bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Relationship between Mindfulness and Resilience in Maltese Undergraduates: A study of Affective Well-being as a Potential Mediator
Authors:   Faculty of Health & Life Sciences, De Montfort University, UK, Atkins Elaine , Muscat-Inglott Matthew ,   Institute of Community Services, Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology, Malta
Published: July 2023

Existing research suggests that mindfulness cultivates positive affect while reducing negative affect, and facilitates increases in resilience. More research is needed to examine the complex mechanisms by which emotional affect likely translates mindfulness into increased states of resilience in undergraduates. We hypothesised that the relationship between mindfulness and resilience in Maltese undergraduates is mediated by both positive and negative affect. Using a cross-sectional survey design and quantitative methodology based on mediation analysis, a questionnaire comprising the Kentucky Inventory of Mindfulness Skills, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule, and Brief Resilience Scale was circulated among 226 Maltese undergraduates. The results support previous research indicating significant relationships between mindfulness and both forms of emotional affect, as well as increased resilience. A path analysis revealed full mediation of the interaction between mindfulness and resilience by affective well-being. The indirect pathways through positive and negative affect to resilience, cumulatively accounted for a majority of the explanatory power attributable to mindfulness alone. Finally, an argument is presented in favour of mindfulness as a more formalised intervention within higher education settings, to support broader psychological wellness outcomes among Maltese undergraduates. Keywords: Mindfulness, resilience, affective well-being, undergraduate students, path analysis
The Impact and Potential of Educational Technology: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Jiang Minda
Published: July 2023

This article explores the pedagogical concerns and teacher training necessary for effectively balancing technology with traditional teaching methods in education. It highlights the importance of aligning technology use with pedagogical goals, promoting active learning, and addressing the diverse needs of students. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of professional development for teachers to integrate technology effectively. The article also discusses the risks associated with data collection and student privacy in educational technology. It identifies potential threats such as unauthorized access, data misuse, lack of consent, and inaccurate data. To mitigate these risks, strategies such as strong data encryption, secure authentication, and transparent privacy policies are recommended. Furthermore, the article presents emerging trends in educational technology, including artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality, and game-based learning. It suggests potential solutions to address existing challenges, such as bridging the digital divide, prioritizing teacher training, and establishing privacy regulations. Finally, recommendations are provided for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders. These include developing clear technology policies, investing in infrastructure and resources, prioritizing professional development, fostering collaboration, and promoting equity and access. The article concludes by highlighting the need for ongoing research, innovation, and stakeholder engagement to ensure responsible and effective integration of technology in education.
ROLE OF MEDIA IN CREATING AWARENESS ABOUT INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN PAKISTAN: A CASE STUDY OF TELEVISION HIV/AIDS COMMERCIALS AND MESSAGES
Authors: A. Zia
Published: July 2023

Media plays a role of significant ally in any state of public health by disseminatingtimely and important information regarding deadly diseases. Due to the growth of private televisionand FM radio channels in Pakistan, such issues, which were considered taboo subjects are now gettingattention. This research explored the role of Pakistani television channels in creating HIV/AIDSawareness. The study was carried out through interview and survey methods. Primarily relatedmessages were reviewed for questionnaire design and data was collected to investigate the role ofmedia in HIV/AIDS awareness. Random sampling technique was used to collect the data fromindividuals (both males and females) aged 16-40 years from Lahore. The results showed gender wiseinsignificant association between television messages and awareness about HIV and AIDS. Howeverthe findings of the study revealed that despite accessibility; television messages were ineffective increating awareness and eliminating misconceptions about this deadly disease. On the basis of theresults, recommendations were also made for the health policy makers and media organizations inPakistan.
SCREENING OF MARINE BACTERIUM VIBRIO ALGINOLYTICUS STRAIN AS05 FOR THE PRODUCTION OF N-ACYL HOMOSERINE LACTONE-BASED QUORUM SENSING SIGNALING MOLECULES
Authors: Dr. Abdul Nabi
Published: July 2023

Marine environments, including aquatic and coastal environments, are highly prevalent of marine bacteria with the highest levels of Vibrio species. Vibrios play a vital role in marine ecology associated with carbon and energy acquisition. The density-dependent quorum sensing (QS) system may regulate certain biological activities in marine bacteria. QS is a conversation system utilized by many bacterial communities to communicate and coordinate through different signalling molecules. N-acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) are the most important QS signalling molecules widely produced by Gram-negative bacteria. This study aimed to investigate the detection and Identification of AHL-based QS signalling molecules produced by marine bacterium V. alginolyticus strain AS05 isolated from marine water of the Arabian Sea, Karachi, Pakistan. Marine medium Zobell-2216 was used to isolate bacterial strains. Moreover, 16S rRNA analysis was applied to identify AS05 strain. Agar plate bioassay was used to detect the production of AHL signalling molecules using Chromobacterium violaceum CV026 as a biosensor. The Identification of AHLs was made by reversed-phase thin-layer chromatography (RP-TLC) analysis. The NCBI-blast results revealed the identification of the isolated bacterial strain as Vibrio alginolyticus strain AS05 (OQ130030) member of the family of Vibrionaceae under the class of Gammaproteobacteria. The results of agar plate bioassay using CV026 as a biosensor strain revealed highly positive reactions for producing AHL signalling molecules. Moreover, two AHL molecules produced by AS05 bacterial strain were identified as C6-HSL and C-8HSL based on TLC analysis. This study reveals the detection and Identification of two different AHL signalling molecules produced by V. alginolyticus AS05 isolated from marine water of the Arabian Sea, Karachi, Pakistan. This study provides insight into investigating quorum-sensing signalling molecules in the Arabian Sea, Karachi, Pakistan, and marine bacterial species.
5 - Feminist Activism, Economic Carte Blanche, Political Control, Symbol and Symbolism: A Historical Interpretation of the Kelu Women Revolution in Bu-Cameroon, 1957-59
Authors: Henry Kam Kah
Published: July 2023

