bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psychometrics validation of the Chinese version of social support for exercise scale among adolescents in China
Authors: Yao Liying , Zhou Ke , Zhou Yanli , Kueh Yee Cheng , Xu Tingyu , Pan Mingzhu , Majeed Anwar P. P. Abdul , Liu Zhongbiao , Kuan Garry
Published: June 2024

Physical activity (PA) is widely recognized as crucial for human health, yet the low level of PA in adolescents continues to raise major concerns. This study aims to validate the Chinese version of the Social Support Scale for Exercise (SE) and establish its reliability among Chinese adolescents. A cross-sectional study was conducted on two primary and two secondary schools in central China. Students were recruited using a random cluster sampling method, and written informed consent was provided after they were briefed on the purpose of the study. The standard forward-backward translation was applied to translate the English version of the SE into Chinese. The Social Support Scale used in this study consists of two factors: family support and friend support. Data were analyzed using Mplus 8 for the CFA, composite reliability (CR), average variance extracted (AVE), and intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated. A total of 1422 students (boys = 838, girls = 604) with a mean age of 11 years (SD = 1.6) participated in the study. The measurement model of the translated social support scale fit the data well: CFI = .935; TLI = .929; SRMR = .038; RMSEA = .053, with a 90% confidence interval of (.051, .056; RMSEA p < .001). The composite reliability values of .935 for family support and .948 for friend support were acceptable. The intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC) based on test-retest were .928 for family support, and .904 for friend support. Hence, the Chinese version of the SE was valid and reliable, its implementation will provide researchers with a valuable tool to comprehensively assess Chinese adolescents’ exercise-related social support and help develop targeted and effective interventions to improve their physical activity levels.
Renewable energy as a solution to climate change: Insights from a comprehensive study across nations
Authors: Attanayake Keshani , Wickramage Isuru , Samarasinghe Udul , Ranmini Yasangi , Ehalapitiya Sandali , Jayathilaka Ruwan , Yapa Shanta
Published: June 2024

Without fundamentally altering how humans generate and utilise energy, there is no effective strategy to safeguard the environment. The motivation behind this study was to analyse the effectiveness of renewable energy in addressing climate change, as it is one of the most pressing global issues. This study involved the analysis of panel data covering 138 nations over a 27 year period, from 1995 to 2021, making it the latest addition to the existing literature. We examined the extent of the impact of renewable energy on carbon dioxide over time using panel, linear, and non-linear regression approaches. The results of our analysis, revealed that the majority of countries with the exception of Canada, exhibited a downward trend, underscoring the potential of increasing renewable energy consumption as an effective method to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and combat climate change. Furthermore, to reduce emissions and combat climate change, it is advisable for nations with the highest carbon dioxide emissions to adopt and successfully transition to renewable energy sources.
Implementation of Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation after rectal cancer surgery: A qualitative study guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR)
Authors: Bosch N. M. , Kalkdijk-Dijkstra A. J. , Broens P. M. A. , van Westreenen H. L. , Pierie J. P. E. N. , Klarenbeek B. R. , van der Heijden J. A. G. ,   on behalf of the FORCE trial group
Published: June 2024

Background

Pelvic Floor Rehabilitation (PFR) is effective in a selection of patients with low anterior resection syndrome (LARS) after rectal cancer surgery. This study aimed to identify barriers and enablers to prepare for successful implementation into clinical practice.

Methods

A qualitative study was performed, guided by the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR). Individual interviews (n = 27) and two focus groups were conducted to synthesize the perspectives of rectal cancer patients, pelvic floor (PF) physiotherapists, and medical experts.

Results

Barriers were found to be the absence of guidelines about LARS treatment, underdeveloped network care, suboptimal patient information, and expectation management upfront to PFR. Financial status is frequently a barrier because insurance companies do not always reimburse PFR. Enablers were the current level of evidence for PFR, the positive relationship between patients and PF physiotherapists, and the level of self-motivation by patients.

Conclusion

The factors identified in our study play a crucial role in ensuring a successful implementation of PFR after rectal cancer surgery.
Utilization of foreign investment in the productive service industry in Hubei province, China and its optimization counter-measures
Authors: Zhou Yuting , Wang Yunpei , Wang Qingnian
Published: June 2024

