bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dissecting the effect of heat stress on durum wheat under field conditions
Authors: Groli Eder Licieri , Frascaroli Elisabetta , Maccaferri Marco , Ammar Karim , Tuberosa Roberto
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Heat stress negatively affects wheat production in several ways, mainly by reducing growth rate, photosynthetic capacity and reducing spike fertility. Modeling stress response means analyzing simultaneous relationships among traits affecting the whole plant response and determinants of grain yield. The aim of this study was to dissect the diverse impacts of heat stress on key yield traits and to identify the most promising sources of alleles for heat tolerance.

Methods

We evaluated a diverse durum wheat panel of 183 cultivars and breeding lines from worldwide, for their response to long-term heat stress under field conditions (HS) with respect to non stress conditions (NS), considering phenological traits, grain yield (GY) and its components as a function of the timing of heat stress and climatic covariates. We investigated the relationships among plant and environmental variables by means of a structural equation model (SEM) and Genetic SEM (GSEM).

Results

Over two years of experiments at CENEB, CIMMYT, the effects of HS were particularly pronounced for the normalized difference vegetation index, NDVI (-51.3%), kernel weight per spike, KWS (-40.5%), grain filling period, GFP (-38.7%), and GY (-56.6%). Average temperatures around anthesis were negatively correlated with GY, thousand kernel weight TKW and test weight TWT, but also with spike density, a trait determined before heading/anthesis. Under HS, the correlation between the three major determinants of GY, i.e., fertile spike density, spike fertility and kernel size, were of noticeable magnitude. NDVI measured at medium milk-soft dough stage under HS was correlated with both spike fertility and grain weight while under NS it was less predictive of grain weight but still highly correlated with spike fertility. GSEM modeling suggested that the causal model of performance under HS directly involves genetic effects on GY, NDVI, KWS and HD.

Discussion

We identified consistently suitable sources of genetic resistance to heat stress to be used in different durum wheat pre-breeding programs. Among those, Desert Durums and CIMMYT’80 germplasm showed the highest degree of adaptation and capacity to yield under high temperatures and can be considered as a valuable source of alleles for adaptation to breed new HS resilient cultivars.
The reference genome sequence of Artemisia argyi provides insights into secondary metabolism biosynthesis
Authors: Gao Xinqiang , Ma Qiang , Zhang Xiaomeng , Wang Xingyun , Wang Nuohan , Cui Yupeng , Li Shuyan , Ma Shengming , Wang Hong , Zhang Kunpeng
Published: June 2024

Artemisia argyi, a perennial herb of the genus Artemisia in the family Asteraceae, holds significant importance in Chinese traditional medicine, referred to as “Aicao”. Here, we report a high-quality reference genome of Artemisia argyi L. cv. beiai, with a genome size up to 4.15 Gb and a contig N50 of 508.96 Kb, produced with third-generation Nanopore sequencing technology. We predicted 147,248 protein-coding genes, with approximately 68.86% of the assembled sequences comprising repetitive elements, primarily long terminal repeat retrotransposons(LTRs). Comparative genomics analysis shows that A. argyi has the highest number of specific gene families with 5121, and much more families with four or more members than the other 6 plant species, which is consistent with its more expanded gene families and fewer contracted gene families. Furthermore, through transcriptome sequencing of A. argyi in response to exogenous MeJA treatment, we have elucidated acquired regulatory insights into MeJA’s impact on the phenylpropanoid, flavonoid, and terpenoid biosynthesis pathways of A. argyi. The whole-genome information obtained in this study serves as a valuable resource for delving deeper into the cultivation and molecular breeding of A. argyi. Moreover, it holds promise for enhancing genome assemblies across other members of the Asteraceae family. The identification of key genes establishes a solid groundwork for developing new varieties of Artemisia with elevated concentrations of active compounds.
NGO strategy, policy networks, and climate policymaking process in China
Authors: Zhang Hao
Published: June 2024

This article examines the relationship between grassroots non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the authoritarian state of China in terms of mobilizingpolicy changes in response to the climate crisis. It focuses on the advocacystrategy of NGOs and seeks to explain how NGOs in China use their expertise asthe entry point to establish policy networks with the country’s most influential policymakers and experts. Greenovation Hub (G:hub) is the case study for this investigation. I used the policy networks framework to look into the interaction between G:hub and other experts. I discovered that mutually aligned policy objectives are the key for the effectiveness of NGOs’ expert advocacy strategy ofconstructing policy networks within the expert community in China. Cooperating with other experts can help NGOs create an “insider” role for themselves. In addition, this research also discussed the conditions for NGO inclusion. I found opportunities and limitations linked to the alignment of NGOs’ policy objectives with the state’s vision for climate policy. The research conducted by NGOs also faced rejection if it failed to identify the state’s priorities, highlighting the limitations of this approach. The significance of this finding is that the expertise strategy works for policy advocacy regardless of regime type, but that accessing policy networks are even more vital in a closed policymaking process. This case study further enhances the comprehension of the policy influence that NGOs have on the climatic effects of China’s overseas development policies.
Therapeutic alliance in individual adult psychotherapy: a systematic review of conceptualizations and measures for face-to-face- and online-psychotherapy
Authors: Saxler Eva , Schindler Theresa , Philipsen Alexandra , Schulze Marcel , Lux Silke
Published: June 2024

Background

The therapeutic alliance (TA) is a robust and pantheoretical predictor of treatment outcome in Face-to-Face- (F2F-) and Online-psychotherapy (Online-PT). Many authors have proposed several conceptualizations of TA, which are oftentimes operationalized. The resulting diversity of conceptualizations and measures is presented in this review.

