bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resource Realities: Exploring the Foundations of Successful Implementation in School‐Based Drug Prevention*
Authors: Eisman Andia B. , Martin Jeffrey , Hasson Rebecca E. , Kilbourne Amy M.
Published: December 2024

Background

Comprehensive health education in schools can effectively prevent drug use and related outcomes, but successful implementation remains challenging. Contextual determinants, including intervention‐setting compatibility, focus on the intervention, available resources, and leadership support, influence implementation success. This study investigates the impact of multilevel contextual determinants on Michigan Model for Health: (MMH) curriculum fidelity.

Methods

High school health teachers across Michigan (N = 171) participated in an MMH implementation survey. We used structural equation modeling to investigate the relative contributions of contextual determinants to implementation fidelity while also permitting the determinant factors to covary.

Results

The models demonstrate a good fit with the data (structural: X2 = 51, df: 34, p = 0.03; RMSEA: 0.06, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.08; CFI: 0.98). Results indicate that the context latent factors individually were associated with fidelity. Examined together, we found significant covariance between the latent factors, but only resources predicted fidelity.

Implications for School Health Policy, Practice, and Equity

School health policy and practice benefit from sufficient resources to support prevention curriculum implementation. Insufficient resources exacerbate existing barriers in low‐resource communities, leading to unequal intervention implementation and widening health disparities.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that while contextual determinants are interrelated, sufficient resources are foundational to successful implementation.
Socio‐economic disparities in the psychosocial and economic impacts of the COVID‐19 pandemic on children and young people in Australia
Authors: O'Connor Meredith , Lange Katherine , Downes Marnie , Moreno‐Betancur Margarita , Burgner David , Priest Naomi , Sung Valerie , Brown Stephanie J , Gartland Deirdre , Perrett Kirsten P , Goldfeld Sharon , Olsson Craig A
Published: December 2024

Aims

While COVID‐19 no longer presents a global health emergency, the indirect (non‐infection) impacts of the pandemic may exacerbate health inequalities in years to come. We examined the socio‐economic distribution of the impacts of the pandemic on the psychosocial and economic well‐being of children, young people and their families.

Methods

The CoRonavIruS Health Impact Survey (CRISIS) was conducted in seven existing longitudinal cohorts, together involving n = 3072 participants aged 0–19 years. Online surveys were conducted from May 2020–April 2021, during periods of low infection but stringent public health measures in Victoria, Australia. Analysed CRISIS domains included: COVID‐19‐related worries, mood state, economic difficulties and positive life changes. Social disadvantage of each sample was characterised by pre‐pandemic maternal education, unemployment, income and neighbourhood disadvantage, avoiding cross‐sectional data limitations. The proportion of children experiencing each type of pandemic impact was estimated within each cohort.

Results

Substantial socio‐economic disparities were observed. COVID‐19‐related worries were 22 percentage points higher in the most (24.2%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 19.4–29.1) versus least (2.9%, 95% CI 1–4.7) disadvantaged cohorts. Similar patterns were noted for negative mood state (19.4%, 95% CI 15–23.9 vs. 3.6%, 95% CI 1.6–5.6), economic difficulties (18.5%, 95% CI 14.2–22.9 vs. 5.7%, 95% CI 3.3–8.1) and lower levels of positive life changes (63.7%, 95% CI 58.3–69.1 vs. 83.2%, 95% CI 78.9–87.4).

Conclusions

Indirect consequences of the COVID‐19 pandemic showed significant disparities across populations experiencing different socio‐economic conditions. The pandemic offers a unique opportunity to rethink and redesign policies and services to achieve greater equity now and better preparedness for global crises in future.
Effects of Hydrolysed Poultry Byproduct Meal on Metabolic, Inflammatory and Oxidative Parameters in Cats
Authors: de Ramos Eloise Cristina , Scarpim Lucas Bassi , Pescuma Mariana Gilbert , Goloni Camila , Pacheco Letícia Graziele , Theodoro Stephanie de Souza , Carciofi Aulus Cavalieri
Published: December 2024

