bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leaf spectroscopy of resistance to Ceratocystis wilt of ‘Ōhi’a
Authors: Seeley Megan M. , Martin Roberta E. , Giardina Christian , Luiz Blaine , Francisco Kainana , Cook Zachary , Hughes Marc A. , Asner Gregory P.
Published: June 2023

Plant pathogens are increasingly compromising forest health, with impacts to the ecological, economic, and cultural goods and services these global forests provide. One response to these threats is the identification of disease resistance in host trees, which with conventional methods can take years or even decades to achieve. Remote sensing methods have accelerated host resistance identification in agricultural crops and for a select few forest tree species, but applications are rare. Ceratocystis wilt of ʻōhiʻa, caused by the fungal pathogen Ceratocystis lukuohia has been killing large numbers of the native Hawaiian tree, Metrosideros polymorpha or ʻŌhiʻa, Hawaii’s most common native tree and a biocultural keystone species. Here, we assessed whether resistance to C. lukuohia is detectable in leaf-level reflectance spectra (400–2500 nm) and used chemometric conversion equations to understand changes in leaf chemical traits of the plants as indicators of wilt symptom progression. We collected leaf reflectance data prior to artificially inoculating 2–3-year-old M. polymorpha clones with C. lukuohia. Plants were rated 3x a week for foliar wilt symptom development and leaf spectra data collected at 2 to 4-day intervals for 120 days following inoculation. We applied principal component analysis (PCA) to the pre-inoculation spectra, with plants grouped according to site of origin and subtaxon, and two-way analysis of variance to assess whether each principal component separated individuals based on their disease severity ratings. We identified seven leaf traits that changed in susceptible plants following inoculation (tannins, chlorophyll a+b, NSC, total C, leaf water, phenols, and cellulose) and leaf chemistries that differed between resistant and early-stage susceptible plants, most notably chlorophyll a+b and cellulose. Further, disease resistance was found to be detectable in the reflectance data, indicating that remote sensing work could expedite Ceratocystis wilt of ʻōhiʻa resistance screenings.
Trans–Holocene Bayesian chronology for tree and field crop use from El Gigante rockshelter, Honduras
Authors: Kennett Douglas J. , Harper Thomas K. , VanDerwarker Amber , Thakar Heather B. , Domic Alejandra , Blake Michael , Benz Bruce F. , George Richard J. , Scheffler Timothy E. , Culleton Brendan J. , Kistler Logan , Hirth Kenneth G.
Published: June 2023

El Gigante rockshelter in western Honduras provides a deeply stratified archaeological record of human–environment interaction spanning the entirety of the Holocene. Botanical materials are remarkably well preserved and include important tree (e.g., ciruela (Spondias), avocado (Persea americana)) and field (maize (Zea mays), beans (Phaseolus), and squash (Cucurbita)) crops. Here we provide a major update to the chronology of tree and field crop use evident in the sequence. We report 375 radiocarbon dates, a majority of which are for short-lived botanical macrofossils (e.g., maize cobs, avocado seeds, or rinds). Radiocarbon dates were used in combination with stratigraphic details to establish a Bayesian chronology for ~9,800 identified botanical samples spanning the last 11,000 years. We estimate that at least 16 discrete intervals of use occurred during this time, separated by gaps of ~100–2,000 years. The longest hiatus in rockshelter occupation was between ~6,400 and 4,400 years ago and the deposition of botanical remains peaked at ~2,000 calendar years before present (cal BP). Tree fruits and squash appeared early in the occupational sequence (~11,000 cal BP) with most other field crops appearing later in time (e.g., maize at ~4,400 cal BP; beans at ~2,200 cal BP). The early focus on tree fruits and squash is consistent with early coevolutionary partnering with humans as seed dispersers in the wake of megafaunal extinction in Mesoamerica. Tree crops predominated through much of the Holocene, and there was an overall shift to field crops after 4,000 cal BP that was largely driven by increased reliance on maize farming.
Migration, breeding location, and seascape shape seabird assemblages in the northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Michael Pamela E. , Hixson Kathy M. , Gleason Jeffery S. , Haney J. Christopher , Satgé Yvan G. , Jodice Patrick G. R.
Published: June 2023

The Gulf of Mexico supports many seabird species, yet data gaps describing species composition and habitat use are prevalent. We used vessel-based observations from the Gulf of Mexico Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species to identify and characterize distinct seabird assemblages in the northern Gulf of Mexico (within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone; nGoM). Using cluster analysis of 17 seabird species, we identified assemblages based on seabird relative density. Vessel-based surveys documented the location, species, and number of seabirds across the nGoM between 2017–2019. For each assemblage, we identified the (co-)dominant species, spatial distribution, and areas of greater relative density. We also assessed the relationship of the total relative density within each assemblage with environmental, spatial, and temporal covariates. Of the species assessed, 76% (n = 13) breed predominantly outside the nGoM basin. We identified four seabird assemblages. Two assemblages, one dominated by black tern and the other co-dominated by northern gannet/laughing gull, occurred on the continental shelf. An assemblage dominated by sooty tern occurred along the continental slope into pelagic waters. The fourth assemblage had no dominant species, was broadly distributed, and was composed of observations with low relative density (‘singles’ assemblage). Differentiation of assemblages was linked to migratory patterns, residency, and breeding location. The spatial distributions and relationships of the black tern and northern gannet/laughing gull assemblages with environmental covariates indicate associations with river outflows and ports. The sooty tern assemblage overlapped an area prone to mesoscale feature formation. The singles assemblage may reflect commuting and dispersive behaviors. These findings highlight the importance of seasonal migrations and dynamic features across the seascape, shaping seabird assemblages. Considering the potential far-ranging effects of interactions with seabirds in the nGoM, awareness of these unique patterns and potential links with other fauna could inform future monitoring, research, restoration, offshore energy, and aquaculture development in this highly industrialized sea.
In the absence of extensive initial training, cleaner wrasse Labroides dimidiatus fail a transitive inference task
Authors: Bonin Leonore , Bshary Redouan
Published: June 2023