The centrality of women in the opposition of male domination and subjugation in colonial Africa was a fall out of decolonisation which quickened after World War II. Within this epoch, the Laimbwe women of Bu in North West Cameroon launched a virulent attack on men and their institutions. The intention was to achieve economic freedom and political control. An effective mechanism of operation, using traditional bodily symbols, was put in place and the result was a neutralisation of the overbearing and imposing influence of men and their institutions respectively.
11 - Domination and Resistance through the Prism of Postage Stamps
Authors: Agbenyega Adedze
Published: July 2023

Every country issues postage stamps. Stamps were originally construed as pre- payment for the service of transporting letters and packages. However, images on stamps have become mediums for the transmission of propagandist messages about the country of issue to its citizens and the rest of the world. Commemorative postage stamps venerate special events, occasions or personalities and are, therefore, subject to political and social pressure from special interest groups. It is not, therefore, surprising that during the colonial era, Europeans memorialized conquerors and explorers on postage stamps and, likewise after independence, African countries have commemorated some of their leaders (freedom fighters, martyrs, politicians, chiefs, etc.) who resisted colonial rule. Using postage stamps of British and French colonies and six independent countries (Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Nigeria and Senegal) in West Africa, I will try to explain why certain individuals are honored and why others are not. I argue that since the issuing of postage stamps remains the monopoly of the central government, these commemorative stamps about domination and resistance are subjective and are found to be interpreted through contemporary political prism. Recent democratic dispensation in Africa has also influenced commemorative stamps to a large extent. Under these conditions, public history debates are now possible where people could claim their own history, and I predict that as more constituents realize the value of postage stamps, marginalized groups will demand stamps for their heroes and heroines.
13 - Ecrire l’histoire du mouvement de résistance à la colonisation : un enjeu historiographique à Madagascar
Authors: Denis Alexandre Lahiniriko
Published: July 2023

Depuis la célébration du cinquantenaire de l’insurrection de 1947 à Madagascar, l’histoire, en tant que discipline scientifique, s’est invitée sur la place publique. Un besoin d’histoire se fait sentir obligeant les recherches à sortir du cadre des amphithéâtres de l’Université. Désormais, l’historien malgache est appelé à jouer un rôle de plus en plus important dans le débat public. A l’origine de cet « engouement populaire » se trouvent les différentes « interprétations » du mouvement nationaliste qui combattait la domination coloniale depuis sa naissance dans les années 1910. En effet, depuis longtemps, les historiens malgaches et de Madagascar ont présenté et étudié le nationalisme malgache comme un courant idéologique monolithique. Dans une vision as olitique dont Madagascar a connu depuis son indépendance et à la difficulté du pays à mettre en place une vraie démocratie. Ainsi, dans leurs réflexions sur la colonisation et ses différents aspects oppressifs et sur le mouvement d’émancipation malgache, ils ont tendance à nuancer certains « acquis » de la connaissance historienne sur le nationalisme malgache.
Le présent article est axée sur cette évolution non seulement des connaissances historiennes sur le nationalisme malgache en général et sur l’insurrection de 1947 en particulier mais également celle de l’historiographie malgache concernant ces deux thématiques. Enfin, nous aimerons également évoquer le débat actuel suscité par cette double évolution. L’un des objectifs essentiels est, dans ce cas, d’évaluer l’importance de l’interférence de la mémoire collective sur la manière d’écrire l’histoire.
5 - Youth Activism and Ethnic Violence in Nigeria: From Decolonisation to the Nigeria-Biafra War
Authors: Gloria Chuku
Published: July 2023

Scholarship on violent conflicts in Africa has often constructed two images of the youth: the powerless victims deprived of any human agency and the ruthless perpetrators of acts of violence seen in many cases of child soldiers, armed militias, rapists and looters. Relying on interviews, archival materials and other sources, this article examines youth activities in Nigeria during the decolonisation politics and the first decade of independence, including the Nigeria-Biafra War and post-war period, focusing on ethnic violence and survival. It argues that the politicisation of ethnicity and resource distribution in Nigeria unleashed chains of violence that culminated in the thirty-month devastating war; and that in terms of the pre-war, wartime, and post-war events, Nigerian youth have played complex and varied roles that make it difficult to classify them as either actors or victims of the violent conflicts in the country.
6 - Operation Vijiji and its Aftermath: Land Nationalisation, Villagisation and Disputes in Mbulu District, North-Western Tanzania, 1961–2006
Authors: Juma Marmo Paresso
Published: July 2023

