bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of the Application of Warehouse Management System on Goods Storage at PT Shippindo Logistics Technology
Authors: Anugrah Dedek Faisal , Patil Mithun B
Published: August 2023

This research was conducted at PT Shippindo Teknologi Logistik. The purpose of this study is to determine the results of data analysis from the  effect of implementing a warehouse management system on the  storage of  goods at PT Shippindo Teknologi Logistik. In this study, researchers distributed 100 questionnaires to  respondents, and these respondents were directly related to the object of study. The research methodology used in this study is a quantitative research method, using a deductive-inductive approach. The results of data calculation and analysis in this study were processed using the SPSS program.  From the calculation results using SPSS, the regression equation results are obtained which are Y = 11.038 + 0.938X0.710. So it can be concluded that it can be  found that attitude partially affects consumer buying interest significantly and positively. This can be seen from the results of the t-test stating that the p-value is smaller than the significance value (0.000 < 0.05). In addition, in the attitude variable the calculated value of 4.332> the ttable value of 2.048, the Warehouse Management System variable was declared to have a positive effect. Against the variable storage of goods, it can be concluded that a hypothesis is formed to analyze the influence of the variable.
‘I was lost in my life and they helped me find my way again’: Befriendee and befriender experiences of the Spirasi Befriending Programme for survivors of torture in Ireland
Authors: Hoare Rachel
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Befriending is one of the rehabilitative services embedded in the holistic approach adopted by Spirasi, the Irish National Centre for the Rehabilitation of Survivors of Torture.  Their befriending programme offers survivors one-to-one companionship from trained volunteer befrienders.  The literature suggests that befriending programmes can improve quality of life, provide emotional support and combat loneliness. However, there is little empirical research of the effectiveness of befriending programmes for torture survivors.
Objective: The main objective was to explore, in complementary ways, the impact of the Spirasi befriending programme on befrienders and befriendees and to incorporate their voices into recommendations for optimising the service.
Methods: The methodology consisted of five focus groups (two with befriendees, two with befrienders and one with both) and a portrait workshop facilitated by two community artists, where each befriending pair member created a portrait of their partner to express and visually explore the befriending relationship.  Data comprised the focus group transcripts and written feedback on the portrait-creation process.
Results: The themes identified in both data sets firmly ground the befriending programme in Spirasi’s holistic approach to recovery. For the focus group participants, befriending promotes integration; models trusting, kind and reciprocal relationships; combats loneliness and protects against suicide. They also highlighted the importance of regular befriender training, increasing the programme’s reach and developing a befriender community of practice. The portrait workshop was found to strengthen relationships and provide a context of normality, acceptance and shared humanity through compassionate and creative exchanges.  
Conclusions:  This paper highlights the benefits of the befriending programme within Spirasi’s holistic approach and the importance of collaborative expressive arts activities in building befriending relationships.  It provides recommendations for good befriending practice which are relevant to all organisations working with survivors of torture as well as those working with people seeking international protection more broadly.
Survivor engagement: Experience with an advocacy-based model in Washington, D.C.
Authors: O'Connor Seini , Barron Andrea , Byimana Léonce , Isley Jennifer , Patel Sheetal , Dhital Yadhu , Bazaz Nouf
Published: August 2023

Introduction: As an IRCT member organization supporting survivors of torture, the Torture Abolition and Survivor Support Coalition (TASSC) International places survivor engagement at the core of their work, aiming to provide safe and inclusive spaces for survivors to speak out and take meaningful action to prevent torture. This article describes TASSC’s model for engaging survivors in advocacy and presents evidence on the personal impacts such engagement can have. Method: Each year from 2016-2019, TASSC administered a simple survey with questions for survivors to complete after their annual “Advocacy Day” in Washington D.C. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected to inform internal service provision and the design of future events. Results: Across the four years a total of 140 survivors and compatriot human rights advocates participated in the annual Advocacy Day, and a majority completed the surveys. In their survey responses, survivors agreed they had many positive thoughts and feelings after advocacy. Their reported positive experiences included a sense of being listened to and heard by an understanding and responsive audience, the power of feeling part of a group that was speaking out on behalf of themselves and others, and a sense of motivation and hopefulness for the future. Discussion: Although undertaken primarily to inform internal processes, TASSC’s surveys with survivors who engaged in advocacy shed light on the potential value of well-designed advocacy experiences. Consistent with past research, survivors reported strong motivations around and compelling benefits from participating, despite the challenges that the deeply personal nature of their engagement could present. This feedback suggests TASSC has a strong model that could be replicated elsewhere, but it would be beneficial to further investigate the experiences of survivors engaging in advocacy in other country settings.
Migration and Torture in Today’s World, by Fabio Perocco (ed.)
Authors: Berta Giulia
Published: August 2023

The article is a review of the volume Migration and Torture in Today’s World, curated by Fabio Perocco and published by Ca’ Foscari Editions in 2023.
What is ‘agency’ in torture and trauma recovery? An inquiry into the properties and explanations of the concept of agency and it’s impacts
Authors: Wyatt Susan
Published: August 2023

