup and function of the immune system, including immunometabolism. This programming is believed to act in large part through epigenetic modification. Among dietary components that affect this process, polyphenols may play an outsized role. Polyphenols are a widely distributed group of plant nutrients consumed by humans. Certain foods possess distinctive and relatively higher levels of these compounds. One such food is Tartary buckwheat (fagopyrum tataricum), an ancient seed historically prized for its health benefits. It is suggested that the specific composition of polyphenols found in foods like Tartary buckwheat may lead to a unique impact on immunometabolic physiological pathways that could be interrogated through epigenetic analyses. The objective of this study was to investigate the epigenetic effects on peripheral immune cells in healthy individuals of a standardized polyphenol concentrate based on naturally occurring nutrients in Tartary buckwheat. This pilot clinical trial tested the effects of consuming 90 days of this concentrate in 50 healthy male (40%) and female (60%) participants aged 18–85 years using epigenetic age clocks and deconvolution methods. Analysis revealed significant intervention-related changes in multiple epigenetic age clocks and immune markers as well as population-wide alterations in gene ontology (GO) pathways related to longevity and immunity. This study provides previously unidentified insights into the immune, longevity and epigenetic effects of consumption of polyphenol-rich plants and generates additional support for health interventions built around historically consumed plants like Tartary buckwheat while offering compelling opportunities for additional research.

Clinical trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT05234203.
Qingre Huoxue decoction attenuates myocardial ischemia‒reperfusion injury by regulating the autophagy‒endoplasmic reticulum stress axis via FAM134B-mediated ER-phagy
Authors: Li Rui , Zhang Jiechun , Ji Shuliang , Fang Junfeng , Ji Xiaodong , Zeng Yanping , Liu Nan , Wu Wei , Liu Shiyi
Published: November 2024

Background

Autophagy‒endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress axis dysregulation is linked to myocardial ischemia‒reperfusion injury (MIRI), which counteracts the benefits of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) reperfusion therapy. Qingre Huoxue decoction (QRHX) improves the short- and long-term prognosis of AMI after percutaneous coronary intervention and alleviates myocardial injury in AMI rats by stimulating autophagy via the PI3K/Akt pathway. We aimed to further explore the efficacy of QRHX in treating MIRI and its regulatory relationship with FAM134B-mediated ER-phagy.

Materials and methods

Rats were administered different concentrations of QRHX for 2 weeks, and then MIRI was induced. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography‒tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‒MS) was used to examine the levels of the main pharmacological metabolites of the serum of rats treated with QRHX. H9c2 cells were pretreated with QRHX-mediating serum (QRHX-MS) for 24 h before being exposed to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). The mechanisms underlying the effects of QRHX-MS were further studied via rescue experiments involving FAM134B knockdown. The myocardial infarct size, cardiac function, morphology and the expression of apoptosis-, autophagy-, and ER stress-related proteins and genes were assessed. The colocalization of autophagosomes with lysosomes and the localization of proteins involved in ER-phagy or autophagic flux was examined.

Results

QRHX decreased the myocardial infarct size and oxidative stress, improved cardiac function and alleviated morphological changes in a dose-dependent manner in MIRI rats by promoting autophagic flux to inhibit ER stress and ER stress-related apoptosis, which was related to FAM134B-mediated ER-phagy, as revealed by autophagy analysis. UPLC‒MS analysis of QRHX-MS revealed 20 major active metabolites of QRHX-MS, including baicalin, cryptotanshinone, 3,4-dihydroxybenzaldehyde and caffeic acid. QRHX-MS attenuated H/R-induced cardiomyocyte injury and apoptosis by increasing autophagic flux to suppress ER stress and ER stress-related apoptotic protein and gene expression. When autophagic flux was inhibited or FAM134B was knocked down in H9c2 cells followed by QRHX-MS pretreatment, the protective effect of QRHX was partially reversed.