Transitive inference (TI) is a reasoning capacity that allows individuals to deduce unknown pair relationships from previous knowledge of other pair relationships. Its occurrence in a wide range of animals, including insects, has been linked to their ecological needs. Thus, TI should be absent in species that do not rely on such inferences in their natural lives. We hypothesized that the latter applies to the cleaner wrasseLabroides dimidiatusand tested this with 19 individuals using a five-term series (A > B > C > D > E) experiment. Cleaners first learned to prefer a food-rewarding plate (+) over a non-rewarding plate (-) in four plate pairs that imply a hierarchy from plate A to plate E (A+B-, B+C-, C+D-, D+E-), with the learning order counterbalanced between subjects. We then tested for spontaneous preferences in the unknown pairs BD (transitive inference task) and AE (as a control for anchors), interspersed between trials involving a mix of all known adjacent pairs. The cleaners systematically preferred A over E and showed good performance for A+B- and D+E- trials. Conversely, cleaners did not prefer B over D. These results were unaffected by the reinforcement history, but the order of learning of the different pairs of plates had a main impact on the remembrance of the initial training pairs. Overall, cleaners performed randomly in B+C- and C+D- trials. Thus, a memory constraint may have prevented subjects from applying TI. Indeed, a parallel study on cleaner wrasse provided positive evidence for TI but was achieved following extensive training on the non-adjacent pairs which may have over-ridden the ecological relevance of the task.
Stability of blood lead levels in children with low-level lead absorption
Authors: Del Rio Michelle , Rodriguez Christina , Alvarado Navarro Elizabeth , Wekumbura Chandima , Galkaduwa Madhubhashini B. , Hettiarachchi Ganga M. , Sobin Christina
Published: June 2023

Current child blood lead (Pb) screening guidelines assume that blood lead levels (BLLs) are relatively stable over time, and that only youngest children are vulnerable to the damaging effects of lower-range BLLs. This study aimed to test the stability of lower-range (≤ 10 μg/dL) child BLLs over time, and whether lower-range BLLs diminished with age among children aged 6 months to 16 years living in a lower-income neighborhood with a density of pre-1986 housing and legacy contamination. Age, sex, family income, age of residence, and/or residence proximity to point sources of Pb, were tested as potential additional factors. Capillary blood samples from 193 children were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). Multiple imputation was used to simulate missing data for 3 blood tests for each child. Integrated Growth Curve models with Test Wave as a random effect were used to test BLL variability over time. Among N = 193 children tested, at Time 1 testing, 8.7% had the BLLs ≥ 5 μg/dL (CDC “elevated” BLL reference value at the time of data collection) and 16.8% had BLLs ≥ 3.5 μg/dL (2021 CDC “elevated” BLL reference value). Modeling with time as a random effect showed that the variability of BLLs were attributable to changes within children. Moreover, time was not a significant predictor of child BLLs over 18 months. A sex by age interaction suggested that BLLs diminished with age only among males. Of the additional environmental factors tested, only proximity to a major source of industrial or vehicle exhaust pollution predicted child BLL variability, and was associated with a small, but significant BLL increase (0.22 μg/dL). These findings suggest that one or two BLL tests for only infants or toddlers are insufficient for identifying children with Pb poisoning.
Our good neighbors: Understanding ecosystem services provided by insectivorous bats in Rwanda
Authors: Nsengimana Olivier , Walker Faith M. , Webala Paul W. , Twizeyimana Innocent , Dusabe Marie-Claire , Sanchez Daniel E. , Sobek Colin J. , Ruhagazi Deo , Iribagiza Peace , Muvunyi Richard , Medellin Rodrigo A.
Published: June 2023