The Tanzania rural transformation policy, which was done through the nationalisation of the major means of production, Operation Vijiji and legal reforms, was one of the greatest socio-economic experiments in Africa. Expected to bring development to the majority of rural Tanzanians, nationalisation and villagisation have generated considerable land disputes in Tanzania over the past four decades. Scholarship on the Tanzanian land question has focused mainly on the lack of people’s involvement in decision making and ecological change as major causal factors of land disputes. The link between nationalisation, Operation Vijiji, legal reforms and land conflicts has not received much attention. This article argues that the high incidence of land disputes in Mbulu District in northern Tanzania could be attributed to the poor and hurried implementation of land nationalisation and Operation Vijiji.
A particle finite element method for fluid-related problems in civil engineering
Authors:   , Celigueta Jordana Miguel Ángel
Published: July 2023

The work presented in this Thesis is a set of developments focused on the Particle Finite Element Method (PFEM) and its applicability in several fields in Civil Engineering. The PFEM had already been proven to be a powerful tool for the free surface flows with large deformation and domain separation, but the application to actual engineering problems requires many more advances. The interaction between the fluid and many solids contacting with each other, the erosion of soils and the transport of small particles are some of these advances, which are main topics addressed in this document. Apart from them, other developments related with the fluid solution are included, which are intended to get deeper than ever before in the practical use of PFEM.

El treball que es presenta en aquesta Tesi és un conjunt de desenvolupaments centrats en el Particle Finite Element Method (PFEM) i en la seva aplicació a diversos camps de l'enginyeria civil. El PFEM ja havia demostrat ser una eina potent pels fluxes amb superfície lliure amb grans deformacions i separació de dominis, però l'aplicació a problemes d'enginyeria reals requereix molts més avenços. La interacció entre el fluid i molts sòlids que contacten els uns amb els altres, l'erosió de sòls i el transport de partícules petites són alguns d'aquests avenços, que són els principals temes tractats en aquesta Tesi. Apart d'aquests, s'inclouen altres desenvolupaments relacionats amb la solució del fluid, que miren d'arribar més profunditat que mai abans en l'ús pràctic del PFEM i la seva implementació. Primer es presenta el PFEM, es descriuen els desenvolupaments de l'autor millorant la solució de la dinàmica de fluids i altres capacitats simples que s'hi han afegit. Després, tres capítols principals es centren en a) l'algoritme d'interacció fluid-estructura amb contacte b) l'erosió de sòls c) el transport de partícules. A continuació altres aplicacions del mètode s'expliquen, així com una llista dels projectes d'investigació amb els quals aquesta tesi ha tingut vincle.
Integration of Robotics and Artificial Intelligence in Non-Destructive Testing: A Review of Applications and Challenges
Authors:   Welspun Tubular, Sharma Kuldeep ,   Welspun Tubular, Kumar Ashok ,   B.M.U. Rohtak, Sharma Kavita
Published: July 2023

This study aims to examine the existing applications of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) in non-destructive testing (NDT) and evaluate their effectiveness compared to traditional methods. The research methodology involves the use of a robotic arm equipped with a Panametrics ultrasonic immersion transducer for NDT experiments. The strengths and limitations of various applications, including weld inspection, visual inspection, ultrasonic testing, magnetic particle inspection, and eddy current testing, are evaluated through numerical scoring. The results demonstrate the capabilities of robotic systems with AI algorithms in achieving accurate and consistent inspections, although certain limitations exist. Additionally, the effectiveness of these robotic systems in performing NDT tasks is compared to traditional methods, revealing their superiority in terms of accuracy, efficiency, and defect detection. Overall, this research provides insights into the integration of robotics and AI in NDT and highlights their potential for advancing inspection capabilities.

Keywords: robotics, artificial intelligence, non-destructive testing (NDT).
JUDAISMO Y TRANSGÉNERO
Authors: Weinstein Laura , Golberg Akiba , Perelman Javnozon Luis , Fridman Cristina Tania
Published: July 2023

ESTE ARTÍCULO ES UN TRABAJO A 4 VOCES. LAURA WEINSTEIN (COLOMBIA), AKIBA GOLBERG (COLOMBIA), LUIS PERELMAN JAVNOZON (MEXICO) y CRISTINA TANIA FRIDMAN (ARGENTINA).
The Effect of Financial Services Authority Regulatory Implementation Concerning Financial Consumer Protection on Banking Financial Performance
Authors: Kusuma Fredi Wijaya
Published: July 2023

Many parties engage in banking as the financial services industry grows, particularly in Indonesia. To keep banks safe, financial services must emphasize customer protection. The Financial Services Authority (OJK), Indonesia's financial services regulator, implemented several consumer protection measures. The policy may hurt banks despite protecting customers. Consumer protection laws strengthen banks. Proper protection would make clients feel safer and increase bank trust. Banks with strong consumer protection regulations will attract more clients since customers will feel safe doing so. This study examines how the OJK regulation's implementation on financial services consumer protection affected national commercial banks' financial performance from 2017 to 2021. This study adopts descriptive and verifiative approaches to analyze 93 national commercial banks in Indonesia from 2017 to 2021. The research utilizes secondary data from the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and bank financial statements. The investigations done have led to the conclusion that implementing consumer protection can improve bank financial performance and lower credit risk
Financial knowledge of Vietnamese students: Current situation and Issue
Authors:   Institute of Human Studies. Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, Nguyễn Thị Hoài Lê
Published: July 2023

