bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Khat chewing and associated factors among public secondary school students in Harar town, Eastern Ethiopia: a multicenter cross-sectional study
Authors: Nigussie Kabtamu , Negash Abraham , Sertsu Addisu , Mulugeta Abiy , Tamire Aklilu , Kassa Obsan , Abdeta Tilahun , Dereje Jerman
Published: August 2023

Background

Khat is a huge, evergreen tree that grows at high altitudes throughout the Arabian Peninsula and in the region stretching from eastern to southern Africa. Cathinone, cathine, and norephedrine are psychoactive ingredients contained in khat. Ethiopian teenagers, especially those in secondary school, frequently use khat. This use of khat may lead to students frequently missing class and experiencing subpar academic performance. However, the study area lacks information regarding the prevalence of khat use and the factors associated with it.

Objective

This study's primary goal is to determine the prevalence of khat chewing and related factors among secondary school students in public schools in Harar, Eastern Ethiopia, in 2022.

Methods

A multicenter cross-sectional study design was employed from June 01–June 30, 2022, in three public secondary schools in Harar town in a sample of 485 students. Systematic random sampling was used to choose the study sample. Data were gathered using self-administered questionnaires, and the Alcohol, Smoking, and Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST) was used to assess khat chewing. Epidata version 4.6 was used to enter the data, while STATA version 14 was used to analyze them. To determine the factors related to khat chewing, bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted, and statistical significance was determined at a 95% confidence level with a P-value under 0.05.

Results

Out of 485 eligible participants, 455 responded to this survey, giving a response rate of 93.8%. Overall, 33.2% (95% CI: 29.2%−37.6%) of the sample's participants reported currently chewing khat. Age ranged from 20 to 25 years (AOR = 2.04; 95% CI: 1.19–3.48), male students (AOR = 7.03; 95% CI: 4.35–12.57), current alcohol user (AOR 6.48; 95% CI: 2.30–18.28), presence of chewer friends (AOR 3.86; 95% CI: 2.38–6.24), and depression (AOR 1.84, 95%CI: 1.02–3.30), were strongly associated with khat chewing at a p-value of < 0.05.

Conclusion

Khat chewing was very common among students in Eastern Ethiopia's public secondary schools. Ages between 20 and 25 years, being a male, being current alcohol users, having chewer buddies, and depression are all significantly linked to khat use. Thus, schools should create and implement audience-specific behavioral change communication to deter and stop students from chewing khat. Additionally, it is important to ban the sale of khat to young adults and adolescents, promote medical care for khat users, and foster peer advocacy for support services.
Wellbeing, social media addiction and coping strategies among Chilean adolescents during the pandemic
Authors: Varela Jorge J. , Pérez Janet Carola , Rodríguez-Rivas Matías E. , Chuecas María Josefina , Romo Javiera
Published: August 2023

Introduction

During the COVID-19 pandemic, adolescents had to deal with a range of mental health problems that has increased social media addiction levels with adverse effects on life satisfaction. Previous studies have explored coping mechanisms to deal with this addiction problem, but did not consider the need to simultaneously cope with different dimensions. Therefore, our study aimed to examine the moderating effect of various coping mechanisms on the relationship between social media addiction and adolescent life satisfaction.

Methods

Self-report questionnaires were applied to 1290 secondary school students (age mean = 16.03, SD = 1.27, range: 14 to 19; and 57% female). An exploratory and a confirmatory factor analysis were performed to determine the factor structure of the Brief-Cope 28 scale. Then, a descriptive and correlational analysis of the variables and a multiple linear regression analysis was performed.

Results

We found that the social media addiction risk was negatively associated with life satisfaction, adaptive strategies were positively correlated to life satisfaction, and maladaptive strategies were negatively correlated to it. Also, a moderation model was evaluated in which four stress management strategies, namely acceptance and perspective-taking, seeking socio-emotional support, active coping, and maladaptive strategies all conditioned the relationship between social media addiction risk and life satisfaction after controlling for demographic variables and the specific strategies of using comedy, religion and substance use. Results indicate additive and multiplicative effects of management strategies for stressful situations in the studied relationship. Seeking socio-emotional support and active coping were positively related to life satisfaction and maladaptive strategies were negatively associated with it. Multiplicative effects indicate that the relationship between the social media addiction risk and life satisfaction depends only on the acceptance and perspective taking that adolescents report. When adolescents reported having low or average levels of acceptance and perspective taking, there was a negative correlation with general life satisfaction, a connection that grew markedly stronger. In contrast, no connection between social media addiction and life satisfaction was detected for adolescents who report higher levels of acceptance and perspective-taking.