The Global Investment Report 2023 revealed that after a sharp decline in 2020 and a strong rebound in 2021, global foreign direct investment (FDI) declined by 12 percent to $1.3 trillion in 2022. However, in developing countries, FDI increased by 4% to $916 billion, a record share of more than 70% of global flows. The number of greenfield investment projects in developing countries increased by 37 percent and international project finance transactions by 5 percent. Foreign investment from China, the second largest recipient of foreign investment globally, increased by 5 percent. The service industry has become the mainstream industry in the global FDI structure. The global industry is accelerating its transformation to a "service-based economy," international FDI in productive service industries has become an essential means of industrial transfer in developed countries and a meaningful way to upgrade the industrial structure and high-quality development in emerging economies. As a representative province in central China, Hubei Province has unique advantages in human capital, factor cost, and market potential, which provide preferential conditions to attract foreign investment. This paper first introduced the concept of the productive service industry, based on the relevant statistical data from 2011 to 2022, focused on the current situation of foreign investment utilization in five major sub-sectors of the productive service industry in Hubei Province in the past ten years, and empirically investigated the impact of foreign investment utilization in five major sub-sectors of the productive service industry on the economic growth of Hubei Province, and obtained that the level of foreign investment attraction varied significantly among the regions in Hubei Province. The three productive service industries, namely transportation, storage and postal services, information transmission, software and information technology services, and financial services, played a significant role in the active attraction and optimal utilization of foreign capital and the economic development of Hubei Province. Based on this, it was proposed to build a market-oriented rule of law and internationalized business environment, improve the infrastructure construction in different regions of the province, focus on the training of professional talents for the development of productive service industries, and pay attention to the improvement of independent innovation capacity.
Transformation from e-voting to e-cheque
Authors: Kho Yun-Xing , Heng Swee-Huay , Tan Syh-Yuan , Chin Ji-Jian
Published: June 2024

Although e-voting scheme and e-cheque scheme are two different applications, they have similarities in the scheme definitions and security properties. This inspires us to establish a relationship between the two schemes by formalising a generic transformation from e-voting to e-cheque scheme. Firstly, we define the scheme definitions and security models for both e-voting scheme and e-cheque scheme. Subsequently, we demonstrate a generic transformation framework from e-voting to e-cheque with asymptotic complexity ofO(n)and design a formal proof to show that a secure e-voting scheme can be transformed into a secure e-cheque scheme. As a proof of concept, we apply our newly proposed transformation technique to the e-voting scheme proposed by Li et al. and obtain a concrete e-cheque scheme.
Gentrification and crime in Buffalo, New York
Authors: Zhang Zhe , Barr Ashley
Published: June 2024

Since the 1990s, gentrification has significantly changed American urban landscapes. Its implications for crime are under recent scrutiny, particularly in large cities like New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. We extend this literature by focusing on the gentrification-crime link in the midsize city of Buffalo, New York using nine years of data from the American Community Survey and the Buffalo Police Department. Examining changes both within tracts over time and changes between gentrified and never-gentrified tracts, we find that gentrification is associated with reduced property crime and is not associated with changes in violent crime. More specifically, in comparing crime trends across tracts, we find that gentrified tracts show a trajectory of declining property crime that mirrors more advantaged tracts, while vulnerable-but-never-gentrified tracts show a U-shaped trajectory of property crime. Looking at within-tract changes, we find that years following gentrification of a given tract have lower property crime rates than years preceding gentrification, independent of the general reduction in crime over time. We discuss the implications of these findings for understanding the intersections between urban processes and crime.
A neural network model for online one-shot storage of pattern sequences
Authors: Melchior Jan , Altamimi Aya , Bayati Mehdi , Cheng Sen , Wiskott Laurenz
Published: June 2024

Based on the CRISP theory (Content Representation, Intrinsic Sequences, and Pattern completion), we present a computational model of the hippocampus that allows for online one-shot storage of pattern sequences without the need for a consolidation process. In our model, CA3 provides a pre-trained sequence that is hetero-associated with the input sequence, rather than storing a sequence in CA3. That is, plasticity on a short timescale only occurs in the incoming and outgoing connections of CA3, not in its recurrent connections. We use a single learning rule named Hebbian descent to train all plastic synapses in the network. A forgetting mechanism in the learning rule allows the network to continuously store new patterns while forgetting those stored earlier. We find that a single cue pattern can reliably trigger the retrieval of sequences, even when cues are noisy or missing information. Furthermore, pattern separation in subregion DG is necessary when sequences contain correlated patterns. Besides artificially generated input sequences, the model works with sequences of handwritten digits and natural images. Notably, our model is capable of improving itself without external input, in a process that can be referred to as ‘replay’ or ‘offline-learning’, which helps in improving the associations and consolidating the learned patterns.
Effectiveness of functional feed ingredients to enhance gill disease in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar, L.)
Authors: Vitale Matteo , Hoel Eirik , Yousaf Muhammad Naveed , Kambestad Martha Amalie , Mullins Julia , Lagos Leidy , Berge Kjetil , McGurk Charles , Pampanin Daniela Maria
Published: June 2024

Herein, the feasibility of in vitro methods for screening the qualities of functional feed ingredients using the fish cell line RTgill-W1 and the culture of Paramoeba perurans was investigated. Five functional ingredients (arginine, β-glucan, vitamin C, and two phytogenic feed additives) were selected to investigate their effects on cell viability and reactive oxygen species production. Three of them (arginine and two phytogenic feed additives) were additionally tested to assess their potential amoebicidal activity. As these functional ingredients are the core of a commercial feed (Protec Gill, Skretting AS), beneficial effects were further assessed in a field trial using Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), affected by complex gill disease (CGD).