Financial knowledge is an important component of financial literacy for every person. Financial literacy helps people have a better life by making relevant financial decisions. To measure the financial knowledge of Vietnamese students, this study conducted a random online survey of 4,140 samples at universities across the country in 2021, with 11 questions divided into 3 levels of knowledge (basic, medium and advanced). The descriptive statistics show that Vietnamese students have very weak financial knowledge, in which, even students are studying finance-banking or economics. The results also show that financial knowledge is not uniform in different school years, regions and majors. In the context that Vietnam is implementing a comprehensive financial strategy, there is an urgent need to systematically develop a National Financial Education Strategy, to provide early education by many different channels and methods for students as well as for the youth in Vietnam
ANALISIS KUALITAS PELAYANAN TERHADAP NARAPIDANA PENYANDANG DISABILITAS BERDASARKAN HAK ASASI MANUSIA DI LEMBAGA PEMASYARAKATAN
Authors: HANIF MUHAMAD RIFQI NAZIEF , SUBROTO MITRO
Published: July 2023

Every human being has rights that must be respected and considered, especially human rights. This includes prisoners with disabilities. Fulfillment of the rights of prisoners with disabilities should be given more attention. Correctional institutions play an important role in the criminal justice system, especially in the prisoner development program. In this case, of course, there are various obstacles faced, especially in coaching procedures, prison facilities, coaching facilities and infrastructure, as well as the competencies possessed by officers who provide guidance. This shows the importance of support from various aspects so that the Correctional System can run well and as expected. When these obstacles can be overcome, the social reintegration process which is the ultimate goal of the Correctional System can run optimally. Prisoners with disabilities themselves also get a positive psychological impact, namely they will not feel discriminated against and their rights will be more concerned.
The Reconfiguration of Power in a Changing World Order
Authors: Barquet Patricia Georgina
Published: July 2023

The concept of power is essential to understand the interactions among States in the international arena. Theorists have focused on describing and quantifying it to determine to what extent it aids States in mitigating the anarchic global order. Power has different characteristics, and its rapid and versatile implementation determines how successful a country can be in times of crisis. This article analyzes the evolution of the concept of power to examine how countries should prepare for future global crises.
Slam das Minas: a insurgência e o protagonismo das poetas mulheres no Brasil
Authors: Thuin Antonia Costa de , Lima Marina Ivo de Araujo , Oliveira Daniele Rodrigues
Published: July 2023

No Brasil, ao contrário da cena hip hop, que tem sido um universo predominantemente masculino, o Poetry Slam tem se tornado um espaço de libertação e de resistência das poetas mulheres por meio da criação e da ampliação do Slam das Minas. Neste artigo, é traçado um panorama da ascensão das vozes femininas nas batalhas poéticas brasileiras, em especial nas capitais do Rio de Janeiro e São Paulo, mostrando fatores que impulsionaram a cena, como, por exemplo, o encontro entre slammers na Festa Literária das Periferias em 2015 e o contexto político do país.
An Acoustic Analysis of Chinese and English Vowels
Authors:   Hong Kong Institute of Education, Chu Chen Hsueh , Jung Wang Mei ,   National Kaohsiung University
Published: July 2023

This study compares the articulation of two pairs of similar vowels in Mandarin Chinese in Taiwan and American English. Four Taiwanese learners and four native speakers of American English were recruited to produce five vowels for each language. Acoustic vowel qualities of formant one (F1) and formant two (F2 ) values were measured and analyzed. Results show that Chinese English and American English are different in vowel height and frontness. Pedagogical implications are provided for EFL teachers to help Chinese learners improve their pronunciation.
Contextualized Instructional Materials as Supplement to the Kindergarten Teacher’s Guide
Authors: Manlunas Queennie Marie
Published: July 2023

This study aimed to identify the Content and Learning Competencies in the Kindergarten Curriculum with no existing contextualized learning materials, the available learning materials in kindergarten, the teachers' experiences in utilizing the materials, and develop learning materials for the competencies with no existing contextualized materials. This also measured the validity of the contextualized materials developed by the researcher. The researcher utilized a mixed-method research design. The research respondents are fifteen (15) kindergarten teachers in Malapatan 1 District. There are two methods of gathering the data: using a checklist and open-ended questions to gather rich stories and experiences of the teachers. Results showed no existing contextualized materials in the following learning competencies: recognize self, age, and birthday. Identify different places in the community; classify objects according to observable properties like size, color, shape, texture, and weight; identify objects in the environment with the same color and identify the letters of the alphabet. All other competencies in the identified subjects have existing contextualized materials. The major theme that emerged in the experiences of the teachers in utilizing the developed materials revolved around the help and benefits it offered. There were also five developed instructional materials. The developed material has a very high level of validity regarding appropriateness, adequacy, and acceptability.
Techno-Stress of the Faculty Members in a Higher Education Institution: Basis for a Faculty Development Program
Authors: Espiritu Cecile de Mesa
Published: July 2023