Methods

We performed a three-parted literature search for self-report-instruments of TA in individual, voluntary F2F-PT with adults (1. utilization of past reviews, 2. systematic literature search yielding 5,205 articles, 3. reference lists). Analogously, we conducted a systematic literature search for instruments of TA in the Online-setting (yielding 200 articles). Additionally, we analyzed the content of the instruments qualitatively.

Results

A current overview of 48 instruments for measuring TA (46 for F2F-PT, 2 for Online-PT) including their conceptual backgrounds, characteristics and main content aspects is presented. Most instruments (n = 24) operationalize one or more theoretical conceptualizations of TA. Other instruments are adaptation/syntheses of existing measures (n = 14), based on literature searches (n = 3) or on an empirical survey (n = 3) and two instruments provide no conceptual background information. The content of the instruments mainly focused on the following aspects: 1. Self-disclosure and authenticity; 2. Agreement; 3. Active participation, motivation and compliance; 4. Trust and secure attachment; and 5. Considering needs/abilities/wishes of the patient. Additionally, a narrative review of various approaches to conceptualize TA is presented and linked to respective corresponding instruments.

Discussion

The broad variety of conceptualizations and measures of TA makes coherent research on TA difficult. There are conceptual challenges such as the role of attachment style in TA that remain to be clarified. The current conceptualizations and measures do not incorporate the practical experience and expertise of psychotherapists and patients sufficiently. A metatheoretical conceptualization and measure of TA based on an empirical survey of psychotherapists and patients could address these issues.
Conformity behavior in crises: evidence from the COVID-19 epidemic in China
Authors: Yao Yujiao , Liu Shanshan , Chen Gaoyu , Yang Yang , Yang Jiaxin
Published: June 2024

Once a mass health crisis breaks out, it causes concern among whole societies. Thus, understanding the individual’s behavior in response to such events is key in government crisis management. From the perspective of social influence theory, this study adopts the empirical research method to collect data information in February 2020 through online survey, with a view to comprehensively describe the individuals’conformity behavior during the COVID-19 outbreak in China. The individual’s conformity behavior and new influencing factors were identified. The results revealed that affective risk perception, cognitive risk perception, and individual risk knowledge had a positive significant impact on normative influence. Affective risk perception and individual risk knowledge had a positive significant on informative influence. Cognitive risk perception did not significantly impact informative influence. Informative influence and normative influence had a positive effect on conformity behavior. These results have significant implications for the management behavior of the government.
Knowledge, attitudes, practices, and perception of COVID-19 preventive measures among adult residents of Matadi (Democratic Republic of the Congo) after the third epidemic wave
Authors: Munyeku-Bazitama Yannick , Okitale-Talunda Patient , Nsio-Mbeta Justus , Mpingabo-Ilunga Patrick , Tshiminyi-Munkamba Paul , Umba-Phuati Aimé , Kimfuta Jacques , Ango-Phukuta Ferdinand , Makindu Goethe , Mufwaya-Nsene Raymond , Asari Ryoko , Makimoto Saeda , Ahuka-Mundeke Steve , Isono Mitsuo , Makiala-Mandanda Sheila , Muyembe-Tamfum Jean-Jacques
Published: June 2024

Background

Several governments from African countries, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), implemented stringent public health measures to curb COVID-19 transmission in the early phases of the pandemic. While these restrictive measures are believed to have contributed to lowering case incidence and related mortality in DRC, data on the population’s knowledge and adherence are limited. This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perception, attitudes, and practices of COVID-19 preventive measures and associated factors among adult residents of Matadi, thereby generating evidence for a strategy adjustment as the COVID-19 response is transitioning from emergency to control status.

Methods

We used data from a population-based cross-sectional study conducted in October 2021. Consenting participants were enrolled through a multi-stage cluster sampling approach and administered a pre-tested structured questionnaire using a mobile application (Epicollect 5). We analyzed adult participants’ data using STATA 15.1. Univariable and multivariable analyses were applied to identify factors associated with good knowledge, good perception, positive attitude and good practice.

Results

We included 1,269 adult respondents for the secondary analysis. One respondent in six was female. The median age was 36 years (IQR 24–50). Most respondents (76.5%) had good knowledge. Respondents aged 40–49 years and those with vocational education level were 1.7 time (AOR 1.75, 95% CI 1.07–2.87) and twice as likely (AOR 2.06, 95% CI 1.01–4.21) to have good knowledge. Preventive measures were perceived as efficient by 45% of respondents. Good perception was associated with education level, profession, average household monthly income and good knowledge. Only 40% of respondents had a positive attitude. A positive attitude was associated with age, education level, and good knowledge. Respondents having good practice represented 5.8%. Good practice was associated with good knowledge, attitude and perception.