Threshold levels of the ingredient concentrations were identified through RTgill-W1 cell viability assay. High concentrations of all tested ingredients, except vitamin C, resulted in a significant reduction of cell viability. Different effects on reactive oxygen species production were observed among the ingredients. Arginine and two phytogenic feed additives exhibited also pronounced amoebicidal activity at the highest tested concentrations.

In the field study, three weeks of feeding Protec Gill slowed the disease progression, and also led to a significant improvement in gill tissue conditions. Significant reductions of epithelial and mucous hyperplasia, predominant symptoms in fish affected by CGD, and pathogen load, particularly epitheliocystis associated with Ca. Branchiomonas cysticola, one of the major contributors of CGD, were observed. These positive outcomes underscore the potential of functional feed ingredients in ameliorating gill diseases and enhance fish health.

RTgill-W1 cell line assays proved to be effective tools for screening functional ingredients, providing valuable insights into optimal concentration ranges. Implementing an in vitro cell-based approach, with additional assays and cell line types, it’s a promising alternative to reduce the number of animals used during fish trials, for a more sustainable aquaculture practice.
Insecticides, more than herbicides, land use, and climate, are associated with declines in butterfly species richness and abundance in the American Midwest
Authors: Van Deynze Braeden , Swinton Scott M. , Hennessy David A. , Haddad Nick M. , Ries Leslie
Published: June 2024

Mounting evidence shows overall insect abundances are in decline globally. Habitat loss, climate change, and pesticides have all been implicated, but their relative effects have never been evaluated in a comprehensive large-scale study. We harmonized 17 years of land use, climate, multiple classes of pesticides, and butterfly survey data across 81 counties in five states in the US Midwest. We find community-wide declines in total butterfly abundance and species richness to be most strongly associated with insecticides in general, and for butterfly species richness the use of neonicotinoid-treated seeds in particular. This included the abundance of the migratory monarch (Danaus plexippus), whose decline is the focus of intensive debate and public concern. Insect declines cannot be understood without comprehensive data on all putative drivers, and the 2015 cessation of neonicotinoid data releases in the US will impede future research.
Association between illegal drug use and cigarette smoking among Ethiopian students: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Daba Chala , Gebrehiwot Mesfin , Debela Sisay Abebe , Desye Belay , Tefera Yonatal Mesfin
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Cigarette smoking is a persistent public health problem as it is a risk factor for many diseases. Previous studies on the role of illegal drug use in cigarette smoking have yielded disparate and inconclusive results, hindering the development of effective intervention strategies to address this issue. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of cigarette smoking and its associated factors, with a specific focus on the influence of illegal drug use among students in Ethiopia.

Methods

We conducted a comprehensive search of international databases, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, CINAHL, African Journals Online, HINARI, Global Health, and Google and Google Scholar. Grey literature was also identified from various university digital libraries. The study followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA) guidelines. Due to the high heterogeneity among the included studies (I2 = 98.6%; p-value <0.001), we employed a random-effects model with a 95% confidence interval (CI) to estimate the pooled effect using STATA 14 software. The publication bias was assessed using a statistical Egger regression test.

Results

A total of 22 studies involving 18,144 students met the eligibility criteria for this systematic review and meta-analysis. The pooled prevalence of lifetime and current cigarette smoking among students in Ethiopia was 13.8% (95% CI: 9.90–17.82) and 9.61% (95% CI: 7.19–12.03), respectively. Students who used illegal drugs were twenty-three times more likely to smoke cigarettes compared to their counterparts (OR = 23.57, 95% CI: 10.87–51.1). Living in urban settings (OR = 2.9; 95% CI: 1.15–7.28) and the habit of alcohol consumption (OR = 4.79; 95% CI: 1.57–14.64) were also identified as factors associated with cigarette smoking.

Conclusions

We found that more than one in eight students in Ethiopia have engaged in lifetime cigarette smoking. Notably, students who used illegal drugs exhibited a significantly higher likelihood of cigarette smoking. In light of these findings, it is imperative to implement comprehensive public health interventions that target illegal drug use, cigarette smoking, and alcohol consumption, with a particular emphasis on urban residents.
8-port MIMO antenna at 27 GHz for n261 band and exploring for body centric communication
Authors: Gupta Anupma , Kumari Meet , Sharma Manish , Alsharif Mohammed H. , Uthansakul Peerapong , Uthansakul Monthippa , Bansal Shonak
Published: June 2024

