bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between phthalate metabolites and two novel systemic inflammatory indexes: A cross-sectional analysis of NHANES data
Authors: Cheng Fangyu , Li Yueyuan , Deng Kai , Zhang Xinyu , Sun Wenxue , Yang Xin , Zhang Xiaofang , Wang Chunping
Published: August 2024

Background
The potential risky effects of phthalate metabolites on inflammation and immune function have attracted much attention in recent years. However, direct studies on the relationship between these metabolites and the systemic immune inflammatory index (SII) and systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) are limited.
Methods
This cross-sectional study used Generalized linear regression models (GLM), Restricted cubic splines (RCS), Weighted quantile sum (WQS), and Bayesian kernel-machine regression (BKMR) to analyze data from 3,325 U.S. adults aged between 20 and 80 years, obtained from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2013 and 2018. The study aimed to investigate the relationship between urine samples of nine phthalate metabolites and levels of SII and SIRI in a single, nonlinear, and mixed relationship, and explored the robustness of the findings under single and mixed effects using two sensitivity analyses for completeness. Furthermore, sex-specific differences in outcomes were explored by conducting stratified analyses to identify potentially significant subgroups.
Results
In single exposure analyses, MnBP, MEP, MBzP, and MEOHP were positively associated with SII and SIRI, and the associations were more pronounced in the female population. Except for MnBP, MBzP, and MiBP, the dose-exposure relationships between the other four phthalate metabolites and the two inflammatory indices were linear. The findings from the two mixed exposure models demonstrated a positive association between the collective concentrations of phthalate metabolites and levels of SII and SIRI. Additionally, an interplay was observed between the phthalate metabolites MBzP and MEHHP, with MBzP being identified as a significant contributor to the urinary levels of phthalate metabolites. The results of the two sensitivity analyses were in general agreement with the above findings.
Conclusion
Positive correlations were identified between phthalate metabolites and systemic inflammatory indexes SII and SIRI. Additionally, among the metabolites, MBzP was determined to have the most significant impact.
Early decomposition rate and stabilization factors are influenced by precipitation, but not by the individual tree selection method in western deciduous Patagonian forests
Authors: Soto Daniel P.
Published: August 2024

Litter decomposition is a key process in forest ecosystems because it influences the balance of primary production and respiration. However, the interaction between sites and forest management still needs empirical quantification and understanding. Here, I aimed to study the effects of distinct precipitation sites and low-severity management conducted 5 years ago within pure Nothofagus pumilio (Lenga) old-growth forests in western Patagonia. The well-established and standardized Tea Bag Index (TBI) was used to obtain the decomposition rate (kTBI) and stabilization factor (STBI) among sites and management treatments. Three randomized blocks were displayed in three precipitation sites (dry, mesic, and wet), where each block contained three plots with different management intensity (heavy: 35m2/ha of residual basal area, light: 45m2/ha of residual basal area, and control: without intervention ~ 60m2/ha of basal area) conducted through the individual-tree selection method. At each plot, six incubation spots with pairs of green (labile) and rooibos (recalcitrant) tea bags were buried in the center of the plot following the TBI protocol. In the center of each plot a microclimate data logger was installed, and on each incubation spot a hemispherical photograph was taken to estimate total transmitted radiation. Two-way ANOVA was used to evaluate the effects of precipitation sites, management treatments, and their interaction on decomposition rate kTBI and stabilization factor STBI (TBI proxies). Moreover, the generalized linear model (GLM) was used to establish the causal relationship for the TBI proxies using the mean transmitted radiation, mean soil temperature, mean soil water content, and their interaction mediated by precipitation sites as an indicator variable. The results highlight that the precipitation site was the significant variable to predict both TBI proxies. Management treatments, and their interaction with precipitation sites were not significant. Moreover, I found that the precipitation site was the best supported model for each TBI proxy, and non-effects of microclimate variables were revealed by the selection model approach. I discuss that precipitation acts as a main driver of the decomposition process in these cold temperate forests, and the low-severity management approach did not affect the microclimate, thereby the kTBI and STBI. Therefore, these results show that this management alternative mimics the natural process and could be seen as a plausible and sustainable management option for the western Patagonian deciduous forest ecosystems.
Axial Cyclic Earthquake Loading Protocol for Idealized RC Wall Boundary Zones
Authors: Gokhale Rohit Ajit , Dhakal Rajesh P.
Published: August 2024

Seismic performance of a flexurally-dominated reinforced concrete wall is dependent on the response of its end boundary zones. In order to evaluate the performance of structural walls, a common practice adopted in laboratories is to test reinforced concrete columns representing the corresponding wall boundaries under uniaxial cyclic loading. This paper presents a numerical investigation leading to the development of a quasi-static uniaxial cyclic loading protocol based on the inelastic strain demands at the wall boundaries, when the corresponding structural wall is subjected to earthquake ground motions of various characteristics. With an increasing emphasis on performance-based design, the proposed loading protocol is structured around inelastic strain demands generated at the performance-based drift limits of structural walls. Non-linear time history analyses are carried out on a numerical wall model to obtain the average strain histories at the wall boundaries. A statistical evaluation of the number of inelastic cycles and the corresponding strain ranges forms the main basis for deriving the loading protocol. As damage is predominantly caused due to repeated large inelastic strain excursions, the rain flow cycle counting method is utilized for counting and sorting of the inelastic cycles. The proposed uniaxial cyclic strain histories are more representative of the cumulative demands imposed by moderate-to-large magnitude earthquakes, and their application would facilitate a more rational assessment of the seismic performance of flexurally-dominated RC walls than the current approach of testing boundary zones under arbitrarily decided tension-compression cycles.
Isolation, identification, and brewing characteristics analysis of yeast strains from Pyracantha fortuneana fruits fermentation liquid
Authors: Zhu Ling , Yu Jiang-Yan , Xu Qing-Fang , Bai Xu , Gao Xiu , Zhang Li-Fang , Liu Wei-Liang , Wang Hao-Han , Cai Jian
Published: August 2024

