bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of intermittent versus daily vitamin D supplementation on improving circulating 25(OH)D concentration: a Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zhuang Yan , Zhu Zhe , Chi Peihan , Zhou Haibo , Peng Zhicheng , Cheng Haoyue , Xin Xing , Luo Wenliang , Si Shuting , Mo Minjia , Chen Danqing , Liu Hui , Yu Yunxian
Published: August 2023

Background

Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread issue globally, resulting in increased use of vitamin D supplements. However, it is unclear whether intermittent (weekly or monthly) vitamin D supplementation is as effective as daily supplementation in improving circulating 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels.

Methods

Three databases including Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library were systematically searched up to 10 November 2020. The risk of bias was evaluated according to Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for rating methodological quality assessment. Direct and indirect comparisons between interventions and controls were performed by a Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA), where the mean difference (MD) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to indicate the efficacy.

Results

This NMA analysis included 116 RCTs with a total of 11,376 participants. Generally, we observed that 25(OH)D concentrations were significantly elevated regardless of vitamin D supplementation frequency. Although the findings of SUCRA indicated that daily vitamin D supplementation had a higher rank value than intermittent supplementation when the supplement dosage was similar, no statistically significant pooled mean differences of 25(OH)D concentration were noted between the daily supplementation group and intermittent supplementation group. Additionally, weekly supplementation with a total of 600,000 IU vitamin D supplementation during 3 months had the best efficacy in elevating 25(OH)D concentration (pooled MD = 63 nmol/L, 95%CI: 49–77). To achieve optimal 25(OH)D concentration (>75 nmol/L), we recommend 60,000 IU vitamin D supplementation monthly (~2,000 IU/day).

Conclusion

The efficacy of intermittent vitamin D supplementation was similar to daily supplementation. Coupled with its convenience, the frequency and dosage of intermittent vitamin D supplements were recommended to reach the optimal 25(OH)D level.

Systematic review registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=257257, PROSPERO CRD42021257257.
Standardized Polyalthia longifolia leaf extract induces the apoptotic HeLa cells death via microRNA regulation: identification, validation, and therapeutic potential
Authors: Vijayarathna Soundararajan , Oon Chern Ein , Al-Zahrani Majid , Abualreesh Muyassar H. , Chen Yeng , Kanwar Jagat R. , Sahreen Sumaira , Ghazanfar Shakira , Adnan Mohd , Sasidharan Sreenivasan
Published: August 2023

Polyalthia longifolia var. angustifolia Thw. (Annonaceae), is a famous traditional medicinal plant in Asia. Ample data specifies that the medicinal plant P. longifolia has anticancer activity; however, the detailed mechanisms of action still need to be well studied. Recent studies have revealed the cytotoxicity potential of P. longifolia leaf against HeLa cells. Therefore, the current study was conducted to examine the regulation of miRNAs in HeLa cancer cells treated with the standardized P. longifolia methanolic leaf extract (PLME). The regulation of miRNAs in HeLa cancer cells treated with the standardized PLME extract was studied through Illumina, Hi-Seq. 2000 platform of Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) and various in silico bioinformatics tools. The PLME treatment regulated a subset of miRNAs in HeLa cells. Interestingly, the PLME treatment against HeLa cancer cells identified 10 upregulated and 43 downregulated (p < 0.05) miRNAs associated with apoptosis induction. Gene ontology (GO) term analysis indicated that PLME induces cell death in HeLa cells by inducing the pro-apoptotic genes. Moreover, the downregulated oncomiRs modulated by PLME treatment in HeLa cells were identified, targeting apoptosis-related genes through gene ontology and pathway analysis. The LC–ESI–MS/MS analysis identified the presence of Vidarabine and Anandamide compounds that were previously reported to exhibit anticancer activity. The findings of this study obviously linked the cell cytotoxicity effect of PLME treatment against the HeLa cells with regulating various miRNAs expression related to apoptosis induction in the HeLa cells. PLME treatment induced apoptotic HeLa cell death mechanism by regulating multiple miRNAs. The identified miRNAs regulated by PLME may provide further insight into the mechanisms that play a critical role in cervical cancer, as well as novel ideas regarding gene therapeutic strategies.
Application of digital-intelligence technology in the processing of Chinese materia medica
Authors: Zhang Wanlong , Zhang Changhua , Cao Lan , Liang Fang , Xie Weihua , Tao Liang , Chen Chen , Yang Ming , Zhong Lingyun
Published: August 2023

Processing of Chinese Materia Medica (PCMM) is the concentrated embodiment, which is the core of Chinese unique traditional pharmaceutical technology. The processing includes the preparation steps such as cleansing, cutting and stir-frying, to make certain impacts on the quality and efficacy of Chinese botanical drugs. The rapid development of new computer digital technologies, such as big data analysis, Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain and cloud computing artificial intelligence, has promoted the rapid development of traditional pharmaceutical manufacturing industry with digitalization and intellectualization. In this review, the application of digital intelligence technology in the PCMM was analyzed and discussed, which hopefully promoted the standardization of the process and secured the quality of botanical drugs decoction pieces. Through the intellectualization and the digitization of production, safety and effectiveness of clinical use of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) decoction pieces were ensured. This review also provided a theoretical basis for further technical upgrading and high-quality development of TCM industry.
Global prevalence of polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication in older patients with dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Mengnan , Chen Zhaoyan , Xu Ting , Fan Ping , Tian Fangyuan
Published: August 2023

Background:Older patients with dementia always need multiple drugs due to comorbidities and cognitive impairment, further complicating drug treatment and increasing the risk of potentially inappropriate medication. The objective of our study is to estimate the global prevalence of polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) and explore the factors of PIM for older patients with dementia.