Bats are prodigious consumers of agricultural and forest pests, and are, therefore, a natural asset for agricultural productivity, suppressing populations of such pests. This study provides baseline information of diet of 143 bats belonging to eight insectivorous bat species from agricultural areas of Rwanda while evaluating the effectiveness of bats as pest suppressors. Using DNA metabarcoding to analyze bat fecal pellets, 85 different insect species were detected, with 60% (n = 65), 64% (n = 11) and 78% (n = 9) found to be agricultural pests from eastern, northern and western regions, respectively. Given the high percentages of agricultural pests detected, we submit that Rwandan insectivorous bats have the capacity for biocontrol of agricultural pests. Rwandan bat populations should be protected and promoted since they may foster higher crop yields and sustainable livelihoods.
Hepatitis C virus seroprevalence, testing, and treatment capacity in public health facilities in Ghana, 2016–2021; A multi-centre cross-sectional study
Authors: Nartey Yvonne Ayerki , Okine Rafiq , Seake-Kwawu Atsu , Ghartey Georgia , Asamoah Yaw Karikari , Siaw Ampem Darko Jnr , Senya Kafui , Duah Amoako , Owusu-Ofori Alex , Adarkwa Opei , Agyeman Seth , Bampoh Sally Afua , Hiebert Lindsey , Njuguna Henry , Gupta Neil , Ward John W. , Roberts Lewis Rowland , Bockarie Ansumana Sandy , Awuku Yaw Asante , Obiri-Yeboah Dorcas
Published: June 2023

The current burden of Hepatitis C virus infection and the availability of HCV-related services in Ghana are not well described. Previous estimates on HCV seroprevalence in the country are outdated. This study investigated the HCV seroprevalence and testing and treatment capacity in Ghana. A multi-centre cross-sectional study was conducted in which laboratory and blood bank registers from 17 public healthcare institutions in Ghana were reviewed. A survey on cost and availability of HCV-related testing and treatment was also performed. Crude and pooled estimates of HCV seroprevalence, frequency and median cost of available diagnostic tests and medicines were described. The crude HCV seroprevalence was 2.62% (95% CI 2.53–2.72) and the pooled estimate was 4.58% (95% CI 4.06–5.11) among 103,609 persons tested in laboratories. Age (OR 1.02 95% CI 1.01–1.02) and male sex (OR 1.26 95% CI 1.08–1.48) were predictors of a positive anti-HCV RDT test. Northern administrative regions in Ghana had the highest HCV seroprevalence ranging from 8.3–14.4%. Among 55, 458 potential blood donors, crude HCV seroprevalence was 3.57% (95% CI 3.42–3.72). Testing was through Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits in most facilities, and only 2 of 17 centres were performing HCV RNA testing. The median cost of an anti-HCV RDT test was $0.97 (0–1.61) and $3.23 (1.61–7.58) for persons with and without government health insurance respectively. The median cost of a 12-week course of the pan-genotypic direct-acting antiviral therapy sofosbuvir-daclatasvir was $887.70. In conclusion, there are significant regional differences in HCV burden across Ghana. Limited access to and cost of HCV RNA and DAA therapy hinders testing and treatment capability, and consequently HCV elimination efforts. A national HCV program supported with a sustainable financing plan is required to accelerate HCV elimination in Ghana.
Reducing social security contribution rate on the financial performance of state-owned and non-state-owned manufacturing industries in the post-epidemic era
Authors: Zhang Liangchen , Yang Guangli
Published: June 2023

Social insurance is an essential component of a contemporary social security system since it protects people’s fundamental well-being, but it also incurs a heavy cost for businesses. If social security costs are excessively high, business profitability will suffer, and innovation will be discouraged. The most affected companies would be those in labor-intensive industries and medium-sized enterprises. Chinese businesses have suffered severe losses as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Given the circumstance, China enacted additional tax cuts and preferential social insurance premium plans. This article suggests a lower ratio of contribution as a strategy to cut the cost of social insurance premiums for businesses, given the growth of the social security fund in recent years and the proportion of participants to recipients in pension funds. It would be possible to increase firm profitability and lessen the impact of COVID-19 on industries by minimizing this operation burden. In order to compare the financial performance of state-owned manufacturers (SOMs) to that of their non-state-owned peers, who have a lower ratio of contribution, this study uses a multiple regression model. The ratio of contributions was inversely correlated with an enterprise’s financial performance. In other words, financial performance will improve as the ratio of contribution lowers; nevertheless, this effect is more pronounced in SOMs. The final section of this study proposed optimized approaches for social insurance premiums reform.
Research publications of Australia’s natural history museums, 1981–2020: Enduring relevance in a changing world
Authors: Green Tayla A. , Hutchings Pat A. , Scarff Fiona R. , Tweedley James R. , Calver Michael C.
Published: June 2023

As a case study of the responses of natural history museums to changing scientific and funding environments, we analysed research publications of Australia’s Natural History Museums (ANHMs) 1981–2020. Using Scopus, 9,923 relevant documents 1981–2020 were identified, mainly research papers but with a growing proportion of reviews. The number of documents published increased over tenfold from 39 (1981) to 553 (2020), likely driven by collaborations (rising from 28.5% of documents 1981–1985 to 87.2% of documents 2016–2020), contributions from retired staff, and volunteer support. The mean length of documents (pages) ranged from a low of 15.3 in 2001–2005 to a high of 17.4 in 1991–1995, but this statistically significant result was trivial in practical terms. The sources (i.e., journals, book titles, conference proceedings) in which ANHM authors published changed over time, with growing proportions of publications in journals covering molecular ecology/phylogenetics and biological conservation. We identified the major areas of study canvassed within the corpus of publications by developing structural topic models based on patterns of word use in document titles, abstracts and keyword lists. The topics discovered included study subjects traditional for natural history museums (new taxa, phylogeny, systematics, animal morphology, palaeontology, minerals), new directions (molecular genetics, ecology, biological conservation) and marine biology (probably reflecting Australia’s large coastline). Most citations came from Australia, USA and UK, although in 2016–2020 only 27.9% of citing documents included an Australian author. Growth in numbers of documents and collaborations, as well as use of documents internationally over a period of great change in scientific and funding environments, indicate an enduring legacy of ANHM research, grounded on the intrinsic value of the collections.
The influence mechanisms of inclusive leadership on job satisfaction: Evidence from young university employees in China
Authors: Li Huiqian , Zhou Cheng
Published: June 2023

Background

Leadership style and job satisfaction are currently hot issues in the field of management psychology research, especially with regard to young employees.

