bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Linnaeus to 2024—a history of Thysanoptera taxonomic diversity studies
Authors: MOUND LAURENCE A.
Published: July 2024

The number of recognized Thysanoptera genera and species worldwide increased from one and four in 1758, to 36 and 135 in 1900, and almost 790 and 6500 in 2024. In this essay the work of the authors who have been particularly significant in this growth of knowledge about thrips diversity is discussed, decade by decade.
Attitudes and Practices of Women Towards Cervical Cancer Screening in Lesotho: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Mphunyane Exinia , Nyangu Isabel
Published: July 2024

In 2020, Lesotho reported 541 new cases of cervical cancer and 362 women died. This study aimed to assess the attitudes and practices of women towards cervical cancer screening. A quantitative descriptive cross-sectional design was used to collect data from 289 participants who were selected using convenience sampling from 27 health facilities. Permission to conduct the study was obtained from the National University of Lesotho and the Ministry of Health (ID43-2022). The written informed consent was sought from the participants who took part voluntarily. Data were analyzed using the SPSS (Statistical Packages for Social Sciences) version (26). Respondents aged 30 to 34 years (94.0%) and above 35 years (95.9%) had positive attitudes towards cervical cancer screening. Fifty-one percent of the respondents had done cervical cancer screening. Respondents who had two (65.5%) and four to eight children (52.4%) and were employed (64.0%) had cervical cancer screening done before. Most of the respondents strongly agreed that cervical cancer screening detected cervical changes before they became cancerous (55%) and if found early, they are easily curable (56.7%), and made women know if they were healthy (58.8%). Healthcare professionals should conduct health education on cervical cancer and screening on a daily basis in health facilities to improve the uptake of cervical cancer screening.
The Implications of Attunement and Understanding on Heidegger’s Viewpoint in Education
Authors: Aboutorabi Rozita
Published: July 2024

Heidegger in attunement and understanding quests genuine Dasein who disclosed to the world authentically. Definitely, Heidegger’s genuine Dasein is distant from Descartes subject and not considering its relationship with the world and people base on subject- object relationship. It is aware of its worldliness and its understanding of it, therefore cannot consider itself superior than other race and people or like the modern man cannot consider itself a model for others. Thus, it is possible to establish human relationships that are no longer based on the subject-object relationship. Hence, in this essay, these basic existentialia of human being studied and its educational implications are examined. As a philosophical research, attunement and understanding from Heidegger’s viewpoint are declared, and then in educational context some guidelines such as attention to students’ mood, interest, understanding, and interpreting are inferred for policy makers and for an effective curriculum. Moreover, drawing hermeneutical cycle of understanding the importance of students’ preconceptions is raised. Elaborating the process of evaluating and the worlds involved in learning canalso help teachers to be more fair and effective which are discussed in the paper.
Implementation of E-module Text Description with Local Wisdom Content on Differentiation Learning in SMP
Authors: Sadili Mulyoto , Rozak Abdul , Wilsa Jaja
Published: July 2024

This research aims toexplains the e-module descriptive text with local wisdom content and the results of its implementation in differentiated learning in class VII. The local wisdom content developed in the descriptive text e-module is in the form of historical buildings, traditional food, art and the work of local people which are characteristic of Cirebon. The problem formulation of this research is how appropriate is the e-module descriptive text with local wisdom content and the results of its implementation in differentiated learning in class VII. The method used is the research and development (R&D) method with the ADDIE development model. The data sources for this research are questionnaires resulting from the expert team's validation, student response questionnaires, and the results of the implementation of descriptive text e-modules containing local wisdom in differentiated learning in class VII. The results of this research were 95.38% declared very valid and the student scores obtained were in the range of 70 to 100 so that the descriptive text e-module with local wisdom content in differentiated learning in grade VII is suitable for use as an alternative Bahasa Indonesia teaching material at the junior high school level in descriptive text topic.
Data Analytics and Research on Quantitative Analysis in College English Teaching
Authors: Shan Ronglin
Published: July 2024

Comprehensive information on genetic variability and selection parameters is very crucial to design breeding strategies. However, very limited information is available in Ethiopian linseed germplasm. Therefore, the present study was conducted to estimate
Calibration and Evaluation of CERES-Maize and CROPGRO-Dry Bean Crop Simulation Models of the DSSAT in the Great Rift Valley Region of Ethiopia
Authors: Sisay Theodrose , Tesfaye Kindie , Getnet Mezegebu , Dechassa Nigussie , Ketema Mengistu
Published: July 2024

