bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges of Implementing Educational Strategic Plans on Students Academic Performance in Public Secondary Schools in Njombe Town Council, Tanzania
Authors: Sanga Notsent Julius , Chaula Egidio , Mhando Salvatory
Published: October 2023

The study assessed the challenges of implementing education strategic planning in public secondary schools .The study used qualitative research approach and case study research design, were employed whereby data were analyzed through thematic and presentation of themes related to specific objectives. The study used a sample size of 40 respondents; data were collected through interviews, documentary review and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) from four public secondary schools. The findings revealed that education strategic planning has been affected by various challenges such as financial challenge, poor cooperation between teachers and parents, long distance from residence to school, lack of enough science teachers, lack of enough infrastructure, top-down planning model, unstable education policy, poor selections of students from primary schools to public secondary school and lack of enough teaching and learning materials. The study concludes that   lack of enough funds is major problem which affects in implementing school strategic planning in whole public secondary schools, Lack of enough science teachers are also factors affecting in implementing education strategic planning. Government should increase education budget for effectiveness implementations of all education strategic plans indicated by public secondary schools. It recommended that Policy makers should make reform on Education policy and curriculum, Government should inform the communities about education strategic plans so as to be familiar with what is going on educational issues. Recommendation for further studies: This study covered only Njombe Town Council specific public secondary schools, so furthermore study should be done in other part of Tanzania and the study conducted only public secondary schools, so the studies should also be conducted in privates’ secondary schools and primary schools.
Application of Fragmented Extracellular Self-DNA (esDNA) Concept as an Alternative Prophylactic Approach against Vibrio parahaemolyticus and Vibrio harveyi Infection in Brine Shrimp Artemia
Authors: Novriadi Romi , Malahayati Shadiqa , Istiqomah Indah , Isnansetyo Alim , Irawan Fira , Hasan Otie Dylan Soebhakti
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study was to investigate species specific inhibitory effects of esDNA isolated from two conspecific organisms: Vibrio parahaemolyticus (VP) and Vibrio harveyi (VH), and to assess the functional role of esDNA to enhance the survival rate of Artemia sp. In an in vitro study, nine doses of Extracellular self-DNA of Vibrio parahaemolyticus (esDNAVP) and Vibrio harveyi (esDNAVH) were used as the target for the challenge test with the conspecific bacteria. In an in vivo study, the protective effect of esDNA was then tested in nauplii of the brine shrimp Artemia at various priming times and concentrations of esDNA under gnotobiotic conditions prior to challenge with VP and VH at the concentration of 5 × 105 CFU mL-1. The results from in vitro study showed that the use of esDNAVP at levels of 24.02 and 48.05 ng µl-1 and esDNAVH at concentrations of 13.33 and 26.67 ng µl-1 were able to inhibit the growth of the conspecific species when added to the culture medium at the concentration level of 5 × 105 CFU mL-1. The results from in vivo study showed that the use of 24.02; 48.05 and 72.07 ng µl-1 of esDNAVP as well as the use of 13.33; 26.67 and 40.00 ng µl-1 of esDNAVH inhibited the growth of VP and VH and enhanced the survival rate of Artemia sp compared to the control treatment (P<0.05). Taken together, we confirmed that esDNA obtained from the extraction and random fragmentation from esDNAVP and esDNAVH, produces a species-specific inhibitory effect on the same species and can serve as a potential alternative strategy for disease control to deliver the functionality of esDNA to the fish and shrimp.
Assessment of Obstetric Characteristics Associate with Anemia Disease among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinics at Garowe General Hospital, Somalia
Authors: Muse Mawlid Abdirisak , Juma Joseph , Ngonjo Teresia
Published: October 2023

Introduction: Existence of anaemia pregnancy women is when it comes to this hematologic abnormality. Hemoglobin deficiency during pregnancy has serious effect on maternal and fetus development, which could prompt high maternal mortality rates.

Purpose of the Study: The purpose of the study was to assess obstetric characteristics associate with anemia disease among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics at Garowe general hospital.  

Methods: A hospital based cross-sectional study design was conducted. Systematic random sampling method was used to select 266 pregnant women. Mothers who attended Antenatal Clinic during the study period and who met the inclusion criteria were interviewed and a capillary blood sample was taken. Hemoglobin level was determined by using HemoCue photometer. A structured questionnaire as well as focus group discussions were held in collecting data. Qualitative data was analyzed using a content technique and quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

Results: The inferential statistics entailed a bivariate chi-square analysis and odds ratio (OR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) computed to find association between independent and dependent variables. The study found that 46% of the pregnant women in the study were anemic. Obstetric characteristics such as the interval or space between births and the abortion history of the mother was significantly associated with anemia disease.