Methods:We searched PubMed, Embase (Ovid), and Web of Science databases to identify eligible studies from inception to 16 June 2023. We conducted a meta-analysis for observational studies reporting the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication and polypharmacy in older patients with dementia using a random-effect model. The factors associated with PIM were meta-analyzed.

Results:Overall, 62 eligible studies were included, of which 53 studies reported the prevalence of PIM and 28 studies reported the prevalence of polypharmacy. The pooled estimate of PIM and polypharmacy was 43% (95% CI 38–48) and 62% (95% CI 52–71), respectively. Sixteen studies referred to factors associated with PIM use, and 15 factors were further pooled. Polypharmacy (2.83, 95% CI 1.80–4.44), diabetes (1.31, 95% CI 1.04–1.65), heart failure (1.17, 95% CI 1.00–1.37), depression (1.45, 95% CI 1.14–1.88), history of cancer (1.20, 95% CI 1.09–1.32), hypertension (1.46, 95% CI 1.05–2.03), ischemic heart disease (1.55, 95% CI 0.77–3.12), any cardiovascular disease (1.11, 95% CI 1.06–1.17), vascular dementia (1.09, 95% CI 1.03–1.16), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (1.39, 95% CI 1.13–1.72), and psychosis (1.91, 95% CI 1.04–3.53) are positively associated with PIM use.

Conclusion:PIM and polypharmacy were highly prevalent in older patients with dementia. Among different regions, the pooled estimate of PIM use and polypharmacy varied widely. Increasing PIM in older patients with dementia was closely associated with polypharmacy. For other comorbidities such as heart failure and diabetes, prescribing should be cautioned.
Recent advances in JAK inhibitors for the treatment of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Collotta Debora , Franchina Maria Paola , Carlucci Virginia , Collino Massimo
Published: August 2023

With an epidemic spread, metabolic syndrome represents an increasingly emerging risk for the population globally, and is currently recognized as a pathological entity. It is represented by a cluster of different conditions including increased blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat around the waist and abnormal cholesterol or triglyceride levels. These conditions lead directly to several disorders, including obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance and hypertension causing an increase in cardiovascular risk and in particular atherosclerotic disease. Despite efforts to promote healthier lifestyles through exercise, reduced caloric intake, and improved dietary choices, the incidence and prevalence of metabolic syndrome continue to rise worldwide. Recent research has highlighted the involvement of signaling pathways in chronic inflammatory conditions like obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus, revealing the significance of the JAK/STAT pathway in atherosclerotic events. This pathway serves as a rapid membrane-to-nucleus signaling module that regulates the expression of critical mediators. Consequently, JAK inhibitors (JAKi) have emerged as potential therapeutic options for metabolic diseases, offering a promising avenue for intervention. The aim of this review is to shed light on the emerging indications of JAK inhibitors in metabolic syndrome, emphasizing their potential role in attenuating associated inflammatory processes, improving insulin sensitivity, and addressing cross-talk with the insulin pathway, with the intention of contributing to efforts in the field of inflammation pharmacology.
Deuterium–deuterium fusion in nanowire plasma driven with a nanosecond high-energy laser
Authors: Xi Xiaofeng , Lv Chong , Ma Wenjun , Liu Fulong , Kong Defeng , Zhang Xiaopeng , Zhang Guoqiang , Sun Wei , He Chuangye , Deng Xiangai , Ma Zhiguo , Zhao Jiarui , Fu Changbo , Guo Bing
Published: August 2023

Investigating the enhancement of the interaction between laser and plasma is crucial for fundamental and applied physics research studies based on laser-induced acceleration and nuclear reactions. The improvement of energy conversion efficiency resulting in increasing reaction yields has been extensively studied by the interaction of femtosecond (fs) or picosecond (ps) lasers with nanowire targets. However, the effects of nanosecond (ns) lasers interacting with nanowire targets on energy absorption and production yield remain unknown. To address this issue, we conducted a deuterium–deuterium fusion experiment based on the collision of two plasmas induced by the interaction of the kilo-Joule-level nanosecond laser with nanowire targets. The experimental results of neutron detection indicate that the yields of nanowire targets remain at the same level as those of planar targets. We have used the counter-streaming collisionless plasma model to perform a numerical analysis of the output of nuclear reaction products at the center-of-mass energy (Ec.m.) values between 10 and 30 keV, and the calculation results are in good agreement with the experimental results. In addition, a magneto-hydrodynamic numerical simulation was also performed. It shows that the critical density of the target’s surface, which forms on the picosecond time scale, blocks the absorption of laser energy with nanosecond pulse length. Consequently, both our experimental and simulation results indicate that the enhancement factor is limited when a target with a spatial period less than µm is used in conjunction with a ns laser. Therefore, additional research is highly desirable to develop a target structure that can improve the efficiency of energy conversion between the laser and the target.
Effect of aminergic signaling on the humoral innate immunity response of Drosophila
Authors: Cattabriga Giulia , Giordani Giorgia , Gargiulo Giuseppe , Cavaliere Valeria
Published: August 2023

