bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Energy Saving to Diminish the Electricity Demand by Regulating HVAC System
Authors: Solanki Parmal Singh , Dua Piyush , Ashraf Syed Aqeel
Published: July 2022

Energy saving to diminish the power demand is more important when the substantial increase of electrical tariffs mount financial pressure on monthly budget of the end-users. The higher amount of electricity bill is one of the driving forces to investigate the epicentre of energy consumption at university campus. The objective of the study presented in paper is to test a strategy which could achieve significant reduction in electricity demand and associated bills. The load demand of all buildings and other entities at the campus have analysed using electricity bills of 30 months since 2016 to 2019. From the analysis of collected data, it is observed that HVAC units are responsible for most of electricity consumption at campus. Two split type HVAC units each of 2-ton capacity equipped with rotary compressor have considered in study to measure their energy intakes. Each unit has put in observation for three days with a thermostat setting of 23°C and 25°C. Assuming the similar atmospheric conditions, the HVAC unit at thermostat setting of 25°C has consumed average 147 Watts less power compare to the thermostat setting of 23°C. If the energy saving strategy by regulating set point of thermostat from 23°C to 25°C is deployed to the entire cooling load, it is estimated that hourly 5.33% energy and 0.081 kg of CO2 emission could be saved. This strategy would significantly diminish the electricity bills and support to clean environment. The findings of work are imperative to quantify the significant amount of energy demand reduction at the university campus.
Design and Implementation of PLC based Smart Coffee Maker
Authors: Kamatchi Maharaja , Mendoza Cesar , Venusamy Kanagaraj
Published: July 2022

Automation is preferred in every production and service field to reduce human intervention to achieve high efficiency, reliability and less human effort. In this paper the design of a smart coffee maker is implemented using a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC). The proposed coffee machine includes eight different modes that offer hot drinks ranging from black coffee to white tea depending on the user’s input. Because of its durability and ease of installation and maintenance, the proposed Smart Coffee Maker system includes a PLC controller. Furthermore, the PLC monitors the input on a regular basis, and the actuators utilized in the project, such as the conveyor belt, various valves, and the lamp, are controlled based on the input and custom program downloaded in the PLC to achieve the automation of the coffee making process. Toggle switches are used to select the appropriate mode, while limit switches are used to assure the operation sequence by functioning as a control signal/input to turn the conveyor belt motor ON/OFF. The smart coffee maker technology has been tested in the laboratory and has shown to be effective.
Optimization and Enhancement of Volatile Fatty Acids Biosynthesis via Anaerobic Mesophilic Digestion of Biomass Waste Mixtures
Authors: Mostafa Nagat Abdalla , Abd ElMoez Mohamed Hasan , Monazie Aliaa Mohammad
Published: July 2022

Anaerobic mesophilic batch digestion of lime-pretreated rice straw/chicken manure/ rumen fiber mix was investigated to determine their feasibility as a feedstock to produce volatile fatty acids (VFAs). The influence of solid content (10, 15 & 20%) on the bioreactor performance was studied in batch system. The increase in solid content gave a slight increase in VFAs concentration but higher productivity of 12.1 gL−1d−1. Response surface methodology (RSM) was utilized to optimize the process responses (acid concentration and productivity) using central composite design (face centered) with three coded levels and independent process variables (solid content, and time). Based on the significant predicted mathematical models, the optimum operating parameters for volatile fatty acids production were identified to maximize the acid concentration and the productivity. The optimum values were 20% for solid content at 24 h contact time. The acid concentration and productivity values achieved at this condition were 11.64 g/L and 10.87 gL−1d−1, respectively. So, the two developed mathematical models for both acid concentration and productivity responses have been confirmed the experimental results and can be used to navigate the design space.
Study of electromagnetic radiation from mobile towers near schools and health centers in the Suhar city
Authors: Dua Piyush , ALSaidi Mohammed Saif , Solanki Parmal Singh , Sulaiman Al Maawali Ibrahim Hamdan
Published: July 2022

Mobile information access and communication has become an important segment of modern life. At the same time, people wellbeing is taken into consideration for the safe use of technology. As per Bio-Initiative Report, the existing standards are to be relooked for proper healthy environment. Different countries are adopting different criteria for the limit of the radiation power density within the International Commission on Non-ionizing Radiation Protection limits. For the purpose, administrators and regulators in Sultanate of Oman are taking utmost care according to the guidelines setup by International and National agencies. With the focus to have awareness about the technical requirements to protect the health of the people, especially (kids, pregnant women and patients), the study was done to measure the power density radiated by mobile towers near schools and health centers within Suhar using the “Spectran” handheld analyzer for GSM 900 MHz range with maximum distance 250 meters within the study area. It was found that the measured power density decreases as the distance of point of measurement is increased. On all the measurement points the power density was well below the recommended range from ICNIRP infers the safe use the communication devices under the present conditions.
Municipal Solid Waste-to-Energy-Facility to Advance Circular Economy: A Case Study in the City of Spokane, Washington
Authors: Das Tapas K. , Peters Robert W. , Aljaradin Mohammad
Published: July 2022