Recommendation: The study recommends that stakeholders including governments, Non-Governmental Oganization and the private sector in Somalia should seek to increase access to iron and folic acid supplements, should increase education on nutrition. In addition, the study recommends that sanitation and access to clean water should also be enhanced. Finally, the study recommends that the underlying socio-economic factors such as poverty, lack of education, unemployment and poor housing that lead to anemia should be addressed.
Modelling of Earthquake b-and a-Values Using Least Squares and Maximum Likelihood Estimate Methods in Different Tectonic Regions of the World
Authors: Atsu, J. U.
Published: October 2023

Aims: This study modelled a- and b-values of earthquakes employing the least squares regression and maximum likelihood estimate methods.
Methodology: Data used in the study were obtained from the International Seismological Centre (ISC), an earthquake catalogue of the United Kingdom. The time window was from 1st January 1988 to 31st December 2010 (30 years) with earthquake focal depth of 0-700km and magnitude Mb ≥ 1.3. Ten different locations were selected and a total of 149,965 events were used. The acquired data were processed and analysed using Microsoft Excel and the hypothesis was tested using independent t-test statistics with the aid of Statistical Software for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.0.
Results: The findings of the study revealed that the b- and a-values calculated using the least squares regression method were higher than the ones obtained using the maximum likelihood estimate method. Also, the hypothesis revealed that there is a significant difference between the use of the least squares regression method and the maximum likelihood estimate method in the determination of b- and a-value of earthquakes in a given region.
Conclusion: The maximum likelihood estimate gives a better estimate of b- and -a values than the least squares regression method.
Predicting, Validation of Frequency of Transgressive Recombinant Inbred Lines and Minimum Population Size Required to Recover them in Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Shilpa, N  , Marappa N.  , Manjunatha, M.  , Jahir Basha, C. R.
Published: October 2023

Background: Identification of transgressive recombinant inbred lines (RILs) that can be use as pure-line cultivars is the prime objective of a breeder in self-pollinated crops including groundnut.

Aim: Thus, identification of such promising segregating generations assumes importance. This can be achieved by predicting the transgressive RILs that could be derived from advanced generations of segregating population.

Materials and Methods: In our study we predicted and validated transgressive RILs derived from cross TMV 2 × GPBD 4 for five quantitative traits based on estimates of mid parental value [m], additive genetic effects [a] and additive genetic variance [σ2A].

Results: the frequency of transgressive RILs was higher for all the five traits. Primary branches per plant had highest frequency of predicted transgressive RILs with minimum population size of 6.95. Narrow difference between the predicted and realised frequency of RILs was seen.

Conclusion: Our results indicate that this approach could be the efficient in selecting the best breeding population out of many number of crosses made.
Genetic Diversity for Fruit Quality Traits in Elite Capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) Germplasm Lines
Authors: Ronald Sahiini , Reddy Kambham Madhavi , Rao V. Keshava , Singh Luwangshangbam James , Yathan Lichamo J.
Published: October 2023

The study aimed to assess the genetic diversity of twenty-two elite capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) germplasm lines across nine quanlitative traits. The research was conducted at the research farm of ICAR-Indian Institute Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta, Bengaluru, Karnataka, during 2014-2015 period. The experimental design employed was a randomized complete block design with three replications. The quality parameters under study included fruit length (cm), fruit width (cm), pericarp thickness (mm), placenta length (cm), placenta width (cm), total soluble solids (°Brix), fruit to seed ratio, seed number and total capsaicinoids (Scoville Heat Units). Based on the performance of the study, a cluster analysis of twenty-two chilli germplasm lines were grouped into three clusters. Cluster I had a maximum of sixteen genotypes and clusters III had a minimum of one genotype. The highest inter–cluster distance (60.521) was observed in between clusters I and II and the lowest (17.964) in between clusters I and III. Among the traits examined, fruit length and total capsaicinoids contributed the most to the genetic divergence. Considering group cluster analysis, mean performance and variability, it is recommended to explore inter genotypic crosses between cluster I and cluster II, as well as cluster I and cluster III, for future hybridization programmes in chilli crop improvement.
Farmer’s Sagaciousness on Climate Change and Adaptation Strategies in Agriculture: A Case Study in Hyatimundaragi Village of Koppala District of Karnataka, India
Authors: Naveesh Y. B.  , Raaga R.  , Ashwini M.  , Sagar N.  , Jayashree A.  , Sushma R.  , Krishnamoorthy P.  , Siju S. J.  , Patil S. S.  , Suresh K. P.
Published: October 2023

Climate change is recognized as one of the leading challenges affecting the performance of agriculture and the livelihood of people. Farmers are the hardest hit as they have to continuously respond to climate variations. In order to know farmers' perception of climate change and its impacts and to identify adaptation needs semi-structured questionnaire surveys were carried out in Hyatimundaragii village of Koppala district, Karnataka. Farmers have faced climate variability and noticed increasing temperature, delayed onset of rainfall, intermittent rainfall, prolonged drought conditions, depletion of the water table, untimely filling of water bodies, increased incidence of pests and diseases, livestock diseases, and decreasing soil moisture as the critical factors affecting their cultivation, decrease yield and quality of crop produce. Some of them have started to adapt to these changes by soil conservation measures like the construction of graded bunds, mulching, green manuring and sorghum+pigeonpea intercropping, crop rotation, cultivating drought, pest and disease resistance short duration varieties, providing lifesaving irrigation to crops.
Contaminated Condition of Commercial Blenders and their Contact Surface in the Local Market in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria
Authors: Omorodion, Nnenna J. P.  , Felicia Osakuade, , Bright Ikonwa
Published: October 2023