Biogenic amines are crucial signaling molecules that modulate various physiological life functions both in vertebrates and invertebrates. In humans, these neurotransmitters influence the innate and adaptive immunity systems. In this work, we analyzed whether the aminergic neurotransmission of dopamine, serotonin, and octopamine could have an impact on the humoral innate immune response of Drosophila melanogaster. This is a powerful model system widely used to uncover the insect innate immunity mechanisms which are also conserved in mammals. We found that the neurotransmission of all these amines positively modulates the Toll-responsive antimicrobial peptide (AMP) drosomycin (drs) gene in adult flies infected with the Micrococcus luteus bacterium. Indeed, we showed that either blocking the neurotransmission in their specific aminergic neurons by expressing shibirets (Shits) or silencing the vesicular monoamine transporter gene (dVMAT) by RNAi caused a significantly reduced expression of the Toll-responsive drs gene. However, upon M. luteus infection, the block of aminergic transmission did not alter the expression of AMP attacin genes responding to the immune deficiency (Imd) and Toll pathways. Overall, our results not only reveal a neuroimmune function for biogenic amines in humoral immunity but also further highlight the complexity of the network controlling AMP gene regulation.
Entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana–based bioinsecticide suppresses severity of powdery mildews of vegetables by inducing the plant defense responses
Authors: Iida Yuichiro , Higashi Yumiko , Nishi Oumi , Kouda Mariko , Maeda Kazuya , Yoshida Kandai , Asano Shunsuke , Kawakami Taku , Nakajima Kaori , Kuroda Katsutoshi , Tanaka Chiharu , Sasaki Ayano , Kamiya Katsumi , Yamagishi Naho , Fujinaga Masashi , Terami Fumihiro , Yamanaka Satoshi , Kubota Masaharu
Published: August 2023

The entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana is used commercially as a microbial insecticides against a wide range of agricultural insect pests. Some strains of B. bassiana protect the plants from pathogens, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we found that prophylactic sprays of commercial bioinsecticide Botanigard on cucumber, tomato, and strawberry plants suppressed the severity of economically damaging powdery mildews. On leaf surfaces, hyphal elongation and spore germination of cucumber powdery mildew, Podosphaera xanthii, were inhibited, but B. bassiana strain GHA, the active ingredient isolated from Botanigard, only inhibited hyphal elongation but had no effect on spore germination of P. xanthii. In addition, strain GHA suppressed powdery mildew symptoms locally, not systemically. Treatment with Botanigard and strain GHA induced a hypersensitive response (HR)–like cell death in epidermal cells of the cucumber leaves in a concentration-dependent manner and inhibited penetration by P. xanthii. Transcriptome analysis and mass spectrometry revealed that GHA induced expression of salicylic acid (SA)–related genes, and treatment with Botanigard and GHA increased the SA level in the cucumber leaves. In NahG-transgenic tomato plants, which do not accumulate SA, the biocontrol effect of tomato powdery mildew by GHA was significantly reduced. These results suggested that B. bassiana GHA induces SA accumulation, leading to the induction of HR-like cell death against powdery mildew and subsequent suppression of fungal penetration. Thus, Botanigard has the potential to control both insect pests and plant diseases.
Moral foundations are better predictors of belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories than the Big Five personality traits
Authors: Nejat Pegah , Heirani-Tabas Ali , Nazarpour Mohammad Mahdi
Published: August 2023

Upon the sudden outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, various conspiracy theories regarding the virus proliferated in the social media. This study focused on the sociodemographic, personality, and moral predictors of these beliefs. More specifically, we asked whether moral values predict belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories over and above sociodemographic variables and the Big Five personality traits. According to Moral Foundations Theory, five cross-cultural moral foundations are more broadly categorized under individualizing (Care & Fairness) and binding (Loyalty, Authority, & Sanctity) foundations. A sixth moral foundation was Liberty which we included along with binding and individualizing foundations. Participants were 227 Iranians (mean age = 31.43, SD = 12.61, 75.3% female) who responded to Moral Foundations Questionnaire and Liberty items, a range of COVID-19 conspiracy beliefs, and the 10-Item Personality Measure of the Big Five. Among demographic variables, religiosity and socioeconomic status were the strongest determinants of conspiracy beliefs regarding the origin of Coronavirus. Among the Big Five, only extraversion predicted these beliefs in a positive direction. Moral foundations, most notably Authority and Sanctity, showed incremental predictive power over both demographic variables and the Big Five personality traits. Findings are discussed in light of the role of social media in dissemination of conspiracy beliefs regarding the pandemic. They point to the more relevance of moral foundations, particularly binding foundations, than the Big Five in the context of pandemic-related conspiracy beliefs, and add to the literature on the unique contribution of moral foundations to socio-political attitudes across cultures.
The hazards of dealing with response time outliers
Authors: Vankov Ivan I.
Published: August 2023