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most principal cereal crops ranking first in production in Ethiopia, predominantly produced and consumed directly by the smallholder farmers in the Great Rift Valley (GRV) of Ethiopia. Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) is also the most important legume crops as the source of protein and export commodity in the GRV. However, the average maize and common bean yields in Ethiopia are still low due to abiotic, biotic and socioeconomic constraints. In this regard, Crop simulation models (CSMs) are used in predicting growth and yield of crops and associated yield gaps under various management options and changing climatic parameters that are profitable with minimal unwanted impacts on the environment. Before using the CSMs, it is necessary to specify model parameters and understand the uncertainties associated with simulating variables that are needed for decision-making. Therefore, the research objective of this study was to calibrate and evaluate the performance of the CERES-Maize and CROPGRO-Dry bean CSMs of the Decision Support System for Agrotechnology Transfer (DSSAT) in the GRV of Ethiopia. The generalized likelihood uncertainty estimation (GLUE) method was used to estimate the genetic parameters of the CSM-CERES-Maize and CROPGRO-Dry bean models. Root mean squared error (RMSE) and Index of agreement (I) were used to evaluate the performance of the models. The DSSAT model reasonably reproduced observations for days to anthesis, days to physiological maturity, and grain yields, with values for the index of agreement of 0.97, 0.88 and 0.61 for CERES-Maize and 0.84, 0.75 and 0.51 for CROPGRO-Dry bean. Similarly, root mean square errors were moderate for days to anthesis (1.2 and 1.2 days), maturity (4.1 and 1.6 days), and yield (0.8 and 1.1 t/ha) for CERES-Maize and CROPGRO-Dry bean, respectively. The model has been successfully calibrated and evaluated for maize and common bean crop varieties and can now it can be taken for further applications in evaluating various crop and soil management options including climate smart agriculture technologies and climate change impact studies.
Socio-Economic Characterization, Identification and Prioritization of Major Constraints and Potentials in Gara Ebanu Community Watershed in Sululta District, Ethiopia
Authors: Bedada Endale , Jifara Mengistu , Mengistu Bikila , Muluna Meseret , Tolosa Meron , Biri Alemayehu , Legesse Firaol , Lemma Ajema , Hora Bedo , Teklu Lemma
Published: July 2024

Baseline characterization builds necessary foundation for the plan and obtains proper information for elective planning, implementation and monitoring of the research and development endeavors. The objective of the study was to document baseline information on socio-economic for planning and impact monitoring and to identify and document major socio-economic constraints and potential in the watershed. A total of 62 sample households were selected randomly from all farmers engaged in farming activities in the watershed. The average inorganic fertilizer (NPS and Urea) used in the watershed were 75 kg/ha and 75 kg/ha respectively. The response of the respondents showed that the average yield obtained in the watershed was about 10 qt/ha for barley, 12 qt/ha for wheat, 5 qt/ha for faba bean and field pea 6 qt/ha. The major livestock feed type in the watershed were crop residue (93.5%) followed by hay making (91.9%), grazing in the field (80.6%), local beverage by-products (72.6%), concentrates of different type (67.7%), green feed (50%), stubble grazing (41.9%) and improved forage (14.5%). The result of survey shows that the major income sources of the farmers living in the watershed were livestock production (77.4%) followed by crop production (45.2%) and off-farm activities (25.8%). About 71% of the households have encountered high cost and shortage of agricultural inputs followed by low crop productivity (19.4%), crop disease (8.1%) and existence storage pests (1.6%) were the common in the watershed. In the watershed, high cost of agricultural inputs, low crop productivity, crop disease, shortage of animal feed and fodder, inflation, lack of employment opportunity and other income source were addressed as the highest priority issues by the community that are contributing to the crop productivity reductions and low level of their livelihood in the watershed. By considering the addressed problem related to crop production, livestock production and socio-economic, the interventions on introduction and demonstration of improved and high yielding crop varieties that are resistant or tolerant to the already existing and emerging pests to increase production and productivity of crops should be done. In general, immediate short-term actions should be taken particularly participatory integrated watershed management were recommended.
Performance Comparison of Empirical Models for Estimating Global Solar Irradiation in the Soudano-Sahelian Zone of Cameroon: The Case of the City of Maroua and Garoua
Authors: Deli Kodji , Houdji Etienne , Ayang Albert , Kaoga Dieudonne , Djongyang Noel
Published: July 2024

