bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How do we know whether treatment has failed? Paradoxical outcomes in counseling with young people
Authors: McLeod John , Stänicke Erik , Oddli Hanne Weie , Smith Stephanie , Pearce Peter , Cooper Mick
Published: June 2024

Background

In both routine practice contexts and research studies, evidence from standardized self-report symptom measures, administered pre- and post-treatment, is predominantly used to determine whether psychotherapy has been successful. Understanding the nature of unsuccessful psychotherapy requires an ability to evaluate the credibility of outcome data generated by such techniques. An important body of research has identified discrepancies between outcomes assessed through symptom measures and those obtained from other sources. However, not enough is known about the extent to which such paradoxical outcomes exist.

Objective

This study analyzes the relationship between outcomes, as assessed by a standardized self-report measure, and as assessed by ratings of young people’s descriptions of change at post-counseling interviews.

Methods

Participants were 50 young people (13–16 years old) who had taken part in a trial of up to 10 weeks of school-based humanistic counseling. Our primary standardized measure was the Young Person’s CORE (YP-CORE). To assess young people’s experiences of counseling change, three independent raters scrutinized transcripts of post-counseling interviews, and scored levels of helpfulness on a 1 (Not at all helpful) to 10 (Extremely helpful) scale. Inter-rater reliabilities were 0.94 (Cronbach’s Alpha) and 0.96 (McDonald’s Omega). Sensitivity analyses were conducted to explore relationships between helpfulness ratings and other outcome measures, i.e., satisfaction with counseling (ESQ) and the Goal-Based-Outcome Tool (GBO), and process measures, i.e., the Working Alliance Inventory (WAI-S) and the Barret Lennard Relationship Inventory (BLRI).

Results

Multilevel analysis indicated that helpfulness ratings were not significantly associated with changes in YP-CORE scores. Analyzed categorically, 38% of those showing reliable improvement on the standardized measure were below the median for self-described helpfulness, and 47% of those not showing reliable change were at or above the median for self-described helpfulness. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated closer correlations between helpfulness ratings and other outcome measures (ESQ and GBO), and between helpfulness ratings and process measures (WAI-S and BLRI).

Discussion

Our results raise questions about reliance on symptom change outcome measures for defining treatment success and failure, given their disparity with clients’ own descriptions of the helpfulness of therapy. Implications for practice and research are discussed.
Serum proteomic analysis uncovers novel serum biomarkers for depression
Authors: Guo Aihong , Wang Bingju , Ding Jiangbo , Zhao Lihong , Wang Xiaofei , Huang Chen , Guo Bo
Published: June 2024

Objective

The identification of depression primarily relies on the clinical symptoms and psychiatric evaluation of the patient, in the absence of objective and quantifiable biomarkers within clinical settings. This study aimed to explore potential serum biomarkers associated with depression.

Methods

Serum samples from a training group comprising 48 depression patients and 48 healthy controls underwent proteomic analysis. Magnetic bead-based weak cation exchange (MB-WCX) and MALDI-TOF-MS were used in combination. To screen the differential peaks, ClinProTools software was employed. The proteins were identified using LC-MS/MS. ELISA was employed to confirm the expression of entire protein in the serum of the verification cohort, which encompassed 48 individuals who had been diagnosed with Depression and 48 healthy controls who were collected prospectively. Subsequently, logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the diagnostic efficacy of the aforementioned predictors.

Results

Five potential biomarker peaks indicating depression were identified in serum samples (peak 1, m/z: 1868.21; peak 2, m/z: 1062.35; peak 3, m/z: 1452.12; peak 4, m/z: 1208.72; peak 5, m/z: 1619.58). All of these peaks had higher expression in the pre-therapy group and were confirmed to be Tubulin beta chain (TUBB), Inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H4 (ITIH4), Complement component 3 (C3), and Complement C4A precursor (C4A) by ELISA validation. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that serum levels of TUBB, ITIH4, C3, and C4A were significant independent risk factors for the development of depression.

Conclusion

Depression is a prevalent psychiatric condition. Timely detection is challenging, resulting in poor prognoses for patients. Our study on plasma proteomics for depression demonstrated that TUBB, ITIH4, C3, and C4A differentiate between depression patients and healthy controls. The proteins that were identified could potentially function as biomarkers for the diagnosis of depression. Pinpointing these biomarkers could enable early identification of depression, which would advance precise treatment.
The brain in chronic insomnia and anxiety disorder: a combined structural and functional fMRI study
Authors: Xu Minghe , Li Bo , Wang Shuang , Chen Chunlian , Liu Zhe , Ji Yuqing , Liu Kai , Niu Yujun
Published: June 2024

Background

Chronic insomnia disorder (CID) is usually associated with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), which may change brain structure and function. However, the possible brain markers, imaging characteristics, and pathophysiology are unknown.

Objective

To look at the probable brain markers, imaging characteristics, and pathogenesis of CID in combination with GAD.