Grinding or milling is a size reduction exercise in which pre-prepared food condiments are completely reduced to flour or powder (dry grinding) or paste (wet grinding). Different models of grinding machines are found scattered all over Port Harcourt metropolis. This study investigated the sanitary quality of manual and mechanical blenders. Standard microbiological procedures were adopted. The Mean Heterotrophic counts ranged from Log10 CFU/5cm2 4.2 - 5.1, for manuel blender and its contact surfaces while the mechanical blenders and its contact surfaces had counts ranging from: Log10 CFU/5cm2. 4.2 - 4.8. The predominant bacterial species were Staphylococcus sp. Salmonella sp., Escherichia coli, Bacillus sp, Aeromonas sp, Micrococcus sp., Enterobacter sp., Shigella sp., Protues sp. Klebsiella sp. Citrobacter sp and Serratia sp., while the fungal species isolated were Aspergillus niger, Fusarium sp. Penicillium sp. and Sacharomyces sp. Gram positive and negative bacteria showed variable degrees of resistance and susceptibility to the various antibiotics used. Cleaning of commercial blenders before and after use should be encouraged and the importance of health education and awareness on personal hygiene should be encouraged in our local communities, so as to minimize the spread of possible food borne pathogens.
Nickel Content of Pineapple (Ananas comosus L.) and Banana (Musa sapientum L.) Sold in Gwagwalada Area Council, Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Ogunlade-Anibasa, G. O.  , Mann, K.
Published: October 2023

Nickel is a heavy metal that can accumulate in plants, potentially posing health risks to consumers if present above recommended levels The present study aimed to determine the nickel (Ni) concentrations in pineapple and banana samples and assess their compliance with the World Health Organization/Food and Agriculture Organization (WHO/FAO) permissible limit for Ni in fruits. Banana and pineapple samples were randomly collected from Gwagwalada Area Council. Nickel concentrations were measured using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), Thermo Fisher ICE Model 3000. After acid digestion by Nitric acid.  The results revealed mean Ni concentration of 355±3.44 mg/kg in banana and 333±6.58 mg/kg in pineapples. Comparing these concentrations with the WHO/FAO permissible limit of 67.9 mg/kg, both pineapple and banana samples significantly exceeded the recommended threshold. The nickel (Ni) concentration of banana was 5.2 times higher than the WHO/FAO permissible limit while that of pineapple was 4.9 times higher than the WHO/FAO permissible limit. There was no significant difference in the concentration of both fruits (p>0.05). The elevated Ni levels in these fruits could be attributed to several factors, including the bioavailability of Ni in the soil, farming practices, and environmental contamination. The outcomes of this study provided insights into the potential health risk that could be s associated with the consumption of pineapple and banana. However, this risk posed may depend on how often these fruits are consumed.  Some studies have reported that chronic exposure to elevated levels of nickel can have adverse effects on human health, including respiratory issues, allergic reactions, and carcinogenicity. Monitoring of heavy metal content of fruits and other foods is recommended to prevent long term build up of nickel and other heavy metals in fruits and food crops.
Sustaining Soil Fertility: Exploring the Long-Term Effects of Chemical Fertilizers and Farmyard Manure Application
Authors: Bangre Jyoti , Mandloi Subhash , Vishwakarma Megha
Published: October 2023

Long-term fertilizer and manure experiments serve as invaluable resources for investigating various aspects of agriculture and soil management. These experiments provide a wealth of information on yield trends, nutrient dynamics, and soil nutrient balances. They also help in predicting a soil’s carrying capacity, assessing soil quality, and evaluating the sustainability of agricultural systems. Long-term fertilizer experiments play a crucial role in separating the complex interactions among soils, plants, climate, and management practices and shedding light on their impacts on crop productivity. Long-term fertilizer experiments were initiated in the early 1970s, and they have been periodically evaluated since then. The continuous, long-term use of chemical fertilizers and manures is highly influencing the chemical nature and fertility status of the soil.
Performance of Vegetable Based Cropping Sequence under INM in Protected Conditions
Authors: Kumar B. Ashok , Thapa Umesh
Published: October 2023

The field experiment was conducted in a naturally ventilated arched saw teeth polyhouse department of vegetable science, faculty of horticulture, BCKV, Kolkata, West Bengal. Vegetable crops were produced in appropriate cropping rotations under integrated nutrient management with acceptable cultural methods in the current study. Four different cropping sequences and five various levels of nutrition supplies were used in the experiment. With four replications, the experiment was set up in a Split plot design. Plant height [at first harvesting], number of leaves, number of primary branches, days required for first harvesting, fruit yield per plant and yield per square metre of component crops did not show any significant variation over the two-year cropping cycle, but observed a gradual improvement in consecutive years of cropping. All growth and reproductive characters of component crops in the cropping sequence differed statistically from the first to the second year cropping under the influence of different levels of combined nutrient management, with the highest values for these characters obtained under L1 (100 percent Recommended dose of fertilizer (R.D.) through inorganic source), but results are statistically comparable to L2 (application of 50 percent R.D. of NPK + Vermicompost) and L3 (application of 50 percent R.D of NPK + FYM). However, there was no substantial variation in growth and yield parameters when cropping sequence and nutrient management were combined. It can be concluded Supplementation of organic fertilisers along suitable cropping sequences with short duration vegetable crops would be beneficial for long term soil fertility and crop vigour point of view.
Groundwater Quality Analysis in Eleme Metropolis: A Physiochemical Perspective
Authors: Joy Bethel-Wali , Chigozi Wali , Bassey Antigha , Ohaga Blessing C.  , Ifeyinwa Ogbu
Published: October 2023