The development of technologies for processing residual solid mixed waste has only become a focus of attention stimulated by the search for more efficient energy sources. The majority of municipal solid waste (MSW) is of biological origin (biogenic). Typically, half of the energy content in MSW is from biogenic material. Consequently, this energy is often considered renewable energy according to the waste input, and as a result, the energy yields and profit generated can be accounted for in the circular economy. Waste-to-Energy (WtE) processes can play a role in the transition to a “circular economy” provided that a country’s waste hierarchy is used as a guiding principle and that the choices made do encourage and reward higher levels of waste minimization, reuse, remanufacturing, refurbishing, and recycling. In conclusion, both Waste to Energy and landfill biogas recovery systems are credited for their respective recovered energy and revenue generation while managing MSW disposal using best management practices and in an environmentally sustainable manner.
Over-grazing in the Dhofar Mountain Region: A Major Sustainability Challenge
Authors: Hussein Muawya Ahmed , Sid Ahmed Hanaa Mahmoud , Moosa Sanyo
Published: July 2022

Pastoral systems are over-utilised in many countries due to population growth, land monotony, reconstruction, marketization and climate change. In Oman, particularly in the Dhofar Mountains, people are concerned about the social and environmental sustainability of pastoralism because the mountain chains, located in the south of Oman, have long been regarded as one of the best agricultural areas in the country. Overgrazing in the Dhofar Mountains due to a significant increase in the number of domestic livestock poses a threat to the environment. The main objective of this study is to conduct a systematic investigation of the socioeconomic factors affecting the Dhofar Mountain area and how this contributes to the challenges of sustainability, with emphasis on overgrazing and land degradation. A number of social scientific tools, such as focus groups and questionnaires, are being used to examine the social, economic and environmental factors of overgrazing. Results show that overgrazing and expansion in residential buildings have a positive influence on degradation of natural pastures. One of the crucial challenges that socio-ecological systems of mountains are experiencing is that strategies and policies aimed at reducing overgrazing are issued by policy makers residing outside the mountains. To address this challenge, native community stakeholders must have the ability to solve problems and make decisions. The local government should invest in marketing and animal production as an experiment that locals can replicate.
Wear behaviour of aluminium alloy 5083/SiC/fly ash inoculants based functional composites – optimization studies
Authors: Santhosh N , Praveena B A , Chandrashekar A , Mohanavel V , Raghavendra S , Basheer Dadapeer
Published: July 2022

The wear characteristics of Aluminium AA 5083/SiC/Fly Ash functional composites under different load conditions are an important aspect to assess the inoculation of Fly Ash for enhancing the functionality of the aluminium composites with respect to its tribological behaviour and its influence on wear properties. The present work is majorly aimed at the development of AA 5083/SiC functional composites inoculated with Fly Ash using stir casting method for different blends of the reinforcements (2.5, 5 & 7.5 wt%). The novelty of this research is majorly attributed to the incorporation of functional inoculants in the form of Fly Ash, which along with the SiC is bound to influence the tribological characteristics of the composites. The wear characteristics of these fabricated composites have been investigated considering various process parameters viz., the load, sliding distance, sliding velocity, wt% of SiC and wt% of Fly Ash, based on the operational requirements of the composites in real time considered from the earlier research studies and the influence of each parameter on the wear rate is discussed. Based on the different wear regimes obtained after characterization of the samples at different load conditions, Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) is carried out for each blend of the samples to statistically validate the experimental outcomes. The results have given sufficient substantiation to the fact that wear rate decreases with the inoculation. The wear rate and coefficient of friction (COF) is minimum viz., 0.00095 mm3/m, and 0.301 respectively for L9 experimental trial, i.e., for the composite specimens synthesized by reinforcing 7.5 wt% SiC, and 7.5 wt% Fly Ash for a load of 20 N, sliding velocity of 6 m s−1, and a sliding distance of 3000 m. The results have conferred that micro segregation (coring) of SiC and uniform dispersion of Fly Ash in the matrix enhances its tribological characteristics.
Performance of clutched inerter damper for base-isolated structures under near-fault motions
Authors: Barkale Shubham , Jangid R S
Published: July 2022