Hydrolysed proteins are of interest owing to their potential effects on metabolic and physiological responses, low allergenicity and high digestibility. This study aimed to evaluate the use of hydrolysed poultry byproduct meal (HPM) as a replacement for conventional poultry byproduct meal (PBM) as a protein source and to study its effects on serum cytokines, angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) activity, serum antioxidant parameters, blood pressure, and urinary parameters in cats. The replacement of PBM with HPM was evaluated using five formulations with similar chemical compositions: control (PBM as the sole protein source) and the inclusion of 5%, 10%, 20%, and 30% HPM (on an as‐fed basis). Thirty cats were distributed into two randomised blocks of 15 cats, with 3 cats per diet in each block, totalling 6 cats per food. After 10 days of diet adaptation, the urine of the cats was quantitatively collected from Days 11 to 15, and on the day 21 blood samples were collected and blood pressure was evaluated. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and the means were compared by polynomial contrasts. Non‐parametrically distributed variables were compared using the Kruskal–Wallis test (p < 0.05). All the cats remained healthy throughout the study period. Diet did not affect urine volume; intake and excretion of sodium, potassium, and chloride; blood pressure; ACE plasma activity; or serum triglyceride and cholesterol levels (p > 0.05). Among the oxidative parameters, there was a quadratic increase in lipid peroxidation and glutathione S‐transferase (higher values at 10% HPM) (p < 0.05). A quadratic increase was observed for steam cell factor, interferon‐γ, IL‐4, and IL‐8 (p < 0.05), with higher values for cats fed 5% and 10% HPM diets. A nonparametric distribution with higher values for cats fed the 5% HPM diet was observed for monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1; tumour necrosis factor‐α; IL‐2; and regulated upon activation, normal T cell expressed and secreted (RANTES) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, we observed that the intake of diets containing 5% and 10% HPM stimulated the antioxidant system and the secretion of several cytokines involved in the preparation and function of the immune system, suggesting potential biological functions with implications for cat health deserving further investigation.
The Effect of Propolis on Hatched Eggs Previously Infected With Avian Pathogenic E. coli
Authors: Abdelbaki Mohamed Mahmoud , Arafa Amany Ahmed , Rabie Nagwa Saad , Ghetas Aly Mohammed
Published: December 2024

We investigated the effect of propolis as a sanitiser on hatched eggs previously infected with avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli (E. coli) (APEC) serogroup O78. A green propolis watery extract at 24% and a native breed hatching eggs have been used in this study. A total number of five virulence genes had been detected in E. coli serotype O78 used in this study indicating the pathogenicity of this isolate. The use propolis as a sanitiser for hatching eggs negatively decreased the hatchability percent and increased the embryonic death percent. However, it had a high strength against E. coli serogroup O78 as it significantly reduced the mean colony‐forming unit (CFU) count in livers and yolks 4 days post‐challenge and in 1‐day‐old chicks. Our results indicated the antibacterial effect of a green propolis watery extract at 24% against APEC serogroup O78. However, the effect of low concentrations of the propolis against hatchability and embryonic death rates should be tested.
The elephant in the room of EU copyright originality: Time to unpack and harmonize the essential requirement of copyright
Authors: Iaia Vincenzo
Published: December 2024

The dividing line between the artistic and literary heritage privatized by copyright and the public domain depends on just one word which is completely alien to the traditional legal jargon: originality. As if it were not enough the essential requirement of copyright is highly polysemic, being its meaning also sensitive to the specific temporal and geographical context. For instance, the same interior design for make‐up stores has been reputed original in Italy but not in France and Portugal. The European legislator has deeply regulated several aspects of copyright, but paradoxically it is laconic on the fundamental element triggering the exclusive right: a work is original if it reflects the author's own intellectual creation. Although the CJEU played a pivotal role in filling this gap through a string of decisions, national judges are still uncertain on the relevant factors for the originality assessment, as witnessed by three new references for preliminary rulings. The different approaches to the originality requirement could be problematic for the well‐functioning of the artistic and cultural markets considering the potential heterogeneous legal status of the same creation, which might be under copyright protection in one Member State while in the public domain in another one. This could prejudice rights clearance processes, including the latest one regarding text and data mining for machine learning purposes advocated by a line of scholars. By elaborating on settled European and national case‐law, this paper extracts some metrics for ensuring legal certainty on the interpretation of the originality requirement. These coordinates could be incorporated in a wider European intervention harmonizing copyright law, keen to the Wittem Group project. Finally, it argues that the idea of introducing copyright formalities would also ensure more legal certainty on the status of intellectual works since the computational analysis of voluntary registrations could become a useful tool for predicting the originality of future works.
Spatiotemporal heterogeneity of Rhipicephalus microplus resistance to chemical acaricides at intra‐farm level: A case study using ivermectin
Authors: Morel Nicolas , Torrents Jorgelina , Sarli Macarena , Rossner Maria V. , Lifschitz Adrián L. , Nava Santiago
Published: December 2024

The aim of this work was to analyse the spatiotemporal heterogeneity of Rhipicephalus microplus (Canestrini, 1888) (Acari: Ixodidae) resistance to chemical acaricides at intra‐farm level under different environmental (favourable and unfavourable areas for tick development) and management (different schemes of acaricides applications) conditions using ivermectin as a model. The in vitro larval immersion test (LIT) was used to determine quantitatively the levels of resistance to ivermectin in the different populations and subpopulations of R. microplus analysed. In the first case study, differences in resistance levels among tick samples within the same paddock across time and among tick samples from different paddocks were recorded. These results stress the importance of taking successive samples so that they represent the spatial and temporal variabilities in the levels of resistance that can occur within the same farm. In a second case study, the evolution of resistance in R. microplus subpopulations subjected to strategic and threshold control methods based on the application of three annual treatments with alternation of chemical groups was compared. No changes in resistance/susceptibility status were observed in both tick subpopulations. These results show that the application of a particular drug once a year within a scheme of alternation with other chemical groups could be an appropriate strategy to delay the development of resistance. Data of the third case study showed that environmental constraints is not only a key modulator of R. microplus abundance but could also affect the evolution of resistance in the tick populations. The decreasing trend of LC50 values in the tick subpopulation not exposed to chemical treatments but also in that subpopulation exposed to three annual chemical treatments under unfavourable environmental conditions allow us to hypothesise that environmental constraints can modify the levels of resistance in a tick population because it can constitute a stronger selection factor than the treatments themselves.
Differential effects of photophase on the reproductive behaviour of two species of medico‐legal relevance, Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma (Wiedemann, 1830) and Peckia (Sarcodexia) lambens (Wiedemann, 1830) (Diptera: Sarcophagidae)
Authors: Ferreira Henrique Rafael Pontes , de Moura Barbosa Taciano , Vasconcelos Simão Dias
Published: December 2024