Pyracantha fortuneana (P. fortuneana) fruit, as a dual-purpose plant resource, is rich in nutrients; however, studies on the isolation and identification of yeast strains from P. fortuneana fruit and their brewing characteristics are scarce. To screen for high-quality yeast strains specifically for P. fortuneana wine from the fermentation liquid, this study employed traditional pure culture methods using WL nutrient agar for morphological identification of the isolated strains. Molecular biological identification of the yeasts was performed using molecular biology techniques. The brewing characteristics of the yeast strains were analyzed based on growth characteristics, sugar tolerance, alcohol tolerance, SO2 tolerance, and acid tolerance, providing potential quality yeast resources for P. fortuneana wine production. The results indicated that a total of 12 yeast strains were isolated and purified. After identification, they were classified as Pichia kudriavzevii and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Strain HJ-2 was able to grow normally under the conditions of 40°C, 15% alcohol by volume, 360 mg/L SO2 mass concentration, pH 3.2, 400 g/L sucrose mass concentration, and 250 g/L glucose mass concentration. Strain HJ-6 exhibited normal growth under conditions of 40°C, 3% alcohol by volume, 360 mg/L SO2 mass concentration, pH 3.2, 250 g/L sucrose mass concentration, and 300 g/L glucose mass concentration. Both strains HJ-2 and HJ-6 demonstrated strong ester production capability and low hydrogen sulfide production. Overall, strains HJ-2 and HJ-6 show potential for application in the industrial production of P. fortuneana wine.
Feature enhancement network architecture for low-light image
Authors: Jin Zihao , Liu Zhiyong
Published: August 2024

Limitations such as shooting equipment and environmental conditions can significantly impact the quality of captured images. Image enhancement, a crucial task in computer vision, aims to improve the overall or local characteristics of an image, particularly its brightness and contrast, to enhance the visual effect. The Retinex model has proven effective for low-light image enhancement. In this work, we propose a novel feature enhancement network architecture that combines the Retinex model with deep learning. The network comprises three main components: a decomposition network for image decomposition, an enhancement network for the luminance component obtained from decomposition, and a denoising network for the reflection component. The network’s learning process relies primarily on key constraints, including the consistency of the reflection component and the smoothness of the luminance component post-image decomposition. We conducted experiments on synthetic datasets involving real environments and processed images, and the results demonstrate that our method strikes a good balance between reducing parameters and maintaining high-quality image enhancement compared to other algorithms.
Electronic Transport and Magnetic Properties of CrTe Epitaxial Thin Films with Room Temperature Ferromagnetism
Authors: Luo Fu-Sheng , Wang Zhao-Cai , Tang F. , Fang Y. , Ye Mao , Zheng Ren-Kui
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we report the electronic transport and room-temperature ferromagnetism with Curie temperature ~ 330 K in 25-nm NiAs-type CrTe thin films epitaxially grown on SrTiO3 (111) substrates using molecular beam epitaxy. Upon cooling from 350 K, the CrTe film undergoes paramagnetic-to-ferromagnetic (PM-to-FM) and ferromagnetic-to-antiferromagnetic (AFM) phase transitions. In the ground state (2 K), the spins basically form antiferromagnetic ordering between Cr1 and Cr2 layers, however, still with a weak remanent magnetization of 123 emu/cc (~ 0.23 µB/f.u.), implying slight spin canting within Cr sub-lattice direction. For the 100, 500, and 1000 Oe magnetic field, the field-cooled in-plane remanent magnetization at 2 K exceeds the field-cooled out-of-plane one by factors of 42, 12.4, and 14.8, respectively, indicating strong magnetic anisotropy. Associated with the PM-to-FM phase transition, the CrTe film shows an insulator-to-metal electronic phase transition and negative magnetoresistance, which can be qualitatively understood within the framework of the electronic phase separation model.
Anti-DEFA5 Monoclonal Antibody Clones 1A8 and 4F5 Immunoreactive Bioassay for Diagnosing Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Thangaiyan Rabi , Sakwe Amos M. , Hawkins Alexander T. , Washington Mary K. , Ballard Billy R. , Izban Michael G. , Chirwa Sanika S. , Hildreth James E.K. , Shanker Anil , Blum David L. , M'Koma Amosy E.
Published: August 2024