The main objective of this study is to compare thirty-five (35) solar radiation models available in the open literature in order to predict monthly solar radiation in two main cities of Cameroon. This estimation and comparison are based on selected statistical comparison parameters named, root mean square error (RMSE), mean bias error (MBE), mean percentage error (MPE) and determination coefficient (R2). These different models are implemented using regression analysis tools named Exel and MATLAB. Estimated values were compared with measured values according to normalized values of statistical parameters, using measured meteorological data of more than 19 years, from 1984 to 2015. All the models have been classified with their associated ranking according to their statistical parameter accuracy. From this study it appears that the models of Ertekin and Yaldiz (MOD20), Togrul and Onat (MOD28), are more accurate than other models. Indeed, for the city of Maroua (MBE%=-2.82E-14; RMSE%=0.862; MPE=-0.00845; R2=0.985), while for Garoua (MBE%=-9.21E-15; RMSE%=0.806; MPE=-0.00631; R2=0.959). according to their accuracy these models can be therefore be used to predict monthly solar radiation for soudano-sahelian regions of Cameroon. Correlation equations found in this paper will help solar energy researcher to estimate data with trust because of its fine agreement with the observed one. hence the models presented in this study could be used to evaluate accurately the solar radiation at any locations with similar climate.
Contribution of Banana Production on Household Income Generation Among Smallholder Farmers in Kitagata Town Council, Sheema District
Authors: Mugume Abel , Kalibwani Rebecca , Nuwemuhwezi Gershom
Published: July 2024

The study was about contribution of banana production on house hold income generation among Smallholder farmers in Kitagata town council, Sheema District. The specific objectives included to; examine the socio-economic characteristics of smallholder banana farmers, establish innovative strategies to improve banana production and income among smallholder banana farmers and identify the factors affecting banana production and income among smallholder banana farmers. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey that applied both quantitative and qualitative approaches for data collection. Data was captured from a sample of 302 respondents using both questionnaire and interviews. Data was analyzed using SPSS software version 22.0 to generate both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study concluded that there were socio-economic characteristics of farmers which also affected banana production. Such characteristics included; age, marital status, level of education land size and gender. The study also concluded that there were innovative strategies to improve banana production and income among smallholder banana farmers in Kitagata town council, Sheema district. These included; Integrated Pest Management, use of hybrid varieties, Irrigation, mulching, climate-Smart Agriculture through use of drought resistant varieties, agro-forestry, use of fertilizer application and organic manure to replenish soil fertility. The study finally concluded that there were factors affecting banana production and income among smallholder banana farmers. Such as; access to extension and advisory services which had a significant effect on production and smallholder farmer’s income at (p=.004), access to financial services was a strong predictor of production improvement and farmer’s income at (p=.002), a positive and a significant relationship were observed between availability of quality farm inputs and banana production (at p=.023), The study further discovered that ready market was a strong predictor of production and small holder farmer’s income at (p=.003) and Lastly, a positive and a significant relationship were observed between banana varieties grown and banana production as well as income at (p=.005). The study recommends that the government, NGOs, Ministry of Agriculture, Animal, Industry and Fisheries in collaboration be established with the aim of implementing innovative agricultural strategies geared towards banana productivity increments, there is also a need for the government to provide enough facilities to extension agents that will help them facilitate enhanced training to farmers and inform them of new techniques in farming, there is a need for the government to provide some production inputs at subsidized cost.
Probit Analysis of Attitudes of Surrounding Farming Communities Towards Urban Expansion: Bishoftu Town, East Shewa Zone, Oromia Regional State
Authors: Kedir Musba
Published: July 2024

The general objective of the study was to investigate the attitudes of surrounding farming community towards urban expansion and to assess whether they would accept this form of expansion close to their farming land in Bishoftu town. 303 farmers around bishoftu town was interviewed using systematic random sampling method. Yeman’s formula was used to get the appropriate sample. To analyse the data descriptive and econometric method were used. From descriptive percentage and frequency, was employed and probit econometric model was used to analyse determinant factors which affect the perception for urbanization as opportunity or treat. From these six variables where significantly affected the perception of the farmers at different significant level. This are age, level of education housing type, total agricultural produce income, religion, ethnicity and land holding. From this research result it is recommended to provide training for farmers about the importance of urbanization. We must give due attention in the process of urbanization for not affecting the major farm land. And the government of Ethiopia should focus on non-farmable areas in the process of urbanization and urban expansion.
Housing-Resources Spatial Mismatch Investigation of Affordable Housing and Policy Implementation: A Case Study from Hangzhou, China
Authors: Wang Liping , Lin Zi
Published: July 2024

Intensive spatial transformation and restructuring in China these years has brought the separation of residence-job, so as to residence-public services, which adversely affects people’s access and enjoyment of job and public service resources, especially for the disadvantaged populations with limited choice of residence location and insufficient access to those resources. The residents of affordable housing are among the typical disadvantaged populations under the existing affordable housing policy in China. Residence-job separation of affordable housing residents has been paid much attention in literature, but no specific study has been conducted on the residence-public services separation and the behavioral responses of the residents. Spatial mismatch theory was originally put forward to reveal the adverse labor market outcome brought about by residence-job separation, and nowadays some scholars have tried to extend the residence-job spatial mismatch to residence-other resource spatial mismatch. This research responds to both the dilemma facing by the disadvantaged affordable housing residents and the extension trend of spatial mismatch theory. By applying the spatial mismatch theory and taking several affordable housing communities of Hangzhou as examples, the study explore the problems existing in affordable housing in commuting, employment, public service and residents' behavior response. The results found that the current affordable housing policy has led to an increase in commuting costs, a decrease in employment accessibility and welfare, a decrease in accessibility and satisfaction of public services, and disruptive behavior in the affordable housing market. These problems are mainly caused by remote layout and single supply, unreasonable allocation methods, difficulty in exchanging housing units and inadequate supervision of undesirable behaviors. To alleviate the spatial mismatch between housing and resources in Hangzhou, policy suggestions could be considered from four aspects: housing layout and supply, allocation methods, housing exchange and supervision.
Beyond Shelter: A Multi-Stakeholder Approach to Canada’s Housing Crisis
Authors: Farkhondehpay Reza
Published: July 2024