This paper presents a compact 5G wideband antenna designed for body-centric networks (BCN. The single element antenna design includes a simple T-shaped radiator patch with ring shaped ground plane and transformer impedance feedline. First, the antenna was simulated in free-space, and its resonant frequency is found to be 27 GHz, falling within 5G’s n261 band. The proposed single radiator antenna has a size of 23.375 mm3, and it offers a wide impedance bandwidth of 2.0 GHz (26–28 GHz). Parametric studies demonstrated that by increasing the length of slots in patch, the antenna frequency can be reduced further. Single radiator antenna is used as 8-element MIMO structure. Parallel adjacent antenna in X-direction has minimal coupling effect, whereas antenna placed in Y-direction has high coupling effect. Thus, coupling is reduced by etching a wall of slots in ground plane. It alters the surface current interference in Y-direction and limits the coupling effect. The antenna is investigated to use in body area network applications. To evaluate its on-body performance, an equivalent body model is virtually developed. The on-body performance is assessed by placing the antenna in close proximity to body model. Stable and robust performance is achieved for the on-body operation. At the resonant point, the antenna exhibits a reflection coefficient of -30 dB (free space) and -40 dB (on-body), high isolation of above 20 dB between adjacent radiators and above 30 dB for other radiators. Antenna has stable performance for different body tissues and on the non-planar structures. Bidirectional radiation pattern with gain of 2.53 dB and broadside type orientations with gain of 4.64 dB are achieved for free space and on body operations respectively. low specific absorption rate makes antenna safe for health care devices. Further, diversity performance is measured in terms of envelope correlation coefficient (ECC), and diversity gain (DG). Maximum Value of ECC is 0.005 and minimum value DG is 9.97 at 27 GHz which confirms the excellence of antenna for MIMO applications.
Alpha-defensin binding expands human adenovirus tropism
Authors: Zhao Cheng , Porter Jessica M. , Burke Phillip C. , Arnberg Niklas , Smith Jason G.
Published: June 2024

Mammalian α-defensins are a family of abundant effector peptides of the mucosal innate immune system. Although primarily considered to be antimicrobial, α-defensins can increase rather than block infection by certain prominent bacterial and viral pathogens in cell culture and in vivo. We have shown previously that exposure of mouse and human adenoviruses (HAdVs) to α-defensins is able to overcome competitive inhibitors that block cell binding, leading us to hypothesize a defensin-mediated binding mechanism that is independent of known viral receptors. To test this hypothesis, we used genetic approaches to demonstrate that none of several primary receptors nor integrin co-receptors are needed for human α-defensin-mediated binding of HAdV to cells; however, infection remains integrin dependent. Thus, our studies have revealed a novel pathway for HAdV binding to cells that bypasses viral primary receptors. We speculate that this pathway functions in parallel with receptor-mediated entry and contributes to α-defensin-enhanced infection of susceptible cells. Remarkably, we also found that in the presence of α-defensins, HAdV tropism is expanded to non-susceptible cells, even when viruses are exposed to a mixture of both susceptible and non-susceptible cells. Therefore, we propose that in the presence of sufficient concentrations of α-defensins, such as in the lung or gut, integrin expression rather than primary receptor expression will dictate HAdV tropism in vivo. In summary, α-defensins may contribute to tissue tropism not only through the neutralization of susceptible viruses but also by allowing certain defensin-resistant viruses to bind to cells independently of previously described mechanisms.
Fascitis necrotizante cervical de origen odontógeno. Descripción de un caso
Authors: Rodríguez-Rodríguez Dolores , Sanz-Sánchez Cristina Isabel , Cazorla-Ramos Óscar Emilio
Published: June 2024

Introducción y objetivo:
las infecciones necrotizantes de tejidos blandos son infecciones con riesgo para la vida. El diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz son cruciales para mejorar la supervivencia.

Descripción:
mujer de 60 años con una fascitis necrotizante cervical de origen odontógeno con rápida evolución a shock séptico. Durante el ingreso precisó de tratamiento antibiótico de amplio espectro, apoyo sistémico y realización de varias cervicotomías.

Discusión:
La localización cervical supone el 2.6-5% de las fascitis necrotizantes, con un origen principalmente odontógeno y polimicrobiano. El compromiso sistémico es desproporcionado a las manifestaciones locales. El tratamiento quirúrgico temprano es clave para la supervivencia, pudiendo dejar grandes defectos tisulares.

Conclusiones:
la fascitis necrotizante cervical es una entidad rara. Su origen más frecuente son las infecciones odontógenas, pero también hay que sospecharla tras una infección faríngea. Debido a su baja incidencia y alta tasa de mortalidad, el índice de sospecha ante esta enfermedad debe ser alta.
Antiparasitic activity of the steroid-rich extract of Schima wallichii against poultry cestode
Authors: Lalthanpuii Pawi Bawitlung , Lalchhandama Kholhring
Published: June 2024

Background and Aim: Schima wallichii Korth., commonly known as the needlewood tree (family Theaceae) has therapeutic uses in traditional Mizo medicine for human helminthiasis and serves as a balm against ectoparasites in animals. Although the medicinal properties have been studied experimentally, its use as a traditional anthelmintic remains unexplored. This study aimed to analyze the chemical components and antiparasitic activity of S. wallichii.

Materials and Methods: The chemical analysis of S. wallichi bark extracts was conducted focusing on the secondary metabolites using petroleum ether, chloroform, and methanol. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to identify the specific compounds. An anthelmintic susceptibility test was carried out against Raillietina tetragona, intestinal cestode parasite of fowl.