Discussion

Abuse of social media and the use of maladaptive stress coping strategies were risk factors that decreased life satisfaction among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic period.
Assessment of seasonality and normalization techniques for wastewater-based surveillance in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Dhiyebi Hadi A. , Abu Farah Joud , Ikert Heather , Srikanthan Nivetha , Hayat Samina , Bragg Leslie M. , Qasim Asim , Payne Mark , Kaleis Linda , Paget Caitlyn , Celmer-Repin Dominika , Folkema Arianne , Drew Stephen , Delatolla Robert , Giesy John P. , Servos Mark R.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Wastewater-based surveillance is at the forefront of monitoring for community prevalence of COVID-19, however, continued uncertainty exists regarding the use of fecal indicators for normalization of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in wastewater. Using three communities in Ontario, sampled from 2021–2023, the seasonality of a viral fecal indicator (pepper mild mottle virus, PMMoV) and the utility of normalization of data to improve correlations with clinical cases was examined.

Methods

Wastewater samples from Warden, the Humber Air Management Facility (AMF), and Kitchener were analyzed for SARS-CoV-2, PMMoV, and crAssphage. The seasonality of PMMoV and flow rates were examined and compared by Season-Trend-Loess decomposition analysis. The effects of normalization using PMMoV, crAssphage, and flow rates were analyzed by comparing the correlations to clinical cases by episode date (CBED) during 2021.

Results

Seasonal analysis demonstrated that PMMoV had similar trends at Humber AMF and Kitchener with peaks in January and April 2022 and low concentrations (troughs) in the summer months. Warden had similar trends but was more sporadic between the peaks and troughs for PMMoV concentrations. Flow demonstrated similar trends but was not correlated to PMMoV concentrations at Humber AMF and was very weak at Kitchener (r = 0.12). Despite the differences among the sewersheds, unnormalized SARS-CoV-2 (raw N1–N2) concentration in wastewater (n = 99–191) was strongly correlated to the CBED in the communities (r = 0.620–0.854) during 2021. Additionally, normalization with PMMoV did not improve the correlations at Warden and significantly reduced the correlations at Humber AMF and Kitchener. Flow normalization (n = 99–191) at Humber AMF and Kitchener and crAssphage normalization (n = 29–57) correlations at all three sites were not significantly different from raw N1–N2 correlations with CBED.

Discussion

Differences in seasonal trends in viral biomarkers caused by differences in sewershed characteristics (flow, input, etc.) may play a role in determining how effective normalization may be for improving correlations (or not). This study highlights the importance of assessing the influence of viral fecal indicators on normalized SARS-CoV-2 or other viruses of concern. Fecal indicators used to normalize the target of interest may help or hinder establishing trends with clinical outcomes of interest in wastewater-based surveillance and needs to be considered carefully across seasons and sites.
Coverage and impact of influenza vaccination among children in Minhang District, China, 2013–2020
Authors: Zhang Zhaowen , Shi Liming , Liu Nian , Jia Biyun , Mei Kewen , Zhang Liping , Zhang XuanZhao , Lu Yihan , Lu Jia , Yao Ye
Published: August 2023

Background

Young children have a great disease burden and are particularly vulnerable to influenza. This study aimed to assess the direct effect of influenza vaccination among children and to evaluate the indirect benefit of immunizing children.

Methods

The influenza vaccination records for all children born during 2013–2019 in Minhang District and surveillance data for reported influenza cases were obtained from the Minhang CDC. 17,905 children were recorded in the vaccination system and included in this study. Descriptive epidemiology methods were used for data analysis, including an ecological approach to estimate the number of influenza cases averted by vaccination and linear regression to estimate the reduction in influenza cases in the general population per thousand additional childhood vaccination doses.

Results

During the study period, the annual vaccination coverage rate ranged from 10.40% in 2013–2014 to 27.62% in 2015–2016. The estimated number of influenza cases averted by vaccination ranged from a low of 0.28 (range: 0.23–0.34) during 2013–2014 (PF: 6.15%, range: 5.11–7.38%) to a high of 15.34 (range: 12.38–18.51) during 2017–2018 (PF: 16.54%, range: 13.79–19.30%). When increasing vaccination coverage rate by 10% in each town/street, a ratio of 7.27–10.69% cases could be further averted on the basis of observed cases. In four selected periods, the number of influenza cases in the general population was most significantly correlated with the cumulative childhood vaccination doses in the prior 2–5 months, and the reduction in influenza cases ranged from 0.73 to 3.18 cases per thousand additional childhood vaccination doses.

Conclusion

Influenza vaccination among children is estimated to have direct effects in terms of averted cases and might provide an underlying indirect benefit to the general population. Vaccination coverage in high-coverage areas should be further expanded to avert more influenza cases.
Mapping the insomnia patient journey in Europe and Canada
Authors: O’Regan David , Garcia-Borreguero Diego , Gloggner Fenna , Wild Imane , Leontiou Chrysoula , Ferini-Strambi Luigi
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Insomnia affects daily functioning and overall health, and is thus associated with significant individual, societal, and economic burden. The experience of patients living with insomnia, their perception of the condition, and its impact on their quality of life is not well documented. The objective of this study was to map the patient journey in insomnia and identify unmet needs.

Methods

Participants were individuals with insomnia, and healthcare professionals (HCPs) who treat insomnia, in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, and Canada. Qualitative interviews (50 patients, 70 HCPs) and a quantitative survey (700 patients, 723 HCPs) were conducted to inform the patient-journey mapping and obtain information on the emotions, perceptions, and experiences of patients and HCPs.