Conclusion

Most respondents were knowledgeable, had a good perception of government-related COVID-19 preventive measures, a moderately positive attitude and an extremely low level of good practice. Current COVID-19 preventive strategies, including vaccination rollout, need adjustment into high-efficiency, context-based and risk group-specific interventions. Evidence generated by this study will improve preparedness and response to future outbreaks.
Performance evaluation and analysis of different simple thermal modeling of greenhouse dryer
Authors: Elmsaad Egbal , Omran Abdelnaser , Emam Abda , Elmahi Omer , Amer Baher
Published: June 2024

To provide food supply chains, reduce losses from various crops after the harvesting process, and also to preserve vegetable and fruit crops purchased for consumption from rotting and not being wasted. The drying process is one of the most appropriate ways to solve such problems. In this research, several simple thermal modeling methods were proposed to perform the drying process through open sun drying (OSD) under forced pressure (FGD) and natural convection (NGD). This study was conducted at the King Faisal University Training and Research Station (25.4° latitude). North, longitude 49.6° east, height 142 meters above sea level). The thermal performance analysis of the models was evaluated by calculating the amount of solar radiation, air temperature, product temperature, moisture evaporation rate, and wind speed. The results obtained showed that drying inside the greenhouse is the best alternative to drying under direct sunlight, so that the maximum temperatures were obtained, ranging between 55 to 52 in FGD and 40−45 inside NGD. Also, the heat transfer coefficient was highest in the amount of moisture removed from the product, reaching its maximum. The weight of the product was reduced to 83%, 80 and 73%, in GFD, NGD and OSD, respectively Accordingly, it was found that drying gave the highest expected results, and the temperature of the product ranged between 9.25 to 14.36 and 4.93 to 10.32, and the correlation coefficient ranged between 0.95−0.52 and 0.95. −0.89 at OSD and NGD respectively. Moisture evaporation from the product is 28.92−2.77 at NGD and moisture evaporation exerted for FGD is 31.35 and the correlation coefficient for the product at FGD ranges from 0.93−0.84. The product and greenhouse temperature range are between 0.99−0.96. The moisture evaporation rate indicating that the values obtained were well matched. Finally, the economic analysis of the different methods of drying was done through a mathematical model.
Transforming food environments: a global lens on challenges and opportunities for achieving healthy and sustainable diets for all
Authors: Goh Ee Von , Sobratee-Fajurally Nafiisa , Allegretti Antonio , Sardeshpande Mallika , Mustafa Maysoun , Azam-Ali Susan Helen , Omari Rose , Schott Johanna , Chimonyo Vimbayi Grace Petrova , Weible Daniela , Mutalemwa George , Mabhaudhi Tafadzwanashe , Massawe Festo
Published: June 2024

Food environments are rapidly changing globally, both in developed and developing contexts, contributing to poor dietary habits and environmental concerns. As a result, more than 80% of countries in the world face different forms of malnutrition, while the environment faces further degradation due to unsustainable production and consumption patterns. Understanding food environments in diverse settings via a global lens is critical for facilitating the global transition to sustainable and healthy food environments. A virtual workshop was held with stakeholders from five nations (Germany, Ghana, Malaysia, South Africa, and Tanzania) representing varying levels of development to interrogate global food environment concerns and propose cross cutting thematic areas that may be explored and addressed through policy change and intervention. The workshop initiated a transdisciplinary project to shape food environments for sustainable and healthy diets. The Reference Manual for Convenors of Food Systems Summit Dialogues for United Nations Food Systems Summit (UNFSS) (United Nations, 2020) was used as guidance to ensure that an inclusive mix of stakeholders were invited. The stakeholders included key players from public and private sectors in disciplines of agriculture, agro-forestry, environment and ecology, education, food retail and market, trade and commerce, health care and nutrition. Following the workshop discussion, the findings were analyzed using a general inductive approach. Through triangulation of findings, we identified the common challenges and opportunities for achieving collective nutritional, social and environmental sustainability in the modern food environments, which have become more universal globally. It is evident that research and data are essential for sustainable development of food systems, while Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 17 – Partnership for the Goals - should be placed at the core of the transformative process. We proposed several research-driven transdisciplinary interventions to facilitate a paradigm shift from the profit logic model over everything else, and to counter the existing policy fragmentation and systemic challenges to making food environments nutrition-sensitive and socially and environmentally sustainable.
Effects of participation in cooperatives on the cultivated land quality protection behavior of grain family farms: evidence from China
Authors: Duan Wei , Luo Guangqiang
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The implementation of cultivated land quality protection is fundamental for ensuring the sustainable use of land resources, and it is the inevitable choice for maintaining the balance of agricultural ecology and promoting the long-term healthy development of agriculture.