The nocturnal behaviour and reproduction patterns of Sarcophagidae species during the scotophase are largely unexplored for species in the Neotropical region. The aim of this study was to assess the light regimes under which females of Peckia (Peckia) chrysostoma (Wiedemann, 1830) and Peckia (Sarcodexia) lambens (Wiedemann, 1830) would larviposit and understand how these variables influence intrauterine development in these flies. The experiments were conducted in an experimental room (lux = 100) in two independent experiments: I. Larviposition test: Females mated with males of over 8 days old. II. Intrauterine development test: females over 8 days old and mated were individually isolated. Both experiments were performed under photophases (L:D) of 0:24, 6:18; 12:12; 18:6 and 24:0 for a period of 96 h. Larviposition occurred in total darkness for P. (P.) chrysostoma and P. (S.) lambens in all treatments, without significant differences among photophase treatments (p > 0.05). Photophase influenced the timing of larviposition, occurring as early as 24 h in 12:12 L:D conditions, while no larviposition was observed in the first 24 h in the 0:24 treatment for either species. The light duration significantly affected the percentage of gravid females of both species (p < 0.05), with higher percentages of gravid females in treatments of longer light duration. Females at the initial and intermediate stages of egg development were more strongly associated with treatments of continuous darkness (0:24) or short photophase (6:18), whereas females with an advanced stage of egg development were more prevalent in the 12:12 treatment. The implications of these findings for forensic entomology are profound, challenging conventional knowledge by revealing that necrophagous insects are not limited to diurnal activity patterns.
Commentary on the 2021 update of the KDIGO clinical practice guideline for management of blood pressure in chronic kidney disease
Authors: See Emily J. , Cullen Vanessa ,   the Caring for Australians and New Zealanders with Kidney Impairment (CARI) Guideline Group
Published: December 2024

The 2021 KDIGO clinical practice guideline for the management of blood pressure (BP) in chronic kidney disease (CKD) provided significant practice‐changing recommendations for the care of both adult and paediatric CKD patients not receiving dialysis. The purpose of this review is to contextualise these recommendations and evaluate their applicability to the Australian and New Zealand context. Key updates presented in this guideline relate to measurement techniques, with a strong recommendation for standardised office BP measurement, as opposed to routine office BP measurement. Standardised measurement is more nuanced, compared to routine measurement, in terms of patient preparation, technique, timing, and duration of measurement, which may produce more accurate measurements but may require restructuring of clinical appointments and retraining of staff. The target systolic BP level for non‐dialysis, non‐transplant adult CKD patients suggested is <120 mmHg. The lifestyle and pharmacological interventions for lowering BP include regular exercise, a low‐sodium diet, and renin‐angiotensin‐system (RAS) inhibitors in patients with comorbid diabetes or albuminuria. This commentary identifies several patient subgroups requiring further investigation and clinical guidance, including diabetic CKD, dialysis and transplant recipients with CKD, and paediatric CKD, and highlights the importance of further exploring the effect of SGLT2 inhibitors on high BP in CKD patients.
Membrane nanodomains to shape plant cellular functions and signaling
Authors: Hdedeh Omar , Mercier Caroline , Poitout Arthur , Martinière Alexandre , Zelazny Enric
Published: December 2024

Plasma membrane (PM) nanodomains have emerged as pivotal elements in the regulation of plant cellular functions and signal transduction. These nanoscale membrane regions, enriched in specific lipids and proteins, behave as regulatory/signaling hubs spatially and temporally coordinating critical cellular functions. In this review, we first examine the mechanisms underlying the formation and maintenance of PM nanodomains in plant cells, highlighting the roles of PM lipid composition, protein oligomerization and interactions with cytoskeletal and cell wall components. Then, we discuss how nanodomains act as organizing centers by mediating protein–protein interactions that orchestrate essential processes such as symbiosis, defense against pathogens, ion transport or hormonal and reactive oxygen species (ROS) signaling. Finally, we introduce the concept of nanoenvironments, where localized physicochemical variations are generated in the very close proximity of PM nanodomains, in response to stimuli. After decoding by a dedicated machinery likely localized in the vicinity of nanodomains, this enrichment of secondary messengers, such as ROS or Ca2+, would allow specific downstream cellular responses. This review provides insights into the dynamic nature of nanodomains and proposes future research to better understand their contribution to the intricate signaling networks that govern plant development and stress responses.
Artificial intelligence virtual assistants in primary eye care practice
Authors: Stuermer Leandro , Braga Sabrina , Martin Raul , Wolffsohn James S.
Published: December 2024

Purpose

To propose a novel artificial intelligence (AI)‐based virtual assistant trained on tabular clinical data that can provide decision‐making support in primary eye care practice and optometry education programmes.