Methods

A total of 57 patients with CID concomitant GAD and 57 healthy controls (HC) were enrolled. Voxel-based morphometry (VBM) and functional connectivity (FC) were utilized to measure gray matter volume (GMV) and functional changes. Correlation analysis was utilized to identify relationships between brain changes and clinical characteristics.

Results

Patients had decreased GMV in the left cerebellum, right cerebellar peduncle, and left insula; increased FC between the left cerebellum and right angular gyrus, as well as between the left insula and anterior left cingulate gyrus; and decreased FC in several areas, including the left cerebellum with the middle left cingulate gyrus and the left insula with the left superior postcentral gyrus. These brain changes related to CID and GAD. These data could be used to identify relevant brain markers, imaging features, and to better understand the etiology.

Conclusion

The intensity of insomnia in patients was strongly related to the severity of anxiety. The lower GMV in the cerebellum could be interpreted as an imaging characteristic of CID. Reduced GMV in the insula, as well as aberrant function in the cingulate gyrus and prefrontal lobe, may contribute to the pathophysiology of CID and GAD. Abnormal function in the postcentral gyrus and angular gyrus may be associated with patients’ clinical complaints.
Analysis of the coupling coordination between traditional Chinese medicine medical services and economy and its influencing factors in China
Authors: Liu Huan , Jiang Zicheng , Deng Jing , Li Dexun
Published: June 2024

Background

The coordinative relationship between medical treatment and the economy is an important part of promoting the sustainable and healthy development of a social economy, and it is conducive to promoting the coordinated development of the two systems.

Methods

Based on constructing a comprehensive evaluation index system for the relationship between traditional Chinese medicine medical services and economic development, the entropy method, coupling coordination model, and Tobit model are used to calculate the comprehensive development level, coupling coordination degree, and influencing factors of the two systems in 31 provinces of China from 2015 to 2021. Suggestions are proposed for the coordinated development of traditional Chinese medicine medical services, and economy.

Results

The results showed that the development level of traditional Chinese medicine was higher than that of social and economic development, the relative development gap between the two systems was gradually narrowed, and the coupling coordination degree increased steadily; however, the regional differences were large. The relative development level and coupling coordination degree of each region show a development pattern of eastern > central > western > northeast; the coupling coordination degree of the two systems in the spatial region was positively correlated and was enhanced year by year. From the perspective of influencing factors, the level of economic development is the decisive factor in the coupling and coordination between traditional Chinese medicine medical treatment and the social economy. Factors such as human capital and health level in traditional Chinese medicine have an inhibitory effect on the coordinated development of the two systems.

Conclusion

So, China should focus on optimizing the regional allocation of traditional Chinese medicine medical personnel, improving the quality of medical services, and enhancing the health level of medical personnel.
Effectiveness of two-dose vs. one-dose varicella vaccine in children in Shanghai, China: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Li Yue , Xu Fang , Liu Meiling , Teng Sashuang , Liang Fan , Wang Fei
Published: June 2024

Objective

Varicella, a highly contagious viral disease caused by the varicella-zoster virus (VZV), affects millions globally, with a higher prevalence among children. After the initial infection, VZV lies dormant in sensory ganglia and has the potential to reactivate much later, causing herpes zoster (HZ). Vaccination is one of the most effective methods to prevent varicella, and the two-dose varicella vaccine (VarV) regimen is widely used around the world. In China, the VarV has been included in the national immunization programme with a recommended single-dose regimen. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of the two-dose vs. one-dose VarV regimen in children in Shanghai, China.

Materials and methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted in Shanghai, China, from September 2018 to December 2022. The study enrolled children aged 3–18 years who had received either the one-dose, two-dose, or 0-dose VarV regimen. Vaccination history, varicella infection status, and relevant variables, including demographic information (name, date of birth and sex) and medical history (clinical features of varicella and illness duration) were collected through medical record review and parental interviews.

Results

A total of 3,838 children were included in the study, with 407 in the 0-dose regimen group, 2,107 in the one-dose regimen group and 1,324 in the two-dose regimen group. The corresponding incidence density in these groups was 0.13, 0.05 and 0.03 cases per 1,000 person-days, respectively. The adjusted vaccine effectiveness (VE) was 81.7% (95%CI: 59.3–91.8%) for the two-dose regimen and 60.3% (95%CI: 29.3–77.7%) for the one-dose regimen, compared to the 0-dose regimen. The two-dose VarV regimen showed a protective effectiveness of 47.6% (95%CI: 2.5–71.9%) compared to the one-dose VarV regimen.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence supporting the greater effectiveness of the two-dose VarV regimen in preventing varicella infection compared to the one-dose regimen.
Design of a nursing psychoeducation program to reduce preoperative anxiety in adults
Authors: Oliveira Palmira , Pires Regina , Silva Rosa , Sequeira Carlos
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Preoperative anxiety, with its multifactorial origins, affects a wide range of surgical patients, leading to adverse physiological and psychological effects in the perioperative period. Customized, autonomous nursing interventions are needed to address individual person needs. The shift toward outpatient surgery emphasizes the need for restructured nursing approaches. Existing literature suggests that preoperative nursing consultations offer opportunities for assessing needs, providing information, and prescribing anxiety-reduction strategies. Psychoeducation, a specialized skill within mental health and psychiatric nursing, has proven effective in alleviating preoperative anxiety and reducing postoperative complications. The aim is to obtain and analyze the information reflecting nurses’ understanding of the design, structure, and operationalization of a psychoeducation program to reduce preoperative anxiety in adults.