The performance of the supplemental clutched inerter damper (CID) for the base-isolated multi-story structures subjected to near-fault earthquakes is investigated. The isolation system is considered as lead-rubber bearings with bi-linear characteristics and viscous damping. The resisting force of the CID is proportional to the relative acceleration between two terminals under the attached condition and zero when detached. The governing equations of motion of base-isolated structure and the CID are derived and solved using numerical techniques under seven near-fault ground motions data. The variation of peak bearing displacement, top floor absolute acceleration, total base shear, and the CID force is plotted against the inertance mass ratio of the CID. The above peak responses were also analyzed for different values of damping, period of isolation, yield strength of LRB, and superstructure stories. Application of the CID is observed to effectively facilitate the reduction in bearing displacement while the combined effect of isolation and the CID prevents the top floor acceleration to shoot up. The optimum value of inertance mass ratio is also determined by minimizing the total base shear which is the measure of equivalent lateral force on the structure. The optimum inertance lies in the range of 35%–45% of the total mass of the isolated building under near-fault motions. In addition, the performance of the CID base-isolated structure subjected to cycloidal pulses is also investigated. It is observed that the CID is quite effective in controlling the displacement of the isolation system under cycloidal pulses.
Estimating global demand for land-based transportation services using the shared socioeconomic pathways scenario framework
Authors: Nkiriki Joan , Jaramillo Paulina , Williams Nathan , Davis Alex , Armanios Daniel Erian
Published: July 2022

The global demand for transportation is growing owing to accelerated socioeconomic development worldwide. If the current modes of transportation, consisting mostly of personal internal combustion engine vehicles, dominate this growth, greenhouse gas emissions will rise and worsen the climate crisis. A key empirical challenge in understanding the barriers and opportunities for low-carbon transportation systems in developing countries is the lack of demand data. Because existing country-specific transport demand models focus on countries with robust historical datasets, it has been difficult to estimate the service demand for developing countries. To address this limitation, we develop a log–log regression model linking socioeconomic variables with demand for land-based passenger and freight transport services. Using socioeconomic data from the shared socioeconomic pathways (SSPs) developed for climate analysis, we then produce scenario-based estimates for land-based transportation services for 179 countries around the world. The global average annual land-based passenger demand growth rate ranges between 1.3% and 4.1%, while the annual growth rate for land-based freight demand ranges between 3.1% and 3.6% across the 30 years between 2020 and 2050. Middle-income countries in Asia such as India and China, show the highest expected transport demand across all scenarios. Meanwhile, the results suggest that low-income countries in the sub-Saharan African region are likely to experience the largest growth in demand for passenger and freight transport services. These two trends come together at an inflection point around the year 2030. Prior to 2030, the transport demand was the highest in East Asia. After 2030, there is an ascendancy in transport demand in South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, whereby the cumulative demand share of these two regions reaches near parity with that of East Asia by 2050. Sustainably meeting this growing demand will require the adoption of data-driven transport planning tools and leveraging cross-linkages across other energy sectors such as electricity.
Public Governance and Technological Capabilities in the Kenyan Leather Industry
Authors: Pasquali Giovanni , De Marchi Valentina
Published: July 2022

This article focuses on small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Kenya’s leather sector. It explores how public governance impacts SMEs’ technological capabilities and access to global value chains (GVCs). By public governance, we mean all government regulations and interventions set in place to shape the organization of value chains. Drawing on interview data, the article compares Kenya’s leather handbag and footwear manufacturers. On the one hand, handbag SMEs have succeeded in upgrading and entering GVCs through a combination of foreign knowledge and partnership with local universities. Despite meeting with public governance barriers, this process has enabled the transfer of technological capabilities from foreign-owned firms to a number of emerging SMEs owned by Kenyan nationals. On the other hand, leather footwear production was developed during the 1970s by large firms under state support. As protectionist measures were lifted in the 1990s, firms shut down and producers moved into the informal economy, replicating outdated capabilities in a context of price-driven competition, thereby limiting upgrading and participation in GVCs. The article concludes by comparing these findings with the experience of Kenya’s apparel manufacturers and highlighting the critical need for GVC research to account for the role of public governance in shaping firms’ technological capabilities and access to global markets.
Selective corticofugal modulation on sound processing in auditory thalamus of awake marmosets
Authors: Wang Xiaohui , Zhang Yuanqing , Zhu Lin , Bai Siyi , Li Rui , Sun Hao , Qi Runze , Cai Ruolan , Li Min , Jia Guoqiang , Cao Xinyuan , Schriver Kenneth E , Li Xinjian , Gao Lixia
Published: July 2022

Cortical feedback has long been considered crucial for the modulation of sensory perception and recognition. However, previous studies have shown varying modulatory effects of the primary auditory cortex (A1) on the auditory response of subcortical neurons, which complicate interpretations regarding the function of A1 in sound perception and recognition. This has been further complicated by studies conducted under different brain states. In the current study, we used cryo-inactivation in A1 to examine the role of corticothalamic feedback on medial geniculate body (MGB) neurons in awake marmosets. The primary effects of A1 inactivation were a frequency-specific decrease in the auditory response of most MGB neurons coupled with an increased spontaneous firing rate, which together resulted in a decrease in the signal-to-noise ratio. In addition, we report for the first time that A1 robustly modulated the long-lasting sustained response of MGB neurons, which changed the frequency tuning after A1 inactivation, e.g. some neurons are sharper with corticofugal feedback and some get broader. Taken together, our results demonstrate that corticothalamic modulation in awake marmosets serves to enhance sensory processing in a manner similar to center-surround models proposed in visual and somatosensory systems, a finding which supports common principles of corticothalamic processing across sensory systems.
Exorbitant privilege and compulsory duty: the two faces of the financialised IMS
Authors: Carneiro Ricardo , De Conti Bruno
Published: July 2022