Technology is one of the greatest inventions of humankind, which is utilized in all sectors of society.  Teachers' integration of technology leads them to facilitate and enhance the teaching-learning process.  Teachers must develop their competence to use these with ease and confidence. The abrupt transition to online learning has significantly changed the learning experiences. Teachers are pressured to adapt to technological trends. The inability to adapt to technology may lead to techno-stress, a modern adaptation disorder due to failure to cope with technologies. The study adopted the descriptive method with 57 full-time and 110 part-time teacher-respondents.  The data were analyzed through frequency, percentage, weighted mean, t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson r. The findings show that most faculty members are integrating technology into teaching activities, using it for more than 5 hours a week. They had moderate levels of techno-stress in the learning-teaching process and social and technical issue orientations, while they had low-stress levels in professional and personal orientations. There is a significant relationship between technology usage and the assessed level of techno-stress of the teacher-respondents.   Counter-measures against techno-stress must be developed through a faculty development program with activities on stress, mental health issues, and technology adaptation.
Teachers’ Innovation on Reflective and Integrative (RAI) Video Lessons in Enhancing the Academic Performance of Grade 2 Learners in Araling Panlipunan
Authors: Mariano Mary Shane , Escalaw Mariefe , Gallego Eder
Published: July 2023

This research used a quasi-experimental research design during COVID-19 distance education. It utilized a comparison and experimental group of learners at Parian Elementary School, Schools Division of Calamba City. Based on the results of the study, there is evidence to support that the experimental group performed better than the comparison group in the formative test. Likewise, the result of the Independent Samples t-test result reveals a significant difference between the Posttest Mean Scores of the Comparison and Experimental groups. Hence, the hypothesis, which states no significant difference, is rejected. Further, there is an improvement in the score of the comparison group from the pretest to posttest. However, a great improvement in the mean score of the experimental group. In conclusion, the Reflective and Integrative (RAI) video lessons successfully enhance the academic performance of Grade 2 Araling Panlipunan learners. The study recommends that Education Officials and School Administrators are encouraged to support the teachers in implementing technological pedagogical innovations in delivering 21st-century quality education. They are also encouraged to conduct seminars and workshops on technological pedagogical innovation in the new normal education. Future researchers may identify and test other factors or variables that can further define the effectiveness of the RAI video lesson.  Similar study may be conducted to explore the variables not included in this study, such as classroom.
Variability in Physico-Chemical Fruit Quality in Dessert Type of Jackfruit (Artocarpus heterophyllus Lam.) Genotypes Located in Four Districts of Karnataka, India
Authors: Suneel R. K. , Jagadeesh S. L. , Chimmalagi Umesh , Swamy G. S. K. , Suresha G. J. , Netravathi
Published: July 2023

The survey work for identifying elite jackfruit type was initiated in the year 2015 jackfruit season. During 2015 jackfruit season, 27 jackfruit types identified through an extensive survey were spread in 4 districts viz., North Canara (2 types), Chikmagalore (6 types), Tumkur (16 types) and Hassan (3 types). Analysis of variance for 30 characters in 27 type jackfruits revealed a greater variability in the survey zone. Flake thickness, bulb length and TSS exhibited a considerable amount of variation in number. Fruit weight had a range from 0.91 kg (Type-23) to 9.30 kg (Type-12). The type-12 recorded maximum fruit length (42.00 cm) and fruit breadth (30.40 cm). The bulb color varied from cream(Type-6) to Yellow(12 jackfruit types), light yellow(Eight types) and orange(four types) The maximum bulb number of 170 was noticed in the type-7. Bulb weight was maximum in Type-12 (5.42 kg) and minimum in Type-23 (0.22 kg). Bulb length showed a range from 8.53 cm (Type-17) to 3.92 cm (Type-23). Similarly bulb breadth was maximum in Type-13 (5.60 cm) and minimum in Type-5 (3.07 cm) and Type-6 (3.07 cm). Total Soluble Solids (TSS) content was noticed high in Type-18 (32.38oBrix). The maximum score for crispness was noted Type-4 (4.90) and Type -17 (4.90). Overall acceptability score was higher in Type-10 (4.50). Type-10 (4.50) was the best and having good score for overall acceptability and other physico chemical parameters studied.
Influence of Sowing Pattern and Seed Rate on Plant Growth and Yield in Wheat
Authors: Kumari Pariniti , Kataria R. K.
Published: July 2023