The affordable housing crisis in Canada has reached a critical juncture, with far-reaching consequences for individuals, families, and communities across the nation. As property prices soar and income levels fail to keep pace, an increasing number of Canadians find themselves struggling to secure suitable housing. This opinion article argues that addressing the affordable housing crisis requires a comprehensive approach that involves the collaborative efforts of governments, architects, and builders. The article examines the multifaceted nature of the affordable housing crisis, highlighting its impact on various socioeconomic groups and the challenges faced in finding solutions. It emphasizes the importance of affordable housing in fostering economic stability, promoting health and well-being, bolstering educational outcomes, and nurturing social cohesion and community development. The government's role in addressing the housing affordability crisis is discussed, focusing on the burden of government fees and taxes, zoning and regulatory compliance, and proposals to mitigate their impact. The article advocates for reforming fees, implementing policy alterations, and adopting a proactive and collaborative approach to create a more conducive environment for affordable housing development. The architects' role in addressing the housing affordability crisis is explored, highlighting the potential of architectural design competitions in promoting innovation, community engagement, and recognizing excellence in affordable housing design. The article emphasizes the importance of architectural innovation and creativity in envisioning and designing sustainable, community-centric housing solutions that cater to residents' psychological and social needs. The role of builders and developers in addressing the housing affordability crisis is also examined, with a focus on integrating sustainability for cost reduction, adopting new construction methods and materials, forming public-private partnerships for sustainable housing projects, and investing in education and training for sustainable practices. The article concludes by emphasizing the urgent need for a collective commitment to action, demanding bold leadership, creative thinking, and unwavering determination to build a future where every Canadian has access to safe, adequate, and affordable housing. It underscores the importance of a holistic approach that addresses the direct and indirect factors contributing to the housing affordability crisis, ultimately cultivating a more equitable and sustainable housing market that benefits current and future homeowners while bolstering the overall economic and social well-being of the nation.
Exploring Healthcare Providers’ Difficulties and Strategies when Caring for Community-Dwelling People With Dementia Who are at Risk of Getting Lost
Authors: Hu Chia Jung , Chang Ling Hui , Lo Yu Tai , Wang Jing Jy
Published: July 2024

Caring for patients with dementia at risk of getting lost is challenging for community healthcare providers. Through semi-structured interviews with 25 participants, we examined the challenges faced by these providers and the strategies they employed. We identified the following themes of challenging parts: (a) the disturbance caused by behavioral and psychological symptoms in dementia; (b) difficulty in helping older family caregivers to keep the patient from going out; (c) difficulty in changing the attitudes of the family members; families’ unawareness of the risk of getting lost. We also identified the following strategies to mitigate these themes: (a) detecting the risk of getting lost through early assessment; (b) encouraging the family to use resources or devices to prevent the patient from getting lost; (c) educating the family to manage behavior and psychological symptoms of dementia; (d) strengthening the patient’s crisis awareness.
Charting Competence: A Holistic Scale for Measuring Proficiency in Artificial Intelligence Literacy
Authors: Yuan Chien Wen (Tina) , Tsai Hsin-yi Sandy , Chen Yu-Ting
Published: July 2024

The rapid evolution of AI technologies has reshaped our daily lives. As AI systems become increasingly prevalent, AI literacy, the ability to comprehend and engage with these technologies, becomes paramount in modern society. However, existing research has yet to establish a comprehensive framework for AI literacy. This study aims to fill this gap by developing a holistic AI literacy scale. Three levels of dimensions are considered: individual, interactive, and sociocultural. The scale includes cognitive, behavioral, and normative competencies. After rigorous reliability and validity assessments, the final AI literacy scale comprises six dimensions: AI features, AI processing, algorithm influences, user efficacy, ethical consideration, and threat appraisal. Detailed scale development, validation, and dimension-specific items are thoroughly explained. This comprehensive scale equips individuals with the competencies needed to navigate and critically engage with AI in today’s multifaceted AI landscape.
Supercooled large droplet size distribution effects on airfoil icing: A numerical investigation based on a new coupled Eulerian method
Authors: Guo Wei , Bian Qingyong , Zhu Chengxiang , Zhao Ning , Zhu Chunling
Published: July 2024