Aiming at analysing the constraints to economic development, the article takes as reference the classic Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) approach to centre–periphery relations and seeks to update it from two points of view: adding the new historical context of the financialisation of capitalism and highlighting the new format and operation of the International Monetary System (IMS). The article’s objective is thus analysing the effects of financialisation on the IMS, emphasising the hierarchies of this system and its consequences for the economic dynamic of centre and peripheral countries. The main hypothesis is that financialisation has produced changes in cross-border capital flows, but also – and chiefly – in the ‘nature’ of the key-currency of the IMS. As a consequence, the exorbitant privilege of the reserve currency issuing country reaches a paroxysm, while peripheral countries are victims of a ‘compulsory duty’.
Spacemake: processing and analysis of large-scale spatial transcriptomics data
Authors: Sztanka-Toth Tamas Ryszard , Jens Marvin , Karaiskos Nikos , Rajewsky Nikolaus
Published: July 2022

Background

Spatial sequencing methods increasingly gain popularity within RNA biology studies. State-of-the-art techniques quantify messenger RNA expression levels from tissue sections and at the same time register information about the original locations of the molecules in the tissue. The resulting data sets are processed and analyzed by accompanying software that, however, is incompatible across inputs from different technologies.

Findings

Here, we present spacemake, a modular, robust, and scalable spatial transcriptomics pipeline built in Snakemake and Python. Spacemake is designed to handle all major spatial transcriptomics data sets and can be readily configured for other technologies. It can process and analyze several samples in parallel, even if they stem from different experimental methods. Spacemake's unified framework enables reproducible data processing from raw sequencing data to automatically generated downstream analysis reports. Spacemake is built with a modular design and offers additional functionality such as sample merging, saturation analysis, and analysis of long reads as separate modules. Moreover, spacemake employs novoSpaRc to integrate spatial and single-cell transcriptomics data, resulting in increased gene counts for the spatial data set. Spacemake is open source and extendable, and it can be seamlessly integrated with existing computational workflows.
Genome-wide SNPs reveal fine-scale genetic structure in ornate spiny lobster Panulirus ornatus throughout Indo-West Pacific Ocean
Authors: Farhadi Ahmad , Pichlmueller Florian , Yellapu Bhargavi , Lavery Shane , Jeffs Andrew
Published: July 2022

Genome-wide, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) typing can improve the management of valuable marine species by delineating finer scale population structure compared with traditional markers. This approach was applied to the spiny lobster, Panulirus ornatus distributed in the Indo-West Pacific and is one of the most highly valuable seafood products in the world. A total of 3008 SNPs was generated from DArTseq sequencing of 224 lobsters sampled at 13 locations across the Indo-Pacific. SNPs revealed a highly significant genetic structure among samples (analysis of molecular variance FST = 0.046). Pairwise genetic comparison showed significant differences among the majority of sampling locations. Outlier loci (including an outlier SNP mapped to the CASc gene with different allele frequencies among sampling locations) revealed highly significant pairwise differentiation, especially a genetic break between regional populations in northern Australia and South East Asia. Significant pairwise differences in outliers among sampling locations, even over small geographic scales, suggest a possible role of local adaptation on the population structure. Genetic differences identified among samples from northern Australia and South East Asia are sufficient to refute the single-stock hypothesis proposed using conventional genetic markers. The results of genome-level SNPs identify five management units across the species’ range, with significant implications for the future fisheries management and aquaculture development of this species.
Prevalence and factors associated with treatment and control of hypertension among adults with hypertension in Myanmar
Authors: Haung Ze , Hong Seo Ah
Published: July 2022

Background

Due to a dearth in the number of studies conducted in low- and middle-income countries, this study aimed to identify the prevalence and determinants of the treatment and control of hypertension among patients with hypertension in Myanmar.

Methods

This community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 410 adults who were registered for hypertensive treatment in health centers in Myitkyina Township, Kachin State, Myanmar. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify the associated factors.

Results

The prevalence of treatment and control of hypertension was 48.1% and 20.5%, respectively. The factors associated with treatment were age (OR=2.60 for 46–60 y and OR=2.29 for 61–70 y compared with 30–45 y), ethnicity (OR=1.87), monthly family income (OR=1.90), comorbidity (OR=2.33), knowledge (OR=2.63) and adherence to physical activity (OR=1.86). Controlled hypertension was associated with age (OR=3.03 for 46–60 y and OR=2.27 for 61–70 y compared with 30–45 y), education (OR=1.81), comorbidity (OR=1.67) and adherence to medication (OR=3.45).