Results

The patient journey comprises seven phases. The first defines the onset of insomnia symptoms. Phase 2 represents self-initiated behavior change to improve sleep (e.g., sleep hygiene, reducing caffeine, exercise). The next phase is characterized by use of over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, which generally fail to provide lasting relief. Phase 4 describes the first HCP consultation (occurring several months to several years after onset) and typically occurs at a crisis point for the patient; patients may be looking for an immediate solution (e.g., medication), which may not align with their HCP’s recommendation. The following stage comprises sleep hygiene/behavioral changes (±OTC treatment) under HCP guidance for many patients, although offering prescription treatments without a sleep hygiene stage under supervision is more common in some countries. Phase 6 describes prescription medication initiation, where patients fluctuate between relief/hopefulness and a sense of failure, while HCPs try to balance the need to provide relief for the patient while maintaining best medical practice and minimizing adverse effects. The final phase (living with long-term insomnia) represents an indefinite period during which sleep issues remain unresolved for many patients, with most of them continuing to use prescription treatments for longer than indicated and creating their own variable, self-managed regimens combining multiple modalities.

Conclusion

This patient journey analysis for insomnia revealed seven distinct phases, highlighting different touchpoints where insomnia management could be optimized.
Exploration of the SIRT1-mediated BDNF–TrkB signaling pathway in the mechanism of brain damage and learning and memory effects of fluorosis
Authors: Wang Feiqing , Li Yanju , Tang Dongxin , Yang Bo , Tian Tingting , Tian Mengxian , Meng Na , Xie Wei , Zhang Chike , He Zhixu , Zhu Xiaodong , Ming Dong , Liu Yang
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Fluoride is considered an environmental pollutant that seriously affects organisms and ecosystems, and its harmfulness is a perpetual public health concern. The toxic effects of fluoride include organelle damage, oxidative stress, cell cycle destruction, inflammatory factor secretion, apoptosis induction, and synaptic nerve transmission destruction. To reveal the mechanism of fluorosis-induced brain damage, we analyzed the molecular mechanism and learning and memory function of the SIRT1-mediated BDNF–TrkB signaling pathway cascade reaction in fluorosis-induced brain damage through in vivo experiments.

Methods

This study constructed rat models of drinking water fluorosis using 50 mg/L, 100 mg/L, and 150 mg/L fluoride, and observed the occurrence of dental fluorosis in the rats. Subsequently, we measured the fluoride content in rat blood, urine, and bones, and measured the rat learning and memory abilities. Furthermore, oxidative stress products, inflammatory factor levels, and acetylcholinesterase (AchE) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) activity were detected. The pathological structural changes to the rat bones and brain tissue were observed. The SIRT1, BDNF, TrkB, and apoptotic protein levels were determined using western blotting.

Results

All rats in the fluoride exposure groups exhibited dental fluorosis; decreased learning and memory abilities; and higher urinary fluoride, bone fluoride, blood fluoride, oxidative stress product, and inflammatory factor levels compared to the control group. The fluoride-exposed rat brain tissue had abnormal AchE and ChAT activity, sparsely arranged hippocampal neurons, blurred cell boundaries, significantly fewer astrocytes, and swollen cells. Furthermore, the nucleoli were absent from the fluoride-exposed rat brain tissue, which also contained folded neuron membranes, deformed mitochondria, absent cristae, vacuole formation, and pyknotic and hyperchromatic chromatin. The fluoride exposure groups had lower SIRT1, BDNF, and TrkB protein levels and higher apoptotic protein levels than the control group, which were closely related to the fluoride dose. The findings demonstrated that excessive fluoride caused brain damage and affected learning and memory abilities.

Discussion

Currently, there is no effective treatment method for the tissue damage caused by fluorosis. Therefore, the effective method for preventing and treating fluorosis damage is to control fluoride intake.
Gamified virtual reality exposure therapy for adolescents with public speaking anxiety: a four-armed randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kahlon Smiti , Lindner Philip , Nordgreen Tine
Published: August 2023

Objective: Public Speaking Anxiety is highly prevalent among adolescents. However, few interventions have been developed specifically for this group. This four-armed randomized trial addressed the following research questions regarding interventions for adolescents with public speaking anxiety (PSA): 1) is Virtual Reality exposure therapy (VRET) more efficacious than online psychoeducation or waitlist, and 2) is VRET followed by online exposure therapy more efficacious than VRET alone or online psychoeducation followed by online exposure therapy?

Methods: Adolescents, aged 13–16 with PSA were randomized to four groups: 1) VRET + no additional intervention (n = 20); 2) VRET + online exposure program (n = 20); 3) online psychoeducation program + exposure program (n = 40); or 4) waitlist (n = 20). Self-rated PSA symptoms served as primary outcome measure, with secondary outcomes covering other social anxiety symptoms.