Supercooled large droplets (SLDs) under natural icing conditions have the characteristics of easy deformation in motion and easy splashing on impact, and a bimodal droplet size distribution that has received less attention. The modified form of the Rosin-Rammler function was improved to achieve a more accurate nonlinear fitting of the SLD distribution curve. The droplet size distribution was divided into non-equipartition continuous multiple components. The drag source term of each component was coupled with the overall droplet size distribution, and the Eulerian equations of each component of SLDs were solved simultaneously. A new coupled Eulerian method for non-equipartition continuous multi-size droplets was proposed to simulate the impact characteristics of SLDs, and the SLD collection coefficients were validated. Effects of the ratio between the number of large and small droplet components and the number of all components on the simulation results were investigated to select a better combination based on stable convergence calculation steps and the calculation time. This new method was added to the multi-step icing numerical method, and the accuracy and robustness of the method in icing shape prediction were verified based on the freezing drizzle, median volume diameter < 40 μm (FZDZ, MVD < 40 μm) icing condition. Airfoil icing characteristics based on the bimodal and monomodal distribution were compared, and the icing shapes at the leading edge were similar. Still, the upper and lower limits of the icing shapes with the bimodal distribution were nearer to the trailing edge and the ice layer was thicker there.
Closed-loop computational fluid dynamics simulations with time-varying boundary conditions for circulation control
Authors: Li Shaoze , Kim Jongrae , Shires Andrew
Published: July 2024

We develop a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) framework to design a feedback circulation control system to compensate for fluctuations in the fixed-wing aircraft caused by wind gusts. Circulation control actions are realized using dynamic boundary conditions in the CFD simulations. The dynamic flow responses with the circulation control are obtained by solving the unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations. The dynamic lift responses at several oscillation frequencies of wind gusts and the plenum chamber pressure, which controls the circulation, are also obtained. A system identification algorithm from control theory establishes the transfer functions corresponding to the frequency responses. Based on the transfer functions and the aerodynamic characteristics of circulation control, a feedback circulation control algorithm is designed. The performance of the feedback control system is verified by the CFD simulation coupled with the controller as time-varying boundary conditions. At each time step, the controller determines the parameters in the boundary condition according to the instantaneous lift calculated in the previous time step. The simulation results show that the circulation control effectively compensates for the lift perturbations caused by vertical directional wind gusts. The proposed unsteady CFD simulation frameworks provide high-fidelity evaluations of feedback control systems, and it will save costly efforts to set up unsteady wind-tunnel experiments.
Impact of patient demographics on treatment outcomes in AML: a population-based registry in England, 2013-2020
Authors: Liu Hanhua , Stanworth Simon J. , McPhail Sean , Bishton Mark , Rous Brian , Bacon Andrew , Coats Thomas
Published: July 2024

We report 1- and 5-year survival after acute myeloid leukemia (AML) diagnosis and early mortality within 30 days of systemic anticancer therapy (SACT) treatments, using national cancer registry data in England. Patients aged 18 to 99 years diagnosed between 2013 and 2020 were included. Overall survival (OS) was calculated using Kaplan-Meier methodology, and adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs; adjusted for intensity of treatment, age at diagnosis, sex, ethnicity, socioeconomic deprivation, comorbidity, and year of diagnosis) using Cox proportional hazards regression. Odds of 30-day mortality (adjusted odds ratios [aORs], adjusted for aforementioned characteristics), along with performance status and body mass index, were calculated using logistic regression. Among 17 107 patients identified, older age and comorbidity were associated with worse survival. Asian and Black patients had better survival than White patients: 5-year OS of 34.6%, 29.7%, and 17.8%, respectively; aHR of 0.86; (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.77-0.96) Asian vs White, and 0.84 (95% CI, 0.73-0.96) Black vs White. Socioeconomic deprivation was associated with worse survival. Overall, 7906 (46.2%) patients were documented as having received SACT. Thirty-day mortality was lower for patients receiving intensive rather than nonintensive SACT. After adjustment for cofactors, the risk was higher in those treated intensively (aOR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.60-0.92). We show that ethnicity and socioeconomic status affects outcomes in AML. Further work is needed to understand how these effects may differ in different health care settings, and whether this because of effects on disease biology, responsiveness to treatment, or drug toxicity. Selection of intensive vs nonintensive treatment should be based on individual patient factors, balancing improved long-term survival against higher early mortality.
Haplotype-based association mapping of genomic regions associated with Zymoseptoria tritici resistance using 217 diverse wheat genotypes
Authors: Radecka-Janusik Magdalena , Piechota Urszula , Piaskowska Dominika , Słowacki Piotr , Bartosiak Sławomir , Czembor Paweł
Published: July 2024

Background

Septoria tritici blotch (STB) is considered to be one of the most destructive foliar wheat diseases and is caused by Zymoseptoria tritici. The yield losses are severe and in Northwestern Europe can reach up to 50%. The efficacy of fungicides is diminishing due to changes in the genetic structure of the pathogen. Therefore, resistance breeding is the most effective strategy of disease management. Recently, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have become more popular due to their robustness in dissecting complex traits, including STB resistance in wheat. This was made possible by the use of large mapping populations and new sequencing technologies. High-resolution mapping benefits from historical recombination and greater allele numbers in GWAS.