Conclusions

The prevalence of treated and controlled hypertension was relatively low in this study. To improve the prevalence of hypertension treatment and control in this study population, effective and culturally sensitive intervention programs under universal health coverage should be established with an emphasis on individuals with lower educational attainment and younger ages.
Talk from the Top: Leadership and Self-Legitimation in International Organizations
Authors: von Billerbeck Sarah
Published: July 2022

How do leaders create legitimacy in international organizations (IOs)? It is widely acknowledged that legitimacy matters to IOs, but little research examines internal self-legitimation—the creation of legitimacy for staff, rather than for external audiences—and who specifically undertakes these self-legitimation activities in IOs. This paper fills these gaps by examining the particular role of leaders in self-legitimation and I develop a theoretical framework that shows (1) how leaders have a unique role to play as legitimators due to their high social status within the IO and their access to discursive resources for legitimation, (2) how leaders create internal legitimacy through the introduction or reintroduction of narratives and the creation of self-referential language, and (3) how leader-led self-legitimation entails three potential risks. I illustrate these points with three case studies, one from the World Bank and two from the United Nations. I conclude by proposing a new research agenda for this underexplored area of IO and legitimacy scholarship.
Acute abdomen in a known case of sigmoid cancer and review of Laplace Law: a case report
Authors: AlImam Ali , AlKhateeb Omar
Published: July 2022

In this case, we discuss a case of young female patient was admitted with acute abdomen after a week since the diagnosis of a metastatic colon cancer. The case prompts the revision of Laplace Law, which can be grossly proven on the specimen shown below. The patient presented with a peculiar nontender distended acute abdomen, which further explains the pathophysiology of perforation and peritonitis. This case also produces evidence of colorectal cancer present in the younger population allowing more room for investigating other factors causing it.
Arabidopsis flowering integrator SOC1 transcriptionally regulates autophagy in response to long-term carbon starvation
Authors: Li Xibao , Liao Jun , Bai Haiyan , Bei Jieying , Li Kailin , Luo Ming , Shen Wenjin , Yang Chao , Gao Caiji
Published: July 2022

Autophagy is a highly conserved, self-digestion process that is essential for plant adaptations to various environmental stresses. Although the core components of autophagy in plants have been well established, the molecular basis for its transcriptional regulation remains to be fully characterized. In this study, we demonstrate that SUPPRESSOR OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS1 (SOC1), a MADS-box family transcription factor that determines flowering transition in Arabidopsis, functions as a transcriptional repressor of autophagy. EMSAs, ChIP-qPCR assays, and dual-luciferase receptor assays showed that SOC1 can bind to the promoters of ATG4b, ATG7, and ATG18c via the conserved CArG box. qRT-PCR analysis showed that the three ATG genes ATG4b, ATG7, and ATG18c were up-regulated in the soc1-2 mutant. In line with this, the mutant also displayed enhanced autophagy activity, as revealed by increased autophagosome formation and elevated autophagic flux compared with the wild type. More importantly, SOC1 negatively affected the tolerance of plants to long-term carbon starvation, and this process requires a functional autophagy pathway. Finally, we found that SOC1 was repressed upon carbon starvation at both the transcriptional and protein levels. Overall, our study not only uncovers an important transcriptional mechanism that contributes to the regulation of plant autophagy in response to nutrient starvation, but also highlights novel cellular functions of the flowering integrator SOC1.
A Promiscuity Locus Confers Lotus burttii Nodulation with Rhizobia from Five Different Genera
Authors: Zarrabian Mohammad , Montiel Jesús , Sandal Niels , Ferguson Shaun , Jin Haojie , Lin Yen-Yu , Klingl Verena , Marín Macarena , James Euan K. , Parniske Martin , Stougaard Jens , Andersen Stig U.
Published: July 2022

Legumes acquire access to atmospheric nitrogen through nitrogen fixation by rhizobia in root nodules. Rhizobia are soil-dwelling bacteria and there is a tremendous diversity of rhizobial species in different habitats. From the legume perspective, host range is a compromise between the ability to colonize new habitats, in which the preferred symbiotic partner may be absent, and guarding against infection by suboptimal nitrogen fixers. Here, we investigate natural variation in rhizobial host range across Lotus species. We find that Lotus burttii is considerably more promiscuous than Lotus japonicus, represented by the Gifu accession, in its interactions with rhizobia. This promiscuity allows Lotus burttii to form nodules with Mesorhizobium, Rhizobium, Sinorhizobium, Bradyrhizobium, and Allorhizobium species that represent five distinct genera. Using recombinant inbred lines, we have mapped the Gifu/ burttii promiscuity quantitative trait loci (QTL) to the same genetic locus regardless of rhizobial genus, suggesting a general genetic mechanism for symbiont-range expansion. The Gifu/ burttii QTL now provides an opportunity for genetic and mechanistic understanding of promiscuous legume-rhizobia interactions.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2022 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY 4.0 International license .
Evaluation of the AmplifyRP XRT+ Kit for the Detection of Xylella fastidiosa by Recombinase Polymerase Amplification
Authors: Cesbron Sophie , Dupas Enora , Jacques Marie-Agnès
Published: July 2022