This study aims at assessing the physiochemical variation of groundwater quality in Eleme metropolis, rivers state Nigeria. The level of chemical concentration in the groundwater samples was analysed using the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The quality of the borehole was analysed using a physical visibility survey. Groundwater samples from five (5) locations in Eleme metropolis was collected from public boreholes namely Alesa, Alode, Ogale, Ebubu and Agbonchia. Analysis of the groundwater samples was carried out in the Laboratory to ascertain the physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics. After due analysis, it was observed that most of the groundwater samples were still within permissible limits with little differences across the different locations. The temperature of the groundwater samples was different in Alode and Ogale as their temperatures were not within the permissible limits of WHO. The groundwater samples were also slightly different in Alode, Ogale and Ebubu with pH values of 5.20, 5.34 and 5.28 respectively. It was discovered that little treatment is needed in the study area since most of the values fall within the permissible limits of WHO.
Research on Organic Rankine Cycle-Based Industrial Circulating Water Cogeneration System
Authors: Yang Pang Wen
Published: October 2023

A fertilizer plant wastewater recycling as a research object, the establishment of ORC (Organic Rankine Cycle, referred to as ORC) cogeneration system, using MATLAB software to simulate the operation of the system was found to change the evaporation temperature, condensing temperature, superheat and subcooling degree of the four factors will have an impact on the performance of the system, in which the evaporation temperature and degree of superheat to improve the performance of the system, the condensing temperature and degree of subcooling have a negative effect on the system efficiency. The evaporation temperature and superheat are favorable factors for improving the system performance, while the condensation temperature and subcooling degree adversely affect the system efficiency. Through the verification calculation of specific working conditions, under the conditions of evaporating temperature 110℃, condensing temperature 27℃, superheating degree 8℃ and subcooling degree 3℃, the thermal efficiency of the system can reach about 25%, and the energy efficiency reaches about 45%. The experimental results show that this designed ORC cogeneration system is able to recycle industrial waste heat to a greater extent, which is of great significance to improve the efficiency of energy utilization.
Exploring the Cultivation Mode of Innovative Master's Degree Students in New Engineering under the Perspective of New Media
Authors: Lijun Wang , Zeyong Zhao , Jinfa Shi , Jianlin Zhao , Baoqiang Tian
Published: October 2023

With the arrival of the informationization era and the rapid development of information technology, online media has become the main channel of information dissemination in today's society. New media has changed the way people get information, and it also affects the employment and entrepreneurship of master's degree students to a great extent. Therefore, new media should be used as a carrier to strengthen the research on the training mode of innovative master's degree students in new engineering disciplines and explore the construction of an effective new master's degree training mode. This paper analyzes the current situation of the cultivation of innovative master's degree students in new engineering, the trend of cultivating new engineering talents with the help of new media, the opportunities and challenges of the cultivation of innovative talents in new engineering under the perspective of new media, and combines some of them with a view to providing references for the cultivation of innovative master's degree students in colleges and universities.
Ag-TiO2 for Efficient Methylene Blue Photodegradation Under Visible Light Irradiation
Authors: Widiyandari Hendri , Nashir Muhammad , Parasdila Hanaiyah , Almas Khanza Fadhilah , Suryana Risa
Published: October 2023

Photocatalysis is one of the environmentally friendly methods for degrading down wastewater contamination. TiO2 as one of the photocatalyst material is claimed can enhance the photocatalytic activity much better, if the band gap energy is reduced. In order to reduce the bandgap energy of TiO2, the novel in this research is that the temperature variations over a 24-hour period at 100 °C, 120 °C, 140 °C, and 160 °C in hydrothermal process to synthesize the photocatalyst material with Ag-doped. Diffraction patterns of Ag-TiO2 show that all sample have tetragonal crystal structure and an anatase phase which also has excellent crystallinity. Some of the nanoparticles on the surface of Ag-TiO2 have a consistent morphology, while other particles are formed irregularly. According to the DRS UV-Vis result, bandgap energy reduced as temperature increased (Eg = 3.2 eV to 2.32 eV). The results from PL Ag-TiO2 160 have the lowest intensity, which indicates a low rate of electron-hole recombination. The Ag-TiO2 160 sample produced the best photocatalytic activity, according to the results of the MB degradation test, with a relative change in concentration of 92.98% for 2 h under visible light. Copyright © 2023 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Synthesis of ZnO/NiO/g-C3N4 Nanocomposite Materials for Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline Antibiotic
Authors: Nong Linh X. , Nguyen Oanh Thi Kim
Published: October 2023