The presence of outliers in response times can affect statistical analyses and lead to incorrect interpretation of the outcome of a study. Therefore, it is a widely accepted practice to try to minimize the effect of outliers by preprocessing the raw data. There exist numerous methods for handling outliers and researchers are free to choose among them. In this article, we use computer simulations to show that serious problems arise from this flexibility. Choosing between alternative ways for handling outliers can result in the inflation of p-values and the distortion of confidence intervals and measures of effect size. Using Bayesian parameter estimation and probability distributions with heavier tails eliminates the need to deal with response times outliers, but at the expense of opening another source of flexibility.
Out of their minds? Externalist challenges for using AI in forensic psychiatry
Authors: Starke Georg , D’Imperio Ambra , Ienca Marcello
Published: August 2023

Harnessing the power of machine learning (ML) and other Artificial Intelligence (AI) techniques promises substantial improvements across forensic psychiatry, supposedly offering more objective evaluations and predictions. However, AI-based predictions about future violent behaviour and criminal recidivism pose ethical challenges that require careful deliberation due to their social and legal significance. In this paper, we shed light on these challenges by considering externalist accounts of psychiatric disorders which stress that the presentation and development of psychiatric disorders is intricately entangled with their outward environment and social circumstances. We argue that any use of predictive AI in forensic psychiatry should not be limited to neurobiology alone but must also consider social and environmental factors. This thesis has practical implications for the design of predictive AI systems, especially regarding the collection and processing of training data, the selection of ML methods, and the determination of their explainability requirements.
Job burnout among workers with different shift regularity: interactive factors between sleep, depression, and work environment
Authors: Gu Hyerin , Lee Jooyoung , Hwang Yunjee , Kim Jichul , Lee Somi , Kim Seog Ju
Published: August 2023

Object

We investigated burnout and associated factors in non-shift workers (NSWs), shift workers with regular rotating shifts (RRSWs), and shift workers with irregular or unpredictable rotating shifts (IRSWs).

Methods

In total, 5,125 adult workers (1,966 NSWs, 1,936 RRSWs, and 1,223 IRSWs) participated in an online self-reported survey. Job burnout and three dimensions thereof (exhaustion, cynicism, and professional efficacy) were assessed using the Maslach Burnout Inventory—General Survey (MBI-GS). The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) (depressive symptoms), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) (subjective sleep quality), and Korean Occupational Stress Scale (KOSS) (stressful job environment) were also used.

Results

Both types of shift workers scored higher in terms of exhaustion, cynicism, and poor professional efficacy on the MBI-GS compared with NSWs after controlling for age and gender. IRSWs exhibited higher scores on the exhaustion and professional efficacy dimensions of the MBI-GS compared with RRSWs. After controlling for the CES-D and PSQI scores, we found no significant difference in cynicism among the groups. After controlling for the KOSS score, we found no significant difference in professional efficacy. All MBI-GS dimensional scores were correlated significantly with the CES-D, PSQI, and KOSS scores in all three groups.

Conclusion

The job burnout level of rotating shift workers, especially those with irregular shifts, was higher than that of other workers. Cynicism in shift workers may be largely attributable to poor sleep or depression; the poor efficacy of shift workers may be explained by their stressful work environment.
The influence of sleep on job satisfaction: examining a serial mediation model of psychological capital and burnout
Authors: Opoku Mavis Agyemang , Kang Seung-Wan , Choi Suk Bong
Published: August 2023

Introduction

This study draws on the conservation of resources theory to investigate whether the loss of sleep can trigger the loss of additional resources that are necessary for work.

Methods

Using cross-sectional design of 322 call center employees working at a government-owned public bank in South Korea, we test the study hypotheses using regression and bootstrapping indirect effects analyses.

Results

The results of analyses show that insufficient sleep increases employee burnout and that psychological capital mediates this relationship. We also find that insufficient sleep decreases job satisfaction via a serial mediation model such that insufficient sleep reduces psychological capital, which in turn increases burnout, and ultimately results in lower job satisfaction.

Discussion

The findings reinforce the previous assessment that although sleep is a non-work factor, its impact spills over to the workplace. Theoretically, this study goes beyond direct effect to uncover the underlying or mediating mechanisms that account for the impact of the sleep-burnout relationship and the sleep-job satisfaction relationship. For managers, the results highlight the significance of sleep to employees’ overall health and well-being and thus underscore the need to foster a work culture that recognizes and prioritizes employee sleep needs.
Shift work and risk of incident gastroesophageal reflux disease: the association and mediation
Authors: Li Qian , Li Fu-Rong , Zhen Shihan , Liao Jian , Wu Keye , Li Xia , Wei Bincai , Xiao Zhiyi , Wu Qingyao , Wu Xian-Bo , Liang Fengchao
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Shift work has become an increasingly common work mode globally. This study aimed to investigate the association between shift work and the risk of incident gastroesophageal reflux disease (GORD), an upward gastrointestinal disorder disease worldwide, and to explore the mediating factors.