The global ontology of survivor-led movements provides a useful reflection on conceptual frameworks and pathways for effective and strategic mechanisms for facilitating 'agency' within the spectrum of torture rehabilitation. This paper aims to provide a theoretical overview and analysis of the concepts, working frameworks, implementation methods and outcomes of survivor-led initiatives. The terminologies and meanings of survivor engagement are unpacked, highlighting the assumptions and implications for how services are designed, delivered and evaluated. This paper deliberately straddles multiple thematic fields to showcase and learn from other successful movements, and invites you as the reader into this discourse of inquiry now from the perspective of torture treatment services. This paper deep dives into survivor-led concepts, opening the plethora of adaptations available and encouraged. It looks firstly at the broader contexts that provide commonality and structure for concepts around power, empowerment or agency, before then exploring particularities from different contexts to enable the perspective of the 'differientiated whole' in Survivor Engagement programming. It concludes with thematic areas bearing implications for practice going forwards.
Survivor-organisation in the search for justice and reparation: A vision from grassroots organising
Authors: Pérez-Sales Pau
Published: August 2023

Editorial to 2023(2) issue, special section on survivor engagement in torture rehabilitation.
In this editorial, Pau Pérez-Sales adds a perspective based on historical experiences of organisational processes of victims of political violence and recover some of the lessons learned as contributions to the debate.
Enhancing precision in human neuroscience
Authors: Nebe Stephan , Reutter Mario , Baker Daniel H , Bölte Jens , Domes Gregor , Gamer Matthias , Gärtner Anne , Gießing Carsten , Gurr Caroline , Hilger Kirsten , Jawinski Philippe , Kulke Louisa , Lischke Alexander , Markett Sebastian , Meier Maria , Merz Christian J , Popov Tzvetan , Puhlmann Lara MC , Quintana Daniel S , Schäfer Tim , Schubert Anna-Lena , Sperl Matthias FJ , Vehlen Antonia , Lonsdorf Tina B , Feld Gordon B
Published: August 2023

Human neuroscience has always been pushing the boundary of what is measurable. During the last decade, concerns about statistical power and replicability – in science in general, but also specifically in human neuroscience – have fueled an extensive debate. One important insight from this discourse is the need for larger samples, which naturally increases statistical power. An alternative is to increase the precision of measurements, which is the focus of this review. This option is often overlooked, even though statistical power benefits from increasing precision as much as from increasing sample size. Nonetheless, precision has always been at the heart of good scientific practice in human neuroscience, with researchers relying on lab traditions or rules of thumb to ensure sufficient precision for their studies. In this review, we encourage a more systematic approach to precision. We start by introducing measurement precision and its importance for well-powered studies in human neuroscience. Then, determinants for precision in a range of neuroscientific methods (MRI, M/EEG, EDA, Eye-Tracking, and Endocrinology) are elaborated. We end by discussing how a more systematic evaluation of precision and the application of respective insights can lead to an increase in reproducibility in human neuroscience.
The intrinsically disordered cytoplasmic tail of a dendrite branching receptor uses two distinct mechanisms to regulate the actin cytoskeleton
Authors: Kramer Daniel A , Narvaez-Ortiz Heidy Y , Patel Urval , Shi Rebecca , Shen Kang , Nolen Brad J , Roche Julien , Chen Baoyu
Published: August 2023

Dendrite morphogenesis is essential for neural circuit formation, yet the molecular mechanisms underlying complex dendrite branching remain elusive. Previous studies on the highly branched Caenorhabditis elegans PVD sensory neuron identified a membrane co-receptor complex that links extracellular signals to intracellular actin remodeling machinery, promoting high-order dendrite branching. In this complex, the claudin-like transmembrane protein HPO-30 recruits the WAVE regulatory complex (WRC) to dendrite branching sites, stimulating the Arp2/3 complex to polymerize actin. We report here our biochemical and structural analysis of this interaction, revealing that the intracellular domain (ICD) of HPO-30 is intrinsically disordered and employs two distinct mechanisms to regulate the actin cytoskeleton. First, HPO-30 ICD binding to the WRC requires dimerization and involves the entire ICD sequence, rather than a short linear peptide motif. This interaction enhances WRC activation by the GTPase Rac1. Second, HPO-30 ICD directly binds to the sides and barbed end of actin filaments. Binding to the barbed end requires ICD dimerization and inhibits both actin polymerization and depolymerization, resembling the actin capping protein CapZ. These dual functions provide an intriguing model of how membrane proteins can integrate distinct mechanisms to fine-tune local actin dynamics.
Validity and reliability of the Japanese versions of the coronavirus anxiety scale for adolescents and obsession with COVID-19 scale for adolescents
Authors: Makino Takuya , Ide Sohei , Shiino Tomoko , Hiraoka Daiki , Ishibashi Saeko , Suzuki Futoshi , Nishitani Shota
Published: August 2023

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused mental health issues in both adults and adolescents. The Coronavirus Anxiety Scale (CAS) and Obsession with COVID-19 Scale (OCS) questionnaires measure anxiety and persistent and disturbed thoughts (also known as obsessions) related to COVID-19. We developed Japanese versions of the CAS (i.e., CAS-JA) and OCS (i.e., OCS-JA) questionnaires to make them suitable for adolescents and validated the characteristics of these scales.