Background
Robust evidence suggests that the aberrant expression of α defensin 5 protein (DEFA5) in colon inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) underlies the distinct pathogenesis of Crohn’s colitis, can be exploited as a reliable diagnostic biomarker to differential diagnosis of Crohn’s colitis (CC) from Ulcerative colitis (UC) in otherwise indeterminate colitis (IC). We evaluated the specificity of the commercially available anti-DEFA5 antibodies and showed further validation of their appropriateness for a given application is required.
Methods We established two mouse monoclonal DEFA5 antibody clones 1A8 and 4F5 by immunizing the mice with purified recombinant protein and validated the specificity, selectivity and cross reactivity in recognizing the endogenous and recombinant DEFA5 protein, especially for Immunohistochemistry, Western blot, Immunoprecipitation, or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.
Results Clones 1A8 and 4F5 recognized effectively the endogenous DEFA5 in active human diverticulitis (DV), UC, CC or IC disease samples, including transiently transfected HEK293T cells expressing DEFA5 with high degree of specificity and minimal non-confounding cross reactivity.
Conclusions 1A8 and 4F5 clones are worth studying in larger IBD cohorts to fully address whether DEFA5 expression may be used as a diagnostic biomarker to discrimination of the diagnosis of UC from CC or IC into authentic CC or UC or a colitis with different pathological characteristics.
The Role of Geography in Taxonomy and Conservation of Species Related to Banisteriopsis Malifolia (Malpighiaceae)
Authors: Souza Raniely Miranda , Maciel Jefferson Rodrigues , Saavedra-Saenz Yurani Carolina , Oliveira Regina Célia
Published: August 2024

Banisteriopsis includes species that are difficult to define, and there is a hypothesis that sympatric species are more similar than those with wide distributions. The objective of this study was to test the circumscription of species related to B. malifolia to examine the relationship between geographical distribution, sympatry, and allopatry with the morphological variation of taxa, as well as to assess the degree of threat to the taxa. The results surprisingly point to greater morphological variation in allopatric species than in sympatric ones, the taxa are better explained within the current circumscription and no corroborate the new status for Banisteriopsis malifolia var, appressa recently proposed. We confirm the dramatic occurrence of threatened species in this group.
Psychological Interventions for Internalized Weight Stigma: A Systematic Review of Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Efficacy
Authors: D’Adamo Laura , Shonrock Abigail T. , Monocello Lawrence , Goldberg Jake , Yaeger Lauren H. , Jebeile Hiba , Pearl Rebecca , Wilfley Denise E.
Published: August 2024

Background
Internalized weight stigma (IWS) is highly prevalent and associated with deleterious mental and physical health outcomes. Initiatives are needed to address IWS and promote effective coping and resilience among individuals who are exposed to weight stigma. We conducted a systematic review of psychological interventions for IWS and examined their feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy at reducing IWS and related negative physiological and psychological health outcomes.
Methods
Eight databases were searched. Inclusion criteria included: (1) psychological intervention; (2) published in English; and (3) included internalized weight stigma as an outcome. Exclusion criteria included: (1) commentary or review; and (2) not a psychological intervention. A systematic narrative review framework was used to synthesize results.
Results
Of 161 articles screened, 20 were included. Included interventions demonstrated high feasibility, acceptability, and engagement overall. Sixteen of 20 included studies observed significant reductions in IWS that were maintained over follow-up periods, yet data on whether interventions produced greater reductions than control conditions were mixed. Studies observed significant improvements in numerous physical and mental health outcomes.
Conclusions
Findings indicate that existing interventions are feasible, acceptable, and may provide meaningful improvements in IWS and associated health outcomes, highlighting the potential for psychological interventions to promote improved health and wellbeing in individuals with IWS. Additional research using rigorous study designs (e.g., randomized controlled trials) is needed to further evaluate the efficacy of interventions for IWS.
Design of internal model controller based on robustness/performance tradeoff tuning for robot arm with time delay
Authors: LIU Li-ye
Published: August 2024

A framework of dealing with the issue of the long delay time is established for the control system of the Cloud Robot Arm (CRA). To be convenient for the dynamic process analysis and the controller design of CRA control system, the each joint of the robot arm plant is regard as the independent system, considering the influence of the time delay of the cloud networking. Then, a controller design method of the Internal Model Control -Proportional Integral Derivative (IMC-PID) based on the tradeoff tuning method between the robustness/performance is proposed to handle the load toque disturbance for the CRA control system, guaranteeing the dynamic performance. The simulation results reflect the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Lightweight Code Coverage Analysis for Deep Learning Framework Testing
Authors: Li Senyi , Xiao Xiong , Yang Bing , Li Junqiang , Yu Hongfang , Luo Long , Zhang Xiaosong , Sun Gang
Published: August 2024