Xylella fastidiosa is a quarantine priority pest in Europe and several other countries as it represents a major threat to many cultivated and wild plants. Early detection of the pathogen is needed to reduce potential losses and to stop the bacterial dissemination. Very few molecular methods are available for rapid field detection to identify the pathogen. Here, we evaluated a new rapid commercial detection test called AmplifyRP, based on molecular recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA). The AmplifyRP test was compared with the quantitative PCR (qPCR) Harper's assay, which represents the standard method used in most laboratories all over the world. Specificity was tested in vitro on a panel of target and nontarget strains. Additionally, the sensitivity of the RPA test was tested on X. fastidiosa genomic DNA, and the selectivity was compared between different host plant matrices spiked with X. fastidiosa cell suspensions. Although the qPCR assay showed a higher sensitivity than the RPA test, the latter appeared to be a very specific, rapid, and portable technique for which no skills are required to proceed. These findings should enable growers and inspectors to choose an appropriate diagnostic method.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Nursing Faculty Resilience During a Time of Disruption and Change
Authors: Hampton Debra , Hardin-Fanning Fran , Hensley Angie , Culp-Roche Amanda , Wilson Jessica L. , Thaxton-Wiggins Amanda
Published: July 2022

Assessing the resilience level of nursing faculty during a time of unprecedented change in nursing education was the focus of this study. A descriptive cross-sectional survey that incorporated demographic data and the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale was used. Participants (n = 78) had an average resilience score of 32.6. No correlation was found between resilience and demographic variables such as age, years of teaching experience, and type of nursing program. Resilience is important because it helps faculty assimilate various protective factors and persist during times of rapid change.
Management of adverse reactions induced by chemotherapy drugs
Authors: Abreu Daniela Brandão , Cernadas Josefina Rodrigues
Published: July 2022

Purpose of review

There is a broad spectrum of chemotherapy-induced adverse reactions. Hypersensitivity reactions are being extensively studied as they can affect the ideal treatment. The goal of this review is to describe the current management of adverse reactions to chemotherapy, focusing on hypersensitivity events.

Recent findings

The range of possible desensitization protocols is increasing, as well as the delabeling algorithms and diagnostic tools. One-bag desensitization protocols, omalizumab use in immediate hypersensitivity reactions, slow desensitization protocols in nonimmediate hypersensitivity reactions and standardization of skin tests for platinum drugs, are some examples.

The handling of adverse reactions to chemotherapy is evolving, with the increasing identification of hypersensitivity reactions and the development of strategies for their management, to maintain the culprit drug.
Projected Implications of Overturning Roe v Wade on Abortion Training in U.S. Obstetrics and Gynecology Residency Programs
Authors: Vinekar Kavita , Karlapudi Aishwarya , Nathan Lauren , Turk Jema K. , Rible Radhika , Steinauer Jody
Published: July 2022

In June 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to issue a decision on Dobbs v Jackson Women's Health Organization, a direct challenge to Roe v Wade. A detailed policy analysis by the Guttmacher Institute projects that, if Roe v Wade is overturned, 21 states are certain to ban abortion and five states are likely to ban abortion. The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education requires access to abortion training for all obstetrics and gynecology residency programs. We performed a comprehensive study of all accredited U.S. obstetrics and gynecology residency programs to assess how many of these programs and trainees are currently located in states projected to ban abortion if Roe v Wade is overturned. We found that, of 286 accredited obstetrics and gynecology residency programs with current residents, 128 (44.8%) are in states certain or likely to ban abortion if Roe v Wade is overturned. Therefore, of 6,007 current obstetrics and gynecology residents, 2,638 (43.9%) are certain or likely to lack access to in-state abortion training. Preparation for the reversal of Roe v Wade should include not only a recognition of the negative effects on patient access to abortion care in affected states, but also of the dramatic implications for obstetrics and gynecology residency training.
Ohio Abortion Regulations and Ethical Dilemmas for Obstetrician–Gynecologists
Authors: Field Meredith P. , Gyuras Hillary , Bessett Danielle , Pensak Meredith J. , Norris Alison H. , McGowan Michelle L.
Published: July 2022

OBJECTIVE:

To analyze obstetrician–gynecologists' (ob-gyns’) experiences with, and perspectives on, how Ohio's abortion-restrictive regulatory landscape affects their health care practices.

METHODS:

Between 2019 and 2020, we conducted qualitative interviews and focus groups with ob-gyns (N=35) who had practiced in Ohio for at least 6 months between 2010 and 2020. Discussions were recorded, transcribed, coded, and analyzed thematically using ATLAS.ti software.

RESULTS:

Participants perceived Ohio abortion regulations affecting their practice in three key ways: abortion regulations framed abortion and physicians who provide abortion as separate and distinct from other medical practices and physicians; many institutional interpretations of abortion regulations undermined physician expertise and professional autonomy; and the constellation of abortion regulations, institutional interpretations, physicians' trepidation, and their perceived inability to exercise clinical judgment worked together to limit abortion access and increase risks to patients' lives and health. The combined factors left participants feeling distraught that they were unable to practice medicine in an ethical and compassionate manner.