Method

Anonymised clinical data from 1125 complete optometric examinations (2250 eyes; 63% women, 37% men) were used to train different machine learning algorithm models to predict eye examination classification (refractive, binocular vision dysfunction, ocular disorder or any combination of these three options). After modelling, adjustment, mining and preprocessing (one‐hot encoding and SMOTE techniques), 75 input (preliminary data, history, oculomotor test and ocular examinations) and three output (refractive, binocular vision status and eye disease) features were defined. The data were split into training (80%) and test (20%) sets. Five machine learning algorithms were trained, and the best algorithms were subjected to fivefold cross‐validation. Model performance was evaluated for accuracy, precision, sensitivity, F1 score and specificity.

Results

The random forest algorithm was the best for classifying eye examination results with a performance >95.2% (based on 35 input features from preliminary data and history), to propose a subclassification of ocular disorders with a performance >98.1% (based on 65 features from preliminary data, history and ocular examinations) and to differentiate binocular vision dysfunctions with a performance >99.7% (based on 30 features from preliminary data and oculomotor tests). These models were integrated into a responsive web application, available in three languages, allowing intuitive access to the AI models via conventional clinical terms.

Conclusions

An AI‐based virtual assistant that performed well in predicting patient classification, eye disorders or binocular vision dysfunction has been developed with potential use in primary eye care practice and education programmes.
The LCG1‐OsBP5/OsEBP89‐Wx module regulates the grain chalkiness and taste quality in rice
Authors: Tu Bin , Zhang Tao , Liu Pin , Yang Wen , Zheng Ling , Dai Ying , Wang Hao , Lin Song , Zhang Zehua , Zheng Xiaohang , Yuan Mengting , Chen Yong , Zhu Xiaobo , Yuan Hua , Li Ting , Xiong Jiawei , Zhong Zhaohui , Chen Weilan , Ma Bingtian , Qin Peng , Wang Yuping , Li Shigui
Published: December 2024

It is well known that the overall quality of japonica/geng rice is superior to that of indica/xian rice varieties. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the quality disparities between these two subspecies of rice are still largely unknown. In this study, we have pinpointed a gene homologous to SLR1, termed LCG1, exhibiting significant expression during early caryopsis development and playing a specific role in regulating rice chalkiness and taste by affecting the accumulation of grain storage components, starch granule structure and chain length distribution of amylopectin. LCG1 physically interacts with OsBP5 and indirectly influences the expression of the amylose synthesis gene Waxy (Wx) by hindering the transcriptional activity of the OsBP5/OsEBP89 complex. Notably, sequence variations in the promoter region of LCG1 result in enhanced transcription in japonica rice accessions. This leads to elevated LCG1 expression in CSSL‐LCG1Nip, thereby enhancing rice quality. Our research elucidates the molecular mechanism underlying the impact of the LCG1‐OsBP5/OsEBP89‐Wx regulatory pathway on rice chalkiness and taste quality, offering new genetic resources for improving the indica rice quality.
Modification of Fc‐fusion protein structures to enhance efficacy of cancer vaccine in plant expression system
Authors: Lim Sohee , Chung Hyun Joo , Oh Yoo Jin , Hinterdorfer Peter , Myung Soon Chul , Seo Young‐Jin , Ko Kisung
Published: December 2024

Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) fused to IgG, IgA and IgM Fc domains was expressed to create IgG, IgA and IgM‐like structures as anti‐cancer vaccines in Nicotiana tabacum. High‐mannose glycan structures were generated by adding a C‐terminal endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention motif (KDEL) to the Fc domain (FcK) to produce EpCAM‐Fc and EpCAM‐FcK proteins in transgenic plants via Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation. Cross‐fertilization of EpCAM‐Fc (FcK) transgenic plants with Joining chain (J‐chain, J and JK) transgenic plants led to stable expression of large quaternary EpCAM‐IgA Fc (EpCAM‐A) and IgM‐like (EpCAM‐M) proteins. Immunoblotting, SDS–PAGE and ELISA analyses demonstrated that proteins with KDEL had higher expression levels and binding activity to anti‐EpCAM IgGs. IgM showed the strongest binding among the fusion proteins, followed by IgA and IgG. Sera from BALB/c mice immunized with these vaccines produced anti‐EpCAM IgGs. Flow cytometry indicated that the EpCAM‐Fc fusion proteins significantly activated CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, CD4+ helper T cells and B cells, particularly with EpCAM‐FcKP and EpCAM‐FcP (FcKP) × JP (JKP). The induced anti‐EpCAM IgGs captured human prostate cancer PC‐3 and colorectal cancer SW620 cells. Sera from immunized mice inhibited cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion; down‐regulated proliferation markers (PCNA, Ki‐67) and epithelial–mesenchymal transition markers (Vimentin); and up‐regulated E‐cadherin. These findings suggest that N. tabacum can produce effective vaccine candidates to induce anti‐cancer immune responses.
ScDREBA5 Enhances Cold Tolerance by Regulating Photosynthetic and Antioxidant Genes in the Desert Moss Syntrichia caninervis
Authors: Bai Wenwan , Salih Haron , Yang Ruirui , Yang Qilin , Jin Pei , Liang Yuqing , Zhang Daoyuan , Li Xiaoshuang
Published: December 2024