Method

A total of 262,722 participants from the UK Biobank free of GORD and related gastrointestinal diseases were included to investigate the association and potential mediators between shift work and incident GORD. Multivariate-adjusted Cox models were used to evaluate the association between shift work status and GORD incidence.

Results

Compared to non-shift workers, shift workers had a 1.10-fold greater risk of incident GORD [95% confidence intervals (CIs): 1.03, 1.18], after adjusting for a range of potential confounders. However, the excess risk of GORD attenuated to the null after further adjusting for selected mediators. Specifically, the association was mediated by sleep patterns (25.7%), healthy behaviors (16.8%), depressive symptoms (20.2%), chronic conditions (13.3%), and biological factors (17.6%). After adjustment for all the mediators together, the association was attenuated by 71.5%.

Discussion

Our findings indicated that long-term shift workers may have a higher risk of incident GORD, yet the excess risk may be explained by poor sleep quality, unhealthy behaviors, depressive symptoms, etc. This has positive implications for protecting the health of shift workers.
Humoral immunity against SARS-CoV-2 evoked by heterologous vaccination groups using the CoronaVac (Sinovac) and BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech) vaccines in Chile
Authors: Díaz-Dinamarca Diego A. , Díaz Pablo , Barra Gisselle , Puentes Rodrigo , Arata Loredana , Grossolli Jonnathan , Riveros-Rodriguez Boris , Ardiles Luis , Santelises Julio , Vasquez-Saez Valeria , Escobar Daniel F. , Soto Daniel , Canales Cecilia , Díaz Janepsy , Lamperti Liliana , Castillo Daniela , Urra Mychel , Zuñiga Felipe , Ormazabal Valeska , Nova-Lamperti Estefanía , Benítez Rosana , Rivera Alejandra , Cortes Claudia P. , Valenzuela María Teresa , García-Escorza Heriberto E. , Vasquez Abel E.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Severe acute respiratory syndrome virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has caused over million deaths worldwide, with more than 61,000 deaths in Chile. The Chilean government has implemented a vaccination program against SARS-CoV-2, with over 17.7 million people receiving a complete vaccination scheme. The final target is 18 million individuals. The most common vaccines used in Chile are CoronaVac (Sinovac) and BNT162b2 (Pfizer-Biotech). Given the global need for vaccine boosters to combat the impact of emerging virus variants, studying the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 is crucial. In this study, we characterize the humoral immune response in inoculated volunteers from Chile who received vaccination schemes consisting of two doses of CoronaVac [CoronaVac (2x)], two doses of CoronaVac plus one dose of BNT162b2 [CoronaVac (2x) + BNT162b2 (1x)], and three doses of BNT162b2 [BNT162b2 (3x)].

Methods

We recruited 469 participants from Clínica Dávila in Santiago and the Health Center Víctor Manuel Fernández in the city of Concepción, Chile. Additionally, we included participants who had recovered from COVID-19 but were not vaccinated (RCN). We analyzed antibodies, including anti-N, anti-S1-RBD, and neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.

Results

We found that antibodies against the SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein were significantly higher in the CoronaVac (2x) and RCN groups compared to the CoronaVac (2x) + BNT162b2 (1x) or BNT162b2 (3x) groups. However, the CoronaVac (2x) + BNT162b2 (1x) and BNT162b2 (3x) groups exhibited a higher concentration of S1-RBD antibodies than the CoronaVac (2x) group and RCN group. There were no significant differences in S1-RBD antibody titers between the CoronaVac (2x) + BNT162b2 (1x) and BNT162b2 (3x) groups. Finally, the group immunized with BNT162b2 (3x) had higher levels of neutralizing antibodies compared to the RCN group, as well as the CoronaVac (2x) and CoronaVac (2x) + BNT162b2 (1x) groups.

Discussion

These findings suggest that vaccination induces the secretion of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2, and a booster dose of BNT162b2 is necessary to generate a protective immune response. In the current state of the pandemic, these data support the Ministry of Health of the Government of Chile’s decision to promote heterologous vaccination as they indicate that a significant portion of the Chilean population has neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2.
A conceptual model to measure and manage the implementation of green initiatives at South African public universities
Authors: Tshivhase Lelo , Bisschoff Christo
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The growing need for environmental awareness accentuated the importance of green and sustainable business practices. This is also true for universities that modernly expanded their green training and research to engage in green operational practices.

Methods

This article summarises the main principles and factors of implementing green initiatives. Firstly, a generic theoretical approach conceptualizes implementing green initiatives at universities. The investigation analyses existing and current green initiatives at the universities, considers the benefits and barriers of implementing green initiatives, and develops a theoretical model for implementing green initiatives at South African public universities. An adapted conceptual model consisting of twenty significant literature antecedents (p ≤ 0.05) and 13 latent variables (factors) could be hypothesized. This model was tested empirically with reliable data (α = 0.749) from a five-point Likert scale questionnaire administered to 144 responding green managers at eight selected South African public universities.