Objective

This study attempted to explain the mechanism of improving employees’ job satisfaction by combining the key factors of work-family balance and psychological capital.

Methods

We adopted the literature method, questionnaire survey method, and statistics method to conduct the research. And we conducted structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis of 540 young university employees in China using the random sampling method for sampling.

Results

Based on the structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis of 540 young university employees in China, the results show that inclusive leadership has a positive impact on improving employees’ job satisfaction and that work-family balance is beneficial to serving leaders in improving employees’ job satisfaction. Simultaneously, psychological capital positively moderates the indirect effect of inclusive leadership on improving job satisfaction.

Conclusion

The final model revealed an important path from inclusive leadership to job satisfaction through work-family balance. These findings not only extend and enrich the relevant research on the relationship between inclusive leadership and job satisfaction but also shed some light on university management practice.
Effect of physical activity on the change in carotid intima-media thickness: An 8-year prospective cohort study
Authors: Pae Byung Joon , Lee Seung Ku , Kim Soriul , Siddiquee Ali T. , Hwang Yoon Ho , Lee Min-Hee , Kim Regina E. Y. , Kim Seong Hwan , Lee Miyoung , Shin Chol
Published: June 2023

Background and aims

There is a demand for longitudinal studies that use both objective and subjective measures of physical activity to investigate the association of physical activity with the change in carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT). In order to investigate such association, we conducted an 8-year follow-up study that used both objective and subjective measures of physical activity.

Methods

This cohort study used subsamples of the ongoing Korean Genome and Epidemiology Study (KoGES). Included participants were between 49 to 79 years of age at baseline. Exclusion criteria included incomplete assessments of pedometer/accelerometer, international physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ), and baseline CIMT. Participants with a history of cardiovascular diseases were further excluded. Linear regression models were used for the main analysis. Age differences were assessed by stratifying the participants into < 60 years and ≥ 60 years.

Results

After removing excluded participants, 835 participants were included in the final analysis (age, 59.84 ± 6.53 years; 326 (39.04%) males). 453 participants were < 60 years and 382 participants were ≥ 60 years. The daily total step count was inversely associated with the percent change in overall CIMT over 8-years (β = -0.015, standard error = 0.007, P = 0.034). This association was present among participants in the < 60-year-old group (β = -0.026, standard error = 0.010, P = 0.006), but not among participants in the ≥ 60-year-old group (β = -0.010, standard error = 0.011, P = 0.38).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that taking preemptive actions of increasing physical activity may prevent the incidence of atherosclerosis.
Dos empreendimentos sociais aos negócios de impacto: Examinando o debate teórico rumo à inovação social
Authors: Alperstedt Graziela Dias , Andion Carolina , Pires Priscila Keller
Published: June 2023

Objetivo: fornecer um exame crítico dos modelos teóricos existentes e seus desentendimentos, advindos de visões políticas divergentes, imbuídas de valor sobre o que é o social, o que é bom e o que é ruim. Metodologia/Abordagem: ensaio teórico que examina, por um lado, a discussão teórica que abarca modelos com lógicas e formatos organizacionais diversos, com ênfase em abordagens prescritivas que romantizam alguns tipos de empreendimentos e, por outro, abordagens críticas que interpretam o debate não como uma ruptura, mas sob um caráter legitimador e reprodutor da ordem social estabelecida. Principais resultados: as visões acerca dos empreendimentos sociais, divergente em muitos dos modelos teóricos existentes, deslocam a atenção dos problemas socioambientais por se concentrarem em indivíduos heróis e “soluções” milagrosas. A inovação social seria o caminho para se solucionar o impasse de como as transformações sociais são geradas na prática, envolvendo atores diversos que extrapolam a discussão em pauta, direcionando o debate para a noção de ecossistemas de inovação social. Contribuições teóricas/metodológicas: propõem um enquadramento inclusivo que envolve a aceitação da diversidade e do pluralismo, e que extrapola a disputa entre modelos, de forma a permitir maior foco nas problemáticas socioambientais, reconhecendo a importância das abordagens coletivas, das diferenças socio-históricas, culturais e territoriais, além do acolhimento de estudos multiescalares e multissetoriais na direção da inovação social como processo transformador. Relevância/originalidade: o artigo amplia a compreensão sobre as características e tipologias dos empreendimentos sociais e suas diversas interpretações, levando à reflexão sobre suas práticas e avançando no estudo sobre as consequências reais que essas organizações promovem, trazendo à tona o debate da inovação social como foco. Contribuições sociais: ao discutir as consequências práticas dos empreendimentos sociais e trazer à tona as inovações sociais que estes atores coproduzem em suas realidades específicas, o artigo traz luz para essa dimensão mais abrangente direcionada aos graves problemas vivenciados na atualidade.
Differences in gut microbiota and fecal bile acids between Caucasian and Hispanic children and young adults with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Aboud Syriani Lara , Parsana Riddhi , Durazo‐Arvizu Ramón A. , Michail Sonia
Published: June 2023