Methods

Based on survey data from 927 grain family farms in 13 major grain-producing areas in China, this paper empirically tests the effects of participation in cooperatives on the cultivated land quality protection behavior of grain family farms by using a logit model, an ordered probit model and the propensity score matching method.

Results

The results show that participation in cooperatives has a significant positive effect on the implementation of cultivated land quality protection behavior and the degree of cultivated land quality protection of grain family farms. A series of robustness tests reveals that the conclusion of the study does not change. Heterogeneity analysis reveals that the probability of implementing cultivated land quality protection behavior significantly increased, and the effect was greater for farms with the younger farmers, farmers of lower education level, farmers of non-party members, larger scale of operation, longer establishment years, larger labor force, or provincial demonstration.

Discussion

On this basis, we should vigorously support and guide grain family farms to participate in cooperatives, give full play to the advantages of cooperatives, effectively encourage farms to implement cultivated land quality protection behavior, and promote sustainable agricultural development.
Effects of slaughter weight on carcass characteristics, meat quality, and metabolomics profiling in the longissimus dorsi muscle of Tianfu finishing pigs
Authors: Li Yuanfeng , Tao Xuan , Zhao Pinyao , Zhou Jianchuan , Ao Xiang
Published: June 2024

In order to investigate the effect of slaughter weight (SW) on carcass characteristics and meat quality, we measured the carcass characteristics, meat quality, and amino acid metabolomics characteristics of longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle from Tianfu finishing (TF) pigs. Based on SW, 13 pigs were divided into three groups (100-kg group, 125-kg group, and 150-kg group with 3, 5, 5 pigs in each group, respectively). Raising SW to 125 kg or 150 kg increased average backfat thickness (P < 0.01) and intramuscular fat content (P < 0.01), and decreased shear force (P < 0.01). A total of 231 amino acid metabolome from three amino acid classes identified with metabolomics were analyzed, and 93 differentially expressed metabolites (DEMs) were identified (69 up-regulated DEMs and 24 down-regulated DEMs). The DEMs, including urea, 3-iodo-L-tyrosine, N-glycyl-L-leucine, and N, N-dimethylglycine with amino acid metabolism, were significantly induced (P < 0.01). KEGG pathway analysis showed that these DEMs were significantly enriched (P < 0.01) in 135 metabolism pathways, including pathways related to amino acid metabolism, such as arginine and proline metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, tryptophan metabolism, and beta-alanine metabolism. Our research findings provided new insights into the impact of SW on amino acid distribution and theoretical support for genetic breeding of meat quality of TF pigs. However, raising SW to 125 kg, or more, decreased the carcass leanness of live TF pigs and had no benefits to pork quality attributes.
Lentils pasta by-product in a complete extruded diet for dogs and its effect on extrusion, digestibility, and carbohydrate metabolism
Authors: Penazzi Livio , Freire Ticiane Giselle Bitencourt , Theodoro Stephanie de Souza , Frias Juliana Lopes , Ala Ugo , Carciofi Aulus Cavalieri , Prola Liviana
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Recently, increasing effort has been directed toward environmental sustainability in pet food. The aim of this study was to evaluate the extrusion parameters, nutrient digestibility, fecal characteristics, palatability and insulinemic and glycaemic curves of a complete diet for dogs in which the main carbohydrate source was a red lentil pasta by-product (LP).

Methods

Five experimental diets were formulated: a basal diet (CO) based on rice and a poultry by-product meal; three experimental diets where LP substituted rice at 33, 66, or 100% (LP33, LP66, and LP100, respectively); and a diet formulated on 70% of the basal diet (CO) plus 30% LP (LPS) to evaluate the digestibility of LP ingredient.

Results and discussion

The extruder pressure, hardness and bulk density of the kibble increased in a linear manner with increasing LP percentage (P < 0.05), without affecting starch gelatinization. According to polynomial contrast analysis, rice replacement with LP at 33 and 66% caused no reduction in apparent total tract digestibility coefficient (ATTDC), with similar or higher values compared with the CO diet. Nitrogen balance did not change (P > 0.05), but we observed a linear increase in feces production and moisture content as the LP inclusion rate rose and a linear decrease in feces pH (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, the fecal score was unaffected. Fecal acetate, propionate, total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), branched-chain fatty acids, and lactate all increased linearly as the LP inclusion rate increased (P < 0.05), without altering ammonia concentration in feces. Feces concentrations of cadaverine, tyramine, histamine, and spermidine also increased in a linear manner with increasing LP inclusion (P < 0.05). The fermentation of LP dietary fiber by the gut microbiota increased the concentration of desirable fermentation by-products, including SCFA and spermidine. The post-prandial glucose and insulin responses were lower in the dogs fed the LP100 diet compared with CO, suggesting the possible use of this ingredient in diets designed to generate a low glycaemic response. Finally, the palatability study results showed a preference for the LP100 ration in both the “first choice” and the “consumption rate” evaluation (P < 0.05). This trial reveals how a by-product discarded from the human-grade food chain retains both its nutritional and organoleptic properties.
Development and validation of an LC-MS/MS method for ruxolitinib quantification: advancing personalized therapy in hematologic malignancies
Authors: Li Na , Zhang Huiying , Bai Haochen , Lu Kaizhi
Published: June 2024

Background

Hematologic malignancies such as leukemia and lymphoma present treatment challenges due to their genetic and molecular heterogeneity. Ruxolitinib, a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, has demonstrated efficacy in managing these cancers. However, optimal therapeutic outcomes are contingent upon maintaining drug levels within a therapeutic window, highlighting the necessity for precise drug monitoring.