Methods

Two online surveys were administered to high school students aged 15–18 years. A total of 263 students participated in the first survey and almost half of them participated in the second survey. In the first survey, participants responded to the CAS-JA, OCS-JA, generalized anxiety and obsessive–compulsive subscales of the Spence Children’s Anxiety Scale (SCAS), and Kessler 6 Scale (K6). The SCAS and K6 were used to verify discriminant validity and inter-scale correlations. In the second survey, the participants completed the CAS-JA and OCS-JA again to verify test–retest reliability. We performed a confirmatory factor analysis and calculated the model fit indices. Additionally, we examined the internal consistency reliability, convergent validity, and inter-item correlations of the CAS-JA and OCS-JA. Moreover, differences in CAS-JA and OCS-JA responses by gender and region of residence (state of emergency and non-emergency areas) were examined.

Results

The results of the single-factor model confirmatory factor analysis of model fit indices were above the threshold. The required criteria for internal consistency reliability, test–retest reliability, and discriminant and convergent validity were met in both the CAS-JA and OCS-JA. No statistically significant differences attributed to residence and gender were found in both questionnaires.

Conclusions

The results indicate that the CAS-JA and OCS-JA questionnaires are useful in measuring COVID-19-related anxiety, and persistent and disturbed thoughts in Japanese adolescents.
Impact of Quality Assurance Measures on Students’ Performance in Refrigeration and Airconditioning Works in Technical Colleges in Southwest, Nigeria
Authors: Peter Ogundola I.
Published: August 2023

This study was designed to assess students’ productivity in refrigeration and air conditioning works as correlate of quality assurance measures in technical colleges. The study adopted a survey research design. The population for the study was all 223 refrigeration and air conditioning (R&A) works students in state owned technical colleges in south west Nigeria. One research questions and three hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance guided the study. The instruments used for data collection was the Quality Assurance (QA). The QA instrument developed by the researcher, has a total of 34 items. The sample for the study was all 150 year two and three refrigeration and Air conditioning students in the state owned technical colleges in south west Nigeria. The trial test of the instrument was carried out on 10 technical college R&A students who are not part of the study. Face and content validity were carried out on the structured questionnaire by three specialists in test construction. The reliability coefficient computed for the QA with the use of the Cronbach Alpha was 0.79. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. The study revealed a positive impact of curriculum implementation as an indices of Quality Assurance Measures but however observed a no-adequate and negative impact of physical and infrastructural facilities as available in the colleges among other findings. The study thereafter recommended that in-service teachers should be given training in developing and using continuous assessments through refresher courses and that philanthropist and alumni associations of the colleges be attracted to support the schools with relevant learning facilities such as laboratory, workshop, furniture and equipment among other recommendations.
Determination of Transfer Factor for Some Crops in Selected Cultivated Soils, Khidir City, Iraq
Authors: Sharrad Ahmed A. , Tehewel Huda N. , Sultan Hussein R.
Published: August 2023

The current study dealt with the activity concentrations of some radionuclides in several common plants and corresponding soils in Khidir City, Iraq. The radioactivity measurements are carried out for 226Ra, 232Th, and 40K in some consumable crops and their soils using gamma spectrometry with an HP germanium detector. The sampling process included 8 crops, averaging 7 samples for each plant and surrounding soils equally. The studied crops consisting of okra, onions, cucumber, tomatoes, eggplant, sweet potato, zucchini, and organic pepper showed obvious variability as follows: the activity levels of 226Ra varied from 0.16±0.1 Bq/kg (in eggplant) to 3.984±0.19 Bq/kg (in tomato), with an average of 1.57±0.14 Bq/kg. 232Th were found to be within the range of (0.023±0.01 - 2.93±0.19 Bq/kg) (in onions – in cucumber), and an average value of 0.80±0.12 Bq/kg. For 40K ranged between 87.801±2.24 Bq/kg (in cucumber) and 409.45±2.94 Bq/kg (in tomato), with an average of (273.53±2.43 Bq/kg). On the other hand, the radionuclides activity concentrations in the corresponding soils ranged between 4.644±0.24 Bq/kg, with an average of 16.124±0.50 Bq/kg for 226Ra, and from 1.315±0.11 Bq/kg to 22.783±0.61 Bq/kg, with a mean value of 8.32±0.32 Bq/kg for 232Th, and from 284.482±2.48 Bq/kg to 451.468±3.93 Bq/kg, with a mean value of 406.53±2.77 for 40K. The concentrations of 226Ra and 232Th in the plants and soil samples were lower than the permissible values reported by UNSCEAR. In contrast, the activity level of 40K exceeded the allowed level suggested by UNSCEAR. Moreover, the obtained data were statistically analyzed and discussed in detail. Furthermore, the soil-to-plant transfer factors were calculated for the crops under study. TF of 226Ra was found to be within the range of (0.056-0.143), with an average of 0.095, for 232Th ranged between 0.056 and 0.192, with an average of 0.101, while for 40K, it is found to be varied from 0.933 to 0.216, with an average of 0.669. transfer factors of all crops were lower than the unity value conducted by IAEA.
Influence of Maltodextrin Concentration on the Proximate, Chemical, and Microbiological Properties of Powdered Bovine Colostrum Kefir
Authors: Rizqiati Heni , Febrisiantosa Andi , Setiyawan Ahmad Iskandar , Setiawan Jessica , Safira Hidayah , Insyira Virna Rania , Belinda Alisya Ghina , Wiryawan Rafael Evan , Adrian Evan
Published: August 2023