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that has been associated with gut dysbiosis. Changes in the gut microbiome lead to changes in bile acids (BA) metabolism, which changes the BA profiles in patients with UC. We conducted this study to investigate the differences in bile acids and gut microbiota between Hispanic and Caucasian children and young adults with UC. Twenty‐seven Caucasian and 20 Hispanic children and young adults with UC were enrolled in the study. BAs were extracted from the subjects' stool samples and analyzed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Microbial DNA was also extracted from the stool samples to perform 16s rRNA amplicon sequencing. The median levels of cholic acid and taurolithocholic acid were found to be significantly higher in Hispanic children and young adults with UC compared to their Caucasian counterparts. The abundance of the gut microbiota that metabolizes BAs such as Proteobacteria, Pseudomonadaceae, Pseudomonas, Ruminococcus gnavus, and Escherichia coli were also all significantly higher in Hispanic children and young adults as well. The distinct BA profile that we found in Hispanic children and young adults with UC, in addition to the unique composition of their gut microbiome, provide them with a protective gut environment against inflammation, which is contrary to the common believe that Hispanics have worse IBD.
Crystal structure of 1,10-phenanthrolinium bromide dihydrate, C12H9N2Br
Authors: Adeloye Adewale O. , Clayton Hadley S.
Published: June 2023

C12H9N2Br, triclinic, P

1
‾

$\overline{1}$

(no. 2), a = 7.4005(13) Å, b = 9.4122(16) Å, c = 9.7916(17) Å, α = 98.235(9)°, β = 101.744(8)°, γ = 111.005(7)°, V = 605.69(18) Å3, Z = 2, R
gt(F) = 0.0209, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0514, T = 100(2) K.
Biological functions and therapeutic potential of acylation by histone acetyltransferases
Authors: Li Nan , Hamor Clark , An Yahang , Zhu Licheng , Gong Yusheng , Toh Yukimatsu , Guo Yusong R.
Published: June 2023

Histone lysine acylation is a major class of histone post-translational modifications involved in essential biological activities, such as transcriptional regulation, DNA-damage repair, and cell-cycle progression. Abnormal acylation is strongly associated with various diseases, such as cancer. Thus, histone acetyltransferases (HATs), the “writers” that catalyze histone acylation, are promising targets for cancer treatment. Rapid developments in structural biology and artificial intelligence have facilitated the development of drugs targeting HATs. To provide new ideas for exploring novel HAT modifiers with high efficiency and selectivity, this article reviews the relationships between acylation and diseases, illustrates HAT catalytic mechanisms through structural biology, and summarizes research progress in HAT modifiers.
Characteristics of linear and nonlinear approximation of isotropic classes of periodic multivariate functions
Authors: Romanyuk A.S. , Romanyuk V.S. , Pozharska K.V. , Hembars'ka S.B.
Published: June 2023

Exact order estimates for some characteristics of linear and nonlinear approximation of the isotropic Nikol'skii-Besov classes $\mathbf{B}^r_{p,\theta}$ of periodic multivariate functions in the spaces $B_{q,1}$, $1\leq q \leq \infty$, are obtained. Among them are the best orthogonal trigonometric approximations, best $m$-term trigonometric approximations, Kolmogorov, linear and trigonometric widths.

For all considered characteristics, their estimates coincide in order with the corresponding estimates in the spaces $L_{q}$. Moreover, the obtained exact in order estimates (except the case $1<p<2\leq q < \frac{p}{p-1}$) are realized by the approximation of functions from the classes ${\mathbf{B}}^r_{p,\theta}$ by trigonometric polynomials with the spectrum in cubic regions. In any case, they do not depend on the smoothness parameter $\theta$.
Enhanced ethanol production from de-ashed paper sludge by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation and simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation
Authors: Kang Li , Wang Wei , Pallapolu Venkata Ramesh , Lee Yoon Y.
Published: June 2023

A previous study demonstrated that paper sludges with high ash contents can be converted to ethanol by simultaneous saccharification and fermentation (SSF) or simultaneous saccharification and co-fermentation (SSCF). High ash content in the sludge, however, limited solid loading in the bioreactor, causing low product concentration. To overcome this problem, sludges were de-ashed before SSF and SSCF. Low ash content in sludges also increased the ethanol yield to the extent that the enzyme dosage required to achieve 70% yield in the fermentation process was reduced by 30%. High solid loading in SSF and SSCF decreased the ethanol yield. High agitation and de-ashing of the sludges were able to restore part of the yield loss caused by high solid loading. Substitution of the laboratory fermentation medium (peptone and yeast extract) with corn steep liquor did not bring about any adverse effects in the fermentation. Fed-batch operation of the SSCF and SSF using low-ash content sludges was effective in raising the ethanol concentration, achieving 47.8 g/L and 60.0 g/L, respectively.
Enzymatic and chemical deinking of mixed office wastepaper and old newspaper: Paper quality and effluent characteristics
Authors: Lee C.K. , Ibrahim Darah , Ibrahim Che Omar , Wan Rosli Wan Daud
Published: June 2023