Methods

We developed a sensitive liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method to quantify ruxolitinib in human plasma, improving upon traditional methods in specificity, sensitivity, and efficiency. The process involved the use of advanced chromatographic techniques and robust mass spectrometric conditions to ensure high accuracy and minimal matrix effects. The study was conducted using samples from 20 patients undergoing treatment, with calibration standards ranging from 10 to 2000 ng/mL.

Results

The method displayed linearity (R2 > 0.99) across the studied range and proved highly selective with no significant interference observed. The method’s precision and accuracy met FDA guidelines, with recovery rates consistently exceeding 85%. Clinical application demonstrated significant variability in ruxolitinib plasma levels among patients, reinforcing the need for individualized dosing schedules.

Conclusion

The validated LC-MS/MS method offers a reliable and efficient tool for the therapeutic drug monitoring of ruxolitinib, facilitating personalized treatment approaches in hematologic malignancies. This approach promises to enhance patient outcomes by optimizing dosing to reduce toxicity and improve efficacy.
Expression of hsa-miRNA-15b, -99b, -181a and Their Relationship to Angiogenesis in Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Király József , Szabó Erzsébet , Fodor Petra , Vass Anna , Choudhury Mahua , Gesztelyi Rudolf , Szász Csaba , Flaskó Tibor , Dobos Nikoletta , Zsebik Barbara , Steli Ákos József , Halmos Gábor , Szabó Zsuzsanna
Published: June 2024

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a regulatory role in various human cancers. The roles of hsa-miR-15a-5p, hsa-miR-99b-5p, and hsa-miR-181a-5p have not been fully explored in the angiogenesis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Aims: The present study aimed to evaluate the expression of these miRNAs in tumorous and adjacent healthy tissues of RCC. Methods: Paired tumorous and adjacent normal kidney tissues from 20 patients were studied. The expression levels of hsa-miR-15b-5p, hsa-miR-99b-5p, and hsa-miR-181a-5p were quantified by TaqMan miRNA Assays. Putative targets were analyzed by qRT-PCR. Results: Significant downregulation of all three miRNAs investigated was observed in tumorous samples compared to adjacent normal kidney tissues. Spearman analysis showed a negative correlation between the expression levels of miRNAs and the pathological grades of the patients. Increased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), a tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1), was observed in tumorous samples compared to adjacent normal tissues. Depletion of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-2 (TIMP-2) and metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) was detected compared to normal adjacent tissues. The examined miRNAs might function as contributing factors to renal carcinogenesis. However, more prospective studies are warranted to evaluate the potential role of miRNAs in RCC angiogenesis.
Study on the Energy Absorption Performance of Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) Structures at Different Load-Bearing Angles
Authors: Lyu Yongtao , Gong Tingxiang , He Tao , Wang Hao , Zhuravkov Michael , Xia Yang
Published: June 2024

As engineering demands for structural energy absorption intensify, triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures, known for their light weight and exceptional energy absorption, are increasingly valued in aerospace, automotive, and shipping engineering. In this study, the energy absorption performance of three typical TPMS structures was evaluated (i.e., Gyroid, Diamond, and IWP) using quasi-static compression tests at various load-bearing angles. The results showed that while there is little influence of load-bearing angles on the energy absorption performance of Gyroid structures, its energy absorption is the least of the three structures. In contrast, Diamond structures have notable fluctuation in energy absorption at certain angles. Moreover, IWP (I-graph and Wrapped Package-graph) structures, though highly angle-sensitive, achieve the highest energy absorption. Further analysis of deformation behaviors revealed that structures dominated by bending deformation are stable under multi-directional loads but less efficient in energy absorption. Conversely, structures exhibiting mainly tensile deformation, despite their load direction sensitivity, perform best in energy absorption. By integrating bending and tensile deformations, energy absorption was enhanced through a multi-stage platform response. The data and conclusions revealed in the present study can provide valuable insights for future applications of TPMS structures.
Causal Factors Contributing to Youth Cyberbullying in the Deep South of Thailand
Authors: Laeheem Kasetchai
Published: June 2024