Incorporating filler during bovine colostrum kefir dehydration is necessary to protect microbial viability and produce desirable powder properties. This study investigated the effect of different concentrations of maltodextrin (0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5%, 10%) on powdered bovine colostrum kefir's proximate, chemical, and microbiological properties. Increasing maltodextrin concentration significantly affected (P<.05) proximate, chemical, and microbiological properties, except for alcohol content, of powdered bovine colostrum kefir. Higher maltodextrin concentration increased carbohydrate content, yield, total dissolved solids, solubility, titratable acidity, alcohol, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), yeast, and total microbes, but decreased water content, protein content, fat content, ash content, aw,­ and pH. The highest concentration of maltodextrin provided the highest count of LAB and yeast to 7.39 log CFU/g and 7.07 log CFU/g respectively, while maintaining the alcohol content of 0.042%, still under HALAL regulations. However, the highest yield and solubility, 38.60% and 46.12% respectively, were still relatively low due to bovine colostrum characteristics. Adding 10% (w/v) maltodextrin concentration was the best treatment that preserved LAB viability that complies with CODEX STAN 243-2003 [1], and had desirable powder properties.
Effect of Sulphur and Foliar Application of Thiourea on Growth and Yield of Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.)
Authors: Samuel S. T. Prem , Dawson Joy
Published: August 2023

The field experiment was conducted during Zaid 2023 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India. The soil of the experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.3). The experiment was laid out in Randomized Block Design with nine treatments each replicated thrice based on one year of experimentation. The application of Sulphur at 45 kg/ha + Thiourea at 1500 ppm, recorded Significant maximum pods/plant (41.00), Seeds/pod (14.00), Seed index (31.80 g), Seed yield (1.84 t/ha), stover yield (3.66 t/ha), Harvest index (33.45 %) were recorded with the treatment of Sulphur at 45 kg/ha + Thiourea at 1500 ppm.
Influence of Spacing and Nitrogen on Growth and Yield of Kharif Sweetcorn (Zea mays L. saccharata)
Authors: Khan Arbaaz , Singh Rajesh
Published: August 2023

A field experiment was conducted during Kharif 2022 at Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P) on the topic “Influence of Spacing and Nitrogen on growth and yield of Kharif Sweet corn (Zea mays L. saccharatam)”, to study treatments consisting of three levels of Nitrogen viz. 80, 100 and 120 kg/ha with spacing such as 75x10 cm2, 60x20 cm2 and 45x30 cm2. The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.1), low in organic carbon (0.28 %), available N (225 kg/ha), available P (19.50 kg/ha) and available K (92 kg/ha). There were 9 treatments each being replicated thrice and laid out in Randomized Block Design. The results revealed that treatment 8 (Nitrogen 120 kg/ha + 65x20 cm2) was recorded higher plant height (190.82 cm), higher plant dry weight (81.49 g), maximum number of cobs/plant (2.33), higher seeds/row (41.33), maximum row/cob (14.40), weight of green cob (351.20 g), higher green cob yield (4.15 t/ha), higher stover yield (4.59 t/ha), harvest index (45.90%), gross returns (1,48,950.00 INR/ha), net returns (1,04,914.00 INR/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.38).
Effect of Zinc and Salicylic Acid on Growth and Yield of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.)
Authors: Rao Pallepati Ravinder , Mehera Biswarup , Kumar Prateek , Srinivas Geddipally
Published: August 2023

A field experiment was carried out through the growth season 2022 at Zaid Crop Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, SHUATS, Prayagraj (U.P). To Study the effect of Zinc and Salicylic acid on improve growth green gram (Vigna radiata L) in sandy loam.   The soil of experimental plot was sandy loam in texture, nearly neutral in soil reaction (pH 7.1), low in organic carbon (0.36 %), available N (171.48 kg/ha), available P (15.2 kg/ha) and available K (232.5 kg/ha). The experiment was laid out on Randomized Block Design with nine treatments each replicated thrice on the basis of one year experimentation. The treatments which are T1: Zn (75PPM) + Salicylic acid (100PPM), T2: Zn (75PPM) + Salicylic acid (150PPM), T3: Zn (75PPM) + Salicylic acid (200PPM), T4: Zn (100PPM) + Salicylic acid (100PPM), T5: Zn (100PPM) + Salicylic acid (150PPM), T6: Zn (100PPM) + Salicylic acid (200PPM), T7: Zn (125PPM) + Salicylic acid (100PPM), T8: Zn (125PPM) + Salicylic acid (150PPM), T9: Zn (125PPM) + Salicylic acid (200PPM) are used. The results showed that treatment T9- Zn (125PPM) + Salicylic acid (200PPM). Result was recorded significantly higher growth parameters i.e. Plant height (35.14 cm), Plant dry weight (6.64 g/plant) and Crop growth rate (2.99 g/m2/day). However, yield attributes and yield parameters like No. of Pods/plant (21.22), No. of seeds/pod (11.35), Test weight (34.04 g), Seed yield (1100.97 kg/ha), straw yield (4471.00 kg/ha) were affected with the treatment T9- Zn (125PPM) + Salicylic acid (200PPM) than other treatments. Higher gross returns (Rs. 82572.75/ha), net return (Rs. 56228.32/ha) and benefit cost ratio (2.13) was obtained in the treatment T9- Zn (125PPM) + Salicylic acid (200PPM) as compared to other treatments.
Evaluation of Antagonists and the Effectiveness of Application Methods against Sheath Blight Disease of Rice under Pot Conditions
Authors: Toorray Nitin Kumar , Parganiha Om Prakash
Published: August 2023