In this study, an approach was utilized to improve the photocatalytic efficacy of g-C3N4 by creating a composite photocatalyst through co-precipitation. This process involved incorporating NiO and ZnO into the structure, resulting in enhanced photocatalytic activity. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showcases interesting aggregation behavior, revealing extensive arrays of ZnO/NiO/g-C3N4 particles. Ultraviolet–Visible Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (UV-Vis DRS) confirms the composite's strong light absorption, especially in the visible spectrum. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis provides conclusive evidence of successful material synthesis. The degradation of tetracycline antibiotics under visible light exposure demonstrates an impressive photochemical degradation efficiency of 78.43%. Additionally, the composite exhibits impressive cycles of reuse, retaining its high photocatalytic activity even after four reaction cycles. This performance surpasses that of comparison samples. The synergistic integration of NiO and g-C3N4 within ZnO proves to be crucial in enhancing photocatalytic activity by enhancing electron-hole separation and mitigating recombination processes. This composite photocatalyst shows a wide potential for efficiently eliminating tetracycline antibiotics from water systems. Copyright © 2023 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Atopic Dermatitis and Bullying Among US Adolescents
Authors: Cheng Andrew , Wan Joy , Chen Suephy C. , Yeung Howa
Published: October 2023

This cross-sectional study compares the prevalence and frequency of bullying among US adolescents with and without atopic dermatitis.
Inactivated SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Booster Against Omicron Infection Among Quarantined Close Contacts
Authors: Liu Di , Feng Siyang , Sha Feng , Liao Yuxue , Xie Xu , Huang Fang , Kong Dongfeng , Zhang Zhen , Chen Zhigao , Chen Nixuan , Gao Wei , Feng Tiejian , Zhao Ziyi , Li Bingli , Li Ying , Zhu Fengcai , Yang Zhirong , Lv Qiuying , Feng Zijian , Tang Jinling
Published: October 2023

Importance

Assessment of additional protection of a booster dose with an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine is key to developing vaccination strategies for billions of people worldwide who have received the primary 2-dose regimen.

Objective

To estimate the relative effectiveness of a booster dose of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine against Omicron infection.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cohort study was conducted among primary close contacts without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection identified in Shenzhen, China, between February and October 2022. Multiple strict nucleic acid testing and symptom surveillance for SARS-CoV-2 infection were regularly conducted during the 7-day centralized plus 7-day home-based quarantine.

Exposure

A booster with an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine vs no booster after receipt of the primary 2-dose inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine regimen.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were overall, symptomatic, and asymptomatic infections. Secondary outcomes were length of incubation and level of cycle threshold values. All the outcomes were assessed during the quarantine period.

Results

Among 119 438 eligible participants (mean [SD] age, 37.6 [12.0] years; 66 201 men [55.4%]), 86 251 (72.2%) received a booster dose of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine and 33 187 (27.8%) did not. A total of 671 cases infected with Omicron BA.2 were confirmed (464 symptomatic and 207 asymptomatic), and no severe infection or death events were observed. At a median (IQR) duration of 111 (75 to 134) days after booster vaccination, the relative effectiveness of a booster was 32.2% (95% CI, 11.3% to 48.2%) for overall infection, 23.8% (95% CI, −8.2% to 46.4%) for symptomatic infection, and 43.3% (95% CI, 12.3% to 63.3%) for asymptomatic infection. The effectiveness against overall infection changed nonlinearly over time following booster vaccination: 44.9% (95% CI, 4.9% to 68.1%) within 60 days, 50.4% (95% CI, 23.7% to 67.7%) at 61 to 120 days, 29.1% (95% CI, −4.8% to 52.1%) at 121 to 180 days, and 19.4% (95% CI, −14.4% to 43.2%) after 180 days (nonlinear P = .03). The effectiveness did not vary significantly according to the interval between booster vaccination and completion of primary vaccination. There was no association of booster vaccination with incubation or cycle threshold values.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this cohort study, a booster dose of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine provided additional moderate protection against mild infection for 120 days after receipt, but more research is needed to determine the optimal timing of a booster and its effectiveness in preventing severe infection for a longer duration.
Antiplatelet Therapy in Patients With Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Without Symptomatic Atherosclerotic Disease
Authors: Nicolajsen Chalotte W. , Søgaard Mette , Jensen Martin , Eldrup Nikolaj , Larsen Torben B. , Goldhaber Samuel Z. , Behrendt Christian-Alexander , Nielsen Peter B.
Published: October 2023

Importance

Patients with abdominal aortic aneurysm have a high risk of ischemic events associated with concomitant atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and current clinical practice guidelines recommend antiplatelet therapy to mitigate this risk. However, in patients with aneurysms without symptomatic atherosclerosis, the benefit of antiplatelet therapy has been sparsely investigated.

Objective

To estimate the effect of antiplatelets on the risk of ischemic events and bleeding in individuals with abdominal aneurysms with no symptomatic atherosclerotic vascular disease.

Design, Setting, and Participants

A comparative effectiveness research study using a target trial emulation framework was performed. Population-based, cross-linked observational data from Danish national health registries containing comprehensive, individual-level information on all Danish citizens were used to evaluate patients who were antiplatelet-naive and diagnosed with abdominal aortic aneurysms, with no record of symptomatic atherosclerotic vascular disease, from January 1, 2010, through August 21, 2021.

Exposure

Prescription filled for aspirin or clopidogrel.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Risk of ischemic events (myocardial infarction and/or ischemic stroke) and risk of major bleeding. For target trial emulation, trials were emulated as sequential, contingent on patient eligibility at the time of inclusion, and were evaluated by means of pooled logistic regression models to estimate the intention-to-treat and as-treated effects, expressed as hazard ratio (HR) and event-free survival.