Coverage analysis is increasingly important for enhancing deep learning (DL) framework testing. However, current code coverage analyzers face challenges with low compatibility and high overhead when applied to DL frameworks. Our findings indicate that state-of-the-art Python analyzers, such as coverage.py and SlipCover, introduce an overhead of at least 1 \(\times\) . In the context of C coverage, the widely-used analyzer gcc is compatible only with TensorFlow and imposes a substantial overhead of 130,166$\times$. These issues with compatibility and overhead significantly limit the utility of coverage analysis in many applications, including testing and fuzzing, and prevent its adoption in deployment scenarios.In this paper, we propose DCOV, a lightweight coverage analyzer designed explicitly for DL frameworks to address the above challenges. DCOV leverages run-time instrumentation for Python code and compile-time instrumentation for C code. Additionally, we decouple instrumentation and coverage analysis functions by an interface-based instrumentation design, allowing Python and C probes to share the same coverage analysis algorithm. Furthermore, DCOV minimizes execution and analysis overheads through several strategies, including coverage granularity optimization, parallel processing and bit counting algorithm optimization.Our empirical evaluation demonstrates DCOV's applicability to popular deep learning frameworks, such as TensorFlow and PyTorch, with a minimal overhead of approximately 18 milliseconds per single run. In addition, by adopting parallel processing and bit counting algorithm optimization, DCOV reduces analysis overhead by 99%. Moreover, by integrating DCOV with existing DL framework testing systems, we observe a 2.8$\times$ speedup and uncover two previously unknown bugs in TensorFlow (one of them being accepted).
A lmod1a mutation causes megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis in a CRISPR/Cas9-modified zebrafish model
Authors: Kalim Alvin Santoso , Nagata Kouji , Toriigahara Yukihiro , Shirai Takeshi , Kirino Kosuke , Xiu-Ying Zhang , Kondo Takuya , Kawakubo Naonori , Miyata Junko , Matsuura Toshiharu , Tajiri Tatsuro
Published: August 2024

Purpose
Megacystis microcolon intestinal hypoperistalsis syndrome (MMIHS) is defined as a congenital visceral myopathy with genetic mutations. However, the etiology and pathophysiology are not fully understood. We aimed to generate a gene leiomodin-1a (lmod1a) modification technique to establish a zebrafish model of MMIHS.
Methods
We targeted lmod1a in zebrafish using CRISPR/Cas9. After confirming the genotype, we measured the expression levels of the target gene and protein associated with MMIHS. A gut transit assay and spatiotemporal mapping were conducted to analyze the intestinal function.
Results
Genetic confirmation showed a 5-basepair deletion in exon 1 of lmod1a, which caused a premature stop codon. We observed significant mRNA downregulation of lmod1a, myh11, myod1 and acta2 and the protein expression of Lmod1 and Acta2 in the mutant group. A functional analysis of the lmod1a mutant zebrafish showed that its intestinal peristalsis was fewer, slower, and shorter in comparison to the wild type.
Conclusion
This study showed that targeted deletion of lmod1a in zebrafish resulted in depletion of MMIHS-related genes and proteins, resulting in intestinal hypoperistalsis. This model may have the potential to be utilized in future therapeutic approaches, such as drug discovery screening and gene repair therapy for MMIHS.
Secure Medical Image Transmission and Storagein IoT Cloud Using GAN - RBM with Real-TimeAnalysis
Authors: K Saranya , A Valarmathi
Published: August 2024

As IoT devices become increasingly integrated into healthcare systems, thesecurity and privacy of medical image data transmitted and stored in cloudenvironments are paramount. This paper introduces a novel approach that harnessesvanilla Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) and chaotic RestrictedBoltzmann Machines (RBMs) to tackle security challenges in medical imagetransmission and storage. GANs generate privacy-preserving representationsof medical images, while RBMs facilitate secure compression, encryption, andanomaly detection. The suggested GAN-RBM (GAN-RBM) integrates GANsand RBMs into IoT systems to provide the safe and effective transfer of medicalimages over networks that may not be secure. Additionally, it offers strong protectionfor image data saved in the cloud. Therefore, these massive amounts ofmedical data are securely stored, processed, and handled using cloud computingtechnology, which is protected from numerous assaults. Real-time (IntraCranialHaemorrhage -ICH) datasets are collected from hospitals for MRI, and CT imagesare utilized for experimentation. Performance metrics such as encryption/decryptionspeed, compression ratio, and anomaly detection accuracy are evaluated todemonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in safeguarding patient privacy, ensuring data integrity, and detecting unauthorized access or tamperingattempts. Encrypting a 140MB image takes 950 seconds and decrypting 990seconds. For 200 epochs, the proposed model has a compression ratio of 97.34%and GANs-RBM outperformed all other machine-learning models with a 94.17%anomaly detection score.
Design a Multimodal Biometric Based Protection System by Generation of a Revocable Cryptographic Key Using Separately Extracted Feature Fusion-based Convolutional Neural Network With Bat Optimization
Authors: S Manjusha Nair , Dharan Smitha
Published: August 2024

An authentication and access control method based on the automatic and immediate verification of a person's bodily traits is known as biometric security. Recently, Biometric Identification Systems (BIS) demands have risen significantly. However, it is challenging to offer robust security quickly because most conventional single and multimodal biometric authentication systems utilize data size, static parameters, and keys. As a result, it has various issues, including noise in the data, unacceptable error rates, and spoof attacks. To overcome these issues, this paper designs a separately extracted feature fusion based convolutional neural network with bat optimization (SEFF-CNN-BO). Additionally, the Attribute-Based Encryption (ABE) technique is employed to securely share the generated cryptographic key. Moreover, Bat Optimization and user input string-based permutation followed by SHA-256 hash value generation is applied to the extracted biometric features in the key generation phase to ensure key revocability and to enhance the security of the biometric system. This SEFF-CNN-BO system has combined biological features from the iris, face, and fingerprint for individual identification. The performance of SEFF-CNN-BO was calculated and evaluated in terms of precision, accuracy, recall, specificity, sensitivity, F-Score, etc. Compared to previous models, the developed SEFF-CNN-BO model attained 99.56% accuracy and 99.64% recall respectively. A comprehensive analysis of the proposed model against different security attacks, key revocability, and evaluation of the strength of the generated cryptographic keys is done using various metrics available in NIST statistical test suite. Analysis shows that the method is secure against all known attacks and also the key is 100% revocable.
Emotion Classification In-Context in Spanish
Authors: Thapa Bipul , Cofre Gabriel
Published: August 2024