Results: The methanol extract yielded the highest concentrations of alkaloids, carbohydrates, glycosides, sterols, saponins, and tannins among all the extracts. Sterols were the most abundant compounds in all extracts, with flavonoids being absent. Secondary metabolites were largely absent in the petroleum ether and chloroform extracts. The GC-MS data identified cholest-22-ene-21-ol as the major steroid component. The cestode parasite was inhibited in a concentration-dependent manner by the plant extract. The plant extract’s anthelmintic activity was evident through observable damage to the parasite’s outer structure.

Conclusion: Phytosterols in S. wallichii bark are responsible for its anthelmintic properties. The mechanism and pharmaceutical properties of the anthelmintic molecule require further exploration.

Keywords: anthelmintic, cestode, medicinal plant, parasite, scanning electron microscopy.
A Study on Conflict Management in Contracting-out in Public Services
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Hyeon Seung Hyo , Kim Da Young , Lee Min Kyu
Published: June 2024

This research explores the dynamics of outsourced labor while specifically analyzing personnel expense proportions in various business categories. Utilizing a Quadrant Framework, businesses are classified based on expertise and autonomy, thereby providing a comprehensive overview. Type I businesses encompass daycare centers with distinct revenue structures regulated by the “Early Childhood Education and Care Act.” Type II businesses include General Meal Service and General Transportation, which operate autonomously without budget support. Type III businesses, which comprise Social Welfare, Call Centers, and others, typically receive budget support and range in expertise from low to moderate. Lastly, Type IV businesses include Education, Health Care, and Technology, and they receive budget support while having moderate to high expertise requirements. However, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions due to the issues involved in precise segmentation of expertise and the division of “budget-supported to autonomous”. The results of this analysis are expected to aid stakeholders in resource allocation strategies, ultimately allowing those within diverse business classifications to optimize their workforce management.
Adaptability and stability of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] strains in Central-West Brazil
Authors: Silva Wanderson Barbosa da , Menezes Filho Antonio Carlos Pereira de , Reis Mateus Neri Oliveira , Soares Samuel Leandro , Bertan Ivandro , Godoi Cláudio Roberto Cardoso de , Ferreira Mônica Christina , Cavalcante Anaisa Kato , Ferreira João Carlos Silva , Ventura Matheus Vinícius Abadia
Published: June 2024

Soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merril) is one of the most important seed legumes in the world due to its high protein and vegetable oil content, being widely used in the food industry and animal feed. However, environmental changes, especially those related to rising global temperatures due to CO2 emissions, are impacting plant productivity, including soybeans. In this context, genetic improvement programs have been fundamental to develop cultivars that are more resistant to abiotic stresses, such as droughts and intense rains. To evaluate the adaptability and stability of soybean genotypes in different environments, statistical methods such as AMMI (Multiplicative Model of Interpretation and Intersection) and BLUP (Best Linear Unbased Prediction) have been widely used. The AMMI model is used to analyze the interaction between genotype and environment, while the BULP considers random genetic effects, providing a more accurate estimate of genetic value. Furthermore, the weighting between stability (WAASBY) (Weighted Average WAASB) index has been used to identify stable, high-performance genotypes, combining stability and yield characteristics. In the research carried out, eleven improved soybean lines were evaluated in five municipalities in the central-western region of Brazil. Data were analyzed using statistical techniques such as linear mixed model, GGE biplot and AMMI and BLUP models. The results indicated that soybean lines showed significant variations in productivity in different environments, highlighting specific genotypes for each location. The productivity prediction analysis showed that the BLUP model was more accurate compared to the AMMI model. Furthermore, the GGE biplot identified the most suitable genotypes for each environment, considering both average performance and stability. Finally, the combination of characteristics from the AMMI and BLUP techniques, using the WAASBY index, made it possible to identify genotypes with high potential for yield and stability. In summary, the results of this research contribute to the development of soybean cultivars more adapted to variable environmental conditions, providing valuable information for genetic improvement programs and agricultural practices in the central-western region of Brazil. The integration of different statistical methods and evaluation indices has been fundamental to improving the selection of genotypes with high performance and stability, contributing to food security and the sustainability of agricultural production.
The effects of incorporating dried cashew apple in the diet of broiler chickens on growth performance, total tract digestibility, and gut health
Authors: Oyekola Oluwatosin Solomon , Olagoke Christianah , Ojediran Taiwo Kayode , Emiola Isiaka Adewale
Published: June 2024