Results

A total of 6344 patients (65.2% men; age, 72 [IQR, 64-78] years) provided 131 047 trial cases; 3363 of these cases involved initiation of antiplatelet therapy and 127 684 did not. A total of 182 ischemic events occurred among initiators and 5602 ischemic events occurred among noninitiators, corresponding to an intention-to-treat HR of 0.91 (95% CI, 0.73-1.17) and an estimated absolute event-free survival difference of −0.6% (95% CI, −1.7% to 0.5%). After censoring nonadherent person-time, the treatment HR was 0.90 (95% CI, 0.68-1.20), with similar risk difference. For bleeding, the intention-to-treat HR was 1.26 (95% CI, 0.97-1.58) and the event-free survival difference was 1.0%. The treatment HR was 1.21 (95% CI, 0.82-1.72); the risk difference was similar.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this study, no evidence of effectiveness of antiplatelet therapy to lower the risk of ischemic events and a trend toward higher bleeding risk was noted. The observed differences between the treatment groups were minimal, suggesting limited clinical relevance of antiplatelet treatment.
Trustworthy residual vehicle value prediction for auto finance
Authors: Kim Mihye , Choi Jimyung , Kim Jaehyun , Kim Wooyoung , Baek Yeonung , Bang Gisuk , Son Kwangwoon , Ryou Yeonman , Kim Kee‐Eung
Published: October 2023

The residual value (RV) of a vehicle refers to its estimated worth at some point in the future. It is a core component in every auto finance product, used to determine the credit lines and the leasing rates. As such, an accurate prediction of RV is critical for the auto finance industry, since it can pose a risk of revenue loss by over‐prediction or make the financial product incompetent through under‐prediction. Although there are a number of prior studies on training machine learning models on a large amount of used car sales data, we had to cope with real‐world operational requirements such as compliance with regulations (i.e., monotonicity of output with respect to a subset of features) and generalization to unseen input (i.e., new and rare car models). In this paper, we describe how we addressed these practical challenges and created value for our business at Hyundai Capital Services, the top auto financial service provider in Korea.
NAADAC: Embracing harm reduction, peer workforce, gender
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: October 2023

This month's annual NAADAC conference, held in Denver, was full of many sessions devoted to current pressing issues for the addiction field, including pre‐ and post‐conference sessions, posters, and intriguing keynotes. There were also some basics for the current workforce. Below are highlights from the meeting. Discussions about “cultural humility” and “trauma,” traditional topics for NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, but now in vogue, were scattered all over the agenda. So was harm reduction, gender, and the contributions of the Native American community to treatment (it's more than just alcohol, with shame pervading in this marginalized population).
Selective Electroreduction of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to Dimethylfuran in Neutral Electrolytes via Hydrogen Spillover and Adsorption Configuration Adjustment
Authors: Wu Yandong , Jiang Yimin , Chen Wei , Yue Xu , Dong Chung‐Li , Qiu Mengyi , Nga Ta Thi Thuy , Yang Ming , Xia Zhongcheng , Xie Chao , Xu Leitao , Wang Ruiqi , Wang Shuangyin , Zou Yuqin
Published: October 2023

5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), one of the essential C6 biomass derivatives, has been deeply investigated in electrocatalytic reduction upgrading. Nevertheless, the high product selectivity and rational design strategy of electrocatalysts for electrocatalytic HMF reduction is still a challenge. Here, a high selective electro‐reduction of HMF to dimethylfuran (DMF) on palladium (Pd) single atom loaded on titanium dioxide (Pd SA/TiO2) via hydrogen spillover and adsorption configuration adjustment in neutral electrolytes is achieved. Combining density functional theory calculations and in situ characterization, it is revealed that Pd single atom could weaken the interaction between Pd atoms and adsorbed hydrogen (*H) to promote the *H spillover for increasing *H coverage on the surface and maintain the tilted adsorption configuration to activate C═O bond; thus the selectivity of DMF on Pd SA/TiO2 increases to 90.33%. Besides, it is elaborated that low *H coverage on TiO2 favors the formation of bis(hydroxymethyl)hydro‐furoin (BHH), and the flat adsorption configuration of HMF on Pd nanoparticles benefits to form 2,5‐dihydroxymethylfuran (DHMF). This work provides a promising approach for modifying electrocatalysts to realize the selective electroreduction of HMF to value‐added products.
Aluminium(III)‐Kationen [(NHC) ⋅ AlMes2]+: Synthese, Charakterisierung und Anwendung in der FLP‐Chemie
Authors: Werner Luis , Hagn Julika , Walpuski Janis , Radius Udo
Published: October 2023