Enzymatic and chemical deinking not only significantly influence the optical and mechanical properties of deinked paper, but also influence the pulp properties and wastewater effluent generated. Both enzymatic and chemical deinking of mixed office wastepaper (MOW) and old newspaper (ONP) showed improvement in brightness (1.4-4.7 units), tensile index (1-14%), burst index (1.2-3.8%), freeness (1.9-2.9%), and residual ink removal (31.1-51.2%) but caused loss in opacity (0.1-2.6%) and tear index (0.1-9.6%). Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) analysis indicated that effluent produced from enzymatic deinking were about 33.9% and 33.8% lower compared to chemical deinking of ONP and MOW, respectively. Meanwhile, Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD5) obtained from enzymatic deinking of MOW and ONP were 47.1% and 39.3% lower compared to the chemical deinking process, respectively. The results obtained in this work demonstrated that the quality of the pulp and paper obtained from enzymatic deinking process was better than that from the chemical deinking process. This suggests that enzymatic deinking has high potential as an alternative to the chemical method.
Energy and the US hardwood industry – Part 1: Profile and impact of prices
Authors: Espinoza Omar , Bond Brian H. , Buehlmann Urs
Published: June 2023

According to the Energy Information Administration two fifths of the energy used by US wood products manufacturers comes from electricity and natural gas, the costs of which have pointedly increased over the last decade. Empirical indications exist that higher energy prices affect the industry’s profitability. Together with other developments such as, for example, unfavorable trends in hardwood stumpage prices, higher transportation costs, increasing government regulations, a challenging economic situation, or the ongoing globalization of markets, the US hardwood industry has to cope with some serious challenges threatening its profit potential. To understand the impact of energy prices on wood products manufacturers’ profitability and to gain insights regarding actions the industry is taking to respond to energy-related challenges, a survey was conducted among Eastern US primary hardwood products manufacturers in late 2010. Results show that, overall, the share of energy expenses on total production costs of respondents was 7.9%. A majority of respondents (61.8%) agreed that their energy expenses have increased by an average of 18.7% during the last five years. Half of the respondents reported a 5% or higher negative impact of higher energy prices on their profits over the same period. Actions undertaken by the industry to alleviate the negative impact of rising energy prices are presented in a second paper in this two-part series.
Experimental Investigations of the Removal of Methylene Blue from Waste Water using Agricultural Adsorbant
Authors: Mandake Manoj B. , Walke Santosh , Naniwadikar Makarand , Patil Ganesh , Jadhav Sandhya D.
Published: June 2023

Abstract: The colored organic or inorganic chemical compounds which can impart colour to other substance are the Dyes which did significant applications in the most industrial sectors like the textile industry, leather industry, paper industry, plastic, foodstuff industry etc, to impart color to their products. Due to the large volume of dye use in these businesses, a significant quantity of wastewater containing colored organics is generated. Because of insufficient dye-fiber fixation, during the dyeing process, half of the dye is lost in the wastewater. Peanut and rice husk are used to absorb MB from water. Initial Methylene Blue concentration, Peanut and Rice Husk dose, and pH were monitored and compared to current adsorbents to identify the optimal removal conditions. The equilibrium amount of MB adsorbed at time t (min) for rice husk and peanut hull are obtained as 5.1 and 5.19 mg/g respectively. As part of the research, an intra-particle diffusion model was implemented to regulate the mass transfer model's rate-controlling step mechanism.
Keywords: Waste Water, Methylene Blue, Peanut Hull, Rice Husk, Adsorption.
Design and Implementation of IoT Gateway with MQTT and IEC 61850 MMS Protocol
Authors: Oh Soo-Yeon , Lee Yong-Joon , Hwang Sung-Ho
Published: June 2023

With microgrids deployed in multiple areas, communication technologies that control devices and collect data play an important role. Microgrid environments are similar to the internet of things (IoT) environment, where multiple devices exchange information. Recent studies have attempted to utilize IoT protocols as communication protocols for microgrids. Studies have also begun on interworking IoT protocols with IEC 61850, an existing protocol for power utility. In this study, we designed an IoT gateway that maps message queuing telemetry transport (MQTT), an IoT protocol, to the IEC 61850 data model. We built a testbed and performed a verification using TShark to verify that MQTT and IEC 61850 MMS traffic are properly generated and mapped by the IoT gateway. We also used IEEE 1588 to perform time synchronization between Raspberry Pi units, which are IoT devices. Performance analysis was conducted by measuring the mean transfer time of the MQTT and IEC 61850 MMS traffic for various Ethernet speeds and Wi-Fi protocols.
Establishment of Creative Convergence Curriculum for Systematic Management of MZ Generation
Authors: LEE Choong Hyong
Published: June 2023