Results

Although the regression model explains satisfactory variance (R2 = 0.862; R2 adjusted = 0.841), only five of the 20 antecedents in the theoretical model are significant. They are Cost of green products (r = 0.527; p ≤ 0.05), Lack of awareness and training (r = 0.435; p ≤ 0.05), Managerial attitude and commitment (r = 0.369; p ≤ 0.05), Digitisation (r = 0.552; p ≤ 0.05), and Management Committee (r = 0.451; p ≤ 0.05). Further analysis revealed that the data possess embedded intelligence. Resultantly, 13 factors were identified, explaining a cumulative variance of 61.8%. However, only six factors are reliable and, therefore, usable (α ≥ 0.57). They are F1: Convenience and efficient workflow, F2: Personnel cooperation, F3: Efficient use of resources, F5: Learning and improvement, F6: Delegation of authority, and F7: Improved management attitude. Cumulatively, the six usable factors explain a cumulative variance of 45.5%.

Discussion

The model aspires to demonstrate and measure the implementation of green initiatives at public universities. Although the theoretical model is detailed, the empirical study showed that not all of the antecedents are usable for measuring and managing the implementation of green initiatives at South African public higher institutions. This study validated five of the antecedents and six factors for immediate use. The model's unvalidated antecedents and unreliable factors require empirical revalidation before operationalizing it fully. Researchers and scholars exploring this avenue of green initiatives implementation models can also benefit from this article.
Gendered effects of land access and ownership on food security in rural settings in South Africa
Authors: Masuku Mfundo Mandla , Mthembu Zinhle , Mlambo Victor H.
Published: August 2023

South Africa is one of the many countries that experience critical challenges regarding land issues, with rural women in particular having limited access to and ownership of land. This paper argues that land inaccessibility for women contributes significantly to their deprivation of economic opportunities. Secondary data on women and land ownership were extracted from main sources such as peer-reviewed articles and government gazettes. In the execution of this study, a comprehensive literature review (CLR) was conducted to illuminate the topic under investigation. The three phases (the exploration phase, the interpretative phase, and the communicative phase) of the comprehensive literature review method were adopted. The result of the review suggests that the gendered nature of land distribution contributes to the phenomenon of food insecurity that faces numerous women and their households in rural areas. The customary law is a key institutional factor that poses challenges for rural women in acquiring equal access to land ownership compared to men. The study recommends that the South African government should formulate better land policies that provide equal access to and ownership of land for both men and women.
Unraveling the role of informal mutual aid networks in maintaining urban farms in Lubumbashi, Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Kesonga Nsele Maurice , Dogot Thomas , Maréchal Kevin
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The multiple constraints of urban agriculture have prompted farmers in Lubumbashi to turn to informal mutual aid networks. The survey data collected from 88 farmers chosen at random from the 202 farmers previously interviewed enabled us to decipher the crucial role of mutual aid in maintaining urban farms.

Methods

The survey data collected from 88 farmers chosen at random from the 202 farmers previously interviewed enabled us to decipher the crucial role of mutual aid in maintaining urban farms.

Results

The results show that 79.5% of the surveyed farmers resort to mutual aid to ensure the vegetable production cycle. More specifically, this mutual aid consists in sharing resources, for which the farmer would interact 15.1 times with other farmers, and in sharing agricultural know-how, for which the farmer would interact 11.6 times with other farmers. Four categories of resources are defined in this mutual aid network: highly exchanged resources with a high exchange intensity (hoes, watering cans, plant protection products and chicken droppings), highly exchanged resources with a low exchange intensity (land capital, spades, and seeds), lowly exchanged resources with a low exchange intensity (motor pumps and buckets) and non-exchanged resources (financing, labor, chemical fertilizers). Agricultural know-how such as soil preparation, soil fertility management, pest control and sales techniques are widely shared. Characteristics such as gender, age, experience, religious affiliation, and farmer status in the household are statistically significant explanatory factors of mutual aid. In addition, neighborhood relations, kinship and religious affiliation are social ties that enable farmers to help each other.

Discussion

The results provide useful information on the crucial role played by informal mutual aid networks in maintaining urban farms in the face of the negative consequences of chaotic urbanisation and climate change. The study recommends that policymakers and agricultural extension services take these networks into account when drawing up policies for disseminating innovations. For, although informal, they constitute powerful and inexpensive channels of communication in an inoperative institutional context of urban agriculture.
From Data to Human-Readable Requirements: Advancing Requirements Elicitation through Language-Transformer-Enhanced Opportunity Mining
Authors: Harth Pascal , Jähde Orlando , Schneider Sophia , Horn Nils , Buchkremer Rüdiger
Published: August 2023