Conclusion

QRHX alleviates myocardial injury, apoptosis and infarct size expansion in MIRI by regulating the autophagy‒ER stress axis via FAM134B-mediated ER-phagy.
Building competency to deal with environmental health challenges: experiences and a proposal
Authors: Leonardi Giovanni S. , Zeka Ariana , Ashworth Matthew , Bouland Catherine , Crabbe Helen , Duarte-Davidson Raquel , Etzel Ruth A. , Giuashvili Nia , Gökdemir Özden , Hanke Wojciech , van den Hazel Peter , Jagals Paul , Khan Ejaz Ahmad , Martin-Olmedo Piedad , Pett Joseph , Ruadze Ekaterine , Santamaria Maria Grazia , Semenza Jan C. , Sorensen Cecilia , Vardoulakis Sotiris , Yip Fuyuen , Lauriola Paolo
Published: November 2024

The global landscape of professional training in environmental health, encompassing ecological public health or environmental public health, lacks consistent global implementation for training programs for public health practitioners, clinical professionals, and individuals across various disciplines, as well as standardized curricula for undergraduates. This training gap is related to the overall lack of capacity in addressing the population impacts of the triple challenge of pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change, impeding the worldwide transition to and development of ecological sustainability. This paper reviews existing approaches and their potential to address implementation challenges within the necessarily tight timescale. Spreading of best practice appears feasible even without substantial additional resources, through the reorientation of current practices via comprehensive multi-disciplinary training programs. By adopting international best practices of training in environmental health, the focus in training and education can shift from future decision-makers to enhancing the competencies of current professionals and their institutions.
Perceptions and experiences of Korean American older adults with companion robots through long-term use: a comparative analysis of robot retention vs. return
Authors: Lee Othelia EunKyoung , Yun Ji-Chan , Park Do-Hyung
Published: November 2024

To date, limited research has been conducted on technology use among socially marginalized groups, such as older immigrants who may have limited digital literacy. This pilot study aims to explore Korean American older adults’ perceptions and experiences with a companion version of the social robot, Hyodol. We hypothesize that the Hyodol robot’s social presence may facilitate technology use among this sample. To test this hypothesis, we invited 35 Korean American older adults to interact with Hyodol SAR over a four-month period. This extended engagement allowed us to investigate the underlying factors and dimensions shaping users’ perceptions and experiences. We assessed perceptions through measures of robotic attitudes and usability, while user experiences were evaluated using overall assessment questions and behavioral indicators, such as instances where participants showed the robot to others. We conducted a comparative analysis between participants who chose to keep the robot (“Keepers”) and those who opted to return it (“Returners”), providing insights into how each group utilized and interpreted the robots. Additionally, we examined the reasons Returners decided to not to retain the robot, aiming to identify barriers to acceptance and engagement. Our results indicated that participants’ experiences of warmth and competence while interacting with the Hyodol robots did not significantly differ between the Keepers and Returners. However, distinct patterns emerged in their utilization and interpretation of the robot; the 24 Keepers demonstrated a more intimate level of engagement compared to the 11 Returners. In an era characterized by the growing integration of AI in human care, our findings suggest that social presence became valuable concepts for developing robot companions to enhance their effectiveness.
On the feasibility of a robotic probe manipulator for echocardiography in the prone position
Authors: Gifari Muhammad Wildan , Machino-Ohtsuka Tomoko , Machino Takeshi , Hassan Modar , Suzuki Kenji
Published: November 2024