Die NHC‐stabilisierten, dreifach‐koordinierten Kationen [(NHC) ⋅ AlMes2]+[B(C6F5)4]− (NHC=IMeMe 4, IiPrMe 5, IiPr 6, Mes=2,4,6‐Trimethylphenyl) wurden durch Hydrid‐Abstraktion ausgehend von den Alanen (NHC) ⋅ AlHMes2 (NHC=IMeMe 1, IiPrMe 2, IiPr 3) mit [Ph3C]+[B(C6F5)4]− als Hydrid‐Akzeptor in Toluol dargestellt. Bei Reaktion in Diethylether wurden die entsprechenden vierfach‐koordinierten kationischen Aluminium‐Etherate [(NHC) ⋅ AlMes2 (OEt2)]+ [B(C6F5)4]− 7–9 (NHC=IMeMe 7, IiPrMe 8, IiPr 9) isoliert. Eine theoretische und experimentelle Evaluierung der Lewis‐Azidität des Kations [(IMeMe) ⋅ AlMes2]+ ergab eine Lewis‐Azidität dieses Kations, welche in einem ähnliche Bereich liegt wie die von Al(C6F5)3 und größer ist als diejenige von B(C6F5)3. Die Reaktion von [(IMeMe) ⋅ AlMes2]+[B(C6F5)4]− 4 mit dem sterisch wenig anspruchsvollen, basischen Phosphan PMe3 führte zum gemischt NHC/Phosphan‐stabilisierten Kation [(IMeMe) ⋅ AlMes2(PMe3)]+[B(C6F5)4]− 10. Äquimolare Mischungen, bestehend aus 4 und dem sterisch anspruchsvolleren Phosphan PCy3, ergeben ein frustriertes Lewis‐Paar (FLP) [(IMeMe) ⋅ AlMes2]+[B(C6F5)4]−//PCy3 FLP‐11, welches mit kleinen Molekülen wie CO2, Ethen und 2‐Butin reagiert.
Computational evaluation of light propagation in cylindrical bioreactors for optogenetic mammalian cell cultures
Authors: Minami Shiaki A. , Garimella Shruthi S. , Shah Priya S.
Published: October 2023

Light‐inducible regulation of cellular pathways and gene circuits in mammalian cells is a new frontier in mammalian genetic engineering. Optogenetic mammalian cell cultures, which are light‐sensitive engineered cells, utilize light to regulate gene expression and protein activity. As a low‐cost, tunable, and reversible input, light is highly adept at spatiotemporal and orthogonal regulation of cellular behavior. However, light is absorbed and scattered as it travels through media and cells, and the applicability of optogenetics in larger mammalian bioreactors has not been determined. In this work, we computationally explore the size limit to which optogenetics can be applied in cylindrical bioreactors at relevant height‐to‐diameter ratios. We model the propagation of light using the radiative transfer equation and consider changes in reactor volume, absorption coefficient, scattering coefficient, and scattering anisotropy. We observe sufficient light penetration for activation in simulated bioreactors with sizes of up to 80,000 L at maximal cell densities. We performed supporting experiments and found that significant attenuation occurs at the boundaries of the system, but the relative change in intensity distribution within the reactor was consistent with simulation results. We conclude that optogenetics can be applied to bioreactors at an industrial scale and may be a valuable tool for specific biomanufacturing applications.
The nexus between electronic commerce and environmental pollution: The roles of energy efficiency and resource consumption
Authors: Yu Wentao , Wu Yanrui , Tan Xiaolan , Guo Xiumei
Published: October 2023

The platform economy is growing fast in the world. Its expansion, exemplified by industry giants like Amazon, Airbnb, and Uber, is reshaping societal lifestyles and commercial businesses. However, its environmental impacts are uncertain. Currently, the relationship between electronic commerce (e‐commerce) activities and environmental pollution has attracted a lot of attention. This paper attempts to construct a comprehensive theoretical model to investigate the nexus between e‐commerce and regional environmental pollution, with a particular focus on the effects of air pollution and waste pollution. Fixed effect models and China's provincial data during the period from 2008 to 2018 are employed to examine the roles of energy efficiency and resource consumption in such a nexus. The findings suggest that the development of e‐commerce is linked to a reduction in regional air pollution through the channel of improving transportation energy efficiency. The results also show that e‐commerce is associated with an increase in regional waste pollution due to the mechanism of resource consumption in the express packaging industry. As a result, the relationship between e‐commerce and environmental pollution is quite complex at the regional level, transcending a binary distinction of solely positive or negative impacts. This paper contributes to a better understanding of the complex environmental impacts of e‐commerce and helps governments design more efficient and targeted policies to reduce regional pollution.
Influential factors of pro‐environmental behaviors among franchisees in the fast‐food sector
Authors: Dada Olufunmilola (Lola) , Perrigot Rozenn , Watson Anna
Published: October 2023

In spite of the increasing attention on environmental sustainability, there is a dearth of knowledge about franchisees' pro‐environmental behaviors. This study aims to understand the factors that influence the extent to which franchisees engage in pro‐environmental behaviors in the fast‐food sector. The research is based on in‐depth interviews with franchisees operating restaurants in the fast‐food sector in France. The empirical evidence in this qualitative study shows how franchisees' pro‐environmental behaviors can be explained as a result of organizational and personal factors, thereby extending the theory of planned behavior, norm‐activation‐model and organizational support theory within the franchising context. This study offers avenues for more research on green practices in franchising, as well as in the hospitality sector and other sectors such as retailing. It provides important implications for franchise practitioners in the fast‐food sector on how to create a more environmentally sustainable business model. The findings offer the first known model of pro‐environmental behaviors of franchisees.
Managerial long‐termism and corporate innovation: Evidence from China through text mining approaches
Authors: Xu Ning , Zhang Di , Bai Yingjie
Published: October 2023