Rice sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani is one of the main disease of rice in the Chhattisgarh region. Three potential Trichoderma species were evaluated against sheath blight disease of paddy under pot conditions. The Trichoderma spp. Obtained/ isolated from three discrict Rajnandgaon, Raipur and Durg of Chhattisgarh were compared for their efficacy with check fungicide hexaconazole for foliar sprays. This experiment was conducted under pot condition in completely randomyzed design (CRD) with three replications during kharif 2016 and 2017. Among the three potential Trichoderma spp., highly effective species against sheath blight pathogen was evaluated. The disease severity was recorded 14 days after inoculation. The results of comparative foliar application of Raipur, Durg and Rajnandgaon Trichoderma isolates showed that all isolates of Trichoderma spp. significantly reduced the sheath blight disease severity in rice under pot conditions at 30 DAT and 60 DAT planting. Among the Trichoderma isolates, foliar spray of Durg isolate (TD3) was effectively showed 26.24% reduction in disease severity at 30 DAT and 24.85% reduction in disease severity at 60 DAT over control treatment. The highest disease severity was reduced by check fungicide hexaconazole. The Durg isolate (TD3) at 30 DAT and 60 DAT also increased the yield per plant as compared to Raipur (TR2) and Rajnandgaon isolates (TR1).
Identifying the Principal Contributing Traits for Commercial Cane Sugar Yield at First Clonal Selection Stage in Sugarcane (Saccharum spp.)
Authors: Vigneshwari R. , Shanthi R. M.
Published: August 2023

Commercial cane sugar (CCS) yield is the main target product in sugarcane, which depends on the sucrose content and cane yield related traits. Understanding the factors influencing CCS yield would help us to enhance the selection efficiency for sugar yield. A population of 1,080 seedlings derived from nine bi-parental crosses involving Indian Co canes and Co allied hybrids were evaluated in seedling stage. A subset comprised of 270 clones selected from the single stool stage were evaluated in the first clonal trial to identify major component traits of CCS yield in the early stages of selection. Investigations were undertaken in the population to explore the feasibility of employing PCA and regression analyses to provide a basis for selection criteria for identification of sugarcane genotypes that are higher in CCS yield. Comparative performance of families at ground nursery indicated that screening of seedling progenies should be towards the crosses with higher mean value of H.R. brix% and single cane weight to enhance the frequency of superior individuals in subsequent clonal generations. The results of correlation analysis at first clonal stage suggested that yield related traits including tillers at 120 days, single cane weight, number of millable stalks and cane yield are the most important characters that significantly influences the CCS yield. Principal component analysis revealed that four factors could explain approximately 80.40% of the total variation for CCS yield in the population studied. The first factor which accounted for 31.19% of the variation was strongly associated with juice brix%, sucrose%, H.R. brix%, purity% and CCS%, whereas the second component had a positive effect from single cane weight, juice weight and cane diameter explaining 21.74% of total variability. The third factor accounted for 18.97% of variability and had contribution from tillers at 120 days, number of millable stalks and cane yield. Stalk height was independent from other traits which accounted for 8.48% of variation in component 4. Stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that CCS%, cane yield and sucrose % had considerable high effects on commercial cane sugar yield which explained 85.53% (expressed as R2) of variability in clones derived from bi-parental crosses between Indian Co canes.
Effect of Chemical and Non-Chemical Weed Management Practices in Direct Seeded Rice
Authors: Kalaimathi V. , Sivakumar C. , Parasuraman P. , Sivakumar R. , Ragunath K. P. , Rani M. S. Aneesa
Published: August 2023

A field experiment was conducted at Regional Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Paiyur, Tamil Nadu, India during the Summer of 2022 to study the effect of herbicide combination and non-chemical weed management techniques in puddled direct seeded rice. The experiment was laidout in a randomized block design with ten treatments and three replications. The treatments include Pre emergence (PE) Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10% WP @ 20 g ha-1, Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 70% WDG @ 21 g ha-1, Post emergence (PoE) Bispyribac sodium 10% SC @ 25 g ha-1, Power weeder, Hand weeding (HW), Weed free and Weedy check. The results revealed that, among different weed control treatments, PE application of Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10% WP @ 20 g ha-1 on 3 DAS fb (PoE) Bispyribac sodium 10% SC @ 25 g ha-1 on 20 DAS fb Power weeder at 30 DAS fb Hand weeding at 45 DAS (T5) recorded higher grain yield of 5422 kg ha-1 and B: C ratio of 2.35. The higher weed control efficiency of 83.52 % and 55.47 % was recorded at 30 and 60 DAS. Hence,it can be concluded that combination of PE (Pyrazosulfuron ethyl 10% WP @ 20 g ha-1 on 3 DAS) and POE (Bispyribac sodium 10% SC @ 25 g ha-1 on 20 DAS) herbicides along with non-chemical weed management technique (power weeder at 30 DAS and HW at 45 DAS) was found to be effective for weed control in direct seeded puddled lowland rice to deal with the issues of labour shortage and weed infestation faced by farmers.
Effect of an Experimental Ozone-based Desensitizing Gel on Tooth Sensitivity and In-office Dental Bleaching
Authors: Detogni Anna Caroliny , Abuna Gabriel , Mendonca Marcio Jose , Rocha Mateus Garcia , Silva Marina Pereira , Sinhoreti Mario Alexandre Coelho , Camilotti Veridiana
Published: August 2023