Robotic probe manipulator for echocardography (echo) can potentially reduce cardiac radiologists’ physical burden. Echo procedure with industrial robots has wide Range of Motion (RoM) but poses safety risks because the robot may clamp the patient against the bed. Conversely, a soft robotic manipulator for echo has safe contact force but suffers from a limited RoM. Due to COVID-19, cardiac radiologists explored performing echo in the prone-positioned patients, which yielded good-quality images but was difficult to perform manually. From robot design perspective, prone position allows safer robot without clamping issue because all actuators are under the patient with minimal RoM to reach the cardiac windows. In this work, we propose a robotic probe manipulator for echo in the prone position employing a combination of a delta 3D printer and a soft end-effector and investigate its feasibility in a clinical setting. We implemented the robot as a scanner type device in which the probe manipulator scans from under a bed with an opening around the chest area. The doctor controls the robot with a joystick and a keypad while looking at a camera view of the chest area and the ultrasound display as feedback. For the experiments, three doctors and three medical students scanned the parasternal window of the same healthy subject with the robot and then manually. Two expert cardiologists evaluated the captured ultrasound images. All medical personnel could obtain all the required views with the robot, but the scanning time was considerably longer than the manual one. The ultrasound image quality scores of the doctors’ group remained constant between manual and robotic scans. However, the image scores of the robotic scan were lower in the students’ group. In summary, this work verified the ability to obtain clinically sufficient images in echocardiography in the prone position by expert medical doctors using the proposed robotic probe manipulator. Our robot can be further developed with semi automatic procedure to serve as a platform for safe and ergonomic echocardiography.
The double-edged sword of self-tracking: investigating factors of technostress in performance-oriented cycling and triathlon
Authors: Werner Mirjam , Bischof Andreas
Published: November 2024

This study is dedicated to the investigation of technostress caused by self-tracking in performance-oriented amateur sports and thus addresses a significant research gap in the understanding of stress factors operating in this specific context. Although technostress in occupational and private settings has been extensively researched, there is a lack of knowledge about the effects and specifics of technostress caused by the use of self-tracking technologies such as wearables and performance monitoring apps in sports. A total of 16 stress factors were identified, eight of which - information overload, distraction, unavailability, loss of control, lack of sense of achievement, unreliability, complexity and self-monitoring - are already known from the professional context and were transferred to the sports context. In addition, eight new stress factors specific to performance-oriented amateur sport were identified: Performance enhancement imperative, lack of context, digital visibility, feedback incorporation, measurement data fixation, comparison pressure, permanent monitoring and perception discrepancy. The study is based on a qualitative research approach with guided interviews conducted with performance-oriented amateur triathletes. The findings of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamic and contextual nature of technostress in sport and provide a basis for the development of targeted intervention strategies aimed to reducing technostress, such as adaptive training programs or personalized feedback systems. The results thus provide a valuable starting point for future research, particularly for the investigation of coping strategies in relation to the identified stress factors. In addition to identifying eight new sport-specific technostress factors, this study clearly delineates how traditional work-related technostress factors are applicable to amateur sports. This contextual adaptation helps in understanding the unique pressures faced by amateur athletes and distinguishes this study within the field.
Sea food by-products valorization for biomedical applications: evaluation of their wound regeneration capabilities in an Ex vivo skin model
Authors: Zivelonghi Giulia , Melotti Luca , Carolo Anna , Venerando Andrea , Roncoroni Margherita , Martinelli Giordana , Maccatrozzo Lisa , Marzorati Stefania , Sugni Michela , Patruno Marco
Published: November 2024

Introduction

The skin is often exposed to harmful stimuli that might compromise its integrity and functionality. After an injury, the skin has a limited capability to restore its complex structure, and in the case of severe skin damage, surgical operations and rapid application of wound dressings are often required to promote optimal wound healing. Nowadays, collagen-based biomaterials are widely used in combination with bioactive molecules able to prevent excessive inflammation and possible infections. In line with a circular economy and blue biotechnology approach, it was recently demonstrated that both collagen and bioactive molecules (i.e., antioxidant compounds) can be sustainably obtained from sea food by-products and effectively used for biomaterial development. Herein, we describe and compare the application of two marine collagen-based wound dressings (CBWDs), produced with materials obtained from sea urchin food waste, for the treatment of skin lesions in a wound healing organ culture (WHOC) model.

Methods

The ex vivo WHOC model was set up starting from rat skin explants and the induced lesions were assigned into three different groups: control (CTRL) group, not treated, marine collagen wound dressing (MCWD) group, and antioxidants-enriched marine collagen wound dressing (A-MCWD) group. After 5 and 10 days, specimens were examined for organ maintenance and assessed for the healing process.

Results

Immunohistochemical results showed that both CBWDs were similarly successful in prolonging skin repair, preserving the epidermal barrier up to 5 days under static culture conditions. Histological and gene expression analysis highlighted that the A-MCWD might support and accelerate skin wound healing by exerting antioxidant activity and counteracting inflammation.