Results

In our study, 217 wheat genotypes of diverse origin were phenotyped against five Z. tritici isolates (IPO323, IPO88004, IPO92004, IPO86036 and St1-03) and genotyped on the DArTseq platform. In polytunnel tests two disease parameters were evaluated: the percentage of leaf area covered by necrotic lesions (NEC) and the percentage of leaf area covered by lesions bearing pycnidia (PYC). The disease escape parameters heading date (Hd) and plant height (Ht) were also measured. Pearson’s correlation showed a positive effect between disease parameters, providing additional information. The Structure analysis indicated four subpopulations which included from 28 (subpopulation 2) to 79 genotypes (subpopulation 3). All of the subpopulations showed a relatively high degree of admixture, which ranged from 60% of genotypes with less than 80% of proportions of the genome attributed to assigned subpopulation for group 2 to 85% for group 4. Haplotype-based GWAS analysis allowed us to identify 27 haploblocks (HBs) significantly associated with analysed traits with a p-value above the genome-wide significance threshold (5%, which was –log10(p) > 3.64) and spread across the wheat genome. The explained phenotypic variation of identified significant HBs ranged from 0.2% to 21.5%. The results of the analysis showed that four haplotypes (HTs) associated with disease parameters cause a reduction in the level of leaf coverage by necrosis and pycnidia, namely: Chr3A_HB98_HT2, Chr5B_HB47_HT1, Chr7B_HB36_HT1 and Chr5D_HB10_HT3.

Conclusions

GWAS analysis enabled us to identify four significant chromosomal regions associated with a reduction in STB disease parameters. The list of valuable HBs and wheat varieties possessing them provides promising material for further molecular analysis of resistance loci and development of breeding programmes.
Discovery of crucial cytokines associated with deep vein thrombus formation by protein array analysis
Authors: Wang Qitao , Chi Junyu , Zeng Wenjie , Xu Fang , Li Xin , Wang Zhen , Qu Ming
Published: July 2024

Background

Expanding the number of biomarkers is imperative for studying the etiology and improving venous thromboembolism prediction. In this study, we aimed to identify promising biomarkers or targeted therapies to improve the detection accuracy of early-stage deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or reduce complications.

Methods

Quantibody Human Cytokine Antibody Array 440 (QAH-CAA-440) was used to screen novel serum-based biomarkers for DVT/non-lower extremity DVT (NDVT). Differentially expressed proteins in DVT were analyzed using bioinformatics methods and validated using a customized array. Diagnostic accuracy was calculated using receiver operating characteristics, and machine learning was applied to establish a biomarker model for evaluating the identified targets. Twelve targets were selected for validation.

Results

Cytokine profiling was conducted using a QAH-CAA-440 (RayBiotech, USA) quantimeter array. Cross-tabulation analysis with Venn diagrams identified common differential factors, leading to the selection of 12 cytokines for validation based on their clinical significance. These 12 biomarkers were consistent with the results of previous array analysis: FGF-6 (AUC = 0.956), Galectin-3 (AUC = 0.942), EDA-A2 (AUC = 0.933), CHI3L1 (AUC = 0.911), IL-1 F9 (AUC = 0.898), Dkk-4 (AUC = 0.88), IG-H3 (AUC = 0.876), IGFBP (AUC = 0.858), Gas-1 (AUC = 0.858), Layilin (AUC = 0.849), ULBP-2 (AUC = 0.813)and FGF-9 (AUC = 0.773). These cytokines are expected to serve as biomarkers, targets, or therapeutic targets to differentiate DVT from NDVT.

Conclusions

EDA-A2, FGF-6, Dkk-4, IL-1 F9, Galentin-3, Layilin, Big-h3, CHI3L1, ULBP-2, Gas-1, IGFBP-5, and FGF-9 are promising targets for DVT diagnosis and treatment.
Evaluating strategies to recruit health researchers to participate in online survey research
Authors: Stevens Elizabeth R. , Cleland Charles M. , Shunk Amelia , El Shahawy Omar
Published: July 2024

Background

Engaging researchers as research subjects is key to informing the development of effective and relevant research practices. It is important to understand how best to engage researchers as research subjects.