A field experiment was carried out to study the effect of different sowing pattern and seed rate on growth and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum) during rabi season of 2015-16 at experimental farm of CSKHPKV, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh. The experiment with twelve treatment combinations comprising of four planting patterns (15 cm, 23 cm, 15 x 15 cm and 23 x 23 cm) and three seed rates (100, 120 and 140 kg/ha) was conducted in Randomized Block Design with four replications. The analysis of data showed that , 23 x 23 cm planting patterns significantly increased plant height (2.63 %), leaf area index (13.21%), number of spikes/m2 (6.80%), spike length (6.31%), number of spikelets per spike (4.5%), number of grains per spike (5.57%), biological yield (7.34%), seed yield (9.86%), and seed recovery percentage (5.13%) over normal sowing (23cm). The number of shoots/m2 after full emergence, days to 50% heading, or harvest index did not significantly differ with planting pattern. 140 kg/ha seed rate produced significantly higher number of shoots per m² (17.86%), leaf area index (11.76%), number of spikes per m² (1.53%), biological (3.94%) and seed yield (7.75%) over 100 kg/ha seed rate.
When Breasts Become a Liability—Discussing Risk-Reducing Mastectomy With Individuals Following Chest Irradiation for Childhood Cancer
Authors: Smith Stephanie M. , May Dianna Goldberg , Link Michael P.
Published: July 2023

This essay describes a woman who had received chest irradiation for childhood cancer and the considerations for and against breast cancer risk–reducing mastectomy.
Stable Deep‐Blue Electroluminescence from Hierarchical Crystalline Structure Based on Planar Conformational Terfluorenes: Benefits of Preventing Defect Structures Formation
Authors: Xu Man , Sun Yue , Li Yanang , Li Hao , Zhang Jingrui , Ma Jingyao , Zhang Yunlong , Sun Ning , Lin Jinyi , Li Mengyuan , Ou Changjin , Zhuo Zhiqiang , Feng Quanyou , Xie Linghai , Huang Wei
Published: July 2023

Liner‐type organic conjugated molecules with 1D π‐electron delocalization present conformation‐dependent intramolecular optoelectronic behavior. Significantly different from non‐planar ones, the coplanar conformational backbone of π‐conjugated molecules can enhance intramolecular π‐electron delocalization and dominate intermolecular π‐electron coupling, which are the fundamental parameters for improving their optoelectronic properties. Herein, the effect of the formation of coplanar conformation on intermolecular packing and optoelectrical properties of liner‐type steric terfluorene (DSFX‐SFSO) toward solution‐processed deep‐blue organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) is systematically demonstrated. Firstly, uniform and continuous crystalline films based on the planar conformational DSFX‐SFSO molecules are achieved via thermal annealing at 160 °C, which can avoid microscale crystallization processing. Contrary to amorphous ones, these hierarchical crystalline films present robust deep‐blue emission with an efficiency of > 60%, due to the suppression of defect structures. More interestingly, this hierarchical crystalline film has a stable and efficient deep‐blue electroluminescence (CIE: 0.15, 0.09) without the obvious defective green‐band emission, even at 500 mA cm−2, also further confirming the excellent and perfect molecular landscape to obtain single‐chromophore excitonic behavior from single planar‐terfluorene segments. Therefore, obtaining a uniform hierarchical structure based on planar conformational molecules is an effective strategy to optimize the optoelectrical properties for optoelectronic applications.
Using 5′ 32P‐labeled Primer and Reverse Transcription to Probe RNA Structure
Authors: Garfio Chely M. , Gupta Mrityunjay , Spitale Robert C.
Published: July 2023

RNA molecules perform numerous cellular functions necessary for cell viability, some of which can depend on the RNA's structure. Therefore, it is important to study RNA structure and RNA folding to better understand the molecular basis of these functions. RNA chemical mapping strategies to elucidate RNA structural changes involve using chemical reagents that form adducts or cleave RNA. Selective 2′‐hydroxyl acylation analyzed by primer extension (SHAPE) measures RNA flexibility by modification of the 2′ hydroxyl groups of flexible nucleotides. These RNA adducts can be detected using 32P‐labeled primers and reverse transcription (RT) followed by PAGE analysis. This strategy can reveal the base‐paired regions of the RNA and provide insight into tertiary structure and solvent accessibility. This protocol provides a method to interrogate RNA structure using furoyl acylimidazole (FAI). © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Reverse transcription (RT) primer labeling with 32P radionuclide

Basic Protocol 2: Characterization of RNA structure with radiolabeled primer and reverse transcription (RT)
Short stories from Sphagnum of rare species, taxonomy, and speciation
Authors: Kyrkjeeide Magni Olsen , Meleshko Olena , Flatberg Kjell Ivar , Hassel Kristian
Published: July 2023

Conserving species and their genetic variation are a global priority to safeguard evolutionary potential in a rapidly changing world. Species are fundamental units in research and nature management, but taxonomic work is increasingly undermined. Increasing knowledge on the species genetic diversity would aid in prioritizing conservation efforts. Sphagnum is a diverse, well‐known bryophyte genus, which makes the genus suited to study speciation and cryptic variation. The species share specific characteristics and can be difficult to separate in the field. By combining molecular data with thorough morphological examination, new species have recently been discovered. Still, there are taxonomic uncertainties, even for species assessed on the IUCN Red List of threatened species. Here, we use molecular data to examine three rare species within the subgenus Acutifolia described based on morphological characters. All species have narrow distributions and limited dispersability. First, we confirm the genetic origin of S. skyense. Second, we show that S. venustum is a haploid species genetically distinct from morphologically similar species. Lastly, S. nitidulum was found to have a distinct haplotype, but cannot be genetically separated from other red Acutifolia species. We also found high genetic variation within red Acutifolia specimens, indicating the need of further morphological examination and possibly taxonomic revision. Until then, our results have shown that genetic data can aid in prioritizing targets of conservation efforts when taxonomy is unresolved. All three taxa should be further searched for by field biologists to increase knowledge about their distribution ranges.
Temperature Rise on Liner Surfaces of Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle Tanks during Fueling Process
Authors: Kuroki Taichi , Kreutzer Cory , Leighton Daniel , Martin Joshua , Mohr Jeffrey , Peters Michael , Ruple Matthew , Shaun Onorato , Mathison Steven
Published: July 2023