Extreme cold events, becoming more frequent, affect plant growth and development. Much is known about C‐repeat binding transcription factor (CBF)‐dependent cold‐signaling pathways in plants. However, the CBF‐independent regulatory pathway in angiosperms is unclear, and the cold‐signaling pathways in non‐angiosperms lacking CBFs, such as the extremely cold‐tolerant desert moss Syntrichia caninervis, are largely unknown. In this study, we determined that fully hydrated S. caninervis without cold acclimation could tolerate a low‐temperature of −16°C. Transcriptome analysis of S. caninervis under 4°C and −4°C treatments revealed that sugar and energy metabolism, lipid metabolism and antioxidant activity were altered in response to cold stress, and surprisingly, most photosynthesis‐related genes were upregulated under cold treatment. Transcription factors analysis revealed that A‐5 DREB genes, which share a common origin with CBFs, are the hubs in the freezing‐stress response of S. caninervis, in which ScDREBA5 was upregulated ~1000‐fold. Overexpressing ScDREBA5 significantly enhanced freezing tolerance in both S. caninervis and Physcomitrium patens by upregulating genes involved in photosynthetic and antioxidant pathways. This is the first study to uncover the mechanism regulating the cold‐stress response in S. caninervis. Our findings increase our understanding of different cold‐stress response strategies in non‐angiosperms and provide valuable genetic resources for breeding cold‐tolerant crops.
Histone Modification‐Dependent Transcriptional Regulation of Defence Genes in Early Response of Arabidopsis to Spodoptera litura Attack
Authors: Yusuf Ahmed , Wakaya Kota , Sakamoto Takuya , Uemura Takuya , Okamura Koudai , Ramadan Abdelaziz , Nozawa Akira , Suzuki Takamasa , Inui Yayoi , Matsunaga Sachihiro , Sawasaki Tatsuya , Arimura Gen‐Ichiro
Published: December 2024

Histone modification is a cellular process for transcriptional regulation. In herbivore‐damaged plants, activation of genes involved in defence responses is required for antiherbivore properties, but little is known about how the chromatin remodelling system is involved. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) plants responding to Spodoptera litura larvae, HAC1 and HDA6, a histone acetyltransferase and a histone deacetylase, respectively, were found here to be involved in histone H3 (Lys9; H3K9) acetylation/deacetylation at the promoter region of the plant defensin gene PDF1.2 and the gene body of ethylene response factor 13 (ERF13) as early as 2 h after the onset of herbivore attack. The H3K9 acetylation was responsible for the robust upregulation of PDF1.2 later, at 24 h, and ERF13 even earlier, at 1 h. TOPLESS (TPL) and TOPLESS‐related (TPR) corepressors interacted with HDA6 to deacetylate H3K9 at PDF1.2 and ERF13, while negatively regulating the expression of PDF1.2 but not ERF13. Furthermore, TPL also interacted with ERF13, resulting in ERF13‐mediated regulation of PDF1.2. Taken together, these data suggest a model of promoter‐restricted, TPL/TPR‐directed histone deacetylation and transcription factor repression in healthy Arabidopsis plants for the feedback regulation of the antiherbivore response.
Twenty Years of Commercial Farming of Kappaphycus alvarezii in India: A Look Back at Learnings and the Way Forward
Authors: Mantri Vaibhav A.
Published: December 2024

Kappaphycus alvarezii continues to be driving force in marine agronomy. Along with Euchema spp. it contributes to 11.6 million tonnes feedstock globally. Among 30 countries where it was introduced, only, Tanzania and India could reach commercial‐scale farming. In India the feedstock production reached 8088 t (dry) worth ~USD 2,390,184 (between 2005 and 2020). The commercial farming has provided diversification of livelihood to the fishermen involved in un‐organized sector of natural seaweed gathering. At the cusp of its strategic expansion this review based on 20 years of research and developmental efforts provided a broad‐brushstroke picture of information on: (i) new innovations; novel, high‐value products; (ii) use as a biological source of commercially relevant genes to combat abiotic stress tolerance in crops; (iii) evolution in farming techniques and models; (iv) conscious efforts in skill‐set development; (v) policy guidelines to support industry; (vi) environmental concerns, disease outbreak, and biosecurity framework; (vii) sustainable seed‐supply management; (viii) cost–benefit analysis through perspective of profitability assessment parameters; and (ix) role of private sector in taking this initiative ahead. K. alvarezii farming in India seems to be successful example of achieving “triple bottom line” objectives of balanced economic, social and environmental out‐come as proposed by United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) and World Bank (WB).
Multiple Paths of Influencing Factors of College Students' Intention of Returning Home for Employment from the Perspective of Configuration: A fsQCA Approach☆
Authors: Ye Jianmeng , Zhang Yuangang , Chen Yi , Zhang Yanzi
Published: December 2024