Background: Violence against each other via social media has increased and caused cyberbullying that can happen anytime through electronic communication tools that everyone can access easily. Cyberbullying is sending, posting, and sharing negative, harmful, and false information about another, causing embarrassment online on social media. Objectives: This study aims to investigate causal factors contributing to youth cyberbullying in Thailand’s deep south. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 340 youths in Thailand’s deep south, consisting of 220 males and 120 females. The subjects were divided by age range: 22–23 years old (40.6%), 24–25 years old (26.8%), 18–19 years old (17.1%), and 18–19 years old (15.5%). The data were analyzed with structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: The results were that the model of the causal factors resulting in youth cyberbullying in the deep south of Thailand was consistent with the empirical data (the relative chi-square (χ2/df) was 1.77). The goodness-of-fit index (GFI) was 0.95. The root-mean-square error of approximate (RMSEA) was 0.049). Cyberbullying was positively influenced directly and indirectly by negative upbringing, the influence of personal violence, and the influence of media violence at a statistically significant level of 0.001, with total effect sizes of 1.13, 0.74, and 0.64, respectively. Additionally, cyberbullying was positively influenced directly by negative mental traits with a statistically significant level of 0.05 and a total effect size of 0.17. Conclusions: This study suggests that the results could be beneficial in concretely forming policies and strategies to prevent and mitigate the problem of youth cyberbullying.
Detection and Multi-Class Classification of Invasive Knotweeds with Drones and Deep Learning Models
Authors: Valicharla Sruthi Keerthi , Karimzadeh Roghaiyeh , Naharki Kushal , Li Xin , Park Yong-Lak
Published: June 2024

Invasive knotweeds are rhizomatous and herbaceous perennial plants that pose significant ecological threats due to their aggressive growth and ability to outcompete native plants. Although detecting and identifying knotweeds is crucial for effective management, current ground-based survey methods are labor-intensive and limited to cover large and hard-to-access areas. This study was conducted to determine the optimum flight height of drones for aerial detection of knotweeds at different phenological stages and to develop automated detection of knotweeds on aerial images using the state-of-the-art Swin Transformer. The results of this study found that, at the vegetative stage, Japanese knotweed and giant knotweed were detectable at ≤35 m and ≤25 m, respectively, above the canopy using an RGB sensor. The flowers of the knotweeds were detectable at ≤20 m. Thermal and multispectral sensors were not able to detect any knotweed species. Swin Transformer achieved higher precision, recall, and accuracy in knotweed detection on aerial images acquired with drones and RGB sensors than conventional convolutional neural networks (CNNs). This study demonstrated the use of drones, sensors, and deep learning in revolutionizing invasive knotweed detection.
The Development of a Green Hydrogen Economy: Review
Authors: Mokrzycki Eugeniusz , Gawlik Lidia
Published: June 2024

Building a hydrogen economy is perceived as a way to achieve the decarbonization goals set out in the Paris Agreement to limit global warming, as well as to meet the goals resulting from the European Green Deal for the decarbonization of Europe. This article presents a literature review of various aspects of this economy. The full added value chain of hydrogen was analyzed, from its production through to storage, transport, distribution and use in various economic sectors. The current state of knowledge about hydrogen is presented, with particular emphasis on its features that may determine the positives and negatives of its development. It was noted that although hydrogen has been known for many years, its production methods are mainly related to fossil fuels, which result in greenhouse gas emissions. The area of interest of modern science is limited to green hydrogen, produced as a result of electrolysis from electricity produced from renewable energy sources. The development of a clean hydrogen economy is limited by many factors, the most important of which are the excessive costs of producing clean hydrogen. Research and development on all elements of the hydrogen production and use chain is necessary to contribute to increasing the scale of production and use of this raw material and thus reducing costs as a result of the efficiencies of scale and experience gained. The development of the hydrogen economy will be related to the development of the hydrogen trade, and the centers of this trade will differ significantly from the current centers of energy carrier trade.
Effects of Seed Priming with Gamma Radiation on Growth, Photosynthetic Functionality, and Essential Oil and Phytochemical Contents of Savory Plants
Authors: Mohammadi Vahideh , Zare Mehrjerdi Mahboobeh , Rastogi Anshu , Gruda Nazim S. , Aliniaeifard Sasan
Published: June 2024

Gamma radiation has been suggested to have post-effects on emerging plants when applied to the seeds. In the present study, we aimed to induce alterations in photosynthetic functionality and subsequent modifications in secondary metabolites of summer savory following seed priming with gamma radiation. Savory seeds were treated with 0, 50, 100, 200, and 300 Gy gamma radiation in a completely randomized design with ten replications for morphological and photosynthetic parameters and three for phytochemical assessments. The results showed that gamma radiation on seeds adversely affected photosynthetic performance, especially at the highest doses. It negatively influenced the growth, while increasing the shoot branching, the number of nodes, and the diameter of the stem. Gamma radiation on seeds generally reduced pigmentation in savory leaves, such as chlorophylls, carotenoids, and anthocyanins. However, soluble sugar, starch, total phenolics, and total flavonoid contents were elevated in the leaves of plants that emerged from gamma-primed seeds. Gamma radiation priming reduced essential oil’s percentage and yield. Carvacrol and limonene components of essential oil were diminished, whereas linalool and thymol were increased. In conclusion, due to its inherent stress-inducing effects, and despite some positive effects on phytochemicals, seed priming with gamma radiation adversely influenced growth, photosynthesis, and quantity and quality of savory essential oils. Further research is still needed to target the use of gamma radiations before harvesting the seeds or determine the cytogenetic characteristics of irradiated plants.
Genome-Wide Identification, Characterization, and Expression Analysis of the DMP Gene Family in Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.)
Authors: Zhang Yamin , Zhang Doudou , Li Xinru , He Jie , Chen Zhuona , Xu Nan , Zhong Yike , Yao Shuqian , Qu Lingbo , Li Bo , Azhar Muhammad Tehseen , Li Wenyue , Shang Haihong
Published: June 2024