This paper investigates the classification of customer feedback into emotions and examines document clustering to uncover themes within the feedback in Spanish using advanced NLP techniques , ML models, and Deep Learning embed-dings. We evaluate Logistic Regression, custom Neural Networks (cNN), and Support Vector Machine (SVM) models. Our experiments reveal that Logistic Regression and cNN achieve average accuracies of 97.13% and 98%, respectively, on the training set, and 85.17% and 86.12% on the test set. Various SVM kernels with two principal components (PCAs) resulted in training accuracies of 64.11%, 66.51%, 67.22%, and 46.29% for the linear , polynomial, RBF, and sigmoid kernels, respectively , and corresponding test accuracies of 62.20%, 62.20%, 64.11%, and 44.02%. A grid search identified the RBF kernel with C = 0.5 and γ = 10 as having the highest training and test accuracies of 66.51% and 64.59%. Using a 3-PCA SVM approach, training accuracies for the linear, polynomial, RBF, and sigmoid kernels were 66.63%, 66.39%, 70.93%, and 61.60%, and test accuracies were 62.68%, 63.64%, 70.33%, and * Equal contribution † 60.77%. The RBF kernel with C = 10 and γ = 1 achieved the highest training and test accuracies of 69.86% and 70.81%. These findings highlight the complexity of emotion classification in Spanish and demonstrate the potential for high accuracy using these models.
Effects of Fertilizer Application and Photosynthetic Photon Flux Density on Chrysanthemum and Begonia Cuttings Acclimated Indoors
Authors: Staton Lara , Gómez Celina
Published: August 2024

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of fertilizer application and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) on shoot and root growth of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum indicum) and begonia (Begonia ×hiemalis) cuttings. During an acclimation phase indoors, unrooted cuttings were treated with a complete fertilizer solution (15N–2.2P–12.5K with micronutrients) that provided 100 mg·L−1 nitrogen or with tap water. Cuttings were placed under PPFDs of 70 or 140 µmol·m−2·s−1 provided by broadband white light-emitting diode fixtures. A finishing phase in a greenhouse was conducted to evaluate carryover treatment effects. Fertilizer application had minimal effects on cuttings during both the acclimation and finishing phases. However, the higher PPFD increased shoot dry weight (DW) in both species and produced shorter chrysanthemum cuttings with almost double the root DW and higher chlorophyll concentration than those under the lower PPFD. During the finishing phase, chrysanthemum cuttings that had been acclimated under the higher PPFD produced 9% and 14% more shoot and root DW, respectively, than those under the lower PPFD, but no treatment differences were measured for begonia. Overall, our results suggest that when there is a fertilizer starter charge present in the substrate, additional fertilizer application during indoor acclimation will not affect shoot and root growth of chrysanthemum and begonia cuttings under conditions similar to those used in our study. Furthermore, cuttings of high-light-requiring species such as chrysanthemum are more likely to benefit from higher PPFD during indoor acclimation than those that require less light such as begonia.
Use of Cover Crops in Florida’s Citrus Industry: History and Resurgence, Current Practices, Challenges, and Opportunities
Authors: Hallman Lukas M. , Fox John-Paul , Rossi Lorenzo
Published: August 2024

Cover crops have a long and significant history in Florida’s citrus industry. During the late 1800s and early 1900s, they were widely used to enhance soil quality, boost fertility, and manage pests; therefore, they served as a critical agricultural tool before the widespread adoption of synthetic fertilizers. However, during the middle of the 20th century, a decline in the use of cover crops occurred as synthetic fertilizers and chemical pest control methods became more prevalent. Despite this decline, a resurgence of interest in cover crops has occurred among Florida’s citrus growers. This renewed interest is driven by the urgent need to increase soil fertility while reducing inputs, particularly in the context of managing citrus groves affected by citrus greening [huanglongbing (HLB)], which is a devastating disease that threatens the viability of the citrus industry. Citrus greening has created a growing interest in the use of management practices that can help mitigate the increasing cost of inputs needed to manage the disease. This literature review delves into the historical use of cover crops in Florida’s citrus industry and highlights their early adoption and subsequent decline. Additionally, it examines current cover crop management practices and focuses on key components such as seed selection, planting techniques, and termination methods. Finally, this review discusses the challenges and limitations associated with integrating cover crops into modern citrus production systems.
Psychometric Evaluation of the Abdominal Bloating Social Support Scale
Authors:   Biostatistics and Research Methodology Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Abdullah Nurzulaikha ,   Faculty of Data Science and Computing, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Kelantan, Malaysia, Yee Cheng Kueh ,   Biostatistics and Research Methodology Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Kuan Garry ,   Exercise and Sport Science, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Mung Seong Wong ,   Department of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Yeong Yeh Lee ,   Department of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia,   GI & Motility Unit, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
Published: August 2024