Aims: This study evaluated bleaching efficacy (BE), tooth sensitivity (TS), and enamel microstructure after in-office dental bleaching treatment with experimental desensitizing gel containing ozone (O3).
Study Design: For the TS and BE analysis, forty third molars were divided into two groups (n=20): OF-B, ozone-free desensitizer and bleaching agent; O-B, 16 ppm ozonized desensitizer and bleaching agent.
Place and Duration of Study: Dental Clinic of the State Western University of Parana, between June 2019 and April 2020.
Methodology: The calculation indicated that 20 teeth per group, totalizing 40 teeth (30 patients), would be sufficient to detect significant differences in TS and BE (power of 80%, significance level of 5%). Dental bleaching was performed with 35% hydrogen peroxide. TS was assessed using a visual analog scale, and BE was assessed using the Vitapan Classical color visual scale. After tooth extraction, the enamel microstructure was evaluated by micromorphological analysis using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). For this analysis, eighty third molars were used, divided into four groups (n=20): OF-B and O-B previously described; OF-WB, ozone-free desensitizer without bleaching agent; O-WB, ozonated desensitizer 16 ppm without bleaching agent. Statistical analyzes of all variables were performed with a significance level of α = 0.05. The Mann-Whitney test was used for intergroup analysis for two outcomes, and the Friedman test was used for intragroup analysis. McNemar's exact test compared the risks of tooth sensitivity in the two groups (α = 0.05).
Results: TS was higher in the OF-B group. No significant differences were observed in BE. No modification was demonstrated in the enamel microstructure by the action of O3.
Conclusion: The experimental gel containing O3 is a promising desensitizing agent for clinical use, reducing tooth sensitivity, without interfering with the color achieved by dental bleaching and in the microstructure of tooth enamel.
Development and Characterisation of a New Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. Cultivar (‘Krishna's Radiance’) from India
Authors: Chakraborty Deep , Swamy Jetti , Singh Devendra
Published: August 2023

A new significant cultivar Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. cv. ‘Krishna's Radiance’ has been developed from the cross pollination of H. rosa-sinensis L. cv. ‘Houdini’ (Female pod parent) and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. cv. ‘HVH Rain Drop’ (Male pollen parent). The new cultivar characterised by upright, fast growing shrubs with bluish-purple flowers. It can be recognised from parents by its large, creamy-white eye zone and allied to male parent (HVH Rain Drop) by its bluish colour flower but it can be separated by large single regular flower, clockwise arrangement of petals and creamy-white large eye zone whereas male parent has small single cartwheel flower, anticlockwise arrangement of petals and small whitish-pink eye zone.
Salient Measures of Hospitalist Workload
Authors: Burden Marisha , McBeth Lauren , Keniston Angela
Published: August 2023

Importance

The ideal hospitalist workload and optimal way to measure it are not well understood.

Objective

To obtain expert consensus on the salient measures of hospitalist workload.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This qualitative study used a 3-round Delphi technique between April 5 and July 13, 2022, involving national experts within and external to the field. Experts included hospitalist clinicians, leaders, and administrators, as well as researchers with expertise in human factors engineering and cognitive load theory.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Three rounds of surveys were conducted, during which participants provided input on the salient measures of hospitalist workload across various domains. In the first round, free-text data collected from the surveys were analyzed using a directed qualitative content approach. In the second and third rounds, participants rated each measure’s relevance on a Likert scale, and consensus was evaluated using the IQR. Percentage agreement was also calculated.

Results

Seventeen individuals from 14 organizations, encompassing clinicians, leaders, administrators, and researchers, participated in 3 rounds of surveys. In round 1, participants provided 135 unique qualitative comments across 10 domains, with 192 unique measures identified. Of the 192 measures presented in the second round, 6 (3%) were considered highly relevant, and 25 (13%) were considered moderately relevant. In round 3, 161 measures not meeting consensus were evaluated, with 25 (16%) considered highly relevant and 95 (59%) considered moderately relevant. Examples of measures considered highly relevant included a patient complexity score and outcome measures such as savings from hospital days avoided and clinician turnover.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this qualitative study measuring hospitalist workload, multiple measures, including those quantifying work demands and the association of those demands with outcomes, were considered relevant for measuring and understanding workloads. The findings suggest that relying on traditional measures, such as productivity-related measures and financial measures, may offer an incomplete understanding of workloads and their association with key outcomes. By embracing a broader range of measures, organizations may be able to better capture the complexity and nuances of hospitalist work demands and their outcomes on clinicians, patients, and organizations.
Association of Genetically Predicted Insomnia With Risk of Sepsis
Authors: Thorkildsen Marianne S. , Gustad Lise T. , Mohus Randi M. , Burgess Stephen , Nilsen Tom I. L. , Damås Jan K. , Rogne Tormod
Published: August 2023

Importance

Insomnia has been associated with altered inflammatory response as well as increased risk of infections and sepsis in observational studies. However, these studies are prone to bias, such as residual confounding. To further understand the potential causal association between insomnia and sepsis risk, a 2-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) approach should be explored.

Objective

To evaluate whether genetically predicted insomnia is associated with risk of sepsis.