Members of DOMAIN OF UNKNOWN FUNCTION 679 membrane proteins (DMPs) have the DUF679 domain, which plays an important role in the process of plant fertilization. In this study, bioinformatics methods were used to identify and analyze the DMP gene family in pepper. The location of the expression of the DMP gene family was explored according to the transient expression of Nicotiana benthamiana, and its expression patterns in different tissues and abiotic stress treatments were analyzed by qRT-PCR. A total of 17 CaDMP genes were identified from the three capsicum varieties, and sub-cellular localization prediction showed that CaDMPs were located on the cell membrane. Phylogenetic analysis showed that CaDMP5 in subgroup Ⅳ was highly homologous with haploid induction genes in Arabidopsis and maize, and its expression level in reproductive organs was significantly higher than that in other tissues, suggesting that CaDMP5 could be a candidate gene for haploid induction in pepper. The expression of CaDMPs increased to varying degrees after different stress treatments, indicating that the DMP gene plays an important role in plant growth and development. The CaDMP gene family was systematically analyzed in this study, which provided preliminary insights for the further research of Capsicum haploid breeding.
Mitochondrial Elongation and ROS-Mediated Apoptosis in Prostate Cancer Cells under Therapy with Apalutamide and Complex I Inhibitor
Authors: Baumgartner Valentin , Schaer Dominik , Moch Holger , Salemi Souzan , Eberli Daniel
Published: June 2024

Metabolic reprogramming and mitochondrial dynamics are pivotal in prostate cancer (PCa) progression and treatment resistance, making them essential targets for therapeutic intervention. In this study, we investigated the effects of the androgen receptor antagonist apalutamide (ARN) and the mitochondrial electron transport chain complex I inhibitor IACS-010759 (IACS) on the mitochondrial network architecture and dynamics in PCa cells. Treatment with ARN and/or IACS induced significant changes in mitochondrial morphology, particularly elongation, in androgen-sensitive PCa cells. Additionally, ARN and IACS modulated the mitochondrial fission and fusion processes, indicating a convergence of metabolic and androgen-signaling pathways in shaping mitochondrial function. Notably, the combination treatment with ARN and IACS resulted in increased apoptotic cell death and mitochondrial oxidative stress selectively in the androgen-sensitive PCa cells. Our findings highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting mitochondrial metabolism in prostate cancer and emphasize the need for further mechanistic understanding to optimize treatment strategies and improve patient outcomes.
Chondrotoxicity of Intra-Articular Injection Treatment: A Scoping Review
Authors: Pirri Carmelo , Sorbino Andrea , Manocchio Nicola , Pirri Nina , Devito Antonio , Foti Calogero , Migliore Alberto
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this scoping review was to identify possible chondrotoxic effects caused by drugs usually used for intra-articular injections. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane were searched. Inclusion criteria required randomized controlled trials written in English that evaluate the toxic effect that damages the cartilage. The literature search resulted in 185 unique articles. 133 full-text articles were screened for inclusion, of which 65 were included. Corticosteroids, with the exception of triamcinolone, along with local anaesthetics, potentially excluding ropivacaine and liposomal bupivacaine, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, exhibited insufficient safety profiles to warrant casual use in clinical settings. Hyaluronic acid, on the other hand, appears to demonstrate safety while also mitigating risks associated with concurrent compounds, thereby facilitating therapeutic combinations. Additionally, there remains a paucity of data regarding platelet-rich plasma, necessitating further evaluation of its potential efficacy and safety. Overall, it seems that results are significantly influenced by the dosage and frequency of injections administered, observed in both human and animal studies.
Designed De Novo α-Sheet Peptides Destabilize Bacterial Biofilms and Increase the Susceptibility of E. coli and S. aureus to Antibiotics
Authors: Prosswimmer Tatum , Nick Sarah E. , Bryers James D. , Daggett Valerie
Published: June 2024