Background: Abdominal bloating (AB) is a common, bothersome symptom that negatively affects most adults. Although social support may help people suffering from AB, limited validated questionnaire is available. This study aimed to validate the newly developed Abdominal Bloating Social Support (SS-Bloat) scale for the Malaysian context. Method: We conducted a cross-sectional study in which we used purposive sampling and a self-administered questionnaire. Based on the literature review, experts’ input and indepth interviews, new items were generated for SS-Bloat scale. Content validity was assessed by experts and pre-tested with 30 individuals with AB. Construct validity was determined based on exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Reliability was determined based on Cronbach’s alpha and composite reliability (CR). Results: During the development stage, eight items were generated for SS-Bloat scale and remained the same after content validity and pre-testing. A total of 152 participants with a mean age of 31.27 years old (68.3% female, 32.7% male) completed the questionnaire. Based on the EFA, three problematic items were removed. The total variance explained was 35.6% with acceptable reliability (α = 0.66). The model was then tested using CFA. The initial model did not fit the data well. After several model re-specifications, the final measurement model of SS-Bloat scale fit the data well with acceptable fit indices (comparative fit index [CFI] = 0.994 and Tucker-Lewis index [TLI] = 0.984). The CR was satisfactory with value of 0.84. Conclusion: SS-Bloat scale was deemed valid and reliable for assessing the level of social support among AB patients. The questionnaire can be useful for both research studies and clinical purposes, as it is easy to use.
When Healthcare Professionals Disagree: Finding the Right Balance
Authors:   PAPRSB Institute of Health Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Brunei Darussalam, Zolkefli Yusrita ,   School of Health in Social Science, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Published: August 2024

Healthcare disagreements are common, but recognising the causes is essential to reaching a moral consensus. The article describes the challenges associated with resolving the disagreements. Therefore, a systematic and timely team-based discussion, ethics consultation with ethicists and the hospital ethics committee, active participation of all members’ discussions, and scheduled debriefings are pragmatic ways to find balance when healthcare professionals disagree. Teams need these attempts to build consensus and make moral decisions. It also fosters harmony, prioritises patient and team interests and, most importantly, keeps the team intact.
A Scoping Review on Cucumis melo and Its Anti-Cancer Properties
Authors:   Department of Biomedical Science, Kulliyah of Allied Health Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), Pahang, Malaysia, Raja Soh Raja Siti Syazana , Hapidin Hermizi ,   Biomedicine Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia, Kasiram Mohamad Zahid ,   Biomedicine Programme, School of Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kelantan, Malaysia
Published: August 2024

Cucumis melo L., better known by its popular cultivar cantaloupe, is an economically significant crop in the Cucurbitaceae family. Melon peel and seeds have shown medicinal potential due to their numerous biological qualities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antibacterial, hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effects to treat cardiovascular disease, diabetes and oedema. This scoping review aims to broaden the research scope on the cancer-fighting abilities of melon extract and its half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). Three databases which are Scopus, ScienceDirect and PubMed were used to locate relevant publications utilising the keywords ‘melon’, ‘Cucumis melo’, ‘inhibitory activity’, ‘cancer’ and ‘anti-cancer’. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-analyses extension for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) framework was used in conducting this study. Out of 904 articles, 14 articles met the inclusion criteria and were used in this analysis. These articles were published in English between 2000 and 2023 with full text accessibility, specifically addressed the fruit cantaloupe (Cucumis melo L.) or melon and reported on any type of cancer. Cucumis melo extract showed promising anti-cancer action in both in vitro and in vivo investigations on eight different cancer types: cervical, colon, prostate, leukaemia, multiple myeloma, breast, hepatoma and ovarian cancer. A thorough analysis shows that some of the IC50 values were significantly low, especially in cases of colon and prostate cancer, indicating a significant anti-cancer effect. The substantial anti-cancer benefits of Cucumis melo fruit extracts point to the necessity for additional investigation into their potential for cancer therapy on each form of cancer.
PERCEPÇÃO DE PSICÓLOGOS NO SUAS E PESSOAS EM SITUAÇÃO DE RUA
Authors: Almeida Lucimar Danelon , Senra Luciana Xavier
Published: August 2024

No Brasil, fenômeno de pessoas vivendo nas ruas aumentou na primeira metade do século XX, com o processo de êxodo rural. Contudo, apenas com a Constituição de 1988 começou-se a vislumbrar a perspectiva de direitos à essas pessoas e a partir da promulgação da Política de Assistência Social em 2004, foram reconhecidas como público a ser assistido no nível das políticas públicas. A partir de 2011, foi previsto na Norma Operacional Básica de Recursos Humanos que o psicólogo fizesse parte das equipes de referência dos equipamentos desta política, então, diante da importância dessa atuação profissional, este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a percepção social de psicólogos sobre o trabalho que desempenham junto à Assistência Psicossocial no Sistema Único de Assistência Social (Suas) às pessoas em situação de rua no município de Petrópolis/RJ. Para tal, foi realizada uma pesquisa qualitativa com uso de questionário semiestruturado para coleta de dados em ambiente virtual, os dados obtidos foram submetidos à análise de temática dos conteúdos, por meio de quatro categorias previamente estabelecidas, conforme o aporte teórico sobre cognição social e normativas técnicas de atuação profissional junto ao SUAS. Entre os resultados, constatou-se a percepção de insatisfação e incertezas com o trabalho. Precariedade, insegurança, trabalho intersetorial insatisfatório e visão estereotipada de algumas profissionais, bem como, dúvidas e insatisfação sobre o vínculo com a População em Situação de Rua (PSR) acenam para a importância de rever como está sendo executada a política de assistência para essas pessoas, além dos processos de trabalho, que devem levar em consideração as pessoas que moram nas ruas, os profissionais, gestores, comunidade e demais políticas públicas. Nota-se, ainda, a incipiência de pesquisas relativas ao tema, levando a sugerir novos estudos que o contemplem por diferentes metodologias, para maior abrangência de variáveis necessárias à compreensão ora pretendida.
TELETRABALHO NA ADMINISTRAÇÃO PÚBLICA FEDERAL: ANÁLISE A PARTIR DA SEGURANÇA E DA SAÚDE DO SERVIDOR
Authors: Vieira Curty Michele Aparecida , Lesqueves Galante Elisa Helena , Da Silva Lopes Bravo Pinheiro Maria Deuceny
Published: August 2024