A total of two hundred and ten one-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks were utilized in this study to investigate the effects of incorporating Dried Cashew Apples (DCA) in the diet of broiler chickens on growth performance, total tract digestibility, and gut health. The birds were weighed and randomly allotted to seven treatment groups with three replicates, each having 10 birds. The experimental design was a (2 X 3) + 1 augmented factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design. Diet D1 (control diet) was a maize-soybean meal-based; diets D2, D3, and D4 comprised 10, 20, and 30% DCA without exogenous enzyme supplementation, whereas diets D5, D6, and D7 included 10, 20, and 30% DCA treated with exogenous enzyme. Data were collected on growth performance, total tract digestibility, and gut morphology. Collected data were analyzed using SAS (2002) and separation of means was done using Duncan’s Multiple Range Tests of the same statistical software. The difference was set at p < 0.05. The study found that birds fed diets containing 10% DCA, with or without enzyme supplementation (D2 and D5), had a significantly higher Average Daily Gain (ADG) compared to those fed the control diet (D1). The ADG of birds fed diets D3 and D6 was similar to that of birds fed the control diet (D1). However, a significant decrease in ADG was observed as the dietary inclusion level of DCA increased to 30%, as seen in birds offered diets D4 and D7. In addition, a significant linear rise (p < 0.05) in Average Daily Feed Intake (ADFI) was seen when DCA was included in the diet. In addition, birds that were given diets containing DCA showed significantly higher nutrient digestibility (p < 0.05) compared to birds that were given the control diet (D1), except for birds that were given a diet containing 30% DCA without enzyme supplementation (D4), which showed significantly lower nutrient digestibility (p < 0.05) compared to birds that were given the control diet (D1). Ultimately, birds that were given meals containing DCA exhibited a significant enhancement in GIT development compared to birds on the control diet. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that including DCA in the diet of broiler chickens at a level of up to 20% does not have any detrimental effects on their performance.
Effect of biostimulants and bioactivators on reproductive parameters of Daucus carota (L.)
Authors: Silva Thais de Oliveira , Santos Carlos Henrique da Silva , Menezes Filho Antonio Carlos Pereira de , Sharma Porshia , Melo Aurélio Ferreira , Ventura Matheus Vinicius Abadia
Published: June 2024

Daucus carota L. (carrot) belongs to the Apiaceae family. Every year, tons of carrots are produced for national consumption and export, and Brazil is one of the largest producers of this vegetable. This study aimed to evaluate biostimulants and bioactivators inoculated in D. carota seeds and verify post-harvest morphological attributes for root length and diameter, fresh and dry mass of carrot root. The experiment was carried out in the field in full sun using pots. Daucus carota seeds were inoculated with 1.5 mL/kg seed-1 and grown in fertilized soil. After the reproduction period, carrots were collected during the commercial maturity period, and analyses were carried out in the laboratory. The results demonstrated that ST Pro and Stingray biostimulants applied had a positive effect on the root length parameter with average values of 20.7 and 21.1 cm, for root diameter Stingray demonstrated a difference between the other biological products with an average of 3.1 cm, for ST fresh mass Pro and Stingray presented average values of 91.0 and 91.8 g and for dry mass with an average of 10.1 g for ST Pro. The applied biostimulants demonstrated a positive effect, however, the Biozyme bioactivation did not demonstrate gains in any of the post-harvest parameters for the carrot cultivar ‘BRS Planalto’.
The Accident at Tokyo Electric Power Company Incorporated’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station: A Review of Radiation-Exposed Medical Care and Waste (Secondary Publication)
Authors: Fujibuchi Toshioh , Iwaoka Kazuki , Shimada Yoko , Nabatame Kuniaki
Published: June 2024

This review is based on articles published in Japanese Journal of Health Physics on “Radiationexposed medical care and waste” related to Tokyo Electric Power Company Incorporated (TEPCO)’s Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident. Here, we have considered three original articles; one technical data, one special article, one 50th anniversary article, one preface, three topics, and two cases of From Japan to the World (J to W). These articles have reported the system and standards that were established after the accident. Moreover, they have summarized rare experiences such as the fumbling response at the time and the evaluation of samples in that disaster. These articles constitute valuable records of the situation.
Forest Birds on Pasture: Meddling Marketing and Conflicting Cultures
Authors: Lis Natalie
Published: June 2024

Chickens are problematically embedded in the West and Global North as farm animals. Structures built for containing chickens including henhouses, industrial poultry sheds, shading devices and mobile poultry sheds, place chickens – naturally forest birds – into pastoral farming settings that are at odds with natural chicken familial structures and behaviours. I assert that structures built for containing chickens influence human–chicken labour. I support this claim through an investigation of chicken labour at poultry farms. I advance the concept of labour in human–animal studies by looking at labour culture from sociology and labour history scholarship centred around humans. How humans labour with animals contributes to the continuation of animal farming. The long history of chicken farming impacts cultural ideas about small-scale chicken keeping which have led to large-scale agribusinesses using marketing and promotional material in a way that masks more prevalent industrial practices. The structures built for the poultry industry are designed to further the status quo of industry even when working to reimagine that same industry. A critical analysis of how poultry husbandry structures are used in marketing reveals how human labour culture ultimately forces forest dwelling chickens into pastoral farming.
Birds Beyond Words: Fantastic Animals and Other Flights of Imagination
Authors: jones pattrice
Published: June 2024