Rural areas in China are undergoing significant transformations and development phases. This study employs fuzzy‐set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) on quantitative data from a survey of 168 college students to investigate the configurations of factors leading to a high willingness to return to their hometowns for employment. The study focuses on their intentions to return as the dependent variable, with independent variables including rural sentiment, social compatibility, risk tolerance, family support, and life satisfaction. The findings reveal nine distinct pathways that meet the criteria of perfect consistency (1.0) and demonstrate high explanatory power (coverage of 89.19%). These pathways are categorized into four types based on underlying motivations: emotion‐oriented, value‐oriented, responsibility‐oriented, and social‐oriented. The results offer theoretical and practical insights into encouraging talent return in rural China, emphasizing the importance of a multifaceted approach that incorporates emotional, social, and familial considerations. The study's findings are contextualized within the Chinese socioeconomic environment, offering valuable insights into rural–urban dynamics in China. These findings could also be applied to other countries and regions with similar urban–rural dynamics and immigration patterns.
Undulating stratigraphy of a carbonate inner ramp lagoon and associated architectural facies heterogeneity: An example from the Late Jurassic Hanifa Formation, Central Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khanna Pankaj , Ramdani Ahmad R. , Gairola Gaurav S. , Adigozalova Teyyuba , Hodgetts David , Vahrenkamp Volker C.
Published: December 2024

This study offers new insights into the internal architecture of shallow marine carbonate sediments deposited in an epeiric sea formed on a broadly flooded passive margin continental shelf. The Ullayah Member of the Late Jurassic Hanifa Formation is exposed along the Tuwaiq Mountain Escarpment in Central Saudi Arabia and serves as an example. High‐resolution drone imagery over a 4 × 4 km2 wadi system, measured‐sections and thin‐section petrography are utilized to develop the three‐dimensional architecture of the lagoonal sediments deposited in an inner‐ramp setting. Parasequence sets have been mapped on the digital outcrop models that demonstrate a high degree of lateral and vertical thickness variability associated with stromatoporoid/coral buildups and inter‐buildup sediments. The stromatoporoid/coral buildups have been interpreted to be deposited during the late Transgressive Systems Tract and Highstand System Tract. The positive relief developed by the stromatoporoid/coral buildups resulted in hydrodynamic acceleration of currents in the inter‐buildup areas, which limited sediment deposition. The incomplete filling of the inter‐buildup areas led to an undulating topography, which significantly influenced depositional architecture in the next parasequence set. This theme of sediment filling, also referred to as compensational stacking, was repeated over the next two parasequence sets, with an overall decreasing accommodation towards the late highstand, eventually levelling the uneven topography at the top of the Ullayah Member. The study offers insights into the processes of sediment accumulation in an inner ramp lagoon and/or on a flat‐top shallow marine epeiric carbonate shelf. Although accumulation is cyclic, neither strict facies patterns nor uniform cycle thicknesses can be discerned on a kilometre scale. This insight potentially provides a reason for the frequently debated correlation of cycles and facies patterns in carbonate sequences in shallow epeiric seas.
“You've Got a Lot to Prove”: A Mixed Methods Analysis of How Older Adults and Their Families Navigate Medicaid Enrollment
Authors: Petry Sarah E.
Published: December 2024

Many older adults will need Medicaid to cover health and long‐term care costs, yet the process by which these older adults gain access to Medicaid is poorly understood. In a case study of family caregivers and key program staff at a skilled nursing facility in a large, urban county in North Carolina, I document the experiences of older adults' families applying for Medicaid. Participants report challenges with the application process and their own assets creating barriers to enrollment, while having a health event requiring institutionalised care precipitated access. Given these results, I use data from 11 waves of the Health and Retirement Survey to test these hypothesised factors, demonstrating that prior hospitalisation and having limited assets both accelerate time to Medicaid enrollment. Expanding Medicaid to cover older adults with incomes greater than the federal poverty line and simplifying eligibility requirements and application processes can improve the well‐being of older adults and their families.
COVID‐19, Import Relationships and New Formation: Evidence From Colombian Importers
Authors: Hamilton Ben
Published: December 2024