O teletrabalho é tema abordado antes da Pandemia de Covid-19, contudo, a nível mundial, com essa situação inesperada, ganhou ênfase, tendo em vista que foi imposto a muitos trabalhadores em decorrência dos protocolos de segurança. No Brasil, durante e após a pandemia, a implementação do teletrabalho na Administração Pública Federal teve avanços reguladores, que efetivou-se pela Instrução Normativa n° 65/2020 e consolidou-se com a publicação do Decreto n° 11.072/2022, como uma modalidade de trabalho que faz parte de um programa de gestão. Assim, este artigo, por meio de uma pesquisa bibliográfica e análise documental e legislativa, apresenta vantagens e desafios, além de aspectos referentes ao ambiente de trabalho no desenvolvimento dessa modalidade de trabalho, passando por uma reflexão sobre a saúde e segurança do servidor público, destacando as normativas nacionais e internacionais, com intuito de verificar os avanços legislativos sobre a matéria, que dão respaldo para sua implementação, considerando que o foco é a administração pública que é regida pelo princípio da legalidade. Ademais, trata de medidas que a Administração Pública federal pode adotar para garantir a saúde e segurança do servidor público nesse formato de trabalho.
INJUSTIÇA AMBIENTAL: POSSÍVEL CASO DE RESPONSABILIZAÇÃO DA ADMINISTRAÇÃO PÚBLICA, NO MUNICÍPIO DE CACHOEIRO DE ITAPEMIRIM/ES, POR AUSÊNCIA DE MEDIDAS ESSENCIAIS QUE PODEM CONFIGURAR RACISMO AMBIENTAL
Authors: Rossetto Rafael Mothé , Borsoi Agrizzi Lorena
Published: August 2024

O presente trabalho é um estudo da Justiça ambiental sob o viés do Racismo Ambiental que tem por objetivo entender e explicar os fatores predominantes para a ocorrência do fator injustiça ambiental entre os grupos menos favorecidos, quais sejam; negros e pobres, e o papel do Estado como principal colaborador para a manutenção desse desagrado. Para tanto, foi utilizado o método de estudo explicativo, com pesquisa qualitativa, baseada no exame documental, doutrina, legislação e internet, valendo-se também de imagens reais para a comprovação e comparação da existência da injustiça ambiental. Nesse contexto, a relevância do tema é aproximar-se da igualdade socioambiental, levando em consideração ainda o quantitativo habitacional para a satisfação e inserção de grupos maioritariamente relegados. Ao observar alguns bairros de Cachoeiro de Itapemirim/ES, é notório a diferença estrutural e organizacional existente, de modo que há uma evidente percepção da desigualdade de investimentos de equipamentos públicos em determinados locais. Essa desigualdade traz uma ideia de herança de pobreza, visto que ainda hoje não há dos órgãos públicos efetiva solução para tentar tornar mais inclusivos bairros socialmente desprivilegiados. Diante a análise desses indicadores, pode-se constatar a responsabilização da Administração Pública como um dos principais propulsores da desigualdade social ambiental.
NECESSIDADES IDENTIFICADAS EM PACIENTES COM DOENÇA RENAL CRÔNICA SUBMETIDOS À HEMODIÁLISE
Authors: Ribeiro Tatiane da Conceição , Bianca Isabelle Hoehne De Souza  , Camila Danielle Pereira  , Raquel Cristine Silva Correa  , Patrícia Sarsur Nasser Santiago  , Meire Chucre Tannure
Published: August 2024