Methods

A qualitative, exploratory, descriptive study was conducted. Data were collected through a 90-min focus group session held online via Zoom Meetings videoconferencing platform. Inclusion criteria for the participant’s selection were established. The focus group was guided to deliberate on potential strategies for crafting effective psychoeducational interventions. Data collection ceased upon reaching theoretical saturation and gathered information was submitted for content analysis. Ethical procedures were ensured.

Results

Of the participants, 10 were specialist nurses (7 working in mental health and psychiatric nursing and the remaining in medical-surgical nursing), with an average age of 41 and an average of 15 years working in surgical services. The nurses selected the target population, the structure and content of the psychoeducation sessions, and the resources and addressed the perceived importance, effectiveness, and feasibility of the designed psychoeducation program.

Discussion

The study revealed the nurses’ understanding of the design of a psychoeducation program potentially effective in reducing preoperative anxiety in adults, in an outpatient surgery context. This result will allow the transfer of the produced knowledge to nurses’ professional practice reflecting lower levels of anxiety and promoting a better surgical recovery. This is an unprecedented study conducted in Portugal, adding substantial knowledge to the nursing discipline. However, further research into implementing psychoeducation in a surgical context is suggested aiming to consolidate the results of research already carried out internationally.
Measures for preventing norovirus outbreaks on campus in economically underdeveloped areas and countries: evidence from rural areas in Western China
Authors: Xiong Huali , Ma Fengxun , Tang Dayi , Liu Daiqiang
Published: June 2024

Background

The outbreak of norovirus represents a significant public health emergency within densely populated, impoverished, and underdeveloped areas and countries. Our objective is to conduct an epidemiology study of a norovirus outbreak that occurred in a kindergarten located in rural western China. We aim to raise awareness and garner increased attention towards the prevention and control of norovirus, particularly in economically underdeveloped regions.

Methods

Retrospective on-site epidemiological investigation results, including data on school layout, case symptoms, onset time, disposal methods and sample testing results, questionnaire surveys, and case-control study were conducted in a kindergarten to analyze the underlying causes of the norovirus outbreak.

Results

A total of 15 cases were identified, with an attack rate of 44.12% (15/34). Among them, 10 cases were diagnosed through laboratory tests, and 5 cases were diagnosed clinically. Vomiting (100%, 15/15) and diarrhea (93.33%, 14/15) were the most common symptoms in the outbreak. Case control study revealed that cases who had close contact (<1 m) with the patient’s vomitus (OR = 5.500) and those who had close contact with similar patients (OR = 8.000) had significantly higher ORs compared to the control participants. The current study demonstrated that improper handling of vomitus is positively associated with norovirus outbreak. The absence of standardized disinfection protocols heightens the risk of norovirus outbreaks.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this study represents the first investigation into a norovirus outbreak in rural areas of western China. We aspire that amidst rapid economic development, a greater emphasis will be placed on the prevention and control of infectious diseases in economically underdeveloped areas and countries.
Substance use and incidence of metabolic syndrome before midlife among military adults: the CHIEF cohort study
Authors: Liu Wei-Nung , Hsu Yi-Chiung , Lin Yen-Po , Tsai Kun-Zhe , Chang Yun-Chen , Liu Pang-Yen , Lin Gen-Min
Published: June 2024

Backgrounds

Habitual substance use, i. e., alcohol, tobacco and betel nut, has been found with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in the general population, whereas the association remains unclear in physically fit military personnel. This study aimed to investigate the combination of these substances use and their associations with new-onset MetS in the military.

Methods

A total of 2,890 military men and women, aged 18–39 years, without MetS were obtained from the cardiorespiratory fitness and health in eastern armed forces study (CHIEF) in Taiwan and followed for incident MetS from baseline (2014) through the end of 2020. Incident MetS event was defined by the International Diabetes Federation guideline and confirmed in the annual health examinations. A self-report was used to assess the alcohol, tobacco and betel nut use status (active vs. former/never). Multivariable Cox regression model was performed to determine the association with adjustments for sex, age, body mass index and physical activity at baseline.