Results: Linear mixed models revealed that there was a significant difference in the decrease in PSA symptoms among adolescents receiving VRET compared with waiting list (p = 0.015), but no significant difference to the online psychoeducation program (p = 0.056). However, online psychoeducation program yielded smaller within-group effect sizes compared to VRET, d = 0.33 vs. d = 0.83 respectively. VRET + online exposure program had a significant decrease in PSA symptoms (p = 0.013), but no significant difference from VRET + no additional intervention or online psychoeducation + online exposure program. Symptom reduction remained stable at 3-month follow-up.

Conclusion: The study shows the potential of delivering both gamified VRET as well as online psychoeducation and exposure programs as self-guided interventions for adolescents with PSA.

Clinical trial registration:clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT04396392
Racialization, colonialism, and imperialism: a critical autoethnography on the intersection of forced displacement and race in a settler colonial context
Authors: Ma Jennifer
Published: August 2023

Migration has been identified as a priority area for policy responses by both the federal and provincial/territorial governments yet, much of our knowledge about migration is not premised on addressing current xenophobic and racist narratives about migrants. The purpose of this research is an interrogation of Canada's colonialism, imperialism, and racialization, which produce specific oppressive policies and practices that have impacted my family. This research is premised on the understanding that in the space between what is known about migration in Canada and what is not, a great deal of narrative and interpretive work is done that makes assumptions about migrants, specifically forcibly displaced people from the Global South. Through a critical autoethnography focused on my lived experiences as a descendant of forcibly displaced Chinese-Vietnamese people living in a settler colonial nation state, this study critiques to what extent these assumptions are founded, and to what extent they represent a socio-political climate in which migration is set out as particular problems requiring a legal and policing solution. In particular, my analysis centers anti-colonialism and anti-racism, shifting to resistance to systemic violence and liberation, while considering the discursive and on-the-ground effects of racist, colonial, and imperial policies and practice. Set against the backdrop of the rise of white nationalism, xenophobia, and racism across all levels of government and academia, and the general public, the results of this study produce a counter-narrative focused on the intersection of forced displacement and race in a settler colonial context, which is both timely and urgent.
Observed and perceived benefits of providing physical activity opportunities in elementary schools: a qualitative study
Authors: Walker Timothy J. , Craig Derek W. , Pfledderer Christopher D. , Robertson Michael C. , Cuccaro Paula , Fumero Keisey , Bartholomew John B.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Schools play an important role in promoting physical activity for youth. However, school-based physical activity opportunities often compete with other academic priorities, limiting their implementation. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively explore elementary school teacher and staff perspectives on providing physical activity opportunities and how they impact students and learning.

Methods

We partnered with a school district in Texas to conduct semi-structured individual interviews. We used a purposeful sampling approach to recruit elementary teachers and staff knowledgeable about the physical activity opportunities provided at their school. Interviews included questions about participant opinions of providing physical activity opportunities and the types of opportunities provided. We analyzed data using a directed content analysis and iterative categorization approach.

Results

Fifteen participants (4 teachers, 4 physical education teachers, 3 assistant principals, and 4 principals) completed interviews from 10 elementary schools. Participants discussed observed and perceived benefits when providing physical activity opportunities, which emerged into four themes and subthemes: (1) academic benefits (learning readiness, learning engagement, and academic performance); (2) social-emotional benefits (behavior, interpersonal and social skills, and classroom culture); (3) physical benefits (brain health, skill development, physical health); and (4) instructional benefits (quality teaching time, helpful teaching tools, and teacher-student relationships).

Conclusions

Teachers and staff observed numerous benefits when students had opportunities to be physically active, including the positive impact on academic and social-emotional outcomes. Our findings highlight the alignment of physical activity with other school priorities. Physical activity programming can be used in ways to support academics, learning, behavior, and other important outcomes.
Viscoelastic behavior of gels obtained from five cultivars of quinoa at altitude gradient
Authors: Polo-Muñoz María Paula , Garcia-Parra Miguel Ángel , Roa-Acosta Diego Fernando
Published: August 2023

Background

Quinoa consumption has created a challenge for producers and food processors. They need to study new cultivars and the functional properties of quinoa flours.

Methods

The structural and rheological properties of six quinoa cultivars (Titicaca, Blanca real, Soracá, Pasankalla, Puno and Nariño) grown at different altitudes were studied using Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and dynamic oscillatory tests. The FTIR spectra revealed differences in the protein and starch structures among the cultivars, which could be related to their adaptation to different environmental conditions. The rheological analysis showed that the quinoa gels exhibited viscoelastic behavior, with a predominance of the elastic component (G’) over the viscous component (G”). The linear viscoelasticity range was determined by applying a strain sweep test (0.001–100%) at a constant frequency of 5 Hz. The frequency sweep test (0.01–100 Hz) at a constant strain amplitude of 0.1% within the linear regime was used to obtain the storage modulus (G’), the loss modulus (G”) and the complex viscosity (η*).