Objetivo: Identificar necessidades apresentadas por pacientes acometidos por doença renal crônica em tratamento hemodialítico. Metodologia: Estudo descritivo com abordagem qualitativa, realizado com pacientes adultos de ambos os sexos, com doença renal crônica em tratamento hemodialítico. Utilizou-se a técnica de entrevista semi-estruturada com oito perguntas e aplicou-se a análise de conteúdo proposta por Bardin, nas três etapas: pré-análise, exploração do material e tratamento dos resultados, a fim de extrair as categorias de análise e interpretá-las. As entrevistas foram encerradas quando houve a saturação dos dados. Resultados: A partir das entrevistas realizadas emergiram 5 (cinco) categorias de análise, a saber, sentimentos decorrentes da descoberta da hemodiálise, significados atribuídos a hemodiálise, vivências durante o processo de hemodiálise, mudanças decorrentes da necessidade de se fazer hemodiálise, e situações que amenizam o processo de hemodiálise. Foram identificados desequilíbrios em necessidades psíquicas, como tristeza, medo, raiva, dor, revolta, preocupações, ansiedade, sensação de impotência, baixa autoestima e autoimagem prejudicada. Também foram identificadas possibilidade de desequilíbrio em necessidades biológicas, tais como na nutrição, hidratação e sexualidade. Necessidades sociais também foram evidenciadas, sobretudo as de lazer, gregária, afeto e de liberdade. Já a necessidade espiritual quando equilibrada, e o apoio familiar e dos profissionais de saúde foram descritos como fatores capazes de amenizar os impactos decorrentes do tratamento hemodialítico. Considerações finais: Os pacientes com doença renal crônica apresentam necessidades singulares, que vão além da doença. Logo, os enfermeiros precisam estar atentos as demandas psicobiológicas, psicossociais e psicoespirituais, e agir para minimizar aquelas que estiverem desequilibradas e potencializar aquelas capazes de ajudá-los a vivenciar o processo hemodialítico.
PERSPECTIVA DE INDIVÍDUOS QUE USUFRUEM DO ATENDIMENTO ODONTOLÓGICO GRATUITO: O BENEFÍCIO DA ODONTOLOGIA ESTUDANTIL PARA A COMUNIDADE
Authors: DE ALMEIDA IRENE ISABELE , LOUZADA ELLER LIMA MARIA MIRENE , Monteiro Jaiane Bandoli , Toledo ABreu Ricardo , PAGANI DE OLIVEIRA PAULA
Published: August 2024

O atendimento odontológico gratuito ofertado pelas escolas de graduação atualmente tem trazido benefícios para população que necessita de uma atenção especializada, assim como fornecido conhecimento básico de entendimento prático e ideais baseados nos fundamentos e diretrizes do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). O trabalho visou obter a perspectiva dos usuários quanto ao atendimento estudantil de uma clínica odontológica em uma Instituição de Ensino. O estudo foi realizado com a aplicação de 100 questionários, previamente autorizados pelos pacientes após a leitura do Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido (TCLE). O questionário apresentou questões voltadas para o nível de satisfação do indivíduo em relação ao tratamento ofertado pelos alunos do curso de Odontologia na clínica, e outras perguntas como a idade, gênero, perfil socioeconômico, hábitos de higiene bucal e o acesso a tratamento odontológico. Os dados foram tabulados e analisados, e os resultados obtidos evidenciaram que 71% dos entrevistados estão muito satisfeitos e 28% estão satisfeitos com o atendimento em geral; 97% consideram que o atendimento clínico traz benefícios para a comunidade. Concluiu-se que a maioria dos pacientes que frequentam a clínica avaliou o atendimento docente e discente como bom ou excelente e que o ambiente de trabalho era agradável, estando satisfeita com o tratamento, o qual foi considerado benéfico para a comunidade.
The Influence Of Macroeconomics And Financial Risks On Islamic Corporate Social Responsibility Diclosure Through Earnings At Sharia Commercial Banks In Indonesia
Authors: Maknuun Lu’lu’il
Published: August 2024

Purpose - This study aims to analyze the effect of Macroeconomics and Financial Risk on Islamic Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure (ICSRD) through Earning in Islamic Commercial Banks in Indonesia.Method - This study uses a quantitative method using secondary data in the form of financial risk data, earnings and ICSRD from annual financial reports at Islamic Commercial Banks and published macroeconomic data at the Central Bureau of Statistics from 2017 -2021. The analytical method used is SEM analysis using the SmartPLS 2.0 analysis tool.Result - The results showed that macroeconomics had a significant effect on ICSRD but did not have a significant effect on earnings. Financial risk has a significant effect on ICSRD but does not have a significant effect on earnings. Earning has no significant effect on ICSRD. Earning is not able to mediate Macroeconomics on ICSRD but is able to mediate financial risks on Islamic Corporate Social Responsibility Disclosure (ICSRD) at Islamic Commercial Banks.Implication - This research utilizes data from Islamic commercial banks in Indonesia and the Central Statistics Agency for the years 2017-2021.Originality - This research discusses the profits obtained by companies used for the disclosure of social responsibility of Islamic commercial banks in Indonesia to society, taking into account internal and external factors of the company, namely macroeconomics and financial risk.
Unveiling the spatio-temporal characteristics and driving factors of water infrastructure financialization in China
Authors: Wang Zhen , Wu Jianbin , Wang Min , Cheng Zhe
Published: August 2024

Financialization is an emerging and crucial means to address the challenge of funding the water infrastructure development shortage. However, the spatio-temporal characteristics and influencing mechanisms of the state-based water financialization remain unclear. To this end, this study constructed an indicator of the water infrastructure financialization(WIF), using China as a typical case, and thoroughly investigated the spatio-temporal characteristics and driving factors of the WIF in China from 2008 to 2020 based on spatial analysis methods. The results show that the current level of WIF in China is not high, and the construction of water infrastructure mainly relies on the traditional model led by the government. The spatial distribution shows a pattern of gradient decline from Henan and Zhejiang as the center to the surrounding areas. The uneven development of WIF has been improved under the effect of policies. The urbanization and demand for water infrastructure are the main driving factors affecting regional water financialization. The interaction of the driving factors has a more obvious impact on WIF. This study enriches the global knowledge system of infrastructure financialization and provides a reference value for other developing countries regarding water infrastructure financing.