This paper examines the short‐run effects of exposure to COVID‐19 cases on monthly outcomes and new formation for Colombian import relationships in 2020. Focusing first on consistent import relationships, defined as firm–origin–product triplets that were active in all 12 months of 2019, inactivity rates are 5% higher, imported value is 3% lower and 2% fewer transactions occur when COVID‐19 caseloads in the exporting country are at the 75th percentile (2.4 cases per thousand residents) instead of the 25th percentile (0.1 cases per thousand residents). When cases in the importer's Colombian department are at the 75th percentile (7.2 cases per thousand) instead of the 25th (0.3 cases per thousand), inactivity rates are 23% higher, imported values are 6% lower and 2% fewer transactions occur. Differences in viral incidence across countries also affect the extensive margin decision of which country importers begin to source products from: higher cases in individual countries deter new relationships with exporters from those countries from forming, whereas higher case levels in traditional suppliers push importers towards less prominent source countries.
Insights into the ALS inhibitor resistance in Amaranthus retroflexus: A matter of concern for CONVISO® SMART sugar beet cultivation
Authors: Bhattacharya Soham , Sen Madhab Kumar , Hamouzová Kateřina , Košnarová Pavlína , Soukup Josef
Published: December 2024

Amaranthus retroflexus L. has recently become a problematic weed in CONVISO® SMART sugar beet fields in the Czech Republic, largely due to the rapid adoption of this system and widespread application of ALS inhibiting herbicides in almost all crops, including other systems using ALS herbicide tolerant varieties. In this study, two A. retroflexus biotypes, suspected to be resistant to ALS inhibitors, were collected from CONVISO® SMART sugar beet field. Studies were conducted to confirm their resistance status and investigate the underlying mechanisms. The findings reveal that these biotypes have developed resistance to foramsulfuron + thiencarbazone‐methyl, with cross‐resistance to imazamox and tribenuron‐methyl. The dose–response studies revealed that the resistant (R) biotypes AMARE1 and AMARE2 are 351 and 12 times less sensitive to foramsulfuron + thiencarbazone‐methyl than the susceptible (S) biotype. Upon pretreatment with malathion, the resistance index decreased 2X in AMARE1, indicating the potential involvement of cytochrome P450 in the resistance mechanism. However, no involvement of GSTs was detected following NBD‐Cl pretreatment. Furthermore, a higher ALS enzyme activity was observed in both R biotypes compared to the S biotype. Finally, molecular analysis revealed that a single nucleotide substitution had occurred in the ALS gene, conferring a tryptophan (Trp) to Leucine (Leu) substitution at position 574 of the ALS enzyme involved as a probable target‐site resistance mechanism in both R biotypes. In summary, our study identified point mutation and enhanced metabolism by cytochrome P450s are likely mechanisms of resistance to foramsulfuron + thiencarbazone‐methyl in the AMARE1 biotype, while point mutation was found the sole responsible mechanism of resistance involved in AMARE2. The current study reports the first instance of resistance in A. retroflexus against foramsulfuron + thiencarbazone‐methyl. This evolution highlights the dynamic response of weed populations to herbicide pressure and underscores the need for alternative weed control strategies in sugar beet including rotating ALS‐tolerant crops with the traditional (non‐tolerant) crops, to limit ALS inhibitor use and resistance evolution.
Thyroxine (T3)‐mediated regulation of early cardiac repair in a chemical‐induced hypoxia/reoxygenation model of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Authors: Banerjee Kalyan , Mandal Subhadeep , Nath Arghya , Chakraborty Suman Bhusan , Mitra Arkadeep , Gupta Shreyasi
Published: December 2024

Hypoxia‐mediated cardiac tissue injury and its repair or regeneration are one of the major health management challenges globally. Unlike mammals, lower vertebrate species such as zebrafish (Danio rerio) represent a natural model to study cardiac injury, repair and regeneration. Thyroxine (T3) has been hypothesised to be one of the endocrine factors responsible for the evolutionary trade‐off for acquiring endothermy and regenerative capability in higher vertebrates. However, the specific targets of T3 during cardiac repair are still obscure. In this study, cardiac injury was generated in adult zebrafish by acute anaemia‐induced hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) in the presence or absence of exogenous T3 alone or along with 1–850 (inhibitor of T3 receptor) and iopanoic acid (IOA, blocker of T3 release), respectively. A microarray analysis showed that 10,226 gene expression changes in expression across all experimental groups, providing a comprehensive understanding of the cardiac transcriptome. Analysis of 11 candidate genes was conducted using qRT‐PCR and the findings aligned with the microarray data. Histological assessment by Masson's trichrome staining and immunofluorescence studies also corroborated the microarray data. GO enrichment analysis showed noteworthy involvement of T3 in the modulation of genes involved in oxidative stress, cardiac fibrosis, energy metabolism, autophagy, apoptosis and regeneration during the initial repair phase (7 days) of H/R‐damaged cardiac tissue. Overall, this is the first study that presents a holistic picture of cardiac repair and regeneration post H/R injury in zebrafish and the effect of T3 pre‐treatment on it.
Alternative Feeds for Sustainable Aquaculture: A Comprehensive Structured Review
Authors: Rosle Suharmili , Mohd Rahim Mohd Shafry , Agustono Agustono , Hassin Nor Hizami
Published: December 2024