Herein, the temperature of the inner tank walls, or plastic liners, of composite pressure tanks in fuel cell electric vehicles during fueling using three‐dimensional computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models is evaluated. The liner materials are limited to 85.0 °C to prevent thermal stress causing material failure that would result in a hydrogen leak. Therefore, the temperature of hydrogen gas must be limited to below 85.0 °C during the fueling process as dictated by the current fueling protocol. However, there are limited experimental or simulation data confirming that the temperature changes do not exceed the threshold. Herein, the liner temperatures with CFD tank models for two sizes of type IV tanks representative of the upper and lower system bounds that are close to the SAE J2601 fueling protocol (36.0 and 244.0 L) are evaluated. First, each model's reliability is validated with experimental data and then analyzed, and the data are used to evaluate the maximum hydrogen and liner temperatures under real‐world fueling conditions. The evaluation shows that the maximum liner surface temperature of each tank model is at least 7 °C lower than that of the hydrogen. Additionally, there is at least 12 °C difference found between the upper limit and actual liner temperatures.
The prevalence of psychological distress in adults newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes: Data from the Australian 3D case‐series study
Authors: Ardouin Stephen , Ball Lauren , Burch Emily , Barton Chris , Sturgiss Elizabeth , Williams Lauren T.
Published: July 2023

Issue Addressed

This cross‐sectional analysis of the Australian 3D study aimed to determine the prevalence of psychological distress and describe its associated characteristics in adults recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Adults (aged 18 years and over) who were recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (<6 months prior) were recruited through the Australian National Diabetes Services Scheme in 2018–2019. Demographic and health data were collected via interview‐administered telephone surveys. Hierarchical regression was used to analyse whether demographic, self‐care and clinical characteristics were associated with psychological distress, as measured by the K10 questionnaire.

Results

Of the participants (n = 223), 26.3% presented with psychological distress, with 8.4% reporting mild, 8.4% reporting moderate and 9.5% reporting severe psychological distress. Neither age, sex, body mass index or taking anti‐depressant medications were associated with the presence of psychological distress (p > .05). Being a smoker, living situation, less physical activity and poorer healthy eating beliefs and intentions were significantly associated with psychological distress in those not taking anti‐depressant medications (p < .05). Being female was significantly associated with psychological distress in those taking anti‐depressant medications (p < .05).

Conclusion

The study found that psychological distress is highly prevalent in adults recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Behavioural factors such as smoking and low physical activity, as well as psycho‐social factors such as living situation, poor healthy eating beliefs and intentions were significantly associated with psychological distress. This has implications for the management of people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes.

So What?

Psychological distress is highly prevalent in Australian adults newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, emphasising the urgent need for enhanced psychological care to support this group.
Tissue‐Matchable and Implantable Batteries Toward Biomedical Applications
Authors: Yan Bing , Zhao Yang , Peng Huisheng
Published: July 2023

Implantable electronic devices can realize real‐time and reliable health monitoring, diagnosis, and treatment of human body, which are expected to overcome important bottlenecks in the biomedical field. However, the commonly used energy supply devices for them are implantable batteries based on conventional rigid device design with toxic components, which both mechanically and biologically mismatch soft biological tissues. Therefore, the development of highly soft, safe, and implantable tissue‐matchable flexible batteries is of great significance and urgency for implantable bioelectronics. In this work, the recent advances of tissue‐matchable and implantable flexible batteries are overviewed, focusing on the design strategies of electrodes/batteries and their biomedical applications. The mechanical flexibility, biocompatibility, and electrochemical performance in vitro and in vivo of these flexible electrodes/batteries are then discussed. Finally, perspectives are provided on the current challenges and possible directions of this field in the future.
Characteristics of emergency general surgery services in Switzerland: a nationwide survey
Authors: Quaile Oliver , Perrodin Stéphanie Fabienne , Trippel Amedeo , Schnüriger Beat ,   “SwissACS”
Published: July 2023

Objective

Running an emergency general surgery (EGS) service is challenging and requires significant personnel and institutional resources. The aim of this study was to achieve a nationwide overview of the individual EGS service organizations in public hospitals in Switzerland.

Methods

All Swiss public hospitals with a surgical and emergency department were included and contacted by telephone. General surgeons were interviewed between December 2021 and January 2022 using a standardized questionnaire.