Results

At baseline, there were 279 active betel nut chewers (9.7%), 991 active smokers (34.3%) and 1,159 active alcohol consumers (40.1%). During a mean follow-up of 6.0 years, 673 incident MetS (23.3%) were observed. As compared to no substance users, only one substance, and two and three substances users had a greater risk of incident MetS [hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals: 1.27 (1.06–1.54), 1.38 (1.12–1.69) and 1.78 (1.37–2.32), respectively]. In subgroup analyses, the risk of incident MetS in two and three substances users was significantly greater in those free of baseline low high-density lipoprotein [HRs: 1.54 (1.21–1.95) and 2.57 (1.92–3.46), respectively], as compared to their counterparts (both p for interactions <0.05).

Conclusion

A dose-response association of more substances use for new-onset MetS was noted in military personnel. This finding suggests that the combined alcohol, tobacco and betel nut use may play a role in the development of MetS. Further study is required to establish causation and to investigate the potential benefits of substance use cessation in reducing the risk of MetS.
Impaired oral health: a required companion of bacterial aspiration pneumonia
Authors: Ashford John R.
Published: June 2024

Laryngotracheal aspiration has a widely-held reputation as a primary cause of lower respiratory infections, such as pneumonia, and is a major concern of care providers of the seriously ill orelderly frail patient. Laryngeal mechanical inefficiency resulting in aspiration into the lower respiratory tract, by itself, is not the cause of pneumonia. It is but one of several factors that must be present simultaneously for pneumonia to develop. Aspiration of oral and gastric contentsoccurs often in healthy people of all ages and without significant pulmonary consequences. Inthe seriously ill or elderly frail patient, higher concentrations of pathogens in the contents of theaspirate are the primary catalyst for pulmonary infection development if in an immunocompromised lower respiratory system. The oral cavity is a complex and ever changing eco-environment striving to maintain homogeneity among the numerous microbial communities inhabiting its surfaces. Poor maintenance of these surfaces to prevent infection can result inpathogenic changes to these microbial communities and, with subsequent proliferation, can altermicrobial communities in the tracheal and bronchial passages. Higher bacterial pathogen concentrations mixing with oral secretions, or with foods, when aspirated into an immunecompromised lower respiratory complex, may result in bacterial aspiration pneumonia development, or other respiratory or systemic diseases. A large volume of clinical evidence makes it clear that oral cleaning regimens, when used in caring for ill or frail patients in hospitals and long-term care facilities, drastically reduce the incidence of respiratory infection and death. The purpose of this narrative review is to examine oral health as a required causative companionin bacterial aspiration pneumonia development, and the effectiveness of oral infection control inthe prevention of this disease.
How did COVID-19 pandemic affect the older adults’ needs for robot technologies in Japan?: comparison of participatory design workshops during versus after the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Komatsu Takanori , Fraune Marlena R. , Tsui Katherine M. , Suda Shogo , Kobayashi Mizuki
Published: June 2024

Social technology can improve the quality of social lives of older adults (OAs) and mitigate negative mental and physical health outcomes. When people engage with technology, they can do so to stimulate social interaction (stimulation hypothesis) or disengage from their real world (disengagement hypothesis), according to Nowland et al.‘s model of the relationship between social Internet use and loneliness. External events, such as large periods of social isolation like during the COVID-19 pandemic, can also affect whether people use technology in line with the stimulation or disengagement hypothesis. We examined how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the social challenges OAs faced and their expectations for robot technology to solve their challenges. We conducted two participatory design (PD) workshops with OAs during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, OAs’ primary concern was distanced communication with family members, with a prevalent desire to assist them through technology. They also wanted to share experiences socially, as such OA’s attitude toward technology could be explained mostly by the stimulation hypothesis. However, after COVID-19 the pandemic, their focus shifted towards their own wellbeing. Social isolation and loneliness were already significant issues for OAs, and these were exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, such OAs’ attitudes toward technology after the pandemic could be explained mostly by the disengagement hypothesis. This clearly reflect the OA’s current situation that they have been getting further digitally excluded due to rapid technological development during the pandemic. Both during and after the pandemic, OAs found it important to have technologies that were easy to use, which would reduce their digital exclusion. After the pandemic, we found this especially in relation to newly developed technologies meant to help people keep at a distance. To effectively integrate these technologies and avoid excluding large parts of the population, society must address the social challenges faced by OAs.
Synergy and medial effects of multimodal cueing with auditory and electrostatic force stimuli on visual field guidance in 360° VR
Authors: Sawahata Yasuhito , Harasawa Masamitsu , Komine Kazuteru
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the effects of multimodal cues on visual field guidance in 360° virtual reality (VR). Although this technology provides highly immersive visual experiences through spontaneous viewing, this capability can disrupt the quality of experience and cause users to miss important objects or scenes. Multimodal cueing using non-visual stimuli to guide the users’ heading, or their visual field, has the potential to preserve the spontaneous viewing experience without interfering with the original content. In this study, we present a visual field guidance method that imparts auditory and haptic stimulations using an artificial electrostatic force that can induce a subtle “fluffy” sensation on the skin. We conducted a visual search experiment in VR, wherein the participants attempted to find visual target stimuli both with and without multimodal cues, to investigate the behavioral characteristics produced by the guidance method. The results showed that the cues aided the participants in locating the target stimuli. However, the performance with simultaneous auditory and electrostatic cues was situated between those obtained when each cue was presented individually (medial effect), and no improvement was observed even when multiple cue stimuli pointed to the same target. In addition, a simulation analysis showed that this intermediate performance can be explained by the integrated perception model; that is, it is caused by an imbalanced perceptual uncertainty in each sensory cue for orienting to the correct view direction. The simulation analysis also showed that an improved performance (synergy effect) can be observed depending on the balance of the uncertainty, suggesting that a relative amount of uncertainty for each cue determines the performance. These results suggest that electrostatic force can be used to guide 360° viewing in VR, and that the performance of visual field guidance can be improved by introducing multimodal cues, the uncertainty of which is modulated to be less than or comparable to that of other cues. Our findings on the conditions that modulate multimodal cueing effects contribute to maximizing the quality of spontaneous 360° viewing experiences with multimodal guidance.
Paws and Claws: Pets Promote Wellbeing
Authors: Shah Shalaka Sharad , Goyal Shruti , Shankar Aparna
Published: June 2024