The rising demand for sustainable aquaculture has prompted extensive research into alternative feed ingredients to replace traditional Fish Meal (FM) and Fish Oil (FO), which are linked to environmental and economic challenges. This comprehensive, structured review synthesizes recent advancements in plant and algae-based feeds, probiotics, insect meals, and other novel protein sources for aquaculture. The primary problem addressed is the need for sustainable, cost-effective, and nutritionally adequate alternatives to FM and FO to support the growing aquaculture industry while mitigating ecological impacts. Methodologically, the review encompasses a systematic analysis of peer-reviewed studies published between 2023 and 2024, evaluating the efficacy of various alternative feeds across different fish species. The flow of the study is based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework. Analyzing a comprehensive selection using advanced searching approaches on Scopus and Web of Science discovered (n = 34) final primary data, which were then examined. The findings were divided into three themes: 1) insect-based feeds, 2) plant and algae-based feeds, and 3) alternative protein sources. Key findings reveal that many alternative feeds, including fermented plant meals, microalgae, and insect-based ingredients, promise to maintain or enhance growth performance, improve fish health, and ensure high nutritional quality. Spirulina platensis and Schizochytrium sp. inclusion in aquafeed has been illustrated to be able to enhance growth and antioxidant capacity effectively. At the same time, Black Soldier Fly Meal (BSFM) effectively supports gut health and immune response. The review concludes that while alternative feeds offer substantial benefits, species-specific responses necessitate tailored formulations. Future research should optimize these alternative ingredients, assess long-term effects, and evaluate economic feasibility to fully integrate them into sustainable aquaculture practices. This review highlights the potential of alternative feeds to transform aquaculture into a more sustainable industry, contributing to global food security and environmental conservation.
Can Emotional Intelligence Mediate the Relationship Between Conflict and Conflict Management Style Among Students?
Authors: Abd Aziz Mohd Azreey Shah , Derasol Muhammad Yusof , Hasbullah Rafidah , Mohamed Saleh Baqutayan Shadiya
Published: December 2024

Emotional intelligence (EI) acts as a mediator between conflict and conflict management by influencing how individuals perceive, process, and respond to emotions in conflict situations. The aim of this study was to examine the role of EI in managing the relationship between Conflict and Conflict Management Style (CMS) among postgraduate students of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM). Data was gathered from 80 respondents, but only 42 of them responded to the questionnaire. Standardized scales were used to measure key concepts, and the data was analyzed using descriptive analyses, correlation coefficients, and mean ranking to test the data-model fit. The findings indicate that there may not be a statistically significant relationship between Conflict and CMS (Conflict Management Styles) at the conventional significance level of 0.05. However, the relationship between conflict, emotional intelligence (EI), and conflict management style (CMS) while conflict and emotional intelligence together have a significant impact on CMS, the direct effect of conflict on CMS is not statistically significant when accounting for the influence of emotional intelligence. Thus, this research concludes the importance of emotional intelligence in conflict resolution and suggests that developing emotional intelligence skills may be valuable for improving conflict management strategies for students.
COMPUTATIONAL FLUID DYNAMICS ANALYSIS OF NEW CONCEPT HEAT EXCHANGER FOR OTEC APPLICATION
Authors: Mohd Farid Muhammad Farhan Azwan , Meng Soon Chiong , Mohammad Mahadhir , Soon Chun Mein
Published: December 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of a new concept of heat exchanger for Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) applications. The study utilizes Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations to evaluate the performance of different heat exchanger designs for extracting thermal energy from oceanic sources, specifically using water and R717 liquid. Key performance parameters including cold vapor fraction, temperature difference, and pressure drop are evaluated through a combination of numerical simulations and experimental validations. The analysis of the cold vapor fraction provides insights into evaporation rates and their distribution across multiple prototypes, highlighting the impact of the wetted area on heat transfer effectiveness. The evaluation of temperature differences reveals variations in discharge fluid temperatures, with some prototypes deviating from thermodynamic principles at a default evaporation frequency of 0.1. Various evaporation frequencies are simulated and compared with experimental data to select the optimal frequency for each prototype. The simulations and experiments, conducted under similar conditions, ensure accurate validation despite inconsistencies arising from variations in heat exchanger design and boundary conditions. The performance evaluation demonstrates the effectiveness of the three prototypes, with Prototype 2 achieving the highest effectiveness up to 59% for OTEC applications. The findings contribute to a better understanding of heat exchanger performance in OTEC and provide valuable insights for design optimization and future application development. This paper emphasizes the significance of efficient heat transfer and highlights the potential of ocean thermal energy as a renewable and sustainable resource.
Tachikawa's second conjecture, derived recollements, and gendo-symmetric algebras
Authors: Chen Hongxing , Fang Ming , Xi Changchang
Published: December 2024

Tachikawa's second conjecture for symmetric algebras is shown to be equivalent to indecomposable symmetric algebras not having any nontrivial stratifying ideals. The conjecture is also shown to be equivalent to the supremum of stratified ratios being less than $1$, when taken over all indecomposable symmetric algebras. An explicit construction provides a series of counterexamples to Tachikawa's second conjecture from each (potentially existing) gendo-symmetric algebra that is a counterexample to Nakayama's conjecture. The results are based on establishing recollements of derived categories and on constructing new series of algebras.