Discussion

Overall, these findings underline the potential of sea urchin food waste as a novel resource for the development of functional medical devices for the treatment of skin wounds.
Work Engagement and Performance of Romanian School Teachers During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Impact of Sociodemographic and Contextual Factors
Authors: Coman Ecaterina , Stoicov Ionela , Țîru Laurențiu Gabriel , Brătucu Gabriel , Ciobanu Eliza , Nechita Florin , Bucs Lorant , Coman Claudiu
Published: November 2024

The pandemic has led to significant changes in teaching environments, which may have affected teacher engagement and performance. The aim of the paper is to investigate the levels of work engagement (WE) and work performance (WP) during the pandemic among teachers in primary and lower secondary schools in Romania and to identify if the dimensions of these two concepts differ according to gender, age, residence, status, teaching degree, and course profile, filling a gap in the specialized literature regarding these variables in Romanian education. We conducted a survey between February and March 2022 on a sample of 1051 teachers using the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) and the Individual Work Performance Questionnaire (IWPQ 0.3). Teachers reported a high level of engagement and work performance, higher levels of WE being identified among female teachers and those teaching in rural areas. Younger teachers showed the lowest work engagement, despite their familiarity with the digital tools used during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interestingly, while gender and employment status did not have a significant impact on job performance, contextual performance was higher among tenured teaching staff and women. In addition, the profile of subjects taught significantly affected engagement and performance. The results of this research can contribute to a more dynamic and supportive educational system, ultimately leading to improved outcomes for teachers and students.
Research on Automatic Alignment for Corn Harvesting Based on Euclidean Clustering and K-Means Clustering
Authors: Zhang Bin , Xu Hao , Tian Kunpeng , Huang Jicheng , Kong Fanting , Mu Senlin , Wu Teng , Mu Zhongqiu , Wang Xingsong , Zhou Deqiang
Published: November 2024

Aiming to meet the growing need for automated harvesting, an automatic alignment method based on Euclidean clustering and K-means clustering is proposed to address issues of driver fatigue and inaccurate driving in manually operated corn harvesters. Initially, the corn field environment is scanned using LiDAR to obtain point cloud data, which are then subjected to pass-through filtering and statistical filtering to remove noise and non-corn contour points. Subsequently, Euclidean clustering and K-means clustering methods are applied to the filtered point cloud data. To validate the impact of Euclidean clustering on subsequent clustering, two separate treatments of the obtained point cloud data were conducted during experimental validation: the first used the K-means clustering algorithm directly, while the second involved performing Euclidean clustering followed by K-means clustering. The results demonstrate that the combined method of Euclidean clustering and K-means clustering achieved a success rate of 81.5%, representing a 26.5% improvement over traditional K-means clustering. Additionally, the Rand index increased by 0.575, while accuracy improved by 57% and recall increased by 61%.
Identification of Genetic Loci Associated with Bolting Time in Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) by QTL Mapping and GWAS
Authors: Han Koeun , Ahn Hong-Il , Yang Hee-Bum , Lee Ye-Rin , Lee Eun-Su , Lee Junho , Jang Chang-Soon , Kim Do-Sun
Published: November 2024

Bolting time is a critical trait that affects crop yield, adaptability, and overall productivity, making its regulation vital for agricultural success. In this study, we explored the genetic mechanisms controlling flowering time in radish (Raphanus sativus) via a combination of quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis and genome-wide association study (GWAS). By developing an F2 population from a cross between the relatively late-bolting variety ‘L432’ and the early-bolting variety ‘L285’, we identified 12 QTLs associated with bolting time. Furthermore, a GWAS performed on 60 East Asian radish accessions revealed 14 candidate genes potentially involved in flowering and bolting regulation. FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC2) was the major candidate gene explaining the early and late bolting types. One locus was commonly detected from QTL and GWAS on chromosome 4, where CONSTANS-like (COL4) is located. To validate these findings, SNP markers were designed and applied to F2 populations, revealing a correlation between marker presence and bolting phenotypes. These results offer valuable insights into the molecular control of bolting time in radish and identify candidate genes for use in marker-assisted breeding. These findings could enhance breeding efforts for optimizing bolting time in various radish markets.
Spatial Prediction of Soil Continuous and Categorical Properties Using Deep Learning Approaches for Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Tarun Kshatriya Thamizh Vendan , Kumaraperumal Ramalingam , Pazhanivelan Sellaperumal , Moorthi Nivas Raj , Muthumanickam Dhanaraju , Ragunath Kaliaperumal , Ramasamy Jagadeeswaran
Published: November 2024