Results

The Burgers model was fitted to the experimental data, and the four parameters (η1, η2, R1, and R2) were obtained for each cultivar. The results showed that the cultivar., the altitude and their interaction had significant effects on the rheological properties of the quinoa gels. The cultivars grown at higher altitudes tended to have higher G’, G”, and η* values than those grown at lower altitudes, indicating a stronger gel network. The cultivars also differed in their relaxation times, with Titicaca and Blanca real having the shortest and longest times, respectively. These differences could be attributed to the variations in the protein and starch structures of the quinoa flours, as well as the water absorption and gelation properties of the cultivars.

Conclusion

The viscoelastic behavior of gels is influenced by the structural conformation of their components, such as proteins and starch. These components provide stiffness and elasticity to the gels. The structural conformation can change depending on the environmental conditions and the phenotypic characteristics of the components.
What predicts survival in glioblastoma? A population-based study of changes in clinical management and outcome
Authors: Fekete B. , Werlenius K. , Tisell M. , Pivodic A. , Smits A. , Jakola A. S. , Rydenhag B.
Published: August 2023

Background

Glioblastoma is the most common and most aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. Despite multimodal treatment, the median survival time is 15–16 months and 5-year survival rate 5%–10%. The primary goal of this study was to identify prognostic factors for survival in an unselected population of patients operated for glioblastoma. The secondary goal was to explore changes in outcome and the clinical management of this patient group over time.

Methods

We identified 222 consecutive adults operated for glioblastoma between November 2012 and June 2016 at the Department of Neurosurgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital in Gothenburg, serving a health care region in the western part of Sweden with 1.900.000 inhabitants. Clinical variables were identified and tested as predictors for prognosis in extended Poisson regression models. The results were compared with a previously published cohort from 2004 to 2008, before current standard of care based on molecular tumor diagnosis was fully implemented.

Results

Median overall survival was 1.07 years, which was significantly longer than in the 2004–2008 cohort (1.07 vs. 0.73 y, age- and sex adjusted HR = 1.89, p < 0.0001). Variables associated with longer survival in the multivariable model were MGMT promoter hypermethylation, non-central tumor location, complete resection of enhancing tumor, WHO performance status 0–1, unilateral tumor location, fewer lobes involved, younger age and no comorbidities.

Conclusion

The median survival for patients with glioblastoma treated according to current standard treatment has moderately but significantly increased, with MGMT promoter hypermethylation as the strongest predictor for survival.
Isolation and genetic characterization of MERS-CoV from dromedary camels in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Khalafalla Abdelmalik Ibrahim , Ishag Hassan Zackaria Ali , Albalushi Hamdoon Ismail Abdulla , Al-Hammadi Zulaikha Mohamed Abdel-Hameed , Al Yammahi Saeed Mohamed Saeed , Shah Asma Abdi Mohamed , Al Muhairi Salama Suhail Mohammed
Published: August 2023

Background

The study of coronaviruses has grown significantly in recent years.

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) replicates in various cell types, and quick development has been made of assays for its growth and quantification. However, only a few viral isolates are now available for investigation with full characterization. The current study aimed to isolate MERS-CoV from nasal swabs of dromedary camels and molecularly analyze the virus in order to detect strain-specific mutations and ascertain lineage classification.

Methods

We isolated the virus in Vero cells and adapted it for in vitro cultivation. The isolates were subjected to complete genome sequencing using next-generation sequencing followed by phylogenetic, mutation, and recombination analysis of the sequences.

Results

A total of five viral isolates were obtained in Vero cells and adapted to in vitro cultures. Phylogenetic analysis classified all the isolates within clade B3. Four isolates clustered close to the MERS-CoV isolate camel/KFU-HKU-I/2017 (GenBank ID: MN758606.1) with nucleotide identity 99.90–99.91%. The later isolate clustered close to the MERS-CoV isolate Al-Hasa-SA2407/2016 (GenBank ID: MN654975.1) with a sequence identity of 99.86%. Furthermore, the isolates contained several amino acids substitutions in ORF1a (32), ORF1ab (25), S (2), ORF3 (4), ORF4b (4), M (3), ORF8b (1), and the N protein (1). The analysis further identified a recombination event in one of the reported sequences (OQ423284/MERS-CoV/dromedary/UAE-Al Ain/13/2016).

Conclusion

Data presented in this study indicated the need for continuous identification and characterization of MERS-CoV to monitor virus circulation in the region, which is necessary to develop effective control measures. The mutations described in this investigation might not accurately represent the virus’s natural evolution as artificial mutations may develop during cell culture passage. The isolated MERS-CoV strains would be helpful in new live attenuated vaccine development and efficacy studies.
A cell-based, SARS-CoV-2 spike protein interaction assay to inform the neutralising capacity of recombinant and patient sera antibodies
Authors: Harrison Neale , Richardson Lauren , Pallini Chiara , Morano Ines , Jinks Elizabeth , Cowley Jamie , Chan Hujo , Hill Harriet J. , Tuekprakhon Aekkachai , Li Zhi , Matas de las Heras Cristina , Teodosio Ana , Lavado Andrea S. , Moring Robert , Ashraf Ayesha , Dafforn Timothy R. , Grammatopoulos Dimitris K. , Gordon John , Brady Catherine A. , Young Lawrence S. , Barnes Nicholas M. , Stamataki Zania , Qureshi Omar S.
Published: August 2023

Introduction

The engagement of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein with ACE2 is a critical step for viral entry to human cells, and, therefore, blocking this interaction is a major determinant of the efficacy of monoclonal antibody therapeutics and vaccine elicited serum antibodies. The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants has necessitated the development of adaptable assays that can be applied to assess the effectiveness of antibody-based therapeutics.