CONCLUSION:

Ohio abortion regulations limit ob-gyns' ability to provide comprehensive reproductive health care, creating ethical dilemmas for these physicians as they attempt to care for their patients. As Ohio's abortion laws increase in number and restrictiveness, they further undermine obstetric and gynecologic ethical practice guidelines. However, medical institutions play a key role in determining abortion provision in Ohio; through their interpretation of the law, institutions can demonstrate support or further limit ob-gyns’ ability to exercise clinical judgment and provide ethical, compassionate care to their patients. Considerable work remains to bring Ohio's abortion regulations, institutional interpretations, and physician practices into alignment with professional clinical practice and ethics guidelines.
Extradural Contralateral Ventral Root Transfer to Treat Lower Limb Motor Dysfunction in Paraplegia
Authors: Chang Jie , Cao Jiang , Wu Chaoqin , Zhang Sheng , Wang Binyu , Cao Xiaojian , Sui Tao
Published: July 2022

Study Design.

Eight cadavers were included in this anatomical study.

Objective.

This study aimed to confirm the anatomical feasibility of extradural transfer of the contralateral T11 ventral root (VR) to the ipsilateral L2 level and the contralateral L1 VR to the ipsilateral L3 level to restore lower limb function in cases of paraplegia.

Summary of Background Data.

Motor dysfunction due to hemiplegia significantly affects the daily life of patients. To date, unlike in cases of upper limb dysfunction, there are few studies on the surgical management of lower limb movement dysfunction.

Materials and Methods.

Eight cadavers were included in this study to confirm the feasibility of the nerve transfer. After separating the VR and dorsal root at each level, the VRs at the T11 and L1 levels were anastomosed with the VRs of L2 and L3, respectively. The length of the VRs of donor roots and the distance between the donor and recipient nerves were measured. H&E staining was performed to verify the number of axons and the cross-sectional area of the VRs. Lumbar x-rays of 60 healthy adults were used to measure the distance between the donor and recipient nerves.

Results.

After exposing the bilateral extradural each root, the VRs could be easily isolated from the whole root. The distance between the VRs of T11 and L2, L1, and L3 was significantly longer than the length of the donor nerve. Therefore, the sural nerve was used for grafting. The measurements performed on the lumbar x-rays of the 60 healthy adults confirmed the results. The number of axons and cross-sectional area of the VRs were measured.

Conclusion.

Our study confirmed the anatomical feasibility of transferring the VRs of T11 to L2 and that of L1 to L3 to restore lower limb function in cases of hemiplegia.

Level of Evidence.

5.
Racially Focused LGBQ Pride Events: The Promotion of Psychological Wellbeing Among Cisgender LGBQ People of Color
Authors: Curtis Michael G.
Published: July 2022

Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and queer/questioning people of color (LGBQ POC) are disproportionately more likely to experience issues related to their mental health when compared to their White counterparts. In spite of this persistent mental health disparity, few studies have been dedicated to identifying mental health-related promotive factors among LGBQ POC adults. The current study examined the extent to which attending LGBQ POC Pride events (e. g., Black Pride Festival) was associated with cisgender LGBQ POC’s psychological wellbeing. I hypothesized that attendance would be positively associated with psychological well-being due to the unique sociocultural resources offered at these events. I further hypothesized that participants’ racial/ethnic identity or gender would modulate these effects. Hypotheses were tested using multiple linear regression with data from the 2013 Social Justice Sexuality Project (n = 2,486). Attending LGBQ POC Pride events was positively associated with cisgender LGBQ POC’s psychological wellbeing. Post hoc multigroup analysis indicated that participants’ racial/ethnic identity or gender did not moderate these effects. Findings suggest that attending racially focused LGBQ Pride events may offer cisgender LGBQ POC’s unique psychological resources that are not provided by general LGBQ Pride events.

Public Health Significance

LGBQ people of color (POC) are a multiply marginalized population vulnerable to increased levels of psychological distress that is unquietly different from their White LGBQ counterparts. Findings suggest that increasing the prevalence of racially focused Pride events may contribute to the psychological wellbeing of LGBQ POC.
Community-orientated primary health care: exploring the interface between community health worker programmes, the health system and communities in South Africa
Authors: Malatji Hlologelo , Griffiths Frances , Goudge Jane
Published: July 2022