In ‘Nature in the Active Voice’, Val Plumwood called for a ‘thorough rethink’ of the logic of domination that has authorized both colonialism and the exploitation of animals (113). But this mandate creates a conundrum: that logic elevates mind over matter and cognition over emotion. If Audre Lorde was right that ‘the master’s tools will never dismantle the master’s house’ (110), then we are unlikely to succeed in undermining that logic by rethinking it. We need practices that will expose the tedious nonsensicality of human supremacy while simultaneously awakening our capacities for empathy, imagination, and full-bodied ecological reasoning. Plumwood noted the power of poetry, but nonverbal methods of cognition and communication such as music, dance, and visual art may be even more vital to the struggle to think truly differently. Underground currents of art and activism including Dada, Tropicália, Afrofuturism, and surrealisms from around the world may offer both instructive and cautionary lessons. Kiwi and other category-defying animals, whose minds are very different from our own but whose ideas may be legible through their ways of being in the world, may be especially important instructors in the praxis of eco-logic.
'Fire': An Australian Play Gives Voice to Animals Devastated by Catastrophic Bushfire
Authors: Scollen Rebecca
Published: June 2024

Animals on a grand scale are victims of climate change and of natural disaster. With no voice within human cultures, their plight can be silenced and forgotten once an extreme weather event is over and when media coverage of the devastation has ceased. The creative arts have an important role to play in raising public awareness of and empathy for animals impacted by natural disaster. This paper presents a critical discourse analysis of the Australian play Fire by Scott Alderdice (2017), framed by Animal Studies perspectives. The voices of the animals in Fire, as expressed through language – dialogue and narration – are the focus of the analysis to determine how the play engages in the concepts of considering other-than-human interests; imagining and representing animals and their significance; personifying species’ presence using human speech to offset facelessness; and inspiring humans to take responsibility in this time of climate crisis and natural disaster. Fire provides an exemplar for theatrical expression giving voice to animals in times of crisis. An examination of the narration and dialogue of the animal characters reveals a respectful representation of native Australian animals, who are shown to be sentient and social beings intimately entwined with the environment in which they live. The language use by the animals throughout elicits recognition and empathy and subsequently feelings of grief and of guilt. The play inspires humans to take responsibility by considering animals’ perspectives and interests; understanding their significance in the world; and performing our role to protect the natural environment.
El derecho de la moda en España desde una visión globalizada
Authors: Lorenzo Luna Marina
Published: June 2024

La investigación sobre el Derecho de la moda parte de un interés que transciende lo meramente estético para adentrarse en un entramado normativo caracterizado principalmente por su transversalidad. En la actualidad, el Derecho de la moda se encuentra reconocido en nuestro país, prueba de ello es la existencia del Código de la Moda, en el cual podemos encontrar las principales normas aplicables a un sector con cabida constitucional y en relación constante y directa con otros derechos fundamentales. Dentro del sector de la moda suscita un gran interés las vías de protección de sus creaciones, las cuales podemos encontrar, en las ramas especializadas del Derecho mercantil de la Propiedad Industrial e Intelectual. Las medidas de protección no escasean, pero, su aplicación al sector, en ocasiones, resulta compleja debido a carencias normativas, vacíos conceptuales y unos criterios doctrinales y jurisprudenciales desarmonizados. Otras cuestiones, que resultan interesantes dentro del sector son los procedimientos previstos a nivel penal y aduanero contra falsificaciones; relevancia de influencers en el sector de la moda; medidas antidumpingy propuestas normativas que permitan exigir una responsabilidad real y efectiva frente a conductas comerciales desleales en terceros países; y finalmente, valorar su regulación en otros países, como, Estados Unidos y Colombia los cuales revelan una disparidad con puntos de encuentro gracias a los tratados internacionales que han permitido cierta armonización en la materia.
Feasibility Study Area and Dissolved Oxygen Carrying Capacity of Silvofishery Pond on the Coastal Area
Authors: Mardiana Tri Yusufi , Ariadi Heri , Rattanavichai Wutti , Soedibya Petrus Hary Tjahja , Linayati Linayati
Published: June 2024

The aim of this research are to assess the feasibility of water and soil quality in silvofishery cultivation areas and to determine the environmental carrying capacity of the cultivation. The methods employed include Water Quality Index (WQI), Soil Quality Index (SQI), carrying capacity, and correlation analysis of parameters. The concentration of COD in the silvofishery pond water ranges from 705.34-749.50 mg.L-1, and the total nitrogen content in the soil ranges from 7-8 mg.L-1. The COD parameter in water shows a strong correlation with dissolved oxygen. The soil type parameter silt is correlated with redox potential, while the clay soil type is correlated with sand soil. The variance in data for water and soil quality variables is considered significant as per cluster analysis. The WQI values range from 0.47-0.85, categorized as poor, good, and excellent. The SQI values range from 0.52-0.77, falling into the good and excellent categories. The carrying capacity of dissolved oxygen ranges from 0.7-1.99 kg.ha-1, indicating that if the DO concentration is below this range, oxygen depletion may occur in the silvofishery pond. The research results indicate that the water and soil quality in the silvofishery pond is still sufficiently suitable for silvofishery activities. The carrying capacity of dissolved oxygen in the silvofishery pond is deemed adequate for operational silvofishery activities, ranging from 14.26-15.87 kg.ha-1. This implies that the silvofishery cultivation system is capable of enhancing aquaculture productivity while minimizing environmental pollution in the surrounding aquatic areas resulting from the waste generated during aquaculture operations.
Managing Mangrove Resources in Conflict of Interest Zones in Bangka Island's Eastern Coast
Authors: Bidayani Endang , Vieira Lucas O. , Valen Fitri Sil
Published: June 2024