Psychologists are often interested in understanding more about the relationships between people and their pets, and how having pets may help pet owners. Research suggests that pets help us stay healthy, both physically and mentally. Having a pet has been found to offer multiple health benefits to children, adults, and older people. Across various studies, pet owners mention several benefits of having a pet, such as emotional support, mood-boosting effects, companionship, and stress management. Based on theories in psychology that help to explain why we form bonds with others and how others help us, we try to understand the connections we form with our pets. In this article, we describe the science explaining how pets promote people’s wellbeing.
Is device-measured physical activity associated with musculoskeletal disorders among young adult Finnish men?
Authors: Sipilä Lumi , Sievänen Harri , Raitanen Jani , Kyröläinen Heikki , Vasankari Tommi , Vaara Jani P. , Honkanen Tuomas
Published: June 2024

Background

Musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders represent a significant burden to society and can be unpleasant for the affected individuals. Physical activity (PA) can prevent MSK disorders while conferring other health benefits. The present study aimed to investigate associations between device-measured PA and perceived MSK disorders among young adult men.

Methods

PA at different intensity levels, standing, and sedentary behavior were measured with a hip-worn accelerometer in a cohort of 422 young adult Finnish men aged 26 years on average. The incidences of three common MSK disorders (viz., knee pain, lumbar radicular pain, and lumbago pain) during the last month were inquired by a questionnaire. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the associations between the MSK outcomes and explanatory PA variables (PA times at different intensity levels, standing, and sedentary times). The models were controlled for age, education, smoking, BMI, and maximal oxygen uptake.

Results

PA, standing, and sedentary times were not significantly associated with the incidence of perceived MSK pain during the last month, except for lumbago pain. Lumbago pain was slightly more probable if the time spent in light PA increased, even after controlling for potential confounding factors, including moderate-to-vigorous PA, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.07 (95% CI: 1.02–1.14). Sedentary time showed an opposite association, with an OR of 0.98 (95% CI: 0.96–1.00).

Conclusions

There were neither positive nor negative clinically meaningful associations between PA and recent MSK disorders among young adult men. The result is surprising and requires further confirmation.
Headgear use in girls’ lacrosse—stakeholders not ready for change
Authors: Recker Robyn , Myers Alison , Desai Nikhil , Caccese Jaclyn B. , Boucher Laura , Onate James , Yang Jingzhen
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Mandating headgear for field players in girls’ lacrosse to reduce head injuries, including concussion, has been heavily debated. However, research regarding the need and effectiveness of mandated headgear use in girls’ lacrosse is still developing. Therefore, this qualitative study aimed to identify the need for and barriers to the development of mandated headgear use policies in girls’ lacrosse in Ohio.

Methods

We conducted six virtual focus groups, three with concussion experts (clinicians and researchers) and three with girls’ lacrosse stakeholders (high school players, parents, coaches, and officials). A focus group guide was developed to explore study participants’ perceptions and opinions on concussion in girls’ lacrosse, headgear use among players, and policies and policy development related to headgear use or a headgear mandate. We developed the codebook using an inductive and iterative approach based on focus group transcripts and used ATLAS.TI to code and analyze the transcript data.

Results

Concussion experts and stakeholders understood the potential consequences of concussion but did not perceive concussion as a pervasive problem in girls’ lacrosse. The prevention of head and facial injuries was regarded as a potential benefit of headgear use. However, stakeholders expressed that the myriad of arguments discussed opposing mandated headgear use including increased aggressive play and/or targeting, concerns over changes in the game, and cost strongly outweighed the benefits. Finally, both concussion experts and stakeholders identified multiple organizations, including USA Lacrosse, who could act as facilitators and/or barriers to developing, enacting, and implementing headgear policies.