In this research, we present an algorithm that leverages language-transformer technologies to automate the generation of product requirements, utilizing E-Shop consumer reviews as a data source. Our methodology combines classical natural language processing techniques with diverse functions derived from transformer concepts, including keyword and summary generation. To effectively capture the most critical requirements, we employ the opportunity matrix as a robust mechanism for identifying and prioritizing urgent needs. Utilizing transformer technologies, mainly through the implementation of summarization and sentiment analysis, we can extract fundamental requirements from consumer assessments. As a practical demonstration, we apply our technology to analyze the ratings of the Amazon echo dot, showcasing our algorithm’s superiority over conventional approaches by extracting human-readable problem descriptions to identify critical user needs. The results of our study exemplify the potential of transformer-enhanced opportunity mining in advancing the requirements-elicitation processes. Our approach streamlines product improvement by extracting human-readable problem descriptions from E-Shop consumer reviews, augmenting operational efficiency, and facilitating decision-making. These findings underscore the transformative impact of incorporating transformer technologies within requirements engineering, paving the way for more effective and scalable algorithms to elicit and address user needs.
Vector Control of PMSM Using TD3 Reinforcement Learning Algorithm
Authors: Yin Fengyuan , Yuan Xiaoming , Ma Zhiao , Xu Xinyu
Published: August 2023

Permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) drive systems are commonly utilized in mobile electric drive systems due to their high efficiency, high power density, and low maintenance cost. To reduce the tracking error of the permanent magnet synchronous motor, a reinforcement learning (RL) control algorithm based on double delay deterministic gradient algorithm (TD3) is proposed. The physical modeling of PMSM is carried out in Simulink, and the current controller controlling id-axis and iq-axis in the current loop is replaced by a reinforcement learning controller. The optimal control network parameters were obtained through simulation learning, and DDPG, BP, and LQG algorithms were simulated and compared under the same conditions. In the experiment part, the trained RL network was compiled into C code according to the workflow with the help of rapid prototyping control, and then downloaded to the controller for testing. The measured output signal is consistent with the simulation results, which shows that the algorithm can significantly reduce the tracking error under the variable speed of the motor, making the system have a fast response.
Improving Stem Lodging Resistance, Yield, and Water Efficiency of Wheat by Adjusting Supplemental Irrigation Frequency
Authors: Feng Suwei , Shi Chenchen , Wang Peiyu , Ding Weihua , Hu Tiezhu , Ru Zhengang
Published: August 2023

Optimizing supplemental irrigation (SI) measures and enhancing stem lodging resistance can be the keys to achieving a high and stable yield and high efficiency in wheat. The experiment was established as a two-factor field trial in 2018–2020. We used four SI combinations at different stages: rain-fed (T0), SI at jointing (T1), SI at jointing + anthesis (T2), and SI at regreening + jointing + anthesis (T3) with ‘Bainong4199’ (BN4199) and ‘Zhoumai18’ (ZM18) as experimental materials. We researched the effects of different SI combinations on the stem characteristics, stem vigor, grain filling, and yield of winter wheat. The results suggest that the basal internode at the anthesis stage grew with the increase in SI amount, but the stem fracture resistance of T1 and T2 was higher than that of T0 and T3. As grain filling continued, the lodging index increased and stem vigor decreased. In comparison with T3, the average stem lodging index of T2 decreased by 21.92% for ‘BN4199’ and 36.63% for ‘ZM18’, but the WUE increased by 29.76% and 14.92%, respectively. The grain yield increased with the increase in irrigation times during the growth period; there was no significant difference between T2 and T3 in 2018–2019. In a biennial comparison, the grain yield of all treatments in 2019–2020 was significantly lower than those in 2018–2019, and the grain yield of ‘ZM 18’ was lower than that of ‘BN 4199’. Correlation analysis displayed that there were significant positive correlations between post-anthesis stem vigor and the dry matter contribution rate of post-anthesis to grains and between the grain filling rate at 21–28 days after anthesis (DAA) and stem strength at 30 DAA. In summary, selecting a high-yield lodging-resistant wheat variety with SI at jointing and anthesis was beneficial for forming strong stems and maintaining higher stem vigor at the later growth stage for grain filling, which reduced lodging risk and ensured high yield and high WUE.
Molecular Characterization of Mitogenome of Cacopsylla picta and Cacopsylla melanoneura, Two Vector Species of ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’
Authors: Šafářová Dana , Zrníková Erika , Holušová Kateřina , Ouředníčková Jana , Starý Martin , Navrátil Milan
Published: August 2023

The mitochondrial genomes of two vector psyllids of the ‘Candidatus Phytoplasma mali’, Cacopsylla picta and C. melanoneura, were sequenced using high-throughput sequencing on the Illumina platform. The main objective of the study was to describe their mitogenome and characterize their genetic variability and the potential changes in the context of the observed global warming. The four complete sequences for C. picta, 14,801 bp and 14,802 bp in length, two complete and one partial sequence for C. melanoneura, ranging from 14,879 bp to 14,881 bp in length, were obtained for the first time for these European apple psyllids. The detected intraspecies mtDNA identity was highly similar (99.85–99.98%), the identity’s similarity with other Cacopsylla species varied between 79.79 and 86.64%. The mitogenomes showed a typical mitochondrial DNA structure with 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes and 22 tRNA genes; the presence of CGGA motif in the ND1-trnS2 junction was detected in both species. Phylogenetic analysis placed both species in close relationship with C. burckhardti within the Cacopsylla clade-I O group. The analysis of complete mitogenomes and of partial COI sequences of fifty-two Cacopsylla individuals showed a high homogeneity of genotypes over 15 years and among the different localities in the Czech Republic.
Effect of Xylazine on Pharmacokinetics and Physiological Efficacy of Intravenous Carprofen in Castrated Goats Kids
Authors: Uney Kamil , Yuksel Murat , Durna Corum Duygu , Coskun Devran , Turk Erdinc , Dingil Hasan Basri , Corum Orhan
Published: August 2023