A new generation of creativity (New-Collar) has arrived, not White-Collar or Blue-Collar.  The main characteristics of the creative generation are the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the generation that makes good use of digital content and digital devices, expresses their tastes and colors well, and produces and consumes new things. Interest in Metaverse education that is scalable and realistic beyond space-time boundaries is growing, with the advent of the new normal era, in which non-face-to-face training has become every day’s work. With the technology development, the emergence of new educational services, and the changes in the environment at that time, the Metaverse education develops in various forms and is used in a variety of meanings. For this motivation, this study intends to examine earlier studies including curriculum procedures and present a model for creating a future creative convergence theme through a questionnaire. In addition, we intend to create a blueprint for convergence of university creativity and develop a plan to promote the design of creative convergence themes for the digital generation. This study is intended to help educational institutions think about designing curricula for the digital generation.
The Development of a Web Application for Tracking Medical Cannabis Products
Authors: Saenkham Nuttapol , Bussabong Zagon , Saenkham Thippawan
Published: June 2023

This research aims to develop a web application for tracking medical cannabis product information, designed and developed according to the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) process. The study was conducted in the province of Buriram, Thailand, and the sample group was selected through purposive sampling, consisting of 30 individuals from Play La Ploen Community Enterprise, representing cannabis cultivators and medical cannabis product processors. Data was collected through in-depth interviews to gather database design and system development requirements. The tools used for system development were PHP, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Bootstrap, Visual Studio Code, and XAMPP, with MySQL used as the database management system. The effectiveness of the information system was evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale questionnaire developed based on the PIECES framework. The research findings indicate that the medical cannabis product tracking system is functional, as users are able to scan the QR code on the packaging to obtain comprehensive and complete information about the product.
Consumer Behavior in Decision Making - What Are the Factors?
Authors: Sadiku Kosovare Mustafa , Mjaku Gentiana , Qarri Albert
Published: June 2023

It is challenging for businesses that operate in the market to flourish without a grasp of the requirements and habits of the consumer. Sociodemographic, cultural, and psychological factors have an impact on consumer buying behavior and the brands of goods they choose to use and consume. Most of the locally produced goods were just known by their offering name and not by their brand. Delivery of these things has improved over time. The infrastructure of product sales units has undergone significant alteration today. This study's goals are to examine customer behavior in the selection of food brands, as well as the influence of the consumer's sociodemographic and psychological traits. The Republic of Kosovo's citizens provided the study's data. These data are processed using statistical techniques such as utilizing an econometric model through multiple regression analysis to determine which socio-demographic and psychological aspects influence decision-making, using SPSS application software version 26.0. These data were gathered as a function of the study questions. The results of the analysis show that all the variables taken in the study affect the choice of food brands but from the highest impact to the least are as follows: They have the most impact the Revenue with 181%, then we have gender with 150%. Starting with a confidence level of 95% and with a high level of significance, this result is followed by the ranking with the Educational Level with 145%, it is thought that people who have a level of educational achievement are more aware of the quality of the product, the origin of him than people who do not have high educational development. Then it is followed by Age 112% and Profession 89%.
The Level of Anger Among Couples During the Coronavirus Pandemic in the Northern Region
Authors: Salama Maram Jasser Salem Bani
Published: June 2023

This paper aimed to investigate the level of anger among spouses during the Corona pandemic (COVID-19) in the northern region of Jordan. The descriptive analytical approach was used, and to collect data, the researcher adopted the Anger Management Scale (AMS) (Stith & Hamby, 2001). The scale consisted of (32) items distributed over four areas (Escalating Strategies, Negative Attributions, Calming Strategies, and Self-Awareness). A total of (406) couples from the northern governorates were recruited in this study. Statistically significant differences were found for the effect of the number of years of marriage, favouring the category (more than ten years). In addition, the number of children demonstrated statistically significant differences favouring the category of (more than (6) children). However, no statistically significant differences were attributable to educational qualification.
Leprosy mimicking ANCA-associated vasculitis
Authors: Assis Daameche Luciana Nunes , Lins Carlos Eduardo , Pires Tayane Oliveira , Basilio Dunya Bachour , Costa Gustavo de Paiva , Carneiro Jamille Nascimento , Kosac Fernanda Freire , Lobo Vanessa Burini , Silveira João Américo da
Published: June 2023

Vasculitis represents a large group of diseases, classified between primary and secondary. Diagnosis of primary vasculitis is a challenge in medical practice, since there are wide and heterogeneous clinical manifestations, with diagnostic criteria still scarce. Some clinical manifestations are common: constitutional status, myalgia, arthralgia, arthritis, papules, nodules and ulcers. One of the clinical forms is the limited one in which patients with upper respiratory tract involvement often evolve with systemic disease. Most patients have nasal, sinus or ear involvement that may be present weeks or months before other symptoms. Secondary vasculitis can be related to infections, drugs, toxic substances and neoplasms. The virchowian and dimorphic form of leprosy has similar clinical and serological characteristics with rheumatological diseases. As it is an endemic disease in Brazil, there is a description of a wide variety of clinical presentations, so making a differential diagnosis is essential.
Workplace violence and its effect on nursing professionals at the in-hospital level: a national and international systematic review
Authors: Orquera Araya Francisca Javiera
Published: June 2023