Biofilm-associated microbes are 10–1000 times less susceptible to antibiotics. An emerging treatment strategy is to target the structural components of biofilm to weaken the extracellular matrix without introducing selective pressure. Biofilm-associated bacteria, including Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, generate amyloid fibrils to reinforce their extracellular matrix. Previously, de novo synthetic α-sheet peptides designed in silico were shown to inhibit amyloid formation in multiple bacterial species, leading to the destabilization of their biofilms. Here, we investigated the impact of inhibiting amyloid formation on antibiotic susceptibility. We hypothesized that combined administration of antibiotics and α-sheet peptides would destabilize biofilm formation and increase antibiotic susceptibility. Two α-sheet peptides, AP90 and AP401, with the same sequence but inverse chirality at every amino acid were tested: AP90 is L-amino acid dominant while AP401 is D-amino acid dominant. For E. coli, both peptides increased antibiotic susceptibility and decreased the biofilm colony forming units when administered with five different antibiotics, and AP401 caused a greater increase in all cases. For S. aureus, increased biofilm antibiotic susceptibility was also observed for both peptides, but AP90 outperformed AP401. A comparison of the peptide effects demonstrates how chirality influences biofilm targeting of gram-negative E. coli and gram-positive S. aureus. The observed increase in antibiotic susceptibility highlights the role amyloid fibrils play in the reduced susceptibility of bacterial biofilms to specific antibiotics. Thus, the co-administration of α-sheet peptides and existing antibiotics represents a promising strategy for the treatment of biofilm infections.
Prolactin: A Mammalian Stress Hormone and Its Role in Cutaneous Pathophysiology
Authors: Langan Ewan A.
Published: June 2024

The hormone prolactin (PRL) is best recognised for its indispensable role in mammalian biology, specifically the regulation of lactation. Bearing in mind that the mammary gland is a modified sweat gland, it is perhaps unsurprising to discover that PRL also plays a significant role in cutaneous biology and is implicated in the pathogenesis of a range of skin diseases, often those reportedly triggered and/or exacerbated by psychological stress. Given that PRL has been implicated in over 300 biological processes, spanning reproduction and hair growth and thermo- to immunoregulation, a comprehensive understanding of the relationship between PRL and the skin remains frustratingly elusive. In an historical curiosity, the first hint that PRL could affect skin biology came from the observation of seborrhoea in patients with post-encephalitic Parkinsonism as a result of another global pandemic, encephalitis lethargica, at the beginning of the last century. As PRL is now being postulated as a potential immunomodulator for COVID-19 infection, it is perhaps timeous to re-examine this pluripotent hormone with cytokine-like properties in the cutaneous context, drawing together our understanding of the role of PRL in skin disease to illustrate how targeting PRL-mediated signalling may represent a novel strategy to treat a range of skin diseases and hair disorders.
Optimization Models for the Maintenance Management of Tropical Paved and Unpaved Roads
Authors: Silva Taciano Oliveira da , Pitanga Heraldo Nunes , Lopes Emerson Cordeiro , Ribeiro Laura Carine Pereira , Nalon Gustavo Henrique , Rodrigues Klaus Henrique de Paula , Ribeiro José Carlos Lopes , Ksaibati Khaled
Published: June 2024

The degradation of paved and unpaved roads stands as a critical concern in contemporary infrastructure management. When faced with limited budgets, it is important to identify the optimal combination of road preservation strategies to minimize the lifecycle cost of the road network. Specific studies are necessary to improve the maintenance management systems and analyze the behavior of road surface deformation. To narrow these knowledge gaps, this study investigates a management system that focuses on the application of optimization techniques for managing both paved and unpaved tropical roads. Probabilistic deterioration models were constructed using the Markovian process, resulting in precise degradation curves in the context of 18 unpaved road segments in the Zona da Mata County of Minas Gerais (Brazil), along with 88 paved roads located in Minas Gerais. An optimization algorithm was proposed for the prediction of maintenance resources for unpaved and paved roads, emphasizing the cost-effectiveness of preventive and minor rehabilitation treatments over reconstruction. Comparisons between the maintenance costs of unpaved and paved roads indicated that the full rehabilitation costs of paved roads were approximately 10 times higher per kilometer compared to those of unpaved roads. The models effectively captured the trend wherein a major treatment leads to minor additional treatments being necessary for the subsequent several years in both scenarios. The findings of this study provide future directions for the optimized allocation of resources in the management of transportation infrastructures.
Toward Unbiased High-Quality Portraits through Latent-Space Evaluation
Authors: Almhaithawi Doaa , Bellini Alessandro , Cerquitelli Tania
Published: June 2024

Images, texts, voices, and signals can be synthesized by latent spaces in a multidimensional vector, which can be explored without the hurdles of noise or other interfering factors. In this paper, we present a practical use case that demonstrates the power of latent space in exploring complex realities such as image space. We focus on DaVinciFace, an AI-based system that explores the StyleGAN2 space to create a high-quality portrait for anyone in the style of the Renaissance genius Leonardo da Vinci. The user enters one of their portraits and receives the corresponding Da Vinci-style portrait as an output. Since most of Da Vinci’s artworks depict young and beautiful women (e.g., “La Belle Ferroniere”, “Beatrice de’ Benci”), we investigate the ability of DaVinciFace to account for other social categorizations, including gender, race, and age. The experimental results evaluate the effectiveness of our methodology on 1158 portraits acting on the vector representations of the latent space to produce high-quality portraits that retain the facial features of the subject’s social categories, and conclude that sparser vectors have a greater effect on these features. To objectively evaluate and quantify our results, we solicited human feedback via a crowd-sourcing campaign. Analysis of the human feedback showed a high tolerance for the loss of important identity features in the resulting portraits when the Da Vinci style is more pronounced, with some exceptions, including Africanized individuals.