Large-scale mapping of soil resources can be crucial and indispensable for several of the managerial applications and policy implications. With machine learning models being the most utilized modeling technique for digital soil mapping (DSM), the implementation of model-based deep learning methods for spatial soil predictions is still under scrutiny. In this study, soil continuous (pH and OC) and categorical variables (order and suborder) were predicted using deep learning–multi layer perceptron (DL-MLP) and one-dimensional convolutional neural networks (1D-CNN) for the entire state of Tamil Nadu, India. For training the deep learning models, 27,098 profile observations (0–30 cm) were extracted from the generated soil database, considering soil series as the distinctive stratum. A total of 43 SCORPAN-based environmental covariates were considered, of which 37 covariates were retained after the recursive feature elimination (RFE) process. The validation and test results obtained for each of the soil attributes for both the algorithms were most comparable with the DL-MLP algorithm depicting the attributes’ most intricate spatial organization details, compared to the 1D-CNN model. Irrespective of the algorithms and datasets, the R2 and RMSE values of the pH attribute ranged from 0.15 to 0.30 and 0.97 to 1.15, respectively. Similarly, the R2 and RMSE of the OC attribute ranged from 0.20 to 0.39 and 0.38 to 0.42, respectively. Further, the overall accuracy (OA) of the order and suborder classification ranged from 39% to 67% and 35% to 64%, respectively. The explicit quantification of the covariate importance derived from the permutation feature importance implied that both the models tried to incorporate the covariate importance with respect to the genesis of the soil attribute under study. Such approaches of the deep learning models integrating soil–environmental relationships under limited parameterization and computing costs can serve as a baseline study, emphasizing opportunities in increasing the transferability and generalizability of the model while accounting for the associated environmental dependencies.
Slow-Release Nitrogen Fertilizer Promotes the Bacterial Diversity to Drive Soil Multifunctionality
Authors: Meng Tiantian , Shi Jingjing , Zhang Xiangqian , Ge Guolong , Cheng Yuchen , Rong Meiren , Chen Liyu , Zhao Xiaoyu , Wang Xiaoxiang , Lu Zhanyuan
Published: November 2024

The application of slow-release nitrogen fertilizer not only economizes labor input, but also decreases the frequency of use of mechanical intakes, with significant implications in advancing modern intensive agricultural production. Whether slow-release nitrogen fertilizer application can influence the association between microbial diversity and soil multifunctionality remains controversial. This study analyzed the spatial variances of soil environmental factors, soil multifunctionality, and their correlations with bacterial and fungal communities under five nitrogen application rates. The key factors influencing the dominant microbial species and community structures at different spatial locations were determined by the slow-release nitrogen fertilizer application rate, and the driving factors and dominant species of soil multifunctionality were identified. In contrast to the control group, moderate slow-release nitrogen fertilizer application enhanced soil multifunctionality and ameliorated the resilience of microbial diversity loss at diverse spatial locations resulting from irrational nitrogen fertilizer application. The resilience of the fungal community to disturbances caused by fertilization was lower than that of the bacterial community. Bacterial diversity exhibited a significant correlation with soil multifunctionality, and the soil multifunctionality intensity under 240 kg ha−1 treatment increased by 159.01% compared to the CK. The main dominant bacterial communities and the dominant fungal community Ascomycota affected soil multifunctionality through slow-release nitrogen fertilizer application. Structural equation modeling and random forest analysis demonstrated that bacterial community diversity, particularly in bulk soil and the rhizosphere, community composition, and soil nitrogen form are the primary driving factors of soil multifunctionality. Results indicated that the microbial niche alterations induced by slow-release nitrogen fertilizer application positively affect soil multifunctionality.
Effects of Species-Rich Perennial Inter-Row Cover on Weed Flora and Soil Coverage in an Apple Orchard: A Case Study of Opportunities and Limitations in a Dry Continental Climate
Authors: Ferschl Barbara , Szalai Magdolna Zita , Gere Attila , Kocsis Tamás , Kotroczó Zsolt
Published: November 2024