Methods

Through the testing of a range of recombinant spike proteins, we have developed a cell-based, ACE2/spike protein interaction assay that characterises monoclonal anti-spike protein antibodies and neutralising antibodies in donor serum. The assay uses high-content imaging to quantify cell-bound spike protein fluorescence.

Results

Using spike proteins from the original “Wuhan” SARS-CoV-2 strain and the Delta and Omicron variants, we identified differential blocking activity of three monoclonal antibodies directed against the spike receptor-binding domain. Importantly, biological activity in the spike interaction assay translated to efficacy in a SARS-CoV-2 infection assay.

Discussion

The spike protein interaction assay can be used to monitor anti-spike antibodies against the major known SARS-CoV-2 variants and is readily adaptable for quantification of the impact of antibodies against new and emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants.
Barriers to Overcoming Child Hunger and Malnutrition: Applying a Human Rights Approach to Improve Policy and Action
Authors: Mejía Toro Carolina , Carriedo Angela , Pérez Tamayo Eliana Maria , Crosbie Eric
Published: August 2023

Objective: Analyze key barriers to achieving children’s right to food under Colombia’s food and nutrition security policies and programs.

Methods: A literature review was conducted along with 17 semi-structured expert interviews. The law framework on the right to food was applied to analyze findings.

Results: Four key barriers were found. First, a reductionist approach prevails in the political narrative. This focuses on ensuring personal food access overlooking societal and environmental impacts. Second, the implementation of policies and programs is passed on to third parties, preventing civic participation and accountability. Third, there are insufficient national data sources and indicators to monitor the impact of interventions and funding. Fourth, program implementation is unequal and inadequate, which inadvertently supports illicit economies that thrive on conditions of hunger and poverty.

Conclusion: Children’s food and nutrition are reliant on organizations that focus on personal food supply without strengthening civic participation. Strengthening participation requires a human rights approach. International organizations can help the government to engage communities in policy and program improvement and oversight.
Managing the Strategic Transformation of Higher Education through Artificial Intelligence
Authors: George Babu , Wooden Ontario
Published: August 2023

Considering the rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and their potential implications for the higher education sector, this article seeks to critically evaluate the strategic adoption of AI in the framework of “smart universities”. We envisage these innovative institutions as the imminent evolution in higher education, harnessing AI and quantum technologies to reshape academic and administrative processes. The core presumption is that through such integration, universities can achieve personalized learning trajectories, enhanced accessibility, economic efficiency, and a boost in overall operational performance. However, venturing into this new educational paradigm necessitates a thorough exploration of potential pitfalls, including questions surrounding educational quality, potential job losses, risks of bias, privacy breaches, and safety concerns. Our primary objective is to offer a balanced assessment to aid stakeholders in making informed strategic decisions about endorsing and advancing the smart university model. A pivotal factor in this discourse is the acceptance of qualifications from AI-enriched institutions by employers, a variable that may drastically redefine the education sector’s trajectory. Within the context of a comprehensive analysis of its broader societal impact, this article also delves into the ramifications of AI-driven innovations for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
A Full Envelope Robust Linear Parameter-Varying Control Method for Aircraft Engines
Authors: Shen Bin , Xiao Lingfei , Ye Zhifeng
Published: August 2023

In order to solve the problem of full flight envelope control for aircraft engines, the design of a linear parameter-varying (LPV) controller is described in this paper. First, according to the nonlinear aerodynamic model of the aircraft engine, the LPV engine model for the controller design is obtained through the Jacobian linearization and fitting technique. Then, the flight envelope is divided into several sub-regions, and the intersection of adjacent sub-regions is not empty. The sub-region LPV controller is designed using the parameter-dependent Lyapunov function (PDLF)-based LPV synthesis method, while eliminating the dependence of the LPV controller on scheduling parameter derivatives. In order to ensure the stability and performance of the aircraft engine across the full flight envelope, a mixing LPV control method is proposed to design the LPV controller in the overall region. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by simulating a dual-spool turbofan engine on a nonlinear component level model and comparing the proposed method with the gain scheduling based on PI and H∞ point design.
A Methodology for Allocating Incremental Resources in Single-Airport Time Slots
Authors: Wang Shuce , Hu Minghua , Chang Zhening , Zhu Xuhao
Published: August 2023