Conclusions

Concussion experts and stakeholders identified possible reasons for headgear use related to injury prevention but also identified several important barriers to the development of a headgear mandate for girls’ lacrosse in Ohio.
Improved nursery practices and farmers’ willingness to adopt heat-tolerant tomatoes under tropical conditions
Authors: Asante Bright O. , Osei Michael K. , Bediako Kwabena A. , Annor Benjamin , Gyau Joseph , Adomako Joseph , Prempeh Ruth N.
Published: June 2024

Heat-tolerant tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) can be used to alleviate the impact of climate variability, increase productivity, and increase income of smallholder vegetable farmers under tropical conditions. Adoption of improved nursery practices and willingness to adopt heat-tolerant tomato varieties under tropical conditions was examined. Using data from 432 tomato farmers, multivariate probit and tobit regression models were used to assess willingness to adopt heat-tolerant varieties and number of nursery practices. Willingness to adopt heat-tolerant tomato varieties was positively influenced by education, experience, and extension contacts. Adoption of improved nursery practices was influenced by sex, household size, off-farm income, credit, education and extension. These results will enable decision-makers to prioritize strategies that target educated farmers with more years of experience in tomato production and have contacts with extension to enhance the adoption of heat-tolerant tomato seeds with complementary improved nursery practices to increase productivity and income of smallholder tomato farmers under tropical conditions.
Utilization of Moringa oleifera leaf meal as a protein source in diets for Cirrhinus mrigala: effects on growth, body composition, and hematology
Authors: Faisal Muhammad , Hussain Syed Makhdoom , Sarker Pallab K. , Ali Shafaqat , Al-Ghanim Khalid A. , Yousaf Zeeshan
Published: June 2024

Introduction

In the current study, Cirrhinus mrigala was used as an animal model to investigate the impacts of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on their overall performance reared in six earthen ponds.

Methods

In this study, fishmeal (FM) was substituted with MOLM at various levels in the diet: 0% (control), 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30%, for a six-month feeding trial. A total of 270 fish with 15 fingerlings (15.31 ± 0.12 g/fish) stocked in each of the six earthen ponds in triplicates.

Results

When compared to other experimental and control groups, analyses revealed that fish given a diet having 10% MOLM had the highest growth performance (final weight: 422.32 g, weight gain: 406.97 g). Fingerlings fed a diet which substituted with 10% of FM with MOLM showed the greatest results for body composition (crude protein: 19.31%; crude fat: 3.01%). The results of hematology, i.e., WBCs: 7.65 × 103 mm−3, PLT: 58.38, hemoglobin level: 8.52 g 100 mL−1, PCV: 25.12%, MCHC: 30.45%, MCH: 48.81 pg., MCV: 159.50 fl, also showed that 10% MOLM was the optimum level for FM substitution. Furthermore, the outcomes of body mineralization (P, Ca, Na, Mn, Fe, Mg, Zn, K, and Cu, 1.06, 0.92%, 5.53 mg/g, 9.90 ug/g, 54.62 ug/g, 3.09%, 3.81 ug/g, 8.31%, and 3.76 ug/g respectively) also indicated that 10% level was the best.

Conclusion

Conclusively, the current study found that substituting 10% of FM with MOLM in the diet of C. mrigala fingerlings improved growth performance, carcass, hematology, and mineral status.
Benefits of maternal pectin supplementation in gestation diet on vaginal microbiota of sows and intestinal health of newborn piglets
Authors: He Jiaqi , Zheng Jie , Huang Yingyan , Li Shuang , Hua Lun , Jiang Xuemei , Che Lianqiang , Fang Zhengfeng , Feng Bin , Lin Yan , Xu Shengyu , Li Jian , Wu De
Published: June 2024

Pectin is a proven prebiotic and widely used in human health products. This study aims to assess the impact of dietary pectin supplementation during gestation on sow vaginal microbiota and the offspring's intestinal composition. Thirty sows were randomly allocated to two groups and fed a standard diet (CON) or a standard diet supplemented with 3 g/kg pectin (PEC). Blood, feces, and vaginal swab samples from the sows and blood, intestines issue, and colonic content samples from the offspring were collected and analyzed. The results indicate that the relative abundance of vaginal Lactobacillus was notably enhanced in the PEC group and fecal β-glucuronidase (β-G) activity and plasma 17β-estradiol (E2) concentration were also significantly increased in the PEC group. Newborn piglets were found to host different microbial communities as well. At the phylum level, Proteobacteria dominated in the CON group, and Firmicutes was predominant in the PEC group. Newborn piglets in the PEC group had a lower interleukin-6 (IL-6) concentration in their plasma. The expression of intestinal cytokines of offspring was improved as well. Villus height and villus height/crypt depth (V/C) in the PEC group were extremely higher than those in the CON group. In conclusion, dietary pectin supplementation can be of benefit to both sows and newborn piglets.
Dynamic Modeling and Control of a 4-Wheel Narrow Tilting Vehicle
Authors: Lee Sunyeop , Cho Hyeonseok , Nam Kanghyun
Published: June 2024