Methods

A 24 factorial experiment, as part of a Multiphase Optimization Strategy, was performed to evaluate effects of four recruitment strategy components on participant opening of an emailed survey link and survey completion. Participants were members of three US-based national health research consortia. A stratified simple random sample was used to assign potential survey participants to one of 16 recruitment scenarios. Recruitment strategy components were intended to address both intrinsic and extrinsic sources of motivation, including: $50 gift, $1,000 raffle, altruistic messaging, and egoistic messaging. Multivariable generalized linear regression analyses adjusting for consortium estimated component effects on outcomes. Potential interactions among components were tested. Results are reported as adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).

Results

Surveys were collected from June to December 2023. A total of 418 participants were included from the consortia, with final analytical sample of 400 eligible participants. Out of the final sample, 82% (341) opened the survey link and 35% (147) completed the survey. Altruistic messaging increased the odds of opening the survey (aOR 2.02, 95% CI: 1.35–2.69, p = 0.033), while egoistic messaging significantly reduced the odds of opening the survey (aOR 0.56, 95%CI 0.38–0.75, p = 0.08). The receipt of egoistic messaging increased the odds of completing the survey once opened (aOR 1.81, 95%CI: 1.39–2.23, p < 0.05). There was a significant negative interaction effect between the altruistic appeal and egoistic messaging strategies for survey completion outcome. Monetary incentives did not a have a significant impact on survey completion.

Conclusion

Intrinsic motivation is likely to be a greater driver of health researcher participation in survey research than extrinsic motivation. Altruistic and egoistic messaging may differentially impact initial interest and survey completion and when combined may lead to improved rates of recruitment, but not survey completion. Further research is needed to determine how to best optimize message content and whether the effects observed are modified by survey burden.
Dietary characteristics of urban community-dwelling older adults with low muscle mass: the bunkyo health study: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Muroga Yukiko , Kaga Hideyoshi , Bui Thu Hien , Sugimoto Mari , Someya Yuki , Kakehi Saori , Tabata Hiroki , Naito Hitoshi , Abudurezake Abulaiti , Shi Huicong , Otsuka Hikaru , Yoshizawa Yasuyo , Kawamori Ryuzo , Watada Hirotaka , Tamura Yoshifumi
Published: July 2024

Background

With the aging of the population worldwide, extending healthy life expectancy is an urgent issue. Muscle mass has been reported to be associated with physical independence and longevity. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of food intake in urban community-dwelling older adults with low muscle mass.

Methods

This cross-sectional study used baseline data from the Bunkyo Health Study, which included 1618 urban community-dwelling older adults aged 65–84 years. All participants underwent measurement of body composition using bioelectrical impedance analysis and evaluation of nutrient and food intake using the brief-type self-administered diet history questionnaire. Participants were stratified by sex and divided into robust or low skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) groups according to the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia criteria to compare differences in nutrient and food intake.

Results

The mean age and body mass index were 73.1 ± 5.4 years and 22.6 ± 3.1 kg/m2, respectively. The prevalence of low SMI was 31.1% in men and 43.3% in women. In men, all food intake, including total energy intake, was similar between the low SMI group and the robust group. In women, the low SMI group had less total energy intake, and consumed lower amounts of energy-producing nutrients (protein, fat, and carbohydrates), but there were only small differences in the intake of specific foods.

Conclusions

There were sex differences in food intake characteristics between urban community-dwelling older adults with low SMI and those who were robust. Advising women to increase their energy intake may be important in preventing muscle loss, and further research is needed in men.
Risk factors for residual fibroglandular breast tissue following a mastectomy - an overview and retrospective cohort study
Authors: Christine Deutschmann , Christian Singer F. , Ricarda Korbatits , Christine Kraus , Daphne Gschwantler-Kaulich , Carmen Leser , Alaa Marzogi , Baltzer Pascal A.T. , Thomas Helbich H. , Georg Pfeiler , Paola Clauser
Published: July 2024

Background

Residual fibroglandular breast tissue (RFGT) following a mastectomy is associated with the remaining of occult breast cancer at the time of mastectomy as well as an increased local recurrence risk thereafter. Despite its oncologic implications, data on measures to prevent RFGT are lacking. Therefore, in a first step knowledge of risk factors for RFGT is of uttermost importance in order to allow identification of patients at risk and subsequently adaption of the surgical treatment and potentially prevention of RFGT a priori.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature review in PubMed using the MESH terms [residual fibroglandular breast tissue], [residual breast tissue], [mastectomy] and [risk factor] followed by a retrospective data analysis including all patients with a mastectomy treated at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of the Medical University of Vienna, Austria, between 01.01.2015 and 26.02.2020 in order to identify risk factors of RFGT following a mastectomy. The primary aim of the study was to assess a potential difference in RFGT volume between the different types of mastectomy. The secondary objectives of the study were to identify other potential risk factors for RFGT as well as to compare the skin and subcutaneous fat tissue thickness pre- to postoperatively.