Air carriers shall not readily relinquish their held flight slots. In cases where the historical flight slot pool cannot be easily altered, a pressing need arises for an allocation method that can efficiently utilize the incremental resources of these time slots. This paper presents an integer planning model to address the efficient allocation of incremental airport time slot resources. The model considers the capacity of key resource nodes and flight waveforms as constraints to maximize the total incremental slots. Moreover, it considers the adaptation of strategic and tactical optimization. After conducting a case study using Beijing Capital International Airport for verification, the proposed model effectively reduces potential operational delays by 66.27% while adding 366 to 397-time slots. Notably, the model demonstrates remarkable delay reduction capabilities and can serve as a valuable decision-support tool for the incremental allocation of time slots.
Evaluation of the Economic and Environmental Sustainability of Livestock Farms in Inland Areas
Authors: Cerrato Michele , Iasi Allegra , Di Bennardo Federica , Pergola Maria
Published: August 2023

The present research aimed to evaluate the economic and environmental sustainability of livestock farms in inland areas of the Cilento, Vallo di Diano and Alburni National Park (Southern Italy) and the convenience and possibility of activating forms of local economies. The study involved three types of grazing husbandries: one with only sheep and goats; one with only cattle; and one mixed, namely with cattle, sheep and goats. The profitability of the analyzed farms was compared through their gross profit and the net income of the farmer. To evaluate the convenience of the farms under study to activate forms of a short supply chain, the transformation value of the milk was used as the reference parameter. The environmental impact per farm and per adult bovine unit was assessed through the LCA methodology. The economic analysis showed that the survival of the analyzed farms is essentially linked to public subsidies, which in some cases represent more than 75% of the total output. Family enterprise plays a fundamental role in management decisions, in the size of animal breeding, and in investment decisions. Referring to environmental impacts, the analysis showed a lower sustainability of cattle farming, mainly due to the higher methane emissions during enteric fermentation. Despite all this, the ecosystem services provided by these semi-extensive farms in inland areas are significant, and therefore economic and environmental analyses should take them into account to enhance them and encourage farmers to remain in these often marginal areas.
Characteristics of the Supply Chain of Tobacco and Tobacco Products: Evidence from Serbia
Authors: Tica Teodora , Matkovski Bojan , Đokić Danilo , Jurjević Žana
Published: August 2023

Serbia is a significant producer of tobacco in Europe and the only country in Europe where tobacco production is growing. Due to privatization, some of the most important multinational companies are now producing tobacco products in Serbia. Bearing in mind the liberalization of the market and the harmful effect tobacco products have on health, this research tried to analyze the tobacco and tobacco products sector in Serbia. The study’s main goal was to analyze the characteristics of the tobacco and tobacco supply chain in Serbia and determine comparative advantages and levels of integration with the world market. The methodology used in this study included the index of concentration of tobacco manufacturers, followed by a panel regression analysis to determine factors that affected profitability in this industry. Also, foreign trade performances were analyzed using the indices of revealed comparative advantages and integration. The research was conducted for the period from 2013 to the last available year. The results indicate the growth of tobacco production despite the decline in the number of farms, the highly concentrated production of tobacco products, and the significant intensification of foreign trade despite modest comparative advantages.
QTL Mining and Validation of Grain Nutritional Quality Characters in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Using Two Introgression Line Populations
Authors: Alam Mufid , Tan Xuan , Zhang Hao , Lou Guangming , Yang Hanyuan , Zhou Yin , Hussain Amjad , Bhantana Parashuram , Jiang Gonghao , He Yuqing
Published: August 2023

Nutritional grain quality is mainly influenced by the protein fraction content and grain protein content. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mining for five traits, about 245 and 284 BC3F3 individual families of two introgression line (IL) populations were derived from Kongyu 131/Cypress (population-I) and Kongyu 131/Vary Tarva Osla (population-II), respectively. A genetic linkage map was developed using 127 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers in population-I and 119 SSR markers in population-II. In total, 20 and 5 QTLs were detected in population-I and population-II, respectively. About twenty QTLs were mapped in population-I: five QTLs for albumin, seven QTLs for globulin, six QTLs for prolamin, one QTL for glutelin, and one QTL for grain protein content. In total, five QTLs were mapped in population-II: one QTL for albumin and four QTLs for grain protein content. Out of 25 QTLs, 19 QTLs exhibit co-localization with the previously reported QTLs. QTL-like qGPC7.3 was delineated for total protein content. This QTL was derived from population-I and was successfully validated in NILs (near-isogenic lines). The grain protein phenotype showed a significant variation between two NILs. This investigation serves as groundwork for additional cloning of nutritional quality-related genes in rice grains.
Spatial Distribution Heterogeneity and Influencing Factors of Different Leisure Agriculture Types in the City
Authors: Wu Yuyu , Chen Jia
Published: August 2023