The automotive industries currently face challenges such as emission limits, traffic congestion, and limited parking, which have prompted shifts in consumer preferences and modern passenger vehicle requirements towards compact vehicles. However, given the inherent limited width of compact vehicles, the potential risk of vehicle rollover is greater than that of regular vehicles. This paper addresses the safety concerns associated with vehicle rollover, focusing on narrow tilting vehicles (NTVs). Quantifying stability involves numerical indicators such as the lateral load transfer ratio (LTR). Additionally, a unique approach is taken by applying ZMP (zero moment point), commonly used in the robotics field, as an indicator of vehicle stability. Effective roll control requires a detailed analysis of the vehicle’s characteristic model and the derivation of lateral and roll dynamics. The paper presents the detailed roll dynamics of an NTV with a MacPherson strut-type suspension. A stability-enhancing method is proposed using a cascade structure based on the internal robust position controller and outer roll stability controller, addressing challenges posed by disturbances. Experimental verification using Simscape Multibody and CarSim validates the dynamic model and controller’s effectiveness, ensuring the reliability of the proposed tilting control for NTVs in practical scenarios.
Transformation and Sequestration of Total Organic Carbon in Black Soil under Different Fertilization Regimes with Straw Carbon Inputs
Authors: Zhang Jiuming , Yuan Jiahui , Zhu Yingxue , Kuang Enjun , Han Jiaye , Shi Yanxiang , Chi Fengqin , Wei Dan , Liu Jie
Published: June 2024

In the context of the carbon peak and carbon-neutral era, it is crucial to effectively utilize maize straw as a resource for achieving carbon (C) sequestration and emission reduction in rural agriculture. Maize straw carbon undergoes two processes after being added to the soil: mineralization (decomposition) and humification (synthesis) by soil animals and microorganisms. These processes contribute to the reintegration of carbon into the agroecosystem’s carbon cycle. However, understanding of the transformation and stabilization of straw carbon, as well as the differences in C fixation capacity in soils with various fertilization treatments in black soils, remains limited. This study aims to quantify the relationship between straw carbon input and organic carbon sequestration in various fertilization treatments of black soil. Based on a long-term positional fertilization trial (45 years) in black soil, 13C-labeled maize straw (1.5 g in 120 g of dry soil) was applied and combined with an in situ incubation method using carborundum tubes. Throughout the 360-day trial, we observed the influence of fertilization on soil total organic C levels, organic carbon δ13C values, maize straw addition rate, and straw C fixation capacity. The decomposition of straw was most prominent during the initial 60 days of the incubation period, followed by a gradual decrease in the rate of decomposition. Compared with day 0, the SOC δ13C value and straw C residue rate were highest in the no-fertilization treatment (CK) after 360 days of incubation. The amount of organic carbon transformed and fixed in the soil was significantly higher in the organic fertilizer treatment (M) compared to other treatments, highlighting the stronger decomposition, transformation, and carbon fixation capacity of straw carbon in the M treatment. Moreover, the highest carbon storage of 43.23 Mg·ha−1 was observed in the M fertilization treatment after 360 days, which was significantly different from other treatments (p < 0.05). The study demonstrates that soil with low fertility exhibits increased sequestration potential for straw carbon. Additionally, organic fertilizer input would increase soil organic carbon storage and facilitate straw carbon conversion.
Making Decisions on the Development of County-Level Agricultural Industries through Comprehensive Evaluation of Environmental and Economic Benefits of Agricultural Products: A Case Study of Hancheng City
Authors: Lu Chen , Wang Huaizhou , Li Xue , Zhu Zhiyuan
Published: June 2024

This study aims to provide a scientific basis for the development of county-level agricultural industries through a comprehensive evaluation of the environmental and economic benefits of agricultural products. Focusing on Hancheng City in Shaanxi Province, this paper calculates and analyzes the carbon emission intensity per unit output value and the economic benefits of major agricultural products, assessing their comprehensive advantage indices. The research methods include data collection, data processing, and model construction, utilizing a bi-factor matrix analysis to explore the balance between environmental sustainability and economic profitability of different agricultural products. The results indicate that pepper and vegetables have the highest comprehensive advantages, demonstrating significant economic and environmental benefits, while soybeans show lower comprehensive advantages, requiring improvements in cultivation techniques and management practices. Based on the research findings, this paper proposes policy and management recommendations for different agricultural products, including focusing on the development of high-comprehensive-advantage products, improving cultivation techniques for low-comprehensive-advantage products, promoting green agricultural technologies, establishing a carbon footprint monitoring system for agricultural products, and strengthening agricultural infrastructure construction. The study’s conclusions provide theoretical support and practical guidance for the agricultural development strategies of Hancheng City and similar regions, contributing to the achievement of sustainable agricultural development and carbon reduction goals.
“What’s Good for the Bees Will Be Good for Us!”—A Qualitative Study of the Factors Influencing Beekeeping Activity
Authors: Feketéné Ferenczi Aliz , Szűcs István , Bauerné Gáthy Andrea
Published: June 2024