Results

Seventy-two out of 79 public hospitals in Switzerland (91.1%) agreed to the survey. They employed 1,581 surgeons in 19 (26.4%) hospitals with < 100 beds, 39 (54.2%) hospitals with 100–300 beds, 7 (9.7%) with 300–600 beds, and 7 (9.7%) with > 600 beds. The median number of surgeons per hospital was 20.5 (IQR 13.0–29.0). Higher level of care (intermediate or intensive care unit) was significantly less available in small hospitals (< 100 beds). The median hour of designated emergency operating room capacity per day was 14 h (IQR 14–24) for all hospitals with < 600 beds and 24 h (IQR 14–24) for the largest hospitals (> 600 beds). With increasing hospital size, there was a significant increase in the number of surgical units where EGS and orthopedic trauma surgery were covered by two separate teams (21.1% vs. 43.6% vs. 85.7% vs. 100%, p = 0.035). The median number of surgeons on-call per hospital and per 24 h was 5.0 (IQR 3.3–6.0).

Conclusion

Lack of higher level of care in small hospitals, limited emergency OR capacity and short rotations of on-call teams are major drawbacks of many current EGS systems in Switzerland. Centralization of critically ill EGS patients and reorganization of surgical on-call systems to designated acute care surgery teams should be considered.
Dietary patterns, malnutrition, muscle loss and sarcopenia in cancer survivors: findings from the UK Biobank
Authors: Curtis Annie R , Livingstone Katherine M , Daly Robin M , Brayner Barbara , Abbott Gavin , Kiss Nicole
Published: July 2023

Purpose

To identify dietary patterns derived from protein, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and vitamin D and examine associations with malnutrition, low muscle mass and sarcopenia in cancer survivors.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included cancer survivors (n = 2415) from the UK Biobank (age [mean ± SD] 59.7 ± 7.1 years; 60.7% female). The Oxford WebQ 24-h dietary assessment estimated food and nutrient intakes. Reduced rank regression derived dietary patterns (response variables: protein [g/kg/day], PUFA [g/day] and vitamin D [μg/day]). Adjusted logistic regression analysis examined associations between dietary patterns and malnutrition, low muscle mass and sarcopenia.

Results

Three dietary patterns were identified: (i) ‘high oily fish and nuts’, characterised by higher oily fish and nuts and seeds intake; (ii) ‘low oily fish’, characterised by lower oily fish intake and higher potato intake; and (iii) ‘meat and dairy’, characterised by higher intake of meat, poultry and dairy. Eighteen percent of participants were malnourished, 5% had low muscle mass and 6.5% had sarcopenia. Odds of being malnourished were significantly lower with adherence to a ‘high oily fish and nuts’ pattern (OR: 0.57; 95% CI: 0.50, 0.65) and ‘low oily fish’ pattern (OR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.73, 0.90). The ‘meat and dairy’ pattern was not associated with malnutrition. No dietary patterns were associated with low muscle mass or sarcopenia.

Conclusions

Energy-rich dietary patterns were associated with lower odds of malnutrition in cancer survivors but did not influence muscle mass or sarcopenia risk.

Implications for Cancer Survivors

Better understanding of dietary patterns may improve cancer-related outcomes for cancer survivors.
The retrofitting of ships by applying retractable bow hydrofoils: a case study
Authors: Niklas Karol , Pruszko Hanna
Published: July 2023

Increasing environmental requirements and a relatively long ship life of 30 years mean more attention is needed to retrofit existing ships. One possibility is using hydrofoils to reduce the ship’s resistance and improve comfort and safety in rough sea conditions. This study investigates the influence of retractable bow hydrofoils on the seakeeping performance and operational conditions of a selected case study vessel (V-shaped bulbous bow). The methods used were full-scale computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations and towing tank experiments for validation. The analysis was conducted for bow waves of different lengths and a ship’s operating speed. The most beneficial effect of hydrofoils was observed for wavelengths from λ/LWL = 1.0 to λ/LWL = 1.2. For the wavelength λ/LWL = 1.2, the reduction of heave motion was equal to 33%, pitch motion was equivalent to 28%, and the reduction of wave-added resistance was equal to 25%. The analysis also showed unfavourable conditions for which hydrofoil folding is needed to avoid causing an excessive increase in resistance. A generalized procedure has been developed to assess the potential for resistance and motion reduction by retrofitting existing ships using hydrofoils.
A new Gondwanan mayfly family from the Lower Cretaceous Crato Formation, Brazil (Ephemeroptera: Siphlonuroidea: Astraeopteridae fam. nov.)
Authors: Storari Arianny P. , Staniczek Arnold H. , Godunko Roman J.
Published: July 2023

The adult holotype of the fossil mayfly Astraeoptera cretacica Brandão et al. 2021 from the Cretaceous Crato Formation, Brazil, is reviewed and attributed to a new family Astraeopteridae fam. nov. Based on alate specimens, we also describe further new representatives of Astraeopteridae fam. nov., namely Astraeoptera vitrea sp. nov. and Astraeoptera oligovenata sp. nov., as well as the new genus and species Eosophobia acuta gen. et sp. nov. A subsequent character analysis of the new material suggests systematic affinities of Astraeopteridae fam. nov. with those extant families of Siphlonuroidea distributed in the Southern Hemisphere. These newly described fossil Siphlonuroidea from the Cretaceous of Brazil thus add to the biogeography and systematics of mayflies.