Psychological harassment in the workplace, or mobbing, is a practice that has become today a health problem that affects not only the victim but also society as a whole; however, nursing professionals, who are both victims and perpetrators, are no exception. The present study allows, within the framework of the research, to gather more sources of information in order to provide the basis for the creation of protocols, public policies and measures to protect and promote a healthy work environment, free of violent practices and based on the ultimate goal of the profession: to take care of oneself in order to take care of others. Objective: To identify the effects of workplace violence on the mental health of nursing professionals within the in-hospital setting at the national and international level. Method: An exhaustive analysis of the world literature on workplace mobbing among nursing professionals from different countries was carried out. For this purpose, databases such as Web of Science, Scielo, ResearchGate, PubMed, Science Direct, Redalyc, Google Scholar and the Repositorio Académico de la Universidad de Chile were used, where a series of key words corresponding to the research topic were used. Results: There are effects on health, interpersonal relationships and job performance in nurses when exposed to workplace bullying. Coping and prevention strategies used by nurses from various countries against mobbing were identified. Conclusions: It was possible to identify the negative effects of workplace mobbing among nursing professionals, as well as their respective coping and prevention strategies. It is recommended to increase research on the subject and implement urgent regulations at the national level.
Empathic care as a command of a new clinical bioethics
Authors: Albuquerque Aline
Published: June 2023

The current context of healthcare, which perpetuates the subordinate position of the patient and the violation of patients’ rights, demands the construction of a bioethical theory based on the ethical commitment to change this reality. Consequently, Principialism, the hegemonic line of Clinical Bioethics, needs to be overcome, and another framework needs to be formulated, such as what is now proposed based on clinical empathy and empathic care. This new framework for Clinical Bioethics conforms to an innovative aspect called “Healthcare Bioethics,” which has been the subject of a series of studies. These studies aimed at the theoretical structure of Healthcare Bioethics but did not focus on empathic care as an ethical structuring of this new theoretical-normative proposition. This article proposes theoretical contributions to Healthcare Bioethics based on clinical empathy and, specifically, by formulating the empathic care concept as a constituent and structuring command of this new aspect of Clinical Bioethics. Empathic care is a central ethical command of the further reference of clinical practice, Healthcare Bioethics. However, as seen, empathy is a motivational phenomenon conditioned to subjective factors that concern the individuals themselves and the context in which they find themselves. Although empathy is essential to our well-being, self-esteem, sense of belonging, and positive emotions, often, the choice is not to be empathic, given the costs of being so. This is also true in healthcare. Thus, health institutions and systems must adopt training, continuing education of health professionals, and other motivational interventions to drive empathic choice. It is an illusion to expect this choice to be made predominantly without creating factors that motivate empathic care, which must be an ethical substrate for constructing these motivational interventions. Therefore, empathic care should be incorporated into the health area as a new paradigm that founds institutions and health systems centered on the patient and the quality of care.
A formação docente para a educação profissional técnica e tecnológica
Authors: Aranha Leila Tania Azevedo , Nogueira Solange dos Santos , Santos Bergston Luan
Published: June 2023

O objetivo é discutir a formação docente para a educação profissional técnica partindo de dados de uma instituição pública que oferta a modalidade. O texto está organizado em tópicos que discutem os indicadores das metas do Plano Nacional de Educação que tratam da formação de professores, identifica e problematiza a formação inicial e continuada dos docentes da instituição escolhida por meio de informações coletadas em campo e revisão bibliográfica sobre o tema. Considera-se que a formação docente ainda não ocupa o espaço necessário no debate embora seja fundamental na promoção da transformação social. Por fim, destaca-se ainda algumas sugestões de aprofundamento em aspectos não explorados pelo texto.
AVALIAÇÃO DA APTIDÃO FÍSICA RELACIONADA À SAÚDE DE CRIANÇAS PRATICANTES DE FUTEBOL
Authors: Arrighi Ruhan Benevenute , Leite Luciano Bernardes , Silva Davi Correia da , Rosado Daniela Gomes , Lavorato Victor Neiva
Published: June 2023

A aptidão física é conceituada pela capacidade de realizar atividades do cotidiano com regularidade, podendo ser dividida em aptidão física relacionada à saúde ou ao desempenho. A infância é o período ideal para o desenvolvimento dos componentes da aptidão física relacionada à saúde. Sendo assim, o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar a aptidão física relacionada à saúde de crianças de uma escolinha de futebol de Piraúba-MG. Foi realizado um estudo descritivo com delineamento transversal. A população alvo foi meninos de 8 a 10 anos, integrantes de uma escolinha de futebol situada em uma cidade do interior de Minas Gerais. Foram avaliados o índice de massa corporal (IMC), a flexibilidade a partir do teste de sentar e alcançar, a resistência cardiorrespiratória pelo teste de caminhada/corrida de 6 minutos e a resistência muscular localizada através do teste de abdominais em 1 minuto (sit up). Os resultados mostram que essas crianças apresentaram IMC e resistência muscular localizada classificadas na zona saudável. Por outro lado, a flexibilidade das crianças foi classificada como razoável. Ademais, a resistência aeróbica das crianças de 8 anos foi boa, enquanto as de 9 e 10 anos foram classificadas como muito boa. Conclui-se que é de suma importância que crianças sejam estimuladas a praticarem exercícios físicos. Uma das formas para que isso ocorra pode ser através da iniciação esportiva envolvendo o esporte mais praticado no país, o futebol.