Beekeepers play a crucial role in the survival of honey bee populations, so it is essential to understand the drivers behind their activities. This qualitative study aims to explore the factors influencing beekeepers’ decision-making and to assess the relationship between beekeepers and their bees, to identify the relationship between them by building a theoretical model, and to assess the perception of pollination services as a potential source of income diversification among Hungarian beekeepers. Based on the grounded theory method, we created a paradigm model of beekeeping management based on semi-structured interviews with beekeepers in Hungary. In the analysis of the interviews, we first used open coding to develop categories according to the concepts used by the beekeepers, and then structured and linked these categories (axial coding). Finally, we identified the most relevant main categories (selective coding) and outlined the conceptual framework for beekeeping management. We mapped the strategies and beekeeping practices beekeepers use and the consequences they generate. The results show that several causal conditions influence beekeeping decisions and strategies. In an environment where beekeepers’ costs are increasing and their incomes are decreasing while implementing adaptation strategies, more targeted measures are needed to protect bees and increase beekeepers’ profitability.
Germination Performance of Physalis peruviana L. Seeds under Thermal and Water Stress Conditions
Authors: de Freitas Elis Marina , Gomes Carlos Nick , da Silva Laércio Junio , da Cunha Fernando França
Published: June 2024

Physalis peruviana holds significant economic value, making it crucial to determine optimal cultivation conditions, particularly concerning seed germination under varying water and temperature conditions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impacts of heat and water stress on the germination and vigor of P. peruviana seeds. The study was divided into two trials: the first examined the effect of constant temperatures of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40 °C and alternating temperatures of 20 °C during the dark period and 30 °C during the light period (control) on seed germination and vigor. The second trial investigated germination and vigor under different water and thermal conditions using various osmotic potentials (0; −0.3; −0.6; and −0.9 MPa) and two temperatures (constant 30 °C and alternating 20 °C during the dark period and 30 °C during the light period). Both trials used a 16 h photoperiod. The germination tests revealed optimal (30 °C), moderate (20/30 °C), minimal (20 °C), and inhibited (40 °C) temperatures for the species’ germination. It was found that the first germination count could be conducted on the seventh day after sowing. Low water availability had negative effects on seed germination and vigor, especially at osmotic potentials below −0.45 and −0.61 MPa, combined with temperatures of 30 and 20/30 °C, respectively. Severe water stress, with osmotic potentials equal to or below −0.9 MPa, completely inhibited seed germination and vigor. Reduction in water potential and increased temperature resulted in a significant decrease in the percentage, speed, and quality of P. peruviana germination. These findings indicate that the species does not tolerate extreme temperatures, whether low (less than 15 °C) or high (greater than 35 °C), nor water stress with osmotic potentials lower than −0.45 MPa, much less the combination of these factors.
Comprehensive Genome-Wide Investigation and Transcriptional Regulation of the DHHC Gene Family in Cotton Seed and Fiber Development
Authors: Silaiyiman Saimire , Zheng Qinyue , Wang Yutao , Ouyang Lejun , Guo Zhishan , Yu Jieli , Chen Rong , Peng Rui , Shen Chao
Published: June 2024

Protein palmitoylation, the most common and the only reversible post-translational lipid modification following protein translation, plays a pivotal role in the biochemical and physiological processes of both animals and plants. DHHC proteins, enriched with DHHC (Asp-His-His-Cys) domains, serve as catalyst for protein palmitoylation. However, research on DHHC in cotton remains scarce. This study conducted a systematic characterization and bioinformatics analysis on G. arboreum, G. raimondii, G. hirsutum, and G. barbadense, detecting 38, 37, 74, and 74 DHHC genes, respectively. Phylogenetic analysis categorized the DHHC gene family into six subgroups, consistent with previous evolutionary studies in Arabidopsis and rice. A further examination of protein structure revealed a correlation between genetic relatedness, structural similarity, and functional identity. Cis-element analysis identified elements predominantly associated with light response, stress, growth and development, and plant hormones. The integration of cotton seed development transcriptome, tissue expression pattern analysis, and population transcriptome data collectively suggests that Ghir_A05G027650 and Ghir_D05G027670 are promising candidate genes influencing seed development in upland cotton. Conversely, Gbar_A04G010750 and Gbar_A12G020520 emerge as potential candidates affecting both seed and fiber development in sea island cotton. These findings lay down a theoretical foundation for delving into the functional diversity of DHHC genes in cotton, thereby paving the way for the development of new breeding strategies and the optimization of cotton seed and fiber production, ultimately contributing to improved crop yield and quality.