Results

Significantly higher RFGT volumes were observed following a nipple-sparing mastectomy (NSM) compared to a skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) and radical mastectomy (RME) (p < .001). Furthermore, RFGT volume was significantly associated with the variables: reconstruction (p = .012), acellular dermal matrix (ADM) or mesh (p = .031), patient age (p = .022), preoperative fibroglandular tissue (FGT) volume (p = .012) and preoperative whole breast volume (including the skin envelope and nipple-areola-complex) (p = .030). The reduction in the postoperative compared to preoperative skin envelope thickness measured medially and laterally reached statistical significance in the NSM-cohort (medial p < .001, lateral p = .001) and showed a numerical difference in the RME and SSM-cohort.

Conclusion

Mastectomy type, reconstruction, ADM or mesh, patient age, preoperative FGT volume and whole breast volume were identified as risk factors for RFGT in univariable analysis. The observed reduction in the post- compared to preoperative skin envelope thickness should be avoided considering the known associated increase in risk for ischemic complications.
Assessment of imaging risks for recurrence after stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastases (IRRaS-BM)
Authors: Roh Yun Hwa , Park Ji Eun , Park Seo Young , Cho Young Hyun , Kim Young-Hoon , Song Sang Woo , Yoon Shinkyo , Kim Ho Sung
Published: July 2024

Background

The identification of viable tumors and radiation necrosis after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is crucial for patient management. Tumor habitat analysis involving the grouping of similar voxels can identify subregions that share common biology and enable the depiction of areas of tumor recurrence and treatment-induced change. This study aims to validate an imaging biomarker for tumor recurrence after SRS for brain metastasis by conducting tumor habitat analysis using multi-parametric MRI.

Methods

In this prospective study (NCT05868928), patients with brain metastases will undergo multi-parametric MRI before SRS, and then follow-up MRIs will be conducted every 3 months until 24 months after SRS. The multi-parametric MRI protocol will include T2-weighted and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted imaging, diffusion-weighted imaging, and dynamic susceptibility contrast imaging. Using k-means voxel-wise clustering, this study will define three structural MRI habitats (enhancing, solid low-enhancing, and nonviable) on T1- and T2-weighted images and three physiologic MRI habitats (hypervascular cellular, hypovascular cellular, and nonviable) on apparent diffusion coefficient maps and cerebral blood volume maps. Using RANO-BM criteria as the reference standard, via Cox proportional hazards analysis, the study will prospectively evaluate associations between parameters of the tumor habitats and the time to recurrence. The DICE similarity coefficients between the recurrence site and tumor habitats will be calculated.

Discussion

The tumor habitat analysis will provide an objective and reliable measure for assessing tumor recurrence from brain metastasis following SRS. By identifying subregions for local recurrence, our study could guide the next therapeutic targets for patients after SRS.

Trial registration

This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05868928).
The relationship between quality of life and some mental problems in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM): a cross-sectional study
Authors: Nazarpour Soheila , Simbar Masoumeh , Kiani Zahra , Khalaji Neda , Khorrami Khargh Mobina , Naeiji Zahra
Published: July 2024

Background

Women with medical problems during pregnancy, including women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), experience an increased prevalence of mental health disorders which can affect their quality of life. This study aimed to assess the relationship between GDM-related quality of life and depression, anxiety, and stress.

Methods

This analytical cross-sectional study was performed on 150 women with GDM. The participants were selected using a multi-stage sampling including quota and then randomized method from maternal care centers affiliated with Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran-Iran. The data were collected using a personal information questionnaire, the GDM-related quality of life questionnaire (GDMQoL-36), and the depression, anxiety, and stress scale (DASS). The data were analyzed using SPSS-23 software and statistical tests of coefficient Spearman’s correlation, t-test, analysis of variance, and multiple linear regression.

Results

The mean ± SD score for the GDM-related quality of life and the DASS scale were 55.51 ± 8.87 and 27.12 ± 19.43%, respectively. Different degrees of depression, anxiety, and stress were present in 40, 61.3, and 42% of women, respectively. The total score of GDM-related quality of life had a significant negative correlation with the total score of DASS and the scores of the subscales including depression, anxiety, and stress (P < 0.001). There were significant correlations between the total score of GDM-related quality of life with age, BMI, length of marriage, educational level of the woman and her spouse, the occupation of the woman and her spouse, income, and economic class of the family. Multiple linear regression revealed that depression, education, and job are predictive factors for GDM-related quality of life.

Conclusion

GDM-related quality of life is related to some mental disorders. Therefore, it is important to consider the mental health promotion of pregnant women with GDM in future prenatal health programs to improve their quality of life. This also shows the importance of integrating mental health promotion strategies to enhance the quality of life of pregnant women with GDM.