The planting of inter-row cover vegetation has long been practised in Western European fruit-growing regions, yet research in this area remains limited in many countries. With the rise of organic farming, the role and selection of inter-row cover species are becoming increasingly important. Proper species selection enhances weed control and promotes biodiversity, supporting flowering plants and beneficial insects in orchards. The six-year research aimed to develop a multi-species, perennial, multifunctional inter-row cover species mixture for a dry continental climate, which is suitable for soil protection and the displacement of heat-loving, drought-tolerant, invasive weed species. There was another expectation for this native seed mixture to be able to regenerate spontaneously and to be sustainable in the orchard for a long time with minimal maintenance. Based on our results, the two multi-species mixtures (15 and 18 species) successfully reduced the cover of weed species, and their composition changed in the direction of the natural flora characteristic of the area. According to general management practices, native species could not widely appear in the control rows created by mowing the local weed flora.
Genome-Wide Analysis of the Multidrug and Toxic Compound Extrusion Gene Family in the Tea Plant
Authors: Xie Tao , Qian Yumei , Wang Deyan , Yan Xiadong , Jiang Ying , Li Min , Rong Hao , Xia Tao
Published: November 2024

The multidrug and toxic compound extrusion (MATE) family is the latest class of novel secondary transporters discovered in plants. However, there is currently no comprehensive analysis of the MATE gene family in the tea plant. In this study, 68 CsMATE genes were identified from the tea plant genome using bioinformatic methods. In general, we analyzed the evolutionary relationships, intron–exon structure, distribution in chromosomes, conserved domains, and gene expression patterns in different tissues and stresses of the CsMATE gene family. The 68 CsMATEs were phylogenetically divided into four major clusters (Class I to Class IV). The CsMATE genes within the same class exhibit similar structural features, while displaying certain distinctions across different classes. Evolutionary analysis indicated that the CsMATE gene family expanded mainly through gene duplication events, in addition to proximal duplication. Through the analysis of cis-acting elements, it was found that CsMATE genes may be involved in the growth, development, and stress response. Furthermore, we observed that certain CsMATE genes could be induced to exhibit expression under abiotic stress conditions such as low temperature, high salinity (NaCl), osmotic stress (PEG), and methyl jasmonate treatment (MeJA). The findings presented herein offer a crucial theoretical foundation for elucidating the biological functions of CsMATE genes, particularly in response to abiotic stress, and furnish valuable potential genetic resources for tea plant resistance breeding.
Percutaneous Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation as a Therapeutic Approach for the Management of Insulinomas and Associated Metastases in Dogs
Authors: Alférez María Dolores , Corda Andrea , de Blas Ignacio , Gago Lucas , Fernandes Telmo , Rodríguez-Piza Ignacio , Balañá Beatriz , Corda Francesca , Gómez Ochoa Pablo
Published: November 2024

Insulinomas are the most common neoplasms of the endocrine pancreas in dogs, leading to persistent hypoglycemia due to inappropriate insulin secretion. The standard treatment is surgical resection, but it carries significant risks, including pancreatitis and diabetes mellitus. This study investigates the efficacy and safety of percutaneous ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) as an alternative to surgery. A total of 29 dogs diagnosed with insulinoma were treated with RFA, targeting both primary pancreatic tumors and metastases in regional lymph nodes or the liver. Blood glucose levels and tumor size were monitored before and after the procedure. RFA led to a significant increase in blood glucose levels and a reduction in tumor size in all patients, with minimal postoperative complications. The results suggest that RFA is a feasible and effective treatment option for insulinomas in dogs.