Leisure agriculture is a crucial carrier for city agriculture and tourism growth. This study aims to explore the overall leisure agriculture and different types of leisure agriculture spatial sub-characteristics and their influencing factors. Taking the city of Xi’an, China, as an example, leisure agriculture was classified into four types: agritainments, agricultural parks, resorts, and rural homestays. According to this study, two ring zones and one core belt zone for leisure agriculture in Xi’an are dispersed unevenly and aggregated. Furthermore, geographic detectors and spatial principal components were employed as empirical techniques to investigate the primary factors influencing the spatial distribution of multiple leisure agriculture heterogeneity. The results about the influence mechanism indicate that the gross domestic product, population density, and accessibility to transportation dominated the overall spatial distribution, while the distance to scenic spots and water areas had a significant impact on the spatial distribution of some types. This research contributes to the reconstruction of leisure agriculture and promotes the sustainable development of agriculture and recreation by merging leisure agriculture spatial resources.
Antioxidant Response in the Salt-Acclimated Red Beet (Beta vulgaris) Callus
Authors: Tyburski Jarosław , Mucha Natalia
Published: August 2023

Callus cultures initiated from red beet tubers were acclimated to 75 or 100 mM NaCl salinity by exposing them to gradually increasing NaCl concentrations. The acclimated callus lines displayed growth rates comparable to the control culture cultivated on the NaCl-free medium. Several antioxidant system components were analyzed to assess the role of the antioxidant defense in the acclimated callus’s ability to proliferate on salt-supplemented media. It was found that proline and ascorbate concentrations were increased in salt-acclimated callus lines with respect to the control line. On the other hand, glutathione concentration was unchanged in all tested callus lines. Total activities of the antioxidant enzymes, namely superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1), catalase (CAT, EC 1.11.1.6), ascorbate peroxidase (APX, EC 1.11.1.11), and class III peroxidase (POX, EC 1.11.1.7) were increased in salt-acclimated cultures. The enzymatic components of the antioxidant systems were upregulated in a coordinated manner during the initial phases of the culture cycle when the increase in callus fresh mass occurs.
Determination of Gingerols and Shogaols Content from Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) through Microwave-Assisted Extraction
Authors: Gonzalez-Gonzalez Monserrat , Yerena-Prieto Beatriz Juliana , Carrera Ceferino , Vázquez-Espinosa Mercedes , González-de-Peredo Ana V. , García-Alvarado Miguel Ángel , Palma Miguel , Rodríguez-Jimenes Guadalupe del Carmen , Barbero Gerardo Fernández
Published: August 2023

Ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) is a plant recognized for its pungent taste and aromatic qualities, primarily derived from its underground rhizome. Apart from its widespread culinary applications, ginger is valued for its potential health benefits attributed to the presence of gingerols and shogaols. For this reason, this work proposes the development of a microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) method for the extraction of gingerols and shogaols present in ginger rhizomes. The influence of the extraction temperature (50–100 °C), the solvent composition (50–100% ethanol in water), and the sample-to-solvent ratio (0.3–0.7 g sample: 20 mL) on the extraction of these bioactive compounds has been studied. To this end, a Box–Behnken experimental design (BBD) in combination with a response surface methodology (RSM) has been applied. The optimum conditions for the total extraction of gingerols and shogaols were: 87% ethanol in water, 100 °C, and 0.431 g of ginger sample in 20 mL solvent. The developed method required short extraction times (5 min) and demonstrated favorable levels of repeatability and intermediate precision (CV < 5%). Finally, the MAE method was successfully used for the extraction of gingerols and shogaols from a variety of ginger samples.
Agro-Based Spent Mushroom Compost Substrates Improve Soil Properties and Microbial Diversity in Greenhouse Tomatoes
Authors: Huang Chunguo , Han Xiaoli , Luo Qian , Nie Yuanjun , Kang Min , Chen Yongjie , Tang Miaomiao , Fu Yayu , Li Xiaoliang , Chen Yinglong
Published: August 2023

Spent mushroom compost (SMC) substrates are commonly used as growth media for greenhouse crops and horticulture production. This study aimed to investigate the responses of physiochemical soil properties, enzyme activities, and microbial community compositions to different cultivation durations and SMC soil treatments on tomatoes. The experiment included the following treatments: SMC substrate and the surrounding soil after planting at 1, 3, and 7 years and comparing control treatments including non-planting SMC substrates and continuous mono-cropping soil. The results revealed that the SMC substrates had higher contents of total N P and organic C nutrients than the surrounding soil treatments. The physicochemical soil properties and soil enzyme activities of the SMC substrates were significantly decreased with longer cultivation duration. Microbial alpha diversity was higher in the SMC substrates regardless of cultivation duration than in the control treatments. It was observed that many beneficial microbes, such as bacteria of the Deinococcus-Thermus, Halanaerobiaeota, and Nitrospirae phyla, and the fungi of the Basidiomycota, Mortierellomycota, and Chytridiomycota phyla were enriched in the SMC substrates. The SMC substrate and surrounding soil had enriched several potentially beneficial microorganism genera such as the bacterial Saccharimonadales, Gaiella, Bacillus, and the fungal Thermomyces, Kernia, and Mortierella. Therefore, the agro-based SMC substrate grooved cultivation system is recommended as an environmentally compatible practice for tomato growth in the greenhouse.