Adhering to long‐termism is essential for sustaining and promoting corporate innovation in the face of future uncertainty. In this study, we use machine learning and text analysis methods to construct a proxy variable for managerial long‐termism and explore how managerial long‐termism affects corporate innovation using a sample of 13,117 firm‐year observations from 2010 to 2020 in China. We find managerial long‐termism has a positive effect on corporate innovation, which is mainly achieved by mitigating agency problems. The positive effect of managerial long‐termism on corporate innovation is more pronounced when an enterprise faces stronger economic policy uncertainty and has more slack resources. Additional analysis shows that managerial long‐termism accelerates exploratory innovation and contributes to the high‐quality development of enterprises. Our findings advance research on long‐termism in corporate governance and generate meaningful insights into the antecedents of corporate innovation from the perspective of time preference.
Timing of BNT162b2 vaccine prior to COVID‐19 infection, influence disease severity in patients with hematologic malignancies: Results from a cohort study
Authors: Gutwein Odit , Herzog Tzarfati Katrin , Apel Arie , Rahimi‐Levene Naomi , Ilana Levy , Tadmor Tamar , Koren‐Michowitz Maya
Published: October 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic continues to pose challenges to the treatment of hemato‐oncology patients. Emergence of COVID‐19 variants, availability of vaccine boosters and antiviral treatments could impact their outcome. We retrospectively studied patients with hematologic malignancies and confirmed COVID‐19 during the Omicron outbreak. Of 116 evaluated patients, 16% developed severe or critical COVID‐19. Diagnosis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) was significantly associated with severe COVID‐19 (p = 0.01). The vaccine effectiveness was related to the timing of the vaccine, with patients who received a mRNA vaccine within 7–90 days prior to COVID‐19 being less likely to develop severe disease compared to all other patients (p = 0.019). There was no correlation between disease severity and antiviral therapies. Importantly, 45% of patients undergoing active hematological treatment had to interrupt their treatment due to COVID‐19. In conclusion, patients with hematologic malignancies are at a considerable risk for severe COVID‐19 during the Omicron outbreak, with patients with CLL being the most vulnerable. mRNA vaccines have the potential to protect hematological patients from severe COVID‐19 if administered within the previous 3 months. Hematological treatment interruption is a frequent adverse outcome of COVID‐19 infection.
Genus Pimenta: An Updated Comprehensive Review on Botany, Distribution, Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry and Biological Approaches
Authors: El‐Nashar Heba A. S. , Ali Abd‐Allah M. , Salem Yasmeen H.
Published: October 2023

Pimenta is a genus of flowering plants belonging to family Myrtaceae, native to the West Indies, Mexico, and South America. Numerous traditional uses were reported as anti‐inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, sedative, diuretic, and sexual stimulant. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the botany, traditional uses, phytochemical profile, and biological activities of genus Pimenta for future exploration of plant‐based drugs and therapeutic approaches. The data were collected (up to date as of October 1, 2023) from several databases such as Web of Science, google scholar, science direct, Pubmed and Proquest. Pimenta species were reported to include various classes of phytochemicals like tannins, saponins, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and essential oils. Quercetin glycosides and eugenol derivatives were the predominant compounds of this genus. Several biological activities have been reported such as antihypertensive, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antiviral, histidine decarboxylase inhibition, hypoglycemic, anticancer, anti‐inflammatory, analgesic, antipyretic, acaricidal, anxiolytic, anti‐depressant and anti‐estrogenic. Several scientific reports have been published on various isolated phytochemicals and pharmacological properties of Pimenta species that confirm its ethnobotanical and traditional history. However, in vivo studies on different extracts and their phytoconstituents, alongside mechanistic analysis deserve more attention for drug researchers to provide better guidance to utilize Pimenta plants as medicinal resources for herbal formulations in different approaches.
Metabolomic Analysis and in Vitro Investigation of the Biological Properties of a By‐Product Derived from Vicia faba
Authors: Raoof Gehan F. Abdel , El‐Anssary Amira A. , Younis Eman A. , Aly Hanan F.
Published: October 2023

By‐products from plant sources are recently regarded as a valuable source of bioactive compounds. In this regard, the present study aims to assess the bioactivities of the 70 % MeOH extract obtained from Vicia faba peels and analyze its metabolomic profile. Acetylcholinesterase and carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes inhibitory activities of the plant extract were assayed using quantitative colorimetric tests. Antioxidant activity was estimated by DPPH assay, and cytotoxic activity was evaluated against normal fibroblast skin cells (1‐BJ1). Ninety‐one metabolites were tentatively identified using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) hyphenated with quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (QTOF‐MS). Most of these compounds were described for the first time in the plant. In addition, catechin, rutin, quercitrin, and rhamnetin were isolated from the plant extract. The plant extract and the isolated compounds possessed no cytotoxic activity on (1‐BJ1), while they exhibited anticholinesterase with the highest activity for 70 % MeOH extract (IC50=120.11 mg/L), antioxidant potential with the highest activity for rutin (90.54±0.73 %), and carbohydrate metabolizing inhibitory activities with the highest activity for rutin. These discoveries imply that V. faba peels might serve as an efficient antioxidant, exhibit anticholinesterase properties, and have the potential for use in managing diabetes, all while avoiding cytotoxicity in normal cells.