Due to insufficient number of health workers in low- and middle-income countries, and the evidence of the benefits of community health workers (CHWs), CHWs are being deployed to provide health care services to under-served communities. In this article, we explore to what extent a nation-wide CHW programme in South Africa is attuned to community needs, integrated into the healthcare system and community structures, and also implemented in accordance with community-orientated primary health care principles. Using a case study approach, the study was conducted in seven primary healthcare facilities located in semi-urban and rural areas of Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces, South Africa. We collected data using in-depth interviews involving facility managers, CHW supervisors and community representatives, and focus groups and observations of CHWs. The implementation of community-orientated community worker programmes remains complex. In the different sites we studied, there were efforts to integrate the views of stakeholders (e.g., political leaders) into the implementation of the programmes. However, many residents were more concerned about access to housing that health services delivery issues. The CHW services’ were found to be generally comprehensive, however inefficient training, supervision and mentorship limited their effectiveness. The multidisciplinary approach to care, as introduced by some sites, helped enhance the knowledge and skills of some of the CHWs on complex health topics. The roll out of community orientated primary health care services is crucial in a resource constrained setting like South Africa. Significant socio-economic issues are barriers to community involvement and the effective provision of services. Governments need to provide sufficient funds for training, supervision, supplies and remuneration to help overcome these barriers.
Views of American Democracy and Society and Support for Political Violence: First Report from a Nationwide Population-Representative Survey
Authors: Wintemute Garen J. , Robinson Sonia , Crawford Andrew , Schleimer Julia P. , Barnhorst Amy , Chaplin Vicka , Tancredi Daniel , Tomsich Elizabeth A. , Pear Veronica A.
Published: July 2022

Background

Several social trends in the United States (US) suggest an increasing risk for political violence. Little is known about support for and personal willingness to engage in political violence and how those measures vary with lethality of violence, specific circumstances, or specific populations as targets.

Design, Setting, Participants

Cross-sectional nationwide survey conducted May 13 to June 2, 2022; participants were adult members of the Ipsos KnowledgePanel.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Weighted, population-representative proportions endorsing an array of beliefs about American democracy and society and the use of violence, including political violence, and extrapolations to the US adult population.

Results

The analytic sample included 8,620 respondents; 50.6% (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 49.4%, 51.7%) were female; mean (SD) age was 48.4 (18.0) years. Two-thirds of respondents (67.2%, 95% CI 66.1%, 68.4%) perceived “a serious threat to our democracy,” but more than 40% agreed that “having a strong leader for America is more important than having a democracy” and that “in America, native-born white people are being replaced by immigrants.” Half (50.1%) agreed that “in the next few years, there will be civil war in the United States.” Among 6,768 respondents who considered violence to be at least sometimes justified to achieve 1 or more specific political objectives, 12.2% were willing to commit political violence themselves “to threaten or intimidate a person,” 10.4% “to injure a person,” and 7.1% “to kill a person.” Among all respondents, 18.5% thought it at least somewhat likely that within the next few years, in a situation where they believed political violence was justified, “I will be armed with a gun”; 4.0% thought it at least somewhat likely that “I will shoot someone with a gun.”

Conclusions and Relevance

Coupled with prior research, these findings suggest a continuing alienation from and mistrust of American democratic society and its institutions. Substantial minorities of the population endorse violence, including lethal violence, to obtain political objectives. Efforts to prevent that violence, which a large majority of Americans already reject, should proceed rapidly based on the best evidence available. Further research will inform future prevention efforts.
SARS-CoV-2 oral tablet vaccination induces neutralizing mucosal IgA in a phase 1 open label trial
Authors: Johnson Susan , Martinez Clarissa I , Jegede Clara B , Gutierrez Samanta , Cortese Mario , Martinez C Josefina , Garg Shaily J , Peinovich Nadine , Dora Emery G , Tucker Sean N
Published: July 2022

Background

Despite the plethora of efficacious vaccines to the initial Wuhan strain of SARS-CoV-2, these do not induce robust mucosal immunity, offering limited protection against breakthrough infection and replication in the respiratory tract. The mucosa is the first line of defense, therefore a vaccine that induces a mucosal IgA response could be an important strategy in curbing the global pandemic.

Methods

We conducted a single-site, dose-ranging, open-label clinical trial of an oral SARS-CoV-2 vaccine to determine safety and immunogenicity. This tablet vaccine is comprised of a non-replicating adenoviral vector expressing the SARS-CoV-2 Spike and Nucleocapsid genes and a double-stranded RNA adjuvant. 35 adult subjects meeting inclusion/exclusion criteria received a single low (1×1010 IU) or high (5×1010 IU) dose and 5 subjects received two low doses. Nasal, saliva and serum samples were assessed for the presence of IgA, IgG and surrogate neutralizing antibodies. Convalescent subjects between 1-8 months post infection were recruited to give nasal, saliva, and serum samples for comparison.

Results

The vaccine was well tolerated without any dose-limiting toxicity observed. No serum neutralizing antibodies were observed, but modest IgA responses were seen in serum post immunization. The majority of vaccine recipients had an increase in mucosal secretory IgA which was highly cross-reactive against all coronaviruses tested and persisted up to 360 days. Furthermore, the nasal IgA induced by vaccination has superior neutralizing activity compared to convalescent nasal samples.

Conclusion

The vaccine was safe, well tolerated and generated mucosal immune responses including cross-reactive surrogate neutralizing secretory IgA. These results demonstrate the ability of a mucosal vaccine to induce long-lasting mucosal IgA to SARS-CoV-2.

Graphical Abstract