Design, Setting, and Participants

Two-sample MR was performed to estimate the association between genetically predicted insomnia and sepsis risk. Data were obtained from a genome-wide association study identifying 555 independent genetic variants (R2 < 0.01) strongly associated with insomnia (P < 5 × 10−8). Sensitivity analyses were conducted to address bias due to pleiotropy and sample overlap, along with mediation analyses and sex-stratified analyses. The insomnia data set included 2.4 million individuals of European ancestry from the UK Biobank and 23andMe. For sepsis, 462 918 individuals of European ancestry from the UK Biobank were included. Data were extracted between February and December 2022 and analyzed between March 2022 and March 2023.

Exposure

Genetically predicted insomnia.

Main Outcome and Measure

Sepsis.

Results

There were 593 724 individuals with insomnia and 10 154 cases of sepsis. A doubling in the population prevalence of genetically predicted insomnia was associated with an odds ratio of 1.37 (95% CI, 1.19-1.57; P = 7.6 × 10−6) for sepsis. Sensitivity analyses supported this observation. One-third of the association between genetically predicted insomnia and risk of sepsis was mediated through a combination of cardiometabolic risk factors for sepsis (body mass index, type 2 diabetes, smoking, or cardiovascular disease; overall proportion, 35.2%; 95% CI, 5.1-76.9). The association between insomnia and sepsis was more pronounced among women compared with men (women: odds ratio, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.24-1.68; men: OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.86-1.40).

Conclusions and Relevance

The concordance between these findings and previous observational studies supports that insomnia is potentially causally associated with the risk of sepsis. Thus, insomnia is a potential preventable risk factor of sepsis that should be further investigated, also in non-European populations.
Flower strip effectiveness for pollinating insects in agricultural landscapes depends on established contrast in habitat quality: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Pérez‐Sánchez Antonio J. , Schröder Boris , Dauber Jens , Hellwig Niels
Published: August 2023

Flower strips have become a prevalent measure in agricultural landscapes to counteract biodiversity loss and especially promote pollinators. Although their benefits for pollinating insects have been frequently evaluated and reported, generalized conclusions about optimal settings for effective flower strips are still difficult. From the perspective of pollinators, flower strips vary distinctly in habitat quality, and the same applies for the control sites selected for scientific studies.

In this study, we used a meta‐analytic approach based on a systematic review of recent studies (2009–2020) to analyze the relationship between flower strip effectiveness for pollinators and the contrast in habitat quality between flower strips and control sites. We extracted 350 data entries from 29 of 172 studies based on available data for richness or abundance of the pollinator taxa groups Apiformes, Lepidoptera and Syrphidae as response variables, for both flower strips and control treatments. All flower strips and control treatments were assigned a habitat quality score including information on spatial dimension, floral resources and management. Moreover, we included information on landscape complexity as measured by percent cover of seminatural habitats in the studied landscape.

In general, our results of meta‐analytical models showed an increasing effect size of flower strips on pollinators for higher contrasts in habitat quality between flower strips and control treatments. This relationship was consistent across pollinator taxa and different levels of landscape complexity. Altogether, in terms of pollinator habitat quality, high‐quality flower strips were more attractive than low‐quality flower strips, and the reported effectiveness of flower strips decreased from low‐quality to high‐quality control treatments.

We recommend that results of future studies evaluating flower strips for pollinators are always linked with the contrast in habitat quality between selected flower strips and control treatments.
Evaluation of Unity 1.5 T MR‐linac plan quality in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Tanaka Shohei , Kadoya Noriyuki , Ishizawa Miyu , Katsuta Yoshiyuki , Arai Kazuhiro , Takahashi Haruna , Xiao Yushan , Takahashi Noriyoshi , Sato Kiyokazu , Takeda Ken , Jingu Keiichi
Published: August 2023

The Unity magnetic resonance (MR) linear accelerator (MRL) with MR‐guided adaptive radiotherapy (MRgART) is capable of online MRgART where images are acquired on the treatment day and the radiation treatment plan is immediately replanned and performed. We evaluated the MRgART plan quality and plan reproducibility of the Unity MRL in patients with prostate cancer. There were five low‐ or moderate‐risk and five high‐risk patients who received 36.25 Gy or 40 Gy, respectively in five fractions. All patients underwent simulation magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and five online adaptive MRI. We created plans for 5, 7, 9, 16, and 20 beams and for 60, 100, and 150 segments. We evaluated the target and organ doses for different number of beams and segments, respectively. Variation in dose constraint between the simulation plan and online adaptive plan was measured for each patient to assess plan reproducibility. The plan quality improved with the increasing number of beams. However, the proportion of significantly improved dose constraints decreased as the number of beams increased. For some dose parameters, there were statistically significant differences between 60 and 100 segments, and 100 and 150 segments. The plan of five beams exhibited limited reproducibility. The number of segments had minimal impact on plan reproducibility, but 60 segments sometimes failed to meet dose constraints for online adaptive plan. The optimization and delivery time increased with the number of beams and segments. We do not recommend using five or fewer beams for a reproducible and high‐quality plan in the Unity MRL. In addition, many number of segments and beams may help meet dose constraints during online adaptive plan. Treatment with the Unity MRL should be performed with the appropriate number of beams and segments to achieve a good balance among plan quality, delivery time, and optimization time.
Pure cerebellar ataxia due to bi‐allelic PRDX3 variants including recurring p.Asp202Asn
Authors: Efthymiou Stephanie , Novis Luiz E. , Koutsis Georgios , Koniari Chrysoula , Maroofian Reza , Turchetti Valentina , Velonakis Georgios , Vasconcellos Luiz F. , Raskin Salmo , Srinivasan Varunvenkat M. , Pagnamenta Alistair T. , Arun Yaramanchanahalli B. , Kinhal Uddhava V. , Gowda Vykuntaraju K. , Teive Helio A. G. , Houlden Henry
Published: August 2023