Carprofen can be used in the castration process of male goats due to its low side effects, long elimination half-life, and long-term effect. However, no studies were found on the pharmacokinetics and physiological efficacy of carprofen when employed for castration in male goats. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of xylazine (0.05 mg/kg, intramuscular) on the pharmacokinetics and physiological efficacy following intravenous administration of carprofen (4 mg/kg, intravenous) in male goat kids castrated using the burdizzo method. Thirty male Kilis goat kids (5–6 months and 18–30 kg of body weight) were randomly assigned to five groups (n = 6) as follows: healthy control (HC), castration control (CAST), castration+carprofen (CAST+CRP), castration+xylazine (CAST+XYL), and castration+xylazine+carprofen (CAST+XYL+CRP). Plasma concentrations of carprofen were analyzed via a non-compartmental method. Physiological parameters including serum cortisol, scrotal temperature, rectal temperature, and scrotal circumference were determined. Xylazine caused a decrease in the volume of distribution and clearance and an increase in the area under the curve of carprofen in CAST+XYL+CRP group (p < 0.05). The mean cortisol concentrations in CAST+CRP and CAST+XYL remained lower compared to CAST (p < 0.05). The mean cortisol concentrations in CAST+XYL+CRP were lower than in CAST+CRP and CAST+XYL (p < 0.05). In addition, the effect of carprofen administration alone on reducing the initial cortisol response to castration was observed from 6 to 48 h, while in combination with xylazine, it was observed immediately up to 48 h. No treatment differences were observed in rectal temperature, scrotal temperature, and scrotal circumference (p > 0.05). Xylazine caused an increase in plasma concentration and a decrease in clearance of carprofen after co-administration. However, when the effect of the combined administration of carprofen with xylazine on cortisol is evaluated, their combined use in castration process may be beneficial.
Molecular Determinants of β-Lactam Resistance in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA): An Updated Review
Authors: Lade Harshad , Kim Jae-Seok
Published: August 2023

The development of antibiotic resistance in Staphylococcus aureus, particularly in methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), has become a significant health concern worldwide. The acquired mecA gene encodes penicillin-binding protein 2a (PBP2a), which takes over the activities of endogenous PBPs and, due to its low affinity for β-lactam antibiotics, is the main determinant of MRSA. In addition to PBP2a, other genetic factors that regulate cell wall synthesis, cell signaling pathways, and metabolism are required to develop high-level β-lactam resistance in MRSA. Although several genetic factors that modulate β-lactam resistance have been identified, it remains unclear how they alter PBP2a expression and affect antibiotic resistance. This review describes the molecular determinants of β-lactam resistance in MRSA, with a focus on recent developments in our understanding of the role of mecA-encoded PBP2a and on other genetic factors that modulate the level of β-lactam resistance. Understanding the molecular determinants of β-lactam resistance can aid in developing novel strategies to combat MRSA.
Deep Q-Network Approach for Train Timetable Rescheduling Based on Alternative Graph
Authors: Kim Kyung-Min , Rho Hag-Lae , Park Bum-Hwan , Min Yun-Hong
Published: August 2023

The disturbance of local areas with complex railway networks and high traffic density not only impedes the efficient use of rail networks in those areas, but also propagates delays to the entire railway network. This has motivated research on train rescheduling problems in high-density local areas to minimize train delays by modifying their planned arrival and departure times. In this paper, we present a train rescheduling method based on Q-learning in reinforcement learning. More specifically, we used deep neural networks to approximate the action-value function, and the underlying Markov decision process (MDP) is based on the alternative graph formulation for the train rescheduling problem. In the proposed MDP formulation, the status of the alternative graph corresponding to the current schedule is defined as the state, and the alternative arc corresponds to the action the agent can take. The MDP is approximately solved via deep Q-learning in which deep neural networks are used to approximate the action-value function in Q-learning. Although the size of the alternative graph depends on the number of trains, our MDP formulation is independent of the number of trains, which makes the proposed method more scalable. The evaluation of the method was performed on a simple railway network and a real-world example in Seoul, South Korea, with randomly generated initial train schedules and train delays. The experimental result showed that the proposed method is comparable to the mixed-integer-linear-programming (MILP)-based exact approach with respect to the quality of the solution.
Cornering Stiffness Prediction Based on Geometric Method
Authors: Suo Yanru , Lu Dang , Zhang Yandong
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we present a method of calculating cornering stiffness for different camber angles. The method removes the need for measurement data at different camber angles. The camber angle is regarded as equivalent to a local shift of load in the contact patch from one half-side to the other. A simple model is presented to describe the load shift. The cornering stiffness from each side, accounting for their loads, is then assumed to contribute to the total stiffness. The load shift model is validated through two finite element models. Cornering stiffnesses given by the model for two different tires are then compared to the measurements. To show the universality of the method, its application to interpolated measurement data is shown. The proposed method shows promising results for moderate camber angles.