The east coast of Bangka Island is an area prone to conflicts of interest, due to the use of the coast for tin mining and fishing by traditional fishermen. The threat of destruction of mangrove forests due to community tin mining on the east coast of Bangka Island has caused a decline in the crab population as the main catch of local fishermen.The study aimed to analyze efforts to manage mangrove ecosystems in conflict zones. The study was conducted from June to October 2023. The primary data was obtained through interviews fishermen community, direct observation, and documentation. The data analysis methods employed utilize a descriptive approach.  Based on the survey results, the impact of tin mining activities causes a decrease in the area of mangrove forests. Reporting that the income of traditional fishermen in the productive fishing season is around IDR 65,000/day or IDR 980,000/month. Meanwhile, in the bad season, the income of traditional fishermen is IDR 13,000/day or IDR 205,000/month.  Efforts to manage mangrove resources in conflict zones include mangrove restoration and mangrove forest educational tourism. The government's enforcement of regulations regarding the prohibition of tin mining in mangrove forest areas must be more massive so that mangrove resources remain sustainable. The government must significantly enhance the enforcement of legislation pertaining to the prohibition of tin mining in mangrove forest regions in order to ensure the long-term sustainability of mangrove resources.
Predictors for the Development of Arithmetic Skills in Pupils of Younger School Age
Authors: Skalová Pražáková Kateřina , Špačková Klára , Kucharská Anna
Published: June 2024

This study aims to map the predictors for the development of arithmetic skills in young school-age pupils. Specifi cally, the research investigation focused on comparing differences in performance between pupils with mathematical learning diffi culties and a control group of pupils. The respondents performed tasks focusing on executive functions, spatial abilities, as well as estimation and symbolisation of quantities. The performance of pupils with MLD (mathematical learning diffi culties) differed from that of children without identifi ed diffi culties, particularly on tests focusing on matching number symbols and on numeracy skills alone. Signifi cant, albeit smaller, differences between groups were also evident in non-symbolic quantity comparison and spatial skills (mental rotation). In terms of accuracy, we did not fi nd statistically signifi cant differences between the groups in any of the areas studied. The results indicate a close correlation between the speed of quantity symbolisation and the level of arithmetic skills.
Body image concern and demographic characteristics as predictors of anxiety in adolescent girls
Authors: Nazmi Sana , Nikbakht Hossein-Ali , Behmanesh Fereshteh , Gholamnia-Shirvani Zeinab , Azizi Alireza
Published: June 2024

Objectives

Adolescence is a critical and sensitive period of growth, marked by significant physical and psychological changes. During this time, adolescents often experience increased anxiety and concerns about their body image. This study aims to examine body image concern and demographic characteristics as predictors of anxiety in adolescent girls.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 381 female students aged 12–13 from Babol city. The participants were selected based on predefined inclusion criteria. Multi-stage sampling method was employed, and the samples were selected from six middle schools. The data collection tools consisted of a demographic information questionnaire, Littleton’s body image concern scale, and Zung’s anxiety scale.

Results

The mean score for body image concern was 16.59±44.82, while the mean score for anxiety was 10.53±37.31. When investigating the relationship between body image concern and anxiety, a significant and positive correlation between these two variables was observed during regression analysis (p<0.001). Both univariate and multivariate regression analyses indicated that for every one-unit increase in students’ body image concern score, their overall anxiety score increased by an average of 0.34 units in both models (B: 0.34, 95 % CI: 0.29–0.39) (p<0.001). Additionally, in univariate regression analyses students who received puberty information from sources other than their mother exhibited 2.68 units higher anxiety levels, which was statistically significant (B: 2.68, 95 % CI: 0.38–4.98) (p<0.001) and, concerning the preferred source of information, students who favored a non-mother source experienced 3.91 units increase in their anxiety score (B: 3.91, 95 % CI: 1.74–6.08) (p<0.001). The results of multivariate regression analysis showed that with the presence of all independent variables in the model, 30 % of the dependent variable changes can be predicted (explained) (R

2
=0.302).

Conclusions

The findings indicated a positive association between body image concerns and anxiety among students. Moreover, students who relied on sources other than their mother for obtaining information about puberty displayed higher levels of anxiety. Consequently, it is imperative to implement preventive and supportive programs targeting adolescents as well as empowering mothers to effectively deal with these issues.