Bi‐allelic variants in peroxiredoxin 3 (PRDX3) have only recently been associated with autosomal recessive spinocerebellar ataxia characterized by early onset slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia, variably associated with hyperkinetic and hypokinetic features, accompanied by cerebellar atrophy and occasional olivary and brainstem involvement. Herein, we describe a further simplex case carrying a reported PRDX3 variant as well as two additional cases with novel variants. We report the first Brazilian patient with SCAR32, replicating the pathogenic status of a known variant. All presented cases from the Brazilian and Indian populations expand the phenotypic spectrum of the disease by displaying prominent neuroradiological findings. SCAR32, although rare, should be included in the differential diagnosis of sporadic or recessive childhood and adolescent‐onset pure and complex cerebellar ataxia.
Toward Artificial Cell‐Mediated Tissue Engineering: A New Perspective
Authors: Sümbelli Yiğitcan , Mason Alexander F. , van Hest Jan C.M.
Published: August 2023

The fast‐growing pace of regenerative medicine research has allowed the development of a range of novel approaches to tissue engineering applications. Until recently, the main points of interest in the majority of studies have been to combine different materials to control cellular behavior and use different techniques to optimize tissue formation, from 3‐D bioprinting to in situ regeneration. However, with the increase of the understanding of the fundamentals of cellular organization, tissue development, and regeneration, has also come the realization that for the next step in tissue engineering, a higher level of spatiotemporal control on cell‐matrix interactions is required. It is proposed that the combination of artificial cell research with tissue engineering could provide a route toward control over complex tissue development. By equipping artificial cells with the underlying mechanisms of cellular functions, such as communication mechanisms, migration behavior, or the coherent behavior of cells depending on the surrounding matrix properties, they can be applied in instructing native cells into desired differentiation behavior at a resolution not to be attained with traditional matrix materials.
Covalent Organic Framework‐Based Nanomotor for Multimodal Cancer Photo‐Theranostics
Authors: Feng Jie , Yang Shi‐Peng , Shao Yu‐Qing , Sun Yun‐Yu , He Zi‐Liang , Wang Ying , Zhai Ya‐Nan , Dong Yu‐Bin
Published: August 2023

Developing efficient integrated diagnosis and treatment agents based on fuel‐free self‐movement nanomotors remains challenging in antitumor therapy. In this study, a covalent organic framework (COF)‐based biomimetic nanomotor composed of polypyrrole (PPy) core, porphyrin‐COF shell, and HCT116 cancer cell membrane coating is reported. Under near‐infrared (NIR) light irradiation, the obtained mPPy@COF‐Por can overcome Brownian motion and achieves directional motion through self‐thermophoretic force generated from the PPy core. The HCT116 cancer cell membrane coating enables the nanomotor to selectively recognize the source cell lines and reduces the bio‐adhesion of mPPy@COF‐Por in a biological medium, endowing with this NIR light‐powered nanomotor good mobility. More importantly, such multifunctional integration allows the COF‐based nanomotor to be a powerful nanoagent for cancer treatment, and the high infrared thermal imaging/photoacoustic imaging/fluorescence trimodal imaging‐guided combined photothermal/photodynamic therapeutic effect on HCT116 tumor cell is successfully achieved. The results offer considerable promise for the development of COF nanomotors with integrated imaging/therapy modalities in biomedical applications.
The Construction of Binary Phase Electrolyte Interface for Highly Stable Zinc Anodes
Authors: Zhu Jiacai , Yang Min , Hu Yang , Yao Minjie , Chen Jun , Niu Zhiqiang
Published: August 2023

Metal zinc is a promising anode candidate of aqueous zinc‐ion batteries due to high theoretical capacity, low cost, and high safety. However, it often suffers from hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), dendrite growth, and formation of by‐products. Herein, a triethyl phosphate (TEP)/H2O binary phase electrolyte (BPE) interface is developed by introducing TEP‐based electrolyte‐wetted hydrophobic polypropylene (PP) separator onto the Zn anode surface. The equilibrium of the BPE interface depends on the comparable surface tensions of H2O‐based and TEP‐based electrolytes on hydrophobic PP separator surfaces. The BPE interface induces Zn2+ solvation structure conversion from [Zn(H2O)x]2+ to [Zn(TEP)n(H2O)y]2+, where most solvated H2O molecules are removed. In [Zn(TEP)n(H2O)y]2+, the residual H2O molecules can be further constrained by the formation of H bonds between TEP and H2O molecules. Consequently, the ionization of solvated H2O molecules is effectively suppressed, and HER and by‐products are effectively restricted on Zn anode surfaces in BPE. As a result, Zn anodes exhibit a high Coulombic efficiency of 99.12% and superior cycling performance of 6000 h, which is much higher than the case in single‐phase aqueous electrolytes. To illustrate the feasibility of BPE in full cells, the Zn/AlxV2O5 batteries are assembled based on the BPE and exhibited enhanced cycling performance.